Farm stress in one generation can reach into the future

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Steve Watkins knows that farm stress isn’t just a current problem, but one that also “reaches into the future” of farm families.

FARMING STRESS — With many key factors outside of farmers' control—including weather, market fluctuation and more—it's important for farmers and growers to monitor their stress levels and how their families are impacted. Brittney Schrick, extension family life specialist, taught workshop attendees about managing farm stress at the Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo held in January. (Division of Agriculture photo.) 

“We think about how this affects us, but the reach and impact that this potentially has on future generations is significant as well,” he said. “I grew up on a cotton farm in the 1980s, during the Farm Crisis, and during one of the most extreme droughts that ever existed in Arkansas. We had 23 days of 100-degree temperatures, and it didn’t rain from June to September.”

Watkins, an author who owns a retreat center and small farm in the Ozarks, was among those attending a workshop on farm stress led by Brittney Schrick, extension assistant professor and family life specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The workshop was part of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo held in January.

“I was 14 years old, and I can still hear my father vomiting from the stress in the bathroom every morning at 5 o’clock,” Watkins said. “At 14, you’re pretty impressionable. It shaped many of the decisions that I made about how I would live my life, and what I would and wouldn’t do. It still impacts me today.”

Farming consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous occupations. Several important factors, including weather, market fluctuation and labor supply, lie outside of farmers’ control. This contributes to suicide and self-harm among farmers.

Signs of stress

To better care for themselves and help the next generation, it’s important for farmers to identify the physical, behavioral and emotional signs of stress, as well as the ways stress manifests in relationships.

“If you have hopes of having a multi-generational farm operation, but your kids see you not being able to function in your family and your life, the odds are pretty good that they’re not going to want to do that,” Schrick said. “The better you can take care of yourself and the better you can take care of your family, the greater chance you’re going to have of being able to continue that legacy. This is not wasted time or energy.”

“Physical symptoms can include things like headaches, muscle tension or pain, upset stomach or other GI issues, lack of energy or fatigue, and shortness of breath or a tightness in the chest,” Schrick said.

Behavioral symptoms—or changes in behavior—can include difficulty relaxing or sleeping, being quick to anger or lashing out at others, having difficulty making decisions, or increased or inappropriate alcohol or substance abuse, such as using prescribed medications off-label.

Similarly, emotional symptoms, or changes in the way one feels, include irritability or snapping at others, frustration or anger, impatience, feeling discouraged or hopeless, or feeling anxious or panicky.

“Relationships can be impacted significantly by stress,” Schrick said. “Some specific ways are difficulty communicating, increased conflict with family members, verbal or physical outbursts, or avoiding others because you feel so overwhelmed.”

When responding to stress, it’s important to focus on what can be controlled: prioritizing and managing one’s time, controlling one’s attitude, and controlling physical responses.

“Simplify your schedule and set boundaries when possible,” Schrick said. “To control your attitude, look at the big pictures instead of the current situation. Make a list of your current stressors and the resources you have to meet them.”

When upset by a certain problem or situation, take a moment to breathe before responding. Schrick said it can also be helpful to avoid stimulants when possible. “Coffee, tobacco and other stimulants can cause physical stress symptoms to worsen,” Schrick said.

Finding help

According to a 2019 Office of Rural Health study, at least part of every county in Arkansas is a federally designated Medically Underserved Area. For 80 percent of the state’s 75 counties, the entire county is designated as a Medically Underserved Area.  

This lack of access to providers—for both physical and mental health—makes it difficult for farmers to get the care they need.

“If you don’t have access to a mental health professional, who are you going to? You might go to your doctor, but are farmers great about doing that?” Schrick said. “Even taking care of physical health is not always a priority among farming groups, so taking the leap to mental health is often a bridge too far for folks who work in this industry.”

In addition to unique stressors such as weather, supply chain interference, and machinery breakdown and maintenance, farmers also face isolation, which can exacerbate existing stress.

“The isolation of working alone for long periods of time, while always a risky part of farming, can be especially problematic during tough times,” Schrick said.

Socially disadvantaged farmers, including farmers of color, may experience compounding stressors such as limited access to loans and other monetary support, higher rates of poverty, and a lack of culturally competent outreach, Schrick said.

Offer and accept help from community

Stress levels can sometimes escalate beyond what people feel like they can handle, Schrick said. It’s important to check in with the people in one’s community and ask for help when needed, even if reaching out feels difficult.

“Rural communities rely on each other,” Schrick said. “Offering and accepting help is the nature of rural living. Communities couldn’t survive without this. Notice I have not mentioned asking for help—that tends to be where difficulties arise.”

Because of the way people in rural communities are often raised and expected to be independent, Schrick said “assumptions of self-sufficiency and self-reliance can make it difficult to ask for help or lead to viewing the need for help as a sign of weakness.”

The most important implement of success to a farm is the farmer, Schrick said. In the same way that sustainable farming practices are implemented to ensure the future of a farm, efforts must be taken to sustain the farmer, too.

“Any investment that you make in yourself—for mental health, your physical health, your family and social network—is an investment in your operation,” Schrick said. “You would take care of a broken or rusty implement because you can’t run a farm without them. The same goes for yourself.”

For more information about managing farm stress, contact Schrick at bschrick@uada.edu or visit the Cooperative Extension Service’s Farm Stress Management and Resilience Project website.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. People can call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.

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.

American Society of Animal Science names Arkansas researcher distinguished service award winner

By Robby Edwards
Director of Communications
Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Beth Kegley, professor of animal science for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, has been named recipient of the 2023 Southern Section Animal Science Distinguished Service Award by the American Society of Animal Science.

She will be presented the award at meetings in Raleigh, North Carolina, later this month.

SERVICE — Beth Kegley was named the 2023 Southern Section Animal Science Distinguished Service Award winner by the American Society of Animal Science.

Kegley conducts research for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. She also teaches animal science courses for the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.

“An important part of any faculty's position is service to the department, the Division of Agriculture, the college and the profession,” said Mike Looper, head of the department of animal science. “Dr. Kegley excels in all of these areas. She stays busy providing valuable service to our students, stakeholders and our professional society. This is great recognition and a well-deserved award for Dr. Kegley.”

Kegley received her bachelor’s degree in animal science from Virginia Tech in 1986, her master’s in 1989 and her Ph.D. in 1996, both from North Carolina State University. Kegley joined the faculty of the University of Arkansas System in 1996 and was promoted to professor in 2007.

Her research focus is the impact of nutrition on the immune response, disease resistance and growth performance of beef cattle.

Kegley, who grew up on a dairy, beef and sheep farm in Virginia, teaches the graduate level Ruminant Nutrition, Energetics and Mineral Metabolism courses. She supervises the Stocker and Receiving Cattle Research Facility and the shared departmental nutrition lab.

She has served as an officer in the Southern Section of the American Society of Animal Science from 2005-09 and as national ASAS president in 2019-20.

ASAS fosters the discovery, sharing and application of scientific knowledge concerning the care and responsible use of animals to enhance animal and human health and well-being. The core principles of ASAS are: animals are essential to human life and well-being; the care and use of animals are held to the highest standards of integrity and professional ethics; research and scientific information are communicated in an open, transparent and dynamic manner; career development for animal scientists, educators and producers is essential to the viability of the allied and animal industries; and animal science and the production of animal-sourced foods must continually evolve to meet the needs and values of society.

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.

Ice storm recovery: Assess the damage safely

By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK —  Even though the ice storm has passed, some of its dangers haven’t.

Some parts of Arkansas received three rounds of wintry weather this week. The National Weather Service at Little Rock said parts of the north Arkansas received 1 to 2 inches of sleet. Across the central part of the state,  from Oklahoma to the Mississipppi River, freezing rain dropped more than a quarter inch of ice.

Wintry precipitation plagued the southern half of the state Wednesday into Thursday. Some 72,000 people across southern Arkansas were without power on Thursday.

The ice and sleet weighed heavily on trees, arching pines and in some cases, breaking trees. Adding to the danger is saturated soil from melting ice,  making it easier for top-heavy trees to fall.

DOWNED — Tree made top-heavy by ice tumbled into the side of a house in Pulaski County. The tree was uprooted as soils became saturated. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo)

Sounds like an artillery range
Bear State Tales podcaster Matt Manos of Star City described the “steady rumble of tree and large limbs falling south side of Lincoln County” in his @PJMountexplorer Twitter account. With an image of an ice-covered tree falling across a road, he said “’we have moved to the 'sounds like an artillery range’ portion of the ice storm in Lincoln County.” His video snippet of a large falling limb makes the point.

What next?
As the weather clears, homeowners and landowners will be out assessing their properties for potential damage.

First, “stay away from power lines,” said Vic Ford, a forester who heads extension’s agriculture and natural resources for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “Report them to the local utility and let the professionals take care of them.”

The next step is to “do a hazard assessment for damaged trees,” said Kyle Cunningham, extension forester for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “What targets are in the path if a tree or limb falls? Injured trees that pose high threats to humans or structures should be dealt with first.

“If the threat to nearby targets is not as significant, removal of those stems can be completed at a more convenient time,” Cunningham said. “Tree removal should include professional assistance, preferably from a certified arborist.”

Cunningham said property owners also need to “evaluate how severe the injury to the tree is.”

“Should I remove the injured portion of the tree or the entire tree? The answer to this question is best answered by an arborist,” he said. “Some rules-of-thumb are that if you can remove less than one-quarter of the tree crown, limb removal will likely not significantly impact tree health. If you must remove greater than one-quarter of the tree crown, risk to tree health, vigor and structural soundness may become questionable.”

What about the bent trees?

“Small trees may appear to permanently bent but research has shown that small trees have an amazing ability to straighten in a few months,” Ford said.

Ford said broken branches should be evaluated when it is safe to examine them. 

“Cutting the broken branches if still attached and trimming up the stub may ensure tree health for the future,” he said.

“The time to remove branches that may cause damage is not during the storm, but way before any storm hits,” Ford said. “Examine the large branches and remove them if they can damage property if they fall. Dead branches should always be removed. A licensed arborist is the best bet to determine proper care of large trees.”

The Cooperative Extension Service has a page dedicated to disaster recovery, including dealing with trees.

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.

Proclamation on Career and Technical Education Month in Arkansas

WHEREAS: Career and technical education (CTE) offers students the opportunity to gain the academic, technical, and employability skills necessary for true career readiness; 
 
WHEREAS: Students in career and technical education programs participate in authentic, meaningful experiences that improve the quality of their education and increase student engagement and achievement;  
 
WHEREAS: Career and technical education provides students with career exploration opportunities earlier in their educational experience, which enables them to make informed and beneficial decisions about their academic coursework as well as the pursuit of established programs of study and career pathways; 
 
WHEREAS: Leaders from business and industry nationwide report increasing challenges related to addressing the skills gap and connecting qualified professionals with available careers in critical and growing CTE-related fields, including healthcare, energy, advanced manufacturing, and information technology; 
 
WHEREAS: Career and technical education prepares students for these and other fulfilling careers by offering integrated programs of study that link secondary and postsecondary education and lead to the attainment of industry-recognized credentials; 
 
WHEREAS: Ensuring that employers have access to a qualified workforce is a crucial step in ensuring productivity among the business and industry communities as well as continued American economic growth and global competitiveness; and
 
WHEREAS:  A core pillar of my education reform plan – Arkansas LEARNS – is readiness, placing a stronger emphasis on policies that prepare our kids for the workforce, not a lifetime of government dependency;
 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim February 2023, as 

“CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH IN ARKANSAS”

And I urge all citizens to join voluntarily me in recognizing these healthcare professionals for their contribution in adding to the quality of life in our country
 
           IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 31st day of January, in the year of our Lord 2023.

House Education chair says omnibus bill needed to ensure all reforms work together

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

House Education Committee chairman Rep. Brian Evans, R-Cabot, said Sunday (Feb. 5) that it is important having an omnibus education reform bill in order to ensure different levels of change connect.

Appearing this week on Capitol View, Evans said Gov. Sarah Sanders’ changes to state education policy will begin with Pre-K, including reading literacy at several K-12 levels, and include career readiness and preparation for post-secondary education.

“…All of those are integral pieces of the process, and so if you break that out into individual bills and one piece or two pieces of those don’t make it through the process, then you’ve actually put a kink in the whole growth process of that student from pre-K to 12,” he said. “I think that’s the impact and the stimulus behind there being one complete bill because it encompasses the whole process and the growth of the child.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/02/house-education-chair-says-omnibus-bill-needed-to-ensure-all-reforms-work-together/

Women’s Foundation of Arkansas leader says recent report shows state far from level playing field

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

Amidst the backdrop of an Arkansas Women’s Commission report that was delivered in December, a new bill to end affirmative action may seem tone deaf.

In December 2022, former Gov. Asa Hutchinson received the results of a year-long task force from the commission he created which looked at women’s roles in the labor force for the first time in nearly 50 years.

“Women in Arkansas continue to bear the greatest burden of family care, which includes child and elder care, and COVID-19 further brought this open secret into stark relief. The Commission’s recommendations are equally unsurprising. There is not much about reducing the barriers to women in Arkansas – in wages, in professional advancement, in access to child care, or in terms of access to health care – that is novel. What deserves continued vigilance is working together to address them,” the report said.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/02/womens-foundation-of-arkansas-leader-says-recent-report-shows-state-far-from-level-playing-field/

Former State Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson receives 46-month sentence

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

Former Arkansas State Senator Jeremy Hutchinson, R-Little Rock, was sentenced Friday (Feb. 3) to 46 months in federal prison for his role in tax fraud and bribery scheme.

Hutchinson, 48, is the son of former U.S. Senator Tim Hutchinson and the nephew of former Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

Hutchinson pleaded guilty on June 25, 2019, in the Eastern District of Arkansas to filing a false tax return; pleaded guilty on June 25, 2019, to an information filed in the Western District of Arkansas to conspiracy to commit federal program bribery; and pleaded guilty in the Western District of Missouri on July 8, 2019, to conspiracy to commit federal program bribery.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/02/former-state-sen-jeremy-hutchinson-receives-46-month-sentence/

Former Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson, R-Little Rock (photo courtesy of KUAR)

Hay production drops to its lowest level in 11 years

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

Fertilizer prices and drought last year decimated hay production in the United States. The country had its biggest decline in 11 years with stocks at their lowest level since data collection began, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

The Natural State didn’t fare much better.

Arkansas farmers harvested 1.09 million hay acres last year, an 8% decline when compared to the previous year. Those acres yielded two tons per acre, a 10% yearly drop in yield. About 2.19 million tons of hay was produced, a 16% drop.

https://talkbusiness.net/2023/02/hay-production-drops-to-its-lowest-level-in-11-years/

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.