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03/22/2023

Arrest Reports: 03/22
Jason E. Arnold - HI - 46 - theft of property x 4Wesley R. Clark - BV - 31 - DWIAnthony E. Hall - Eagle Rock, Mo - 33 - revocation, FTA x 2
National Agriculture Week March 21-27, 2023: Why National Agriculture Week is Important
It honors the farmers This holiday is an official statement of appreciation to all farmers and employees of the agricultural industry. It is through their efforts that the nation can sustain itself. It serves to promote agriculture as a good source of income and as a field of research and technological advancement. Agriculture has seen a decline in the interest of people as urbanization increases. So to get the interest back towards agriculture this week is a good idea to promote agriculture and its benefits. From seven million farmers and ranchers in the 1950s to only 2.6 million in 2017, people are losing interest in agriculture. They are moving to more urban settlements for jobs that are of urban lifestyles. This means that in the years to come, the agricultural industry will have very few people employed, which might cause a problem for the country. So awareness about this fact needs to be spread. Our local sponsors for Ag Week include Carroll County Cattleman's Association, Casey's Equipment, Bank of 1889, Montgomery Whiteley Realty, Harts Family Center, Anstaff Bank and Southern Paramedic Service.
Melissa Casey Recognized with Arkansas Power Woman in Banking Award
Charlie Cross, Chief Executive Officer, CS Bank, is pleased to announce Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer/Chief Financial Officer, Melissa Casey, has been named the Arkansas Power Woman in Banking Award recipient by the Arkansas Bankers Association. The ABA Power Woman in Banking Award celebrates a woman in the banking profession within the state of Arkansas who has made positive and substantial contributions to the industry, is active within their community and goes the extra mile to promote and inspire women to reach their full potential. Cross stated, “Melissa certainly epitomizes the spirit of this award and is a role model for professional women throughout the State of Arkansas. I remain proud of her leadership and stewardship here at CS Bank and feel this recognition to be richly deserved.” Ms. Casey is a resident of Berryville, Arkansas where she lives with her husband Charles. She has three children, serves on the Mercy Hospital Board and is involved with numerous community and philanthropic endeavors throughout the area. CS Bank is a $510 million-dollar, Northwest Arkansas based bank with seven locations throughout the area and plans for continued expansion, including a second location in South Harrison.
Hospitality Employer Helping Get Affordable Housing and Childcare for Workers
People moving to Eureka Springs often have a new job but don’t often have their own address. Affordable rental property is in short supply. One of the town’s largest hospitality employers, the Crescent Hotel, decided to make some space for them. The hotel purchased a building that was once an assisted living facility and is now an apartment complex. The right and left sides are apartments and in the middle, a babysitting facility. The Crescent’s executive vice president decided transitional housing can help retain new workers. The Executive Vice President of the hotel, Jack Moyer, says the company is converting what was an assisted living facility into small apartments. Moyer also says he is working on more full-time childcare. Moyer said only half of the building’s apartments have been completed. They are expecting to finish renovations sometime this summer.
Rogers Fire Department Chief Dies Suddenly
The Rogers Fire Department made a Facebook post around 1 a.m. announcing the death of a captain who has served nearly 23 years. Fire Captain Shawn Treat suddenly died Monday night while off duty, according to a Rogers Fire Station spokesperson.
Walmart Shareholders Meeting May 31
Walmart Inc. announced their annual shareholders’ meeting along with their traditional Friday AssociateCelebration, according to a press release. A virtual shareholders meeting is for May 31. There will not be a physical location for the annual meeting. The annual meeting will focus on shareholder voting. According to a press release, shareholders are expected to vote electronically, online, by mail or by phone prior to May 31. Walmart associates from around the world will be joining us on June 2 at the Bud Walton Arena for the Friday Associate Celebration. The event will feature entertainment and messages from senior leadership to highlight accomplishments. According to a press release the event will also be webcast through a link on the company’s website.
John Boozman Interview on Shortage of Healthcare Professionals
Linda Boyer has details here....
Mulberry Teacher Facing Multiple Charges
A Mulberry High School teacher is facing multiple charges in connection with exchanging nude photos with a student. Hiedi Leeann Oliver , 41, was arrested Thursday in connection with two counts of distributing, possessing or viewing matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, according to a probable cause affidavit. She was booked into the Crawford County jail and released on a $100,000 bond. According to the affidavit, the Crawford County Sheriff's Office investigated a report Thursday involving a 17- year-old boy and an educator at Mulberry High School. Police said the boy was interviewed at Hamilton House in Fort Smith. He said he and Oliver exchanged nude photos. He added he spent a night at her home in January. He didn't say there was any sexual contact, but told investigators the two discussed meeting up to have intercourse at a later date, police said. Oliver admitted during an interview at the Sheriff's Office she received at least two graphic pictures from the boy. She also said he stayed over at her house, and they had a conversation of "a sexual manner." She also confirmed she had sent him sexual pictures of herself, according to the affidavit.
Dirty Produce Guide is Out
You may want to be a little more cautious in the kitchen and make sure your groceries are clean. The 2023 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce is out, and strawberries and spinach own the top two slots on the so-called “dirty dozen.” Kale came in third place followed by two other greens: collard and mustard respectively. The report also says nearly 90% of blueberries and green bean samples had concerning findings, including more kinds of pesticides than in previous years. Health officials said exposure to food with pesticides could potentially be harmful, especially for pregnant women and children. The researchers said, if you can’t buy organic, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables, it’s important to properly wash the food items. Avocados are on the top of the list for least-contaminated foods, followed by sweet corn. The findings of this report came from nearly 47,000 samples tested by The Department of Agriculture.

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03/21/2023

Arrest Reports 03/21:
Lonnie R. Elsey - Springdale - 50 - FTAJessica S. Kasper - Huntsville - 38 - court commitmentTyson N. Lautiej - BV - 21 - FTAKelvin Y. Roman Nieves - Branson, Mo - 22 - possessionof controlled substance, possessionof drug paraphrnalia, no liability insuranceRaymond Williams - Fayetteville - 23 - driving on suspended DL, no insurance
National Agriculture Week Being Celebrated
National Agriculture Week is celebrated every year in March on dates announced by the Agriculture Council of America. This year the holiday commences on March 21 and ends on 27. The week celebrates and acknowledges the agricultural industry and the role it plays in stabilizing the economy. The holiday gives thanks to the industry as a whole for being a source of abundant food, fiber, and renewable products. It also provides millions with stable jobs and careers. It also emphasizes the efforts made by those involved in agriculture for providing us with necessities that most of us take for granted. History of National Agriculture Week Agriculture is the biggest food contributor in America. America is the net exporter of food, which means that this industry is a source of food and wealth. The rich history of agriculture in the U.S. attracted colonists to the area. Since most colonists were European, the styles of agricultural cultivation and production were Europe influenced as well. Colonists also brought a large amount of livestock with them to America, which caused changes in its natural landscape. As the population grew, farms expanded, and settlements moved from the east into the west. This caused the agricultural industry to grow exponentially, with a larger variety of produce being rooted. Once the west was populated and cultivated, a wheat frontier was formed. The east was firmly set on cattle and livestock with only a handful of small-scale crops. On the other hand, the south was dominated by tobacco and cotton. Lastly, the north was dominated by people who planted only what they needed, anything in excess was sold to the market. It was only during the Civil War and the Second World War that the agricultural system became centralized, and a proper agricultural system was introduced. The Agriculture Council of America, formed in 1973, has supported the farmers and agricultural advancements in farming techniques in the U.S. It comprises influential leaders in agriculture, food, and farming who work together as a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the world on the importance of agriculture in American Society. At the same time when the council was formed, the first National Agriculture Day was also introduced, which soon developed into an entire week-long celebration. National Agriculture Week has been celebrated ever since, with full enthusiasm to support agriculture and spread awareness about the potential and vitality of agriculture. Our sponsors for National Agriculture Week are Carroll County Cattlemen's Association, Southern Paramedic Service, Anstaff Bank, Harts Family Center, Montgomery Whiteley Realty, Bank of 1889 and Casey's Equipment.
Rockin' Library Fundraiser Set for Saturday, March 25
Tired of all the potholes in your driveway? Or has all this season’s heavy rain washed out your drive so much that you need a four-wheel drive to reach your house? Carroll County Stone has your solution! Saturday, March 25, is Love Your Library Day at Carroll County Stone, located just 2 miles east of Berryville on Highway 62. Carroll County Stone has teamed up with the Berryville Library and will be offering a full pickup load of base rock for only $20 per load with 100% of the proceeds going toward the Berryville Library Building Project. Carroll County Stone, referred to by many locals as Rock Crusher Hill, will open the gates Saturday, March 25, from 8am-2pm. No reservations needed, just show up and the Carroll County Stone team will load up your pickup. Please contact Carroll County Stone for pricing if you need more than a pickup load. According to Berryville Friends of the Library President Calvin Cleaver, “We can’t thank Carroll County Stone enough for hosting this great fundraiser again for the library. Last year’s event raised over $2,300, and this year is shaping up to be even bigger! This is such a great deal, and spring is a perfect time for those do-it-yourself kinds of projects that need this base rock!” If you’ve been putting off fixing your driveway or getting to that outdoor spring project, don’t wait any longer. Help us ROCK this fundraiser with Carroll County Stone, benefiting the Friends of the Berryville Library. Even if you don’t have a project that needs base rock, come on out anyway and see the fine folks at Carroll County Stone while greeting some of the Friends of the Berryville Library volunteers. Donations will be gladly accepted and are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. For more information about this event or if you’re interested in making a donation to the Berryville Library Building Project, call (870) 654-6565
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge to Celebrate 31st Anniversary
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge will celebrate its 31st anniversary and is inviting Carole Baskin, who appeared in the hit Netflix documentary “Tiger King”, along with her husband Howard to speak at the event. According to a press release from Turpentine Creek, the Feast with the Beasts event will be held on April 29 from 3:30-8 p.m. The release says guests will be able to enjoy a happy hour in the Discovery Area among the big cats with cocktails, appetizers and live music. Visitors will be able to experience a special tram tour followed by dinner which will also be served in the Discovery Area. “We want to come and join Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in celebrating their anniversary and passage of this important legislation,” Baskin said, referring to The Big Cat Public Safety Act President Joe Biden signed into law on December 20. The release says there will be both a silent and live auction with proceeds benefitting the animals at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. The wildlife refuge says it will also share never-before-seen footage of rescues.
Missing Kayakers on Beaver Lake Identified
One of the kayakers reported missing at Beaver Lake on March 16 is the percussionist for the famous instrumental band Lotus. The band’s Facebook page told fans on March 17 that Chuck Morris and his son Charley had gone missing and asked fans to contact local authorities. The Facebook page linked to a GoFundMe page on March 18 which asked for financial support for the Morris family. The GoFundMe reached more than $10,000 in the first two hours after its creation. Chuck and Charley were reported missing in the Lost Bridge area of Beaver Lake. The search was placed on hold due to weather conditions and lack of visibility. The search resumed on March 17. Lt. Shannon Jenkins with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office says the Morris family traveled from Kansas City to vacation at Beaver Lake. A prayer vigil was held on March 18 for the kayakers at the Lost Bridge Village Recreation Center in Garfield. Jennifer Thompson, the wife and mom of the kayakers, says she’s been grateful to see the support from the community and continues to hope they’re found safe. “I’m just hoping that people pray in whatever way that means for them to bring our loved ones back to us. Chuck and Charlie, the loves of my life,” Thompson said. If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of the kayakers, call the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at (479) 721-1008
Arkansas General Assembly Taking Week Off for Spring Break
The Arkansas General Assembly is taking a spring break this week from its regular session, but legislative leaders are hoping to lay more groundwork during the week to help reach their goal of completing their work in the regular session by April 7. In the regular session, the Republican-dominated Legislature has enacted Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' education overhaul legislation that raises the state's minimum teacher salary from $36,000 to $50,000 a year, creates Educational Freedom Accounts to help students attend private schools, parochial schools or to home school, and enacts many other changes in the education system. It's Act 237 of 2023. The Legislature and Sanders still have to enact a Revenue Stabilization Act that prioritizes the distribution of state general revenue in fiscal year 2024 that begins July 1, and determine what to do with $1.3 billion in unallocated general revenue surplus funds. Lawmakers also will grapple with whether to refer up to three proposed constitutional amendments to voters in the 2024 general election. Lawmakers also want to complete action on a wide variety of measures.
Shell Knob Woman Injured in UTV Rollover
A woman was taken to a hospital with serious injuries Saturday evening after she was involved in a crash. A Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report indicated 67-year-old Mitzi Mathews and 65-year-old Steven Mathews, both from Liberty, Missouri, were driving a Kawasaki Mule UTV just before 6 p.m. on March 18. As they were driving on Fish and Fun Road, about five miles south of Shell Knob, Missouri, their vehicle veered off the road and overturned. Mitzi Mathews suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital in Springfield, Missouri. She had been wearing a seatbelt. Steven Mathews, who did not suffer any injuries, was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, according to the report. MSHP stated he was not wearing a seatbelt.
Amazon Eliminating 9,000 More Jobs in Addition to 18,000
Amazon plans to eliminate 9,000 more jobs in the next few weeks, CEO Andy Jassy said in a memo to staff on Monday. The job cuts would mark the second largest round of layoffs in the company's history, adding to the 18,000 employees the company said it would lay off in January. In the memo, Jassy said the second phase of the company's annual planning process completed this month and led to the additional job cuts. He said Amazon will still hire in some strategic areas. This month, Amazon paused construction on its second headquarters in Virginia following the biggest round of layoffs in the company’s history and its shifting plans around remote work. Last week, Facebook parent Meta announced it was slashing another 10,000 jobs and will not fill 5,000 open positions as the social media pioneer cuts costs. The company announced 11,000 job cuts in November, about 13% of its workforce at the time. Meta and other tech companies have been hiring aggressively for at least two years and in recent months have begun to let some of those workers go.
Google Laying Off 12,000 Workers
Google is laying off 12,000 workers, or about 6% of its workforce, becoming the latest tech company to trim staff as the economic boom that the industry rode during the COVID-19 pandemic ebbed. CEO Sundar Pichai informed staff Friday at the Silicon Valley giant about the cuts in an email that was also posted on the company's news blog. The firings adds to tens of thousands of other job losses recently announced by Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook parent Meta and other tech companies as they tighten their belts amid a darkening outlook for the industry. Just this month, there have been at least 48,000 job cuts announced by major companies in the sector. “Over the past two years we’ve seen periods of dramatic growth,” Pichai wrote. “To match and fuel that growth, we hired for a different economic reality than the one we face today.” He said the layoffs reflect a “rigorous review" carried out by Google of its operations. The jobs being eliminated “cut across Alphabet, product areas, functions, levels and regions,” Pichai said. In a regulatory filing late last year, the company said that it employed nearly 187,000 people. Pichai said that Google, founded nearly a quarter of a century ago, was “bound to go through difficult economic cycles.” “These are important moments to sharpen our focus, reengineer our cost base, and direct our talent and capital to our highest priorities,” he wrote. There will be job cuts in the U.S. and in other countries, according to Pchai’s letter.
Microsoft and Meta Eliminating Jobs
Microsoft announced 10,000 job cuts, or nearly 5% of its workforce recently. Amazon has said its cutting 18,000 jobs, although that's a fraction of its 1.5 million strong workforce. Facebook parent Meta is shedding 11,000 positions, or 13% of its workers, while business software maker Salesforce is laying off about 8,000 employees, or 10% of the total. Twitter CEO Elon Musk has slashed jobs at the company after he acquired it last fall. Employment in the U.S. has been resilient despite signs of a slowing economy, and there were another 223,000 jobs added in December. Yet the tech sector grew exceptionally fast over the last several years due to increased demand as employees began to work remotely. EOs of a number of companies have taken blame for growing too fast, yet those same companies, even after the latest round of job cuts, remain much larger than they were before the economic boom from the pandemic began.

03/20/2023

Weekend Arrest Reports:
3-20-23Lisbeth A. Agniotti-Watson - BV - criminal trespass, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, theft, obstructing Gov operations, public intox, disorderly conductJeremy W. Coyle - Prairie Grove - 42 - domestic battery x 2, endangering welfare of minor x 3, interference with emergency communicationsUles E. Holder - BV - 59 - driving on suspended DLNicole Monroe - Broken Arrow, OK - 40 - public intoxRichard Olcott - Harrison - 64 - FTAChristopher L. Sheen - BV - 27 - DWI, violationo f interlock device, no proof of insurance, leaving scene of accident, careless or prohibited drivingRaymond Williams - Fayetteville - 23 - drivingon suspended DL, no insuranceRebecca Wright - BV - 23 - hold for other agency
3-18-23Nathan D. Drake - BV - 37 - court commit x 2Brandon A. Hawkins - ES - 42 - FTA x 2Jeremy S> Heinrich - Huntsville - 29 - contempt of courtAustin Jarkion - GF - 40 - no proof of liability insurance, drivingon suspended or revoked DL. FTA x 3Damon A. Kelley - BV - 29 - court commitJesse S. Lestage - BV - 46 - drivingon suspended DLBenjamin N. Miller - BV - 35 - contempt of court, FTASamuel G. Pate - ES - 51 - court commitmentJose G. Quintana - BV - 40 - FTAJasper Riklon - GF - 44 - FTAArvil D. Tyler Jr - GF - 55 - court commitment x 2Sharina Watkins - Springdale - 43 - court commitLisbeth A. Watson - Fayetteville - 49 - obstruction Gov operations, driving on suspended DL, failure to register vehicle, no proof liability ins., hold for other agenciesAnthony Zacherias - GF - 43 - FTA
Quorum Court to Hear Wind Farm Development Project
A main topic expected to be discussed at Tuesday night's Carroll County Quorum Court meeting will be a proposed Wind Farm project in the eastern part of the county. Scout Clean Energy of Boulder, Colorado has announced plans to erect wind turbines at various sites among 9,000 acres, a total of about 14 square miles. The area of construction is south of Green Forest, and west of Alpena, according to a Scout Clean Energy news release. If the project is completed, it would generate 180 megawatts of electricity at peak demand. That's projected to be enough power to supply approximately 30,000 homes, according to industry estimates. Residents who oppose the intended project are expected to address the Quorum Court Tuesday night. A Carroll County official has said there is little that the county government could do to stop the project.
Father and Son Still Missing on Beaver Lake
The Benton County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) reports that a father and son are missing after a kayaking trip on Beaver Lake last Thursday. Search and rescue operations had to halt after the first several hours of the search due to weather and vision issues, but the search began again in the morning. BCSO reports that the two left Lost Bridge on Beaver Lake at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 16, in kayaks and were reported missing hours later. The BCSO says that "the search area was about 2000 square feet— I think it's about a 15-mile area that we're searching between the land and the water, it's just going to take a little while. " The Bentonville Alert System sent out a warning stating two kayakers were overdue on Beaver Lake in the Lost Bridge area on Thursday, March 17: BCSO says that they found one kayak and one life jacket in the Pine Log Hollow area. According to a Facebook post, the father, Chuck Morris is part of a band named Lotus. The band posted on its Facebook page about the search. Any information on the missing kayaker's whereabouts should be reported to the Benton County Sheriff's Office at 479-271-1008
Arkansas Legislature News
1. A bill before the Arkansas legislature would end taxes on food and food ingredients. House Bill 1661 was submitted Thursday, and would strip entire blocks from the Arkansas code, ending taxes on food and food ingredients. Bill would change definition of beer in Arkansas “Food and food ingredients,” by Arkansas law, do not include prepared food items, such as a sandwich or a box of donuts. Alcohol-containing beverages are also not included as a food or food item by state statute. According to Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration spokesperson Scott Hardin, the Arkansas tax rate on food has been reduced over the years.Hardin said that Arkansas’s tax rate on food and food ingredients is currently 0.125%, first set in 2013. Previously, the legislature lowered the food tax rate to 1.5% in 2011. In 2009 the tax was reduced to 2% by the legislature. Hardin said that currently, all collections go to the state’s Conservation Fund, which divides it between Arkansas Game & Fish, Parks & Tourism, Department of Heritage and Keep Arkansas Beautiful. In its February revenue report, the DFA showed Arkansas tax revenues for the eight-month fiscal year are $250.2 million, or 5.6%, above what was forecast. Arkansas bill to protect minors from viewing porn making its way through legislature The 0.125% state sales tax on food generated $8.4 million for Arkansas in fiscal year 2022, which ran from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Kendon Underwood (R-Cave Springs). 2. Arkansas lawmakers sent Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders legislation that would raise the property tax credit that thousands of homeowners receive for their primary residence. Sanders’ office said the Republican governor planned to sign into law the legislation, which will raise the homestead property tax credit from $375 to $425. The Senate approved the bill by a 33-0 vote on Thursday. The state Department of Finance and Administration has projected the increase, which the House approved by a 99-0 vote earlier this month, would cost the state $34 million next year. More than 711,000 people received the tax credit in 2022. The credit is funded by a one-half cent statewide sales and use tax. The tax credit was established through a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2000. It was last raised in 2019 by former Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Sanders’ Republican predecessor. 3. Arkansas House Speaker Matthew Shepherd filed a bill Thursday to expand the state's law that allows college athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness to include some high school students. The state's current name, image and likeness law applies only to students who are enrolled in a college or university. House Bill 1649 would expand the law to include high school students who have signed a national letter of intent, or similar agreement, or have been accepted to a college or university. Previously the National Collegiate Athletic Association had barred college athletes from profiting off their name, image and likeness but ended the policy in June 2021. Under the name, image and likeness policy, athletes can be compensated through marketing and promotional events, such as product endorsements, autographs and more. By allowing some high school athletes to enter into name, image and likeness deals, Shepherd said the proposed bill is aimed at keeping the state's universities competitive in the often cutthroat world of recruiting. "From my perspective, I'd rather [prefer] that we didn't have to go down this road, but the fact of the matter is that's the environment in which we live, that's the world in which we live," Shepherd told reporters during a news conference after the House adjourned Thursday. "So it's important that our laws are keeping up with what's going on across the country." However, the bill addresses only a portion of high school athletes, with Shepherd deferring a future name, image likeness policy for all high school athletes to the Arkansas Activities Association, saying he expects there to be an interim study to look into the issue.
Arkansas vs. UConn in Sweet Sixteen Thursday
The Arkansas-UConn Sweet Sixteen matchup will take place on Thursday, March 23 at 6:15 C.T. and aired on CBS. The game will take place in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena. UCONN beat Saint Mary’s 70-55 on Sunday night to punch their ticket to the Sweet Sixteen. Arkansas upset Kansas in NCAA Tournament 72-71 The last time the Huskies were in the Sweet Sixteen was in 2014 and they went on to win the national championship that year. Arkansas punched their ticket to this game by taking down No. 1 seeded Kansas 72-71 on Saturday night. Hunter Yurachek Presents Renovation Plan to Bud Walton Arena The University of Arkansas Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek presented a plan to renovate Bud Walton Arena to the university's board of trustees on Tuesday. The presentation's intention was to only pitch three renovation options and to inform the board that UA Athletics is initiating a study on those concepts. Kevin Trainor, the spokesperson for the athletic program, said the renderings shown in the presentation are "conceptual only and no decisions have been made on types or locations of seating etc." Yurachek presented three scenarios: Deferred maintenance Deferred maintenance and the addition of premium space additions Deferred maintenance, the addition of premium space additions and back-of-house renovation and expansion According to the presentation, deferred maintenance alone would cost $44 million, including roof, HVAC, seats/seating bowl, concessions, restrooms and more. The second option would include the maintenance, and the expansion of premium space options including a club level, loge boxes, upper concourse suites, courtside bunker suites and baseline-to-baseline student seating. The third scenario would include options one and two, plus the addition of the expansion and renovation of the back-of-house to accommodate multi-use events. The presentation also included details of a capital campaign goal of $125 million. This goal includes: $40 million football stadium naming opportunity $35 million Bud Walton Arena naming opportunity $10 million soccer stadium naming opportunity $10 million softball stadium naming opportunity $30 million for miscellaneous opportunitiesPreliminary financing scenarios include a $50 million athletic department bond issue for the first option, the bond plus $25 million in gift commitments to cover the second option and the bond, gifts and an additional $25 million in third-party partnerships to cover the scenario that includes all three.
State Capitol Week in Review: Senator Bryan King March 17, 2023 - LITTLE ROCK
The legislature has advanced a long list of bills to prevent voter fraud and protect the integrity of elections. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have passed HB 1510 to schedule all special elections on the same date as traditional primary elections in May and general elections in November. A motivation of the sponsors is to prevent local officials from holding a special election for a tax increase on a date when few people will know about and go to the polls. In presidential election years, Arkansas primary elections are in March and that is when special elections could be held. SB 250, which affects counties that choose to use paper ballots, has been sent to the governor. It requires those counties to use paper ballots that are compatible with the vote counting machines of the Secretary of State, and it requires the county to pay the costs of printing and counting the ballots. SB 254 eliminates write-in candidates in state elections. It has been sent to the governor. SB 255, which has been sent to the governor, prohibits state and local election officials from accepting any gifts, services, products or anything of value from any source other than the government entity that employs them. A goal is to prohibit social media, consultants, political parties and strategists from paying for any election expenses. SB 258 prohibits the use of drop boxes for collecting absentee ballots. All absentee ballots that are not delivered by mail must be hand delivered inside the county clerk’s office. SB 258 has passed in both chambers and is on the governor’s desk. Already in law is Act 236, which affects citizens’ groups trying to place an issue on statewide ballots. They will have to gather signatures of registered voters from at least 50 counties. That is an increase from at least 15 counties. SB 377, which has been advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee, would make it a crime to destroy signatures gathered on petitions to place an issue on the ballot. The bill was prompted by incidents that occurred when competing casino interests paid or harassed canvassers. HB 1513 creates an Election Integrity Unit with the state Attorney General’s office. It is in the House State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee. The Senate has passed SB 272 to require more audits of elections by the state Board of Election Commissioners. In odd-numbered years an election audit will be performed in 15 to 20 counties, randomly selected. The Board can order an audit in response to complaints of election fraud, and the legislature’s Joint Performance Review Committee can designate a county to be audited. Act 194 authorizes the state Attorney General to review ballot titles and popular names of proposed amendments and initiatives. For many years the Attorney General reviewed ballot titles, but in 2019 the legislature transferred that authority to the Board of Election Commissioners. Last year, in a decision on a proposed ballot issue to legalize recreational marijuana, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled that the Board of Election Commissioners had no authority to approve ballot titles.

03/17/2023

Arrest Reports: 03/17
Shannon L. Cook - Fayetteville - 49 - FTA x 2Mark A. Gordon - Harrison - 45 - FTA x 2Jessica P. Guest - BV - 33 - resisting arrest, obstructing Gov operations, contempt of courtJeremy S. Heinrich - Huntsville - 29 - no charge listedJolean M. McLean - GF - 36 - domestic battery, FTABenjamin N. Miller - BV - 35 - contempt of court, FTALara J. Stielow - HI - 41 - FTADexter Sudduth - Huntsville - 28 - hold for other agenciesJoseph E. Wein - Pea Ridge - 36 - driving on suspended or revoked DL, poss. drug paraphernalia, speedingStephen L. Worley - Huntsville - 62 - hold for other agencyYoshio X. Verena - GF - 36 - contempt of court
Green Forest City Council Meeting
The Green Forest City Council met Monday with all councilpersons present, along with Morgan Darby- Gonzalez, Clerk-Recorder and Mayor Don McNeely. Buddy Fry reported to Council the Street Projects for 2023. They include paving S. Springfield, 9th and 10th Streets and curbing for Arch, and Cherry Streets. The budget allocated is $240,000. Mayor McNeely reported the City is trying to get a $50,000 grant to put toward a Fire Truck. They don't have word yet on whether they will get it or not. Council discussed at length the city parks, baseball and softball fields and soccer fields. Some are problems because of water retention. The problems with drainage were supposed to be repaired but the problem lingers.Council decided to get earnestly busy with getting the new community building complete at the Park and will use the available money to start with the first steps needed. Carroll Smith said he's been a councilman for five years and all they've done about getting the building completed is talk about. He said it's time to get serious.. Tyson Foods donated some seed money years ago to get the project started. Council approved the purchase of two new zero-turn lawn mowers from Midwest Equipment for $28,172. Under New Business, the Green Forest Chamber President Ross Darby told Council of the Circus coming to town March 30th. The Spring Clean-up date is April 22nd and the Rat Race in honor of the lateTommy Ratzlaff is set for June 24th. Ratzlaff was a Green Forest native and Navy Seal who was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.
Scott and Trina Scrivner Receive 1st Quarter Carla Youngblood Award
Scott and Trina Scrivner are this year’s first recipients of the Friends of the Berryville Library’s Carla Youngblood Award. This award recognizes individuals for their acts of kindness to the community. The Scrivners were surprised when league volleyball at the Community Center was suspended momentarily Monday evening for the Friends of the Berryville Library to present Scott and Trina their award in front of their many peers. The Scrivners are well known to families who have been involved in any of the children or adult baseball, softball, volleyball, cornhole and horseshoe tournaments. Scott has volunteered countless hours preparing fields, setting up league brackets, and taking the time to coach leagues even when he didn’t have a child on the team. His wife Trina has spent countless hours operating the concession stand at both the ballfield and community center for events. For the past two years, they have also assisted the Historical Society with Pioneer Days, hosting both corn hole and horseshoe tournaments. Scott and Trina are both Berryville High School graduates and currently live in Berryville. They also have two adult sons. According to nominators and community members Kristi Matzeder and James ‘Chop’ Presley, “Those who have interacted with or worked alongside Scott and Trina know that their positivity, and the smiles they share are heartwarming. It makes my heart happy to see them receive this prestigious award because they both work so hard to make this community a better place.” Friends of the Berryville Library Treasurer Karen Johnson stated, “The Scrivners truly exemplify the meaning of this award. They are continually working hard behind the scenes to offer activities to enjoy. Their evening corn hole and horseshoe leagues bring people into this community from all over and you can always count on Scott and Trina to be busy working behind the scenes making sure all the details go off without a hitch. It is selfless actions like these that make this such a great community, and we are happy to shine a light on all their hard work and dedication.” The Friends began recognizing individuals in the community who have quietly made a difference several years ago. Issued quarterly, the award is named after Carla Youngblood, who served the community as a Librarian at the Berryville Library for many years. As the latest recipient of the Carla Youngblood award, Scott and Trina Scrivner will receive a complimentary membership to the Friends of the Berryville Library and a $50 award to a non-profit of their choice. Their name will also be displayed on a perpetual plaque that hangs prominently in the Berryville Library. For more information on becoming a Friend of the Berryville Library, contact the Berryville Library at (870) 423-2323 or stop by 104 Spring Street. Photo: Left to Right: Friends of the BV Library Pres., Calvin Cleaver; Community Member Nominator Kristi Matzeder; Joe Scott, Berryville Library Advisory Board President; Trina & Scott Scrivner, award recipients; behind Trina & Scott is community nominator James “Chop’ Presley; holding plaque is Karen Johnson, Friends Treasurer; & Friends members Paul and Carol Ann Engskov.
Unofficial Berryville School Board Report
The Berryville School Board of Education met Monday for the monthly meeting. All Board members were present. The following fundraisers were approved: John McClellan for the Middle School to request snack donations for testing. Christy Skelton for the FFA to hold a raffle for a Spartan Mower donated by Midwest Equipment. Under New Business the Board received the SB-294, the LEARNS update, and a Pre-K Building update. The Board passed a Resolution regarding Polling that will only be open for absentee and early voting for the Berryville School Board at Large Position. Mr. Powell reported attendance at Berryville School District as of March 7 was 1,806 students. The Board also took care of Personnel changes and then adjourned.
Trial for Madison County Murder Suspect Moved to May
The court hearing for the capital murder case has been pushed back until May 2023, according to Madison County circuit court documents. According to Arkansas State Police (ASP), the man from Madison County was taken into custody after he allegedly shot his mother, father, and uncle in 2021. Madison County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence south of Huntsville off Arkansas Highway 23 at around 5:30 a.m. today (May 1). Upon arrival, deputies found Richard Simmons Jr., 67, still alive, but his brother, and his wife, were both dead. The brother is identified as 66-year-old Mark Lee Simmons, and the wife, 65-year-old Mary Marlene Simmons. The son of Richard and Mary Simmons, Samuel Oliver Simmons, 44, was later arrested near Huntsville by an Arkansas State Trooper of the department’s Highway Patrol Division, Troop L. Simmons lived at the same address with his parents and uncle. Madison County authorities have asked the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division to take the lead in the investigation. Richard Simmons is reported to be in stable condition at a hospital in Fayetteville. The bodies of Mark and Mary Simmons were transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory where a manner and cause of death will be determined. Samuel Simmons is in custody at the Madison County Jail and is expected to be formally charged on Monday.
Ft. Smith Military Base to Become Home for Foreign Military Sales
On Wednesday, March 15, Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders, U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton, and Congressman Steve Womack applauded the U.S. Air Force’s selection of Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith as the home of the Foreign Military Sales mission that will bring F-35 fighter planes and a Republic of Singapore F-16 squadron to the installation. “Today’s Record of Decision makes clear and cements Arkansas’ important role in training, equipping, and supplying our friends across the globe. This also means bringing jobs and economic prosperity to the state. I look forward to welcoming the new U.S. Air Force personnel who will be moving to our state and am excited for all our international partners to discover the meaning of Arkansas hospitality. The Arkansas Congressional Delegation and the Fort Smith community were instrumental in securing this major new mission for Ebbing Air National Guard Base – they have my deepest gratitude for their hard work,” Sanders said. Since 2021, when the U.S. Air Force announced Ebbing Air National Guard Base as its preferred location for these missions, members of the delegation have worked to strengthen relationships with Singapore leaders and allies who have an interest in enhancing their air power with the F-35 in addition to recently securing $28 million to support the F-35 FMS program. State leaders have delivered critical funding in support of an expanded runway and community leaders have demonstrated their commitment to investments in this project, warm welcomes to foreign dignitaries, and a widespread embrace of the project at public comment events.
Supreme Court Justice Coming to Crystal Bridges
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor will speak at Crystal Bridges on Wednesday, March 22 at 3 p.m. Justice Sotomayor will speak remotely from Washington, D.C. via zoom, sharing her life, her work as a jurist and as an author of best-selling children’s books. Kassie Misiewicz, founder and artistic director of Trike Theater, will host the discussion in person with a live audience in Crystal Bridges’ Great Hall. The family-oriented talk is presented as part of Spring Break Specials, a week of afternoon programs, artmaking and entertainment inspired by Diego Rivera’s America that aim to provide fun and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
New Bills Filed in Arkansas Legislature
1. Beer would have a different meaning if a bill proposed Tuesday in the Arkansas legislature became law. House Bill 1631 would change the Arkansas code so that malt would move from a 5% to a 12% alcohol content. Beer, meanwhile, containing no more than 12% alcohol, up from the current 5%, could not be called malt liquor. Beer could be manufactured and sold in Arkansas provided it was no more than 12% alcohol. The legislation would also define beer as any malt beverage with over a 12% alcohol content, up from the existing 5% alcohol content. Container size would be a new consideration. Under the proposed legislation, “The minimum container size of beer to be sold for off-premises consumption is sixteen ounces (16 oz.) or less,” which would be a new addition to Arkansas law. Coors Light launches beer-flavored popsicles in time for March Madness The legislation is sponsored by first-term Rep. Matt Brown (R-Conway) and co-sponsored by Sen. Missy Irvin (R-Mountain View). 2. Transgender people at Arkansas public schools would not be able to use restrooms that correspond with their gender identity under a bill lawmakers sent to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Wednesday. The bill approved by the majority-Republican House applies to multi-person restrooms and locker rooms at public schools and charter schools serving pre kindergarten through 12th grades. The House, which approved an earlier version of the bill last month, passed the bill on a 77-15 vote without any debate. The proposal is among dozens of bills proposed this year targeting transgender people, who have also faced increasingly hostile rhetoric at statehouses. Teachers, principals and superintendents who violate the measure could face fines from a state panel, and parents could file lawsuits to enforce the restriction. 3. A bill that would change Arkansas' Freedom of Information Act to make it easier for local elected officials to meet outside of the public view was rejected in a voice vote by the House Committee on State Agencies. House Bill 1610 by Rep. Mary Bentley, R-Perryville, would have amended the opening meetings portion of the state's Freedom of Information Act to apply only if there were a quorum of lawmakers present. A minimum quorum is the number of lawmakers needed to be present to take action and differs from body to body. Bentley said the change was needed to make it easier for local lawmakers to meet to conduct business, and said it would put Arkansas' Sunshine Law in line with how 47 other states regulate public meetings. Currently under Arkansas' Freedom of Information Act, if two or more elected officials meet to discuss official business it could be considered a meeting and must be open to the public, according to the Arkansas Attorney General's 2022 Freedom of Information Act Handbook. State lawmakers are largely exempted from the state's Freedom of Information Act. 4. The Cemetery Act passed through the Arkansas House Committee, would penalize perpetual cemetery owners for poor upkeep. The bill is headed back to the Senate committee with an amendment to concur, which Dee said is just a technical change and will not alter any significant content of the bill. It will then go to Governor Sanders for signature. Arkansas lawmakers gave the first OK to a bill aimed at setting fines for perpetual cemetery owners who do not properly maintain their property. The Cemetery Act would be an amendment that would modify the law that has already been put in place. Families file over 100 complaints against Hensley cemetery in 2 years The House Public Health, Labor and Welfare Committee passed HB1543 on Tuesday, advancing it to the House floor. In the bill, if a perpetual care cemetery does not maintain its duty to preserve it, it could be suspended, have permits or licenses revoked, or receive a civil penalty of at most $500 per violation. This passage in the house committee is just one stop of many before the bill heads to the Governor’s desk. Ennett said the bill is long overdue and Yancy, who gave testimony to the committee, says many of her loved ones are buried at the cemetery in Hensley.

03/16/2023

Arrest Reports: 03/16
Whitney E. Ashing - BV - 36 - speeding, careless/prohibited driving, hold for other agencyJacob M. Badley - GF - 32 - FTA x 2Gretchen D. Boyer - Huntsville - 47 - hold for other agencyMabini T. George - BV - 30 - poss. controlled substance, FTAMichael E. Green - Fayetteville - 48 - driving on suspended license, failure to stop or yieldGeorge E. Herod - Harrison - 61 - FTAGrace A. Howze - Springdale - 36 - driving on suspended or revoked DL, hold for other agency, white warrant - paroleMichael L. Olson - GF - 60 - aggravated assault x 2, poss. of firearms by certain person, FTA x 2, hol for other agencyLuis Rodriquez-Yac - GF - 28 - criminal trespassToni L. Shade - Leavenworth, Ks - 59 - poss. cont. sub. meth, poss. cont. substance Schedule Vi, poss. drug para. meth/cocaine, no liability insurance, no DL
Ryan Bruegel CTE Student of the Month
Ryan Bruegel is a Senior Green Forest student who has been getting professional training to become a welder at the C-4 Campus. For years before they retired, Richard and Mary Lou Harp started the idea of honoring a select Student of the Month. Since Tonya Williams took over the agency, she has continued the tradition. On Tuesday, the event took place at the C-4 Campus in the former Berryville Armory. Ryan Bruegel, his parents Billy and Carla, Tonya Williams, James Knight who runs Connect-4 and Tim Booth, Green Forest High School Principal, all attended. To begin, here's some words from Ryan. Photo: left to right - James Knight, Carla Bruegel, Tim Booth, Ryan Bruegel, Billy Bruegel and Tonya Williams.
Arkansas Legislature News
1. A resolution in the Arkansas House is calling on the United States government to declare fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction, and to call drug cartels terrorist organizations. “This is a real crisis,” Rep. Marcus Richmond said. It’s the shocking statistics surrounding overdose and fentanyl. “Over 100,000 people a year are dying from fentanyl and that comes to about 196 people a day,” Richmond said. “In 2021 alone, we lost around 107,000 Americans to overdose, and 66% of those were fentanyl-related,” Nicole Haynes said. Haynes lost her sister Kaleigh over two years ago to a fentanyl overdose. Now the Arkansas legislature is calling on the U.S. government to declare fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction and to label drug cartels as terrorist organizations, through a house resolution. “It is a small part of the package that we in Arkansas are saying, this state, we are being serious about this issue. we want something done,” Richmond stated. “Fentanyl is a weapon of mass destruction,” Hayes said. ” I don’t see this slowing down anytime soon unless the United States government takes a stand and that we have a plan in place. My heart stopped for a minute. this is what I have wanted for a little over two years now,” Haynes said. Haynes said she will use every last breath working to end the war on fentanyl and to continue her sister’s legacy. “Fighting this war on fentanyl, I feel that she would be so proud, she is proud,” Haynes said. According to senators in the U.S. government, labeling the drug cartels means targeting their fentanyllabs. However, the Biden Administration said the terrorist designation is unnecessary. The resolution is headed to the House Committee in Arkansas. 2. A bill that would legalize hemp-derived products in Arkansas was introduced in the Arkansas House on March 14. Hemp is only legal to grow in Arkansas for those who get a license through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. House Bill 1605 would set up the regulations needed for hemp products to be bought and sold in the state. It would be against the law to give hemp products to those under 21 and businesses would have to get a permit to sell it. The Family Council released a statement opposing this bill:“The marijuana industry failed at the polls last November. Now they are trying to succeed by walking the halls of our State Capitol and influencing our elected officials. Right now Arkansas law does not specifically address drugs like Delta-8 THC made from industrial hemp. Instead of prohibiting drugs like Delta-8 THC, H.B. 1605 enacts regulations that let wealthy companies manufacture and sell these dangerous drugs under the state`s industrial hemp law.”
Bills Filed to Change Election Law
While elections may not be top of mind for everyone at the moment, they have been for Arkansas legislatures as bills related to elections move quickly toward becoming law. Here’s a breakdown of a few that would impact the next election cycle if passed. House Bill 1487: This bill focuses on how the ballots are handled, making sure a ballot count report is delivered to county clerks with a date stamp and a chain of custody. Not only does this address concerns supporters of Donald Trump had in 2020 about ballot handling— it comes after the clerk in Crawford County inadvertently took home a couple dozen ballots on election night back in November. House Bill 1510: This bill has to do with when special elections are held. They would be required to happen on the second Tuesday of November or usually a week after the general election. In a presidential election year, they could be around primary day in March. Supporters say cities and counties try to sneak unpopular tax increases when voters aren't paying attention. A special library tax election last month drew only 1,400 votes in North Little Rock. Senate Bill 254: When you cast a ballot, there’s usually a spot to write in a person for office if you don't like the candidates. This bill would get rid of that line. So, you would no longer be able to fill in any name you want. If you do write a name, it becomes a blank. Senate Bill 250: This bill focuses on paper ballots. It would require paper ballots to be compatible with the electronic machines. So, a county that chooses to use paper ballots would just be responsible for the printing and counting. The counting must be done no later than 24 hours after the polls close. Supporters of Donald Trump have pushed election officials to ditch voting machines based on unfounded allegations that they can be tampered with. Cleburne County plans to go paper-only in the next election. Though these aren't all of the bills relating to elections, they are ones that could have a large impact.
Beaver Dam Peninsula Park Closed
The Arkansas Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that the Beaver Dam Peninsula Park will be closed through April 5 in addition to Highway 187 across the dam. Also known as the Dam Site cutoff wall, the Peninsula Park will be closed while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers removes equipment used to perform routine maintenance on the dam. Traffic barricades and signage will assist with the flow of traffic. ARDOT says to plan for additional Travel time. Highway 62 can be an alternate route through the area. The closure is reportedly being coordinated with local emergency management officials and law enforcement agencies. For more information, contact the Beaver Lake Project Office at 479-636-1210.
Shoppers Scrutinizing Groceries Including Plant Based
A new study has determined Arkansans are not going to stop eating meat anytime soon. Gambling.com notes that as food prices continue to rise across the U.S. people are scrutinizing their groceries more than ever. The study also notes how Americans are becoming increasingly conscious of the environment and many have moved to a plant-based diet. To determine the likelihood, Gambling looked at each state’s Google search volumes, vegan vs. meat savings per pound, and vegan restaurants and meetup groups per million residents to work out where you’re most likely to switch to a herbivore diet. After calculating all the plant-based considerations, the study determined Wyoming to be the least likely state to go vegan, followed by Arkansas. Wyoming performed poorly in all four categories, with low scores in Google search interest (14.8), meat vs. vegan savings (12.2), and one of the lowest in vegan meetups per capita (0.0). This translates to an overall vegan score of 16.4 (out of 100). Despite its nickname “the Natural State,” Arkansas only recorded a final score of 18.0. Although it wasn’t at the bottom of any of the four categories, it didn’t perform well in any either, with ratings ranging from 10.2 to 29.0 in vegan meetup groups and vegan interest. With an overall vegan score of 91.7 out of 100, Hawaii is the state whose residents are most likely to make the plant-based switch, according to Gambling. Following Hawaii is Oregon, California, New York, and Washington.
Arkansas Man Finds Large Diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park
An Arkansas Crater of Diamonds State Park visitor hit a sizeable jackpot during a dig on March 4. Murfreesboro resident David Anderson, a regular park visitor, discovered a 3.29-carat brown diamond while sifting gravel. The site was in the West Drain of the park’s 37.5-acre diamond search area. Anderson mistook the diamond initially. “At first I thought it was quartz but wondered why it was so shiny,” he said. “Once I picked it up, I realized it was a diamond!” A park spokesperson said Anderson has found more than 400 diamonds in the park over the past 16 years, adding that 15 of the diamonds he recovered have been more than one carat. Prospectors often name their diamonds, and Anderson was no different. He named the diamond “B.U.D.” for “Big Ugly Diamond” by taking note of the gem’s mottled brown color and pitted surface. Officials said Anderson’s diamond is the largest gem park staff have registered since September 2021. Then a visitor from Granite Bay, California, discovered a 4.38-carat yellow diamond.
Missouri Marijuana Sales Exploding
Missouri is on track to set a record for marijuana sales in the United States. The Show-Me-State could be the fastest to reach $1 billion in sales. Voters approved recreational use last tall, and the sales took off last month after the state officially approved recreational sales.The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is reporting more than $100 million in sales in February, with $31.2 Million for medical use and $71.7 million for adult use. “It is in part due to the fact that we have a relatively large number of dispensaries in Missouri,” said Dan Viets. Dan Viets has worked on marijuana legalization for over 50 years. He helped draft amendment 3, which appeared on your 2022 ballot. Viets says consumers from our border states play a significant role in sales and that our taxes are cheaper than others. John Payne, who worked as a campaign manager for Legal Mo 2022, says the amount of sales is a pleasant surprise. Payne says two things have helped: adult use and medical under the same building and Missourians who didn’t get a card beforehand. KY3 asked where the tax money is going based on the sales. Experts say the first step is on expungements. “Once expungement has been finished, then the money from that tax will go to fund addiction treatment, veteran services, and it will fund the Missouri State Public Defender system,” said Viets. After just a month of sales, it’s safe to say Missouri is bringing in the dough, but the future could look different. “All Missouri dispensaries are now authorized to sell seeds and seedlings and clones, so that’s not necessarily in the best interest of the dispensaries,” said Viets. “In the long-term, as many people grow,that may also diminish the amount of retail cannabis sales.”
Outlaw Music Festival Returning to Walmart AMP
The Outlaw Music Festival is making a return to the Walmart AMP on June 29. Presale tickets start Tuesday March 14 and public ticket sales start at 10 a.m. Friday, March 17. Willie Nelson and Family Outlaw Music Festival will feature Margo Price, Flatland Cavalry and Particle Kid, the Walmart AMP announced in a press release. General ticket prices range from $39.50-149.50 plus applicable fees, according to a press release. Purchase four lawn tickets at the same time and get a Lawn 4-Pack for $99 plus applicable fees. Fast Track for early access to the venue and lawn chair rentals can be added for $10 each. The Walmart AMP also announced new Premier Reserved Parking, which guarantees a space in the parking lot across from the Walmart AMP main entrance for $30. A limited number will be available. Purchase tickets and add-ons at AMPTickets.com, in person at the Walmart AMP Box Office 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and at the Walton Arts Center Box Office 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on weekdays or by calling 479- 443-5600.