DHS, UAMS Program Receives $9.5 Million Grant For Statewide Mental Health Initiative

By News Staff

LITTLE ROCK — In an effort to increase mental health services for Arkansans, especially in rural parts of the state, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) announced an $9.5 million, five-year mental health grant program.

DHS partnered with UAMS, two federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and the nonprofit Arkansas Behavioral Health Integration Network (ABIHIN) for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant.

The funds will implement a mental health and behavioral health collaborative care model at 36 clinics and health centers across the state.  This model links patients, primary care providers, behavioral health care managers, and psychiatric consultants. An electronic registry also is used as part of this model to track patient treatment and progress. These reforms will streamline health care, improve coordination and make it easier to connect patients with psychiatric services.

DHS, UAMS Program Receives $9.5 Million Grant For Statewide Mental Health Initiative

The Arkansas Department of Human Services has partnered with UAMS on a $9.5 million, five-year mental health grant program.

Dropping temps, additional moisture, longer nights help fall foliage outlook

By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture

HOPE, Ark. — The arrival of more fall-like temperatures and the season’s longer nights are expected to encourage an improved autumn color display, says Vic Ford, head of agriculture and natural resources for the Cooperative Extension Service.

In northern Arkansas, lows are forecast to sneak into the 40s this week. In northeast, central and southern Arkansas, lows are expected to sink into the 50s and 60s.

SEEING RED — Cooler temperatures and longer days will help encourage fall color. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo)

“The cooler temperatures will help two processes needed for fall color to happen,” Ford said. “First, it will accelerate abscission layer formation. This layer cuts off nutrient flow to the leaf and is where the leaf will eventually break from the tree, but more immediately, it keeps excess sugars in the leaf, promoting non-green pigment production in the leaf.”

The cooler temperatures “also quicken chlorophyll degradation, allowing the leaves’ natural red and gold pigments to show,” he said.

“The recent rains may also help intensify color,” Ford said.

The Climate Prediction Center says it’s likely Arkansas will see below-normal temperatures through Oct. 22.

The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

Arkansas Department of Health investigating locally-acquired malaria case

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

An investigation is ongoing after the first locally-acquired case of malaria was reported in Arkansas last week.

The Arkansas Department of Health says a resident of Saline County contracted the disease from an infected mosquito, but has since been released from the hospital. Malaria is potentially fatal, and can cause chills, fever and sweating typically a few weeks after being bitten.

Dr. Naveen Patil is deputy state health officer and medical director of infectious diseases at the Health Department. He says they’ve been testing mosquitoes for the malaria parasite.

Arkansas Department of Health investigating locally-acquired malaria case

James Gathany/AP

A female mosquito is seen in this file photo.

Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., Receives 2023 Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary Distinguished Honoree Award

By Marty Trieschmann

Dr. Michael Birrer’s portrait was unveiled during the reception and will now hang in the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute next to the portraits of all previous winners.portrait by Bryan Clifton

The University of Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary recognized Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., as its 2023 Distinguished Honoree at a Sept. 21 reception at the home of Marge Schueck, a longtime volunteer and supporter of the Cancer Institute.

Birrer is the director of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and a vice chancellor at UAMS. He also holds the Kent C. Westbrook, M.D. Director’s Chair for the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.

Guests attending the event included UAMS and Cancer Institute leaders and Cancer Institute Auxiliary board members.

Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D., Receives 2023 Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Auxiliary Distinguished Honoree Award

The Great 100 Nurses Celebration of Arkansas 2023 held in Little Rock

The Great 100 Nurses Foundation honored 100 Great Nurses for their contributions and commitment to Nursing in Arkansas on Monday, October 2, 2023, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Little Rock, AR. The Keynote Speaker was Jasmine Bhatti, RN, MSN, Founder and CEO of NaviNurses, Homecare reimagined.

Sonia Bunyard, MSN, RN, AMB-BC (2023) of UAMS-Southwest in Texarkana, was congratulated by former honoree Tammaria Murray, MSN, RN, AMB-BC (2012) of UAMS-Pine Bluff. Both were Arkansas honorees of The Great 100 Nurses of Arkansas.

Congratulations to all 2023 Arkansas Honorees:

James Abshure, RN

Rachel Allison, RN

Sharon Aureli, RN

Tracy Bailey, RN

Stephanie Benning, RN

Ashley Benton, RN

Kellie Bishop, RN

Michelle Boone, RN

Jessica Branham, RN

Kristie Brockette, RN

Ella Buchanan, RN

Sonia Bunyard, RN

Saprina Butler, RN

Kim Cannon, RN

Yvette Coleman, RN

Collin Condit, RN

Tammy Corley, RN

Victoria Cothren, RN

Julie Davio, RN

Jama Davis, RN

Bonnie Dawson, RN

Catherine C. Dunlap, RN

Jillian Edwards, RN

Shelley Elton, RN

Je’Nine Evans, RN

Rachel Floyd, RN

Tammy Gaines, RN

Laura Gill, RN

Iris Golden Griffith, RN

Michelle Gonzalez, RN

Stacy Gordon, RN

Luke Gower, RN

Ebonye Green, RN

Amy Grimes, RN

Kasey Grimmett, RN

Alison Harrell, RN

Kimberly Havard, RN

Heidi Hendrix, RN

Jameka Jackson, RN

Christine Jeffrey, RN

Morgan Johnson, RN

Raeshauna Johnson, RN

Conley Jones, RN

Jamie Jones, RN

Julie Jones, RN

Shirley Jones, RN

John Kearney, III, RN

Micah Kelly, RN

Kristen Kemp, RN

Shana Kersey, RN
Shana Kersey, RN

Glenda Lancaster, RN

Wanda Lusk, RN

Ann Marie Mahan, RN

Ma'Ressa Masters-Hancock, RN

Kleta (Danielle) McKissen, RN

Kara McShane, RN

Joshua Meeler, RN

Kristin Miller, RN

Marisa Molinaro, RN

Ashley Murdock, RN

Dustin Murphy, RN

Doug Neal Reeves, RN

Angela Noblitt, RN

Jaeda Oliver, RN

Megan Owen, RN

Ronald Payne, RN

Crystal Pearson, RN

Tammy Penka, RN

Stacy Pettus, RN

Bonnie Phillips, RN

Kristin Phillips, RN

Julia Ponder, RN

Fermin Renteria, RN

Rae Rhodes, RN

Lindsey Richardson, RN

Jyrissa Robinson, RN

Rhonda Roetzel, RN

Sarah Rogers, RN

Carol Ruscin, RN

Kimberly Sanders, RN

Cheryl Scott, RN

Jennifer Shuler, RN

Jeremy Smith, RN

Michael Smith, RN

Shannon Smith, RN

Tiffany Spivey, RN

Shiquita Stewart, RN

Denita Stroud, RN

Norman Swope, RN

Jennifer Thompson, RN

Wiltrud Tollefson, RN

Lisa Wallace, RN

Brent Wear, RN

Rebecca Webb, RN

Angela Weems, RN

Anna Elisabeth Williams, RN

Vallon Williams, RN

Chengjie Zhao, RN

Eryn Zimmerebner, RN

Keeping online safety top of mind during 20th annual Cybersecurity Awareness month

By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — From online credit card fraud to corporate information breaches, cybercrime costs individuals and organizations billions of dollars each year, making cybersecurity a necessity in a very connected world.

SAFETY FIRST — October 2023 is the 20th annual Cybersecurity Awareness month. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

“In 2022 alone, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received nearly 850,000 complaints with losses totaling more than $10.3 billion,” said Diana Morian, director of Information Technology for the Cooperative Extension Service. “Other sources project losses through 2028 to be in the trillions of dollars.”

Arkansas ranked No. 41 on the FBI’s list with $15.3 million in losses to cybercrime.

“Cybersecurity is something we cannot take for granted. Security of our online assets is important to maintain the integrity of our educational outreach,” she said. “That’s why we are among the organizations committed to emphasizing cybersecurity education during the 20th annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month.”

Founded in 2004, Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held each October, is an initiative aimed at promoting cybersecurity awareness and best practices. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaborative effort among businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities, associations, nonprofit organizations, tribal communities, and individuals committed to educating others on online safety.

The theme of Cybersecurity Awareness Month is “Secure Our World,” with messaging on four key cybersecurity best practices:

1. Understand the benefits of using a password manager and dispel existing myths around password manager security and ease of use.

2. Turning on multi-factor authentication on personal devices and business networks.

3. Recognize and report phishing — still one of the primary threat actions used by cybercriminals today.

4. Install updates on a regular basis and turning on automated updates.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month has the goal of providing everyone with the information they need to stay safer and more secure online. The online safety awareness and education initiative is co-managed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Cybersecurity Alliance.

For more information about Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 and how to participate in a wide variety of activities, visit cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month and staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/. You can also follow and use the hashtag #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth and #SecureOurWorld on social media throughout the month.

The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

Roofe named head of Family and Consumer Sciences for extension

By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Helping people live better has been at the heart of Nina Roofe’s career – as a longtime registered dietitian, as a professor and chair of the Department of Nutrition and Family Sciences at the University of Central Arkansas, and now in her new leadership role as assistant vice president of Family and Consumer Sciences for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

LEADER — Nina Roofe is the new assistant vice president for Family and Consumer Sciences at the Cooperative Extension Service. (UADA photo)

Roofe started Sept. 25 and will ensure research-based programming is available to meet the needs of Arkansans in the areas of food and nutrition, food safety and preservation, health and exercise, personal finance, home safety, early childhood and mental health.

“Family and Consumer Sciences has always appealed to me because it takes a holistic approach — meeting people where they are, where they live, where they work. It’s practical. It’s all about helping people and helping them improve their lives,” she said.

“You can design a nutritiously balanced plate of food and teach someone how to cook, but if they can’t afford to buy the food or if they live somewhere without a kitchen, it doesn’t work. You can’t just do health and wellness, or nutrition, or home safety, or consumer economics,” she said. “It’s all intertwined with family life, so you have to look at the whole picture.”

The Division of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension Service employs Family and Consumer Science agents in every county of the state. Roofe plans to visit agents in the coming months to assess needs that exist throughout the state and ensure that extension is offering the best programs to meet those needs with resources available.

“Dr. Roofe has more than 32 years of experience and brings a wealth of knowledge to the position,” said Bob Scott, senior associate vice president for agriculture-extension and director of the Cooperative Extension Service. “I am excited for her to join our team.”

Family and Consumer Sciences is one of four extension units. Other units include Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H, and Community Professional and Economic Development. Roofe’s position is a newly restructured one. Before Roofe’s hire, one person oversaw both Family and Consumer Sciences and Arkansas 4-H.

“It needed to be two positions because they are two separate units,” Scott said.

A career bucket list

Working for extension has been on Roofe’s “career bucket list.”

She grew up in Izard County on a beef cattle farm and was involved in 4-H, the youth leadership program of the Division of Agriculture. Her great aunt was a home economist in Izard County, and her great uncle ran the Soil Conservation Service. Her husband’s stepfather was also an extension agent.

“I feel like I’ve always had the extension gene,” she said.

Before joining the Division of Agriculture, Roofe was a professor and chair of the Department of Nutrition and Family Sciences in the College of Health & Behavioral Sciences at UCA, where she has taught since 2002.

“I love teaching,” Roofe said. “I swore I’d never be a teacher because my parents were both public school teachers, and I saw their struggles, but I love it. You’re reaching students, and they touch lives. It’s a ripple effect.”

Roofe has a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Central Arkansas; a Master of Science in Corporate Health Promotion from the University of Arkansas; and Ph.D in Family and Consumer Sciences Education from Iowa State University.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

Division of Agriculture seeking input from sheep and goat producers

By Sarah Cato
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK – The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is looking to evaluate the state’s sheep and goat industry in an effort to make improvements. To do so, extension specialists are requesting input from sheep and goat producers across Arkansas.

RUMINATING ON RUMINANTS — Dan Quadros, extension small ruminant specialist for the Division of Agriculture, is leading an effort to evaluate the state of the sheep and goat industry in Arkansas in hopes of identifying weaknesses that can be improved upon. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

Dan Quadros, extension small ruminant specialist for the Division of Agriculture, has developed a working plan to assess the current production system in Arkansas for sheep and goats, identify issues and challenges within the production system, and organize solutions to existing challenges in the entire value chain. However, each step in this process requires direct input from producers.

“To start, we really want to X-ray our production system for sheep and goats here in Arkansas,” Quadros said. “We want to know the basics of the farms in our state. Are they commercial or hobbyists? How many animals do they have? What are their health management practices? This is the basic information we are starting with.”

To gather this basic data, Quadros and his team have developed an online survey for Arkansas sheep and goat producers. The survey takes about 10-20 minutes to complete, and all responses will remain anonymous.

The survey is open from Oct. 1 – Oct. 30.

Next steps

The next step is to gather more in-depth and informal information from producers, for which there will be two options: interactive webinars and an online open channel.

“In addition to this basic data from the survey, we want to know firsthand from producers what the challenges and the bottlenecks — on- and off-farm — are in the small ruminant industry in Arkansas as well as collect suggestions on how to overcome them,” Quadros said. “Hopefully this will give more context to the basic data collected in the survey and give us a better idea of what issues we should be focusing on.”

The first option to participate is a series of interactive webinars. There will be five webinars, all following the same agenda. Each will involve a presentation, a special guest and open participation.

“We’re hoping these webinars will provide a space where producers can give honest answers about the challenges they face,” Quadros said. “We need to know what their biggest concerns are and what possible solutions we need to pursue.”

The webinar schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, Oct. 12, noon — Special guest: Johnny Gunsaulis, Benton County extension staff chair

• Friday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m. — Special guest: Bryce Baldridge, Lawrence County extension staff chair

• Monday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. — Special guest: Jennifer Sansom, Little River County extension staff chair

• Wednesday, Oct. 26, 3 p.m. — Special guest: Stacey Stone, Nevada County extension staff chair

Those interested can join the webinar via Zoom at the above times.

For those who are unable or do not wish to participate in the webinars, there is an online, open channel available to give written responses. This allows producers to outline their main challenges – on and off the farm – and provide any suggestions to overcome these challenges and strengthen the sheet and goat value chains in Arkansas. The open channel is available Oct. 1 – Oct. 31.

At the end of this process, we will invite several organizations and representatives of different segments of the small ruminant value chain to discuss the results and build our development program.

Read more about the survey, webinars and open online channel on the Division of Agriculture Small Ruminants Blog.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

2023 Arkansas net farm income down nearly $1B, but still higher than 2021

By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Declines in crop and overall livestock receipts and direct government payments add up to a nearly $1 billion decline in Arkansas net farm income for 2023 from the previous year, the Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center said.

LOW MISSISSIPPI — The shrinking Mississippi River has broader "beaches" as drought continues to plague its basin. taken near the Bridgeport exit of I-55 in West Memphis, Arkansas.  (Division of Agriculture photo.)

The center, working with agricultural economists from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said in its “Fall 2023 Arkansas Farm Income Outlook” that Arkansas’ farm income totaled $3.3 billion.

“Arkansas 2023 net farm income is projected to decrease from the record set in 2022,” said Hunter Biram, extension economist with the Division of Agriculture.

The report said that total farm receipts declined $1.4 billion — with farm-related receipts offsetting a $1.5 billion decline in crop and livestock receipts — while production expenses decreased by $3 million and direct government payments fell by $60 million.

The decline in corn receipts is attributed to lower crop prices received despite seeing a 20 percent increase in planted acreage relative to 2022. Corn prices fell 28 percent to $4.75 from $6.65. Biram said the decline “is largely attributed to higher national planted acreage and weaker cash prices received at grain elevators near the Mississippi River driven by record-low river levels.

“Soybean receipts fell 25 percent on lower planted acreage and lower crop prices,” he said.  Cotton receipts fell 8 percent on lower planted acres despite relatively higher crop prices received compared to the 2022 harvest season, while rice receipts increased 11 percent on 330,000 more planted acres compared to 2022.”

Biram said government payments are expected to decline year-over-year from $460 million to $400 million due to Emergency Relief Program Phase 2 payments being $150 million less than ERP Phase 1 payments received in 2022.

“This is also despite Arkansas rice farmers receiving payments from the Rice Production Program, or RPP, which was authorized in the 2022 omnibus package,” Biram said.

Additionally, production expenses remained flat over 2022 despite key operating expenses such as seed, fertilizer, pesticides and fuel falling $177 million. Interest, labor, and rent to landlords increased by $143 million.

“This combination results in a 21 percent decrease in net farm income,” said Biram.

On the bright side

However, the good news is that “despite a decrease from 2022 to 2023, Arkansas net farm income is still above 2015-22 averages,” he said.

The report indicates that despite a decrease in 2023, Arkansas net farm income remains higher than levels seen in 2021. Arkansas is expected to see a 21 percent decline in net farm income, compared to a projected 23 percent decline in U.S. net farm income.

Other key findings from the report include:

• Planted area of the state’s top seven crops, plus hay harvested, grew to 7.2 million acres in 2023. Soybeans, the state’s top field crop by area, saw a decrease in 2023 planted acres. Crop receipts for 2023 decline a combined $600 million.

• Poultry and egg receipts decline a combined $1.1 billion in 2023, largely due to lower prices. Cattle receipts grow by $233 million, while hog receipts decline $9 million.

• Egg receipts decline on lower prices which reflects the industry recovering following Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak that affected 44.43 million birds in commercial egg operations, which reflects approximately 14.5 percent of Jan. 1 layer inventories.

• Poultry production is 2.4 percent higher through August and the national composite broiler price is tracking 13.6 percent below 2022. Both lead to lower cash receipts in Arkansas.

• Cattle receipts are higher on cyclically high prices following three consecutive years of contraction in the industry.

• Fertilizer, feed and fuel expenses decrease by 0.03 percent in 2023, with a projected additional 6 percent decrease in 2024.

The fall 2023 farm income outlook is co-published by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the RaFF at the University of Missouri, which provides objective policy analysis and informs decision-makers on issues affecting farm and rural finances. The center collaborates with a number of states to develop farm income projections with local expertise.

“Insights developed through our partnership with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture help us better understand the uniqueness of farm income factors regionally,” said Scott Brown, interim director of RaFF. “State-level analyses like the Arkansas farm income report can help producers, policymakers and stakeholders alike be equipped with information to make sound decisions that impact agriculture.”

See the full report and data tables.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield announces $5.9 million for youth behavioral health

by Steve Brawner (BRAWNERSTEVE@MAC.COM)

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas is donating more than $5.9 million to five Arkansas organizations to address child and adolescent mental health, suicide and substance abuse issues.

Two of those donations will go to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. One, a $1,610,477 grant over four years, will go to UAMS’ Pathways to Wellness Program. It will fund two programs previously funded by the foundation. The grant will expand the Trauma Resource Initiative for Schools, which helps school personnel recognize and respond to trauma suffered by students. It also will expand services offered through AR ConnectNow, a youth and school-focused marketing campaign. The grant will create a virtual wellness welcome center offering mental health resources.

Another grant going to UAMS, this one totaling $714,809 over two years, will go to the Adolescent and Young Adult Addiction Treatment Program. It will help the program offer treatment and prevention programs for young people and engage parents during recovery.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield announces $5.9 million for youth behavioral health

Sig Sauer investing $150 million in Jacksonville facility, adding 625 new jobs

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

SIG SAUER, a firearms and ammunition manufacturer, will expand its manufacturing facility in Jacksonville. This expansion is expected to create 625 new jobs over the next five years.

“We are incredibly excited about expanding our ammunition operations here in Jacksonville and building upon years of success in Arkansas. This opportunity has proven itself essential to the growth and sustainment of our ammunition business, and further enforces our commitment to the Arkansas community and workforce,” said Ron Cohen, SIG SAUER president and CEO.

SIG SAUER will invest $150 million to expand its Jacksonville facility. The company will be investing in component hybrid case manufacturing, primer manufacturing, and load/pack operations to support multiple contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense. As part of the expansion, SIG SAUER will be developing a new 250,000-square-foot building to house parts of its manufacturing processes.

Sig Sauer investing $150 million in Jacksonville facility, adding 625 new jobs

Freedom of Information Act advocates ready to unveil constitutional amendment proposal

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

By next week, expect to see the first draft of a proposed constitutional amendment that would enshrine the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) into the Arkansas Constitution.

Appearing on this week’s edition of Capitol View, attorney David Couch – who has successfully led ballot initiative campaigns in recent years – said the group he is working with to place an amendment to protect Arkansas’ Freedom of Information Act into the state constitution should have a draft to share publicly.

“There has been a group of us that have been working diligently for the last few weeks on a draft of the amendment. I think that we’re probably going to release it early next week because since this is openness and transparency, we’re going to be open and transparent,” he said.

Freedom of Information Act advocates ready to unveil constitutional amendment proposal

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Domestic violence is often shrouded in silence and stigma. It transcends age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, and geography. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This time of awareness stands as a call to action and a promise of support for those affected.

Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, and emotional abuse.

The statistics surrounding domestic violence are staggering. In Arkansas, 40.8% of women and 34.8% of men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes.

Nationwide, local domestic violence hotlines receive approximately 19,159 calls a day, an average of approximately 13 calls every minute.

The Arkansas General Assembly consistently reviews legislation designed to prevent domestic abuse, hold abusers accountable, and support victims.

In the 2023 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed ACT 849. This act adds aggravated assault on a family member or household member to past conduct that qualifies a person as a repeat offender for purposes of domestic battering in the first degree and domestic battering in the second degree.

In the 2021 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed ACT 800, the Arkansas Phoenix Act. This act amends the statute of limitations for offenses involving domestic violence and provides for training to be given to law enforcement officers on additional topics that arise in which domestic violence is suspected.

Legislators will continue to review our laws regarding domestic violence in future legislative sessions.

Domestic violence is preventable. By raising awareness and providing education, we can work towards changing societal norms and behaviors that perpetuate violence.

If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic violence, visitwww.laurascard.ar.gov to find resources near you.

Inaugural Latino business awards named

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The inaugural Arkansas Latino Business Awards were presented Sept. 28, at an awards dinner at the Clinton Presidential Center.

Santiago’s Bakery in Glenwood, owned by Juventino Gonzalez, was named Small Business of the Year.

People’s Choice winners:

Legacy Business of the Year – Mercado San Jose, Little Rock
Emerging Business of the Year – Centerton Food Trucks Park, Centerton
Food Truck of the Year – The Walking Dog, De Queen

Other winners:

Woman-Owned Business of the Year – Pristine by Ali Cleaning Services Residential and Commercial, owned by Ali Alcaraz of Bentonville

Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Natali Carmona of Little Rock, owner of Get Nailed 32, an online business

Community Organization of the Year – Mamas Unidas, based in Little Rock

Community Champion of the Year – Arisbeth Garcia of Alas/Wings, based in Springdale

Inaugural Latino business awards named

Eddyline Kayaks relocating from Pacific Northwest to Siloam Springs

by Paul Gatling (pgatling@nwabj.com)

Recreational kayak manufacturer Eddyline Kayaks is moving its corporate address from Washington to Northwest Arkansas.

The move to downtown Siloam Springs will be completed before the end of the year.

“At Eddyline, our purpose is to build quality craft that inspires people to enjoy clean and healthy waterways,” Eddyline president and co-owner Scott Holley said. “The Natural State, Arkansas, resonates deeply with our ethos as a responsible business entity and community participant.”

Eddyline Kayaks relocating from Pacific Northwest to Siloam Springs

Effects of ‘forever chemicals’ on agriculture topic of Oct. 18 NALC webinar

By Tru Joi Curtis
National Agricultural Law Center
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are chemicals once widely used in food packaging, stain repellants for clothing, as well as automotive and aerospace applications. In recent years, PFAS have become better known for presenting an array of regulatory and environmental challenges for agriculture.

OFW Law Associate Kyla Kaplan, Roux Principal Ryan Stifter and Roux Principal Engineer Chase Gerbig will present the National Agricultural Law Center webinar on Oct. 18, highlighting challenges faced by agriculture due to PFAS contamination. NALC Staff Attorney Brigit Rollins will moderate.

Because their extremely strong molecular bonds keep them from breaking down easily, PFAS are often called “forever chemicals.” A 2015 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said PFAS could be found in the blood of 97 percent of Americans. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, their effects on health and the environment aren’t fully known.

PFAS contamination has hurt or closed scores of farms in Colorado, Maine, Michigan, and New Mexico.

In use since the 1950s, the Food and Drug Administration phased out use of PFAS for food packaging in 2016.

Since then, “various state and federal agencies have taken action to address PFAS,” OFW Law Associate Kyla Kaplan said. “It is important to understand the potential impacts of PFAS regulations on food manufacturers and farmers.”

Kaplan, Roux Principal Ryan Stifter and Roux Principal Engineer Chase Gerbig will discuss PFAS during NALC’s webinar, “Not Your Grandfather’s Corn Maze – Regulatory and Legal Responses to Challenges Faced by Agriculture Due to PFAS Contamination.” The webinar will be at 11 a.m. Central/noon Eastern on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

The speakers will cover:

• The basic chemistry of PFAS and how it intersects with agriculture

• Regulatory compliance challenges

• Types of PFAS litigation involving agriculture

• Potential consequences of contamination for property owners

“PFAS are often found in the environment,” Kaplan said. “While the data regarding the health impacts of PFAS is inconsistent, it is crucial that agricultural producers are aware of these chemicals. I am looking forward to sharing this important information alongside a talented panel.”

NALC Staff Attorney Brigit Rollins, an expert in environmental law as it pertains to agriculture, will moderate the webinar.

“PFAS are a complex and always-changing topic,” Rollins said. “With the potential health risks and the possible impacts they have on agriculture, producers will benefit greatly from the information provided in this webinar.”

The webinar is free of charge and registration is online.

“We are thrilled to have Kyla, Ryan and Chase discuss PFAS during this webinar,” NALC Director Harrison Pittman said. “The topic of PFAS has had many recent developments, including new guidelines, legislation and studies, so the information provided will be extremely helpful to provide clarity on this issue.”

For information about the National Agricultural Law Center, visit nationalaglawcenter.org or follow @Nataglaw on Twitter. The National Agricultural Law Center is also on Facebook and LinkedIn.

For updates on agricultural law and policy developments, subscribe free of charge to The Feed, the NALC’s newsletter highlighting recent legal developments facing agriculture, which issues twice a month.

Arkansas 4-H clubs celebrate National 4-H Week

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

LITTLE ROCK — On Oct. 1, the green and white 4-H flag was raised at the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington, D.C., where it will fly through Oct. 7 to celebrate National 4-H Week. In Arkansas, 4-H members, volunteers, leaders and staff are highlighting the program’s impact on youth in all 75 of the state’s counties.

FROM AROUND THE STATE — As the nation’s largest youth development organization, 4-H has more than 6 million members. It’s also the largest youth organization in Arkansas, with more than 11,000 members and 600 4-H clubs. (Division of Agriculture photo.)

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack proclaimed Oct. 1-7 as National 4-H Week on Sept. 28. As the nation’s largest youth development organization, 4-H has more than 6 million members. It’s also the largest youth organization in Arkansas, with more than 11,000 members and 600 4-H clubs. The 2023 theme of National 4-H Week is “I Heart 4-H,” which “reminds us that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us,” according to Vilsack’s proclamation.

Debbie Nistler, assistant vice president-extension for 4-H and youth for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said 4-H Week aims to encourage families to participate in the organization.

“National 4-H Week is a great opportunity to promote 4-H during a time when youth and their families are deciding what activities they would like to engage in during the year,” Nistler said. “We want 4-H to be an attractive option.”

Nationally, 4-H’s mandates are STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — healthy living, civic engagement and leadership, Nistler said.

“These mandates lead our work in areas that help grow the individual and connect them to their futures and their communities,” Nistler said. “The essential elements of 4-H are belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. These elements help guide how youth engage and provide an intentional path to grow skills and competencies as they engage in 4-H.”

To celebrate the week, Arkansas 4-H’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages will be highlighting different 4-H programs, including 4-H Yoga and Tech Changemakers, and encouraging followers to wear 4-H’s signature green color and share how they love 4-H. Ashley Dingman, extension program associate for 4-H youth development, said she encourages 4-H supporters to tag Arkansas 4-H in their social media posts using #AR4H and #IHeart4H.

Nistler said 4-H is an important program for Arkansas youth because it helps cultivate skills and passions in many different fields, all of which create brighter futures.

“4-H provides a unique opportunity for youth to find their spark,” she said. “A certain project or passion may lead to a future career. That may be an animal science project, but more youth now engage in projects related to STEM, healthy living, leadership, natural resources, and even space through NASA programs.”

To learn more about Arkansas 4-H, its programs and scholarship opportunities, visit the organization’s website at 4h.uada.edu or follow on social media.

4-H is a youth development program operated by the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the Division of Agriculture. The program teaches participants life skills through the “learn by doing” model. Program participants gain knowledge through non-formal, science-based, experiential education activities.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.

2023 Filmland to begin this weekend

KUAR | By Maggie Ryan

Local films are coming to the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts this weekend, kicking off the 2023 Filmland festival.

The annual event is hosted by the Arkansas Cinema Society, a nonprofit dedicated to building a community of filmmakers and enthusiasts within the Natural State.

Kathryn Tucker is the executive director of the organization, and a native of Little Rock. She’s especially excited about the range of local films featured this week, which range in subject from the environment of the Natural State to human connections.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-10-04/2023-filmland-to-begin-this-weekend

Three Arkansas teachers win educator awards

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

Several Arkansas educators are receiving awards for their work.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders toured Arkansas schools with representatives from The Milken Family Foundation on Wednesday. The nonprofit gives money to teachers across the country for their work. On their website, the group calls Milken Educator Awards the “Oscars” of teaching awards.

Philanthropist Lowell Milken created the awards in the 1980s and has been giving them out across the country ever since.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-10-04/three-arkansas-teachers-win-educator-awards

Lindsey Balbierz For NPR

The Milken Educator Awards were handed out to three Arkansas teachers from around the state, including to Greenbrier Middle School teacher Ashley Anderson.

UAMS, Arkansas Children’s, Baptist Health and Proton International Open State’s First Proton Center

By Marty Trieschmann

UAMS Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA Evan Lewis

The Proton Center of Arkansas opened September 27, 2023, at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), becoming the first proton therapy center in Arkansas and only the 43rd in the nation to provide the most advanced cancer radiation treatment in the world.

Proton therapy is a cutting-edge form of radiation that uses positively charged proton particles to destroy tumors, often in hard-to-reach areas, with greater precision and significantly less damage to healthy organs and tissues. Patients receiving proton therapy have less severe and fewer side effects than conventional X-ray radiation, which improves their recovery time and quality of life.

“What started more than three years ago with a shared vision to bring the most advanced cancer therapy to Arkansas is finally here,” said UAMS Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA. “It’s a proud day for UAMS and for health care in Arkansas as we join a small, elite group of states that offer this groundbreaking therapy for children and adults with cancer.”

https://news.uams.edu/2023/09/27/uams-arkansas-childrens-baptist-health-and-proton-international-open-states-first-proton-center/