Sevier News

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Free Beekeeping Course on Nashville Campus of UA Cossatot

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Southwest Arkansas Beekeepers Association is offering a free basic beekeeping course September 9. The three-hour course is for those who have never kept bees but think they would like to try. Participants will learn everything they need to get started – basic concepts and costs of beekeeping, equipment and supplies required and where to purchase, as well as long-term costs and time required. The free class will be taught by Southwest Arkansas Beekeepers Association President Fred Douville. Refreshments will be served. Classes will be September 9, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm at UA Cossatot in Nashville, Room 101. Although the class is free, preregistration is required to insure adequate handouts and refreshements. For more information about the course and to register, contact Debra Bolding at (870) 557-2352.

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Heavy Rains hit parts of SW AR Tuesday

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Heavy rain and high winds moved through the area late Tuesday afternoon to bring some relief from heat indices the past couple of days near 110 degrees. Temperatures should be slightly milder later in the week with less humidity, highs in the low to mid 90’s, and lows in the low to mid 70’s. Pictures are on De Queen campus of UA Cossatot. (3 pics)

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Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught

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In Arkansas, there are on average 71 billion gallons of water flowing in rivers, 4.8 trillion gallons in lakes and 200 trillion gallons in the ground.

Our state is abundant with water resources and much of our economy depends on it. It is estimated Arkansans use 157 gallons of water every day.

August is National Water Quality Month. It reminds us to take a look at what our households and communities are doing to protect sources of fresh water.

The Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants and regulating quality standards for surface waters. But most people are unaware of the little ways they can pollute their water.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using and disposing of harmful materials properly. When hazardous waste is dumped on the ground it can contaminate the soil. Contaminated soil then contaminates the ground water or nearby surface water. A number of products used at home contain hazardous or toxic substances that can contaminate ground or surface waters, such as:

· Motor oil

· Pesticides

· Leftover paints or paint cans

· Mothballs

· Flea collars

· Household cleaners

· A number of medicines

Next, don't overuse pesticides or fertilizers. Many fertilizers and pesticides contain hazardous chemicals which can travel through the soil and contaminate ground water.

It is also recommended to keepyard waste off the streets, sidewalks, and driveways, and gutters. If yard waste such as grass clippings and leaves enters our storm drains, it flows untreated directly to creeks, streams, and lakes. As yard waste breaks down, nutrients that are released can lead to water pollution.

Overall, Arkansans have access to good quality water. But it is not a resource to take for granted. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension has extensive material on how to best protect conserve and protect our water at www.uaex.edu.

University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

Your best source for unbiased, research-based information on agriculture, communities, the economy, families and youth.