Winter Weather Advisory with freezing rain expected from the NWS

Arctic air remains entrenched across Arkansas, but will start to exit to the east later tonight and Monday. Clouds and moisture will continue to increase tonight with rain developing. The precipitation will be in the form of freezing rain through Monday morning before temperatures warm and it transitions over to just regular rain.

Before this change occurs, a quarter of an inch of ice or more could fall over parts of western and  northern Arkansas where ice storm warnings are in effect. Outside of the warning area, winter weather advisories are in effect for some ice accumulation.

Additional rounds of rain are expected through the week with several inches of rain possible, especially over the south and southeast.

Winter Weather Advisory

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Shreveport LA
227 PM CST Sun Jan 21 2024

ARZ050-051-059>061-OKZ077-221100-
/O.CON.KSHV.WW.Y.0002.240122T0400Z-240122T1500Z/
Sevier-Howard-Little River-Hempstead-Nevada-McCurtain-
Including the cities of De Queen, Nashville, Mineral Springs,
Dierks, Ashdown, Hope, Prescott, Idabel, and Broken Bow
227 PM CST Sun Jan 21 2024

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS
EVENING TO 9 AM CST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Freezing rain expected. Total ice accumulations of around
  one tenth of an inch, except isolated higher amounts between a
  tenth to a quarter of an inch in the higher elevations of
  Northern McCurtain, Northern Sevier, and Northern Howard
  Counties.

* WHERE...Portions of southwest Arkansas and southeast Oklahoma.

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 9 AM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Difficult travel conditions are possible, especially
  on bridges and overpasses. The hazardous conditions could
  impact the overnight and morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. Prepare for possible
power outages.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

J.B. Hunt solar project to begin construction in 2024

by Jeff Della Rosa (JDellaRosa@nwabj.com)

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. plans to start construction this year on a solar array expected to offset more than 80% of electricity demand for its corporate headquarters in Lowell.

In January 2022, the Arkansas Public Service Commission approved the 4.99-megawatt array as a net-metering facility with grandfathering, which allows the rate structure to remain in effect until June 1, 2040. The approved rate structure allows electricity generated by the array to receive a 1:1 retail rate credit and for an initial grid charge of zero.

Following is a J.B. Hunt statement in response to questions about the array’s regulatory request: “J.B. Hunt’s application to build a net-metering solar facility has been approved by the APSC, and the APSC has closed the public docket regarding the matter. The solar facility will help offset more than 80% of the electricity consumed at J.B. Hunt’s main corporate headquarters in Lowell. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2024.”

J.B. Hunt solar project to begin construction in 2024

Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

Public education stands as the primary expenditure within state government. This month, the House and Senate Education Committees began working on the Educational Adequacy Study. This study will serve as a recommendation to the legislature to determine funding for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years.

This in-depth process involves assessing the entirety of public education to ensure equal opportunities for students, covering aspects from teacher salaries to technological requirements. Arkansas employs a specific formula, the matrix, to calculate per-student funding, which is set to increase from $7,618 to $7,771 for the 2024-2025 school year.

The committees will later examine facilities funding and partnership programs in February, followed by a review of teacher-related aspects such as recruitment, retention, salaries, and professional development in June.

The culmination of this study results in a final report due on November 1, serving as a crucial guide for funding decisions in the subsequent year.

At the most recent meeting, committee members reviewed student achievement data. Reports revealed that in 2022, 30% of Arkansas 4th-grade students scored proficient or above in reading, slightly below the national average of 32%. Additionally, 28% of Arkansas 4th-grade students and 35% nationally scored proficient or above in math.

The House and Senate Education Committees approved an emergency rule to implement literacy tutoring grants and High Impact Learning Grants.

The literacy grant program is designed to help struggling readers in grades K-3. It will allow families to invoice up to $500 per year for tutoring services.

The second program will provide a limited amount of funding for schools to spend on tutoring services during the school day.

The proposed rule now goes before the Arkansas Legislative Council Executive Committee, scheduled to meet on January 18.

The House and Senate Education Committees will convene again on February 5 and February 6, with live-streamed and recorded meetings accessible at www.arkansashouse.org.

Arctic Air blasts Arkansas this weekend; freezing rain and heavy rainfall early next week

From the National Weather Service in Little Rock

Arctic air is arriving from the Plains Friday morning. A gusty northwest wind will produce wind chill index values from zero to ten below zero in the northern two to three rows of counties in Arkansas. 

Below to much below normal temperatures will continue through the weekend. Saturday will be the coldest day, with lows in the single digits and teens and highs in the 20s and 30s. Minimum wind chill indices will be in the single digits above and below zero Friday night into Saturday morning. 

Late Sunday night and Monday, Arctic air will begin exiting to the east. Clouds and moisture will increase, with rain developing. Precipitation will likely start off as freezing rain, with the potential for at least a tenth of an inch of ice in northern/western sections of the state. 

Rain will continue through at least Thursday. The forecast calls for one to more than three inches of rain across the region, with the heaviest amounts over the southern counties.

Cattle producers saw price improvements in late 2023

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Cattle producers have had several turbulent years with low prices and higher input costs that were fueled largely by drought conditions. Cattle farmers that were able to maintain their herds benefitted in 2023 when prices jumped.

Throughout most of the year, both futures and cash markets for steers, calves and more marked a vast improvement over 2022. By the last week of November, prices for medium and large number one steer calves (weighing 500 to 600 pounds) were above $270 per hundredweight, more than $80 per hundredweight higher than the same time in 2022 and more than $100 higher than the average from 2017-2021.

James Mitchell, assistant professor and extension economist in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said that the benefits of high prices largely fell to those with access to good grazing and forage.

Cattle producers saw price improvements in late 2023

Senate Education Committee begins work on adequacy and equity report

Lawmakers conduct the thorough review every two years, with the help of legislative staff. They use the results to determine how much to increase education funding, and whether or not to tighten curriculum standards and financial accountability measures.

The study is due on November 1, 2024, in advance of the next regular session of the legislature in 2025.

Arkansas Senator Jimmy Hickey, Jr.

Under the Arkansas Constitution the state must provide funding for an adequate and equitable education for every child. The legislature has the constitutional duty of appropriating tax revenue for state government operations, therefore it is the legislature’s responsibility to approve adequate funding of schools.

The Education Committee will meet regularly throughout the year to address the many aspects of school funding. The categories include teacher salaries, facilities and equipment, transportation costs and uniform curriculum standards. The new adequacy study will update how the state responds to the needs of small and isolated school districts, fast-growing districts and schools in fiscal or academic distress.

If necessary legislators can update the matrix, a chart that serves as a tool to determine whether or not the state is funding an adequate school system, under the mandates of the constitution, Supreme Court rulings and state laws. Staff reiterated to members of the Education Committee that the matrix is a tool to measure how the legislature funds schools, not how much schools actually spend.

In addition to keeping track of funding and spending, writing a new adequacy report includes evaluating how effectively current programs are achieving their goals. One method is a thorough analysis of student test scores, taking into account the different social situations in schools.

Generally, students in poor, isolated districts don’t score as well on standardized tests as students in prosperous neighborhoods. Similarly, students whose parents are college graduates generally score better than students whose parents never got a degree. After taking those factors into account, education officials can predict test scores.

A successful school is one in which students’ actual scores are better than the predicted scores. Legislative staff will schedule visits to those schools to learn what makes them effective. Staff also conducts surveys of superintendents, principals and teachers.

Throughout 2024 superintendents and school boards will closely follow the work of the Education Committee on adequacy, because the final product will be the basis for state funding of local school districts next year.

In Arkansas the major source of school revenue is state aid. Local property taxes are the second largest source of school revenue, and federal aid is third.

The legislature’s duty to provide equitable funding is challenging, due to disparities in local wealth and local property tax rates. The same tax rate in a city with manufacturing plants will generate much more revenue for schools than it will in an isolated region with no industries.

The state Supreme Court has ruled that under the Arkansas Constitution, the legislature must prioritize education funding. The legislature must rely on evidence to fund schools adequately and equitably, and legislators cannot simply appropriate to schools what is available in the state budget.

New organization ‘AIMs’ to improve maternal health outcomes

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Driven by research that shows Arkansas has the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health (AIM) has formed to advance policies to raise the state’s standing. The group said it defines maternal healthcare to include prenatal care, safe delivery and postpartum support like mental healthcare.

AIM said it will amplify stories from parents to improve public awareness and to spur action for better maternal healthcare access, affordability and quality. A website, AIMforArkansas.org, has launched to share stories, connect with other parents and learn more about the challenges facing Arkansas.

“Statistics are compelling, but thousands of families have stories about how poor maternal healthcare, including care after birth, set them on the wrong path at a moment when their family’s future should have felt so full of possibility. Our goal is to share the stories behind the numbers,” said AIM Executive Director Ashley Bearden Campbell. “These moms and dads, and their children, deserve to be heard.”

New organization ‘AIMs’ to improve maternal health outcomes

Boozman, Cotton Fight to Protect Arkansas Catfish Farmers, Stop Flood of Vietnamese Imports

Warn Biden Administration Against Adopting Anti-Dumping Order Giving Unprecedented Blanket Relief to All Vietnam Producers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) joined Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) in warning the Biden administration of the disastrous economic outlook for U.S. catfish farmers and processers if it adopts a preliminary decision to significantly reduce anti-dumping duties on imported catfish from Vietnam. 

U.S. Senator John Boozman

In a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, the senators urged a reversal of a preliminary decision that abandons decades of precedent on an anti-dumping duty order that has helped establish a level playing field for the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry. Arkansas ranks as the third-largest catfish producing state.  

Should the preliminary decision become final, the non-market economy (NME) anti-dumping duty could be reduced from $2.39/kg to $0.14/kg for all producers controlled by the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).

“In the instant Frozen Fish Fillets proceeding, the NME-wide rate has been $2.39/kg for many years, and it has been an effective deterrent,” the senators wrote. “It now defies logic that the Commerce Department is proposing to reduce the $2.39/kg rate to $0.14/kg, and assign this low rate to all Vietnamese producers/exporters that have, to date, failed to participate in the proceeding and/or failed to establish independence from the CPV.” 

“Commerce’s approach here will incentivize hundreds of non-participating/CPV-controlled companies – i.e., those with likely higher anti-dumping duty rates – to flood the U.S. market with cheap, dumped imports without the discipline of an effective remedy. Under no circumstance should non-participating/CPV-controlled companies benefit from the same low rate assigned to participating companies that are independent from CPV control—without exception,” the senators wrote.

The lawmakers advocated retaining an existing anti-dumping duty order that treats exporters from NME countries like Vietnam based on the level of demonstrated independence from CPV control, with those most under the thrall of the CPV assessed the higher rate. A blanket assessment of the lower rate would, the senators argue, also set a troubling precedent for the approximately 250 NME proceedings involving communist governments before the Commerce Department.

“Commerce’s decision, if not reversed, will upend decades of agency precedent and weaken the trade relief granted to domestic industries. It will cause a flood of unfairly priced imports from NME countries like Vietnam, China, and Russia into the United States which will irreparably harm American industries,” the senators wrote.

“The U.S. farm-raised catfish industry remains a pillar industry in rural communities across our states. U.S. farm-raised catfish farmers and processors work day in and day out to provide a source of wholesome, unadulterated protein to the public, in addition to providing good-paying American jobs. This industry deserves a level playing field. We thus strongly urge Commerce to reverse its decision and rebalance the playing field for our constituents and workers across the United States,” the senators concluded. 

In addition to Boozman, Cotton and Hyde-Smith, the letter was signed by Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Tommy Tuberville (AL) and Katie Britt (R-AL).

University of Arkansas tackles housing crisis with innovative ‘Workforce 16’ prototype

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

To address the growing housing crisis in Arkansas and the U.S., students and faculty in the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas are exploring innovative solutions.

John Folan, a professor and head of the architecture department, is working with students on a new project focused on creating affordable homes for workers earning $16 to $18 an hour.

The prototype, named Workforce 16, is on the lawn of Vol Walker Hall on the UA campus. It showcases core design features developed over four semesters of research. It incorporates a nucleus of 500 square feet with expandable bays, allowing for a 700-square-foot expansion in an orderly manner as income or family size grows. The home utilizes wave layered timber (WLT), a new form of mass timber, accelerating construction time and facilitating future reuse.

For more details, click here.

University of Arkansas tackles housing crisis with innovative ‘Workforce 16’ prototype

After Meeting with Governor Sanders During Her European Trade Mission, Walther Manufacturing Announces $30M Expansion in Fort Smith, Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— Following the company’s meeting with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders during her European trade mission this summer, Walther Manufacturing is expanding its presence in Fort Smith, Arkansas, creating an expected 76 new jobs over the next five years. The expansion represents a capital investment of up to $30 million in the region. 

“Walther Manufacturing is making a substantial investment in our Fort Smith factory to facilitate the expansion of our research development and manufacturing of U.S.-produced firearms and accessories,” said Tom Goike, Walther Manufacturing President and CEO. 

Currently, Umarex USA/Walther occupies 185,000 square feet in their facility. The expansion adds over 40,000 square feet to the existing operation, encompassing industry-leading design engineering, product management and manufacturing capabilities. The expansion is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024. 

“Arkansas is proud to be home to Walther U.S. headquarters, both because we love jobs and because we love our Second Amendment. After meeting with the company during my European trade mission this summer, I’m thrilled they’ve decided to double down on their investment and grow their facility here in the Natural State, helping Fort Smith and the entire River Valley grow,” said Governor Sanders. 

“Walther is a world-renowned firearms company, and they have been a great corporate partner in Arkansas for the past decade,” said Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “We are excited to see the company grow in the Natural State, and we look forward to their continued success.” 

Walther established its operations in Arkansas in 2012, making Fort Smith its U.S. headquarters. Walther Manufacturing is the fabrication entity which manufactures all U.S. based products for the companies Walther and Umarex USA, utilizing a unique blend of advanced precision technology and authentic human craftsmanship. All three companies share a campus in Fort Smith. 

“My connection to Umarex and Walther goes back many years. They are a key fixture in the high-tech manufacturing fabric of the Fort Smith Region and a partner who shares our goal of growing and recruiting a talented workforce,” said Tim Allen, President and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. “It was a pleasure to work with the leadership at Walther again to secure this project in Fort Smith. We welcome Walther’s expansion as they further solidify their place in our community and allow it to meet the demand of its military, law enforcement and consumer markets.” 

Umarex to expand Fort Smith operation, add 76 jobs

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

Umarex USA/Walther plans to invest $30 million in its Fort Smith operation at Chaffee Crossing and add 76 jobs. Of the investment, an estimated $8 million will be used to expand the facility and $22 million will be used to acquire machinery and equipment.

The Fort Smith Board of Directors on Thursday (Jan. 18) approved an Industrial Revenue Bond for the company to use to help finance the expansion.

“This is a great thing for the City of Fort Smith,” said Fort Smith Director Kevin Settle. “It gives me great excitement. Maybe somewhere down the road, we can work with the Fort Smith Police Department to switch to Walther Guns.”

Umarex to expand Fort Smith operation, add 76 jobs

Cotton: Biden's original Houthi decision shows his weak leadership

U.S. Senator Tom Cotton

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after reports emerged that the Biden administration is expected to redesignate Yemen’s Houthis as a terrorist group, after previously removing the terrorist designation in 2021:

“The Houthi rebels are trained and armed by the terrorist wing of Iran’s army. And they chant ‘Death to America’ while attacking American sailors and global trade. Removing them from the list of terror organizations was a deadly mistake and another failed attempt to appease the Ayatollah.

“Joe Biden’s weakness and poor judgement continues to put our security at risk.”

WIC Use Decreased During and After COVID-19

By David Wise

LITTLE ROCK — Researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) found significant declines in WIC participation during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health.

The researchers — led by student-researcher and UAMS College of Medicine student Savannah Busch — measured changes in participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) among more than 10 million Medicaid-covered births across the United States between 2016 and 2022. During this time period, researchers found that participation in WIC went from 66.6% to 57.9%.

In addition to significant declines in WIC participation during and after the pandemic, researchers discovered even greater reductions in the program’s participation among individuals of minority race/ethnicity.

WIC Use Decreased During and After COVID-19

Arkansas schools compress salary schedules in response to LEARNS Act

KUAR | By Antoinette Grajeda / Arkansas Advocate

From the Arkansas Advocate:

Nearly a third of Arkansas school districts no longer offer pay increases for experience or additional education, an immediate result of a new state law that increased the minimum teacher salary to $50,000 a year.

The LEARNS Act increased Arkansas’ minimum teacher salary from $36,000 to $50,000 and requires all teachers to receive at least a $2,000 raise for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The law also eliminated the state’s minimum salary schedule, which required pay increases for teachers with more education and experience. But districts must create a salary schedule to receive state funding that assists with the additional teacher compensation.

Arkansas schools compress salary schedules in response to LEARNS Act

Cristina Spano For NPR

Arkansas 4-H Foundation creates Bragg Family Memorial Scholarship Fund

By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — A member of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture family and her husband and children who died suddenly in December will be memorialized by the Arkansas 4-H Foundation.

BRAGGS — The Bragg Family Memorial Scholarship Fund honors Hope and Don Bragg and their children. (UADA photo)

The foundation has created a scholarship in memory of Hope and Don Bragg, as well as their son Kenny, 22, and daughter, Elizabeth, 19. The four died December 30 in a house explosion while visiting family in Michigan. Their son Stephen, 16, and Hope’s father, Richard Pruden, survived.

On Friday, the Division of Agriculture announced a $5,000 donation to the fund.

The Bragg Family Memorial Scholarship Fund honors Hope Bragg who was a 4-H STEM instructor with the Division of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension Service. Her husband Don was a project leader for the U.S. Forest Service with an office at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

“I want to thank John Thomas and the 4-H Foundation for quickly establishing a scholarship in honor of Hope and the Bragg Family,” said Deacue Fields, head of the Division of Agriculture. “This scholarship will honor their memory for years to come by helping young people achieve their college goals.”

The Braggs were beloved by friends and co-workers, many of whom have donated to the fund. With the Division’s gift of $5,000, the foundation has now raised $16,000, said John Thomas, the foundation’s managing director. The foundation needs $25,000 to endow the fund, so that scholarships can be awarded from interest earned on the money while preserving the capital, he said.

“Losing a beloved colleague so suddenly has been a shock to all of our 4-H, extension and Division of Agriculture family,” said John Anderson, director of the Cooperative Extension Service. “We all wanted to do something that would honor the Bragg family and their love for Arkansas 4-H, education and particularly the sciences. We hope this scholarship will enable 4-H members to further their education and pursue their own passions for the sciences.”

The scholarship will be awarded annually to an Arkansas 4-H member high school senior who plans to pursue a college degree in natural resources or in the science, technology, engineering and math fields. Archaeology will also be an eligible field of study.

Both Hope and Don were members of the Arkansas Archaeological Society, and their son Kenny was on track to graduate this spring with an archeology degree from Michigan Tech. Their daughter, Beth, was a freshman at the University of Arkansas, and Hope was pursuing a Ph.D.

"This is our way of ensuring that the passions these Bragg family members had for 4-H will not only be remembered but also will be passed on to future generations of Arkansas 4-H youth," Thomas said.

Both Hope and Don shared a profound love of education.

“They were both so focused on educating youth,” said Debbie Nistler, assistant vice president for 4-H Youth Development with the Division of Agriculture. “If you had the opportunity to see either one of them work with youth, you couldn’t help but get excited. We want to make their passion for education a legacy.”

For more information about the Arkansas 4-H Foundation and the scholarship, visit https://www.arkansas4hfoundation.org.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X 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 X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. 

Four States Ag Expo set for Feb. 8

By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture

TEXARKANA, Ark. – Growers and producers from Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma will find the latest research-based information on row crops, livestock and forages, forestry, horticulture, integrated pest management, pollinators, mushrooms and more at the Four States Ag Expo on Feb. 8.

EXPO TIME — The Four States Ag Expo in Texarkana brings together ag industry professionals from Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. (UADA graphic)

The expo is scheduled from 8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m. at the Four States Fairgrounds, 3700 E. 50th St. in Texarkana. The event is a joint project of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Experts from both agencies will host workshops throughout the day.

 “We’ll be offering a variety of educational sessions to help our growers and producers learn best practices for their operations,” said Jennifer Caraway, Miller County extension staff chair and one of the organizers. “It’s also a great time to network with others in the agriculture industry.”

Organizers are expecting 350 attendees, Caraway said. She and Arkansas extension agents in Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Sevier, Polk, Howard and Hempstead counties served on the expo planning committee along with agents from Bowie, Morris, Cass and Red River counties in northeastern Texas.

“We’re proud to partner with Texas A& M AgriLife Extension on this event that has been growing in scope for the past several years,” said John Anderson, director of the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. “Our collaboration helps us both of our agencies get research and resources for best practices into the hands of those who make their living in the agriculture industry.”

The expo is free, open to the public and includes a hamburger lunch. Texas Restricted Use Applicators can obtain up to five continuing education units (CEUs) at the expo.

Concurrent sessions will begin at 8:30 a.m. and include the following topics and speakers:

8:30 a.m.

• Controlling Biting Flies through Cattle Minerals containing IGRs — Dr. Shane Gadberry, Livestock and Forestry Station director, UADA

• Managing Common Household Pests around the Farmstead — Dr. Jon Zawislak, entomology and plant pathology instructor, UADA

• Native Plants for Pollinators — Phyllis Ballard, Texas Master Gardener

9:45 a.m.

• Growing Cucurbit Crops — Dr. Joe Masabni, assistant professor and extension horticulturist (vegetables), Texas A&M

• Easy Cattle Forage Calculator, Dr. Shane Gadberry, Livestock and Forestry Station  director, UADA

• Corn and Wheat Insect, Disease and Weed Updates — Dr. Jason Kelley, extension wheat and feed grains agronomist, UADA

11 a.m.

• Oak and Loblolly Pine Tree Decline, Dr. Vic Ford, associate vice president of agriculture and natural resources, UADA

• Controlling External Parasites of Livestock — Sonja Swiger, professor and extension Entomologist, Texas A&M Greenhouse Management

• Joe Masabni, assistant professor and extension horticulturist, Texas A&M

1 p.m.

• Mushrooms in the Wild — Dr. Vic Ford, associate vice president of agriculture and natural resources, UADA

• Reversing Declining Forage Stands — Dr. Vanessa Corriher-Olson, professor and extension forage specialist, Texas A&M

• Controlling House Flies around Livestock Barns — Sonja Swiger, professor and extension Entomologist, Texas A&M

2:15 p.m.

• Following the Pesticide Label to Ensure Applicator Safety — Ples Spradley, pesticide assessment specialist, UADA

• Arkansas Restricted Use Pesticide Applicator Training — Jennifer Caraway, Miller County extension agent, UADA

• Texas Auxin Training — Dr. Brian Triplett, Red River County agent, Texas A&M

For more information, visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/4-states-ag-expo.aspx.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X 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 X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. 

Fort Smith baseball team adopts ‘Marshals’ moniker, mascot

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

“Marshals” is the team name and mascot for the Fort Smith baseball team set to begin play in the new Mid America League this spring. The name and logo was unveiled Thursday (Jan. 18) during at event at the U.S. Marshals Museum in downtown Fort Smith.

According to Marshals General Manager Greg Kigar the new name was “easily the most popular” in a naming contest sponsored by the team. Other names considered included Lawmen, Judges, Gunslingers and Outlaws.

“The Marshals name is a great fit for the team, which includes the regional history of Bass Reeves, Judge Parker, and the U.S. Marshals Museum,” Kigar said in a statement. “The primary team cap will incorporate a unique star with an ‘F’ and ’S’ for Fort Smith, and the secondary logo is a rugged image of a marshal with cowboy hat and scarf. An Old West script will be utilized for the uniforms, incorporating Fort Smith on the road jerseys and Marshals on the home uniforms.”

Fort Smith baseball team adopts ‘Marshals’ moniker, mascot

Westerman statement on vote against latest continuing resolution

U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman

WASHINGTON -  Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement on his vote against H.R. 2872, the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act:

“Today, I voted against the temporary spending bill passed by the House to extend the expiration dates for the appropriations process. This was the fourth continuing resolution voted on by the House in the past year. In September, we had the opportunity to pass a solution that would have kept the government open, secured the border, cut reckless government spending, and established a bicameral Fiscal Commission. Every single Democrat, and unfortunately, 21 Republicans voted against it. With the rejection of the conservative spending and border security bill, and the unexpected Speaker election, I voted with my colleagues on alternative approaches to provide ample time for Congress to complete the appropriations process.

"Nearly four months later, the crisis at the border is worse than it’s ever been, and Americans are continuing to struggle to make ends meet due to high prices. Today’s bill to extend the deadline into March means that we will likely be over halfway through the Fiscal Year 2024 before the 2024 funding is approved by Congress. If there is a strategic play to be made on the 2024 budget, it is past time to make it. Because we are currently operating under a staggered CR, the most critical components of government funding including our military and border security do not expire until February 2nd, which gives us two more weeks to pass funding measures or to extend the 2024 CR for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2024, which would take shutdowns off the table while creating the most leverage to finish appropriations or to shift focus and begin work on the 2025 budget and funding bills. I would support either of these approaches, but not kicking the funding can down the road into the second half of the fiscal year.

"I remain committed to working with my colleagues on conservative solutions to cut wasteful government spending, secure the border, and support our men and women in uniform.”

The Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act:

• Extends currently enacted government funding expiration dates that Congress passed in November 2023.

• Extends the January 19th date to March 1st for the following appropriations bills: 

  • Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies

  • Energy and Water Development

  • Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

  • Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

• Extends the February 2nd date to March 8th for the following appropriations bills:

  • Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies

  • Department of Defense

  • Financial Services and General Government

  • Homeland Security

  • Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

  • Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies

  • Legislative Branch

  • State and Foreign Operations and Related Programs

Another arctic air blast coming our way; Winter Weather Briefing from the NWS

Pockets of very light freezing rain are expected in portions of central and eastern Arkansas this morning. A light glaze of ice is possible in places. Amounts will be on the order of a trace to a few hundredths of an inch.  A Winter Weather Advisory has been posted. 

Another round of Arctic air will arrive Thursday night/Friday, and will stay with us through the weekend. The magnitude of this surge of cold air will not rival what we have experienced lately, but temperatures will be well below normal. Saturday will be the coldest day with temperatures starting to recover Sunday. 

As Arctic air exits to the east early next week, moisture will increase across the Plains. Rain will likely develop across the region on Monday, and may begin as a period of freezing rain in the morning. At this time, it appears some icing is possible, especially in western sections of the state.

Could be some freezing rain Thursday morning; NWS Weather Briefing for Arkansas

Temperatures are expected to climb above freezing both Wednesday and Thursday helping with the melting process. Whatever melts during the day will freeze again at night leading to some travel impacts.

A weak weather system may bring a little freezing rain to parts of central and east Arkansas early Thursday but only a thin glaze is expected at this time.Temperatures will warm above freezing  later on Thursday, minimal impacts are expected.

Following the brief warming period, another bout of Arctic air is expected to move into the forecast area, bringing back bitter cold overnight temperatures through this coming weekend.