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Arrest Reports: 12/18
Riso Aini of Herber Springs was arrested on 12/19 for failure to appear and failure to appear.
Heather Lander of Berryville was arrested on 12/18 for failure to appear.
There are currently 76 inmates housed in the Carroll County detention center.
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News for Friday, December 20, 2024
Over $6,200 awarded to Carroll County programsin 2024 through funds collected from wildlife violations--
CARROLL COUNTY - Local school districts received over $6,200 in grants through a state program funded by fines from wildlife violations.
In total, Carroll County school districts received $6,210 through the Arkansas Game and Fish Wildlife Conservation Education Grant Program. The grants included $1,918 to Berryville Middle School to fund its youth shooting sports program.
Clear Spring School received $300 to start a pollinator garden. Eureka Springs High School received $1,918 in funding for its Archery in the Schools (AIS) program, and $1,774 in funding to purchase a wired release system for their trap machine and targets.
Green Forest High School received a $300 grant to purchase owl pellets to dissect in its science classrooms.
In Boone County, $3,147.52 was awarded between the Harrison and Lead Hill school districts to purchase archery and shooting materials, fund a day hike field trip to Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center and to build a butterfly garden at Harrison Kindergarten.
Kingston High School in Madison County received $2,886 for its archery program. St. Paul High School received nearly $12,000 for shooting sports materials and for an outdoor classroom featuring a greenhouse, outdoor white board and a gardening area.
In total, the program provided more than $537,000 in conservation grants to Arkansas school districts in 2024.
The program has approximately $5,750 in available funding in Carroll County for 2025, $3,597 in Boone County and $9,678 in Madison.
The grant program is entirely funded by fines collected from wildlife violation convictions. Fines from wildlife violations are not used for vehicles, salaries or other operations conducted by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. In fact, it never really leaves the county where it was collected. Instead, those dollars are given to the AEDC, which fulfills grant requests for conservation education in that county.
Any school or conservation district in Arkansas may apply for these grants, regardless of size or population.
The following activities meet the criteria for funding:
-Field trips to AGFC nature centers, hatcheries or wildlife management areas-AGFC-sponsored archery and trap programs-AGFC-sponsored educator workshops-Schoolyard wildlife and butterfly habitats-Outdoor classroom supplies-Wildlife biology or recreation supplies-Conservation education materials
More information on the program, a link to the application site and a county-by-county list of grant money is available at www.agfc.com/conservationgrants.
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Ways to teach kids to serve this Christmas
Around Christmastime, one of the words you’ll hear most frequently from a child’s mouth is, “Presents!” It’s ironic that just a slight change in spelling leads to a different word that points to the deeper meaning of Christmas—the presence of God.
“[Mary] will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
Matthew 1:23 NLT
While Christmas is an important time to love our own church family, we can also use it as a time to share with others the joy that Jesus came to earth. Just as God came to us, we also can go into the world to share his love. Christmas is a wonderful time to help children understand this concept. While serving in our communities and our world, we can also bring God’s presence to others.
Christmas is often a busy season for churches with celebrations and programs for families and small groups. Some of these busy activities could shift from just a celebration within the walls of the church to outreach beyond the church walls. There are so many ways to care for families, children, and others in our neighborhood and city ministries. It’s also a great time to find ways to serve the global community.
Here are 11 ways you can get your children involved in serving others this Christmas:
Collect hygiene supplies (soaps, deodorants, toothbrushes, toothpastes, etc.) to give to homeless ministries.
Decorate paper bags with the Christmas story or Bible verses to “gift wrap” supplies and snacks for guests at shelters. You could even use a themed Christmas gift bag.
Work as a group to adopt a family through a local community center or a program such as Angel Tree Christmas
Take a group to serve at a local food pantry (children can stock shelves or deliver and wrap boxes).
Collect and assemble shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child (older children could volunteer at a processing center).
Sponsor a child or family through an organization like World Vision, Compassion International, or denominational outreach programs.
Bake and deliver holiday treats to first responders or other community helpers.
Have kids collect coins to raise money for national and international missions.
Offer a free gift-wrapping station at a local shopping center (kids can help make tags and stick-on bows if they aren’t quite the best wrappers yet).
Sponsor a booth and let your kids distribute hot cocoa, water, and Christmas treats at a Christmas parade or festival. It’s a great way for younger members of the youth group to work with the children’s ministry.
Volunteer to read Christmas stories at local after-school programs or ministries (children can minister to other children).
Remember to emphasize that giving to others gives you the chance to share God’s love during Christmas (or at any time)! Giving doesn’t always entail an actual “gift,” sometimes you can give a listening ear or give your time as a friend. For us as Christ’s children, we can use Christmas as a chance to be reminded that he came to be “God with us.” Remember that we are trying to show God’s presence even as we give presents this season!
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Racey named interim director of AGFC,search for permanent director to begin
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission named Chris Racey the interim director of the agency in a special meeting Monday. Racey will serve in that capacity while the agency performs a nationwide search for a permanent director.
Racey thanked the Commission for their confidence in him and gave much credit to the AGFC’s outgoing director, Austin Booth, who announced his upcoming resignation in November.
“Thanks to Austin, we have a direction and an excellent staff to rely on to get the job done,” Racey said. “I look forward to working with the Commission, our conservation partners, the public and the AGFC staff to maintain the standard of excellence he has set.”
Racey will begin his term as interim director Jan. 4 after Booth’s final day at the agency on Jan. 3.
“I am fortunate to not only have worked with him in the last few years, but to have him available during this time of transition,” Racey said. “He is an invaluable resource who will be greatly missed by staff and sportsmen alike and I wish him all the best in his future pursuits.”
Racey has worked for the AGFC since October 2005 and has served as the agency’s chief of staff since November 2021. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Grove City College in Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in fisheries biology from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 2001. He worked at UAPB as a research associate before coming on board with the AGFC’s Family and Community Fishing Program, where he managed fisheries for Pulaski County, including Lake Maumelle and the Arkansas River, and maintained stocking programs for FCFP locations, often driving the hatchery truck to deliver catfish and trout to anglers in underserved communities. He also has served roles as assistant chief and chief of the AGFC Fisheries Division as well as a role as the agency’s human dimensions specialist in the AGFC Communications Division.
The Commission also unanimously approved a motion to formally request the AGFC’s Human Resources team to start the process of obtaining quotes from search firms to conduct an internal and external search to identify candidates for the agency’s next director.
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State Capitol Week in Review
By Senator Bryan B. King
The financial health of the state Teacher Retirement System has been steadily improving over the past decade.
For example, using very conservative criteria, retirement systems are generally considered healthy if their “funded ratio” is above 80 percent. Ten years ago it was below 80 percent but at the end of last fiscal year it was 84.6 percent. This measure the system’s capacity to pay for all future benefits of both retired and active members.
Improvement is also indicated if you measure the system’s financial health by its amortization period. Actuaries estimate that within 20 years the system will be 100 percent funded. That compares favorably to the amortization period of ten years ago, when it was an estimated 33 years. It is a marked improvement over last year’s estimated 26 year estimate.
The ratio is 100 percent when taking into account only retired members. The system has enough funds to fully pay for all future benefits of every retired beneficiary, for the rest of their lives.
According to the system’s director, who sends regular updates to members, the retirement system hire consultants to recommend how to best make investments. The investments are diversified, to protect from excessive loss in a particular category and withstand market volatility.
About 56 percent of the system’s investments are in publicly-traded stocks, while 13.4 percent are in bonds and other fixed income categories. Alternative investments, such as hedge funds, make up 5.1 percent of total investments. Real estate accounts for 6.7 percent, private equity 13.4 percent and agriculture, timber and infrastructure 4.9 percent.
Assets are evaluated after adjusting for losses and gains over a four-year period, and at the end of last fiscal year the system’s investments earned 9.75 percent.
A snapshot of the system’s finances demonstrates how its financial health has improved over the past few years. At the end of Fiscal Year 2024 its assets were $22.4 billion. A decade ago its assets were $15 billion.
The system has 142,000 members. About 68,000 are active and 56,000 are retired. Almost 3,000 are in the T-DROP program and almost 15,000 are inactive.
The Teacher Retirement System is the largest public retirement fund in Arkansas. Its Board of Trustees makes decisions after considering their long-term effect. To quote from the system’s web page: “The ATRS Board makes decisions in terms of decades, not days, weeks, or months.”
Junk Food Restrictions
The governor announced that Arkansas would seek permission from federal agencies to prohibit the use of food stamps for sugary soft drinks and junk food snacks. The food stamp program is now called SNAP, for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
In a letter to federal officials, the governor said that SNAP “is undermining the health of millions of Americans, on the taxpayer’s dime, by encouraging families to eat highly processed, unhealthy junk food…. our federal food assistance policies are fueling obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and a wide range of chronic health conditions across America.”
CARROLL COUNTY - Local school districts received over $6,200 in grants through a state program funded by fines from wildlife violations.
In total, Carroll County school districts received $6,210 through the Arkansas Game and Fish Wildlife Conservation Education Grant Program. The grants included $1,918 to Berryville Middle School to fund its youth shooting sports program.
Clear Spring School received $300 to start a pollinator garden. Eureka Springs High School received $1,918 in funding for its Archery in the Schools (AIS) program, and $1,774 in funding to purchase a wired release system for their trap machine and targets.
Green Forest High School received a $300 grant to purchase owl pellets to dissect in its science classrooms.
In Boone County, $3,147.52 was awarded between the Harrison and Lead Hill school districts to purchase archery and shooting materials, fund a day hike field trip to Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center and to build a butterfly garden at Harrison Kindergarten.
Kingston High School in Madison County received $2,886 for its archery program. St. Paul High School received nearly $12,000 for shooting sports materials and for an outdoor classroom featuring a greenhouse, outdoor white board and a gardening area.
In total, the program provided more than $537,000 in conservation grants to Arkansas school districts in 2024.
The program has approximately $5,750 in available funding in Carroll County for 2025, $3,597 in Boone County and $9,678 in Madison.
The grant program is entirely funded by fines collected from wildlife violation convictions. Fines from wildlife violations are not used for vehicles, salaries or other operations conducted by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. In fact, it never really leaves the county where it was collected. Instead, those dollars are given to the AEDC, which fulfills grant requests for conservation education in that county.
Any school or conservation district in Arkansas may apply for these grants, regardless of size or population.
The following activities meet the criteria for funding:
-Field trips to AGFC nature centers, hatcheries or wildlife management areas-AGFC-sponsored archery and trap programs-AGFC-sponsored educator workshops-Schoolyard wildlife and butterfly habitats-Outdoor classroom supplies-Wildlife biology or recreation supplies-Conservation education materials
More information on the program, a link to the application site and a county-by-county list of grant money is available at www.agfc.com/conservationgrants.
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Ways to teach kids to serve this Christmas
Around Christmastime, one of the words you’ll hear most frequently from a child’s mouth is, “Presents!” It’s ironic that just a slight change in spelling leads to a different word that points to the deeper meaning of Christmas—the presence of God.
“[Mary] will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
Matthew 1:23 NLT
While Christmas is an important time to love our own church family, we can also use it as a time to share with others the joy that Jesus came to earth. Just as God came to us, we also can go into the world to share his love. Christmas is a wonderful time to help children understand this concept. While serving in our communities and our world, we can also bring God’s presence to others.
Christmas is often a busy season for churches with celebrations and programs for families and small groups. Some of these busy activities could shift from just a celebration within the walls of the church to outreach beyond the church walls. There are so many ways to care for families, children, and others in our neighborhood and city ministries. It’s also a great time to find ways to serve the global community.
Here are 11 ways you can get your children involved in serving others this Christmas:
Collect hygiene supplies (soaps, deodorants, toothbrushes, toothpastes, etc.) to give to homeless ministries.
Decorate paper bags with the Christmas story or Bible verses to “gift wrap” supplies and snacks for guests at shelters. You could even use a themed Christmas gift bag.
Work as a group to adopt a family through a local community center or a program such as Angel Tree Christmas
Take a group to serve at a local food pantry (children can stock shelves or deliver and wrap boxes).
Collect and assemble shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child (older children could volunteer at a processing center).
Sponsor a child or family through an organization like World Vision, Compassion International, or denominational outreach programs.
Bake and deliver holiday treats to first responders or other community helpers.
Have kids collect coins to raise money for national and international missions.
Offer a free gift-wrapping station at a local shopping center (kids can help make tags and stick-on bows if they aren’t quite the best wrappers yet).
Sponsor a booth and let your kids distribute hot cocoa, water, and Christmas treats at a Christmas parade or festival. It’s a great way for younger members of the youth group to work with the children’s ministry.
Volunteer to read Christmas stories at local after-school programs or ministries (children can minister to other children).
Remember to emphasize that giving to others gives you the chance to share God’s love during Christmas (or at any time)! Giving doesn’t always entail an actual “gift,” sometimes you can give a listening ear or give your time as a friend. For us as Christ’s children, we can use Christmas as a chance to be reminded that he came to be “God with us.” Remember that we are trying to show God’s presence even as we give presents this season!
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Racey named interim director of AGFC,search for permanent director to begin
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission named Chris Racey the interim director of the agency in a special meeting Monday. Racey will serve in that capacity while the agency performs a nationwide search for a permanent director.
Racey thanked the Commission for their confidence in him and gave much credit to the AGFC’s outgoing director, Austin Booth, who announced his upcoming resignation in November.
“Thanks to Austin, we have a direction and an excellent staff to rely on to get the job done,” Racey said. “I look forward to working with the Commission, our conservation partners, the public and the AGFC staff to maintain the standard of excellence he has set.”
Racey will begin his term as interim director Jan. 4 after Booth’s final day at the agency on Jan. 3.
“I am fortunate to not only have worked with him in the last few years, but to have him available during this time of transition,” Racey said. “He is an invaluable resource who will be greatly missed by staff and sportsmen alike and I wish him all the best in his future pursuits.”
Racey has worked for the AGFC since October 2005 and has served as the agency’s chief of staff since November 2021. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Grove City College in Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in fisheries biology from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 2001. He worked at UAPB as a research associate before coming on board with the AGFC’s Family and Community Fishing Program, where he managed fisheries for Pulaski County, including Lake Maumelle and the Arkansas River, and maintained stocking programs for FCFP locations, often driving the hatchery truck to deliver catfish and trout to anglers in underserved communities. He also has served roles as assistant chief and chief of the AGFC Fisheries Division as well as a role as the agency’s human dimensions specialist in the AGFC Communications Division.
The Commission also unanimously approved a motion to formally request the AGFC’s Human Resources team to start the process of obtaining quotes from search firms to conduct an internal and external search to identify candidates for the agency’s next director.
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State Capitol Week in Review
By Senator Bryan B. King
The financial health of the state Teacher Retirement System has been steadily improving over the past decade.
For example, using very conservative criteria, retirement systems are generally considered healthy if their “funded ratio” is above 80 percent. Ten years ago it was below 80 percent but at the end of last fiscal year it was 84.6 percent. This measure the system’s capacity to pay for all future benefits of both retired and active members.
Improvement is also indicated if you measure the system’s financial health by its amortization period. Actuaries estimate that within 20 years the system will be 100 percent funded. That compares favorably to the amortization period of ten years ago, when it was an estimated 33 years. It is a marked improvement over last year’s estimated 26 year estimate.
The ratio is 100 percent when taking into account only retired members. The system has enough funds to fully pay for all future benefits of every retired beneficiary, for the rest of their lives.
According to the system’s director, who sends regular updates to members, the retirement system hire consultants to recommend how to best make investments. The investments are diversified, to protect from excessive loss in a particular category and withstand market volatility.
About 56 percent of the system’s investments are in publicly-traded stocks, while 13.4 percent are in bonds and other fixed income categories. Alternative investments, such as hedge funds, make up 5.1 percent of total investments. Real estate accounts for 6.7 percent, private equity 13.4 percent and agriculture, timber and infrastructure 4.9 percent.
Assets are evaluated after adjusting for losses and gains over a four-year period, and at the end of last fiscal year the system’s investments earned 9.75 percent.
A snapshot of the system’s finances demonstrates how its financial health has improved over the past few years. At the end of Fiscal Year 2024 its assets were $22.4 billion. A decade ago its assets were $15 billion.
The system has 142,000 members. About 68,000 are active and 56,000 are retired. Almost 3,000 are in the T-DROP program and almost 15,000 are inactive.
The Teacher Retirement System is the largest public retirement fund in Arkansas. Its Board of Trustees makes decisions after considering their long-term effect. To quote from the system’s web page: “The ATRS Board makes decisions in terms of decades, not days, weeks, or months.”
Junk Food Restrictions
The governor announced that Arkansas would seek permission from federal agencies to prohibit the use of food stamps for sugary soft drinks and junk food snacks. The food stamp program is now called SNAP, for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
In a letter to federal officials, the governor said that SNAP “is undermining the health of millions of Americans, on the taxpayer’s dime, by encouraging families to eat highly processed, unhealthy junk food…. our federal food assistance policies are fueling obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and a wide range of chronic health conditions across America.”
News for Thursday, December 19, 2024
Gov. Sanders calls on Congressto pass Kids Online Safety Act
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is calling on federal legislators to pass a bill circulating the U.S. Congress that would regulate how and when children can access social media.
The statistics on mental health issues among youth are staggering. Almost half of U.S. teens have experienced bullying or harassment online. Between 2010 and 2019, teen depression rates doubled, with teenage girls seeing the sharpest increase. In 2021, almost a third of girls said they seriously considered attempting suicide.
A New York Times article cited a study claiming children between the ages of 8 and 12 spend an average of over 5 hours per day on their screens, while teenagers log over 8 hours every day.
This week, Sanders addressed a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and said that she has seen firsthand the rise in mental illness among the younger generations.
“I am writing in support of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a critical piece of legislation to ensure our kids’ safety online,” Sanders wrote. “I am the Governor of Arkansas, but I am also a mom to three, and I have seen firsthand the alarming rise in mental illness among my kids’ generation.”
The governor wrote that major tech companies know their algorithms are harming kids and it’s time for lawmakers to act.
“Big Tech companies know their algorithms are harming kids. They have been given chance after chance to fix the problem themselves; now, it is time for lawmakers to take action,” the governor wrote. “These companies are spending millions of dollars lobbying against legislation that installs commonsense safeguards on their platforms, and millions more suing states like Arkansas that take preventative steps to protect kids. It is time for a federal fix to this nationwide problem.”
According to a report from the Associated Press in July, Congress hasn’t passed a law to protect children on the internet in 26 years.
“The last time Congress passed a law to protect children on the internet was in 1998 — before Facebook, before the iPhone and long before today’s oldest teenagers were born,” the report said.
In the AP’s report, it said that if KOSA passed, it would require companies to take reasonable steps to prevent harm on online platforms that minors are likely to use.
“They would have to “prevent and mitigate” harms to children, including bullying and violence, the promotion of suicide, eating disorders, substance abuse, sexual exploitation and advertisements for illegal products such as narcotics, tobacco or alcohol,” the Associated Press said.
In her letter, the governor said that unrestricted social media use for kids is an “unmitigated disaster.”
“America experimented with unrestricted social media use for our kids and the results of that experiment are clear: it is an unmitigated disaster,” the governor wrote. “We need to reverse these alarming trends and protect kids online. I urge you to act quickly to pass KOSA before the end of the year and protect our children.”
She also highlighted the bestselling book, The Anxious Generation, by Dr. Jonathan Haidt which highlights the potentially destructive nature of social media usage at an early age.
"[Dr. Haidt] has been a clear voice on this issue. I sent a copy of his book to every legislator in Arkansas and every governor in the country, hoping to spur a nationwide movement to get our kids off screens. Arkansas was the first state in the country to enact age limits on social media – though Big Tech companies are suing us and have blocked our policies in court. Last summer, our state rolled out a statewide program to give schools resources to go phone-free. Last week, I hosted Dr. Haidt over two days, touring schools, and speaking to teachers, students, and parents, and hearing about how social media and smartphones are disrupting classrooms, fueling mental health problems, and interfering with childhood development."
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is calling on federal legislators to pass a bill circulating the U.S. Congress that would regulate how and when children can access social media.
The statistics on mental health issues among youth are staggering. Almost half of U.S. teens have experienced bullying or harassment online. Between 2010 and 2019, teen depression rates doubled, with teenage girls seeing the sharpest increase. In 2021, almost a third of girls said they seriously considered attempting suicide.
A New York Times article cited a study claiming children between the ages of 8 and 12 spend an average of over 5 hours per day on their screens, while teenagers log over 8 hours every day.
This week, Sanders addressed a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and said that she has seen firsthand the rise in mental illness among the younger generations.
“I am writing in support of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a critical piece of legislation to ensure our kids’ safety online,” Sanders wrote. “I am the Governor of Arkansas, but I am also a mom to three, and I have seen firsthand the alarming rise in mental illness among my kids’ generation.”
The governor wrote that major tech companies know their algorithms are harming kids and it’s time for lawmakers to act.
“Big Tech companies know their algorithms are harming kids. They have been given chance after chance to fix the problem themselves; now, it is time for lawmakers to take action,” the governor wrote. “These companies are spending millions of dollars lobbying against legislation that installs commonsense safeguards on their platforms, and millions more suing states like Arkansas that take preventative steps to protect kids. It is time for a federal fix to this nationwide problem.”
According to a report from the Associated Press in July, Congress hasn’t passed a law to protect children on the internet in 26 years.
“The last time Congress passed a law to protect children on the internet was in 1998 — before Facebook, before the iPhone and long before today’s oldest teenagers were born,” the report said.
In the AP’s report, it said that if KOSA passed, it would require companies to take reasonable steps to prevent harm on online platforms that minors are likely to use.
“They would have to “prevent and mitigate” harms to children, including bullying and violence, the promotion of suicide, eating disorders, substance abuse, sexual exploitation and advertisements for illegal products such as narcotics, tobacco or alcohol,” the Associated Press said.
In her letter, the governor said that unrestricted social media use for kids is an “unmitigated disaster.”
“America experimented with unrestricted social media use for our kids and the results of that experiment are clear: it is an unmitigated disaster,” the governor wrote. “We need to reverse these alarming trends and protect kids online. I urge you to act quickly to pass KOSA before the end of the year and protect our children.”
She also highlighted the bestselling book, The Anxious Generation, by Dr. Jonathan Haidt which highlights the potentially destructive nature of social media usage at an early age.
"[Dr. Haidt] has been a clear voice on this issue. I sent a copy of his book to every legislator in Arkansas and every governor in the country, hoping to spur a nationwide movement to get our kids off screens. Arkansas was the first state in the country to enact age limits on social media – though Big Tech companies are suing us and have blocked our policies in court. Last summer, our state rolled out a statewide program to give schools resources to go phone-free. Last week, I hosted Dr. Haidt over two days, touring schools, and speaking to teachers, students, and parents, and hearing about how social media and smartphones are disrupting classrooms, fueling mental health problems, and interfering with childhood development."
News for Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Berryville Library building project put out to bid
BERRYVILLE - The Friends of the Berryville Library are excited to announce that the library building project has officially been put out to bid by Nabholz Construction Company. This marks a significant milestone in their commitment to building a new library without the support of any local tax dollars.
The Friends began fundraising on April 1, 2021, and have raised over $3.3 million for this project. This leaves under $200,000 left to raise to meet the projected $3.5 million needed to cover the cost of building the new library.
The library building project aims to provide the citizens of Berryville and the surrounding area with a state-of-the-art facility to serve as a hub for information, technology, and community events. Key features of the new library include expanded reading and meeting areas, dedicated spaces for children and teens, and two private study rooms.
Nabholz Construction Company, known for its excellence and reliability in the construction industry, has been selected to manage the construction and bidding process. Interested contractors are invited to submit their bids by January 14, 2025. There will be a pre-bid meeting this Thursday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. at the building site located on Basore Avenue across from the Berryville City Pool and Park. You can request an invitation link with detailed project specifications and requirements by emailing Leo Castillo, Nabholz SR Preconstruction Specialist, at leo.castillo@nabholz.com. Drawings are available for purchase at Southern Reprographics and AB Reprographics, if hard copies are needed.
“We are thrilled to take this next step with Nabholz Construction as we work towards our goal of creating a public library that truly meets the needs of our community,” said Joe Scott, Building Committee Chairman. “The library is a busy place and we look forward to having a building big enough to accommodate all the different programs, activities, and services our library offers for people of all ages.”
We encourage local contractors to participate in this bidding opportunity and join us in being a part of our story of building a vibrant new library that will serve this community for generations to come.
For more information about the library building project or to make a donation to the Building Fund, please visit berryvillelibrary.org/building or contact Kristy Noble Tesch at (870) 654-6565.
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Arkansas poultry industry sees reduced disease impact, job market woes
FAYETTEVILLE - Despite a decrease in the influence of highly pathogenic avian influenza — HPAI — on Arkansas’ poultry industry, restructuring and closing of plants have posed increased challenges in the poultry producer-integrator dynamic.
The outbreak of HPAI has infected more than 120 million birds nationwide since it began in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The deadly virus was first detected in Arkansas in October 2022 and affected 56,000 commercial birds that year. In 2023, that number rose to over 255,000.
As of mid-December, Arkansas has seen no commercial poultry HPAI detections this year, a trend with causes rooted in Arkansas’ production demographics, according to Jada Thompson, associate professor of agricultural economics and agribusiness for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“I think for Arkansas, we’ve been pretty lucky … it hasn’t been as big of a direct impact on growers here,” she said.
She noted the outbreak’s impact is in large part based on poultry type. Poultry can be divided into broilers, layers and turkeys, with broilers being chickens for meat production, layers being chickens for egg production, and turkeys being raised for meat production.
She explained that since Arkansas has more broilers than layers or turkeys and that “most outbreaks … are where you see large concentrations” of the latter two, Arkansas has not been impacted as severely.
Thompson also attributed Arkansas’ decrease in HPAI detections to its climate and geographical location. The current HPAI strain, H5N1, travels through wildlife along the wild bird flyways, with Arkansas in the Mississippi Flyway, but does not do as well in warmer environments like Arkansas, Thompson noted.
The decrease in commercial infections does not mean Arkansas is out of the woods, as Dustan Clark, extension poultry health veterinarian for the Division of Agriculture, explained.
In December, three positive HPAI detections were found in backyard flocks in Lafayette, Craighead and Pope Counties.
He explained that with detections not matching previous years’ higher numbers, individuals can become fatigued in their efforts to mitigate the introduction of disease into a flock. Nevertheless, he urged others to practice biosecurity by recognizing signs of illness, refraining from bringing home animals suspected of being diseased and contacting the appropriate service personnel, such as a local veterinarian, the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Division or USDA.
“Vigilance is key; if you see something in your birds that just does not look right, get help,” he said.
While Arkansas has not lost any commercial flocks due to HPAI this year, and the state ranks third for turkey production, turkeys raised nationally have gone down 6 percent since last year, according to this year’s USDA Turkeys Raised report.
Industry restructuring leads to employment troublePoultry processing plant closures have also had an impact on the industry, Thompson said, with restructuring efforts leading to loss of jobs and canceled contracts for growers.
In late 2023, Cooks Venture, a poultry company focused on raising a specialty chicken breed, closed unexpectedly, citing financial trouble and giving employees and stakeholders just days’ notice. Growers who had contracted with the business were left with chickens that were ultimately euthanized because they weren’t allowed to keep their birds.
“I think the concern is always the relationship between the grower and the integrator,” Thompson said of the conflict. She went on to explain that the specialty focus of the venture presented challenges.
“I think right now, the new poultry companies that have been entering the markets are trying niche or specialty birds and markets, and sometimes it’s harder for those companies that have higher costs when you have economic downturn,” she said.
Arkansas isn’t alone in terms of processing plant closures.
“I think the plant closures have been impactful this year,” Thompson said, citing restructuring within the poultry industry across the U.S.
Larger, well-established companies oversee most poultry production phases such as feeding, slaughtering and processing, which also makes it harder for a new integrator or a new company to enter the market because of the large-scale efficiencies already in place, she explained.
There isn’t much money to be made per individual bird, “which is why we go back to those small-scale producers and those new players in the market and why they may face financial challenges,” she said.
Filling the knowledge gaps for industry profitabilityWhen asked of the biggest achievements of her research from this year, Thompson pointed to a study she conducted alongside James Mitchell, assistant professor of agricultural economics and agribusiness, and Trey Malone, formerly with the Division of Agriculture and now the Boehlje Endowed Chair for Managerial Economics in Agribusiness at Purdue University, investigating the impacts of generational bird losses due to HPAI.
“It takes chickens close to a month to hatch and five months to get to sexual maturity, which means if you have a layer that gets depopulated because of HPAI, it’s six months before you have another layer in her place,” she said of the work.
Looking toward the future, Thompson sees prices remaining fairly constant.
“I don’t see prices going down substantially. I think without some major external factor, I don’t think they’re going to go up either,” she said.
For HPAI concerns, commercial growers should contact their service technicians or flock managers. Backyard and hobby flock owners can contact their local veterinarian, county extension agent or call the Arkansas Department of Agriculture at 501-823-1746 or the USDA hotline at 866-536-7593.
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Turn Christmas leftovers into ‘Habitat for the Holidays’
When the eggnog is finished and the last of the holiday feasts are over, many live Christmas trees are destined to sit next to the road until the sanitation department picks them up. Instead of tossing your festive fir to the curb on Dec. 26, donate it to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Habitat for the Holidays program.
AGFC biologists throughout the state have designated special Christmas tree donation locations where you can deliver your tree so it can be used as fish habitat in local lakes.
The drop-off locations act just like a “take-a-penny, leave-a-penny tray” at a cashier’s station, only it’s for fish. Anyone who wants to drop off their natural Christmas tree can take it to a location and leave it. Any angler who wants to take the trees and sink them can do so throughout January. After that, AGFC staff will take the remainder of the trees and freshen up some of the existing fishing hotspots found on the AGFC interactive map.
Anglers should bring their own rope and weights to sink the trees. Paracord works well to bind trees together and attach the weight (sandbags and cinder blocks are most commonly used).
Christmas trees are relatively short-term habitat because they don’t have much thick woody material, but they can be gathered in clusters easily and sunk in large groups. The main stems will last longer than the wispy branches and continue to draw fish throughout the year. Many anglers use these Christmas trees to freshen up productive attractor sites every year, with the main trunks offering long-lasting cover and the branches of the new brush.
Artificial trees are not allowed at drop-off locations, and all ornaments, tinsel and lights should be removed before the trees are dropped off.
Trees can be left at any of the following locations until the end of January:
Northwest ArkansasBeaver Lake – Highway 12 Access, AGFC Don Roufa Highway 412 Access and Monte Ne Boat Ramp Access
Lake Elmdale – Boat Ramp Access
Bob Kidd Lake – Boat Ramp Access
Crystal Lake – Boat Ramp Access
Lake Fayetteville — Boat Ramp Access
BERRYVILLE - The Friends of the Berryville Library are excited to announce that the library building project has officially been put out to bid by Nabholz Construction Company. This marks a significant milestone in their commitment to building a new library without the support of any local tax dollars.
The Friends began fundraising on April 1, 2021, and have raised over $3.3 million for this project. This leaves under $200,000 left to raise to meet the projected $3.5 million needed to cover the cost of building the new library.
The library building project aims to provide the citizens of Berryville and the surrounding area with a state-of-the-art facility to serve as a hub for information, technology, and community events. Key features of the new library include expanded reading and meeting areas, dedicated spaces for children and teens, and two private study rooms.
Nabholz Construction Company, known for its excellence and reliability in the construction industry, has been selected to manage the construction and bidding process. Interested contractors are invited to submit their bids by January 14, 2025. There will be a pre-bid meeting this Thursday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. at the building site located on Basore Avenue across from the Berryville City Pool and Park. You can request an invitation link with detailed project specifications and requirements by emailing Leo Castillo, Nabholz SR Preconstruction Specialist, at leo.castillo@nabholz.com. Drawings are available for purchase at Southern Reprographics and AB Reprographics, if hard copies are needed.
“We are thrilled to take this next step with Nabholz Construction as we work towards our goal of creating a public library that truly meets the needs of our community,” said Joe Scott, Building Committee Chairman. “The library is a busy place and we look forward to having a building big enough to accommodate all the different programs, activities, and services our library offers for people of all ages.”
We encourage local contractors to participate in this bidding opportunity and join us in being a part of our story of building a vibrant new library that will serve this community for generations to come.
For more information about the library building project or to make a donation to the Building Fund, please visit berryvillelibrary.org/building or contact Kristy Noble Tesch at (870) 654-6565.
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Arkansas poultry industry sees reduced disease impact, job market woes
FAYETTEVILLE - Despite a decrease in the influence of highly pathogenic avian influenza — HPAI — on Arkansas’ poultry industry, restructuring and closing of plants have posed increased challenges in the poultry producer-integrator dynamic.
The outbreak of HPAI has infected more than 120 million birds nationwide since it began in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The deadly virus was first detected in Arkansas in October 2022 and affected 56,000 commercial birds that year. In 2023, that number rose to over 255,000.
As of mid-December, Arkansas has seen no commercial poultry HPAI detections this year, a trend with causes rooted in Arkansas’ production demographics, according to Jada Thompson, associate professor of agricultural economics and agribusiness for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“I think for Arkansas, we’ve been pretty lucky … it hasn’t been as big of a direct impact on growers here,” she said.
She noted the outbreak’s impact is in large part based on poultry type. Poultry can be divided into broilers, layers and turkeys, with broilers being chickens for meat production, layers being chickens for egg production, and turkeys being raised for meat production.
She explained that since Arkansas has more broilers than layers or turkeys and that “most outbreaks … are where you see large concentrations” of the latter two, Arkansas has not been impacted as severely.
Thompson also attributed Arkansas’ decrease in HPAI detections to its climate and geographical location. The current HPAI strain, H5N1, travels through wildlife along the wild bird flyways, with Arkansas in the Mississippi Flyway, but does not do as well in warmer environments like Arkansas, Thompson noted.
The decrease in commercial infections does not mean Arkansas is out of the woods, as Dustan Clark, extension poultry health veterinarian for the Division of Agriculture, explained.
In December, three positive HPAI detections were found in backyard flocks in Lafayette, Craighead and Pope Counties.
He explained that with detections not matching previous years’ higher numbers, individuals can become fatigued in their efforts to mitigate the introduction of disease into a flock. Nevertheless, he urged others to practice biosecurity by recognizing signs of illness, refraining from bringing home animals suspected of being diseased and contacting the appropriate service personnel, such as a local veterinarian, the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Division or USDA.
“Vigilance is key; if you see something in your birds that just does not look right, get help,” he said.
While Arkansas has not lost any commercial flocks due to HPAI this year, and the state ranks third for turkey production, turkeys raised nationally have gone down 6 percent since last year, according to this year’s USDA Turkeys Raised report.
Industry restructuring leads to employment troublePoultry processing plant closures have also had an impact on the industry, Thompson said, with restructuring efforts leading to loss of jobs and canceled contracts for growers.
In late 2023, Cooks Venture, a poultry company focused on raising a specialty chicken breed, closed unexpectedly, citing financial trouble and giving employees and stakeholders just days’ notice. Growers who had contracted with the business were left with chickens that were ultimately euthanized because they weren’t allowed to keep their birds.
“I think the concern is always the relationship between the grower and the integrator,” Thompson said of the conflict. She went on to explain that the specialty focus of the venture presented challenges.
“I think right now, the new poultry companies that have been entering the markets are trying niche or specialty birds and markets, and sometimes it’s harder for those companies that have higher costs when you have economic downturn,” she said.
Arkansas isn’t alone in terms of processing plant closures.
“I think the plant closures have been impactful this year,” Thompson said, citing restructuring within the poultry industry across the U.S.
Larger, well-established companies oversee most poultry production phases such as feeding, slaughtering and processing, which also makes it harder for a new integrator or a new company to enter the market because of the large-scale efficiencies already in place, she explained.
There isn’t much money to be made per individual bird, “which is why we go back to those small-scale producers and those new players in the market and why they may face financial challenges,” she said.
Filling the knowledge gaps for industry profitabilityWhen asked of the biggest achievements of her research from this year, Thompson pointed to a study she conducted alongside James Mitchell, assistant professor of agricultural economics and agribusiness, and Trey Malone, formerly with the Division of Agriculture and now the Boehlje Endowed Chair for Managerial Economics in Agribusiness at Purdue University, investigating the impacts of generational bird losses due to HPAI.
“It takes chickens close to a month to hatch and five months to get to sexual maturity, which means if you have a layer that gets depopulated because of HPAI, it’s six months before you have another layer in her place,” she said of the work.
Looking toward the future, Thompson sees prices remaining fairly constant.
“I don’t see prices going down substantially. I think without some major external factor, I don’t think they’re going to go up either,” she said.
For HPAI concerns, commercial growers should contact their service technicians or flock managers. Backyard and hobby flock owners can contact their local veterinarian, county extension agent or call the Arkansas Department of Agriculture at 501-823-1746 or the USDA hotline at 866-536-7593.
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Turn Christmas leftovers into ‘Habitat for the Holidays’
When the eggnog is finished and the last of the holiday feasts are over, many live Christmas trees are destined to sit next to the road until the sanitation department picks them up. Instead of tossing your festive fir to the curb on Dec. 26, donate it to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Habitat for the Holidays program.
AGFC biologists throughout the state have designated special Christmas tree donation locations where you can deliver your tree so it can be used as fish habitat in local lakes.
The drop-off locations act just like a “take-a-penny, leave-a-penny tray” at a cashier’s station, only it’s for fish. Anyone who wants to drop off their natural Christmas tree can take it to a location and leave it. Any angler who wants to take the trees and sink them can do so throughout January. After that, AGFC staff will take the remainder of the trees and freshen up some of the existing fishing hotspots found on the AGFC interactive map.
Anglers should bring their own rope and weights to sink the trees. Paracord works well to bind trees together and attach the weight (sandbags and cinder blocks are most commonly used).
Christmas trees are relatively short-term habitat because they don’t have much thick woody material, but they can be gathered in clusters easily and sunk in large groups. The main stems will last longer than the wispy branches and continue to draw fish throughout the year. Many anglers use these Christmas trees to freshen up productive attractor sites every year, with the main trunks offering long-lasting cover and the branches of the new brush.
Artificial trees are not allowed at drop-off locations, and all ornaments, tinsel and lights should be removed before the trees are dropped off.
Trees can be left at any of the following locations until the end of January:
Northwest ArkansasBeaver Lake – Highway 12 Access, AGFC Don Roufa Highway 412 Access and Monte Ne Boat Ramp Access
Lake Elmdale – Boat Ramp Access
Bob Kidd Lake – Boat Ramp Access
Crystal Lake – Boat Ramp Access
Lake Fayetteville — Boat Ramp Access
News for Tuesday, December 17, 2024
CCSO investigating human remains found near West Leatherwood Creek
BERRYVILLE - The Carroll County Sheriff's Office stated Tuesday morning that it is investigating human remains located last week.
According to the sheriff's office, on Dec. 11 deputies were dispatched to County Road 1190 near West Leatherwood Creek where it was reported that human remains had been found.
When deputies and Investigators arrived, they discovered that the remains appeared human.
At this time the Sheriff’s office has no confirmed leads to the identity of the person, however the remains have been sent to the Arkansas Crime lab for possible DNA identification.
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Eureka Springs Mayor receives award from Arkansas Arts Council
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of Arkansas Heritage, has announced Eureka Springs Mayor Butch Berry as the recipient of the 2025 Governor’s “Arts Community Development Award”.
Mayor Berry will be honored at a ceremony on March 7, 2025, at Robinson Center in Little Rock.
Since 1991, the annual awards program has recognized individuals, organizations and businesses for their outstanding contributions to the arts in Arkansas. Recipients are nominated by the public, then selected by an independent panel of arts professionals.
“The Governor’s Arts Awards are bestowed upon those who have helped build and strengthen Arkansas’ thriving creative communities,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “It’s our annual opportunity to showcase these leaders’ contributions to Arkansas’ creative economy and quality of life.”
“The best part of my job as Mayor is to promote and showcase our many talented artists. The Eureka Springs creative scene is one of the best in the country and I’m honored to accept the Governor’s Arts Award on behalf of all our artists,” said Mayor Berry.
Mayor Robert “Butch” Berry has served three consecutive four-year terms as the mayor of Eureka Springs. He is a third-generation native of Carroll County and understands the importance of advocating and nurturing the arts in Arkansas’s first authentic arts village.
The Eureka Springs arts scene has benefited greatly because of his consistency in office. Under Berry’s leadership, the town has received national and international recognition as a premiere arts destination by multiple publications, including Southern Living and Travel + Leisure.
With Mayor Berry’s active participation on the Eureka Springs Arts Council, over 34 new public art installations have been added throughout the city, as well as the Harmon Park Art Trail. A minimum of two new public art installations created by local artists will be added each year since securing dedicated funding from the city’s Advertising and Promotion Commission.
Eureka Springs is one of Arkansas’ top tourism destinations, known for its quirky and diverse arts scene. Berry’s initiatives and support have been instrumental in attracting 1.5 million visitors a year and the financial benefits that come with cultural tourism.
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Blood drive in Berryville Dec. 19
BERRYVILLE - The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 45 area healthcare facilities, encourages community members to wrap up the year by saving lives. Give the gift of life at the blood drive in Berryville on Thursday, December 19. Donors will receive a limited-edition cozy fleece blanket, while supplies last.
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors provide all the blood for patients at Mercy Hospital Berryville, as well as over 40 other healthcare facilities across the Ozarks. Berryville area residents will have the opportunity to donate at the following location:
Thursday, Dec. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Southern Heights Baptist Church – Fellowship Hall, located at 279 HWY 221 S, Berryville.
“The need for blood often rises during the winter months and holiday season” said Michelle Teter, Media Relations Representative at CBCO. “In just an hour, you can give the most meaningful gift of the season, the gift of life. It’s a gift that will leave an unforgettable impact on patients and their families, and one day, it could be your own loved one who needs a blood transfusion. Please consider making a lifesaving blood donation this holiday season.”
On behalf of local hospital patients, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks thanks blood donors from across the region for giving life to your community.
To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/donate-blood or by calling 417-227-5006.
BERRYVILLE - The Carroll County Sheriff's Office stated Tuesday morning that it is investigating human remains located last week.
According to the sheriff's office, on Dec. 11 deputies were dispatched to County Road 1190 near West Leatherwood Creek where it was reported that human remains had been found.
When deputies and Investigators arrived, they discovered that the remains appeared human.
At this time the Sheriff’s office has no confirmed leads to the identity of the person, however the remains have been sent to the Arkansas Crime lab for possible DNA identification.
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Eureka Springs Mayor receives award from Arkansas Arts Council
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of Arkansas Heritage, has announced Eureka Springs Mayor Butch Berry as the recipient of the 2025 Governor’s “Arts Community Development Award”.
Mayor Berry will be honored at a ceremony on March 7, 2025, at Robinson Center in Little Rock.
Since 1991, the annual awards program has recognized individuals, organizations and businesses for their outstanding contributions to the arts in Arkansas. Recipients are nominated by the public, then selected by an independent panel of arts professionals.
“The Governor’s Arts Awards are bestowed upon those who have helped build and strengthen Arkansas’ thriving creative communities,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “It’s our annual opportunity to showcase these leaders’ contributions to Arkansas’ creative economy and quality of life.”
“The best part of my job as Mayor is to promote and showcase our many talented artists. The Eureka Springs creative scene is one of the best in the country and I’m honored to accept the Governor’s Arts Award on behalf of all our artists,” said Mayor Berry.
Mayor Robert “Butch” Berry has served three consecutive four-year terms as the mayor of Eureka Springs. He is a third-generation native of Carroll County and understands the importance of advocating and nurturing the arts in Arkansas’s first authentic arts village.
The Eureka Springs arts scene has benefited greatly because of his consistency in office. Under Berry’s leadership, the town has received national and international recognition as a premiere arts destination by multiple publications, including Southern Living and Travel + Leisure.
With Mayor Berry’s active participation on the Eureka Springs Arts Council, over 34 new public art installations have been added throughout the city, as well as the Harmon Park Art Trail. A minimum of two new public art installations created by local artists will be added each year since securing dedicated funding from the city’s Advertising and Promotion Commission.
Eureka Springs is one of Arkansas’ top tourism destinations, known for its quirky and diverse arts scene. Berry’s initiatives and support have been instrumental in attracting 1.5 million visitors a year and the financial benefits that come with cultural tourism.
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Blood drive in Berryville Dec. 19
BERRYVILLE - The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 45 area healthcare facilities, encourages community members to wrap up the year by saving lives. Give the gift of life at the blood drive in Berryville on Thursday, December 19. Donors will receive a limited-edition cozy fleece blanket, while supplies last.
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors provide all the blood for patients at Mercy Hospital Berryville, as well as over 40 other healthcare facilities across the Ozarks. Berryville area residents will have the opportunity to donate at the following location:
Thursday, Dec. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Southern Heights Baptist Church – Fellowship Hall, located at 279 HWY 221 S, Berryville.
“The need for blood often rises during the winter months and holiday season” said Michelle Teter, Media Relations Representative at CBCO. “In just an hour, you can give the most meaningful gift of the season, the gift of life. It’s a gift that will leave an unforgettable impact on patients and their families, and one day, it could be your own loved one who needs a blood transfusion. Please consider making a lifesaving blood donation this holiday season.”
On behalf of local hospital patients, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks thanks blood donors from across the region for giving life to your community.
To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/donate-blood or by calling 417-227-5006.
News for Monday, December 16, 2024
Warm, dry fall helping fall foliage hang on — but not for long
Arkansas’ colorful foliage has had an unusually long run this fall. Sadly, it likely won’t last much longer, said Jaret Rushing, extension forestry instructor for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Just a few days before the first day of winter, Central Arkansas was still alive with golds, browns and reds from hickories, maples and oaks.
Michael Blazier, dean of the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, said “I’ve been strongly suspecting a relatively warm fall for postponing the leaf senescence process.”
Senescence is the final act in a leaf’s life, when it changes color and falls from the tree. Trees need frosty temperatures to cue senescence.
Blazier offered a graph that showed the 150-year average autumn temperature, with red peaks indicating above-average and blue valleys showing below-average temperatures.
“2024 is the highest deviation from the long-term average temperature in the past 150 years,” he said. “And that higher-temp fall falls within a year that blows all prior years out of the water in terms of deviation from long-term temperature.”
Blazier also noted that “this fall's lengthy period without freezing temperatures likely made leaf color change particularly vibrant this year.”
Arkansas has also seen its share of drought. As of the first week of December, the United States Drought Monitor map showed nearly 75 percent of the state as being either abnormally dry or in some stage of drought.
Some rain did arrive in November, however.
“One thing to remember is that about the time when senescence was supposed to happen this year, we actually started getting rain again — finally,” Rushing said. “So trees were sucking up water and reallocating that water towards different parts of their crown and their branches and everything else.”
Rushing said that rainfall, plus the arrival of some frosts, could end the long fall show.
“In November, you start getting those winds coming in from the north as the jet stream shifts and starts to send cooler air south,” he said. “Whenever that happens and you get heavier winds, that typically aids in leaf fall.”
This November was relatively quiet from a freeze and storm perspective, Rushing said.
“I would estimate that we'll have complete leaf fall probably within a week-and-a-half to two weeks,” he said.
Rushing said he was getting quite a few calls about the leaves, including one from a squirrel hunter, who turned his dog out for a hunt.
“The dogs had a really good training episode but they can't find the squirrels in the trees because the leaves are too thick,” he said. Squirrel season in Arkansas started in May and runs through the end of February 2025.
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15th annual CS Bank Holiday Hoops Tournament is Dec. 26-28
BERRYVILLE - The Berryville School District is reminding Bobcat fans that the 15th Annual CS Bank Holiday Hoops Tournament is just around the corner.
The tournament will be held Dec. 26-28. Mark your calendars for Dec. 26 when the Berryville Bobcats face off against Mountain View at 11:20 a.m. in the Bobcat Arena.
The Lady Bobcats will face off against Heber Springs on Dec. 26 beginning at 3:20 p.m.
The Green Forest Lady Tigers will take on the De Queen Lady Leopards beginning at 6 p.m. on Dec. 26. The Green Forest boys will compete against Star City on Dec. 26 beginning at 4:40 p.m.
The boys and girls bracket can be found on the Berryville School District's Facebook page.
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Leave invasive species in your wake this hunting season
As water begins to accumulate in public duck hunting areas throughout Arkansas, hunters are starting to scramble to find the water and the ducks. Hunters can help keep Arkansas’s lakes and rivers healthy by taking a few moments at the end of each hunting day to inspect their boats, trailers and hunting equipment for vegetation and other stowaways that could spread to new areas and destroy wildlife habitat.
Arkansas fishermen have heard the mantra “Clean, Drain and Dry” for years, but anglers aren’t the only boaters in Arkansas that can do their part. Waterfowl hunters’ boats likely spend just as much, if not more, time in flooded vegetation and muddy areas where invasive plants such as giant salvinia and water hyacinth lurk. Before leaving the boat ramp for home or a new hunting destination, always inspect your gear and remove any vegetation or debris, and make sure your boat plug is pulled and allowed to drain. That way any invasive species that may exist on the area won’t be transported to new locations.
Matt Horton, Aquatic Nuisance Species Program coordinator for the AGFC, says harmful plants like giant salvinia, water hyacinth and Cuban bulrush can be easily transported as plant fragments or seeds clinging to decoys, decoy bags, boats, trailers and even in the mud clinging to waders. Also, small plant fragments and seeds, as well as invasive mussels and snails can survive in small amounts of water found in boat hulls, livewells and bilge areas.
“Preventing the spread of invasive species is the best way to fight them,” Horton said. “Once they become established, fighting them can be a full-time job and take away manpower and resources from other important fish and wildlife management work that needs to be done.”
Hunters can help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species by following the three-step process of clean, drain and dry anytime they move to new water:
Clean all equipment – Remove all plants and pieces of vegetation, seeds and mud off your waders, decoys, blind, truck, boat and trailer, and wash all equipment and gear with a high-pressure washer.
Drain your boat – Drain all water by removing all drain plugs from your boat when you leave the boat ramp.
Dry – Let all gear dry, preferably for five days, before visiting new waters. If there isn’t enough time to air dry between trips, use a towel to wipe dry remaining wet surfaces.
Horton also reminds anyone using a boat that, according to the AGFC’s Code of Regulations, all drain plugs must be removed at the boat ramp when leaving a body of water and during transport, including those in live wells and bilge areas, where invasive species may lurk.
A list of aquatic nuisance species found in Arkansas is available at www.agfc.com/ans as well as an easy-to-use online reporting form to report aquatic invasive plants and animals as hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts find them. Take a clear picture of the organism and note the location (GPS location preferred) to help AGFC identify and quickly respond to contain and eradicate new introductions before they spread or become established.
New invasive species introductions continue to increase in Arkansas. Just this year, early reporting helped AGFC eradicate two introductions of giant salvinia in the Illinois Bayou and Clear Lake and water hyacinth and Cuban bulrush in Lake Georgia Pacific. Also, Cuban bulrush was detected for the first time in Millwood Lake, Pool 2 of the Arkansas River, as well as Lake Erling and Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture responded to eradicate Purple Loosestrife at Lake Bentonville, which hasn’t been observed in Arkansas for over a decade.
“We are all responsible for being good stewards of our natural resources. Just like we need hunters and anglers to clean, drain and dry their boats and equipment, we need them to be on the lookout and speak up if they see what they think is an invasive species,” Horton said. “The faster we can act to contain and remove an infestation, the better our chances are of keeping these invaders at bay and keeping aquatic habitat healthy for fish and waterfowl.”
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City of Bearden receives AEDC grant
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services awarded more than $357,000 to 31 Arkansas cities, counties and communities, including just over $7,700 for the City of Bearden to continue improvements to Gazebo Park.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined AEDC officials to present the grants during an award ceremony at the Governor’s Conference Room in Little Rock. Representatives from the 31 Arkansas communities attended to accept the Rural Community Grant Program awards.
“This grant program helps cities and towns statewide build their communities through a range of new public services – from public safety to parks and recreation,” said Governor Sanders. “It was an honor to join the recipient communities and showcase the ways Arkansas is making a substantial impact in small towns across the state.”
In total, $357,237.26 was awarded through the Rural Community Grant Program. These awards represent the first cycle of the Division of Rural Services’ grant awards.
“In Arkansas, our rural communities are vital and vibrant, helping to drive our state’s economic momentum,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “We are proud to award the Rural Community Grants to these 31 Arkansas communities to help improve their infrastructure and quality of life offerings, which positions them and our state for continued success.”
The grantees are comprised of cities, counties and unincorporated communities. The Rural Community Grant Program is one of the Division of Rural Services’ programs, which is used to fund projects such as fire trucks, fire protection equipment, community centers, storm sirens, community parks, walking trails, and baseball fields. Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas are eligible for up to $15,000 in matching funds under the program.
“It is encouraging to see such a large group of communities apply for the first cycle of the Rural Community Grant Program of fiscal year 2025,” said Becca Caldwell, director of AEDC’s Division of Rural Services. “To be able to fund so many wonderful projects that will help lay a foundation for sustainable growth and improved well-being in rural areas across the state is such a blessing. The Division of Rural Services looks forward to working with the communities throughout their projects and seeing their projects come to fruition.”
More information about the programs, as well as deadlines, can be found at www.arkansasedc.com/Rural-Services/division.
Arkansas’ colorful foliage has had an unusually long run this fall. Sadly, it likely won’t last much longer, said Jaret Rushing, extension forestry instructor for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Just a few days before the first day of winter, Central Arkansas was still alive with golds, browns and reds from hickories, maples and oaks.
Michael Blazier, dean of the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, said “I’ve been strongly suspecting a relatively warm fall for postponing the leaf senescence process.”
Senescence is the final act in a leaf’s life, when it changes color and falls from the tree. Trees need frosty temperatures to cue senescence.
Blazier offered a graph that showed the 150-year average autumn temperature, with red peaks indicating above-average and blue valleys showing below-average temperatures.
“2024 is the highest deviation from the long-term average temperature in the past 150 years,” he said. “And that higher-temp fall falls within a year that blows all prior years out of the water in terms of deviation from long-term temperature.”
Blazier also noted that “this fall's lengthy period without freezing temperatures likely made leaf color change particularly vibrant this year.”
Arkansas has also seen its share of drought. As of the first week of December, the United States Drought Monitor map showed nearly 75 percent of the state as being either abnormally dry or in some stage of drought.
Some rain did arrive in November, however.
“One thing to remember is that about the time when senescence was supposed to happen this year, we actually started getting rain again — finally,” Rushing said. “So trees were sucking up water and reallocating that water towards different parts of their crown and their branches and everything else.”
Rushing said that rainfall, plus the arrival of some frosts, could end the long fall show.
“In November, you start getting those winds coming in from the north as the jet stream shifts and starts to send cooler air south,” he said. “Whenever that happens and you get heavier winds, that typically aids in leaf fall.”
This November was relatively quiet from a freeze and storm perspective, Rushing said.
“I would estimate that we'll have complete leaf fall probably within a week-and-a-half to two weeks,” he said.
Rushing said he was getting quite a few calls about the leaves, including one from a squirrel hunter, who turned his dog out for a hunt.
“The dogs had a really good training episode but they can't find the squirrels in the trees because the leaves are too thick,” he said. Squirrel season in Arkansas started in May and runs through the end of February 2025.
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15th annual CS Bank Holiday Hoops Tournament is Dec. 26-28
BERRYVILLE - The Berryville School District is reminding Bobcat fans that the 15th Annual CS Bank Holiday Hoops Tournament is just around the corner.
The tournament will be held Dec. 26-28. Mark your calendars for Dec. 26 when the Berryville Bobcats face off against Mountain View at 11:20 a.m. in the Bobcat Arena.
The Lady Bobcats will face off against Heber Springs on Dec. 26 beginning at 3:20 p.m.
The Green Forest Lady Tigers will take on the De Queen Lady Leopards beginning at 6 p.m. on Dec. 26. The Green Forest boys will compete against Star City on Dec. 26 beginning at 4:40 p.m.
The boys and girls bracket can be found on the Berryville School District's Facebook page.
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Leave invasive species in your wake this hunting season
As water begins to accumulate in public duck hunting areas throughout Arkansas, hunters are starting to scramble to find the water and the ducks. Hunters can help keep Arkansas’s lakes and rivers healthy by taking a few moments at the end of each hunting day to inspect their boats, trailers and hunting equipment for vegetation and other stowaways that could spread to new areas and destroy wildlife habitat.
Arkansas fishermen have heard the mantra “Clean, Drain and Dry” for years, but anglers aren’t the only boaters in Arkansas that can do their part. Waterfowl hunters’ boats likely spend just as much, if not more, time in flooded vegetation and muddy areas where invasive plants such as giant salvinia and water hyacinth lurk. Before leaving the boat ramp for home or a new hunting destination, always inspect your gear and remove any vegetation or debris, and make sure your boat plug is pulled and allowed to drain. That way any invasive species that may exist on the area won’t be transported to new locations.
Matt Horton, Aquatic Nuisance Species Program coordinator for the AGFC, says harmful plants like giant salvinia, water hyacinth and Cuban bulrush can be easily transported as plant fragments or seeds clinging to decoys, decoy bags, boats, trailers and even in the mud clinging to waders. Also, small plant fragments and seeds, as well as invasive mussels and snails can survive in small amounts of water found in boat hulls, livewells and bilge areas.
“Preventing the spread of invasive species is the best way to fight them,” Horton said. “Once they become established, fighting them can be a full-time job and take away manpower and resources from other important fish and wildlife management work that needs to be done.”
Hunters can help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species by following the three-step process of clean, drain and dry anytime they move to new water:
Clean all equipment – Remove all plants and pieces of vegetation, seeds and mud off your waders, decoys, blind, truck, boat and trailer, and wash all equipment and gear with a high-pressure washer.
Drain your boat – Drain all water by removing all drain plugs from your boat when you leave the boat ramp.
Dry – Let all gear dry, preferably for five days, before visiting new waters. If there isn’t enough time to air dry between trips, use a towel to wipe dry remaining wet surfaces.
Horton also reminds anyone using a boat that, according to the AGFC’s Code of Regulations, all drain plugs must be removed at the boat ramp when leaving a body of water and during transport, including those in live wells and bilge areas, where invasive species may lurk.
A list of aquatic nuisance species found in Arkansas is available at www.agfc.com/ans as well as an easy-to-use online reporting form to report aquatic invasive plants and animals as hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts find them. Take a clear picture of the organism and note the location (GPS location preferred) to help AGFC identify and quickly respond to contain and eradicate new introductions before they spread or become established.
New invasive species introductions continue to increase in Arkansas. Just this year, early reporting helped AGFC eradicate two introductions of giant salvinia in the Illinois Bayou and Clear Lake and water hyacinth and Cuban bulrush in Lake Georgia Pacific. Also, Cuban bulrush was detected for the first time in Millwood Lake, Pool 2 of the Arkansas River, as well as Lake Erling and Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture responded to eradicate Purple Loosestrife at Lake Bentonville, which hasn’t been observed in Arkansas for over a decade.
“We are all responsible for being good stewards of our natural resources. Just like we need hunters and anglers to clean, drain and dry their boats and equipment, we need them to be on the lookout and speak up if they see what they think is an invasive species,” Horton said. “The faster we can act to contain and remove an infestation, the better our chances are of keeping these invaders at bay and keeping aquatic habitat healthy for fish and waterfowl.”
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City of Bearden receives AEDC grant
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services awarded more than $357,000 to 31 Arkansas cities, counties and communities, including just over $7,700 for the City of Bearden to continue improvements to Gazebo Park.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined AEDC officials to present the grants during an award ceremony at the Governor’s Conference Room in Little Rock. Representatives from the 31 Arkansas communities attended to accept the Rural Community Grant Program awards.
“This grant program helps cities and towns statewide build their communities through a range of new public services – from public safety to parks and recreation,” said Governor Sanders. “It was an honor to join the recipient communities and showcase the ways Arkansas is making a substantial impact in small towns across the state.”
In total, $357,237.26 was awarded through the Rural Community Grant Program. These awards represent the first cycle of the Division of Rural Services’ grant awards.
“In Arkansas, our rural communities are vital and vibrant, helping to drive our state’s economic momentum,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “We are proud to award the Rural Community Grants to these 31 Arkansas communities to help improve their infrastructure and quality of life offerings, which positions them and our state for continued success.”
The grantees are comprised of cities, counties and unincorporated communities. The Rural Community Grant Program is one of the Division of Rural Services’ programs, which is used to fund projects such as fire trucks, fire protection equipment, community centers, storm sirens, community parks, walking trails, and baseball fields. Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas are eligible for up to $15,000 in matching funds under the program.
“It is encouraging to see such a large group of communities apply for the first cycle of the Rural Community Grant Program of fiscal year 2025,” said Becca Caldwell, director of AEDC’s Division of Rural Services. “To be able to fund so many wonderful projects that will help lay a foundation for sustainable growth and improved well-being in rural areas across the state is such a blessing. The Division of Rural Services looks forward to working with the communities throughout their projects and seeing their projects come to fruition.”
More information about the programs, as well as deadlines, can be found at www.arkansasedc.com/Rural-Services/division.
News for Friday, December 13, 2024
Berryville Chamber to host "State of the State" conference
BERRYVILLE - The Berryville Chamber of Commerce has announced it will host a conference in January titled "State of the State" to provide an opportunity for local residents to connect with their state representatives.
The event will take place Jan. 6, 2025 from 1-4 p.m. at the Berryville Community Center Auditorium. Organizers said the engaging conference will include refreshments, an opportunity to meet with Arkansas State Representative Harlan Breaux and State Senator Brian King, learn about upcoming bills and discuss ways to get involved before the start of the 2025 Legislative Session in January.
Cost to participate in the ticketed event is $20 for chamber members and $25 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Berryville chamber's website at www.berryvillechamber.com and checking out the events page.
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Crawford County couple arrested for child abuse material
ALMA - The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit and the ASP SWAT team executed a residential search warrant in Alma on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, resulting in the arrest of Bobby and Cassandra Moore.
Bobby Moore, 43, of Alma, was arrested for one count of Possession of CSAM and one count of Terroristic Threatening. Cassandra Moore 38, also of Alma, was arrested for one count of Possession of CSAM. Both are being held at the Crawford County Detention Center on $150,000 bonds.
Agents began a case on Bobby Moore on August 10th, 2024, after responding to a Terroristic Threatening call at his Melody Lane residence. He was arrested for Public Intoxication at the time. Search warrants were served on Bobby and Cassandra Moore’s cellular phones. CSAM located on both devices resulted in a search warrant being issued for the residence.
The Dyer Police Department, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Van Buren Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations assisted ASP with the search warrant service.
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Berryville FCCLA students advance to state
BERRYVILLE - Several members of the Berryville High School chamber of FCCLA participated in the Region 2 conference on Thursday and will be advancing to the state conference.
The students include:-Chayse Anderson, Region 2 State Officer candidate-Alisa Sutton, Region 2 FCCLA PresidentBaylee Ballard, Region 2 FCCLA First Vice-President
The advisors for the Berryville High School FCCLA chapter said they were proud of all their students who competed and/or ran for office during Thursday's Region 2 Conference, and did an amazing job representing BHS and Berryville FCCLA.
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U.S. Representative Bruce Westerman introduces Fair Care Act
This week, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) introduced The Fair Care Act of 2024, a comprehensive health care reform plan to lower costs, decrease the number of uninsured individuals, protect those with preexisting conditions, and expand coverage options.
Congressman Westerman released the following statement:
“The American health care system is in need of serious reform,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman. “Government overreach has no place in the health care system, and Americans deserve to have access to quality, affordable health care regardless of a preexisting condition. This commonsense legislation will loosen the grip of Big Government on our health care system, while lowering costs, and ultimately reducing the number of uninsured Americans. The Fair Care Act creates a path forward for all Americans, providing the transparency and accessibility needed to make their own choices for the health care coverage that is best for them and their families. The Fair Care Act puts Americans first, provides peace of mind, and puts hard earned tax dollars back into their pockets. I look forward to seeing this bill move through the legislative process.”
The Fair Care Act of 2024 is the fourth version of the Fair Care Act of 2019, crafted with more than 75 bipartisan provisions. Westerman said he will continue working toward a comprehensive health care legislation for all Americans in the 119th Congress.
Some of the Fair Care Act of 2024 improvements include:
-Codifying the Affordable Care Act preexisting condition protections in HIPAA.-Offering greater protections for patients with preexisting conditions through an "Invisible -Guaranteed Coverage Risk Pool" and guaranteed coverage Medigap plans.-Eliminating the employer health insurance mandate and allowing those with Employer Sponsored Insurance (ESI) offers to receive premium assistance.-Strengthening and increasing enrollment in the commercial marketplace through expanded assistance to 600 percent FPL and state innovation waivers.-Expanding the use of pretax dollars to cover more medical expenses, including insurance premiums and direct primary care arrangements.-Promoting transparency by publishing provider networks and prices for common services.-Requiring medical providers to send timely, transparent bills to patients.-Discouraging hospital consolidation and anti-competitive behavior while protecting rural hospitals from closures.-Modernizing the prescription drug approval process to bring safe, effective medicine to patients faster.-Reforming Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) practices, including eliminating Direct and Indirect Remuneration (DIR) fees.-Expanding the number of health professionals that can provide telehealth services.-Modernizing Medicare enrollment through a competitive bidding process, which promotes Medicare Advantage plans.-Establishing a flexible Medicaid funding option for states and closing the gap between Medicaid eligibility and premium assistance in the individual market.-Promoting fiscal accountability and solvency for Medicare and Medicaid.
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State Capitol Week in Review
By Senator Bryan B. King
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas won a long and hard-fought legal battle against large pharmaceutical manufacturers when the United States Supreme Court let stand a lower court ruling in the state’s favor.
The decision means that Act 1103 of 2021 is constitutional and remains in effect. “This is a big win for Arkansas’s drug access law,” the state Attorney General said in a statement after the Supreme Court ruling.
In essence, the Supreme Court upheld Arkansas law that allows hospitals to use contract pharmacies without financial penalty, under a federal drug pricing law commonly known as the 340B program. It requires pharmaceutical companies to offer discounts to eligible hospitals in order for their drugs to be on the approved list of drugs paid for by Medicaid and Medicare.
Some hospitals pass along the savings to patients, while others use the savings to pay physicians and nurses, or to expand services. The Supreme Court has noted that “340B hospitals perform valuable services for low-income and rural communities…”
A few years ago pharmaceutical companies began refusing to offer the discount to drug stores under contract with hospitals. The manufacturers would only offer the discounts to in-house pharmacies located within hospitals, a development that had a significant financial impact on many hospitals.
Only four percent of hospitals use their own in-house pharmacies, according to evidence entered in the case. More often, hospitals contract with pharmacies all around the state, which means that patients who have been treated in a Little Rock hospital don’t have to return to Little Rock to get their prescriptions filled. They can get their prescriptions at a contract pharmacy closer to their hometown.
Act 1103 of 2021 was a bipartisan bill, with sponsors from both political parties. It passed the Senate by a vote of 35-to-0.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers quickly sued the state Insurance Department, alleging the Act 1103 was unconstitutional and that it was an attempt by the state to pre-empt federal regulations and that it violated federal patent law. A federal judge in Little Rock ruled in favor of the state and his ruling was upheld by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis.
Also, some pharmaceutical companies argued that some hospitals used the discounts to boost profits, rather than to add services or lower prices for patients.
By refusing to hear any further appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the lower court rulings and essentially declared Act 1103 to be constitutional.
The Insurance Department said earlier this year that 23 of 32 listed pharmaceutical manufacturers are now in compliance with Act 1103.
The original legal challenge was filed by a trade group, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, also referred to as PhRMA.
Arkansas was the first state to enact a law requiring pharmaceutical manufacturers to offer equal discounts to contract pharmacies. Louisiana followed suit in 2023 and in 2024 six other states have enacted similar laws.
BERRYVILLE - The Berryville Chamber of Commerce has announced it will host a conference in January titled "State of the State" to provide an opportunity for local residents to connect with their state representatives.
The event will take place Jan. 6, 2025 from 1-4 p.m. at the Berryville Community Center Auditorium. Organizers said the engaging conference will include refreshments, an opportunity to meet with Arkansas State Representative Harlan Breaux and State Senator Brian King, learn about upcoming bills and discuss ways to get involved before the start of the 2025 Legislative Session in January.
Cost to participate in the ticketed event is $20 for chamber members and $25 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Berryville chamber's website at www.berryvillechamber.com and checking out the events page.
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Crawford County couple arrested for child abuse material
ALMA - The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit and the ASP SWAT team executed a residential search warrant in Alma on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, resulting in the arrest of Bobby and Cassandra Moore.
Bobby Moore, 43, of Alma, was arrested for one count of Possession of CSAM and one count of Terroristic Threatening. Cassandra Moore 38, also of Alma, was arrested for one count of Possession of CSAM. Both are being held at the Crawford County Detention Center on $150,000 bonds.
Agents began a case on Bobby Moore on August 10th, 2024, after responding to a Terroristic Threatening call at his Melody Lane residence. He was arrested for Public Intoxication at the time. Search warrants were served on Bobby and Cassandra Moore’s cellular phones. CSAM located on both devices resulted in a search warrant being issued for the residence.
The Dyer Police Department, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Van Buren Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations assisted ASP with the search warrant service.
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Berryville FCCLA students advance to state
BERRYVILLE - Several members of the Berryville High School chamber of FCCLA participated in the Region 2 conference on Thursday and will be advancing to the state conference.
The students include:-Chayse Anderson, Region 2 State Officer candidate-Alisa Sutton, Region 2 FCCLA PresidentBaylee Ballard, Region 2 FCCLA First Vice-President
The advisors for the Berryville High School FCCLA chapter said they were proud of all their students who competed and/or ran for office during Thursday's Region 2 Conference, and did an amazing job representing BHS and Berryville FCCLA.
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U.S. Representative Bruce Westerman introduces Fair Care Act
This week, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) introduced The Fair Care Act of 2024, a comprehensive health care reform plan to lower costs, decrease the number of uninsured individuals, protect those with preexisting conditions, and expand coverage options.
Congressman Westerman released the following statement:
“The American health care system is in need of serious reform,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman. “Government overreach has no place in the health care system, and Americans deserve to have access to quality, affordable health care regardless of a preexisting condition. This commonsense legislation will loosen the grip of Big Government on our health care system, while lowering costs, and ultimately reducing the number of uninsured Americans. The Fair Care Act creates a path forward for all Americans, providing the transparency and accessibility needed to make their own choices for the health care coverage that is best for them and their families. The Fair Care Act puts Americans first, provides peace of mind, and puts hard earned tax dollars back into their pockets. I look forward to seeing this bill move through the legislative process.”
The Fair Care Act of 2024 is the fourth version of the Fair Care Act of 2019, crafted with more than 75 bipartisan provisions. Westerman said he will continue working toward a comprehensive health care legislation for all Americans in the 119th Congress.
Some of the Fair Care Act of 2024 improvements include:
-Codifying the Affordable Care Act preexisting condition protections in HIPAA.-Offering greater protections for patients with preexisting conditions through an "Invisible -Guaranteed Coverage Risk Pool" and guaranteed coverage Medigap plans.-Eliminating the employer health insurance mandate and allowing those with Employer Sponsored Insurance (ESI) offers to receive premium assistance.-Strengthening and increasing enrollment in the commercial marketplace through expanded assistance to 600 percent FPL and state innovation waivers.-Expanding the use of pretax dollars to cover more medical expenses, including insurance premiums and direct primary care arrangements.-Promoting transparency by publishing provider networks and prices for common services.-Requiring medical providers to send timely, transparent bills to patients.-Discouraging hospital consolidation and anti-competitive behavior while protecting rural hospitals from closures.-Modernizing the prescription drug approval process to bring safe, effective medicine to patients faster.-Reforming Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) practices, including eliminating Direct and Indirect Remuneration (DIR) fees.-Expanding the number of health professionals that can provide telehealth services.-Modernizing Medicare enrollment through a competitive bidding process, which promotes Medicare Advantage plans.-Establishing a flexible Medicaid funding option for states and closing the gap between Medicaid eligibility and premium assistance in the individual market.-Promoting fiscal accountability and solvency for Medicare and Medicaid.
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State Capitol Week in Review
By Senator Bryan B. King
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas won a long and hard-fought legal battle against large pharmaceutical manufacturers when the United States Supreme Court let stand a lower court ruling in the state’s favor.
The decision means that Act 1103 of 2021 is constitutional and remains in effect. “This is a big win for Arkansas’s drug access law,” the state Attorney General said in a statement after the Supreme Court ruling.
In essence, the Supreme Court upheld Arkansas law that allows hospitals to use contract pharmacies without financial penalty, under a federal drug pricing law commonly known as the 340B program. It requires pharmaceutical companies to offer discounts to eligible hospitals in order for their drugs to be on the approved list of drugs paid for by Medicaid and Medicare.
Some hospitals pass along the savings to patients, while others use the savings to pay physicians and nurses, or to expand services. The Supreme Court has noted that “340B hospitals perform valuable services for low-income and rural communities…”
A few years ago pharmaceutical companies began refusing to offer the discount to drug stores under contract with hospitals. The manufacturers would only offer the discounts to in-house pharmacies located within hospitals, a development that had a significant financial impact on many hospitals.
Only four percent of hospitals use their own in-house pharmacies, according to evidence entered in the case. More often, hospitals contract with pharmacies all around the state, which means that patients who have been treated in a Little Rock hospital don’t have to return to Little Rock to get their prescriptions filled. They can get their prescriptions at a contract pharmacy closer to their hometown.
Act 1103 of 2021 was a bipartisan bill, with sponsors from both political parties. It passed the Senate by a vote of 35-to-0.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers quickly sued the state Insurance Department, alleging the Act 1103 was unconstitutional and that it was an attempt by the state to pre-empt federal regulations and that it violated federal patent law. A federal judge in Little Rock ruled in favor of the state and his ruling was upheld by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis.
Also, some pharmaceutical companies argued that some hospitals used the discounts to boost profits, rather than to add services or lower prices for patients.
By refusing to hear any further appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the lower court rulings and essentially declared Act 1103 to be constitutional.
The Insurance Department said earlier this year that 23 of 32 listed pharmaceutical manufacturers are now in compliance with Act 1103.
The original legal challenge was filed by a trade group, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, also referred to as PhRMA.
Arkansas was the first state to enact a law requiring pharmaceutical manufacturers to offer equal discounts to contract pharmacies. Louisiana followed suit in 2023 and in 2024 six other states have enacted similar laws.
News for Thursday, December 12, 2024
State awards $400,000 to Berryville Business Park
BERRYVILLE - On Wednesday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) to award 13 communities with $10 million through the Arkansas Site Development Program. This funding will be used to enhance industrial sites across Arkansas, increasing their readiness for job-creating economic development projects including one here in Carroll County.
AEDC received a total of 28 applications for the Arkansas Site Development Program, totaling $44,646,370.37 in requested funding. Of those applications, one was approved for the Berryville Business Park. The allotment totals $400,000.
“The sky is the limit for Arkansas’ economy when our government and private sector work together to grow investment and jobs,” said Governor Sanders. “The Arkansas Site Development Program tells companies worldwide that Arkansas is open for business and will help each of the recipient communities attract new businesses.”
Under Governor Sanders’ leadership and in partnership with the Arkansas State Legislature, AEDC developed and announced the Arkansas Site Development Program in June 2024. Eligible recipient locations are industrial sites of at least 30 contiguous acres of land, listed on the Arkansas Site Selection Database, and owned or optioned by the applicant.
“Strong communities with competitive industrial sites are essential for winning economic development projects, and the Arkansas Site Development Program will play a major role in equipping our state’s communities to win,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “The Arkansas Site Development Program is the first program of its kind in our state, and it is an important step that will help us continue to secure economic development projects in the years to come. This program would not have been possible without the support of Governor Sanders, the Arkansas General Assembly, and the local communities that applied for funding – we appreciate their support and look forward to continued success.”
The funds can be used for a range of site development projects, including the extension and improvement of public infrastructure to the site; right of way acquisition; easement acquisition; soil borings and analysis; construction costs for site improvements, including drainage improvements, easement, dozer or dirt work, grading, site mitigation, and site rehabilitation; due diligence study costs; and other site development-related activities deemed necessary by AEDC to improve a site’s competitiveness.
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Blood drive in Berryville Dec. 19
BERRYVILLE - The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 45 area healthcare facilities, encourages community members to wrap up the year by saving lives. Give the gift of life at the blood drive in Berryville on Thursday, December 19. Donors will receive a limited-edition cozy fleece blanket, while supplies last.
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors provide all the blood for patients at Mercy Hospital Berryville, as well as over 40 other healthcare facilities across the Ozarks. Berryville area residents will have the opportunity to donate at the following location:
Thursday, Dec. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Southern Heights Baptist Church – Fellowship Hall, located at 279 HWY 221 S, Berryville.
“The need for blood often rises during the winter months and holiday season” said Michelle Teter, Media Relations Representative at CBCO. “In just an hour, you can give the most meaningful gift of the season, the gift of life. It’s a gift that will leave an unforgettable impact on patients and their families, and one day, it could be your own loved one who needs a blood transfusion. Please consider making a lifesaving blood donation this holiday season.”
On behalf of local hospital patients, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks thanks blood donors from across the region for giving life to your community.
To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/donate-blood or by calling 417-227-5006.
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Lady Bobcat Volleyball Team hosting K-2 clinic
BERRYVILLE - The Lady Bobcat Volleyball Team will host a volleyball clinic for K-2nd graders in January. The clinic will be held Jan. 6, 7 and 9 from 5:30-7 p.m. each evening.
Registration forms will be handed out to your children at school, however extra forms can be picked up at the elementary office. Registration fee is $40. Checks can be made payable to: Berryville Volleyball.
Registration forms and payment can be brought back the first night of camp.
The clinic will take place in the elementary P.E. Facility on the K-2 campus.
For more information, contact Kristin Whetham by calling (870) 350-2225 or email kwhetham@bobcat.k12.ar.us.
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Homicide at Cummins Prison under investigation
GOULD - On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, around 12:30 a.m., Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) was contacted by the Department of Corrections to investigate the death of an inmate in the Cummins Unit.
CID Special Agents found Quincy Moore, 51, deceased in his cell. The death is being investigated as a homicide.
Moore was serving a Life Sentence for an August 9, 1990, aggravated robbery in Pulaski County.
The Lincoln County Coroner will transfer the deceased to the Arkansas State Crime Lab, where the cause and manner of death will be determined.
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ASP: 'Tis the season to drive sober
During this busy winter holiday season, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Arkansas law enforcement are teaming up to remind drivers: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. This high-visibility impaired driving awareness and enforcement campaign runs December 11, 2024, through January 1, 2025. In support of the law enforcement community’s dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their jurisdictions, drivers will see officers working together during the holiday season to take drunk drivers off the roads.
Alcohol-impaired driving is deadly and continues to be a factor in fatal traffic crashes in the United States, especially during the holidays. During the 2018-2022 December months, there were 4,759 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. In December 2022 alone, 1,062 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. Unfortunately, males and young people are at greatest risk for injury or fatality: In December 2022, drunk male drivers were involved in fatal crashes at a much higher rate (22%) compared to female drivers (16%), and young drivers ages 21-34 accounted for the highest percentage (25%) of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes.
“Drunk driving is deadly and illegal, and it should never be an option for getting home,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “We want our communities to have a joy-filled holiday season, but we want everyone to do so responsibly, and that means refraining from drinking and driving. There are too many choices for a safe ride home. Use them,” he said.
Drivers should be safe during the holidays by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.
Celebrate with a planArkansas law enforcement recommends these safe alternative to drinking and driving:
It’s never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get to your destination safely. Plan a safe way home before you leave.
If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi, ride-share service or a designated sober driver to drive you home.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1.
If you know someone who is about to drive or operate a motorcycle or any other vehicle while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.
Always buckle up. Your seat belt is your best defense against a drunk driver.
For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136, and go to https://www.tzdarkansas.org/ to learn about Arkansas’ Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities.
BERRYVILLE - On Wednesday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) to award 13 communities with $10 million through the Arkansas Site Development Program. This funding will be used to enhance industrial sites across Arkansas, increasing their readiness for job-creating economic development projects including one here in Carroll County.
AEDC received a total of 28 applications for the Arkansas Site Development Program, totaling $44,646,370.37 in requested funding. Of those applications, one was approved for the Berryville Business Park. The allotment totals $400,000.
“The sky is the limit for Arkansas’ economy when our government and private sector work together to grow investment and jobs,” said Governor Sanders. “The Arkansas Site Development Program tells companies worldwide that Arkansas is open for business and will help each of the recipient communities attract new businesses.”
Under Governor Sanders’ leadership and in partnership with the Arkansas State Legislature, AEDC developed and announced the Arkansas Site Development Program in June 2024. Eligible recipient locations are industrial sites of at least 30 contiguous acres of land, listed on the Arkansas Site Selection Database, and owned or optioned by the applicant.
“Strong communities with competitive industrial sites are essential for winning economic development projects, and the Arkansas Site Development Program will play a major role in equipping our state’s communities to win,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “The Arkansas Site Development Program is the first program of its kind in our state, and it is an important step that will help us continue to secure economic development projects in the years to come. This program would not have been possible without the support of Governor Sanders, the Arkansas General Assembly, and the local communities that applied for funding – we appreciate their support and look forward to continued success.”
The funds can be used for a range of site development projects, including the extension and improvement of public infrastructure to the site; right of way acquisition; easement acquisition; soil borings and analysis; construction costs for site improvements, including drainage improvements, easement, dozer or dirt work, grading, site mitigation, and site rehabilitation; due diligence study costs; and other site development-related activities deemed necessary by AEDC to improve a site’s competitiveness.
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Blood drive in Berryville Dec. 19
BERRYVILLE - The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 45 area healthcare facilities, encourages community members to wrap up the year by saving lives. Give the gift of life at the blood drive in Berryville on Thursday, December 19. Donors will receive a limited-edition cozy fleece blanket, while supplies last.
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors provide all the blood for patients at Mercy Hospital Berryville, as well as over 40 other healthcare facilities across the Ozarks. Berryville area residents will have the opportunity to donate at the following location:
Thursday, Dec. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Southern Heights Baptist Church – Fellowship Hall, located at 279 HWY 221 S, Berryville.
“The need for blood often rises during the winter months and holiday season” said Michelle Teter, Media Relations Representative at CBCO. “In just an hour, you can give the most meaningful gift of the season, the gift of life. It’s a gift that will leave an unforgettable impact on patients and their families, and one day, it could be your own loved one who needs a blood transfusion. Please consider making a lifesaving blood donation this holiday season.”
On behalf of local hospital patients, Community Blood Center of the Ozarks thanks blood donors from across the region for giving life to your community.
To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/donate-blood or by calling 417-227-5006.
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Lady Bobcat Volleyball Team hosting K-2 clinic
BERRYVILLE - The Lady Bobcat Volleyball Team will host a volleyball clinic for K-2nd graders in January. The clinic will be held Jan. 6, 7 and 9 from 5:30-7 p.m. each evening.
Registration forms will be handed out to your children at school, however extra forms can be picked up at the elementary office. Registration fee is $40. Checks can be made payable to: Berryville Volleyball.
Registration forms and payment can be brought back the first night of camp.
The clinic will take place in the elementary P.E. Facility on the K-2 campus.
For more information, contact Kristin Whetham by calling (870) 350-2225 or email kwhetham@bobcat.k12.ar.us.
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Homicide at Cummins Prison under investigation
GOULD - On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, around 12:30 a.m., Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) was contacted by the Department of Corrections to investigate the death of an inmate in the Cummins Unit.
CID Special Agents found Quincy Moore, 51, deceased in his cell. The death is being investigated as a homicide.
Moore was serving a Life Sentence for an August 9, 1990, aggravated robbery in Pulaski County.
The Lincoln County Coroner will transfer the deceased to the Arkansas State Crime Lab, where the cause and manner of death will be determined.
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ASP: 'Tis the season to drive sober
During this busy winter holiday season, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Arkansas law enforcement are teaming up to remind drivers: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. This high-visibility impaired driving awareness and enforcement campaign runs December 11, 2024, through January 1, 2025. In support of the law enforcement community’s dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their jurisdictions, drivers will see officers working together during the holiday season to take drunk drivers off the roads.
Alcohol-impaired driving is deadly and continues to be a factor in fatal traffic crashes in the United States, especially during the holidays. During the 2018-2022 December months, there were 4,759 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. In December 2022 alone, 1,062 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. Unfortunately, males and young people are at greatest risk for injury or fatality: In December 2022, drunk male drivers were involved in fatal crashes at a much higher rate (22%) compared to female drivers (16%), and young drivers ages 21-34 accounted for the highest percentage (25%) of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes.
“Drunk driving is deadly and illegal, and it should never be an option for getting home,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “We want our communities to have a joy-filled holiday season, but we want everyone to do so responsibly, and that means refraining from drinking and driving. There are too many choices for a safe ride home. Use them,” he said.
Drivers should be safe during the holidays by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.
Celebrate with a planArkansas law enforcement recommends these safe alternative to drinking and driving:
It’s never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get to your destination safely. Plan a safe way home before you leave.
If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi, ride-share service or a designated sober driver to drive you home.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1.
If you know someone who is about to drive or operate a motorcycle or any other vehicle while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.
Always buckle up. Your seat belt is your best defense against a drunk driver.
For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136, and go to https://www.tzdarkansas.org/ to learn about Arkansas’ Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities.
News for Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Carroll Electric to receive $432m loan to build, improve power grid
CARROLL COUNTY - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week that the USDA is investing $6.3 billion through a series of low-interest loans in rural and Tribal communities across 44 states to expand access to reliable energy and clean water.
The Carroll Electric Cooperative Corp. will receive a $432 million low-interest loan from USDA to build and improve nearly 900 miles of line, connecting more than 10,000 consumers. Nearly $11 million in funding will be used for smart grid technologies.
The Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program makes insured loans and loan guarantees to nonprofit and cooperative associations, public bodies, and other utilities.
“As a Rural Utility Service (RUS) borrower, Carroll Electric is able to make long-term investments in its utility infrastructure through low-interest rate loans offered through USDA. Overall, the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program enables Carroll Electric to finance essential projects that will improve and sustain the reliable delivery of electricity and maintain affordable rates in Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri.
“The $432 million RUS loan is directly tied to the Cooperative’s short-term work plan of projects that the company intends to complete over the next four to six years,” said Cory Smith, vice president of corporate relations for Carroll Electric Cooperative Corp.
More than 200 projects are being financed nationwide to strengthen the country’s infrastructure in rural places, according to USDA.
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Carroll County Quorum Court to meet Dec. 17
BERRYVILLE - The Carroll County Quorum Court will meet in regular session on Dec. 17 beginning at 5 p.m. in the Eastern District Courthouse in Berryville.
The meeting will begin with the second reading of an ordinance to establish the annual operating budget for 2025. In addition, the quorum court will then host the second reading of an ordinance to establish the compensation for all county elected positions for 2025.
The proposed salaries are as follows:
County Judge: $67,652.52
County Clerk: $59,916.74
Circuit Clerk: $59,916.74
County Treasurer: $59,916.74
County Tax Collector: $59,916.74
County Assessor: $59,916.74
County Sheriff: $65,936
County Coroner: $9,570
Quorum Court: $325 per regular/special meeting, $100 per committee meeting and $300 per committee meeting for the chairperson of the county’s finance committee.
Other items on the agenda include votes on the following appointments:
-Reappointment of Chris Trask to the Eastern Carroll County Ambulance District-Judy Horton to the Green Forest Library Board-Reappointment of Erick Diaz as a board member to the Berryville Public Library Board of Trustees-Kate Ambach Wood, Fran Carlin and Martha Fargo to the Eureka Springs Library Board-A resolution confirming the resignation of Joe Hill and appointment of Martha Fargo as a board member to the Carroll County Library Department Board of Trustees-Stacee Nuckolls and Carrie Reece as board members to the Carroll County Library Department Board of Trustees-Willie Daniels as a commissioner to the Lake Forest Subordinate Service District-David Henke and Chris Clifton to the Inspiration Point Fire Protection District Board-Terrance MacGowen as a commissioner to the Sylvan Shores Subordinate Service District
Other items include an ordinance to obligate and expend Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Funding through eligible reimbursable activities, and an ordinance to obligate remaining ARPA funds on the books of the county as reimbursement to wages.
The meeting will be open to the public.
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AGFC monitoring avian influenza in Arkansas
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is asking waterfowl hunters and wildlife watchers heading to the field to keep an eye out for any sick or dead birds they find in the wild that may be the result of avian influenza. The risk of humans contracting the disease remains low, but hunters can minimize that risk by following a few simple precautions.
Hunters and wildlife watchers who observe concentrations of sick or dead birds should contact the AGFC’s wildlife health program through www.agfc.com/avianflu with information about the species, number of birds affected and location.
According to Dr. Jenn Ballard, AGFC state wildlife veterinarian, this is the third year since Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was detected in the U.S. and it’s likely that periodic outbreaks will continue to occur.
“We’re getting reports consistent with cases in previous years and confirmation testing is underway,” Ballard said. “The reports so far this year have been almost exclusively snow geese with most being juveniles.”
According to Ballard, various low pathogenicity strains of influenza always circulate in wild bird populations, but HPAI has much more potential to spread and has caused billions of dollars of damage to domestic poultry production in Asia, Europe and North America.
Waterfowl hunters may remember finding dead and dying snow geese in 2022, particularly at the beginning of the waterfowl season in Arkansas rice fields.
“Mortality in 2022 was primarily found in those snow goose populations, but a few other duck species and raptors were affected as well,” Ballard said. “Eagles and hawks that may have preyed upon sick or dying geese were confirmed with the HPAI pathogen.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk for humans to contract HPAI is still low, but people who find birds that are obviously sick or bewildered should report them to the AGFC and refrain from handling them. The pathogen has also been found to affect dairy cattle, so anyone who works around any poultry or livestock should use extreme caution and practice good hygiene practices when handling, cleaning and preparing harvested waterfowl.
Safety Guidelines for Hunters
Harvest only waterfowl that act and look healthy. Do not handle or eat sick animals.
Wear disposable gloves when handling and cleaning game and field dress outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward.
Dispose of unwanted parts in a manner that prevents scavenging by domestic animals and wildlife.
Thoroughly cook all game to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before eating it.
Do not feed pets or domestic animals uncooked portions of waterfowl.
Avoid contact between poultry and livestock and wild birds or their parts. After handling waterfowl, change or clean clothing, shoes and other equipment before coming into contact with domestic animals and livestock, including commercial production facilities and backyard flocks.
More information on avian influenza is available at USDA APHIS’s website.
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