Sarah Huckabee Sanders will give the Republican response to the State of the Union

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-AR) will deliver the Republican Address to the Nation from Little Rock, Arkansas following the State of the Union address next Tuesday, February 7th:
  
Speaker McCarthy said: “Americans are still struggling from inflation, a border crisis, record crime, and a failing school system. As House Republicans work to fix these problems in Congress with our Commitment to America, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is addressing them head on with her conservative agenda outside of Washington. The youngest governor in America, Sarah is fighting on behalf of parents, small businesses, and ordinary taxpayers. She is bringing new ideas for a changing future, while also applying the wisdom of the past, including from the leadership of her father, Mike. She is a servant-leader of true determination and conviction. I’m thrilled Sarah will share her extraordinary story and bold vision for a better America on Tuesday. Everyone, including President Biden, should listen carefully.” 
 
Leader McConnell said: “While President Biden keeps repeating old mistakes and failing Americans, a rising generation of Republican Governors are fighting for families, advancing new solutions, and winning. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is the youngest Governor in the nation and a powerful advocate for the popular, commonsense conservative principles that will put our country back on a better course. The American people deserve better than Democrats’ runaway inflation, surging crime, open borders, and failing schools. I am excited for the nation to hear from Governor Sanders on Tuesday and witness a sharp contrast with this exhausted and failing Administration.”
 
Governor Sanders said: “I am grateful for this opportunity to address the nation and contrast the GOP’s optimistic vision for the future against the failures of President Biden and the Democrats. We are ready to begin a new chapter in the story of America – to be written by a new generation of leaders ready to defend our freedom against the radical left and expand access to quality education, jobs, and opportunity for all.” 
 
Sarah Huckabee Sanders is the 47th Governor of Arkansas. Inaugurated on January 10, 2023, she is the first woman to serve as governor of the state and is currently the youngest governor in the country. Prior to her historic victory, Sarah served as White House Press Secretary for President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2019. A trusted confidant of the President, she advised him on everything from press and communications strategy to personnel and policy. Sarah was only the third woman – and the very first mom – to ever hold the job of White House Press Secretary. Sarah grew up in Pine Bluff and Texarkana and is a proud graduate of Little Rock Central High and Ouachita Baptist University. She lives in Little Rock with her husband, Bryan, their children Scarlett, Huck, and George, and their golden retriever, Traveler.

Will Newton/AP

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders speaks after taking the oath of the office on the steps of the Arkansas Capitol Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, in Little Rock, Ark.

UA Cossatot Releases Fall 2022 Honor Students and List of Graduates

UA Cossatot’s Office of the Registrar recently released the fall 2022 Chancellor’s List and Vice Chancellor’s List as well as the names of the fall 2022 graduates.

90 students were named to the Chancellor’s list maintaining a minimum of 4.0 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours.  92 students were named on the Vice Chancellor’s list maintaining a minimum of a 3.5 semester GPA while taking a minimum of twelve college credit hours.

UA Cossatot Fall 2022 Chancellor’s List:

Amity: Brayden Taylor and Kenyon Turner

Ashdown:  Hunter Billingsley, Quinton Holland, Michala Scarborough, Vonee Thomas, Charli Tompkins, Emma Wrinkle, and Zulma Gonzalez

Cove: Deantha Gibbons, Katelyn McLain, and Valley Meeks

De Queen: Hailey Carter,  Clyde Chandler, Ashley Contreras, Jera Cotton, Kimberly Delgado, Oscar Fernandez, Edgar Ferretiz, Litzi Flores, Halle Harp, Johnathan Hernandez, Fatima Jaimes,  Meagan Martz, Dair Mendoza, Gerardo Monroy, Aldon Moreno-Cruz, Ariana Ortiz, Dulce Owen,  Alex Pacheco, Jaclyn Pham, Diana Ramirez,  Elaina Rivas, Joshua Roberts, Rojas Jose Margarito, Jamileth Rueda, Misael Sanches, Joshua Servante, Izabella Sotelo, Wendy Victoriano, and Reyna Lopez

Delight: Tristan Humphry

Dierks:  Kevin Herrington and Kimberly McCauley

Foreman: Caroline Beasley and Ashalin Casper

Gillham: Angelica Aguilar

Glenwood: Lauren Fortner and Knighten Richter

Hatfield: Esmerelda Johnson

Horatio: Kelsi Brown, Bryan Hernandez, Reese Walker, and Saranenkhjin Williams

Kirby: Jolie Brewer and Montana Cook

Langley: Taylor Kelley

Lockesburg: Lauren Carver, Calum Casiano, Sabrina Cooke, Emma Gilbert, Cadee Glasgow, Megan Midgett, Arrionna Arie, and Shelby Blankenship

Mineral Springs: Liliana Meraz

Murfreesboro: Brooke Westfall

Nashville: Jose Luis Bretado Jr, Alexis Byers, Katie Cochran, Olivia Dean, Kerri Foster, Jenna Hostetler, Dustin Hupp, Jackson King, Sophie Kuykendall, Crimson Lovewell, Kiersten Priddy, Kyleigh Scoggins, Kyrell Williams, Logan Wilson, Blane Woods, Haley Wright, and James Jordan

Texarkana: Tonya Cloud, Audrey Fricks, and Meagan Toliver

Wickes: Emily Whisenhunt

Wilton: Kristen Lopez

Winthrop: April Klitz

UA Cossatot Fall 2022 Vice Chancellor’s List:

Amity: Kylee Crump, Cameron Johnson, and Kaden Owens

Ashdown: Jaden Altenbaumer, Faith Green, Heavenleigh Kelm, Braydee Kennemore, Aaliyah Nutt,

Dillon Reed, Kimberly Strube, Vonjoy Thomas, Isabella Woolfley, and Candace McGee

Ben Lomond: Matthew Harrison

Buckner: Abby Clark

Cove: Kortlyn McKee

De Queen: Sara Abril, Saul Barron Jr, Jasmin Cisneros, Jose Cortes, Kaylee Coto, Abisai De Jesus, Elise Dean, Edith Garcia, Ana Gutierrez, Zoe Helms, Victor Hernandez, Allen Hong, Megan Kuykendall, Dalton Love, Magdalena Lugo, Jesus Marrufo, Henry Martinez, Kevin Martinez,  

Duran Morales, Olympia Quintana, Sebastian Ramirez, Vorian Rehm, Luke Rogers, Ana Servante,  

Penelope Sims, Sarah White, Ethan Wolcott, Danielle Martinez, Olivia Yandell, and Raven Revels

Dierks: Nancy Diaz, Josie Galloway, Jaiden Jackson, Casey Kirby, Kitreena Russell, William Sirmon, and Hunter Young

Foreman: Landon Lansdell, Trista Martin, and Jabrea Walker

Garvin: Hannah Honey

Gillham: Kasey Frachiseur

Glenwood: Isai Felix and Graicyn Richter

Horatio: Carson Bright, Demi Leonard, Haylee Stubbs, and Alexis Ragan

Lockesburg: Espinoza Cortes, Samantha Fowler, and Mallori Marshall

Mena: Cash Parker and Marissa Robbins

Mineral Springs: Marlon Graves Jr and Keon Piggee

Murfreesboro: Kaylynn Cox and Tammie Summers

Nashville: Hallie Caldwell, Isai Camacho, Jackson Carter, Reagan Cooley, Martin Garcia,  

Lamia Hendrix, Isaac Jamison, Caleb King, Kortlan Parker, Samuel Rodgers, Justin Wescott, and

Gordon Morrow

Newhope: Austin Mack and Jacob Sharp

Ozan: LaShonna Cooper and Daleigh Morris
Texarkana: Peyton Dean, Abigail Houck, and Kimberly Leverett

18 students graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors, meaning that they graduate with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 to 4.0.  14 students graduate with Magna Cum Laude honors meaning that they graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 to 3.89.  27 students graduate with Cum Laude honors meaning that they graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.

Students Graduating Fall 2022 with Summa Cum Laude Honors:

Denise Austin of Fouke, Hunter Billingsley of Ashdown, Alexis Byers of Nashville, Calum Casiano of Lockesburg, Kimberly Delgado of De Queen, Alec-Zander Frachiseur of De Queen, Dennis Guzman of Nashville, Luis Hernandez of De Queen, Quinton Holland of Ashdown, James Jordan of Nashville, Denise Lawrence of Lockesburg, Ariana Ortiz of De Queen, Dulce Owen of De Queen, Brenda Perez of De Queen, Diana Ramirez of De Queen, Vorian Rehm of De Queen, Izabella Sotelo of De Queen, and

Brooke Westfall of Murfreesboro

Students Graduating Fall 2022 with Magna Cum Laude Honors:

Victoria Alfaro Zapata of De Queen, Jennifer Aparicio-Montiel of De Queen, Destiny Bearden of Mineral Springs, Ashley Contreras of De Queen, Shonda French of Wilton, Halle Harp of De Queen, Samantha Harris of Fayetteville, Robert Haworth of Texarkana, Lamia Hendrix of Nashville, Jackson King of Nashville, Keon Piggee of Mineral Springs, Stephanie Piza of De Queen, Jose Rojas of De Queen, and Ethan Wolcott of De Queen.

Students graduating fall 2022 with Cum Laude Honors:

Chantal Alonso of Dierks, Jaden Altenbaumer of Ashdown, Melody Altenbaumer of Ashdown, Laura Alvarado of De Queen, Abigail Angeles of Cabot, Hector Blanco of De Queen, Heather Bradshaw of De Queen, Estevan Bravo of Nashville, Ty Buchanan of Ashdown, Miranda Coto of De Queen, Lucas Cowart of Kirby, Abisai De Jesus of De Queen, Kisa Epps of Nash, William Foster of De Queen, Kimberly Frachiseur of De Queen, Marlon Graves Jr. of Hope, Alexander Hamby of Ashdown, Alyssa Harrison of Nashville, Kevin Hernandez of Gillham, Shelby Hill-Blankenship of Lockesburg, Diana Lerma of De Queen, Karina Lopez-Balderas of Gillham, Leonardo Martinez of De Queen, Jose Rojas of De Queen, Anahiz Ruvalcaba of Horatio,

Maria San Juan of Horatio, and Alleigh Tucker of Newhope

UA Cossatot Students Graduating in Fall 2022 Include:

Amity: Joseph Galloway, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls and Harrison Sutton, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology and

Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls

Ashdown: Jaden Altenbaumer, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Melody Altenbaumer, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Hunter Billingsley, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Paiton Britt, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Shernesia Broughton, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Ty Buchanan, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors &Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Kyle Burnham, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Michael Wayne Friday, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding;

Jessica Green, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Corbin Gulley, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Alexander Hamby, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate; Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Quinton Holland, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Heavenleigh Kelm, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Candace McGee, Certificate of Proficiency: Digital Media & Marketing; Aaliyah Nutt, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching,

Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant; ShaCoya Poole, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting, Certificate of Proficiency: Medical Transcription; Ashley Rechkemmer, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Timothy Smith, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Vonjoy Thomas, Associate of Science: STEM, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Samantha Trotter, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing;  

Braley Turner, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant

Broken Bow: Melissa Stuart, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing

Cabot: Abigail Angeles, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Cove: Ricardo Maldonado, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control

De Queen: Yuri Aguilar, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Victoria Alfaro Zapata, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Laura Alvarado, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Aparicio-Montiel, Associate of General Studies; Jennifer Aparicio-Montiel, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Adolfo Barreto, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Saul Barron Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control; Hector Blanco, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology; Chasity Borja, Associate of Science: Middle Level Education, Associate of General Studies; Heather Bradshaw, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Tucker Brown, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Nubia Buendia Gonzalez, Associate of Arts,

Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Marisol Buenrostro,  Associate of Science: Business, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Jesus Camacho Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Veronica Castro, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Ashley                                                                                                                                       Contreras, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Jose Cortes Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Miranda Coto, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Kaydee Cowling, Technical Certificate: Agriculture, Certificate of Proficiency: GIS Technology; Leslie Daniels, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technology, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Abisai De Jesus, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Kimberly Delgado, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching,  Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Technical Certificate:  General Studies; Yatzari Dominguez, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing;  Oscar Fernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW; Edgar Ferretiz, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GMAW/FCAW; William Foster, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency:                                                                                                                                                  Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance;

Alec-Zander Frachiseur, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding;

Kimberly Frachiseur, Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Juan Gaona, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Edwin Garcia, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Luis Gomez Santiago, Technical Certificate: Health Professions, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technology; Halle Harp, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Luis Hernandez, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies; Manuel Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Victor Hernandez, Technical Certificate: General Studies;

Tays Hernandez Santiago, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Tasma Irons, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate:  General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Irata Kelen, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding,

Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Diana Lerma, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting;

Giovanna Lerma, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies; Erick Loredo, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Magdalena Lugo, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Jair Marrufo, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices;

Leonardo Martinez, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Giovanni Mendez, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; Dair Mendoza, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control;

Edwin Mora, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel, Certificate of Proficiency, Pipe Welding GTAW; Aldon Moreno-Cruz, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe SMAW,

Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe GMAW/FCAW; Amari Morrison, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Alexander Mosqueda, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Ariana Ortiz, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Catherine Ousse, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Dulce Owen, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology; Alex Pacheco, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe SMAW, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe GMAW/FCAW; Angelica Padilla, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Connor Pearce, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Brenda Perez, Technical Certificate: Medical Assisting; Stephanie Piza, Associate of Science: Psychology, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Diana Ramirez, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant,

Technical Certificate: General Studies; Vorian Rehm, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Luke Rogers, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Jose Rojas, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Misael Sanches, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Izabella Sotelo, Associate of Science: STEM

Sofia Velazquez, Associate of Science: Business; Joseph Whisenhunt, Certificate of Proficiency:                                                                                                                                                  Digital Media & Marketing; Taylor Whittington, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Ethan Wolcott, Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Gage Woods, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices,

Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Erika Zamora, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Delight: Brookelyen Cox, Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Bobbie Craig, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Dierks: Chantal Alonso, Associate of Science: Business, Technical Certificate: General Studies;

Destiny Faulkner, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Allie Miller, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Kitreena Russell, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; William Sirmon, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls,

Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Fayetteville: Samantha Harris, Associate of Science: Business

Foreman: Myranda Gross, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Harley Reaves, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Colton Rose, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity,

Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls

Fouke: Denise Austin, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Gillham: Jessica Gonzalez, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate:  Health Professions; Kevin Hernandez, Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Karina Lopez-Balderas, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

Glenwood: Traemichael Samuel, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding

Grannis: Adamari Aguirre, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant

Haworth: Scout Dorsey, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing

Hope: Marlon Graves Jr., Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate:  Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control,

Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Jessica Langston, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Makaylia Tate, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology

Horatio: Melissa Arellano, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Bryan Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Maddie Rivas, Associate of Science: Agriculture Business;

Anahiz Ruvalcaba, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Maria San Juan, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Haylee Stubbs, Associate of Science: STEM; Roberto Villeda Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GTAW

Kirby: Lucas Cowart, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Electricity, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Programmable Controls

Langley: Jacy White, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant

Lockesburg: Calum Casiano, Technical Certificate:  Automotive & Diesel Technology,

Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance; Shelby Hill-Blankenship, Associate of Science: Psychology, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies: General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies;

Denise Lawrence, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Abbigail Stinson, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology

Mena: Elizabeth Smith, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Mineral Springs: Destiny Bearden, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Alan Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Industrial Motors & Controls; Nyna Nuttall, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate: Health Professions;  

Keon Piggee, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency:Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance;

X'aivier Reed, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Science: Agriculture Science, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Murfreesboro: JohnAaron Legate, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Hope Littles, Associate of General Studies; Tammie Summers, Certificate of Proficiency: Digital Media & Marketing;

Brooke Westfall, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant, Technical Certificate: General Studies                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Nash: Kisa Epps, Technical Certificate: Health Professions

Nashville: Paula Alvarez, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Gloria Avila, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Estevan Bravo, Associate of Science: Criminal Justice; James Brockman, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding; Gilberto Bustos Jr., Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Alexis Byers, Associate of Science: Psychology,

Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies; Isai Camacho, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding; Dana Carlton, Associate of Applied Science: General Business, Technical Certificate:  Accounting; Sarah Cobb, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Krystle Finley, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing; Dennis Guzman, Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies;  

Alyssa Harrison, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of Arts,

Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: Teaching Assistant, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Lamia Hendrix, Associate of General Studies; Jerry Hernandez, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant; Megan Huffman, Certificate of Proficiency: Teaching Assistant;

James Jordan, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Pipe Welding,

Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding SMAW Stainless Steel, Certificate of Proficiency: Pipe Welding GTAW; Jackson King, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Kortlan Parker, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Hayden Patrick, Certificate of Proficiency: SMAW Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding; Athena Paulino, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing,

Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Braven Warren, Technical Certificate: Cosmetology;

Blane Woods, Technical Certificate: Automotive & Diesel Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Engine Repair & Climate Control, Certificate of Proficiency: Electrical Systems & Engine Performance                                                                                                                             

Newhope: Michael Arivett, Associate of Science: STEM, Technical Certificate: General Studies;

Jacob Sharp, Associate of Applied Science: General Technology, Technical Certificate: Industrial Technology, Certificate of Proficiency: Mechanical Devices; Alleigh Tucker, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant, Technical Certificate: Health Professions                                                                                                                                                                       

Oklahoma City: Jamile Navarrete, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting

Saratoga: James Archer Jr., Technical Certificate: Welding, Certificate of Proficiency: MIG Welding,

Certificate of Proficiency: TIG Welding

Texarkana: Andrea Davis, Certificate of Proficiency: Accounting; Mashandy Harris, Technical Certificate: Health Professions; Robert Haworth, Technical Certificate: General Studies; Shae Reid, Associate of Applied Science: Occupational Therapy Assistant; Joseph Russell, Associate of Arts,

Associate of General Studies, Technical Certificate: General Studies

Umpire: Haley Manasco, Associate of Applied Science: Registered Nursing, Technical Certificate:  Health Professions

Washington: Kaylin Romine, Associate of General Studies: General Studies

Wilton: Shonda French, Associate of Science: Teaching: K-6, Associate of Arts: Teaching, Associate of General Studies         

Winthrop: Kelli Cowan, Certificate of Proficiency: Emergency Medical Technology

104 and Cancer Free

By Marty Trieschmann

Feb. 3, 2023 | UAMS patient treated by James Suen, M.D., is one of the oldest living cancer survivors in Arkansas  

A favorite pillow in Maddie Upton’s Camden, Arkansas, home reads, ‘I’m so far up the hill, I’ve started up the next one.’

At 104, there is no old age joke she hasn’t heard, and she shows no sign of being tired of them. The same positive attitude and grit that saw her through two world wars and the Great Depression has been her go-to in other battles, including cancer.

https://news.uams.edu/2023/02/03/104-and-cancer-free/

Maddie Upton, 104, with her oncologist of 50 years, Dr. James Suen.

Winter weather advisories, winter storm warnings, and ice storm warnings across Arkansas; ice affecting travel, trees, and power lines

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Prepare for possible power
outages.

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

Maurer Named the New President of the Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance

Tiffany Maurer, Director of Economic Development for Sevier County, was recently named the new president of the Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance (SADA).

The Southwest Arkansas Development Alliance (SADA) is a regional economic development and workforce development initiative comprising eight counties in Southwest Arkansas (Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Nevada, and Sevier Counties). The alliance partners the regions’ economic developers with our education cooperatives’ Career/Technical Education Coordinators to provide pathways from education to workforce through initiatives like Explore Success and the ACT Work Ready Community initiative.

The Explore Success event is an annual youth manufacturing conference that engages area 8th graders with guest speakers from local industries and provides information about local career opportunities as students start choosing which courses and degree plans to pursue.

Maurer served as Vice President of SADA for the past two years and was appointed as President in 2023, replacing Steve Harris, Director of Economic Development for Hempstead County. “It’s an honor to be the new SADA president and I hope to do Southwest Arkansas proud with the work we do to improve our region’s industry and workforce future. The partnerships SADA has created with our area education

cooperatives and colleges has allowed us to take a proactive approach to workforce development and I hope to help continue that work in my new role,” said Maurer.

The new Vice President of SADA is Ellie Baker, Director of Economic Development for Magnolia and the Secretary is Vickie Williamson, Director of Economic Development for Little River County. The treasurer is Mary Godwin, Director of Economic Development for Prescott/Nevada County.

For more information, contact Tiffany Maurer at 870-584-1184 or tmaurer@cccua.edu.

Winter storm and ice warnings in parts of Arkansas; travel is affected

...WINTER WINTER ADVISORY IN SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO A WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Significant icing. Additional ice accumulations of near
  one quarter of an inch.

* WHERE...Sevier, Howard, Hempstead and Nevada Counties.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Bridges and overpasses could become slick resulting in
  travel impacts this morning. Those impacts will continue through
  the day and especially into the overnight hours. Power outages
  and tree damage are likely due to the ice.

 PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. Prepare for possible power
outages.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1, or in Arkansas see the idrivearkansas.com website.

Arkansas lawmakers to consider increasing homestead tax credit

KUAR | By Hunter Field / Arkansas Advocate

The Arkansas Legislature is poised to increase the state’s homestead tax credit; the question: How much?

House Bill 1032 by Rep. Lanny Fite (R-Benton) would increase the Homestead Property Tax Credit from $375 a year to $425 in 2024.

Fite explained his bill last week to the House Revenue and Tax Committee, but he plans to wait to ask for a vote on the bill until after Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ office reviews it.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-30/arkansas-lawmakers-to-consider-increasing-homestead-tax-credit

Gerry Broome/AP

New homes under construction in Mebane, N.C., in January 2022.

Westrock Coffee to build $70 million distribution center in Conway

by Roby Brock (roby@talkbusiness.net)

Westrock Coffee Co. announced Tuesday (Jan. 31) an agreement to develop a $70 million, 530,000-square-foot distribution center with Tempus Realty Partners, an Arkansas-based real estate investment partnership that was represented by Colliers Arkansas.

The 30-acre site will be located near heavily trafficked I-40 in Conway, just 30 miles from Little Rock.

Westrock Coffee will fully occupy the tilt-wall distribution center following construction, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. It is expected to support product and packaging produced at Westrock Coffee’s expanded extract and ready-to-drink manufacturing facility in Conway and additional distribution needs.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/westrock-coffee-to-build-70-million-distribution-center-in-conway/

Rendering of new Westrock Coffee distribution center.

State of the State 2023: Slower economic growth likely, with rebound in 2024

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

The U.S. and Arkansas economies may have 99 problems, or more considering inflation, but a recession in 2023 ain’t one of them. Probably not, anyway. Or at least not a deep recession, according to arguably a growing consensus among economists.

John Shelnutt, Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration director of economic analysis and tax research, doesn’t anticipate a deep or disruptive U.S. recession in 2023.

“Most U.S. economic forecast groups currently have either a shallow recession in the first half of 2023 or a below-trend growth period during the year,” noted the economist who provides tax revenue guidance for Arkansas officials. “The differences are minor and derive from small variations in growth for personal consumption expenditures (PCE), the largest GDP component. Even the shallow recession camp of forecasts shows weak positive gains for PCE in inflation-adjusted (real) terms.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/state-of-the-state-2023-slower-economic-growth-likely-with-rebound-in-2024/

State of the State 2023: Tourism officials tout busy 2023, push outdoor recreation

by Tina Alvey Dale (tdale@talkbusiness.net)

Arkansas’ new secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Mike Mills, believes now is an exciting time for the department. The almost 50-year veteran of the state’s tourism sector says the industry has recovered from the pandemic.

“As Arkansas State Parks celebrates its centennial year, the Arkansas tourism industry continues to thrive, having increased revenue consistently for the past 20 months,” said Mills, who was appointed to the cabinet position Jan. 12.

Data released by the department in September shows Arkansas’ tourism industry had record-breaking visitation in 2021 and has recovered after the significant decline in 2020 that was a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The state saw over 41 million visitors in 2021 compared to 29.2 million in 2020 and 36.3 million in 2019. Lodging spending increased 49% after a fall of 29% in 2020. That rebound led to lodging spending exceeding its 2019 level by 5%. The data was released during the Arkansas Hospitality Association’s annual convention in Little Rock.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/state-of-the-state-2023-tourism-officials-tout-busy-2023-push-outdoor-recreation/

Arkansas to receive more than $137 million in loans to modernize electrical grids

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

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Monday (Jan. 30) the department is investing $2.7 billion to help 64 electric cooperatives and utilities expand and modernize the nation’s rural electric grid and increase grid security.

Three of those projects will be in Arkansas. USDA will allocate $137.235 million for those projects. A timetable for completing the projects was not released.

“These critical investments will benefit rural people and businesses in many ways for decades to come,” Vilsack said. “This funding will help rural cooperatives and utilities invest in changes that make our energy more efficient, more reliable, and more affordable. Investing in infrastructure – roads, bridges, broadband and energy – supports good-paying jobs and keeps the United States poised to lead the global economy.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/arkansas-to-receive-more-than-137-million-in-loans-to-modernize-electrical-grids/

National Weather Service in Little Rock warns of accumulating ice in Arkansas; Winter weather briefing attached

Accumulating ice is possible across much of the state, but the highest totals (a quarter inch or more) will likely be in the central third of the state. An ice storm warning is in effect for those areas with surrounding areas in a winter weather advisory.

Winter Weather Advisories are in effect for portions of northern, west-central, and southern Arkansas. An Ice Storm Warning is in effect for portions of central and northeastern Arkansas.

• As temperatures slowly drop at or below freezing, two systems are expected to pull moisture into the state. The first system is expected by this afternoon bringing the chance of freezing rain/sleet to portions of northern and central Arkansas. The second system (the main freezing rain producer) is expected to move in Tuesday afternoon, affecting a larger portion of the state.

Proclamation on Disaster Relief in Arkansas, Ashley, Clay, Garland, Lincoln, and Phillips Counties

WHEREAS:   On or about January 02, 2023, severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding began, and continued thereafter, causing great damage to private property and public facilities in various jurisdictions in Arkansas;

WHEREAS:   Adverse circumstances have been brought to bear upon the citizens and public properties within the State; and

WHEREAS:   These political subdivisions require supplemental assistance from the State to recover from these losses.

NOW THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas and pursuant to Ark. Code Ann.  §§ 12-75-101, et seq., do hereby declare Arkansas, Ashley, Clay, Garland, Lincoln, and Phillips Counties disaster areas;

FURTHERMORE, I authorize funds from the Governors Response and Recovery Fund under the Individual Assistance Program, in the amount of $1,189,600.00, to be used to provide supplemental disaster relief in Arkansas, Ashley, Garland, Lincoln and Phillips Counties. Such funds will be used at the discretion of the Director of the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management to defray both program and administrative costs;

FURTHERMORE, I, authorize funds from the Governors Response and Recovery Fund under the Public Assistance Program to be used to provide supplemental disaster relief to Clay County. Such funds will be used at the discretion of the Director of the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management to defray both program and administrative costs;

FURTHERMORE, I hereby invoke emergency executive powers vested in me by Ark. Code Ann. §§ 12-75-101, et seq., as amended, and suspend the provisions of regulating statutes prescribing procedures for conduct of the Office of Procurement, the Division of Building Authority, the Office of Personnel Management, and all other state departments and agencies to render maximum assistance to the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management relative to any potential impediment to the rapid and orderly rendering of assistance to political subdivisions.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 27th day of January, in the year of our Lord 2023.

Researchers receive $550,000 USDA-NIFA grant to develop farmers market food safety game

By Brittaney Mann
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Food safety education for small producers will take on an interactive gaming form with the help of a collaborative $550,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

FOOD SAFETY GAME — Kristen Gibson is serving as the lead investigator on a new $550,000 grant from USDA-NIFA. Gibson and her collaborators will evaluate current food safety training practices and develop a multimedia game to help teach farmers market vendors food safety best practices.

Kristen Gibson, department of food science professor of food safety for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and director of the Center for Food Safety, will serve as lead investigator on this grant, aimed at providing easy-to-access educational resources about safe food production directed at small- and medium-sized farmers getting started with their market endeavors.

Citing research that indicates interactive multimedia learning tools can help audiences understand concepts better than traditional education practices can, Gibson said the research team decided a multimedia game format may help producers retain the information better. The multi-institution project is titled “GLEAN (game learning to educate and advance knowledge): Transformative food safety training for farmers market vendors.”

“We want to be sure that they’re providing safe food to their customers,” Gibson said. “And so, in order to implement best practices related to the production and the handling of fresh produce, you have to have that knowledge base to understand why that is important.”

The Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station is the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Farmers markets and food safety

Farmers market vendors do not sell a large volume of produce, and therefore are not covered by the Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act, Gibson said. Food safety requirements may vary in each market, even within the same state, because farmers market managers can set their own regulations.

Farmers market vendors have varying levels of food safety knowledge and training, Gibson said. Additionally, farmers market managers may not have access to farmers market specific training that can be distributed to the local producers.

The Arkansas Department of Health does not require farmers markets vendors to obtain permits to sell uncut fruit and vegetables or temperature-stable cottage foods.

The researchers want to be sure that everyone has access to resources to aid in the adoption of food safety best practices, and to make it easier to receive them.

“The idea is to be sure you’re capturing those people who may be falling through the cracks,” Gibson said.

The game

The development of this food safety training game will take place over three years. The researchers will collect data from a sample of local food producers to understand what information is most relevant, assess the effectiveness of the game in knowledge retention and eventually release it to the public.

Vendors can find multiple answers to their questions on different media, like Google searches or YouTube, and by directing the necessary information into a game format, it may help growers feel confident in the validity of the information they consume, Gibson said.

The researchers want the game to be realistic to the growers’ specific situations so that food safety awareness can transfer into their practices. The game will include different risks and related regulations, allow the producers to get help from in-game organizations that mirror real-life support structures and allow them to understand the varying rules of different markets, Gibson said. The strategies will also center on how to gain entry to local and regional food systems.

Collaboration

Jennifer Acuff, assistant professor of food safety and microbiology at the experiment station, will also participate in the project.

“I am very excited to work on the GLEAN project,” Acuff said. “With farmers markets continuing to grow in size and types of products sold, we want to make sure all the vendors are provided with as much knowledge as possible about relevant regulations and are empowered to employ best practices to prioritize the safety of their consumers.”

Acuff’s research focuses on reducing pathogens from foods at the post-harvest level through prevention and intervention. She received a $200,000 grant earlier this year from USDA-NIFA to investigate moisture levels that lead to bacterial survival in low-moisture foods.

“We will be collaborating with colleagues from around the nation to address local and regional knowledge gaps by employing creative learning tools, such as educational gaming,” Acuff said.

That nationwide team of researchers includes Barbara Chamberlin, Matheus Cezarotto and Pamela Martinez from New Mexico State University, and Sujata Sirsat from the University of Houston. New Mexico State University will develop the game through its Learning Games Lab, which has developed many educational games.

Gibson has received many grants that feed into her work on food safety knowledge. Many of her projects aim to characterize food safety risks for small producers. Earlier this year, she characterized the pathogen vulnerability of two popular microgreen varieties and their growing media.

She was also recently awarded a $27,739 grant from the Center for Produce Safety to evaluate current food safety knowledge for indoor leafy green production, with the goal of presenting evidence-based best practices and identifying knowledge gaps on microbial risks.

Gibson is excited to use a game approach to relay food safety information. She hopes to see an increase in confidence, knowledge and the implementation of best practices outside the game.

“To do the practice, you have to have the knowledge first,” Gibson said.

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. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.

Arkansas breweries partner in Arkansas Ag Experiment Station hops study

By John Lovett
U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Horticulture researchers with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station have partnered with three breweries across the state in a quality research study of hops grown in Arkansas with a public release set Nov. 5 in Siloam Springs.

HOPS PARTNERS — Post-harvest research on hops grown at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station will be conducted with three breweries in Arkansas as part of an Arkansas Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant to study the feasibility of an Arkansas hops industry. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Fred Miller)

Following a three-year study to find varieties of hops that grow well in Arkansas, the experiment station will collaborate with Ivory Bill Brewing Company in Siloam Springs, Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Company in Paris, and Stone’s Throw Brewing in Little Rock on the research. The experiment station is the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Ivory Bill will hold a public event beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at the brewery, 516 E. Main St. in Siloam Springs, to release a pale ale made with Crystal hops grown at the experiment station’s Fruit Research Station in Clarksville.

“We know it’s possible to grow hops in the state, but we want to know more about what brewers think about the quality and feasibility of using whole-cone, dried Arkansas-grown hops,” Amanda McWhirt, associate professor and extension horticulture specialist, said.

An initial three-year research project on growing hops was completed in 2021 at the Fruit Research Station in Clarksville. The study showed that Cascade and Zeus hops varieties had the best yields, plant health and vigor. Crystal and Cashmere showed moderate potential for being grown in Arkansas. Canadian Red Vine hops grown at the Fruit Research Station will also be evaluated by brewery partners. The horticulture team is continuing its research into growing hops, with new trials started in 2022 aimed at increasing yield through new methods of plant training.

Most of the nation’s hops for the craft beer industry are grown in northern states where the day length is longer, which results in the highest yields. The Arkansas study showed that some hops varieties could produce a viable specialty crop in Arkansas to appeal to the state’s growing microbrewery industry, McWhirt said. Renee Threlfall, horticulture post-harvest and processing research scientist with the department of food science, said she expects initial interest in hops production will mostly be small-scale growers to supply the local microbrewing industry.

The post-harvest research with the brewery partners includes evaluating the use of whole-cone hops in the brewing cycle, from bittering in the boil to “dry hopping” for additional hops aromas during late-stage fermentation. While some breweries use whole-cone hops for specialty beers, most breweries use hops that have been dried and pelletized by processors for day-to-day brewing, McWhirt said. An Arkansas-based hops industry would initially rely primarily on whole-cone hops because of the state’s lack of access to hops processors, she added.

The hops study is funded by a Specialty Crop Block Grant from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture through 2024.

“We’re so excited to be hosting Amanda McWhirt and to be part of the conversation about the future of farming in Arkansas,” Casey Letellier, owner/brewer at Ivory Bill Brewing Company, said. “We value the opportunity to connect people with the idea that drinking beer is an agricultural act.”

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. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.

Cooperative Extension Service to host Arkansas Veterans' Small Business Summit

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

LITTLE ROCK — For veterans who own and operate small businesses, accessing available resources is critical to financial success and longevity. Arkansas veteran business owners will have an opportunity to learn about programs and services designed to help their businesses succeed at the Arkansas Veterans’ Small Business Summit, hosted by the Cooperative Extension Service’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center on Nov. 4.

VETERAN RESOURCES — The Cooperative Extension Service's Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center will host a free Veterans' Small Business Summit on Nov. 4. The in-person event will provide resources and networking opportunities for veteran small business owners, including information about upcoming contracting opportunities with federal agencies in Arkansas. (Division of Agriculture photo.) 

The free in-person event will start at 9 a.m. and end at 12 p.m. at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, located at 2301 S. University Ave. in Little Rock. Registration is available at https://bit.ly/veteran-business-summit.

Kimberly Magee, outreach coordinator for Arkansas PTAC, said the summit will provide “tailored resources” for veteran business owners in the state, including information about no-cost resources and upcoming contracting opportunities with federal agencies in Arkansas.

“It’s important to provide these resources because the public doesn’t generally know how to navigate through the government marketplace,” Magee said.

The summit is presented in partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arkansas Division of Emergency Management – Arkansas Federal Surplus Property, Arkansas Small Business Technology Development Center, The Conductor, SCORE and the U.S. Small Business Administration – Arkansas District. Representatives from these organizations will be present at the summit to help connect attendees with the services they provide, including business counseling, low or no-cost training programs and training and networking opportunities.

Magee said the needs of veteran business owners are unique, and this summit is designed to connect them with resources available specifically to them.

“Veteran small businesses need a tailored pathway,” she said. “Veterans are already aware of government lingo and are therefore natural leaders in the government marketplace.”

In addition to networking with other business owners, the summit will include a small business resource panel, a presentation on veteran small business certifications and a presentation on government contracting opportunities.

“Veterans are our nation’s heroes, and it is our obligation to take care of them and help them succeed,” said Savanna George, extension program technician for the Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

For more information or for assistance with registering, contact the Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center at PTAC@uada.edu.

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.

Jason Williams, Psy.D., to Lead Child Mental and Behavioral Health at UAMS, Arkansas Children’s

By Tim Taylor

LITTLE ROCK — After a national search, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Arkansas Children’s have named Jason Williams, Psy.D., M.S.Ed. to lead their work together to improve pediatric mental and behavioral health statewide.

Williams will serve as the new chief of UAMS’ Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in the College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and as Arkansas Children’s senior vice president and chief mental and behavioral health officer, a newly created position.

Williams comes from Children’s Hospital Colorado, where he served as an associate professor of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and as the director of operations in the Pediatric Mental Health Institute.

https://news.uams.edu/2023/01/23/jason-williams-psy-d-to-lead-child-mental-and-behavioral-health-at-uams-arkansas-childrens/

Economists: U.S., Arkansas economies not likely to see recession in 2023

by Kim Souza (ksouza@talkbusiness.net)

According to three economists who spoke Friday (Jan. 27) at the 29th annual Arkansas Business Forecast Luncheon held in Rogers, Arkansas and the U.S. will likely avoid economic recession primarily because of continued job and wage growth.

Around 1,000 people attended the event, according to officials with the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas.

Simmons Foods CEO Todd Simmons was the moderator for the event and said three areas of concern from his perspective included the need for affordable housing in Northwest Arkansas to ensure people continue to move here. He also said the region’s population growth over the past decade has taxed transportation infrastructure, and keeping up with the higher demand is crucial to ongoing growth. Lastly, he said workforce development is imperative for the region’s future growth.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/economists-u-s-arkansas-economies-not-likely-to-see-recession-in-2023/

U.S. corn, cotton and soybean production down in 2022

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Production for corn, cotton and soybeans declined from last year, according to the 2022 Crop Production Annual Summary released by the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Drought ravaged nearly every state during the year and it had impacts on harvested acres and yields.

U.S. corn growers produced 13.7 billion bushels, down 9% from 2021. Corn yield in the United States is estimated at 173.3 bushels per acre, 3.4 bushels below the 2021 record high yield of 176.7 bushels per acre. Area harvested for grain, at 79.2 million acres, is down 7% from 2021.

Soybean production for 2022 totaled 4.28 billion bushels, down 4% from 2021. The average soybean yield is estimated at 49.5 bushels per acre, 2.2 bushels below 2021, and 0.7 bushel below the Nov. 1 forecast.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/01/u-s-corn-cotton-and-soybean-production-down-in-2022/

Gus Wilson/UA System Division Of Agriculture

Corn planting begins in this photo from Feb. 24, 2012, in a field near Eudora in Chicot County, Ark.

Arkansas Democrats file legislation for teacher pay raises, per pupil funding increase

KUAR | By Ronak Patel / Talk Business & Politics

Arkansas Democrats filed legislation Thursday (Jan. 26) to raise public school teacher salaries, non-teacher staff salaries, and per pupil foundation funding for the next year.

In the House, Democrats filed HB1268, the RAISE Act, to move funds from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Public School Fund Account to the Department of Education for pay raises for teachers, according to the bill.

According to a press release from the Democratic Party of Arkansas, the RAISE Act will cost $350 million for teacher pay. The legislation would raise the starting salary of teachers to $50,000, up from $36,000. There is also a $10,000 raise for every public school teacher in the state.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2023-01-27/arkansas-democrats-file-legislation-for-teacher-pay-raises-per-pupil-funding-increase

Josie Lenora/KUAR News

House Minority Leader Tippi McCullough and Senate Minority Leader Greg Leding host a post-inauguration press conference in early January 2023.