June 09, 2023

CITY OF CAMDEN BOARD OF ALDERMEN TO MEET
The City of Camden Board of Aldermen will have their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.

The agenda is as follows:
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. INVOCATION – Rev. Roby Compston, Pastor – Camden Bible Church, 1245 California Avenue, Camden, AR
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D. ROLL CALL
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
     1. Minutes of Regular Meeting, May 9, 2023
F. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORT
      1. Financial Report for May 2023
G. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
H. MAYOR’S REPORT
     1.   Discussion on raises for Camden Police Department - Boyd Woody, Police Chief
I. OLD BUSINESS
J. NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution No. 40-23, a resolution amending the Operating Budget for 2023; and for other purposes.
2. Resolution No. 42-23, a resolution amending Resolution No. 01-23 and adopting procedural rules.
K. Other Business
L. Adjournment

RELEASE FROM CAMDEN CITY HALL REGARDING TEEN TOWN GRANT
Recently, the City of Camden chose to decline funding for the 2022 CDBG program and to instead pursue a much higher level of funding to make significant improvements on the building known as "Teen Town" in the Carnes Park campus. While the City did decline the amount of $300,000, our intention is to reapply for $500,000 instead. The significant increase in funds would allow the City to make far greater improvements to the facility.

It is no secret that construction costs have greatly increased in the last few years. In order to make a

significant upgrade to the Teen Town facility, we need a substantial amount of funding to do so in today's dollars. Multiple offices within the City government were consulted in this decision and after careful

review and consideration, it was unanimous that the current grant of $300,000 was not in the City's best interest and that we should pursue $500,000 instead.

If the City were to accept the $300,000 grant, we would not be eligible to request any additional funding for the next two years. We are eligible to seek the $500,000 instead in August. Additionally, only one

contractor bid on this project and in the interest of fairness and cost savings, multiple bids should have been obtained. When the City reviewed the actual scope of work that was to be performed, it became very apparent that the amount of work for $300,000 would not be in the best interest of the taxpayers. Furthermore, the architect went over the grant amount by $40,000 -before construction and only addressing the roof and bathrooms. The City would have had to supply those additional funds.

"We understand the importance of grant funding for our City," said Mayor Charlotte Young. "But we have decided that this particular grant amount is not in the best interest of the City or Carnes Park as it stops us from pursuing far greater funding in the near term. If we have the ability to request and possibly

receive $500,000 instead of $300,000, why would we not pursue the much higher funding amount? This would allow a significantly greater amount of work to be done on the Teen Town facility. Our parks are in great need of improvements, and they are a personal priority for me. We simply believe our citizens deserve more than "that's better than nothing" when so much more is possible. Camden's families deserve clean, safe, and updated parks."

The City of Camden remains dedicated to its mission of United Camden for All and continues to provide valuable support and resources to the community it serves. The organization will continue to evaluate its programs and projects to ensure that they remain aligned with its goals and objectives.

ASP REMOVES $2 MILLION WORTH OF FENTANYL FROM THE STREETS
June 9, 2023
During a routine traffic stop Monday on Interstate 40, Arkansas State Police seized approximately 50,000 Fentanyl pills and a firearm. The street value of the illegally manufactured drugs is estimated to be over $2 million.

“There’s no telling how many lives were saved by taking such a massive quantity of this deadly substance out of circulation,” said ASP Col. Mike Hagar. “We’re so proud of our Troopers for the courageous and important work they’re doing every day to protect Arkansans.”

The driver and a passenger were taken into custody after a Trooper stopped the vehicle at around 8 a.m. for an improper lane change between Protho Junction and the I-440 interchange. During a search of the vehicle, the Trooper seized 11.83 pounds or 5 kilograms of Fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.

Even in small doses, it can be deadly. One kilo of Fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people.

Even 2 milligrams of Fentanyl can be lethal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance and past usage.

STATE CAPITOL WEEK IN REVIEW FROM SENATOR MATT STONE
June 9, 2023
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Human Services Department has officially petitioned the federal government for authority to make changes in the Medicaid expansion program.

The program is known as ARHOME and provides health coverage to about 312,000 Arkansas residents. The state has to first get approval from the federal government before making significant changes, because the state provides 10 percent of the funding and the federal government provides 90 percent.

People are eligible for ARHOME if their income is less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level. This year, the poverty level is $30,000 for a family of four and $14,580 for an individual.

Arkansas Medicaid officials are seeking authority to focus on the most poor of the ARHOME recipients, the people whose income is only 20 percent of the poverty level. The Department will assign them a “success coach” if they are not on track toward meeting certain requirements of the ARHOME program.

Success coaches will develop an individual plan to help them meet their health-related needs. If they still do not engage in taking care of their lives and their health, after three months they will be moved from ARHOME to the traditional Medicaid program. There is an incentive to take advantage of the opportunities made available through the success coach because many people consider ARHOME care to be better than traditional Medicaid.

In the ARHOME program, the government buys private health insurance for the recipient. Under traditional Medicaid, the government reimburses physicians, hospitals and pharmacies for treating Medicaid patients.

Some physicians don’t accept Medicaid patients because the reimbursement rates are less than they get from private health insurance companies.

Another change sought by state officials is in how to gauge whether or not recipients are complying with requirements to work, volunteer or continue their education. State officials say the goal is to simplify the process so that recipients don’t have to fill out paperwork to prove that they spent the required amount of time looking for work or attending class.

Instead, ARHOME officials will rely on computer data to track whether recipients are working toward self-reliance. For example, if they have taxable income it can be assumed that they have a job. The amount of income will indicate whether they work part-time or full-time.

If they get food stamps, it’s assumed they’re complying with work requirements and if they’re enrolled in adult education, it’s presumed they are taking classes. If they live with someone who has a disability, or with a dependent child or an elderly person, it is presumed that they are caregivers.

ARHOME puts a special focus on helping the most vulnerable, such as residents of rural areas with mental health problems, veterans, young people who have been incarcerated or who have lived in foster homes and pregnant women.

The Human Services Department will train 100 existing employees to be success coaches, and another ten employees to be supervisors.

More than 1.1 million Arkansas residents qualified for Medicaid services earlier this year, but state officials are trying to lower than number by requiring them to re-apply for eligibility.

This fiscal year the program will cost an estimated $9.7 billion, with the federal government paying $7.8 billion and Arkansas providing almost $1.9 billion in matching funds.

June 08, 2023

OUACHITA COUNTY JUNETEENTH HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
The Ouachita County Courthouse and the Ouachita County Extension Office will be closed Monday June 19th for the Juneteenth Holiday.

The Ouachita County Sanitation Department will run on regular schedule.

ENTERGY ARKANSAS CREWS HELP MAKE NEIGHBORHOODS SHINE BRIGHTER FOR CUSTOMERS AS PART OF TORNADO RESTORATION EFFORTS
More than 300 LED installations currently underway in devastated areas
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Entergy Arkansas has been working with the City of Little Rock to illuminate dark areas and add energy efficient LED street lighting as part of their efforts to “Build Back Stronger” following the March 31 tornado.

Residents in the Walnut Valley community and other areas hardest hit by the tornado will see brand new poles and lights in their community, as the restoration process has allowed Entergy Arkansas to simultaneously make improvements as they rebuild. Adequate streetlighting is important to customers, and the new LED streetlights will provide enhanced lighting for neighborhood residents by shining brighter, lasting longer and being more energy efficient.

New lights had to be ordered and debris had to be cleared before the work to replace the streetlights could begin. Crews are scheduling work by neighborhood, with a goal of having all lights replaced by early August. Entergy Arkansas has been regularly coordinating with city officials about debris removal and the lighting progress.

“We currently have around 300 lighting poles to install and more than 600 streetlights we are replacing,” said Chris Cook, manager for customer service at Entergy Arkansas. “The last several months have been a dark time for our customers who suffered damages from the tornado and we hope these new installations will help make things a little brighter for them.”

Replacement poles and streetlights have already been installed along North Shackelford to ensure the main travel routes in the community are well covered. Regional crews are working each day on completing these installations throughout damaged neighborhoods in the area.

Residents displaced by the tornado should contact Entergy Arkansas as repairs are made and homes are rebuilt. Once service to the home has been reestablished, private lighting repairs and replacements will be made promptly.

“Power must be safely restored to homes in the area before any new poles or lights can be installed,” Cook said. “Customers with Entergy Arkansas lights installed on their private property that have not been repaired should contact us to let us know there is an outage we may not be aware of.”

Customers who have questions or concerns regarding outdoor lighting or any restoration efforts on their street should call 1-800-ENTERGY and speak to a customer service representative.

About Entergy Arkansas
Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 730,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees.

BOOZMAN, ROSEN, BLUMENTHAL INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO GROW USE OF DRONE TECHNOLOGY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE INSPECTIONS
Legislation Would Also Invest in Workforce Development for New Drone Technology Jobs
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant (DIIG) Act to help utilize drone technology to inspect critical infrastructure. This bipartisan bill would authorize $100 million in competitive grants to help local governments fund more opportunities to use American-made drones in critical infrastructure inspections, maintenance or construction projects.

“There’s no reason not to utilize drone technology that’s produced right here in America to more efficiently and effectively assess the safety of our bridges, railways and other infrastructure,” said Boozman. “In Arkansas, we’ve seen the numerous benefits they offer – from precision agriculture to law enforcement missions and enhancing manual inspections – but we’re also at the forefront of guarding against reliance on foreign-based manufacturers to supply unmanned aircraft systems. Our bipartisan bill helps expand this vision nationwide and invests in educational opportunities necessary to create more skilled operators and technicians.”

“As we implement the historic investments to update our nation’s infrastructure, we must use the latest technology to identify structures that need to be fixed,” said Rosen. “This bipartisan legislation I’m introducing will help local governments invest in drones to better inspect their infrastructure for safety and reliability, while preparing our workforce for jobs of the future.”

“These grants are an important investment to ensure state and local inspection officials have the resources they need to keep our infrastructure and communities safe,” said Blumenthal. “Drone technology can be a valuable tool to help us modernize our roads and bridges. The next generation of highly-trained workers are key to a sustainable, world-class transportation network.”

Drones have been used to help inspect infrastructure projects and prevent catastrophes. In 2021, drone footage helped reveal a severe crack in the I-40 bridge connecting Arkansas and Tennessee, which carries an estimated 40,000 vehicles across the Mississippi River every day.

“Drones are being relied on as indispensable tools for critical operations, including infrastructure inspections – and that role will only continue to grow as the technology advances further. The future of aviation leadership is in autonomy, and the United States must invest in supporting the drone industry and growing workforce. This bill accomplishes both goals by providing states with grants to funding to acquire and utilize secure drones for infrastructure inspection and to train the workforce to conduct these critical missions," said Michael Robbins, Chief Advocacy Officer at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). “The U.S. cannot afford to fall behind in the drone industry’s ability to attract capital, investment, and workforce. Congress should pass this commonsense legislation to help level the playing field for the U.S. drone industry and to encourage the infrastructure and workforce benefits the DIIG Act would bring to communities nationwide.”

This legislation would also enable research universities to access grants for programs geared toward training the next generation of workers who operate drones.

SENATORS COTTON, KELLY, VANCE INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO BOOST DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING AND STRENGTHEN SUPPLY CHAINS
Washington, D.C. — Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) today introduced the ONSHORE Act, bipartisan legislation that will help bring critical supply chains back to America by assisting communities of all sizes with the site development needed to attract manufacturing facilities.

The U.S. faces a shortage of shovel-ready sites with the necessary infrastructure and workforce for companies to quickly begin construction on new manufacturing facilities. The ONSHORE Act creates a Critical Supply Chain Site Development Grant Program within the Economic Development Administration, which would assist communities, including small towns and tribal communities, with site development to attract manufactures from critical industries to build new facilities in their area.

“We cannot rely on other countries like China for our essential technologies. The technologies of tomorrow should be tested, researched, and made in America. This legislation will help make the necessary investments in our communities to make that possible,” said Senator Cotton.

“As we work to bring manufacturing supply chains for critical industries from microchips to critical minerals back to America, we have to maximize this opportunity by making sure there are enough sites with the infrastructure and workforce needed for new facilities. For a lot of small towns and tribal communities, the biggest barrier to attracting investment is the cost of getting sites ready for development. We’re working to fix that, which will boost manufacturing and create good-paying jobs in every corner of our states and the country,” said Senator Kelly.

“As our nation takes the necessary steps to reshore critical supply chains and spur innovation, everyone in America should reap the rewards. This bill would deploy capital broadly to ensure the foundations of tomorrow’s industry and growth are laid in underdeveloped regions. If enacted, it will deliver good-paying jobs, build vibrant communities, and strengthen supply chains—in Ohio and around the country,” said Senator Vance.

Background:
Disinvestment in manufacturing and offshoring of industrial capabilities has left the U.S. vulnerable to supply chain shocks. Strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities, especially for industries of the future, is critical for economic and national security. As companies rebuild their supply chains, there is a significant opportunity to revive the industrial base of regions throughout the country.

A primary factor affecting where a new manufacturing facility is built is whether a site has the basic infrastructure (like road access or water and power utility hookups) and workforce to enable a company to quickly begin construction on a facility and hire enough qualified talent to begin operations. The U.S. shortage of shovel-ready sites jeopardizes opportunities to boost domestic manufacturing and build resilient supply chains.

The EDA’s Critical Supply Chain Site Development Grant Program would support site and utility readiness, workforce development, distribution, and logistics, to prepare strategic and regionally impactful sites for new industrial investment, including in rural and tribal communities, and regions with high unemployment. This dedicated funding would enable the U.S. to prepare sites where companies can rapidly scale to begin construction of new domestic manufacturing facilities, better positioning the U.S. to compete against adversaries like China.

June 06, 2023

ARKANSAS STATE POLICE RETURN TO RANGER BADGES
June 6, 2023
Thanks to a generous contribution from the Arkansas State Police Foundation Board, our Troopers are once again proudly wearing the original Arkansas State Police Rangers badge. The first Arkansas Rangers were 13 men hired in 1935.

"We are committed to embracing our heritage and getting back to being the Big Hat Law," said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar.

In 1935, Governor Junius Marion Futrell tasked the newly impaneled Arkansas State Police Commission to hire the first Rangers, saying, “They should be gentlemen, incorruptible, highly intelligent, good judge of human nature, self-possessed, good listener, not too talkative, independent by environment and nature …”

Today, Col. Hagar and his command staff are committed to remaining true to Ranger values by staying focused on the ASP’s modern mission: Protecting the lives and property of Arkansans through law enforcement services.

HANNAH PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER ONLINE AUCTION FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT THE HANNAH PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER
What: “Christmas in July!” Online Auction
When: Wednesday, July 12th @ 8:00AM through Sunday, July 16h @ 8:00PM!
Where: www.hannahprc.com
Who: Hosted by Hannah Pregnancy Resource Center

It’s not too early to start shopping for Christmas! Wednesday, July 12th beginning at 8 AM, the Hannah Pregnancy Resource Center will host its 9th annual online auction fundraiser.

The nonprofit center offers a variety of free services to those who find themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy. Services include free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, parenting classes, abstinence education, material needs, post abortive counseling, and other resources. Since 2000, the pregnancy center has served countless women and their families in need of help. Supporting this organization by participating in the auction will help them continue meeting a great need in Columbia, Ouachita and Union Counties.

This online event will have many items for auction. Local businesses have donated items and services in order to partner with the center as a way to serve their community. From home décor, to car detailing, to socket sets, to gift certificates to local restaurants and retailers, there is sure to be something for everyone.

The auction will run for 5 days and can be accessed this Wednesday, July 12th at 8 AM through the Hannah PRC website: www.hannahprc.com. Click on the “Hannah Auction” banner. The auction will close at 8PM on Sunday, July 16th. If you would like to know more, please call the Hannah Pregnancy Resource Center office at 870-862-1317.

Shop and support a worthy cause!

I-55 MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE CLOSURE - I-55 AND CRUMP INTERCHANGE WORK CONTINUES
The Arkansas Department of Transportation is releasing the following information from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to make drivers aware of bridge work that is scheduled to begin Friday, June 9.

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – The Tennessee Department of Transportation contract crews will be closing the I-55 Mississippi River Bridge to continue construction activities on the I-55 and Crump interchange. Activities include setting beams for the new Wisconsin Bridge, construction of a cross-over at the east end of the I-55 bridge, and repair work on the I-55 bridge. All work is weather dependent.

Friday, June 9 from 8:00 pm until Monday, June 12 at 6:00 am
I-55 SB will be closed at Bridgeport Road in Arkansas
I-55 NB will be closed at South Parkway* in Tennessee
*Local traffic will be allowed to continue to the McLemore exit

I-55 SB ramp will be closed
Crump Boulevard WB will be closed**
**Local traffic only at South Third Street / will have to exit at Metal Museum Drive

Crump Boulevard EB from Alston will be open
Crump Boulevard WB ramp to Riverside Drive NB will be closed
Riverside Drive NB will be closed
Metal Museum Drive to I-55 NB will be closed
A detour will be posted.

Beginning Monday, June 12 at 6:00 am the below will describe the new traffic patterns.
I-55 SB outside lane will be closed from the west end of the I-55 bridge through the project site and the SB inside lane will cross over at the east end of the I-55 bridge and share the current I-55 NB cloverleaf ramp with I-55 NB
I-55 NB outside lane of the cloverleaf ramp will be closed to allow for I-55 SB use
Crump Boulevard WB will be closed (local traffic only beyond South Third Street)***

COTTON, COLLEAGUES: INSPECTOR GENERAL SHOULD INVESTIGATE COLIN KAHL
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and nine of his colleagues sent a letter to the Department of Defense Inspector General referring Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl for investigation. The letter describes how Under Secretary Kahl, after the Chinese surveillance balloon was publicly revealed, provided members of the media classified information about previous Chinese surveillance balloons.

Co-signers of the letter include Senators Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi).

In part, the senators wrote:
“This is not the first time that Under Secretary Kahl has mishandled classified information. Worse, Under Secretary Kahl’s leak, like his previous leaks, appears to have been made for partisan political purposes. Given Under Secretary Kahl’s repeated and blatant mishandling of classified information for political purposes, we urge you to investigate this conduct.”

Text of the letter may be found below.

June 6, 2023

The Honorable Robert Storch
United States Department of Defense
Office of the Inspector General
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350

Dear Inspector General Storch:

We write regarding the intentional leak of classified national defense information by Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl. It has come to our attention that, soon after the Chinese surveillance balloon was publicly revealed earlier this year, Under Secretary Kahl provided reporters with classified information regarding prior Chinese surveillance balloons. The selective leak falsely portrayed prior incursions as similar incidents and suggested that the previous administration was similarly ineffective in responding to known surveillance threats. In fact, it was later revealed that the prior incursions were not discovered at the time and leaders of the previous administration did not have an opportunity to respond to the threat. Nonetheless, Under Secretary Kahl’s leak appears intended to distract from the Biden administration’s own conduct by attacking political opponents. To date, we have received no indication that the materials leaked by Under Secretary Kahl were first declassified through the proper channels.

Intentionally leaking classified information is a violation of U.S. law, as well as a violation of the Classified Information Nondisclosure Agreement (SF-312) that Kahl signed. That agreement expressly contemplates the termination of a security clearance as a consequence of mishandling sensitive materials. Further, federal law provides serious penalties for intentionally mishandling classified information. For example, 18 U.S.C. § 793(d) provides for up to ten years in prison for willful unauthorized disclosure. Finally, other federal laws such as the Hatch Act also prohibit the use of one’s official position in the executive branch for partisan political purposes.

This is not the first time that Under Secretary Kahl has mishandled classified information. Worse, Under Secretary Kahl’s leak, like his previous leaks, appears to have been made for partisan political purposes. Given Under Secretary Kahl’s repeated and blatant mishandling of classified information for political purposes, we urge you to investigate this conduct.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

June 01, 2023

DEADLINE FOR ARKANSAS ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP APPROACHING
July 1 is the deadline to apply for the Arkansas Academic Scholarship for students planning to enroll in a two- or four-year college or university in the fall. Applicants can be new high school graduates, students already enrolled in college and older, non-traditional students wanting to further their education. To apply, simply visit sams.adhe.edu and click on “Students.”

The Arkansas Academic Scholarship is just one of several scholarships funded through the state’s lottery program. Ashley McNatt, Advertising and Marketing Director for the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL), said the program has helped raise more than $1.2 billion in scholarship monies since the first ticket was sold in 2009. Hundreds of thousands of Arkansas students have benefited from this financial aid.

McNatt stressed that Arkansas lottery-funded scholarships are open to just about every Arkansan – from the high school graduate and current college student, to an older adult seeking to enroll in college for the first time.

To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must be an Arkansas resident for at least 12 months prior to enrollment and receive at least a 19 on the ACT. To maintain eligibility, students must keep a 2.5 GPA.

The lottery also helps fund three other scholarships:
-The Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship, available for those attending technical schools.
-The Arkansas Concurrent Challenge Award, which provides financial incentives to eligible high school students who want to get an early start on college courses.
-And, new this year, the Arkansas Legislature created the Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship. This scholarship provides additional funding for students already receiving the Arkansas Academic Scholarship, but who face greater income barriers. Students can begin applying for this scholarship in the fall of 2024.

McNatt said Arkansans should be proud to know lottery sales have contributed to the investment in so many young people’s educations.

Again, for more information on the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, visit sams.adhe.edu. The deadline to apply is July 1.

NICOLE MCADAMS TO OFFER "INNER GLOW" CORKS AND CANVAS AT SAAC
Kick back and relax as you join us at the South Arkansas Arts Center where Nicole McAdams, local artist as well as art teacher at both the SAAC Arts Academy and at Yocum Elementary, will lead the June Corks and Canvas art class! This month’s Corks and Canvas class "Inner Glow" will be held on Thursday, June 15 from 6-9pm. This will be a fun-filled night of painting that is designed for people who have always wanted to try their hand at art and also have some fun along the way.

Our artist this month has chosen an acrylic neon-paint project where you will paint mandalas. Mandalas are generally created as a form of meditation. During this Corks and Canvas class, participants will create their own mandalas in a serene environment by exploring layers of organic and geometric shapes. For a fun twist, we will use neon paints and blacklights as we discover the inner layers of our own creativity. McAdams said, "Mandalas are a fun project for me because no matter your artistic ability you can create an interesting mandala. The process of creating mandalas is peaceful, relaxing and doesn't require much thought which is often how I love to create art."

No experience is needed. Paints, brushes, and all the supplies are provided, and SAAC will also be providing snacks. Participants are welcome to bring their own drink of choice.

WESTERMAN STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF THE FISCAL ACT
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House voted to pass H.R. 3746, The Fiscal Responsibility Act, which responsibly raises the debt ceiling and cuts federal spending. Congressman Bruce Westerman released the following statement:

“It is a win for conservatives, and I was happy to vote in support. I reviewed every section of this bill, and if you do the same, you'll see that conservative ideas came out on top in every section. It cuts federal spending below the current levels for next year and sets us on a better fiscal trajectory. The Fiscal Responsibility Act is our nation's largest deficit reduction bill in history.

“Let’s remember what it took to get us to this point. For 100 days, President Biden refused to negotiate, and Senate Democrats were missing in action, but House Republicans didn't sit around. We passed a bold, sensible debt ceiling solution that forced President Biden to come to the table, and then we negotiated a plan that will take a big step in getting our nation back on the right fiscal track. Many Republican priorities were included in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, including permitting provisions to streamline critical energy and infrastructure projects, something I worked closely with my friends Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Garret Graves to ensure made it across the finish line. Permitting reform can save taxpayers trillions of dollars on public infrastructure alone, not to mention the positive impacts it will have on U.S. energy production, mining, American jobs, and national security.

“The Fiscal Responsibility Act is not the end of the road, it’s another step forward in reforming Washington's out-of-control spending habits. There's still a lot of work to do. I look forward to working with my colleagues on each of the twelve appropriations bills to continue making fiscally responsible decisions for the American people, and I hope we can work together to tackle the critical issue of uncontrolled mandatory spending increases.”

Click here for the full bill text.
Click here for a section-by-section.
Click here for a one-pager. For more on these and other stories visit www.yesradioworks.com/newsII

COTTON AMENDMENT RESTORES VITAL DEFENSE SPENDING
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today filed an amendment to the debt ceiling package to prevent even further cuts to critical defense spending. Specifically, the amendment would use the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 as the baseline for sequester instead of the 2022 omnibus spending bill. Unless the amendment is adopted, a sequester would slash defense spending while increasing domestic spending, empowering Democrats to demand even more domestic spending to avoid devastating cuts to defense.

Amendment text may be found here.

May 31, 2023

LOCKHEED MARTIN’S CAMDEN OPERATIONS HOSTS SIGNING DAY FOR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
CAMDEN, Ark., May 30, 2023 – Lockheed Martin’s Camden Operations facility will welcome more than a dozen local high school graduates to its highly skilled workforce this month. A signing event was recently hosted at the site, where graduates were recognized by Lockheed Martin senior leadership and given letters of intent for employment.

“As the demand for our products continues to rise and our site continues to expand, it is imperative for us to continue to find new and innovative ways to build our workforce,” said Aaron Huckaby, Site Director, Lockheed Martin’s Camden Operations. “Establishing a talent pipeline into our local high schools and recruiting students who are interested in entering the workforce after graduation is a great way for us to find the talent that we need.”

Thirteen graduates were hired as assemblers through this initiative. In April, students, parents and faculty from local high schools toured the HIMARS and M270 production lines, and attended informational sessions with hiring managers and human resources. Events like these will help Lockheed Martin attract the best of the best talent to develop tailored solutions that address our customers’ current and future challenges.

Lockheed Martin’s Camden Operations facility is a manufacturing, final assembly, test and storage operation for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) programs. Located in the Highland Industrial Park in Camden, it occupies a combined manufacturing and support function floor space on nearly 2 million square feet spread out over more than 2,000 acres of land. More than 1,000 employees work in the facility’s manufacturing and support buildings.

For additional information regarding career opportunities at Camden Operations, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com/camden-careers.

About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

2023 SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
Theme: “Breaking Barriers: Engaging Minds, Empowering Success”
Providing small and emerging business owners with the skills, tools, and contacts needed to create and grow their enterprises and better engage in job creation activities are the goals of an upcoming business conference to be held via Zoom, with two small on-site audiences in Magnolia and Monticello, Arkansas. Funded by the Arkansas Human Development Corporation (AHDC), Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), Arkansas Business Navigator program, FORGE Community Loan Fund, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and USDA Rural Development, the 2023 Southwest Arkansas Rural Business Development Conference, with a theme of “Breaking Barriers: Engaging Minds, Empowering Success” will bring together approximately 20 private, quasi-state, state, federal, non-profit, and national organizations with a singular focus of equipping existing and aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources to start and grow their businesses.

Confirmed and/or invited partners include the Arkansas Division Of Workforce Services (ADWS), Arkansas APEX Accelerator, AHDC, ASBTDC, Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District, U.S. Small Business Administration, and USDA, Rural Development. The conference will be held Friday, June 9, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. via Zoom and in-person. In-person participation will be limited to approximately fifty (50) at each conference site, (1) the University of Arkansas at Monticello Student Success Center, Room 102, 350 University Drive, Monticello, AR 71656, or (2) the Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District, 101 Harvey Couch Boulevard, Magnolia, AR 71754-0767. Topics will include but are not limited to, building effective partnerships, securing capital, selling goods and services to the government, and social media for small businesses.

Join us at 8:30 a.m. for a “Breakfast with the Lenders Roundtable,” where conference participants will network with local, regional, and statewide lenders. Some lenders to be invited include Arkansas Capital Corporation Group, Bodcaw Bank, Cadence Bank, Communities Unlimited, Farmers Bank, FORGE, RMI, Inc., and USDA, RD B&I. The Lenders Roundtable will be facilitated by Mr. Christian Pennington, Lender Relations Specialist, SBA. Ms. Adriene Brown, Arkansas District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration, will be the luncheon speaker.

Don’t miss the opportunity to help your community create needed small businesses and JOBS by acquiring the resources to help your small business GROW and INNOVATE!

AN INVESTMENT OF TIME IS THE COST TO ATTEND BUT REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED.

You may register by calling Arkansas Human Development Corporation at (800) 482-7641, extension 0, or online for Magnolia at: https://t.ly/I6DC and online for Monticello at: https://t.ly/i-lx.

ENTERGY ARKANSAS WARNS CUSTOMERS OF SEARCH ENGINE SCAMS
Customers should only use Entergy website to find bill payment options
Little Rock, Ark. – Entergy Arkansas recognizes that many customers turn to search engines when looking for quick answers to their questions about utility services. But scammers are highly aware of these search habits, and plot ways to take advantage of customers’ trust in online resources. Entergy Arkansas customers should only depend on information from Entergy’s own sites to conduct business.

One online scam is duping customers with a website and phone number that look legitimate, but it’s actually luring customers into a trap. When customers use the incorrect phone numbers they find online to pay their bills, the bad actors make fraudulent charges. And in some instances, the scammers have also used the victim’s information to establish an account with Entergy, resulting in multiple charges to the person’s bank account.

Customers can call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) to speak with an Entergy customer service representative to create an account or to inquire about their current account. Customers can also go directly to www.entergy.com for links to stop, start or move service, pay your bill, or access other account management programs.

“Unfortunately, scammers have sophisticated tactics to gain access to your personal information and can cause real harm if they are successful. We will continue to report these scams to the appropriate authorities, but we want our customers to remain vigilant,” said Ventrell Thompson, Entergy Arkansas Customer Service Vice President. “We urge customers to never share any of their personal information with anyone without first verifying the source.”

Here are some tips to help protect your personal information from scammers:

Do not use unauthorized payment methods. You should only use authorized payment options that are provided on www.myEntergy.com to make a bill payment transaction.

Never give out your banking information by email or phone. Entergy does not demand banking information by email or phone or force you to provide this information to a representative as your only option.

Don’t pay any Entergy bill with a gift card, cash reload card, wiring money or cryptocurrency. Entergy does not demand or accept gift cards like iTunes or Amazon, cash reload cards like MoneyPak, Vanilla, or Reloadit, or cryptocurrency like bitcoin.

While far less common than other scams, in-person imposters have been known to pose as utility workers and go door-to-door. In most instances, the scammers claim they need access to your property to provide repairs, offer free inspections, or to get power back on first following an outage or disconnect for an upfront payment. Entergy will contact you via phone or provide written notice if we need to access your property for any reason. Our employees will also be clearly identified with branded uniforms and badges. If you’re unsure, call Entergy to verify that a service representative should be on-site. We will also NEVER demand or accept payment at your door to reconnect your power.

Customers who believe they are a victim of a scam are encouraged to notify the proper authorities, such as the local police, the state attorney general’s office, or the Better Business Bureau. If you believe your Entergy account has been affected, you should call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) to speak with a customer service representative. For more information, visit entergy.com/scams.

SAAC WELCOMES NEW EXHIBIT BY LOCAL ARTIST SANDY BENNETT
The South Arkansas Arts Center is pleased to welcome SAAC veteran Sandy Bennet and her new exhibit "Through the Cracks" to the Lobby Gallery. These works will hang June 2-30. Sponsored by Cadence Bank, there will be an opening champagne reception on Friday, June 2 at 7:00pm.

This new exhibit is Sandy Bennett's 4th at the South Arkansas Arts Center with her last being in 2017. "Art is my therapy. It is my everything. It's what gets me up in the mornings and keeps me going," said Bennett. Her first love is watercolor, but she enjoys experimenting with different techniques and media. Bennett's art in this exhibition highlights flowering weeds using mixed media and watercolors. These weeds - the ones that come up "through the cracks" - represent strength and resilience. One of Bennett's pieces in this exhibition entitled "Tickled Pink" almost didn't make the cut. According to Bennett, "It was a blobby mess that had been laying around for weeks…then in desperation, I mixed Chinese White watercolor with my blue which made it very opaque. Some more darks added with colored pencil brought it to life, I think. So…'Tickled Pink' it is!"

Sandy Bennett grew up in Little Rock and then went to college at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. While there, she met and married her husband Jim and they moved to El Dorado in 1971 where they both found jobs teaching in Strong. A little later in life when her kids were in high school, Bennett was asked to substitute for the art teacher at Parker's Chapel High School. Bennett had never had any formal training in art at this point, so she began to study art so that she could teach the students. "I had to learn it so I could teach it," she said. Ironically, the art teacher that she subbed for never returned, and Bennett then served as the art teacher at Parker's Chapel High School for 12 additional years. Bennett finally retired from teaching in 2002. That's when she started painting full-time.

Bennett has served the Board of Directors for the South Arkansas Arts Center. Additionally, she is a member of the Oil Painters of America, Arkansas Pastel Society, Arkansas League of Artists, and a Signature member of the Texas Watercolor Society. Bennett’s artwork has been juried into several national competitions and has earned a number of awards. Her work hangs in private and corporate settings.

For more information on this exhibit, please call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org. Gallery viewing hours are Monday-Friday 9:00-5:00pm. SAAC is located at 110 East Fifth Street, El Dorado, Arkansas.

STATE POLICE RESPOND TO SEVERAL INCIDENTA OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND
MARIANNA SHOOTING LEAVES ONE DEAD, FOUR INJURED
May 28, 2023
Marianna Police Department has asked the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division to investigate a shooting that occurred Saturday, May 27, 2023.

At approximately 11 p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting in the parking lot of the O'Reilly Auto Parts on Chestnut Street.

Olanda Bender, 37, of Jonesboro was transported to Forrest City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Tracy Ewans, 36, of Little Rock was transported to Forrest City Medical Center and then airlifted to UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock (UAMS). She is in critical condition. Jerome Smith, 31, of Little Rock was airlifted to the Regional One Medical Center in Memphis. His condition is unknown. Markel Ellis, 27, of Lexa was transported to Helena Regional Medical Center and then airlifted to UAMS. He is in critical condition.Jaquasia Davis, 20, of Marianna was airlifted to UAMS, where she is in critical condition.

The deceased was transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where manner and cause of death will be determined. The investigation is ongoing.

STAMPS SHOOTING LEAVES ONE DEAD, ONE INJURED
May 27, 2023
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division is investigating an early morning shooting in Stamps that killed an 18-year-old and left a 16-year-old seriously injured.

On Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 1:24 a.m., Lafayette County 911 received calls of gunshots at a block party on 2nd Street in Stamps. The Stamps Police Department responded and learned that two gunshot victims had been transported to the Magnolia Regional Medical Center in separate private vehicles.

Jaquarious D. Easter, 18, of Waldo was pronounced dead. A 16-year-old from East Camden is being treated at Children's Hospital in Little Rock for injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.

Anyone with information about the shooting should contact ASP CID at (870) 777-4641.

The deceased was transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where manner and cause of death will be determined. The investigation is ongoing.

TWO FOUND DEAD IN ROCKPORT HOME
May 27, 2023
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the shooting deaths of a husband and wife found dead Friday, May 26, 2023, in their Rockport home. Investigators suspect the deaths are the result of a homicide/suicide.

David W. Lewis, 55, and Kesha L. Lewis, 49, were found dead at 351 Military Road, Rockport, by a family member making a welfare check.

The deceased were transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where manner and cause of death will be determined. The investigation is ongoing.

SUSPECT IN MAY 20 PURSUIT NETS MULTIPLE CHARGES
May 26, 2023
A suspect with outstanding warrants was taken into custody May 20, 2023, after fleeing from Troopers and endangering the public by driving at speeds of up to 120 mph through heavy central Arkansas weekend traffic.

"Our top priority is protecting the lives of Arkansans," said Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagar. "Our families and loved ones deserve to be able to travel safely on a Saturday afternoon. I thank God for protecting innocent citizens and our Troopers during this incident."

No motorists were injured as the suspect fled from Troopers on I-40 in North Little Rock, I-30 in Little Rock, Springer Avenue and Roosevelt Road.

The suspect in this pursuit, Christopher Monroe, 42, of Little Rock, had a felony fleeing warrant out of Rockwall County, Texas, and a felony narcotics violation warrant out of Sherwood.

Before the May 20 pursuit and within the past month, Monroe had been involved in high-speed pursuits with Rockwall County Sheriff's Office; Sherwood Police Department; and ASP Troops E and A.

He was charged in the Eastern District of Arkansas by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Little Rock Office. Charges include:
- Trafficking fentanyl and cocaine
- Possession of schedule 1 narcotics*
- Possession of methamphetamine*
- Felony fleeing
- Simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm
- Aggravated assault of law enforcement
- Criminal mischief

* with purpose to deliver

2023 SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
Theme: “Breaking Barriers: Engaging Minds, Empowering Success”
Providing small and emerging business owners with the skills, tools, and contacts needed to create and grow their enterprises and better engage in job creation activities are the goals of an upcoming business conference to be held via Zoom, with two small on-site audiences in Magnolia and Monticello, Arkansas. Funded by the Arkansas Human Development Corporation (AHDC), Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), Arkansas Business Navigator program, FORGE Community Loan Fund, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and USDA Rural Development, the 2023 Southwest Arkansas Rural Business Development Conference, with a theme of “Breaking Barriers: Engaging Minds, Empowering Success” will bring together approximately 20 private, quasi-state, state, federal, non-profit, and national organizations with a singular focus of equipping existing and aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources to start and grow their businesses.

Don’t miss the opportunity to help your community create needed small businesses and JOBS by acquiring the resources to help your small business GROW and INNOVATE!

AN INVESTMENT OF TIME IS THE COST TO ATTEND BUT REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED.

You may register by calling Arkansas Human Development Corporation at (800) 482-7641, extension 0, or online for Magnolia at: https://t.ly/I6DC and online for Monticello at: https://t.ly/i-lx.

May 25, 2023

10,000 TREES GIVEN AWAY DURING ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE "FREE TREE FRIDAYS" CAMPAIGN
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s third annual “Free Tree Fridays” campaign resulted in the distribution of 10,000 trees during 28 events held across the state each Friday from March 17 through April 28. The events were hosted by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division in honor of National Arbor Day, which is celebrated annually on the last Friday of April.

The Arbor Day act of planting a tree gives hope that the tree will grow to provide clean air and water, cooling shade, habitat for wildlife, healthier communities, and natural beauty. The idea for the annual Free Tree Fridays campaign started in 2021 when Grant County Ranger Troy Wood requested an Arbor Day celebration giveaway in his county

“We’re always getting calls from the public asking for trees or information about where to buy trees, so I thought a giveaway would be a great way to get trees to them and help them learn more about the work of the Forestry Division,” said Wood. “This way we can talk to landowners about our programs, and what better time to give away trees than Arbor Day?”

“This program is an excellent way to provide access to trees for people who may never have planted a tree,” said Kristine Kimbro, Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator. “Arbor Day celebrates trees, and through Free Tree Fridays, we are able to promote proper planting techniques for bare root and potted trees, as well as the importance of planting native species.”

For more information about community development opportunities regarding trees, visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/urban-community-forestry/ or contact Kristine Kimbro, Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator, at kristine.kimbro@agriculture.arkansas.gov.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture, forestry, and natural resources to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while conserving natural resources and ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

BILL GOSSAGE NAMED CHIEF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICER FOR ARKANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CORPORATION
Little Rock, Ark. — May 25, 2023 — Bill Gossage has been named Chief External Affairs Officer for Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI).

“In Bill’s time with Arkansas’ electric cooperatives, he has excelled at ensuring the cooperative message of reliability, affordability and responsibility is communicated with state and federal officials,” said Vernon “Buddy” Hasten, president/CEO for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. “He and his team will continue to ensure that the cooperatives work to improve the quality of life for Arkansans and educate our publics on key issues.”

Gossage joined the cooperatives as vice president of governmental affairs in 2022. Prior to his most recent position, he served as former-Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson's deputy chief of staff of external affairs. Gossage served four years in the Arkansas House of Representatives representing District 82. He is a retired assistant superintendent for the Ozark School District, with 34 years as an educator. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas Tech University and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas.

“Arkansas’ electric cooperatives are truly dedicated to the interests of the 1.2 million electric cooperative members throughout Arkansas,” Gossage said. “We look forward to expanding our efforts to fully educate state officials, our members, and the general public about the many challenges facing the electricity sector in Arkansas and the United States.”

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas comprise 17 electric distribution cooperatives; Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), a Little Rock-based cooperative that provides services to the distribution cooperatives; and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC), a generation and transmission cooperative. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to approximately 600,000 homes, farms and businesses in Arkansas and surrounding states.

STATE CAPITOL WEEK IN REVIEW FROM SENATOR MATT STONE
May 25, 2023
LITTLE ROCK – As soon as the 2023 legislative session adjourned, the Senate and House Committees on Education began work on school funding in preparation for the 2025 session.

Every two years the committees issue an adequacy report that sets a level of state funding of public schools that will comply with the state Constitution and state Supreme Court orders in school funding cases.

The adequacy report issued by the Education Committees are the starting point for the entire legislature’s financial decisions on school funding. The committees determine funding levels for numerous categories of education expenditures, such as teacher and principal salaries, ratios of teachers to students, health insurance and other benefits, transportation and instructional materials.

Those categories are set out in a matrix. The bottom line of the matrix is the total foundation funding per student. This year it is $7,413 per student.

In addition to foundation funding there are a few categories of extra funding, also calculated on a per student basis.

For example, school districts receive an additional $366 for each student who does not speak English as their native language. Districts get bonus funding if they have high percentages of students from low-income families.

There is a category in the funding matrix for special education teachers. There is another funding category for schools that have an above-average number of special education students.

The Senate and House Education Committees will begin in earnest preparing an adequacy report in January of 2024. It will take much of 2024 to finalize, and will be the basis for the funding matrix approved by legislators during the 2025 regular session.

In October the committees will examine different funding models, such as the one used in Tennessee and models developed by the Education Commission of the States.

The chair of the Senate Education Committee said that she expected no big decisions to be made, but it would be helpful for Arkansas legislators to know about the funding models in other states.

During the 2023 session, the House of Representatives passed HB 1689 to change the school funding act. However, it failed in the Senate by a vote of 12-to-14.

Supporters of the bill said that the current funding model may be outdated, and that small schools are not receiving enough state aid. The major elements of the current model are about 20 years old and were approved by the legislature in response to state Supreme Court rulings in the Lake View school funding case.

Lake View was a small, rural district in eastern Arkansas that sued the state over school funding. It went through the courts for ten years, and Lake View won.

It was a landmark case that made clear it is a constitutional mandate for the state to provide an adequate and equitable education for every child in Arkansas.

The legislature has the constitutional duty to appropriate state funds, so ultimately it is the duty of legislators to ensure that the state complies with the Constitution and with state Supreme Court orders in the Lake View case.

HOUSE PASSES WESTERMAN COSPONSORED BILL TO PROTECT AMERICANS FROM ILLICIT FENTANYL
WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation cosponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman to protect Americans from deadly fentanyl.

H.R. 467, the HALT Fentanyl Act will:
Make the temporary class-wide scheduling order for fentanyl related substances permanent.
Supply law enforcement with the tools and resources needed to keep extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets.
Support research on fentanyl-related substances so we can better understand its overall effects on people’s health.

“Illicit fentanyl is pouring through our southern border at unprecedented rates. Fentanyl doesn’t care if you’re a Republican, Democrat, or Independent. It’s a lethal substance that is plaguing our communities and killing more Americans than ever before,” Congressman Bruce Westerman said. “That’s why I cosponsored the HALT Fentanyl Act – it will ensure our law enforcement officers have the tools to keep illicit fentanyl off the streets and away from our younger generations. The passage of this bill is an important step in the right direction in protecting our nation from this epidemic that has already claimed far too many lives.”

COTTON, SHAHEEN, COLLEAGUES SEEK TO ESTABLISH NATIONAL WARRIOR CALL DAY AHEAD OF MEMORIAL DAY
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) recently introduced a resolution to designate November 12, 2023, as “National Warrior Call Day.” As Americans observe Memorial Day by honoring service members who sacrificed their lives in defense of our country, the lawmakers want to emphasize forming meaningful relationships with both those currently serving and veterans. Such relationships can help fight against mental illness and the epidemic of suicide among military members.

Co-sponsoring the resolution are Sens. John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania), Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Peter Welch (D-Vermont), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), John Thune (R-South Dakota), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), John Tester (D-Montana), Jackie Rosen (D-Nevada), James Risch (R-Idaho), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Marco Rubio (R-Florida).

“Americans can never fully pay back those who serve in defense of America. We can, however, make sure that active military members and veterans have access to the support they need after serving to lead active and healthy lives. This bipartisan resolution will raise awareness on the importance of building relationships with those who defend our freedom,” said Senator Cotton.

“Those who have taken the oath to defend our country deserve our support long after their service ends. This bipartisan resolution to designate a National Warrior Call Day will help to strengthen the relationship between veterans and civilians, providing them the support they earned during their years of service,” said Senator Shaheen.

May 24, 2023

CAMDEN A & P COMMISSION TO MEET
The Camden A & P Commission will meet on May 30, 2023 in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. The agenda is as follows:

Welcome
Approval of April Minutes
Approval of April Finances
Old Business
1.   Mike Sherman – Updates on Ivra Clark, Carnes and Fairview Park
New Business
1.   Thomas Vaughn-Roof at Ivra Clark Ida B. Moore Community Center
2.   Jennifer Horn - Outdoor Recreation Matching Grant
3.   Filling the Chairman’s Position (Tim Wilson resigned)
Adjourn

WHAT'S THE COOLEST THING MADE IN ARKANSAS?
That's the question Arkansans are being asked to answer as part of the 2023 "Coolest Thing Made in Arkansas" campaign. Hosted by Arkansas Business, in partnership with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Entergy, the promotion seeks to highlight the state's manufacturing sector and the vital role it plays on both the national and international scene.

Bonnie Jacoby, Vice President of Sales and Training at Arkansas Business, said the campaign launched last year after a casual conversation she had with Randy Zook, president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.
The 2022 inaugural competition resulted in 16 finalists in a single-elimination bracket-style contest. Those products ranged from snack foods to industrial equipment pioneered by Arkansas-based companies like Nabholz and Nucor. The winner, however, was a clear choice for the Coolest Thing Made in Arkansas - Lockheed Martin's High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS [pronounced HIGH-MARS].

The HIMARS is produced in Camden and has received widespread international attention as a critical part of the U.S. assistance package to Ukraine in its defense against the ongoing Russian invasion.

Jacoby said the HIMARS was a bit of a surprise winner of the 2022 competition because many Arkansans - and even a few Lockheed Martin officials - had no idea this sophisticated weapons system was produced right here in Arkansas. Jacoby stressed, however, that Arkansas products don't have to be as impressive as the HIMARS to become a finalist in the Coolest Thing Made in Arkansas campaign.

The campaign's primary goal is to highlight the products made in Arkansas and the needs they fill not just within the state, but across the nation and globe. Jacoby hopes the effort will encourage Arkansans to be even prouder of the state's manufacturing sector.

The nomination period for the 2023 Coolest Thing Made in Arkansas Campaign remains open through June 2. Nominating a product couldn't be easier - just visit www.coolestthinginarkansas.com and cast your vote. This year's winner will be announced in October.

Again, for more information on this year's campaign, and to nominate an Arkansas-made product, visit www.coolesthinginarkansas.com.

STATE POLICE CID INVESTIGATING DEATHS
May 23, 2023
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the homicides of two men discovered early this morning off Arkansas Highway 161, south of Scott in Pulaski County.

The deceased were transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where manner and cause of death will be determined. The investigation is ongoing.

May 23, 2023

ENTERGY ARKANSAS LAUNCHES REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER INITIATIVE
Customers receive $25 incentive and a free appliance pick-up
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Entergy Arkansas has launched a new recycling program for residential customers to make replacing their outdated refrigerator or freezer easier. The Entergy Solutions’ Point of Purchase Solutions (POPS) Program allows customers to schedule a free pick-up of a working refrigerator or freezer and receive a $25 incentive check for recycling their old appliance.

Entergy Arkansas is pleased to offer this convenient way to remove and recycle old, energy-inefficient refrigerators and freezers and thereby reduce your energy costs. According to ENERGY STAR®, residents can save up to $260 per year on their energy bill by running more efficient ENERGY STAR certified appliances- not only will the collected appliances not end up in a landfill, but after they are dismantled by recycling technicians, 95% of the materials – including plastic, metals, and glass – will be recycled.

“Our Entergy Solutions programs play an integral role in helping us offer Arkansans safe and reliable energy,” said Energy Efficiency Manager Denice Jeter, “Our appliance recycling initiative is a great resource to help customers manage their energy usage efficiently by providing a convenient way to recycle old refrigerators and freezers. Additionally, the POPS program offers Entergy Arkansas residential customers a $50 rebate when they purchase an ENERGY STAR certified compact, chest or upright freezer.”

Signs that it is time to retire and recycle your old refrigerator or freezer include the accumulation of excess ice, signs of moisture, a broken seal, the appliance generating heat or a constantly running motor. Since refrigerators are always running, their energy costs can really add up. Fortunately, refrigerators have become more efficient, with newer models costing less to operate and using less energy than older models.

To be eligible for this initiative, the resident must be an Entergy Arkansas residential customer with a working- condition refrigerator or freezer that is between 10 and 32 cubic feet in size. The appliance must be empty, clean and plugged in at the time of pickup, with the water line disconnected.

Scheduling a pick-up is easy – customers can email EntergyARrecycling@clearesult.com or call 833-748-7329 to schedule. Customers should have the following information ready in order to schedule:
Entergy Arkansas residential account number
Name on account and physical address
Appliance information (appliance type, brand and model, cubic feet, estimate age/year)
Email address and phone number

The $25 rebate will be mailed within six weeks of appliance pickup. There is a limit of one refrigerator and one freezer per household per seven-year period.

The Entergy Solutions portfolio of programs are energy-efficiency programs administered by Entergy Arkansas that help both residential and business customers save energy and money by reducing the upfront cost of a variety of power-saving upgrades. The programs work with participating partners, local trade allies and retailers to help customers find ways to save energy through the implementation of energy efficiency measures.

This appliance recycling offering is part of the POPS Program, which provides ways for Entergy Arkansas customers to save money on energy-efficient products for their homes. Whether customers buy a product that is eligible for a rebate or purchase directly from the Entergy Arkansas Marketplace, they can save on products that use less energy and save money. From smart thermostats to dehumidifiers and advanced power strips, there are discounts and rebates that allow Entergy customers to make their homes brighter and more comfortable, for less.

For more information about Energy Star products and programs, visit https://www.energystar.gov/about. For more information about appliance recycling and residential Entergy Solutions programs, visit entergyarkansas.com/recycle.

ARKANSAS BLACK MAYORS ASSOCIATION TO CONDUCT COMMUNITY OUTREACH FOR WATERSHED IMPROVEMENT PLANS THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN & EASTERN ARKANSAS
Final Selection of Project Planning Consultants Announced
LITTLE ROCK, AR (MAY 22, 2023) – On Monday, the Arkansas Black Mayors Association (ABMA) announced the engineering teams that will lead community outreach and development of plans for watershed improvements in 14 areas around the state. These public meetings will be conducted in conjunction with the selected engineering teams, with the first meeting being held in the City of Helena-West Helena on Wed., May 31 at 6:00 p.m. in Central High School’s auditorium, 103 School Rd. Subsequent public meetings in June and July will also be announced in the future. Details on upcoming community meetings and these projects overall can be found at www.abmawatershedproject.com.

The development of the Watershed Project Plans is a critical step towards addressing flooding faced by many communities throughout Arkansas. The plans will encompass a total of 14 project areas across Eastern, Southeastern, Southern, and Southwestern Arkansas and will be developed with input from the consultants to ensure their effectiveness.

The project areas, which comprises cities, their surrounding communities, and watersheds are:

1.     Hughes and Jennette
a.     Blackfish Bayou Watershed
b.     Tenmile Bayou – Fifteenmile Bayou Watershed

2.     Dumas
a.     Cypress Creek – Headwaters Boeuf River Watershed
b.     Oak Log Bayou – Cypress Bayou Watershed
c.      Canal No. 43 Watershed
d.     Amos Bayou Watershed

3.     El Dorado
a.     Haynes Creek Watershed
b.     Salt Creek Watershed
c.      Boggy Creek Watershedd.     City of El Dorado – Bayou de Loutre Watershed
e.     Dry Creek – Little Cornie Bayou Watershed
f.       Holmes Creek Watershed

4. Madison
a. L’Anguille River – St. Francis River Watershed

5. Altheimer
a. Little Bayou Meto Watershed

6. Stamps and Lewisville
a. Lake Erling – Bodcau Creek Watershed

7. Turrell
a. Big Creek Watershed

8.     Eudora
a.     Grand Lake – Bayou Macon Watershed
b.     Caney Bayou Watershed
c.      Tiger Bayou Watershed
d.     Paps Slough – Bayou Macon Watershed

9.     Wilmot
a.     Overflow Creek Watershed
b.     Camp Bayou Watershed

10. Forrest City, Haynes, and Marianna
a. Larkin Creek – L’Anguille River Watershed

11. Camden
a. Freeo Creek – Ouachita River Watershed
b. North Bayou – Two Bayou Watershed

12. Pine Bluff
a.     Bayou Bartholomew Headwaters Watershed
b.     Caney Creek – Caney Bayou Watershed
c.      Caney Creek – Arkansas River Watershed
d.     Plum Bayou – Arkansas River Watershed
e.     Cousart Bayou Headwaters – Lake Alice Watershed
f.       Imbeau Bayou Watershed
g.     Nevins Creek Watershed
h.     Upper Deep Bayou Watershed
i.       Boggy Bayou – Bayou Bartholomew Watershed

13. Helena-West Helena
14. Helena-West Helena, Lake View, and Marvell
a. Lick Creek – Big Creek Watershed

The selected engineering teams for these project areas, pending contract negotiations, are:

· Freese and Nichols, Inc. (cities of Hughes and Jenette, and El Dorado)
·   Michael Baker International, Inc. (cities of Dumas, Turrell, and Camden)
·   ICONIC Consulting Group, Inc. (cities of Madison, Forrest City, Haynes and Marianna, Helena-West Helena, Lake View, and Marvell for the Lick Creek – Big Creek Watershed)
· KEE Concrete and Construction, Inc. (cities of Altheimer and Helena-West Helena for the Long Lake Bayou – Little Bee Bayou Watershed)
·  EJES – FTN Associates JV (cities of Stamps and Lewisville, and Pine Bluff)
·  Headway Environmental (cities of Eudora and Wilmot)

Lewisville Mayor and ABMA President Ethan Dunbar said “We are excited to move forward with this important initiative to improve the health of our watersheds, the safety of our communities, and protect the environment for future generations. The selection of qualified engineering and natural resources planning consultants is crucial to this initiative, and the Arkansas Black Mayors Association looks forward to working closely with them to ensure that these plans benefit the communities we serve.”

The consultants will follow the policy set forth in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Title 390, National Watershed Program Manual (NWPM), Part 501 to ensure that the plans are developed in accordance with industry standards.

For more information about these projects, future public meetings, and updates, go to www.abmawatershedproject.com, or follow the ABMA’s Facebook page.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RELEASES SURVEY FOR THE PUBLIC TO REPORT PINE TREE DISCOLORATION AND MORTALITY
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division (Forestry Division) has released a survey for members of the public to report pine tree discoloration and/or mortality, specifically in southeast Arkansas. The survey can be found at arcg.is/1HyHCu0.

The increase in pine tree discoloration and mortality is an issue that has been observed in Arkansas and neighboring states. No specific cause has been identified and several possible causes are being considered.

This survey will provide Forestry Division staff and partners with data to further investigate this issue. The survey will collect information about the date and location of the observation, the environment where the observation occurred, and other general observations.

To analyze the causes of pine tree mortality and identify solutions, the Forestry Division is working with multiple partners, including the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources; the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service; and the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Plant Industries Division.

For more information about pine tree discoloration and/or mortality, visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/arkansas-forestry-health/arkansas-loblolly-pine-decline/.

CAMDEN CITY COUNCIL TO HOLD WORKSHOP
The City of Camden Board of Aldermen will meet for a workshop on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.

STATE OF ARKANSAS, OUACHITA COUNTY AND CITY OF CAMDEN MEMORIAL DAY CLOSING
The City of Camden Offices will be closed on Monday 29, 2023 to observe Memorial Day.

The Ouachita County Courthouse and the Ouachita County Extension Office will be closed Monday May 29, 2023 in observance of Memorial Day.

The State of Arkansas will observe Memorial Day as an official state holiday on Monday, May 29, 2023.

State Capitol offices will be closed for business. However, the Capitol building will be open to the public from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

May 19, 2023

GOVERNOR SANDERS DECLARES MAY AS ARKANSAS BEEF MONTH AND ARKANSAS EGG MONTH
LITTLE ROCK – On May 18, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined agriculture leaders and industry partners in declaring May as Arkansas Beef Month and Arkansas Egg Month. The proclamations highlight the state’s beef and egg industries and the value that both contribute to Arkansas’s economy.

“Agriculture is our number one industry, and we want to make sure it stays there. We want to continue to be a great partner from the state,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “I’m very happy about the fact that it is Beef and Egg Month and that we get to make that proclamation here today, but most importantly, I can’t tell you how grateful all of us are – every Arkansan – for the men and women who work in our ag community.”

“Beef and egg production in Arkansas are great examples of why agriculture is our state’s largest industry, with beef and egg products consistently ranking in Arkansas’s top eight agricultural commodities,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “This month is the perfect time to recognize these industries and the dedicated producers who work hard to maintain Arkansas as a national leader in agriculture.”

Representatives from the Natural State Beef Company, Arkansas Beef Council, Cal-Maine Foods, Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association, Arkansas Farm Bureau, The Poultry Federation, and other agriculture industry stakeholders attended the event.

Photographs from this event can be found at flic.kr/s/aHBqjAEgmo.

STATE CAPITOL WEEK IN REVIEW FROM SENATOR MATT STONE
May 19, 2023
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Medicaid program is re-examining the cases of hundreds of thousands of recipients to determine whether or not they remain eligible for services.

By the end of April 72,802 cases were closed. People who no longer are eligible for Medicaid can get health coverage through the federal market place. Information is available at healthcare.gov

The state Department of Human Services (DHS) administers Medicaid, which is funded primarily with federal dollars.

Since 2013, until the national public health emergency caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, federal dollars paid for almost 71 percent of standard Medicaid spending in Arkansas and state government provided the remaining 29 percent. Individual programs within Medicaid can vary in how much the state matches federal funding.

Federal authorities increased the percentage of federal Medicaid funding by 6.2 percent during the designated health emergency. However, as a condition for accepting the increased funding states had to pledge to keep their Medicaid rolls intact.

Now that the national emergency has been declared over, states can review their rolls and determine who is no longer eligible. In Arkansas the process began in April.

While DHS dropped 72,000 people from Medicaid in April, the department also renewed the cases of 61,236 people who remained eligible after a review.

Three years ago about 921,000 people in Arkansas were enrolled in Medicaid. The rolls increased by 230,000 people during the pandemic. Medicaid officials expect the numbers to continue going down as DHS continues to review the eligibility of everyone in the program.

People on Medicaid should take care to respond to questionnaires and letters from DHS. Some people have been dropped from the rolls because their income has gone up, but some people have been dropped because they failed to fill out paperwork required by DHS.

Anyone on Medicaid who needs help with the process can call 855-372-1084 or visit the website at this Internet address: ar.gov/accessanywhere

Homeowner Assistance

A federal program to help Arkansas homeowners impacted by the pandemic will end soon, according to state officials who administer the grant program.

Aid is available through the Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Fund to people who are behind in their mortgage payments due to hardships caused by the pandemic.

The Arkansas Development Finance Authority runs the program, which has helped more than 2,749 Arkansas households. The program has paid out $30,131,864 million and committed another $5,351,910.

Eligible homeowners must have a total annual household income below 150 percent of the Area Median Income or 100 percent of the United States Median Income, whichever is greater.

Participants must prove that the pandemic caused financial hardships after January 21, 2020. They must be past due on two or more consecutive mortgage or utility payments.

Hardships include job loss, income reduction or increased family expenses due for healthcare or the need to care for a family member. People may use the grants to prevent delinquent mortgages, to prevent home loss of their home due to foreclosure or to prevent the cutting off of utilities, including Internet access.

For more information and to apply, go to ArkansasHAF.com.

BOOZMAN LEADS MEASURE TO CONNECT AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, is championing legislation to strengthen access to mental health services in agricultural communities.

The Farmers First Act of 2023 is bipartisan legislation that would reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), a program that connects farmers, ranchers and other agriculture workers to stress assistance programs and resources. Through FRSAN, state departments of agriculture, state extension services and nonprofits receive funding to establish helplines, provide suicide prevention training for farm advocates and create support groups for farmers and farm workers.

“Arkansas agricultural producers help feed and clothe the world. This responsibility creates unique stresses as they manage operations and face challenges that are often beyond their control. This legislation continues efforts to improve access to mental health services in rural communities and creates additional opportunities to connect agriculture workers and producers with behavioral health providers to enhance the quality of life for families and individuals throughout farm country,” Boozman said.

The Farmers First Act is critical as suicide, mental health challenges and stress are on the rise in rural communities. According to the National Rural Health Association, the rate of suicide among farmers is three and a half times higher than among the general population. A Morning Consult poll found that during 2021, 61 percent of farmers and farm workers and 52 percent of rural adults reported experiencing more stress and mental health challenges compared to the prior year. The same poll also found that while stigma around seeking help or treatment for mental health has decreased, it remains a factor, especially in agriculture.

Boozman authored a provision in the reauthorization measure that would enhance connections between FRSAN grantees and behavioral health medical providers such as certified community behavioral health clinics, health centers, rural health clinics and critical access hospitals. This is critical to helping build relationships with behavioral health professionals.

The legislation is led by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) and, in addition to Boozman, is cosponsored by Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tina Smith (D-MN), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Michael Bennet (D-CO).

Initiatives to improve rural mental health resources and expand access to suicide prevention programs in rural America were included in the 2018 Farm Bill. Boozman and his colleagues on the Senate Agriculture Committee are in the process of writing the next Farm Bill.

“Our farmers face so many unique challenges that cause stress and impact their mental health. We’re making real progress treating health care above the neck the same as health care below the neck. This legislation will help connect farmers and rural communities to stress resources and mental health care, including my successful community behavioral health clinics that offer 24/7 crisis services and other resources close to home,” said Stabenow.

Boozman is also a cosponsor of the Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act of 2023, legislation that would establish a grant program for health providers to expand tele-mental health services in rural areas and for individuals working in the farming, forest and fishing industries.

May 18, 2023

FARMERS BANK FOUNDATION RESCHEDULES ARKANSAS STATE POLICE GOLF TOURNAMENT FOR JUNE 30
Magnolia, Ark. (May 11, 2023) – The Farmers Bank Foundation has announced a new date for the fourth annual Arkansas State Police Foundation Golf Tournament. The charitable event will now be held on Friday, June 30, at Mystic Creek Golf Club in El Dorado, Arkansas. The scheduling change was made due to severe weather and flooding in Southwest Arkansas. The tournament was previously scheduled for Friday, May 12.

If the new date affects any pre-registrations or team status for course play, please call Candace Rankin at 870-235-7003 for more details.

All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Arkansas State Police Foundation.

A silent auction is currently being held online. Items up for bid include a condo vacation in Miramar Beach, Florida; autographed memorabilia from former NFL stars Terry Bradshaw and Archie Manning; DJ services for weddings or large gatherings; Otterbox coolers, and more.

For more information about the tournament or team registration, sponsorships, auction items, or any other event, please visit www.myfarmers.bank/ASPFgolf.

About Farmers Bank Foundation: Created in 2021 for Farmers Bank & Trust's 115 anniversary, the Farmers Bank Foundation's giving priorities are to support local nonprofits whose mission is to purposefully enrich the quality of life in the communities where Farmers Bank & Trust customers and employees live. The foundation's funding is made possible by the bank's shareholders and employees across Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Farmers Bank Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that will operate independently from Farmers Bank & Trust. For additional information or to apply for Farmers Bank Foundation funding, please visit www.MyFarmers.Bank/FarmersBankFoundation.

BLACK PILOTS OF AMERICA RETURN TO PINE BLUFF, ARKANSAS FOR "OPERATION SKYHOOK"
The Black Pilots of America will return to Pine Bluff, Arkansas May 25-29, 2023 for their Memorial Day Fly-In, "Operation Skyhook."
Make plans now to join the fun in Pine Bluff, Arkansas as member chapters of the Black Pilots of America fly in from across the United States into Pine Bluff's Grider Field Municipal Airport for a weekend of fun, aviation camaraderie, and serious flying competition.

The following scheduled activities are open to the public with FREE ADMISSION:
Friday, May 26, 2023:
9:30 a.m. - Welcome to the City
11:15 a.m. - Flour Bomb Drop Competition Begins
3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. - Free "Young Eagles" Airplane Rides (Rides will begin immediately following daily competition.)

Saturday, May 27, 2023:
10:00 a.m. - Pilot Proficiency Begins
2:00 p.m. - Formation Begins
3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. - Free "Young Eagles" Airplane Rides (Rides will begin immediately following daily competition.)

Sunday, May 28, 2023:
10:00 a.m. - Balloon Burst & Spot Landing Competition Begins
3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. - Free "Young Eagles" Airplane Rides (Rides will begin immediately following daily competition.)

The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission, the city's official tourism office, awarded BPA with a $10,000 event funding grant for the 2023 Operation Skyhook event. “We are proud to support the Black Pilots of America and are thrilled to have them return ‘home’ to Pine Bluff for Operation Skyhook,” said Sheri Storie, executive director for the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission. This group does more than boost our local economy during the Memorial Day Weekend, they also bring us together and instill a sense of community pride.”

Ken Johnson, local aviator and Chairman of the Pine Bluff Aviation Commission, said he is delighted to see BPA return to Pine Bluff over the years. When BPA was looking for a place to host this event, he extended the invitation for the group to meet in Pine Bluff. At the time he had no idea that the event would continue for a quarter of a century by having the traditional “Operation Skyhook” in Pine Bluff.

Grider Field Restaurant will be open Friday, May 26 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, May 27 and 28, from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

The aims and purposes of the Black Pilots of America are:

To train youth to participate and advance in various types of employment within the field of aviation.

To stimulate and encourage broader job opportunities for underprivileged youth in all phases of aviation.

To encourage youth to enter the field of aviation and to remain in school by educating students with films and lectures in schools regarding opportunities in the field of aviation.

To organize and set up a school for such training.

To develop scholarships for youth who will partake in such training and development.

For more information about the Black Pilots of America or Operation Skyhook, please visit bpapilots.org.

BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO KEEP AM RADIO IN NEW VEHICLES
WASHINGTON - Today, new bipartisan legislation is being announced in the House -the AM for Every Vehicle Act - to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in new vehicles at no additional charge. Out of 20 of the world’s leading carmakers, eight have removed AM broadcast radio from their electric vehicles.

Congressman Bruce Westerman is co-leading the AM for Every Vehicle Act in the House along with Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Tom Kean (NJ-07), Rob Menendez (NJ-8), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03). The AM for Every Vehicle Act is being led in the Senate by Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX).

The bipartisan, bicameral AM for Every Vehicle Act will:

Direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue a rule that requires automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their vehicles without a separate or additional payment, fee, or surcharge;

Require any automaker that sells vehicles without access to AM broadcast radio before the effective date of the NHTSA rule to clearly disclose to consumers that the vehicle lacks access to AM broadcast radio; and,

Direct the Government Accountability Office to study whether alternative communication systems could fully replicate the reach and effectiveness of AM broadcast radio for alerting the public to emergencies.

The bill text of the AM for Every Vehicle Act can be found here.

“Radio plays an essential role in our country. Many Arkansans rely on AM broadcast radio for breaking news and entertainment as they make their daily commutes, especially in rural areas where constituents spend a lot of time in their vehicles. In the case of severe weather, something Arkansas is no stranger to, AM radio is critical in updating the public to assure their safety," said Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04). With this bill, we're protecting AM broadcast radio by ensuring that automakers continue providing AM radio in new vehicles, cannot impose unnecessary fees or surcharges that would prevent Americans from accessing these vital services in their vehicles, and clearly indicate if any vehicle lacks AM radio capability.”

“I would think that if Elon Musk has enough money to buy Twitter and send rockets to space, he can afford to include AM radio in his Teslas. Instead, Elon Musk and Tesla and other car manufacturers are putting public safety and emergency response at risk,” said Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “The importance of AM radio during large-scale emergencies cannot be underestimated, and it has, without a doubt and without interruption, saved lives and kept our communities informed. When the cell phone runs out, the internet gets cut off, or the television doesn’t work because of no electricity or power to your house, you can still turn on your AM radio. I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan AM for Every Vehicle Act in the House to ensure that all auto manufacturers include AM radio in their vehicles to protect public safety.”

“As more and more Americans adopt electric vehicles, we must ensure that they are equipped with AM radio,” said Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-08). “AM radio is - and will remain - an essential communications channel for emergency alerts and for disseminating news and other important information to residents of our district and communities across our country. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation which would ensure that EVs continue to be equipped with this basic but critical capability.”

“Southwest Washington, especially our rural communities, relies on AM radio to stay informed during emergencies, and automakers removing AM radio from their cars just to save a few bucks puts people at risk. This is yet another example of how newer cars are being put out of reach for working families in rural America,” said Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03). “This bipartisan bill will make sure AM radio remains accessible in new vehicles and that consumers are fully informed about whether or not AM radio is available in older models. Thank you to my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for taking action on this issue to keep people safe.”

WESTERMAN, CARTER, SMITH CALL ON PHARMACIES TO PROTECT WOMEN'S HEALTH BY REFUSING DANGEROUS MAIL-ORDER CHEMICAL ABORTION PRESCRIPTIONS
WASHINGTON - Following Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS Pharmacy announcing that they plan to become certified to dispense the chemical abortion drug mifepristone, Congressman Bruce Westerman joined Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Chris Smith (R-NJ) and 35 House Republicans in a letter calling on the companies to protect the health and safety of women and unborn children.

In the letter, the members write: “We are deeply disappointed by your organization’s announcement that it has applied to become certified to dispense the chemical abortion drug mifepristone. There is substantial evidence that mifepristone harms women and girls, and your organization’s choice to dispense it for the sole purpose of killing the unborn child of a woman known to be pregnant violates your organization’s mission of protecting public health by ensuring the safe use of pharmaceuticals.”

The members continue: “Federal law…provides criminal penalties prohibiting the sending or receiving of any drug that is ‘designed, adapted, or intended for producing abortion’ using the mail or interstate shipment…We seek acknowledgement from your organization regarding the relevant federal and state laws and specific information about how it intends to comply with them.”

Co-signors include: Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Mike Bost (R-IL), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Bob Latta (R-OH), Jim Banks (R-IN), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Cory Mills (R-FL), Jerry Carl (R-AL), Mark Alford (R-MO), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Mike Ezell (R-MS), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Keith Self (R-TX), David Rouzer (R-NC), James Moylan (R-GU), Bill Posey (R-FL), Greg Steube (R-FL), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), August Pfluger (R-TX), Brian Babin (R-TX), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Bob Good (R-VA), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Alex Mooney (R-MD), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Eric Burlison (R-MO), Drew Ferguson (R-GA), and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA).

Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) led a companion letter in the Senate.

COTTON, COLLEAGUES: U.S. SHOULD WITHDRAW FROM NEW START TREATY
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the No START Treaty Act, legislation formally accusing Russia of breaching the New START arms control treaty and declaring America should withdraw. The bill also plans to strengthen U.S nuclear forces while placing limits on future arms control negotiations.

Senators James Risch (R-Idaho), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), and Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) are co-sponsors of the legislation.

“The New START Treaty handcuffed America while Vladimir Putin has taken advantage of the treaty’s flaws for years. President Biden should never have extended this treaty that has only made Russia and China stronger and America weaker. We should withdraw from the treaty and bolster our nuclear forces,” said Senator Cotton.

“The Biden Administration’s decision to extend the New START Treaty with Russia constrained the United States, failed to make America and its allies safer, left the Chinese free to undertake a breathtaking buildup of strategic nuclear weapons systems, and allowed Russia to threaten to use its massive arsenal of tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine. Our legislation will correct these mistakes by conditioning future arms control agreements with Russia to include all classes of nuclear weapons as well as China. We must be prepared for a strategic environment in which the United States faces two nuclear peers – China and Russia,” said Senator Risch.

“Treaties aren’t effective when one party lies and cheats. We’ve seen evidence for the last decade that Russia is no longer honoring its obligations under the New START Treaty. It is irresponsible and dangerous for America to unilaterally limit itself in the face of growing hostility abroad, including from the Chinese Communist Party,” said Senator Rubio.

The No START Treaty Act would:
Express the sense of Congress that Russia is in material breach of the New START Treaty; the U.S. should withdraw from the New START Treaty; and the U.S. should take steps to strengthen its nuclear forces.

Require an assessment of the sufficiency of current and planned U.S. nuclear forces and an implementation plan to address any deficiencies in the U.S. nuclear deterrent.

Require any future arms control agreements with Russia that place numerical limitations on the size of the U.S. and Russian arsenals to limit all of Russia’s nuclear forces (to include its non-strategic nuclear weapons) and similarly restrict the nuclear arsenal of China.

Prohibit unilateral reductions and prohibit the bargaining away of U.S. missile defenses.

Prohibit the use of funds to implement the New START Treaty or any future arms control agreement unless it meets the bill's required stipulations.

COTTON, BANKS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO PREVENT SCHOOLS FROM CONCEALING GENDER TRANSITIONS FROM PARENTS
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), and Rick Scott (R-Florida) today introduced the Empower Parents to Protect Their Kids Act, legislation that would prevent K-12 schools from performing a “gender transition” on children behind their parents’ backs. Congressman Jim Banks (Indiana-03) introduced companion legislation in the House.

This bill would also empower parents to sue schools that violate this Act by hiding or withholding information about their child’s “transition.”

“Schools should never be allowed to impose radical, harmful ideologies on children—especially without parents’ knowledge and consent. My bill will protect students and ensure that parents are in control of their children’s education. Schools must remain institutions of education, not indoctrination camps where minors are manipulated and brainwashed,” said Senator Cotton.

“School is where children go to learn math, history and science, not to learn about woke gender ideology. No parent should have to worry about a school teacher or administrator coaching their child to ‘gender transition.’ My bill protects parental rights and ensures federally funded schools are not laboratories for the Left’s radical agenda,” said Congressman Banks.

The Empower Parents to Protect Their Kids Act would:
Make sure schools receive parental consent before facilitating a student’s gender transition in any way.
Ensure schools do not withhold information from parents or coerce students to withhold information from their parents about their purported gender identity.
Ensure that schools do not pressure parents or students to proceed with a gender transition.
Bar federal funds to K-12 schools that fail to comply with these requirements.

It would also establish a private right of action to empower parents to enforce these policies in court, with attorney’s fees granted to the prevailing plaintiff. The bill also requires schools to report to the Secretaries dispersing federal funds (e.g. Secretary of Education) how they are complying with this Act, provide a copy of its policies to parents, and post those policies on school websites.

May 16, 2023

OPERATION SAFE STREETS YIELDS OVER 600 ARRESTS
May 15, 2023
On Monday, Arkansas State Police reported arrest numbers from the weekend’s successful Operation Safe Streets, yielding 610 arrests for violations including 55 driving at excessive speeds and 26 driving while intoxicated. The effort was a joint operation with ASP, Little Rock Police Department and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office.

Over 30 officers from Arkansas’ 12 Troops made contact with 952 violators during the 48-hour operation. Seizures included nine illegal firearms, 453 grams of Methamphetamine, 1,055 grams of marijuana, $2,800 in cash and one stolen vehicle.

Little Rock and Pulaski County arrests and seizures were tracked separately.

HOUSE PASSES WESTERMAN COSPONSORED RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
WASHINGTON - The U.S. House passed bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman to express support for National Police Week. H.R. 363 expresses unwavering support for law enforcement officers and recognizes the sacrifices of families who have lost loved ones who gave their lives while serving their communities. Specifically, the resolution recognizes:

Law enforcement officers across the United States in the pursuit of preserving safe and securing communities.

The need to ensure that such officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety while protecting the public.

The law enforcement community for acts of sacrifice and heroism.

"Men and women in uniform deserve our deepest gratitude as they risk their lives to protect and serve our communities. I'll always back the blue and stand with our law enforcement officers. For this reason, I'm proud to cosponsor this bipartisan resolution to commemorate the unsung heroes in our communities and honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty," Congressman Bruce Westerman said.For these and other stories visit http://yesradioworks.com/news-south-arkansas-events-ii.

BOOZMAN, COTTON COMMEMORATE NATIONAL POLICE WEEK WITH LEGISLATION TO BACK THE BLUE
WASHINGTON – As police officers from Arkansas and across the country gather in the nation’s capital for National Police Week to honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty, U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) are honoring the men and women who wear the badge with the introduction of the Back the Blue Act.

This legislation, spearheaded by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), would increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves.

“Law enforcement officers put on their uniform knowing the risks that come with the public duty to serve and protect. Criminals who target those who wear the badge and patrol our streets must be held accountable for their heinous actions. As we commemorate National Police Week, this legislation serves as a reminder that we stand with the men and women in blue,” Boozman said.

“Law enforcement officers defend the rule of law and protect their fellow citizens. An attack on an officer is an attack on our democracy. Criminals who try to assassinate police must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and they deserve nothing less than life in prison or the death penalty,” Cotton said.

In addition to Boozman, Cotton and Cornyn, the legislation is cosponsored by Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Mike Braun (R-IN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Katie Britt (R-AL), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jim Risch (R-ID), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Barrasso (R-WY), James Lankford (R-OK), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Kennedy (R-LA), John Thune (R-SD), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ted Budd (R-NC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Tim Scott (R-SC) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN).

The Back the Blue Act: Strengthens Laws to Protect Police Officers
Creates a new federal crime for killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally-funded public safety officer. The offender would be subject to the death penalty and a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years if death results; the offender would otherwise face a minimum sentence of 10 years.

Creates a new federal crime for assaulting a federally-funded law enforcement officer with escalating penalties, including mandatory minimums, based on the extent of any injury and the use of a dangerous weapon. However, no prosecution can be commenced absent certification by the Attorney General that prosecution is appropriate.

Creates a new federal crime for interstate flight from justice to avoid prosecution for killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally-funded public safety officer. The offender would be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for this offense.

Creates a Specific Aggravating Factor for Federal Death Penalty Prosecutions
Clarifies that the murder or attempted murder of a law enforcement officer or first responder is a statutory aggravating factor for purposes of the federal death penalty.

Limits Federal Habeas Relief for Murders of Law Enforcement Officers
Imposes time limits and substantive limits on federal courts’ review of challenges to state-court convictions for crimes involving the murder of a public safety officer, when the public safety officer was engaged in the performance of official duties or on account of the performance of official duties. These changes are consistent with the fast-track procedures created in 1996, which are applied to federal death penalty cases.

Expands Self-Defense and Second Amendment Rights for Law Enforcement Officers
Allows law enforcement officers, subject to limited regulation, to carry firearms into federal facilities and other jurisdictions where such possession is otherwise prohibited.

This legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and the New York Police Department Sergeants Benevolent Association.

May 15, 2023

CLICK IT OR TICKET CAMPAIGN REMINDS DRIVERS: BUCKLE UP MAY 22 - JUNE 4, AND EVERY DAY
May 15, 2023
The Arkansas law enforcement community is urging motorists to buckle up during the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national Click It or Ticket high-visibility enforcement effort. The national seat belt campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, runs from May 22 to June 4, 2023.

“We want seat belt use to be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “It’s not only the safe thing to do — it’s the law. During the Click It or Ticket campaign, we’ll be working with our fellow law enforcement officers across local and state lines to ensure the message gets out. Buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash. We see the results of not wearing a seat belt all the time. We see the loss of life. So often, tragedy could have been prevented by just wearing a seat belt.”

According to NHTSA, there were 11,813 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States in 2021. In that same year, 57% of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) were not wearing their seat belts. That’s why nighttime enforcement is an important focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign. Participating law enforcement agencies will be taking a no-excuses approach to seat belt law enforcement, writing citations both day and night.

No matter the type of vehicle you’re driving in or the type of road you’re driving on, the best way to stay safe is to wear your seat belt. Unfortunately, many families are suffering because their loved ones neglected to follow this simple step. In fact, 228 of the Arkansas motorists killed in 2021 were not buckled up. Additionally, NHTSA data show that seat belt use is higher among females than males. In fact, nearly twice as many males were killed in crashes as compared to females in 2021. Of the males killed in crashes during that same year, more than half (54%) were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 42% were not buckled up.
“If the Click It or Ticket enforcement effort alerts people to the dangers of not wearing a seat belt, we’ll consider our mission a success,” said Colonel Hagar. “If you know someone who does not buckle up, please ask them to consider changing their habits. Help us spread this lifesaving message. Seat belts save lives. Remember to buckle up.”

For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit NHTSA.gov/ciot 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.

ENTERGY ARKANSAS PLEDGES $100,000 FOR COLLEGE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS PROGRAM COMPANY WILL DONATE MATCHING FUNDS FOR ELIGIBLE ARKANSAS FAMILIES
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Entergy Arkansas is launching “Kids to College,” a my529 child savings account program to help families plan and save for their children’s higher education, with a pledge to match up to $100,000 for qualified customers.

Research shows that opening a college savings account statistically improves college-going rates for students, regardless of the contribution amount and the level of household income. Even with savings of less than $500, a child is 25% more likely to enroll in college and 64% more likely to graduate than a child with no savings, according to a study from the Center for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL).

“Kids to College is an investment in the future of our young people and the future of Arkansas,” said Laura Landreaux, Entergy Arkansas president and CEO. “We’ve been a leader in helping advance education and workforce development in the state for decades and are excited to be extending that legacy by launching this program for all of Entergy here in Arkansas. It will help ensure our children have an equal chance at achieving their dreams.”

Powered by Entergy and in partnership with the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association, the company will help up to 2,000 low- and moderate-income Arkansas families establish a child savings account and provide a $50 match. Accounts can be opened with less than $50 initially.

“ACAAA has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Entergy Arkansas,” said Tomekia Moore, interim executive director for the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association. “We are thrilled to partner with them for the Kids to College Program. We look forward to promoting youth financial literacy and education as a result of this most recent endeavor."

A college savings account is designed specifically for postsecondary education costs, including tuition but also for books, computer technology, room and board, and other related fees. These accounts allow families – parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and more – to put money away to start saving for their children to attend a two- or four-year college, trade school or technical school.

Families can enroll each child under 16 in the household in a Kids to College my529 account. Kids to College match participants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Family is an Entergy customer.
Family saves at least $50 per account.
Family has an annual income at or below $52,000 for single-earner households and $60,000 for dual-earner households.
Entergy is powering Kids to College by dedicating matching funds for 8,000 child savings accounts across their four-state service area. The program is made possible thanks to an endowment fund created in honor of Entergy’s late Chairman and CEO J. Wayne Leonard.

More information is available at www.entergy.com/csr/kids and at each of the community action agencies, which can be found online at www.ACAAA.org or by emailing ARKids2College@acaaa.org. Eligible individuals can also sign up for an account through the Kids to College portal here.

SAAC ANNOUNCES SUMMER MUSICAL DIRECTOR
The South Arkansas Arts Center is pleased to welcome visiting director Ian Aipperspach to the July 20-30 summer musical production of “Newsies,” sponsored by Murphy USA. He brings a wealth of experience from the educational, community, and professional musical theatre worlds to SAAC, and he is excited to see the talent and commitment that our community has in store.

While Dr. Aippersbach has spent decades working in theatre, his most recent productions include music directing Mary Poppins with Ouachita Baptist University and Addams Family with East Texas Baptist University. Professional engagements have allowed him to serve as a stage director for Forever Plaid and as music director two of his favorites, Fiddler on the Roof and Maury Yeston’s Titanic.

Dr. Aipperspach serves as Lecturer of Music and Interim Conductor of the Ouachita Singers at Ouachita Baptist University where he also teaches courses in Musicology and Music Theory. Previous engagements have included productions with the Marshall (TX) Kids Community Theatre, East Texas Baptist University, Lubbock Christian University, and Lubbock Moonlight Musicals where he served as production manager for summer shows and music director. He holds the Ph.D. in Fine Arts from Texas Tech University.

On the production team, Dr. Aippersbach will be joined by Assistant Director Kaila Emery and choreographer Hannah Marsh, both of whom are no strangers to the SAAC stage. Emery was seen onstage most recently as the titular character in the Second Stage production of “Sylvia,” and as Annelle in “Steel Magnolias.” Marsh has served as choreographer for both “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Mamma Mia!” A dancer by trade, she is the owner and instructor at Lucy’s Ladies dance studio.

Set in turn-of-the century New York City, “Newsies” is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged newsboys. When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at their expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right! “Newsies” is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.

Auditions are scheduled for June 3 and 4 at SAAC. For more information about the summer musical, please call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org. SAAC is located at 110 East Fifth Street, El Dorado, Arkansas.

WESTERMAN COSIGNS LETTER TO VA ON FALSE STATEMENTS ABOUT LIMIT, SAVE, GROW ACTWASHINGTON
Congressman Bruce Westerman joined 65 Republican Colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough regarding their false statements against the Limit, Save, Grow Act.

“While House Republicans are working to protect veterans who risked their lives in service to our country, far-left Democrats are using them as political pawns. In a press release on April 21st, the VA purposefully spread partisan, dishonest information about the Limit, Save, Grow Act to mislead veterans to believe their benefits would be cut. House Republicans have always prioritized veterans in our budgets to ensure the men and women who have served our country have the access to the care and benefits they were promised.

“I joined Rep. Clyde and more than 60 of my Republican colleagues to respectfully demand the immediate removal of the VA’s April 21st press release that contained misinformation about cuts to veterans’ benefits in the Limit, Save, Grow Act. No where in the legislation does it cut their benefits, and I will not stand idle while the Biden Administration politicizes the VA and spreads false claims. I urge Secretary McDonough to move quickly and retract the dishonest press release and issue an apology to our nation’s veterans for spreading false information about their benefits,” Congressman Westerman said.

May 11, 2023

CADC TO DISTRIBUTE USDA COMMODITIES MAY 17 & 18, 2023 IN OUACHITA AND CALHOUN COUNTIES
The Central Arkansas Development Council will distribute USDA Commodities in Ouachita and Calhoun Counties Wednesday, May 17, and Thursday, May 18, 2022, in Camden and Hampton. Distribution will begin at 9 am.

Food Items May Include:
UHT Milk, Grape Juice, Peaches, Raisins, Green Beans, Vegetable Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Blackeye Peas, Kidney Beans, Spaghetti, Flour, Can Chicken, Tuna, Chicken in a pouch

In Calhoun County, commodities will be distributed at the following location:
CADC Office, 210 South Lee Street, Hampton, AR (870) 626-0553

ID must be present in order to receive commodities. All customers receiving commodities must present identification. Photo ID Preferred. Must Meet Income Guidelines

CAMDEN FAIRVIEW BOARD OF EDUCATION TO MEET
The Camden Fairview Board of Education will meet in regular session on Tuesday, May 16th at 6:30 pm iat Garrison Auditorium.

The agenda is as follows:
Call to order
Student Hearings
Approval of minutes of previous meetings

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None

NEW BUSINESS
Presentation by Whitney Moore Camden Fairview School District attorney.
Presentation and recommendation regarding provider of milk for 2023-2024 school year.
Presentation and recommendation regarding provider of bread for 2023-2024 school year.
Presentation and recommendation of policies regarding the Camden Fairview School District 7-12 virtual option. |
Presentation and recommendation of classified salary schedule and raises.
Facility Rentals

Superintendent’s report to the Board
Financial report
Personnel
Hiring
Resignation

FLEEING JONESBORO MAN FACES MULTIPLE CHARGES FOLLOWING ASP PURSUIT
May 10, 2023
Jonesboro - On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at approximately 3:20 p.m., an Arkansas State Police Trooper assigned to Craighead County and patrolling I-555 attempted to stop a black GMC Yukon displaying improper vehicle registration. The driver, later identified as Timmy L. Davis, 50, of Jonesboro, failed to yield and attempted to flee.

During the pursuit, Davis crossed the median and travelled into oncoming traffic. He continued to flee from pursuing officers until his vehicle was damaged and inoperable. Davis drove through a perimeter security fence at the Nestle Prepared Foods, located at 1 Nestle Way, Jonesboro. There, Davis abandoned his vehicle and reportedly took another vehicle at gunpoint to continue his flight from law enforcement. Davis intentionally collided with the pursuing officers at high speeds and led officers through the City of Jonesboro. He disregarded traffic signals, traveling into oncoming traffic and colliding with a private vehicle.

Davis lost control of the vehicle while traveling north on I-555, near the Harrisburg Road exit. He then fled on foot and was later apprehended. A female passenger was treated at a local hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening.

An investigation is ongoing, but preliminary charges against Davis include Fleeing by vehicle, Fleeing on Foot, Aggravated Robbery, Theft of property, Criminal Mischief, multiple counts of Aggravated Assault, and driving with a suspended license.

DEFENSE SECRETARY TO BOOZMAN: PILOT TRAINING MISSION IN ARKANSAS “CRITICAL” TO NATIONAL SECURITY
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin called the F-35 future pilot training center at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith “critical” to national security during a Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing Thursday.

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) applauded the recent Air Force decision to make Ebbing Airfield the future home for the F-35 U.S. and allied pilot training and raised the importance of the mission for national security to the secretary.

“Secretary Austin, you mentioned in your testimony that our cooperation with our allies and partners is central to co-developing advanced capabilities for our warfighters. Recently the record of decision was signed by Secretary Kendall that will make Ebbing Airfield in Fort Smith, Arkansas the future home for F-35 U.S. and allied pilot training. I continue to work with the Air Force to make Ebbing a premier pilot training center and ensure it is ready on time to train our allied partner pilots,” Boozman said.

“It’s critical. As our allies and partners invest in the kinds of capability that we have, F-35s are a great example. We need to make sure that we’re working together to increase interoperability, and we do that by not only making sure that we have the policies and procedures in the right place, but there is frequent contact – us working together with each other.” Austin said. In March, the U.S. Air Force announced it selected Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith to host the future F-35 Foreign Military Sales program that trains military personnel from allied nations on the fifth-generation fighter jet, as well as the new home for the 425th Fighter Squadron, a Republic of Singapore F-16 Fighting Falcon training unit currently based at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

Last Friday, Boozman joined Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Senator Tom Cotton, Congressman Steve Womack and Fort Smith community leaders to celebrate the decision.

I know that we have some allies and partners that are really looking forward to using that capability, so thanks for what you’re doing to broaden our capacity.”

May 10, 2023

CITY OF CAMDEN BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEET
The City of Camden Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.

Mayor Charlotte Young called the meeting to order promptly at 7:00 pm. The Invocation was given by
Bishop Jacovis Davis, Pastor of the Word Family Church located at 295 North Street SW. in Camden. The Invocation was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

City Clerk Donna Stewart called the roll. Aldermen Joe Askew, Ebony Gulley, Gerald Castleberry, Chris Aregood, Ed Winters, L.E. Lindsey, Marvin Moore and William McCoy were present.

The Aldermen approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting dated April 11, 2023, the minutes of the special called meeting dated March 28, 2023, Revised and the minutes of the March 14^th minutes, revised, by unanimous vote. Opposed Bullet an McCoy Nay on March 14 minutes, March 28 minutes and Financial Report.

The Aldermen then approved the Financial Report for April 2023 by unanimous vote.

Kevin Franklin, Public Works Director was supposed to give a Public Works report but was unable to attend the meeting so Tom Vaughan, Code Enforcement Officer, gave a report for the Code Enforcement Office. Director Franklin will give his report next month. Director Vaughan gave a brief overview of what Code Enforcement does.

The Mayor named Employee of the month Quincy White. He was presented with a Certificate and gift card.

There was no old business. The first item under new business was Resolution No. 33-23, a resolution amending the Annual Operating Budget for 2023; Authorizing the Mayor into a contract with the Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development (OPED) to provide certain Economic Development Services for the City of Camden; and for other purposes. Motion was made and seconded. There was no discussion. Aldermen Askew, McCoy Gully and Moore voted no. Aldermen Lindsey, Aregood, Castleberry and Winters voted yes. Mayor Young voted yes to break the tie and the Resolution passed.

Next up was Resolution No. 34-23, a resolution expressing the willingness of the City of Camden to utilize Federal-Aid Transportation Alternatives Program Funds. Motion was made and seconded. After a discussion a motion was made to table the resolution until what time it can be brought back. Motion to table was rescinded. All Aldermen voted Nay. The resolution failed.

Resolution No. 35-23, a resolution creating a Mayor’s Youth Council; and for other purposes. Motion was made and seconded. Students from 10th through 12th grade will be a part of this Council. Students will meet with Mayor once a month and learn about government and bring ideas to the table. They will also do Community Service projects. After a lengthy discussion the Resolution passed by unanimous vote.

Resolution No. 36-23, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to approve the partial termination of the Lease Agreement with the Ouachita County Recreational Center (former Boys Club); and for other purposes. Motion was made and seconded. Resolution passed by unanimous vote.

Resolution No. 37-23, a resolution authorizing the transfer of ARPA funds; and for other purposes. Motion was made and seconded. Passed by unanimous vote.

Resolution No. 38-23, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a service contract for the concessions at Carnes Park Pool with the Planting-A-Seed Foundation; and for other purposes. There was a lengthy discussion after Mr. Charles Moore, Director of the Plant a Seed Foundation. It was his desire for the center to run the concession stand at the Carnes Park Pool this summer. Motion was made and seconded. Resolution passed with Aldermen Moore and Gulley abstaining.

Resolution No. 39-23, a resolution declaring the dilapidated structures located at 1802 Richview Avenue a public nuisance and to order the removal of the same. Motion was made and seconded. Resolution passed with a unanimous vote.

The meeting adjourned at The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for June 13, 2023.

ARKANSAS-FILMED MOVIE “PAPAW LAND” SET FOR RELEASE MAY 23RD
“Papaw Land,” a new independent movie filmed in Arkansas, is set to be released nationwide on May 23rd. The coming-of-age drama will be available on all major streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and more.

The movie was filmed in the ruged town of Leslie, Arkansas, and features local talent, with an overwhelming majority of Arkansans forming the cast and crew. The film stars 85-year-old John Stiritz from Conway, Ark. (in the title role of “Papaw”), as well as Carson Mitchell from Bismark, Ark., and Spring Hunter from Little Rock, Ark. Many of the film’s supporting roles were played by residents of Leslie and nearby Marshall.

“We wanted to tell an authentic story about rural life in Arkansas, and felt the best way to do that was to find as much local talent as possible, people who have really lived it,” said Justin Blake Crum, who wrote and directed the film. “We ended up finding a really talented cast, most of them had never acted in a film before, or never acted at all. Working with them was like a breath of fresh air.”

Set in Arkansas in the late 1990’s, “Papaw Land” follows the story of a troubled teenager named Matthew, who’s recent struggles have pushed his single mother, Christy, to a breaking point. Desperate to break the cycle, she sends him away for a summer of sobriety and honest work at his grandfather’s place in the Ozark Mountains. Against the hum of cicadas, Matthew comes to know the generational abuse that has happened there— secrets that change how he looks at those closest to him, and at himself.

For more information about “Papaw Land,” visit www.papawlandmovie.com. The trailer can be viewed here.

COTTON, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE LEGISLATION PROTECTING FREE SPEECH ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Campus Free Speech Restoration Act, a bill that protects the First Amendment rights of students at public universities from unconstitutional speech codes and so-called free speech zones.

The legislation also requires private colleges and universities to honestly disclose their policies on free expression and obligates private institutions to uphold the policies they disclose. Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), and Marco Rubio (R-Florida) are co-sponsors of the legislation. Congressman Greg Murphy (North Carolina-03) introduced companion legislation in the House.

"Too many of America's public colleges have attacked the First Amendment rights of their students using so-called free speech zones and unconstitutional speech codes. This bill fights back against campus censors in order to defend open debate and free speech, which lead us to truth," said Senator Cotton.

The Campus Free Speech Restoration Act would:
Establish the sense of Congress that students should be free to express and hold their opinions on matters of religion and philosophy on college campuses; that free speech zones and restrictive speech codes are contrary to the First Amendment; and that public colleges should not restrict the First Amendment rights of their students.

Prohibit public colleges from restricting free speech and expression on campus, except in limited and viewpoint-neutral circumstances consistent with the First Amendment.

Require private colleges and universities that receive federal funding to be transparent about their speech policies and enforce those policies in a consistent and neutral manner.

Create a review process within the Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education to determine whether campus speech policies infringe on the First Amendment rights of individuals on campus, on penalty of losing federal funding.

Create a cause of action in federal court for the Attorney General or other parties to challenge restrictions on speech and expression on campus.

Make sure the requirements of the Act do not apply to colleges and universities controlled by religious institutions.

May 09, 2023

ARKANSAS GROWN SCHOOL GARDEN OF THE YEAR CONTEST ENTRIES ACCEPTED THROUGH JUNE 11
LITTLE ROCK – Entries are being accepted for the tenth annual Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest, sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas. Applicants may be any school, early childhood education facility, or alternative learning environment that had a school garden during the 2022-2023 school year or is planning to start a garden in the 2023-2024 school year.

“School gardens are valuable educational tools that help students develop healthy eating habits, learn about Arkansas agriculture, and participate in hands-on learning,” said Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture. “We are grateful for the generosity of Farm Credit and their continued support of this program.”

Entries for the contest will be accepted through June 11, 2023, and the application can be found at cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/arkansasgrownschool gardenoftheyearcontest2023. Winners will be announced in the fall of 2023.

“As a farmer-owned cooperative, we are excited to continue our support of teachers and projects that engage Arkansas students in food production and agricultural sustainability. Through these partnerships, we can ensure that the valuable role of Arkansas agriculture remains top-of-mind for the next generation,” said Farm Credit of Western Arkansas President and CEO, Brandon Haberer, on behalf of the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas.

Applicants are eligible to apply for the following categories:
Best Start-up School Garden Proposal - $500 Award
Best Education Based School Garden - $500 Award
Best Harvest Partnership School Garden - $500 Award
Best Community Collaboration School Garden - $500 Award
Best Overall School Garden - $1000 Award
Champion of School Garden Sustainability - $1000 Award

More information about the Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest can be found at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-programs/farm-to-school/school-gardens/arkansas-grown-school-garden-of-the-year-contest / or by contacting Jessica Chapman, Farm to School and Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator, at jessica.chapman@agriculture.arkansas. gov.

With more than $5 billion in assets, the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas support rural communities and agriculture across Arkansas with reliable, consistent credit and financial services today and tomorrow. In Arkansas, the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas are owned by the more than 21,000 customer-owners they serve. Through the cooperative structure, members have a voice and vote in the associations’ governance. Members also share in the cooperatives’ financial success through cooperative returns which total more than $317 million since 1997.

ENTERGY ARKANSAS PLEDGES $100,000 FOR COLLEGE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS PROGRAM
Company will donate matching funds for eligible Arkansas families
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Entergy Arkansas is launching “Kids to College,” a my529 child savings account program to help families plan and save for their children’s higher education, with a pledge to match up to $100,000 for qualified customers.

Families can enroll each child under 16 in the household in a Kids to College my529 account. Kids to College match participants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Family is an Entergy customer.
Family saves at least $50 per account.
Family has an annual income at or below $52,000 for single-earner households and $60,000 for dual-earner households.

Entergy is powering Kids to College by dedicating matching funds for 8,000 child savings accounts across their four-state service area. The program is made possible thanks to an endowment fund created in honor of Entergy’s late Chairman and CEO J. Wayne Leonard.

A NIGHT OF IMAGINATION AND MERRIMENT AT SAAC, 23/24 SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT
The Theatre Steering Committee of the South Arkansas Arts Center has an exciting evening in store! They have planned a thrilling slate of productions for the 2023-2024 theatrical season, and they want
to announce it in an equally theatrical manner with “A Night of Imagination and Merriment.” Join them onstage starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday May 18 to be among the first to know which productions will be taking the stage at SAAC next year.

This free event, chaired by Kaila Emery and Rhett Davis, is open to SAAC members and the general public, as well as local media outlets. The evening will begin with refreshments onstage at 5:30 p.m., followed by the announcement of the three SAAC Main Stage production for fall, spring, and summer.

“Join us as we reveal out upcoming season with a reception that will keep you guessing until the big reveal!” says event co-chair Kaila Emery. “Bring your friends and your sense of wonder as we embark on another wonderful season.”

Guests will also have the opportunity to pick up audition materials for the 2023 summer musical, “Newsies”. Auditions are soon to follow, on June 3 and 4, and the production team is looking for actors, singers and dancers of all ages.

Visit www.saac-arts.org, call 870-862-5474, or stop by 110 E 5th Street in El Dorado for more information.

May 08, 2023

FOREST LANDOWNER BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES TRAINING TO BE HELD AT POISON SPRINGS STATE FOREST
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division is partnering with the Arkansas Forestry Association to host a Best Management Practices (BMPs) training at Poison Springs State Forest in Camden, Arkansas. The training will be Saturday, May 20 at 9:30 a.m. with lunch provided.

BMPs are techniques used to protect water quality while conducting forest management activities. In Arkansas, BMPs are voluntary guidelines for forest landowners and are not regulated by the government. However, according to State Forester Joe Fox, the acceptance and implementation of BMPs are vital in keeping the practices voluntary and beneficial for water quality.

“Private forest landowners in Arkansas have a great track record of installing voluntary BMPs,” Fox said. “Their participation has been key to avoiding regulation. BMPs trainings, such as this one, provide tools and knowledge that helps our landowners and loggers continue to be good stewards of our great state.”

The training will provide an overview of Arkansas BMPs with accompanying on-site field demonstrations and will be led by Poison Springs State Forest Manager Aaron Williams and Arkansas BMPs Coordinator John Beasley. A full agenda can be found at bit.ly/BMPTraining2023. For more information, contact Aaron Williams at aaron.williams@agriculture.arkansas.gov.

LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU MOVES TRAVEL FORWARD THIS NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the annual industry celebration
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (May 8, 2023) — The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) joins the rest of the country in celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) 2023. This year's theme, "Moving Travel Forward" highlights the essential role that travel plays in boosting economic growth, creating jobs, promoting cultural diversity, and inspiring new businesses, unity and connections.

“Travel is at the heart of Little Rock, powering a strong economy, creating job opportunities, and strengthening our community's identity,” said LRCVB President and CEO Gina Gemberling. “As travel has returned stronger than ever, National Travel and Tourism Week is a great time to share the importance of travel in our lives and the impact it has on our city,” she added.

In Pulaski County, the travel industry is vital in driving the economy, generating nearly $1.7 billion in visitor expenditures, creating more than 10,000 jobs with generated wages of $39.5 million, and producing $107 million in local and state tax revenue combined*. (*Source: 2021 Arkansas Tourism Economic Impact Report)

In celebration of NTTW, the LRCVB is excited to unveil its newly redesigned website. The website is user- and mobile-friendly, informative, and visually engaging, making it easy for people to discover all the great things Arkansas’s capital city has to offer in way of dining, lodging, shopping, sight-seeing and more. The LRCVB encourages everyone to visit the new site and start planning their next Little Rock adventure.

ABOUT THE LITTLE ROCK CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
The Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Little Rock, charged with marketing and selling the city as a meetings, sports and leisure travel destination. The LRCVB also manages the Statehouse Convention Center, Robinson Center, River Market Ottenheimer Hall and outdoor pavilions, First Security Amphitheater, and multiple parking facilities. The LRCVB is primarily funded by a lodging and prepared foods tax. For more information, visit www.littlerock.com.

ABOUT NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WEEK
Established in 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual tradition to celebrate the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day. For more information, visit www.ustravel.org/NTTW.

LUNG ASSOCIATION TURNS ARKANSAS TURQUOISE; ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO TAKE ACTION TO END LUNG CANCER
Organization illuminates buildings and landmarks in turquoise, shares stories of those impacted to raise awareness of lung cancer
LITTLE ROCK – (May 8, 2023) – This week, the American Lung Association in Arkansas is turning Little Rock turquoise to raise awareness of lung cancer and encourage residents to take action to end the disease.

The annual Lung Cancer Action Week and Turquoise Takeover celebration unites America to stand together against lung cancer. Each year, the organization turns the nation turquoise, the signature color of LUNG FORCE. Here in Little Rock, the Lung Association is illuminating major landmarks and buildings turquoise, including the Union Plaza Building. In addition, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor for the State of Arkansas, has proclaimed Lung Cancer Action Week as a week to help generate greater awareness of lung cancer throughout the state.

“Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths among both women and men in our state, but there is hope. The five-year survival rate has increased by nearly 40% in the past decade thanks to improved early detection of the disease through lung cancer screening and advancements in research, which have resulted in more than 50 new lung cancer treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2016,” said Laura Turner, Senior Manager of Advocacy for the American Lung Association. “There are actions we can all take to reduce the burden of lung cancer in Arkansas, so we ask you to join us.”

The American Lung Association shares six actions people can take this week to help in efforts to end lung cancer:

Create a DIY Fundraiser to benefit those affected by lung cancer
Share your lung cancer story to raise awareness and inspire hope
Donate to help achieve a world free of lung cancer
Get screened for lung cancer if eligible
Test your home for radon
Learn about the latest educational information on lung cancer

Since 2014, LUNG FORCE has raised over $26 million for lifesaving lung cancer research. Visit LUNGFORCE.org to learn how you can get involved during Lung Cancer Action Week and join the effort to defeat the disease.

May 05, 2023

CITY OF CAMDEN BOARD OF ALDERMEN TO MEET
The City of Camden Board of Aldermen will have their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. be at 2:00.

The agenda is as follows:
A. Call To Order
B. Invocation –Bishop Jacovis Davis, Pastor – Word Family Church, 295 North Street SW, Camden,AR
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D. ROLL CALL
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
     1. Minutes of Regular Meeting, April 11, 2023
     2. Minutes of Special Called Meeting, March 28, 2023, Revised
     3. Minutes of March 14, 2023, Revised
F. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORT
     1. Financial Report for April 2023
G.    AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
H. MAYOR’S REPORT
     1. Public Works Annual Report – Kevin Franklin, Public Works Director
I. OLD BUSINESS
J. NEW BUSINESS
     1. Resolution No. 33-23, a resolution amending the Annual Operating Budget for 2023; Authorizing the Mayor into a contract with the Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development (OPED) to provide certain Economic Development Services for the City of Camden; and for other purposes.
     2. Resolution No. 34-23, a resolution expressing the willingness of the City of Camden to utilize Federal-Aid
Transportation Alternatives Program Funds.
     3. Resolution No. 35-23, a resolution creating a Mayor’s Youth Council; and for other purposes.
     4. Resolution No. 36-23, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to approve the partial termination of the Lease Agreement with the Ouachita County Recreational Center (former Boys Club); and for other purposes.
     5. Resolution No. 37-23, a resolution authorizing the transfer of ARPA funds; and for other purposes.
     6. Resolution No. 38-23, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a service contract for the concessions at Carnes Park Pool with the Planting-A-Seed Foundation; and for other purposes.
     7. Resolution No. 39-23, a resolution declaring the dilapidated structures located at 1802 Richview Avenue a public nuisance and to order the removal of the same.
K. Other Business
L. Adjournment

ARDOT, HIGHWAY POLICE TO ASSIST IN TRANSPORT OF 300-TON KILN THROUGH ARKANSAS
ALL COUNTIES | May 5, 2023
The Arkansas Department of Transportation and Arkansas Highway Police will be assisting in the transportation of a 300-ton piece of equipment along state highways from Crossett to Gum Springs.

The piece of equipment requiring transport is a kiln furnace imported from Italy and weighing more than 600,000 pounds. Its journey from Crossett to the Veolia Thermal Hazardous Waste Treatment Operation in Gum Springs is expected to take six days.

The equipment will be transported by Barnhart Crane and Rigging of Memphis, Tennessee. It is scheduled to leave out of the Crossett Port Wednesday, May 10, arriving in Gum Springs Monday, May 15.

Travel times will begin at 8 a.m. each weekday and at sunrise on the weekend. The transport will move no more than 5 to 20 miles per hour. Expect travel delays. The equipment will move along the following route:

Wednesday, May 10 (8 a.m.) - US-82 at Crossett Port to AR-275 in Strong
Thursday, May 11 (8 a.m.) - US-63 to US-167 in El Dorado
Friday, May 12 (8 a.m.) - US 167B to US-79 to Stephens
Saturday, May 13 (Dawn) - Stephens to US-278 to Rosston
Sunday, May 14 (Dawn) - US-278 to US-371 to 2nd Street in Prescott; AR-24 to AR-53 to Gurdon
Monday, May 15 (8 a.m.) - AR-53 to US-67 to Gum Springs

ENTERGY ARKANSAS PREPARES CUSTOMERS TO BEAT THE HEAT THIS SUMMER
The company provides proactive measures to help residential customers and communities through the hottest months
Little Rock, Ark. – Summertime brings warmer temperatures across Arkansas, which can translate into financial stress for customers on a tight budget. Studies show central heat and air units account for more than 50% of a customer’s electric usage year-round, and with warmer summer temperatures on their way, customer usage is likely to increase.

To help, Entergy Arkansas is implementing a series of proactive measures that residential customers and communities can take to manage through higher usage in the hot summer months, including:

Working with customers on flexible ways to pay their bill, including special payment arrangements for those who qualify.

Making additional contributions for bill assistance to The Power to Care. The Power to Care is an Entergy Arkansas program that is administered by the Salvation Army to assist qualified elderly and disabled customers in paying their electric bills.

Working with local community partners, such as Arkansas Community Action Agencies and food banks, to provide support. This includes grants for fans through the Beat the Heat program and expanding an Entergy-designed platform to better assist customers with Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) applications.

LIHEAP lowers the energy burden for households by helping with home energy bills, and applications will be accepted through September or until all funds are exhausted. To qualify, customers must provide documentation such as proof of identity and income, along with social security numbers for everyone in the home.

Conducting energy efficiency audits and implementing low-to-no-cost solutions for residential customers through Entergy Solutions programs.

Provide a limited number of energy efficiency kits this summer, including kits for all new residential customers, as well as discounts on energy efficient lighting, smart thermostats and advanced power strips through the Entergy Solutions Marketplace. Customers can also get $25 rebates for recycling old appliances through the new refrigerator and freezer recycling offer.

“Our billing assistance programs and resources can make a real difference in the lives of our customers, especially those who may be struggling financially,” said Ventrell Thompson, vice president of customer service for Entergy Arkansas. “We want to make sure customers know we understand their struggles and are proactively reaching out to help before summer comes to provide solutions that meet their needs.”

Implementing energy efficiency measures before the heat of the summer arrives can help customers save money all season long. For example, if a customer turns down a thermostat below 78 degrees, the bill could be as much as 3 to 5% higher for each degree colder. If customers keep the thermostat at 68 degrees, their usage can be as much as 30% higher. Getting air conditioners inspected annually can make a difference as well.

The company also offers several bill management tools that allow customers to gain a better understanding of their energy use and better manage their payment options.

myEntergy offers several flexible options to choose how your energy bill is calculated, as well as when, where and how you pay it. Customers can log in to their myEntergy account and their myAdvisor dashboard to access a number of useful resources, usage and cost, bill history, bill projection, bill analyzer and more.

Download the Entergy App for quick and easy transactions: App Store | Google Play

PaperFree billing allows customers to get their Entergy bill delivered directly to their email as soon as it posts.

Auto Pay allows customers to avoid late fees, writing checks and paying for postage by having their bill automatically deduct from their bank account.

Pick-A-Date allows customers to take full control of their budget by paying their bill on the date that works best for them.

Level Billing allows customers to keep their Entergy bill around the same amount each month.

More information on our enhanced programs and services to help residential customers, as well as customer resources and frequently asked questions, can be found at www.Entergy.com/billhelp or by calling 1-800-ENTERGY.

STATE CAPITOL WEEK IN REVIEW FROM SENATOR MATT STONE
May 5, 2023LITTLE ROCK – During the 2023 regular session, which adjourned on May 1, the legislature enacted a list of new laws to protect the integrity of elections.

Act 352 prohibits election officials at the local or state level from accepting any funds, grants or gifts from any entity other than the governing body. Its intent is to prevent Facebook, Twitter and other private entities from paying for election-related expenses.

Act 305 eliminates write-in candidacies.

Act 353 prohibits counties from accepting absentee ballots in a drop box.

Act 236 increases the number of signatures needed to place a citizens’ initiative on the ballot. It would increase the number of counties where sponsors would have to gather signatures from at least 15 to at least 50. Canvassers would have to collect at least half the number of designated electors in the county.

Act 620 requires the state Board of Election Commissioners to conduct more frequent reviews of election-related documents and results.

It creates an Election Integrity Unit within the Attorney General’s office.

Counties would get reviewed when chosen by random or when chosen by two-thirds of the Board. Also, the legislature’s Joint Performance Review Committee could designate which counties are to be reviewed.

Act 544 also creates an Election Integrity Unit with the Attorney General’s Office.

Act 194 authorizes the state Attorney General to review ballot titles and popular names of proposed amendments and initiatives. For years the AG reviewed ballot titles, but in 2019 the legislature transferred that authority to the Board of Election Commissioners.

Act 766 makes 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 casino interests paid canvassers to gather signatures. Competing interests reportedly offered money, or harassed, to get them to stop collecting signatures or to erase the signatures they had already collected.

Act 300 schedules all special elections on the same day as ordinary elections, i.e., the May primary or the November general election date, except in years of a presidential election when the primary is in March.

Act 350 requires counties that choose to use paper ballots to use ballots that are compatible with machines used by the Secretary of State to count them. If counties do not use those ballots, they must pay for the expenses of the election themselves.

According to the emergency clause, the intent of Act 350 is to protect the integrity of elections that rely on paper ballots.

Act 462 sets petition requirements for new political parties. They must submit at least 10,000 signatures of registered voters. Previously, the threshold was three percent of the number of votes cast in the most recent election for governor.

Drag Racing
The legislature passed Act 714 to further crack down on drag racing. It grants police officers the discretion to impound motor vehicles that have been operated in a drag race, if the violation is a second offense. Recovering the vehicle would come at the owner’s expense.

May 01, 2023

UAMS RECEIVES $12 MILLION FROM STATE LEGISLATURE TO SUPPORT SOUTH ARKANSAS REGIONAL HOSPITAL IN EL DORADO
LITTLE ROCK — Members of the Arkansas General Assembly committed $12 million to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to support the new South Arkansas Regional Hospital (SARH) in El Dorado.

SARH signed a definitive agreement April 3 to acquire Medical Center of South Arkansas (MCSA) and its related businesses, including physician clinic operations and outpatient services. In the 2023 regular session, the Arkansas General Assembly provided $12 million from restricted reserves, or surplus, to SAHR through UAMS. Those funds will cover SAHR’s operational expenses associated with the acquisition and extend specialty care services in the area.

“We are extremely grateful to the General Assembly for their generous commitment to improving the health of patients in south Arkansas,” said UAMS Chancellor and UAMS Health CEO Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA. “We also want to thank House Speaker Matthew Shepherd for his efforts in guiding this important funding to fruition and Madison Murphy for his dedication and tireless work to improve health care for all Arkansans.

“Improving the quality of care in rural Arkansas is a priority for UAMS. Working together with our community partners, we will establish our ninth regional campus in El Dorado that will support primary medical care for generations.”

SARH is a new, nonprofit corporation created by a consortium of community stakeholders with a deep commitment to El Dorado — the SHARE Foundation, Murphy USA Charitable Foundation, Murphy Foundation and AR Health Ventures, a nonprofit entity affiliated with UAMS. The new hospital entity is dedicated to serving the medical needs of the region and expects to continue and build on a tradition of providing quality care and service.

Alignment with UAMS will support enhanced delivery of services at the hospital by various specialists.

In 2021, the Murphy Family Foundation and Murphy USA Charitable Foundation pledged $1 million over three years to UAMS to support the creation of a new regional campus in El Dorado. In 2022, the SHARE Foundation pledged $1.5 million to establish a family medicine residency program in El Dorado.

The El Dorado campus will be UAMS’ ninth regional campus. Creating a regional campus in El Dorado will provide an influx of physicians and health care professionals in Union County and south Arkansas to create a sustainable educational and training pipeline and make it easier to maintain consistent levels of care.

Regional Campuses, originally called Area Health Education Centers (AHECs), began in 1973 through the efforts of then-Gov. Dale Bumpers, the Arkansas Legislature and UAMS to train medical residents and provide clinical care and health education services around the state. Currently, eight regional campuses are located in Batesville, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Helena-West Helena, Jonesboro, Magnolia, Pine Bluff and Texarkana.

UAMS is the state's only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; a hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and seven institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute and Institute for Digital Health & Innovation. UAMS includes UAMS Health, a statewide health system that encompasses all of UAMS' clinical enterprise. UAMS is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. UAMS has 3,240 students, 913 medical residents and fellows, and five dental residents. It is the state's largest public employer with more than 11,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses, Arkansas Children's, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or www.uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram.

SAAC WELCOMES NEW EXHIBIT BY TOM RICHARD
The South Arkansas Arts Center welcomes a new exhibition by artist and professor of art at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Tom Richard, entitled “Bubble Gum on Janson’s History of Art Series". The show will hang May 3-30 in the Merkle and Price Galleries with an artist reception on May 6, from 5:30-7:00pm.

Richard said about his exhibit, “In 2021, I began the Bubble Gum on Art Series that depicts illusionistic bubble gum painted over images removed from different art history textbooks. The painted bubble gum masks a prominent part of the composition (which could be the primary focal point, but in some cases, is the secondary or tertiary one) to hint at a transformation - from black & white to color, appropriation to original, high to low, masking to potential, and serious to whimsy.

“I am delighted to present the first showing of the Bubble Gum on Janson’s History of Art Series in its entirety at SAAC (an installation of over 250 individual pieces). I made the series by painting illusionistic bubble gum over parts of specific images from the torn apart 1966 edition of the pivotal textbook (an act that pays homage to sticking gum under my desk while in grade school). I find the mood created by the dark walls and ethereal lighting accentuates my investigations of infusing the frivolous amongst the sacred.”

Richard’s work has been included in over 100 national juried and invitational exhibitions including Heroes at Central Michigan University, After School Special at the University Art Museum in Albany, NY, Metamorphosis at the Regional Art Museum in Fort Smith, AR, and Artfields in Lake City, SC. He has had over 50 solo exhibitions at venues including the Arkansas Arts Center (now the Arkansas Museum of Fine Art), the Historic Arkansas Museum, Baton Rouge Galley and Center for Contemporary Art, and numerous university museums, galleries, and art centers throughout the United States. Tom Richard holds an MFA from the University at Albany and a BFA from LSU.

For more information about this exhibit, please call the SAAC office at 870-862-5421 or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org. SAAC is located at 110 East Fifth Street, El Dorado, Arkansas.

BOOZMAN SHARES SERVICE MEMORIES OF LAVACA VETERAN
WASHINGTON– U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the service and sacrifice of Patrick Grout in ‘Salute to Veterans,’ a series recognizing the military service of Arkansans.

Grout knew early on he wanted to enlist in the military, so in 1972, on his 19th birthday, he enlisted with clear objectives: to serve in the Navy and to go to Vietnam. “It’s just something I’ve felt since I was real little that I had to serve,” Grout said. “On my enlistment, it asked what you would like to do or be stationed, and I put Vietnam. I felt I had to do that.”

“I wanted to travel,” Grout said. “I’d be best to go into the Navy in order to see other countries.” Throughout his time in uniform, Grout visited Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, Hawaii, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Originally from Los Angeles, Grout was first stationed nearby in Alameda, California. While in bootcamp, he remembered a lot of marching and outlined how everything that was done was to simply “get you to follow orders.”

His jobs changed throughout his time on board the ship. He was originally placed in the main engine room as a machinist mate, then was assigned a new task of making water for the next three years. He recalled how hot it was to work in the main engine room, “I remember washing my clothes and hanging my pants over a rail and when I got done, I could just stand them up. It was so hot it just ironed them in place.”

When he transferred to the auxiliaries, Grout quickly moved into a leadership role as he oversaw training other sailors and running qualifications for the preventative maintenance systems. “That was the first time I was in charge of people, and I had 19 of them,” he explained. “That helped me become a buffer.” Grout noted how much he appreciated the respect the military gave to rank and how “people no matter where you go, you’re showing the rank and respect because of your rank.”

Grout said the closest enemy encounter he had was as his ship was leaving the Gulf of Tonkin, when a nearby U.S. destroyer was severely damaged and three people had to be brought aboard his ship because it had a full hospital.

He recalled his feelings returning home and the lack of a warm welcome by his community, and the country, and how it still affects him today. “Disappointing, really disappointing. You expect a parade you know,” he said. “Nowadays when people say, ‘thank you for your service,’ that just - thank you, cause we didn’t get it back then.”

As a veteran, Grout understands the demands of those called to serve in uniform and says they are uniquely qualified to meet the demands of employers. “I’ve often thought about people who have a company and they want to hire people. Hire a vet because they do what it takes to get the job done. They know how to take orders,” Grout said.

Today, Grout calls Lavaca home.

“Patrick Grout humbly served our nation in uniform through his hard work and dedication. Every veteran deserves our thanks and appreciation. It is my hope that Patrick feels our gratitude for his sacrifice. I am pleased to collect his memories and share his story,” said Boozman.

Boozman will submit Grout’s entire interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.

April 28, 2023

STATE CAPITOL WEEK IN REVIEW FROM SENATOR MATT STONE
April 28, 2023
LITTLE ROCK – The scheduled finish of the 2023 regular session of the legislature is May 1, when lawmakers adjourn sine die.

Adjournment means that the legislature will not convene again until next year’s fiscal session, which will convene on the second Wednesday in April of 2024. Until then, the legislature can only convene if the governor calls a special session.

However, during the interim legislators will have plenty of influence over the daily operations of state government. The Legislative Council meets regularly to closely monitor state agency policies.

The Administrative Rules Subcommittee will have an important role in the coming months because it will review numerous rules and regulations written by state agencies to carry out the new laws enacted during the 2023 session.

For example, the Division of Education will write rules to implement the LEARNS Act, sweeping overhaul of public school finance proposed by the governor and enacted by the legislature.

The Divisions of Correction and Community Correction will implement a battery of new rules to enforce the details of the criminal justice package approved during this year’s session.

It lengthens prison sentences for violent crimes, so that juries and judges will know more accurately how long convicted criminals will have to stay behind bars. It creates incentives for inmates to prepare for the outside world, requiring them to complete drug rehabilitation and job training in order to qualify for good time.

Those changes mean that prison officials, parole officers and the inmates themselves must adapt to a new and significant list of changes in how state prisons operate. Those changes will be reviewed by subcommittees and ultimately by the Legislative Council.

The legislature passed 203 appropriation bills that authorize spending by state agencies. It is the “power of the purse string” that the Arkansas Constitution grants to the legislative branch.

During the interim, the Legislative Council’s subcommittee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review will review requests by state agencies to transfer funding from one department to another. The subcommittee’s review ensures that executive branch agencies spend public tax dollars in accordance with the appropriations approved by the elected officials in the legislature.

The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee meets regularly in the interim. Its staff audits spending by school districts, colleges, universities and state agencies.

The legislature completed its business on April 7, the 89th day of the 2023 session. It recessed until May 1, when it formally adjourns. The three week recess allows legislative staff and the governor’s office to closely check bills for typographical or drafting errors.

During the recess the governor vetoed three bills and a part of another. The legislature can attempt to override those vetoes on May 1, but if lawmakers choose to do nothing the vetoes will stand and the bills will not become law.

The number of bills introduced and passed was historically low this year. Of 1,439 bills filed, 889 were passed and became law.

In the past several decades, the number of bills introduced has been closer to 2,000. The last time a legislative session considered fewer bills than this year was 1971, when 1,438 bills were filed and 829 became law.

MALVERN MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING
HOT SPRINGS – A Malvern man was sentenced today to 240 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs.

According to court documents, Jadadire Lashawn Nellums, age 46, was identified by law enforcement to be distributing methamphetamine in the Malvern, Arkansas, geographical area.

Between the months of July 2020 and August 2020, investigators were able to conduct multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Nellums.

On August 17, 2020, searches were conducted at multiple properties associated with Nellums, resulting in investigators locating and seizing over 1,400 grams of pure methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.

ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT WITH NORTHWEST ARKANSAS HOSPITALS, LLC
Griffin: ‘Northwest will repay the state’s Medicaid program $1,112,631.54’
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today announced that the State of Arkansas has settled with Northwest Arkansas Hospitals, LLC concerning payments for 246 Medicaid claims. Griffin released the following statement:

“Northwest will repay the state’s Medicaid program $1,112,631.54. My office investigated these claims pursuant to the Arkansas Medicaid False Claims Act, and the settlement is a result of audit work conducted by the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC). AFMC reviewed the medical records submitted by Northwest and determined that on 246 occasions the documentation provided did not justify or support the medical necessity requirement for hospitalizations.

“My office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) led the investigation and settlement, assisted by the Office of the Arkansas Medicaid Inspector General, as well as by Special Agent Joseph Moore of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General's Office of Investigation. I would like to say a special thanks to Deputy Attorney General Lloyd Warford and Special Agent Greg McKay for their good work on this case.”

BOOZMAN CONTINUES LEADERSHIP TO COMBAT ARKANSAS PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE
WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced bipartisan legislation to significantly increase Medicare-supported doctor training slots to help address the growing shortage of primary and specialty care physicians in Arkansas and across the country.

The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act would lift the arbitrary cap on the number of Medicare-funded graduate medical education (GME) positions and gradually raise the number of GME positions by an additional 14,000 over seven years. The legislation prioritizes an increase in positions in hospitals located in states with new medical schools, training over their caps, in rural areas and serving Health Professional Shortage Areas.

“To ensure we are prepared for evolving challenges in medical care and treating patients, we must have a well-trained physician workforce. Arkansans and communities throughout the country depend on access to life-saving and preventative care, which underscores the need for an ample pipeline of medical students. By expanding training opportunities for medical school graduates, we can help address the growing shortage of physicians nationwide and improve access to quality health care close to home,” Boozman said.

“There is a continued urgent need for physicians as we emerge from the pandemic, and we have a duty to ensure all Americans around the country have access to quality health care now and in the future,” said Menendez. “The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated the nation’s shortage of primary and specialty care physicians, particularly in underserved and rural areas. This bill will ensure that the urgent need to bolster physician training is met in order to provide for the diverse and growing healthcare necessities of Americans throughout the country.”

“At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Yorkers joined together every night to cheer for medical workers and thank them for their sacrifice. Three years later, our healthcare system has been severely strained and our country is facing an alarming doctor shortage, especially in rural and underserved communities. It is critical that we provide the support needed to recruit, train and retain doctors in all parts of our healthcare system so all citizens have access to high-quality healthcare,” said Schumer. “Let’s fix this crisis and pass the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act.”

“It is troubling that in the midst of growing demand for treatment services, our country continues to face a shortage of trained physicians,” said Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would further expand access to health care, particularly in rural or underserved communities, which in turn promotes healthier lives.”

Arkansas ranks among the lowest states in active patient care physicians per 100,000 persons. Between one-third and one-half of medical school graduates leave Arkansas for residency training. In recent years, there were nearly half as many available residency positions as medical school graduates in the state, meaning a large share of prospective residents are forced to continue their medical training elsewhere. The effect of this displacement is the loss of future physicians in The Natural State given residents’ tendency to practice close by the communities in which they complete their training.

“The AAMC applauds Senators Bob Menendez, John Boozman, Susan Collins and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for introducing important, bipartisan legislation to help expand the physician workforce and address the estimated physician shortage of up to 124,000 doctors by the year 2034. By making these critical investments in physician training, this legislation serves to strengthen the health care workforce and improve the health of patients, families, and communities nationwide,” said David J. Skorton, MD, President and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

This legislation builds upon Boozman’s efforts to improve health care in Arkansas. Last month, the senator introduced the Physicians for Underserved Areas Act, legislation that would update the GME distribution process to allow medical residency programs in areas with physician shortages a greater chance of gaining available residency slots following a hospital closure elsewhere in the country. Additionally, Boozman is championing the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act to help incentivize students to join the medical field by pausing their student loan interest accrual and principal loan repayment while serving in residencies or internships.

April 27, 2023

AEDC'S MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS DIVISION SEEKING TO MATCH BUSINESSES WANTING CONTRACTS WITH BUYERS AT ANNUAL EVENT
Looking to grow your business? Register today for the 2023 Annual Matchmaking Event, hosted by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Division.

This free, one-day event allows minority and women-owned businesses to meet with public and private sector buyers in pre-arranged 15-minute appointments to discuss possible contracts. Business owners will also have the opportunity to learn from business experts in a wide range of topics, including marketing, small business funding, and more.

The Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Division is hosting its 2023 Annual Matchmaking Event on Thursday, May 18.

ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN LEADS 22-STATE AMICUS BRIEF DEFENDING COLORADO CAKE MAKER’S FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS
Griffin: ‘Individuals can’t use the power of the state to compel others to profess something they do not believe.’
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today led a 22-state coalition filing an amicus brief with the Colorado Supreme Court arguing that the First Amendment protects Jack Phillips and Masterpiece Cakeshop, Inc. from being required to create a cake expressing a message contrary to his beliefs. Griffin issued the following statement:

“For 11 years, Jack Phillips has been in court fighting for his right to speak consistent with his beliefs. The Supreme Court of the United States has already held that Colorado acted with hostility toward Phillips’ religious beliefs when it tried to force him to create a cake celebrating same-sex marriage. Yet on the same day the Supreme Court decided to hear that case, a transgender activist seeking to ‘correct’ the ‘errors of … Phillips’ thinking’ requested a cake celebrating gender transition—and hauled Phillips back into court when he refused to make it.

“Individuals can’t use the power of the state to compel others to profess something they do not believe. That is why I am proud to file this brief to protect all Americans’ religious liberty and free speech rights under the Constitution.”

Other states joining the brief include Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.

ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST GROUND ZERO CONSTRUCTION INC. FOR FAILING TO ABIDE BY 811 UNDERGROUND FACILITIES REQUIREMENTS
Griffin: ‘[E]xcavators are required to call the One Call Center, commonly known as 811, before they excavate’
LITTLE ROCK – After filing a lawsuit today against Ground Zero Construction Inc. – an excavation company based in Northwest Arkansas – and its owner, Rod Garman, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement:

“Ground Zero Construction Inc. has repeatedly damaged natural gas lines because it refuses to comply with the Arkansas Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act, which requires excavators to call the One Call Center, commonly known as 811, before they excavate. The law also prohibits using mechanized equipment without express approval near underground facilities and is intended to limit damage to natural gas lines and other underground facilities and protect the public from harm.

“By refusing to comply with 811 requirements before excavating, Ground Zero has repeatedly put the public at danger. Its failure to abide by the law is an unconscionable business practice pursuant to the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. All businesses should dig safely by complying with the Arkansas Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act and calling 811.”

WESTERMAN VOTES TO PASS LIMIT, SAVE, GROW ACT
WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023, cosponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman - a sensible solution to raise the debt ceiling and avoid defaulting on our debt. The legislation will establish spending levels for FY24 at FY 22 levels and allow for 1% annual growth over the next ten years. The Limit, Save, Grow Act is estimated to save taxpayers nearly $4.5 trillion. Congressman Bruce Westerman released the following statement:

“Our nation has a debt problem, and hardworking Americans are paying the price. Since we hit the debt limit in January, I have said time and time again that we cannot simply raise the limit without making sensible, proactive changes to our government’s reckless spending of taxpayer dollars. House Republicans took action with the Limit, Save, Grow Act, which will limit irresponsible government spending, save taxpayer dollars, and ultimately grow the American economy. House Republicans are serious about strengthening our economy so we can end this cycle of out-of-control debt; it’s time President Biden and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle follow suit. It’s long overdue that we get America back on the right fiscal track."

BOOZMAN, WICKER, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE TORNADO ACT
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) led a bipartisan group of senators in introducing the Tornado Observation Research Notification and Deployment to Operations (TORNADO) Act to improve the forecasting and understanding of tornadoes and other hazardous weather. The legislation would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to update its methods for predicting and communicating weather alerts to residents.

“In Arkansas we are unfortunately very familiar with the devastation brought by severe storms. In fact, communities in central and eastern parts of the state are cleaning up and rebuilding as a result of the extensive damage from recent tornadoes that caused the deaths of five Natural State residents,” Boozman said. “This legislation will modernize how NOAA communicates with the public during natural disasters to help keep Arkansans and all Americans safe and informed.”

“Even when tornadoes are well-forecasted, warnings do not always provide enough lead time to ensure the public can respond or seek appropriate shelter. The federal government has a vested interest in making sure Americans have as much notice as possible of severe weather,” Wicker said. “The TORNADO Act would improve the forecasting and understanding of these natural disasters so we can prevent future loss of life and property.”

On March 31, devastating tornadoes and severe storms left a path of death and destruction in parts of Arkansas, claiming five lives and causing millions of dollars in damage in the communities of Little Rock, Wynne, Jacksonville, North Little Rock and Sherwood.

The TORNADO Act would require NOAA to implement new technology and procedures that could help increase the lead times provided to the public in advance of extreme weather events.

Among other provisions, the bill:
Requires NOAA to prepare and submit an action plan for the national implementation of high-resolution probabilistic guidance for tornado forecasting and prediction;
Encourages NOAA to evaluate the current tornado rating system and make updates;

Directs NOAA to coordinate with appropriate entities when conducting post-storm assessments to optimize data collection, sharing and integration.

Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Thune (R-SD), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Todd Young (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Gary Peters (D-MI) joined Boozman and Wicker as cosponsors of the legislation.

BOOZMAN, PETERS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION EXPANDING VETERAN BURIAL BENEFIT
WASHINGTON––U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced Gerald’s Law Act, bipartisan legislation that would expand Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) burial benefits eligibility to terminally ill veterans who pass away at a non-VA facility while receiving hospice care.

current law, the department will cover nearly $900 toward burial and funeral expenses only if the veteran is hospitalized at the VA at the time of death. This legislation would update that policy, ensuring veterans aren’t penalized for spending their last days in the comfort of their homes or other settings.

“Veterans who choose to live their last days at home while receiving VA hospice care deserve no less than the full burial benefit. Expanding it will allow them and their loved ones to make end-of-life decisions based on comfort, not on cost, and I’m proud to lead this effort with Sen. Peters” Boozman, a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said.

“Veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country shouldn’t be denied benefits if they choose to receive hospice care outside of a VA facility,” said Peters. “This bipartisan bill would take important steps to fix the VA’s burial benefit system because we owe it to veterans and their families to ensure they can be laid to rest with dignity and respect.”

The legislation is named after a Michigan veteran who was denied the non-service connected burial and plat benefit.

Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, National Association of Veteran Service Organizations, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America, With Honor, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Gold Star Wives and The Independence Fund all support Gerald’s Law Act.

Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Colin Allred (D-TX).

April 26, 2023

ACCREDITATION REVIEW CONFIRMS HIGH QUALITY OF ASBTDC PROGRAM, OPERATIONS
America's SBDC has reaccredited the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center network with no conditions.

Mandated by Congress and repeated every five years, the accreditation review process assures that SBDC programs operate efficiently and effectively.

ASBTDC prepared a self-study and completed an on-site review last fall. The America's SBDC Accreditation Committee voted Feb. 5 to award full accreditation without conditions and cited multiple best practices in its final report.

“Reaccreditation is a significant achievement, and I commend our leadership team and network staff for their commitment to helping small businesses start, grow, and thrive. We are extremely proud of never having any conditions with any of our accreditation reviews, spanning back decades,” said State Director Laura FineFor these and other stories visit http://yesradioworks.com/news-south-arkansas-events-ii.

COTTON, SCHATZ, MURPHY, BRITT INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HELP PROTECT KIDS FROM HARMFUL IMPACTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Senator Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut), and Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) introduced new legislation to help protect children from the harmful impacts of social media. The Protecting Kids on Social Media Act would set a minimum age of 13 to use social media apps and would require parental consent for 13 through17 year-olds. The bill would also prevent social media companies from feeding content using algorithms to users under the age of 18.

“From bullying and sex trafficking to addiction and explicit content, social media companies subject children and teens to a wide variety of content that can hurt them, emotionally and physically. Just as parents safeguard their kids from threats in the real world, they need the opportunity to protect their children online. By setting an age limit of 13—and requiring parental consent until age 18—our bill will put parents back in control of what their kids experience online,” said Senator Cotton.

“The growing evidence is clear: social media is making kids more depressed and wreaking havoc on their mental health. While kids are suffering, social media companies are profiting. This needs to stop. Our bill will help us stop the growing social media health crisis among kids by setting a minimum age and preventing companies from using algorithms to automatically feed them addictive content based on their personal information,” said Senator Schatz.

“As a parent of two kids - one a teenager and one about to be a teenager - I see firsthand the damage that social media companies, 100% committed to addicting our children to their screens, are doing to our society. This is a reality that we don't have to accept. The alarm bells about social media’s devastating impact on kids have been sounding for a long time, and yet time and time again, these companies have proven they care more about profit than preventing the well-documented harm they cause. In particular, these algorithms are sending many down dangerous online rabbit holes, with little chance for parents to know what their kids are seeing online. None of this is out of Congress’s control, and this bipartisan legislation would take important steps to protect kids and hold social media companies accountable,” said Senator Murphy.

“As a mom, nothing is more important to me than preserving the next generation’s opportunity to live the American Dream. Unfortunately, that Dream is turning into a nightmare for families across our country. This bill is a bold, critical step to protect our kids, secure their future, and empower parents. There is no doubt that our country is facing a growing mental health crisis and a deteriorating culture of violence. Children and teenagers across our nation are dying, families are being devastated, and our society is withering. The only beneficiaries of the status quo are social media companies’ bottom lines and the foreign adversaries cheering them on. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to enact the commonsense, age-appropriate solutions needed to tackle this generational challenge,” said Senator Britt.

The United States is facing a mental health crisis and no group is affected more than adolescents, and especially young girls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 57 percent of high school girls and 29 percent of high school boys felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, with 22 percent of all high school students reporting they had seriously considered attempting suicide in the preceding year. One area that requires immediate action is the clear link between social media and poor mental health. Social media companies have known about this link for years, and independent research has confirmed it: social media usage is a cause for the mental health epidemic.

From 2019 to 2021, overall screen use among teens and tweens (ages 8 to 12) increased by 17 percent, with tweens using screens for five hours and 33 minutes per day and teens using screens for eight hours and 39 minutes. Studies have shown a strong relationship between social media use and poor mental health, especially among children. With this clear evidence, the U.S. Surgeon General has warned that 13 is too early for social media use and suggested that 16, 17, or 18 may be as well.

The Protecting Kids on Social Media Act would:
Require social media companies to undertake rigorous age verification measures based on the latest technology, while prohibiting companies from using age verification information for any other purpose;

Prohibit children under the age of 13 from using social media, consistent with the current practices of major social media companies;

Prohibit social media companies from recommending content using algorithms to users under the age of 18;

Require a guardian’s permission for users under 18 to create an account;

Create a pilot project for a government-provided age verification system that platforms can choose to use; and

Provide the FTC and state attorneys general authority to enforce the provisions of the bill.

April 21, 2023

EL DORADO BRINGS A FULL DAY OF FUN FOR MAY ON MAIN.
El Dorado, AR.— Come out and enjoy the day in Downtown El Dorado at May on Main. This third annual event, presented by Main Street El Dorado, will be held Saturday, May 6th, Starting at 11am on the Square in Downtown El Dorado. This festival is a collaborative effort with the Mayhaw Festival, which begins at 8am on Jackson Street.

“We are so excited for the return of May on Main. It was so much fun last year! We are once again collaborating with our friends over at the Mayhaw Festival, which begins that morning at 8am. The two festivals together give everyone a full day of fun, food, music, shopping, and another reason to experience our beautiful downtown with all it has to offer,” said Beth Brumley, executive director of Main Street El Dorado.

May on Main will be a fun-filled day with live music, a poker run, games, kid’s activities, crawfish plates, AND MUCH MORE! Admission is FREE to the festival, with some activities requiring a small fee.

Poker Run Sponsored by El Dorado Metals

The El Dorado Metals Poker Run will begin at 11am, with registration starting at 9:45am. The poker run will start from the Northeast corner of the Murphy USA parking lot on Jefferson St. at the Mayhaw Festival. The last bike out will be at 11:45am, and all bikes must return by 3:15pm to May on Main Festival on Elm Street.

Early registration is going on now through April 21st at Noon to have a guaranteed shirt. Registration is $30 per driver (includes a FREE T-shirt) and $20 per passenger (if the passenger is playing a hand). You can pre-register at mainstreeteldorado.org or calling the Main Street El Dorado Office at 870-862-4747. Day-of registration will be held from 9:45am - 11am at the northeast corner of Murphy USA HQ parking lot on Jefferson St at the Mayhaw festival, cash only on day-of. $1,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the riders with the best poker hands, including $500 for first place at 4pm at the Courthouse.

Fun Zone Sponsored by Roseburg- El Dorado MDF

Festivalgoers will have their pick of fun events and attractions that will fill downtown El Dorado. Kids will have a blast with Gelly Ball, a rock-climbing wall, archery, kids petting zoo & more! There will be Big Wheel races for the kids at 2pm. No entry fee is required to enter the Big Wheel Races, but kids need to start registering at 1pm on Jefferson Street. The Baggo Competition registration also begins at 1pm with the tournament starting at 2pm. Registration is $10 per person. Prizes and Divisions (adult and children) based on participation.

Great Food
Enjoy the best festival food in the region and access to all our wonderful Downtown restaurants. Goodwin’s Etc. will be cooking Crawfish and Shrimp plates for $25.00 as a fundraiser for Main Street El Dorado, indulge in corn dogs and funnel cakes, or cool off with a King Kone sno cone!

Live Music on Jefferson Street Courthouse Stage

Live music will be playing all afternoon on the square featuring the region’s best acts! It all starts at 12:30pm with Erick Meadows, Joel Woollen, and Cavin Kemble. At 4:30pm, gather on

Jefferson Ave in front of the Courthouse for Showdown at Sunset. Relive all the excitement as actors portray historical events from 1902 on the courthouse square. Also, the South Arkansas Arts Center will be giving a sneak peek performance of their summer production, “Newsies.”

Beer Garden
Something for everyone! We will have drinks to cool you off and wash down the yummy festival food. Soft drinks and water will also be available.

Lots To Do
In addition to the Poker Run and Kid’s Fun Zone, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy.

Start the day at the Mayhaw Festival from 8am - 2pm at the Newton House on 510 N Jackson, just a few blocks from downtown. Enjoy this unique event and pick up your own jar of Mayhaw Jelly!

Take a ride on the Queen City Train from 11am - 2pm. Board the train in front of PJs Coffee, ride around Downtown El Dorado to the Mayhaw Festival and back. ALL FREE!

Enjoy a wonderful Horse and Carriage ride around El Dorado from 1pm-7pm. Randall Clark Farms will be providing the rides for a small fee.

After Showdown at Sunset, head out to the Union County Fairgrounds for South Arkansas Soul Fest presented by Mr. Mike Productions.

To learn more about May on Main or register for an event, visit mainstreeteldorado.org. You can also call the Main Street El Dorado office at 870-862-4747.

Sponsors for this year’s event include El Dorado Metals, Mac’s Tree Service, Lapis, Roseburg-El Dorado MDF, Red River Credit Union, Cadence Bank, Hepco, Block-R Barnyard, Lawrence Electric, South Arkansas Historic Preservation Society and the El Dorado A&P Commission.

IT’S TRUE: CATTLE MARKET PRICES ARE AT WHAT SOME ANALYSTS HAVE CALLED “HISTORIC HIGHS.”
You might think that for a state like ours, high prices means high profits for our local cattle producers.
Unfortunately, market analysts are quick to say that is not the case.

For the entirety of 2023, slaughtered steer prices across all U.S. markets have remained above those of the previous year by 20-30 cwt, ranging from $155 to $170, and practically soared above the 2017-2021 average. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, fed steer prices reached above $175 cwt around Easter, topping the 2014-2015 record of about $172. James Mitchell, extension livestock economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said those prices reached another new high last week.

But of course, a dollar in 2023 is not what it was in 2014. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation during those nine years has reduced the value of a dollar spent in the consumer price index by 28 cents.

Mitchell said inflation is just one reason to keep today’s market prices in perspective.
For cattle producers in the U.S. Southeast and elsewhere, 2014-2015 was an unforgettable season, for reasons both good and bad. Prices spike
d to record highs at the end of 2014, owing largely to market demand, at a time when feed, fuel and other input prices remained relatively low. When supply began catching up, however, market competition pulled the floor out from beneath those prices, leaving many producers with larger herds they had to either maintain or sell off at much-lower-than-anticipated prices.

Mitchell said that today’s high input prices, while largely the bane of many producers’ existence, will at least help sustain the cattle market prices.

As always, spring and summer weather will play the wild card in cattle production. While Arkansas has seen a fairly wet few months, that augurs nothing for the summer, when rainfall will be more critical for providing grazing material to livestock.

Even if Arkansas does see a dry summer, the state’s cattle producers still have a lead on some neighboring states that have dwelled in the doldrums of drought for more than a year now.
To learn more about the work Mitchell does through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, and other research performed by the state cooperative extension service, visit uaex.uada.edu.

STATE CAPITOL WEEK IN REVIEW FROM SENATOR MATT STONE
April 21, 2023
LITTLE ROCK – During the 2023 session the legislature enacted a series of bills designed to protect children from exposure to sexually inappropriate literature, live performances and Internet sites.

Act 372 gives parents more options to have offensive material removed from local libraries and school libraries.

After making an objection to the librarian and if necessary making an appeal to the library board, parents would be able to appeal to the county Quorum Court or City Council. Both are composed of people elected by voters.

Act 372 removes the current exemption that protects librarians from criminal prosecution. If librarians knowingly maintain material that is deemed obscene, they could be prosecuted.

Even before passage of Act 372, parents had challenged material available in libraries at Jonesboro and Crawford County. Also, challenges have been reported at Siloam Springs and in Saline County.

Act 131 began as a Senate bill that originally would have banned drag shows in public places and performances for children by classifying them as adult entertainment.

However, it was amended in the House of Representatives, and now it adds restrictions to existing laws on adult-oriented shows. As enacted, it specifically prohibits adult oriented shows on public property and prohibits minors from attending. It also prohibits public funding of adult entertainment.

Act 612 makes pornography websites liable for harm they cause to minors, and requires them to make reasonable efforts to require age verification. For example, they can require a digital ID before allowing viewers to access the site.

Act 689 would require social media sites to verify the age of users, and users under the age of 18 would need parental permission. Prosecutors could seek fines of $2,500 per violation against the social media companies. Act 689 takes effect on September 1 of this year.

Act 619 makes it a crime for an adult to knowingly enter and stay in a public bathroom assigned to the opposite sex. It does not apply to parents and guardians of children under seven years old.

Act 317 requires schools to designate bathrooms for the exclusive use of students according to the sex indicated on their birth certificate. If a student doesn’t want to identify as a male or female, the school shall provide a reasonable accommodation, such as a bathroom or locker with space for only one person at a time.

Act 274 allows more medical malpractice lawsuits against physicians who perform gender transformation procedures on children. It allows lawsuits up to 15 years after the minor turns 18. For most medical malpractice suits the limit is two years after the injury.

Act 542 prohibits schools and colleges from requiring teachers and staff to use a student’s preferred pronoun, such as they/them. Teachers and staff would have to call students by “he” or “she,” and “him” or “her.”

Act 733 applies to people of all ages. It prohibits state and local governments from burdening a person’s religious liberty unless it shows a compelling public interest, e.g. public health measures that might conflict with church activities.

2023 EAST ARKANSAS SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT
Theme: COLLABORATION & CAPITAL: FORGING AHEAD.
Providing small and emerging business owners with key networking opportunities, financial lending connections, and tools to forge business relationships to start, scale, and succeed in their enterprises are the goals oftheupcoming FREE small business summit to be held in West Memphis, Arkansas to celebrate National Small Business Week. The summit will be held in person in the Marion Berry Renewable Energy Center on the campus of ASU Mid-South, located at 2000 W. Broadway Ave., West Memphis, Arkansas. Funded primarily by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), through its Arkansas Business Navigator Program under a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and FORGE, Inc., the 2023 East Arkansas Small Business Summit with a theme of “Collaboration & Capital: Forging Ahead” will bring together private, state, federal and, non-profit organizations with a singular focus of equipping early, existing, and aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources and strategic partnerships to start and grow their businesses.

Hosted by the Arkansas Human Development Corporation (AHDC), ASBTDC, East Arkansas Planning and Development District (EAPDD), City of West Memphis, Southern Bancorp, SBA, FORGE Community Loan Fund, LATROBE, and many other organizations, the conference will be held Friday, May 5, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m with a free lunch provided.

Join us at 9:00 a.m. for sessions including a “Lenders & Loans Roundtable,” where participants will hear from and engage with local, regional and statewide business and commercial lenders. Business owners will participate in an Exhibit Row to showcase their products and service offerings. During the summit, leading small businesses in the area will be recognized. A $500 award will be granted to one business vendor on the day of the summit.

The luncheon presentation will be co-delivered by Mrs. Latanyua Robinson, President and Founder of LATROBE and Mr. Jay Young, CEO and Founder of Paradigm Masters Management. In their capacity as successful entrepreneurs and business directors with FORGE Community Loan Fund, this Fireside chat will offer a candid and robust conversation on how to acquire business funding, what it takes to become loan ready, and business skills needed to be profitable in the marketplace. There is no cost to attend but registration is required.

Who should attend? Anyone interested in starting or growing a business or forging collaborations and partnerships to become more economically viable. Don’t miss this opportunity to foster key relationships and access information to financial assistance needed to truly SCALE business influence and income!

You may register by calling Arkansas Human Development Corporation toll free at (800) 482-7641 or (501) 374-1103, ext. 110 or online at https://bit.ly/3ohIFaA.

ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN FILES MOTION OPPOSING SUMMIT PLAN TO RESUME NORMAL COLLECTIONS AND GAS SHUTOFFS
Griffin: ‘As the Public Service Commission investigation has just begun, Summit should not resume normal collections.’
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement announcing that he filed a motion with the Public Service Commission to stop Summit Utilities Arkansas, Inc. from resuming normal collection and disconnect policies:

“Today, I am filing a motion with the Public Service Commission opposing Summit’s plan to resume the charging of late fees and disconnecting gas service until the investigations are complete or until an alternative date set by the Public Service Commission based upon information gathered during the investigations. It is too soon to reinstitute late fees and shutoffs based upon what we know at this time.

“As the Public Service Commission investigation has just begun, Summit should not resume normal collections. We continue to investigate the complaints received from Arkansans regarding Summit and provide information to the Public Service Commission to assist in their investigation.”

On March 16, Griffin referred the findings of his investigation into consumer complaints to the Public Service Commission. At the time of the referral, Griffin’s office had received more than 2,800 calls regarding a sharp increase in gas prices charged to consumers and problems with billing. Griffin asked the Public Service Commission to investigate the company’s purchasing and billing practices, and potential violations of Commission rules.

ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN FILES MOTION TO HOLD OWNERS OF BIG COUNTRY CHATEAU IN CONTEMPT OF COURT
Griffin: ‘This is an insult to both our justice system and the tenants of Big Country Chateau’
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today filed a motion in Pulaski County Circuit Court to hold the New Jersey-based owners of Big Country Chateau in contempt of court and issued the following statement:

“Big Country Chateau and its New Jersey-based owners have repeatedly defied the court’s orders and are refusing to cooperate with the receiver. This is an insult to both our justice system and the tenants of Big Country Chateau, and my office is seeking to hold the owners in contempt of court and sanction them.”

On February 22, a Pulaski County Circuit Court judge appointed a receiver to pay Big Country Chateau’s bills and make repairs to the property in accordance with building codes. The appointment of the receiver included an order that the defendants turn over records to the receiver. To date, the defendants have not complied with that order. Today’s motion asks the court to compel the defendants to show cause as to why they have not complied with the order, and it asks the court to hold the defendants in contempt.

SAAC ANNOUNCES CAST FOR “WIZARD OF OZ: YOUTH EDITION”
The South Arkansas Arts Center welcomes to the stage the young student cast for “The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition” which will run Friday, May 5, with the curtain going up at 7pm and Saturday, May 6 beginning at 2pm in the Callaway Theatre.

“The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition” is a one-hour adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, specially tailored for young actors written by L. Frank Baum, With Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg. Adaptation and support materials for the Youth Edition developed by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald. Tickets will be $5 with reserved seating.

Young Dorothy Gale and her little dog, Toto, are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a fantastical quest with her three new friends to see the Wizard, who she hopes can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes. Many adventures ensue during their journey and many life lessons are learned along the way.

The talented student cast is made up of the following: Dorothy- Lexi Loudon, Hunk/Scarecrow- Parker Thomas, Hickory/Tin Man-Lily Mitchell, Glinda- Carly Gilkey, Wicked Witch- Addylyn Miller, Professor Marvel/Wizard-Ethan Mixon and Toto-Quinton Mitchell.

Supporting characters include; Uncle Henry/Winkie Leader- Jon Tyler Davis, Mrs. Gulch- Audrey Spencer and Mayor- Gunner Mote, Lullaby League Avery Spencer, Kinley Rushing and Blair Parker. The Lollipop Guild - Bram Johnson, Luke Loudon and Jai Durvasula. Doorman /Guard-Micha Johnson, Nikko- Evie Johnson.

Ensemble members: Calie Ayres, Julianna Ayres, Carlee Jacobs, Leah Jennings, Eva Johnson, Nivedha Krishnan, Jack Louden, Alexandria Polen-Ellen, Emily Riley, Cole Taylor, Emily Weatherington and Abigail Williamson.

Director for this production, Hayden Nooner wrote, “We have been so impressed by this cast and their willingness to learn and work. We are constantly surprised by how talented the students in our community are. You will not want to miss seeing these kids.”

Cassie Hickman, music director said, “I'm very excited to be working with this group of students in Wizard of Oz. In ways, it's very different from prior years, where we see the same kids active in theatre. This year we have so many new faces that are eager to learn, grow and perform. That's an exciting place to be; seeing new students fall in love with theatre! We also have a very strong cast of returning students who are ready to take on new characters and bring them to life. One thing that has stood out this year is seeing the new and seasoned cast members work together and cheer each other on. It's been a team working together to put on a show.”

For tickets, please call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org for a link to visit the Tickets to the City online box office. SAAC is located at 110 East Fifth Street, El Dorado, Arkansas.

IN ADVANCE OF EARTH DAY, BOOZMAN LEADS EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING
WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a co-chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus, joined the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), to introduce two pieces of legislation focused on bolstering our nation’s recycling and composting infrastructure.

Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act would improve the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to gather data on our nation’s recycling systems and explore opportunities for implementing a national composting strategy. The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act would allow the EPA to create a pilot program to improve recycling services in underserved areas.

“Recycling is critical to reducing waste while also helping create jobs and driving innovation. These legislative initiatives improve recycling capabilities in our communities and expand opportunities for recycling and composting in rural, underserved areas. I’m hopeful we can continue to build on the momentum from last Congress and send these bills to the president’s desk to be signed into law so we can leverage the economic and environmental benefits of recycling,” said Boozman.

“Most Americans want to recycle, recognizing that it helps reduce pollution and waste in their communities and supports economic opportunity and job creation,” said Carper, co-chair of the Senate Recycling Caucus. “Yet, with a national recycling rate of little more than 30 percent, it’s clear we can and must do better. Our bipartisan legislation would help address several of the challenges facing our nation’s recycling and composting efforts, improving access to these services and the availability of sound data. I am pleased to reintroduce these bipartisan bills with Senators Capito and Boozman, and I look forward to hopefully moving our legislation across the finish line this Congress.”

“Making it easier for more people to recycle, especially in rural states like West Virginia, is not only good for the environment, but it’s good for our economy,” said Capito. “These bills would implement commonsense policies and programs to improve access to recycling across the country, and create good-paying jobs in our communities. The EPW Committee continues to deliver bipartisan solutions on a range of issues, and I appreciate Chairman Carper and Senator Boozman for once again working together as we lay the foundation for increased recycling and composting in the future.”

Following introduction of the legislation, Boozman spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of recycling for the environment and the economy while emphasizing the need to advance the measures.

As a founder and co-chair of the recycling caucus, Boozman has championed initiatives to improve commercial and curbside recycling and hosted events bringing together industry leaders to promote sustainability and preservation of our natural resources.

April 20, 2023

ADE LAUNCHES NEW LEARNS WEBSITE
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas’ bold, new education law – Arkansas LEARNS – now has its own website: https://learns.ade.arkansas.gov.

The Arkansas Department of Education recently launched a one-stop website to spotlight the Arkansas LEARNS Act and implementation while also promoting transparency. An acronym for Literacy, Empowerment, Accountability, Readiness, Networking, and School Safety, LEARNS is the most comprehensive education reform law ever passed in Arkansas.

Since Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the Arkansas LEARNS Act into law on March 8, the department has hit the ground running with a focus on implementation.

“We promised the governor, legislators, and the public that we would implement the LEARNS law with fidelity and transparency, and this new website helps us fulfil that commitment,” ADE Secretary Jacob Oliva said. “The site serves as another communications tool that promotes the sharing of education information with students, parents, and educators.”

In addition to a link to the LEARNS law, the site also features an Executive Orders tab at the top that includes links to executive orders that pertain to the department. ADE’s response to each of the orders is posted in this section.

Executive Order 23-08, which prioritizes LEARNS, serves as the main executive order for the department. Comprehensive responses, which include commitments from the department, are located under the Executive Orders tab, as well as in the Action Items and Reports tabs at the top of the site.

In addition to these sections, the LEARNS website also includes a Work Groups section with information about the groups that will develop recommendations for the rule-making process, as well as information about the ADE Transparency Dashboards, student statistics, school districts, and staff members.

KNOW WHAT’S BELOW - CALL 811 BEFORE YOU DIG
Stay safe by knowing where utility lines are buried
Little Rock, Ark. – Spring is here and with warmer temperatures on the way, this is the prime season to start home improvement and landscaping projects. April is National Safe Digging Month and Entergy Arkansas is reminding you to call 811 before digging into your list of spring projects.

National Safe Digging Month serves as a reminder to all people who excavate or dig to call 811 at least two full business days before digging to have the approximate location of their utility lines marked. This process helps prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient utility outages.

The focus of National Safe Digging Month is on preventing serious consequences that could occur from digging without knowing what’s below the surface – not only now, but year-round. Regardless of what you plan to do, how deep you plan to dig or even if you’ve called before for a similar project, every job requires a call first.

“We encourage our customers to prioritize safety,” said Ventrell Thompson, vice president of customer service for Entergy Arkansas. “Everyone – homeowners, business owners and contractors – should call 811 to determine the location of existing lines to limit the chances of striking underground utility lines, including gas, water and electric. Not only is it the safe thing to do, but it’s also the law.”

The depth of underground utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in one common area. The risk of striking underground utility lines exists even when digging only a few inches.

Arkansas has its own 811 call center that can help you stay safe while digging. Call center representatives can advise you on how to submit requests to learn what utilities may be buried beneath the ground, such as natural gas pipelines, electric power lines and other services.

After you make the call to 811, professional locators mark the approximate locations of underground lines at the requested digging site with flags, paint or both. Markings show the location of underground lines and help prevent undesired consequences such as injury, service disruptions or costly fines and repair costs.

If you suspect utility damage of any kind, leave the area immediately and call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) or call 911. A gas leak could be occurring if you smell the distinctive natural gas odor, hear a hissing or whistling sound near a gas appliance or see dead vegetation or bubbles near a gas line.

For more information, visit Arkansas811.com, Entergy.com/safety/dig/ or call 800-482-8998.

FREE LEGAL HELP AVAILABLE FOR ARKANSAS SEVERE STORMS AND TORNADOES SURVIVORS
04/19/2023 – A free legal help hotline is now available for Arkansas Severe Storms and Tornadoes survivors.

The hotline is available to connect survivors to free legal services in qualifying counties who cannot afford an attorney. Survivors can call (501) 376-3423.

Hotline callers may get help with legal issues like:

● FEMA and SBA financial benefits
● Home repair contracts and property insurance claims
● Re-doing wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster
● Price gouging, scams, or identity theft
● Landlord or tenant problems, or threats of foreclosure
● Disability-related access to federal, state, and local disaster programs

Survivors can call the hotline anytime and leave a message if calling after hours.

Hotline partners cannot help in all cases. For example, we cannot take cases where a settlement could include legal fees or an award. But we can refer those cases to other legal help.

For up-to-date information on free legal services for survivors, media members can contact our partners in these languages: English, Spanish.

The Disaster Legal Services (DLS) program works with state and local partners to provide free legal help for low-income disaster survivors. The service is a partnership between the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Arkansas Bar Association, Center for Arkansas Legal Services, Legal Aid of Arkansas, ABA YLD, and FEMA.

WESTERMAN VOTES TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY AND FAIRNESS OF WOMEN'S SPORTS
WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Bruce Westerman voted in favor of H.R. 734, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023.

"As a former college athlete myself, I can’t imagine how it feels for female athletes to compromise the fairness of the sport they love by being forced to compete against biological men – it’s unfair. Women in sports fought for too long to be respected in athletics – and now the radical left’s agenda is putting Title IX and the integrity of women’s athletics in jeopardy," said Congressman Westerman.

"This should not be a partisan issue; it’s why we have women’s sports – basic genetics tells us that some biological males will naturally have a physical advantage over some females. This bill, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, will ensure a level playing field for female athletes. House Republicans promised to protect the integrity and fairness of women’s sports from the woke left, and that’s exactly what this bill does.”

BOOZMAN CONTINUES LEADERSHIP IN PROTECTING VETERANS AGAINST FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION
WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), is leading efforts to rein in entities that prey on veterans and reinstate criminal penalties for bad actors who charge unnecessary and costly fees to help access Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.

During a committee hearing Wednesday, Boozman pressed VA leaders on the existing veterans experience while filing claims benefits and reiterated the need to reinstate criminal penalties for individuals and organizations that charge improper fees for the preparation, presentation or prosecution of any claim for VA benefits. Boozman is championing the Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act, legislation he introduced with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), SVAC Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) that would restore criminal penalties for unaccredited claim representatives who charge unauthorized fees while helping file a disability claim.

“In today’s world of technological advances and targeted advertising, it is more important than ever that Congress ensures accountability of any entity whose goal is to take advantage of the veteran population. With the passage of the PACT Act and the rise in disability claims over the past year, we must remain hyper focused on protecting our nation’s veterans and holding bad actors accountable,” Boozman said.

The VA confirmed its support of the GUARD VA Benefits Act.

“It’s critically important because we’ve seen a rise in individuals and organizations acting within this space to charge illegal fees. And they do it with somewhat seemingly assurance of impunity, meaning they recognize that VA’s authority is somewhat limited in prosecuting them,” said David Barrans, a lawyer in the VA’s Office of General Counsel. “We think it would make it much easier if there was a single federal standard specific to these actions that would make it easier for prosecutors to bring actions.”

Current law prohibits unaccredited individuals and businesses from charging a fee for assisting a veteran in the preparation, presentation or prosecution of a VA benefit claim. However, the VA and other federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce the law because criminal penalties were eliminated from the statute nearly 20 years ago.

April 19, 2023

NEED MORE REGISTRATIONS FOR MAY 4TH - EMPLOYERS GROWING TALENT THROUGH APPRENTICESHIP EMPLOYER FORUM
The Arkansas Department of Commerce, Office of Skills Development (OSD) in collaboration with our regional partners is conducting a half-day Employers Growing Talent Through Apprenticeship Employer Forum on Thursday, May 4th at the El Dorado Conference Center. The primary purpose of this meeting is to create awareness among employers regarding the opportunities that the registered apprenticeship model offers as a workforce development option/strategy.

This is a free event with a catered breakfast in the morning. We are finalizing the meeting agenda which will allow attendees to:
Hear from industry leaders and registered apprenticeship practitioners utilizing RA as a talent development strategy.
Ask questions and interact with subject matter experts
Discover resources and financial assistance available to assist employers
Learn more through scheduled “next steps” follow-up with OSD staff

Please register for the meeting at the Register Now button on the attached Save the Date Flyer. Also, the direct registration link is here (https://www.eventbrite.com/o/office-of-skills-development-30745862966 ). A draft meeting agenda is also provided for your reference.

ARDOT PROMOTES SAFETY DURING NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK
All Counties | April 18, 2023
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is promoting work zone safety across the state this week as National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is underway.

In 2022, ARDOT launched a statewide work zone safety campaign called “Slow Down, Phone Down.”

“We are in year two of our ‘Slow Down, Phone Down’ work zone safety campaign and we are proud to say the number of injuries and deaths in Arkansas work zones is decreasing,” said ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor. “Every day, we are working to continue that trend toward safer work zones. When entering a work zone, remember to slow down, and phone down. It will help keep you and our workers safe.”

Throughout NWZAW April 17-21:
ARDOT will be featuring videos from work zones across the state.
Bridges and buildings will be lit orange in honor of work zone safety awareness.
Wednesday, April 19 is “Go Orange Day.” Everyone is encouraged to wear orange for work zone safety awareness.

A moment of silence is planned for Friday, April 21 to honor those killed in work zones.

Follow ARDOT on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@myARDOT on all platforms) to follow along with NWZAW.

ENTERGY ARKANSAS DONATES $50,000 TO RED CROSS FOR TORNADO RELIEF
Company will also match employee donations up to $50,000
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Entergy Arkansas is working with its longtime partner, the American Red Cross of Arkansas, to support tornado recovery efforts with a $50,000 donation, following the March 31 tornadoes that left a trail of devastation in parts of the state. In addition, the Company has pledged to match up to $50,000 in employee donations to the American Red Cross.

The dollars help provide immediate assistance to Arkansans in need with clothing, food and housing support, as estimates indicate 120 homes were completely destroyed and nearly 1,700 homes and scores of businesses were also damaged.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of Entergy Arkansas and their willingness to partner with us to help communities in great need following the recent devastating tornadoes,” said Regional CEO Barry Falke, American Red Cross, Missouri and Arkansas Region. “The support from Entergy Arkansas allows the Red Cross to continue to provide hope and relief to those affected by disasters and ensure we are there for our communities when they need us.”

Especially hard hit was the Little Rock metro area that includes North Little Rock, Sherwood and Jacksonville, and Wynne in the Delta. The Entergy Arkansas power grid also sustained damage that necessitated the replacement of 1,600 power poles, some 2,000 spans of wire and 435 transformers.

“We’re powering lives with this donation by helping the American Red Cross provide greater support to families in need,” said Entergy Arkansas President and CEO Laura Landreaux. “In times of natural disasters, restoring power is just the beginning of our commitment to the community. Food, water, shelter and supplies are crucial to the restoration process, and we’ll continue to support our communities as they rebuild.”

People who need assistance can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcross.org for more information on available services.

You can make a difference in the lives of Arkansans affected by tornadoes and storms in the South by texting "TORNADO" to the number 90999 to make a donation, by calling 800-RED CROSS, or visiting redcross.org, clicking “donate,” and choosing “I want to support Southern & Midwest Tornadoes and Storms.”

Entergy Arkansas customers affected by the tornados and in need of assistance paying or managing their bill should call 1-800-ENTERGY, visit the EntergyArkansas.com website, or use the MyEntergy app to contact customer service.

2023 JACKSON T. STEPHENS CUP TEAMS SET
Trinity Forest Golf Club To Host
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS (April 18, 2023) – The Jackson T. Stephens Cup (“The Stephens Cup”), today announced the fourteen teams set to compete in the 2023 championship being held at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas, Texas, October 9 -11. The Stephens Cup is a national collegiate golf tournament, named in honor of the late Jackson (Jack) T. Stephens, the former Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club.

Rotating annually, The Stephens Cup brings together the nation’s top collegiate golfers with world class venues in what is widely considered the premier event in college golf. This year’s field will again feature seven NCAA Division 1 men’s and women’s teams, as well as leading players from U.S Military Service Academies and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) competing as individuals.

The men’s field includes: University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, Florida State University, Louisiana State University, San Diego State University, Southern Methodist University and Stanford University.

The women’s field includes: University of Arkansas, Duke University, University of South Carolina Stanford University, University of Texas, Texas A&M University and Wake Forest University.

“Dad (Jack Stephens) would be very honored and proud of what this tournament has become. It is named in his honor and built upon ideals that he held so close to his heart,” said Tournament Chairman Warren Stephens. “We set out to create a definitive and highly-competitive collegiate tournament that is comprised of future stars on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour, competing on world-class golf courses and are truly excited about the field we have for 2023.”

Prior to the competition, on Sunday, October 8, The Stephens Cup will host a collegiate-amateur fundraising tournament followed by a newly created event featuring juniors from the First Tee of Greater Dallas, Stephens Cup participants, PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour players and notable VIPs.

The championship will feature 54-holes of stroke play over the first two days followed by 18-holes of team match play on the final day. The first 54-holes of team stroke play will be used to determine the seeding for the men’s and women’s fields for the final day of match play; the low four men’s and low four women’s teams will compete in the match play competition. Stroke-play medalists will be honored on October 10 prior to the start of match play.

The 2022 women’s field was ranked as the strongest in NCAA Division I by Golfweek/Sagarin. Out of the seven teams in 2023 field, five are ranked inside the top ten.

The men’s field finished as the third strongest in the 2022 Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings and the 2023 field features two teams ranked in the top 15.

The host of this year’s event, the famed Trinity Forest Club, is located in south Dallas, and pays homage to the game origins with its links style design. Known for a firm and fast set up, the Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design is widely considered by many to be one of the finest tests of golf in the state of Texas.

“Trinity Forest is honored to host the Jackson T. Stephens Cup and be a part of the rich history this event has built in just two short years,” said Jonas Woods, Co-founder and developer of Trinity Forest Golf Club. “The entire Trinity Forest staff and membership await with excitement to host these talented athletes and look forward to a special week of competition, camaraderie and more.”

As an official partner of The Jackson T. Stephens Cup since 2021, Workday continues its support of competitive golf and The Stephens Cup mission of creating an inclusive world class-collegiate golf competition, which brings together the nation’s top players and honors individuals from Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs) and Universities and U.S. Military Service Academies.

“This is the third consecutive year we’ve proudly partnered with the Jackson T. Stephens Cup, in an effort to support the nation’s next generation of golfers,” said Aneel Bhusri, co-founder, co-CEO, and chair, Workday. “The event not only represents the best in golf, but it holds special meaning for Workday because of its commitment to supporting people from diverse backgrounds and communities, which was inspired by the impressive legacy of Jack Stephens."

The three-day competition will be televised live on GOLF Channel.

Additional invitations will be extended to individuals from HBCUs and U.S. Military Service Academies ahead of the event.

2023 Tournament Schedule:
Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023: Official Practice Round
Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023: Collegiate-Am Event
Monday, Oct. 9, 2023: Stroke Play (36 holes)
Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023: Stroke Play (18 holes)
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023: Match Play Final Round by seed (1 vs. 2, 3 vs. 4, etc.)

BOOZMAN SECURES REASSURANCES FROM AIR FORCE ON IMPORTANCE OF ALLIED TRAINING AND INVESTMENT IN FUTURE F-35 TRAINING CENTERS
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned Air Force leaders about the importance of U.S.-based training for our nation’s allies at locations like Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith.

During a Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing Tuesday, Boozman pressed Air Force Chief of Staff General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. about the importance of pilots from partner nations training with American airmen at U.S. bases and ensuring the Pentagon invests in F-35 future pilot training centers in order to fulfill the commitment made to allies.

“As we continue to build F-35 capacity, our U.S. bases are becoming resource constrained and affecting our and our allies’ ability to train,” Boozman said.

The Air Force is working to “get Ebbing up to speed and part of that is also to meet the timeline associated with the work we’ve done with our allies and partners so they can get their training on time. In the big scheme of things it helps us all to get their training on time and we appreciate the support from your delegation and we’ve done some really deep work internal to the Department of the Air Force to align things to make sure we get that capability on time at Ebbing,” General Brown said.

Last month, the U.S. Air Force announced it selected Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith to host the future F-35 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program that trains military personnel from allied nations on the fifth-generation fighter jet, as well as the new home for the 425th Fighter Squadron, a Republic of Singapore F-16 Fighting Falcon training unit currently based at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

In early April, Boozman and Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR) visited the Republic of Singapore to continue building relationships with the important U.S. ally as it prepares to relocate an F-16 squadron and train on F-35s at Ebbing Air National Guard Base.

On Tuesday, Boozman met with Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce members who played an instrumental role in advocating for the future pilot training center to be based in Fort Smith.

April 17, 2023

CAMDEN MAN ARRESTED IN LEWISVILLE SCHOOL THREAT
April 17, 2023
Lewisville – On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, Arkansas State Police arrested Keshawn Jamal Hawkins, 22, of Camden, charging him with Threatening to Commit an Act of Mass Violence on School Property.

The arrest was made less than 24 hours after a suspect was positively identified as the responsible party for a threat made on social media, which was reported to school administration at Lafayette County Elementary School in Lewisville. The arrest was made in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Camden Police Department.

The Lewisville Police Department contacted Arkansas State Police on Thursday, April 6, 2023, after school administrators were made aware of a possible threat to the school made on a social media account.

ENGLAND MAN IN CUSTODY AFTER SATURDAY HOMICIDE
Arkansas State Police arrested Darren McClinton Jr., 21, of England on Sunday, April 16, 2023. He is being held at the Lonoke County Detention Center, pending first-degree murder charges in connection with a homicide that occurred the previous day.

At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023, witnesses reported that Stephen Glover Sr., 45, was involved in a physical altercation and was struck by a vehicle near 116 Northeast 2nd Street, England. He was transported to Baptist Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

England Police Department requested Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division’s assistance.

The deceased was transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where manner and cause of death will be determined. The investigation is ongoing.

DON'T TAKE A CHANCE ON 4/20: DRIVE HIGH, GET A DWI
April 14, 2023
Marijuana laws are changing constantly across the country. One thing that hasn’t changed is the legalities behind impaired driving. Thursday, April 20, 2023, marks the unofficial marijuana “holiday,” and there will likely be an increase in marijuana use. To help keep drug-impaired drivers off the roads, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with Arkansas law enforcement to spread the message that drug-impaired driving is dangerous and illegal. NHTSA wants to remind all drivers: Drive High, Get a DWI.

“High, stoned, or wasted: It doesn’t matter what term you use. If you are impaired, do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” said Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “We are asking our community members to use good judgement, obey the law, and make safe choices when driving.”

In 2019, 49% of drivers who were killed in crashes and were tested for drugs, tested positive. This is why it’s so important for people to get the message: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. If you think being high won’t affect your driving, you’re wrong. It has been proven that marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.

Those who plan to use marijuana on 4/20 (or any day) should not drive. If you find yourself drug-impaired, don’t drive your vehicle, give your keys to a sober driver or call for a ride that can safely take you home or to your next stop. Remind your friends to never get in the vehicle with an impaired driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive while high, advise them not to drive and help them get to their destination safely — they’ll thank you later.

By working together, we can save lives and help keep America’s roadways safe. Please join NHTSA in sharing the lifesaving message, Drive High, Get a DWI.

For more information on impaired driving, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-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.

LITTLE ROCK FARMERS’ MARKET RETURNS MAY 6
LITTLE ROCK (April 17, 2023) — The Little Rock Farmers’ Market returns to the River Market pavilions for its 48th season on Saturday, May6 where it will welcome farmers, locally prepared foods, artists, crafters and other vendors from around the state.

The 2023 season will run on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sept. 2. In addition, the Ottenheimer Market Hall will open Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the Farmers’ Market season for our guests convenience.

Since 1996, the Little Rock Farmers’ Market has made its home in the River Market’s two outdoor, open-air pavilions overlooking Riverfront Park and the Arkansas River. It has become a Central Arkansas tradition.

Many produce vendors at the Market accept SNAP benefits (look for the signage at their booths). The Market also is a proud participant in the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program, where patrons can have up to $20 worth of SNAP tokens matched for free to use at the market. SNAP tokens can be purchased, and DUFB questions answered, at the Farmers’ Market tent in the River Market.

Parking is always free for Little Rock Farmers’ Market patrons. Visitors are invited to park in the lot behind the market as well as in the River Market Parking Deck at 2nd and River Market Avenue. Special VIP parking is available for senior and handicapped individuals. Just enter the parking lot off Ottenheimer and President Clinton Avenue, and the parking attendants at the kiosk will be happy to direct you to a nearby and accessible parking spot.

The Little Rock Farmers’ Market is sponsored by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information about this year’s Farmers’ Market, visit www.Littlerock.com/river-market/farmers-market or follow it on Facebook at Facebook.com/LRFarmersMarket. For specific questions, email farmersmarket@littlerock.com.

MY FIRST 100 DAYS HAVE TRANSFORMED ARKANSAS – AND WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED
Column of Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Look around Arkansans – your state has changed a lot in the past 100 days. Since I took office in January, my administration has launched sweeping overhauls of our schools, public safety, tax system, and more.

I’m delivering on my promise to be a changemaker for the people of Arkansas. I worked hand-in-hand with our legislators to pass all my major policy proposals into law. And I’m just getting started.

First among those accomplishments is Arkansas LEARNS. It’s my plan to address teachers’ needs, defend parents’ rights, and give our kids the quality education they deserve.

The bill starts by raising annual starting teacher pay from $36,000 to $50,000 and giving every teacher in the state at least a $2,000 raise. Every Arkansas teacher is getting paid more – and school districts won’t be on the hook for any of it.

We’re also giving families the right to choose whichever school works best for their family, whether it be public, private, parochial, or homeschool. And we’re investing in public schools by dramatically expanding early literacy programs, pre-k, and career and technical education.

These changes are already paying off. Because of LEARNS, the state is keeping Marvell-Elaine School District open – something that wasn’t possible before.

It’s not enough to simply educate the next generation of Arkansans, though. We have to keep our kids safe, whether they’re online or on the streets.

I passed a law that holds social media companies accountable for exploiting our kids and damaging their mental health – something that study after study has shown is happening. Soon, all Arkansans under 18 will need parental permission to get on social media.

We’ve also made landmark changes to Arkansas’ criminal justice system to crack down on the criminals that are terrorizing our cities. That includes raising the minimum amount of time felony offenders must serve behind bars before they’re let out on supervised release – and for the most egregious crimes, eliminating supervised release entirely.

We will also build a new, 3,000-bed prison to alleviate the severe prison bed shortage in our state and ensure that inmates don’t walk free simply for lack of space. These changes will be tough on criminals, but that’s Arkansas justice: tough, but fair.

Improving education and public safety will foster new talent, families, and businesses. But as long as we have some of the highest tax rates in the region, people will leave Arkansas for greener pastures. That’s just basic economics.

That’s why I announced sweeping tax cuts that, this year alone, will reduce personal income taxes by $150 million and corporate income taxes by $36 million. That affects 1.1 million Arkansans – the majority of taxpayers in our state.

We’re regaining our competitive edge against zero income tax states like Tennessee and Texas. And this is just the start – I’m committed to cutting government waste until we can responsibly phase out our state income tax entirely.

Moving forward, a big part of Arkansas’ advantage over our neighbors will be our natural beauty. Alongside my husband, Bryan, I launched the Natural State Initiative, and we just passed legislation to cut red tape at state parks, invite new businesses into the recreation economy, and welcome more Arkansans to our natural spaces.

Amid all this change, tornadoes hit Arkansas and leveled whole neighborhoods in Central Arkansas and Wynne. I was on the ground from the outset, meeting with survivors, directing relief efforts, and coordinating with our local, state, and federal partners.

It will take us a long time to recover from the devastation left by those storms. But even as I surveyed the damage, I watched as Arkansans came together, stood up, and helped each other out. We are stronger than anything Mother Nature can throw our way.

In that spirit, I know that the progress my administration made in our first 100 days will be effective. Government can’t just wave a wand and bring about positive development – it takes all of us, working together, to make real change. Luckily, Arkansas is blessed with the best people on the face of planet earth.

That’s why I’m excited for the next eight years. The people of Arkansas stand united, and we’re ready to leave the failed status quo in the dust.

BOOZMAN APPLAUDS CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH CABINET PARTICIPANTS
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) applauded his 2022-2023 Congressional Youth Cabinet on Thursday, April 6 as participants presented their legislative proposals regarding homelessness, higher education affordability and community service.

The high school juniors shared their ideas with the senator during presentations at the Arkansas State Capitol. The students selected issues to address at their first meeting in the fall and collaborated throughout the year to craft their recommendations. In addition to policy suggestions, the students were encouraged to describe how their proposal would be funded and implemented.

“I was impressed with the dedication and hard work from these young leaders throughout the year as they researched and collaborated on their public policy solutions,” Boozman said. “They balanced a lot of priorities and I appreciate their willingness to learn and share their ideas with me. I am confident they will continue to be leaders who give back to their communities and hope their participation in the Congressional Youth Cabinet has given them a valuable window into public policy and public service.”

BreAnn Fultz-Foster Osceola High School student who served as the 1st Congressional District group leader, said, “This Cabinet has been very beneficial to teach me a little more about politics and communication. I learned about the difficulties of communicating with partners in different areas and different ways, and I also learned that everyone has different views. A few of my members brought up ideas I never even thought about!”

3rd Congressional District group leader Harrison Henry attends Fayetteville High School and said, “It is evident that Senator Boozman values the youth of today and understands the importance of shaping us as leaders for tomorrow. Through the Youth Cabinet, the Senator gave us a voice and opportunity to contribute to the significant work he does in Congress. I am very grateful for this opportunity.”

“Being a group leader of Senator Boozman’s Youth Cabinet has been an honor. I have loved attending meetings and collaborating with fellow members,” Rison High student and group leader for the 4th Congressional District Fallon Johnson said. “This has helped me with coordinating groups and handling communications and reminders. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity and for the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with.”

The Congressional Youth Cabinet is designed to give students first-hand experience with the democratic process and an opportunity to learn how public policy impacts them, their families and their communities.

April 14, 2023

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, THE VFW AND OUACHITA COUNTY PLAN TO PHOTOGRAPH AREA WOMEN VETERANS
The Arkansas Department of veterans Affairs, the VFW and Ouachita County are scheduled to photograph area women veterans from 10 AM to 2 PM April 18^th at the Camden VFW.

ADVA’s goal is to photograph 75 women veterans in observance of the 75^th Anniversary of Women in the military. This year June 12^th will be the 75^th year of women in the U.S Armed Forces. This day is known as Women Veterans Day.

Ouachita County VSO and VFW Commander Jim Bob Dais is the POC at 870-837-2216 along with Donna Rosenbaum, Hempstead County VSO and Camden VFW Auxiliary member at 870-722-8028. The venue address is 115 Ouachita 212 in Camden.

The photographs will begin running on social media June 12^th and continue until the Women Veteran’s event scheduled for November in Mountain Home. At that event, prints of the women veterans will be displayed throughout the venue.

ARKANSAS DELEGATION TO YELLEN: PROPOSED TREASURY RULES WILL HURT RURAL ARKANSAS BANKS
Congressman Rick Crawford (Arkansas-01), Congressman French Hill (Arkansas-02), Congressman Steve Womack (Arkansas-03), and Congressman Bruce Westerman (Arkansas-04), today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. The letter warns Secretary Yellen that the proposed changes to the Community Development Financial Institution’s (CDFI) Certification Application will hurt Arkansas banks, especially those in rural communities.

The lawmakers ask Secretary Yellen to rescind the proposals and give regulatory agencies and affected financial institutions the time to carefully consider any changes to the CDFI application.

In part, the lawmakers wrote:
“According to a 2021 report by the National Community Investment Coalition, lending to low-and-moderate-income areas in rural counties is only 10% that of middle and upper-income lending. Many of these rural counties are underserved by traditional financial institutions and this lack of access to credit and financial services makes it difficult for rural residents to start businesses, buy homes, and pursue other economic opportunities. Yet, the Treasury Department is pursuing changes to the CDFI certification application that would result in many rural banks losing their CDFI status through stricter rules on interest rates, underwriting standards, risk management tools, disclosure requirements, and target markets.”

Full text of the letter may be found below.

April 13, 2023
The Honorable Janet Yellen
Secretary
Department of the Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20220

Dear Secretary Yellen:
We write to you regarding proposed changes to the Community Development Financial Institution’s (CDFI) Certification Application and related guidance. The aggressive changes the Treasury Department is pursuing will result in the loss of CDFI status for banks across Arkansas.

According to a 2021 report by the National Community Investment Coalition, lending to low-and-moderate-income areas in rural counties is only 10% that of middle and upper-income lending. Many of these rural counties are underserved by traditional financial institutions and this lack of access to credit and financial services makes it difficult for rural residents to start businesses, buy homes, and pursue other economic opportunities. Yet, the Treasury Department is pursuing changes to the CDFI certification application that would result in many rural banks losing their CDFI status through stricter rules on interest rates, underwriting standards, risk management tools, disclosure requirements, and target markets.

Not only are these new rules harmful for rural communities, but the process for making these changes is inadequate. We ask that the Treasury Department pursue any changes in the CDFI Certification Application through the rulemaking process outlined in the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). These changes deserve to be carefully examined by our regulatory agencies and the affected financial institutions should be given time to consider and weigh in.

We ask you to rescind this guidance, which will do real harm to our rural communities, and approach changes to the CDFI fund through the proper rulemaking process.

STATE CAPITOL WEEK IN REVIEW FROM SENATOR MATT STONE
April 14, 2023
LITTLE ROCK – During the 2023 regular session the Arkansas legislature not only continued to lower state income taxes, but also reduced homeowners’ property taxes.

Act 315 lowers property taxes by increasing the homestead property tax credit from $375 to $425 a year. It is effective beginning with assessment year 2023.

In 2024 the act will save Arkansas homeowners an estimated $34 million, and in the following year savings will increase to $34.8 million. Homeowners that receive the homestead property tax credit will get a credit of $425 to offset their property tax liability.

The major tax reduction of the 2023 legislative session was Senate Bill 549, to reduce individual income taxes by $100 million a year and corporate income taxes by $24 million a year.

The legislature also approved HB 1045 to phase in a new method of calculating the income tax owed by companies that do business in multiple states. Tax savings will begin modestly because it is being phased in. Businesses in Arkansas will save $10.6 million next year.

Those savings go up dramatically and by 2030 will be more than $74 million a year. Sponsors of HB 1045 say it will make Arkansas more competitive when we recruit new industries.

The legislature has enacted tax cuts in every session since 2015, when lawmakers approved Act 22. It lowered income taxes by $102 million a year, mainly for middle-income families. In 2017 the legislature lowered income taxes for low-income families by $50 million a year and for retired veterans by $13.4 million a year.

In 2019 the legislature lowered individual income taxes for upper income and middle income families, saving them $97 million a year. The homestead property tax credit was increased too.

In 2021 the legislature passed historic income tax cuts that save Arkansas families and businesses $500 million a year. The package will benefit taxpayers in all brackets. In 2022 legislators accelerated the 2021 tax cuts.

Since 2015 the legislature has lowered the personal income tax rate from 7 percent to 4.7 percent. Over the same period legislators have lowered the corporate income tax rate from 6.5 percent to 5.1 percent.

The tax reductions were made possible because the legislature consistently budgeted very conservatively. Even with the tax reductions, state government has accumulated a surplus of more than $1.6 billion.

The state general revenue budget, which pays for day-to-day operations, will be about $6.2 billion for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The availability of reserve funds will make it possible for the state to build prison space for an additional 3,000 inmates, which reinforces the criminal justice bill that was approved late in the session.

The bill requires dangerous offenders to serve 85 percent or even 100 percent of their sentences. It also requires inmates to earn good time by finishing programs like drug rehabilitation, mental health treatment and job training.

Those programs better prepare inmates to transition to the outside world, because while in prison they will have incentives to better themselves and learn skills necessary for being a productive citizen.

April 13, 2023

CADC ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF 2023 WINTER LIHEAP UTILITY ASSISTANCE
Benton – Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) announced today the 2023 Winter LIHEAP Utility Assistance Program will end April 28, 2023.

For more information relating to CADC’s utility assistance program visit: https://www.cadc.com/utility-assistance

CADC is a nonprofit Community Action Agency, an equal opportunity employer and a United Way Agency. The mission of CADC is to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty, to help vulnerable populations achieve their potential and to build strong communities in Arkansas through community action.

HIGH-SPEED RACE LIKELY CAUSE OF I-430 ACCIDENT
Two or more motorists racing on I-430 North on Saturday afternoon caused a fatality accident near the 4-mile marker that disrupted traffic for more than an hour. Gerald Stuart Allen, 84, of Benton was killed. His wife, Lucille Kiser Allen, was injured.

A 2012 Dodge Charger driven by Darmel Dashun Batemon Jr., 20, struck the Allen’s 2015 Toyota Avalon from the rear, forcing the vehicle off the roadway, where it struck a tree. Batemon was also injured.

An investigation is ongoing. Arkansas State Police urges motorists to call 911 if they witness vehicles racing or operating in an unsafe manner.

COPD IN ARKANSAS CONFERENCE EDUCATES HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Copd Virtual Conference Focuses On Latest Lung Disease Guidelines, Best Practices & Prevention
LITTLE ROCK, AR – (April 13, 2023) – Today, the American Lung Association in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Health announced that the COPD in Arkansas Conference is set for April 18. The free virtual event is a continuing education conference for nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists and social workers that focuses on COPD guidelines, best practices and prevention care.

The 2023 COPD in Arkansas Conference will review the GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) Guidelines enabling health professionals to apply assessment and management strategies that incorporate the latest evidence to guide development of individualized management plans, including medications for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The conference will also cover vaccinations, vaping, nutrition, and mental health management amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are pleased to once again offer this exceptional educational conference to healthcare professionals,” shares Rochelle Thompson, Director of Health Promotions, American Lung Association. “Respiratory and nursing students are welcome to attend.”

This year’s conference will include a morning session focused on preventive care along with an afternoon session that will address obstacles faced by COPD patients. Sessions will include:

COPD Support Groups for Patients and Caregivers – Wonder Lowe and Rochelle Thompson
Vaping, E-Cigarettes, and Emerging Tobacco Trends – Dr. Anand N. Venkata
COPD and Nutritional Implications & Complications – Amanda Dawson, RD, LD
Mental and Behavioral Health as it Relates to COPD – Dr. Tisha L. Dean
COPD and Long COVID – Dr. Larry Johnson
Golden Guidelines – What’s new? – Dr. Emily Kocurek

Registration is free and continuing education credits are available for nurses and respiratory therapists.

More information and registration are available on the COPD in Arkansas Conference website. For additional questions, contact Rochelle Thompson at Rochelle.Thompson@lung.org.

JOINT ARKANSAS-TEXAS EVENT TO CLOSE OUT FREE TREE FRIDAYS FOR 2023
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division will conclude the 2023 Free Tree Fridays events on April 28 with a joint Arkansas-Texas Free Tree Friday hosted in partnership with the Texas A&M Forest Service in Texarkana. The bare root seedling giveaways have been hosted in recognition of National Arbor Day.

“We have been pleased with the success of this year’s Free Tree Friday events and are excited to conclude the events with our first joint giveaway with Texas A&M Forest Service,” said Kristine Kimbro, Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator for the Forestry Division and Texarkana native. “Adding trees to yards or to the community around Texarkana is good for Arkansans and Texans alike.”

Free Tree Fridays will continue in various locations across the state through April 28, 2023. Species will vary by location with at least two of the following species offered at each giveaway: American elm, river birch, bald cypress, persimmon, and/or red mulberry. Offerings are limited to three seedlings per person on a first come, first served basis. Following is a listing of locations and times currently scheduled:

April 14
Warren – Warren City Park, 400 West Church Street: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Alma – Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Trumann – Cedar Park, 100 North Crest Avenue: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Little Rock – University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), 4301 West Markham Street: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Goshen – Goshen City Hall, 124 Church Street: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Marshall – Marshall High School, 90 US-65: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

April 21
Sheridan – The Mad Butcher, 815 Rock Street: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Stuttgart – Stuttgart Chamber Pavilion, 507 South Main Street: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Magnolia – Southern Arkansas University (SAU) Story Arena: 1015 Highway 82 Bypass West: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

April 28
Casa – Casa Community Center, 114 South Maple Street: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Jonesboro – Earle Bell Community Center, 1212 South Church Street: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Monticello – University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources, 110 University Court: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
DeQueen – Bailey Discount Building Supply, 880 East Collin Raye Drive: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Texarkana – CVS, 3908 North State Line Avenue, Arkansas; Walgreens, 4415 North State Line Avenue, Texas: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For more information and a full schedule, visit
agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/urban-community-forestry/free-tree-friday/.

ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN AND COALITION WIN INJUNCTION BLOCKING BIDEN WOTUS RULE
Griffin: ‘This is a win for every Arkansas landowner’
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement following a U.S. District Court judge’s granting of a preliminary injunction preventing the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from enforcing a new definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act:

“This is a win for every Arkansas landowner—especially rural landowners who have ponds and creeks that President Biden wants to regulate as part of his ‘green agenda’ through the WOTUS Rule.

“I am proud to be part of this coalition of 24 state attorneys general who fought back against DC bureaucrats to earn this preliminary injunction. As Attorney General, I will continue to protect private landowners from the Biden administration’s overreach.”

In February, Griffin joined in a lawsuit in North Dakota federal court seeking to block the EPA and the Corps’ 2023 revised WOTUS Rule. In the order granting the preliminary injunction, the court found “that the new 2023 Rule is neither understandable nor ‘intelligible,’” and that it “raises a litany of other statutory and constitutional concerns.”

The preliminary injunction blocks the rule in the 24 states that are part of the coalition that sued the Biden administration

April 10, 2023

BOOMTOWN RODEO BASH
The Third Annual Boomtown Rodeo Bash is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. May 5th and 6th at Calvary Trail Cowboy Church in Louann, Arkansas. The LRCA Rodeo event includes bareback, saddle Bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, calf roping and breakaway roping. Mutton busting will 6:45 nightly. Tickets for this family fun event will be $10 at the gate for adults $5 for 6-12 years old, 5 and under free. Also, lawn chairs are welcome. Calvary Trail is located at 316 Ouachita Road 68 in Louann.

For more information, booth rental or to sponsor an event, please contact the church at 870-314-0353.

HUB TO OFFER “GETTING AHEAD” CLASSES
The Hub’s Getting Ahead classes that are planned to start May 1st. Getting Ahead is a 16-week life skills program developed by Phillip Devol and Ruby Payne to help break the cycle of generational poverty. It provides participants ( investigators) resources and tools to Get Ahead in today’s world and to be more in charge of their life.. They investigate their current situation and the resources they have vs. the resources they need, to set a goal-based action plan to get ahead. It helps them realize and achieve their full potential. The classes are free, and childcare, transportation, and a meal are provided at each class. Anyone interested in or that would benefit from taking the classes can call the Christian Health Center/ The Hub at 870-231-1111 for more information, or they can come by the office at 1115 Fairview Rd. SW, Camden, AR to pick up an application.

BOOZMAN LEADS SENATE FIGHT AGAINST BIDEN ADMINISTRATION’S BURDENSOME SMALL BUSINESS RULE
Introduces Legislation to Preserve Small Business Access to Capital
WASHINGTON – Following the release of a Biden administration final rule forcing small businesses to comply with burdensome social reporting requirements, U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is leading legislation to fight this overreach.

The Small LENDER Act would block the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) from requiring community banks and lenders to collect and report social data on small businesses seeking loans. Instead of focusing on creditworthiness, the CFPB rule would require lenders to solicit the race, gender and ethnicity of small business borrowers and divulge it to federal bureaucrats in Washington. The move would prioritize these social factors, place additional red tape before lenders and make it harder for small businesses to access capital.

“The Biden administration’s initial proposal featured hurdles for small businesses that would have prevented growth and predictability, and unfortunately it didn’t fix those mistakes in the final version. The CFPB’s rule adds yet another burden by driving up the cost of capital and politicizing small business lending on the basis of social factors. The Small LENDER Act encourages investment and ensures access to financing by preventing the agency from imposing an unfunded mandate on many community banks and small lenders that invest in the backbones of our economy,” Boozman said.

The Small LENDER Act would:
Exempt the smallest lenders by establishing a 500-covered transaction threshold;
Provide small business relief by codifying a small business as one with $1 million or less in revenue; and
Give lenders and small businesses more time to comply by establishing a three-year implementation schedule plus a two-year grace period.

Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Kennedy (R-LA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Steve Daines (R-MT) are cosponsors.

“The Biden administration’s ridiculous reporting requirements make it harder for entrepreneurs and small business owners to access the capital they need to succeed. As a result, our communities and economy will be robbed of the benefits that only small businesses can provide. I’m proud to join my colleagues in legislation to combat this rule and fight for Main Street,” Grassley said.

“Washington bureaucrats and the Biden administration have fallen so far down the identity politics rabbit hole they actually think banks and lenders should focus on factors like race, gender, and ethnicity instead of the creditworthiness of their clients," said Cramer. “Our bill blocks attempts to politicize lending and ensures small businesses are not burdened by the CFPB’s new costly regulation.

“The White House’s misguided woke policies put Louisiana’s small business owners at risk. Already struggling under historic inflation, these job creators can’t afford to lose access to capital. Congress must stop the Biden administration’s virtue signaling from penalizing small businesses that serve our communities and local economies—and that is what this bill would do,” said Kennedy.

“Wyoming’s economy depends on small businesses that continue to struggle due to inflation, yet the Biden administration seems committed to aiding in that struggle. Business decisions should be made based on numbers, not on the appearance or demographic of the business owner. The Biden administration’s continued efforts to politicize our finances is irresponsible and short-sighted. Proud to join my colleagues to introduce the Small LENDER Act to combat this bad policy,” Lummis said.

“Biden’s sky-high inflation is making it hard enough for small businesses to thrive; the last thing Montana businesses need to be worrying about is discrimination from financial institutions based on Biden and Senate Democrats’ woke hierarchy of identity politics. Banks should do business based on credit worthiness, not on wokeness,” Daines said.

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman French Hill (R-AR).

“I was proud to see the Small LENDER Act reintroduced by Senator Boozman and I thank him for working to ensure small banks are not subjected to the same compliance criteria as large businesses,” Hill said.

The Small LENDER Act is endorsed by the Arkansas Bankers Association, Independent Community Bankers Association, Credit Union National Association, First Security Bank and Farmers & Merchants Bank.

April 07, 2023

CITY OF CAMDEN BOARD OF ALDERMEN TO MEET
The City of Camden Board of Aldermen will have their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building. be at 2:00.

The agenda is as follows:
A. Call To Order
B. Invocation – Rev. Mark Smith, Pastor – Thrive Church, 746 California Avenue, Camden, Ar
C. Pledge Of Allegiance
D. Roll Call
E. Approval Of Minutes
     1. Minutes Of Regular Meeting, March 14, 2023
     2. Minutes Of Special Called Meeting, March 28, 2023
F. Acceptance Of Financial Report
      1. Financial Report for March 2023
G. Audience Participation
H. Mayor’s Report
      1. Biannual Water and Sewer Report – David Richardson, Manager
I. Old Business
      1. Ordinance No. 01-23, An Ordinance Authorizing A Rate Plan For The Water And Sewer Department, And Amending Chapter 22, Water And Sewers, Article Ii, Water, Division 2, Meter and Rates, Section 22-22, Rates, of the Code of Ordinances of The City of Camden, Arkansas. (Third Reading)
     2. Ordinance No. 02-23, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 22, Water and Sewers, Article Iii, Sewers, Division 3             Rates and Charges, Section 22-65, Sewer Rates, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Camden, Arkansas. (Third Reading)
J. New Business
      1. Resolution No. 31-23, A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase Of A Used Bushhog and Bucket Truck; amending the Annual Operating Budget For 2023; and for other purposes.
     2. Resolution No. 32-23, A Resolution Creating a Position in the Public Works Department; amending the   Budget For 2023; and for other purposes.
K. Other Business
L. Adjournment

REMINDER: 2023 ARKANSAS CENTURY FARM APPLICATIONS DUE MAY 31
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2023 Arkansas Century Farm Program. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. Online and printable applications are available at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/arkansas-century-farm-program/. There is no cost to apply.

To qualify, Arkansas farms must meet the following criteria:
The same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by Dec. 31, 2023. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage and adoption.

The farm must be at least ten acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.

Qualifying Arkansas farms will receive a personalized Arkansas Century Farm certificate and metal sign listing the farm name and year established.

Arkansas is home to more than 42,000 farms, of which 96 percent are family owned and operated. Since the program began in 2012, 568 farms have been certified. Find lists of previously inducted Arkansas Century Farm families at agriculture.arkansas.gov

/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/arkansas-century-farm-program/.

Contact Beth Moore at 501-539-4027 or beth.moore@agriculture.arkansas.gov with questions. Applications must be received via email or postmarked on or before May 31, 2023, to be eligible for designation as a 2023 inductee.

ARKANSAS DELEGATION SUPPORTS GOVERNOR’S REQUEST TO INCREASE FEDERAL COST SHARE FOR TORNADO CLEANUP EXPENSES
WASHINGTON— U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman—wrote to President Joe Biden urging him to support Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ request for a 100 percent federal cost share for state and local resources spent during the first 30 days of debris cleanup from March 31, 2023 severe storms and tornadoes in Cross, Lonoke and Pulaski counties.

“While we are grateful for the support provided by our local first responders, county and state emergency management agencies, FEMA, and the White House, additional federal assistance is needed to help our communities recover,” members wrote.

The letter can be found below:

Dear Mr. President,
Thank you for the expedited Major Disaster Declaration in the wake of devastating tornadoes and storms that caused extensive damage in Arkansas. The State of Arkansas greatly appreciates your assistance and support to date.

On behalf of the State of Arkansas, we are writing to support Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ request to increase the federal cost share for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Categories A (Debris) and B (Emergency Protective Measures) to 100 percent. We strongly believe that an increase in the federal cost share is needed to effectively respond to a disaster of this severity.

The severity of the devastating severe storms and tornadoes that occurred on March 31, 2023, created disastrous amounts of debris, caused widespread power outages, and resulted in the death of at least five citizens. Preliminary damage estimates show a significant impact on local jurisdictions in Cross, Lonoke, and Pulaski Counties. The destruction has additionally compounded the ongoing recovery efforts stemming from the effects of a previous Major Disaster Declaration for severe winter storms in January and February. Even with these difficulties, Arkansans continue to demonstrate their resiliency and resourcefulness during these challenging times.

As you know, Governor Sanders has activated all emergency resources, and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management has coordinated all appropriate state agencies. While we are grateful for the support provided by our local first responders, county and state emergency management agencies, FEMA, and the White House, additional federal assistance is needed to help our communities recover. The counties mentioned above have severely damaged homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure, and further federal government support will be vital in our restoration efforts.

The entire Arkansas delegation respectfully requests your swift consideration and approval of this request to ensure Arkansans' safety and recovery efforts. Thank you for your support. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

MISSION OF MERCY TO PROVIDE FREE DENTAL CARE
The Arkansas Mission of Mercy is returning this month to provide free dental care to thousands of people following a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two-day dental clinic is scheduled for Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15 in the Conway Expo Center. The event is held to provide free dental care to people who otherwise lack the access or resources necessary to address their dental needs.

Dr. Terry Fiddler, executive director of Arkansas Mission of Mercy, said 2023 marks the organization's 15th year of providing free dental care through this annual clinic.

The clinic provides a wide variety of services at absolutely no cost to patients. Dr. Fiddler said the clinic aims to serve patients who do not have dental insurance and lack the means to pay for dental care.

The Arkansas Mission of Mercy dental clinic will provide free care to people of all ages, including children, and regardless of where they live.

Dr. Fiddler stresses the dental care provided through Arkansas Mission of Mercy is the same quality one would receive at a private practice. That's due to the hundreds of dentists, hygienists, physicians, nurses and lay volunteers who donate their time and expertise at each clinic.

Organizers of this year's dental clinic expect a tremendous response from the public given the two-year hiatus during COVID-19. Additional volunteers will certainly be needed and Dr. Fiddler invites anyone with spare time and a desire to help others to come by April 14-15.

Anyone interested in volunteering - from doctors of dentistry to interpreters - can do so by signing up at www.rsvpbook.com and searching for Arkansas Mission of Mercy.

[the full website is www.rsvpbook.com/ArMOM2023_Conway]

April 05, 2023

The Ouachita County Courthouse and Extension office will be closed on Friday April 7, 2023 for Good Friday.

OCCCA HOSTS FREE CONCERT FOR THE CAMDEN AREA
The Ouachita County Community Concert Association is hosting a free Gospel Concert on Sunday, April 16^th at 2 pm at The Events Center at Fairview Park.

Measure of Grace ( Local Talent) will be performing. Measure of Grace is a mixed ensemble of seven that are dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through southern gospel, Bluegrass and Contemporary Christian music.

With God as the center of their ministry, the group's desire is to honor the name of Jesus, to see the lost come to know Jesus Christ as their personal savior, to share their personal testimonies of God's grace & to encourage the church that Jesus's return is imminent.

The members of the group are Randy and Misty Banks, Randy Cloud, Bryon Delamar, Sandie Downs, Zane Glasscock, Autumn Newsom with Sound Technician Jack Wilson.

Everyone is invited to this Free event! For more information call Becky at 807-6915.

EAST CAMDEN CITY WIDE GARAGE SALE
The City of East Camden will hold its annual City-Wide Garage Sale on Saturday, May 6th, beginning at 8:00 a.m. A listing of all sales can be picked up at the East Camden Fire Station next door to city hall at 7:45 a.m. that morning. Fried Fish and chicken plates, bake sale and cold drinks will be sold at the fire station with all proceeds benefiting the East Camden Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. All East Camden residents having a sale are asked to call City Hall at 574-2900 to register their sale. Outdoor spaces are available for nonresidents and organizations who wish to have a sale. Space rental is $10.

Something New added last year: “Vendor Row”
This was a huge success last year. We still have just a few spaces available for “arts & craft” vendors. Please contact city hall 574-2900 to reserve a booth for $10. Vendor Row is located on Highland Street between Womble and the tennis courts. There’s always hundreds of shoppers who turn out for this event every year.

Mark your calendars and make plans to come shop our sales.

For more information please contact: Mayor Angie McAdoo (870) 833-2196 or city hall (870) 574-2900.

ENTERGY ARKANSAS MAKES SIGNIFICANT PROCESS TOWARD RESTORING POWER SO COMMUNITIES CAN BEGIN TO REBUILD
Customers in the heaviest-hit areas will have power restored in under a week
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Entergy Arkansas continues to rebuild storm ravaged equipment and restore power to the communities affected by Friday’s devastating tornadoes, with an estimated 5,500 customers without power Tuesday at noon from a peak of 56,000.

More than 1,500 utility poles, 435 transformers and nearly 2,000 spans of wire were damaged or destroyed in the Little Rock, Jacksonville, Sherwood and Wynne areas. A workforce of approximately 3,300 are rebuilding the electric system with upgraded wire, thicker and stronger wooden poles, and concrete poles in some areas, to harden system infrastructure and to make it more resilient against future storms.

Specialized equipment such as helicopters, backyard machines, excavators and bulldozers are being used to assist with storm restoration efforts. However, the remainder of the work necessary to restore power is primarily off-road and in densely populated areas with hard-to-access backyards, hampered by lots of debris and vegetation to still be removed. In some cases, these access challenges require workers to carry the equipment into the yards and manually climb poles to restore power.

Coupled with a forecast for more rain and severe weather, it will be later in the week before some customers in the greatest impacted areas are restored, and additional outages may occur.

Entergy Arkansas estimates some 1,600 customers are unable to safely receive power due to damage to their home or business. Customers who are still without electricity and unable to safely receive power due to damages should contact the company at 1-800-ENTERGY to ensure that information is noted on the account.

“We understand the tremendous hardship this storm has placed on our customers, employees and communities,” said Ventrell Thompson, vice president of customer service. “Our crews are working around the clock to restore power so our communities can begin the rebuilding process.”

A customer care center has been established to answer questions and provide account assistance this week at the Little Rock Family Assistance Center hosted by the city at Immanuel Baptist City Center, 315 N. Shackleford Rd., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Customer service representatives for Entergy Arkansas are also on-site starting today at the Wynne Technology Center, 1790 Falls Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Customers are encouraged to exercise caution as they assess damages near their home or business. During clean up, be especially careful around downed power lines, which could still be energized and dangerous. Also, customers should use generators safely by following manufacturer’s instruction and locating the unit outdoors and away from doors, windows or vents. More specific information can be found in our Storm Center.

Customers can stay up to date on restoration efforts several ways:

Download the Entergy app. Customers can use the app to report outages or check on the status of power at their home or business in the Outage Map.
Follow Entergy on Facebook and Twitter. Social media also plays an important role in keeping you informed, and we place a high priority on updating our social media channels throughout an event.
Text us: If you are signed up to receive our notifications, you can text OUT to 36778 to report an outage or STAT for the status of your power outage. To sign up for text messaging, go to myEntergy.com or by texting REG to 36778. Have your account number and ZIP code handy. The registration pattern is as follows including spaces: REG (account number) (ZIP code).
Visit the Entergy Storm Center website. The site has storm safety, preparation and restoration information that is updated throughout the day.

April 03, 2023

ARKANSAS BAPTIST DISASTER RELIEF AIDS SURVIVORS IN RECOVERY EFFORTS
Little Rock, AR: Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief (ABDR) currently has 13 units deployed throughout Arkansas, following the recent severe thunderstorms and tornadoes on Friday, March 31, that left devastation in their wake.

Currently, ABDR has command centers at Immanuel Baptist Church (Little Rock), Levy Baptist Church (North Little Rock), Second Baptist Church (Jacksonville), and Wynne Baptist Church (Wynne). Out of these centers, they are assessing damage as well as providing chaplain services, meals and recovery services for homeowners.

Ten of these ABDR units are in Wynne, two in Little Rock and one in Jacksonville as of April 3. Several other units are on standby.

“We know people are hurting. We’re here to bring help, healing and hope to those in need. We are praying for them and asking for patience as we meet the needs as soon as possible,” ABDR Director Randy Garrett said.

Disaster Relief teams from surrounding states are also aiding in relief and recovery efforts. This includes the Southern Baptists of Texas Disaster Relief, Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief, and Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief.

ABDR teams have been ministering to people impacted by disasters for more than 40 years. The “yellow shirts” have become a stabilizing force of hope and comfort to disaster survivors across the state and around the country.

Currently, ABDR has 1,200 credentialed volunteers ready to serve in the aftermath of disasters.

If you need assistance, contact the ABDR call center at 800-806-6940. Volunteers will be available 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to take requests.\

If you would like to donate, visit abscdisasterrelief.org.

CONSUMER ALERT: POST-STORM SCAMMERS AND PRICE GOUGING
Griffin: ‘Price gouging will not be tolerated’
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statements alerting Arkansans of post-storm rebuilding scams and informing businesses that Act 367 of 1997 prohibitions on price gouging are now in effect following Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ declaration of a state of emergency earlier:

“First, we pray for the victims of today’s severe weather across our state. I encourage Arkansas families to make sure their priority is ensuring they are safe tonight. Unfortunately, unscrupulous people will already be preying upon our neighbors with offers of quick repair jobs. Arkansans should call their insurance company first and not be pressured into paying a quick deposit to a person who will take off with their money just as quickly.”

Griffin reminds homeowners that:
Insurers will honor their home policies.T
here is no need to rush into or be pressured to sign a contracting agreement.

He also offered these tips:
Get more than one estimate.
Demand references and check them out.
Never let a contractor pressure you into hiring them.
Never sign a contract with blanks “to be filled in later.”
Never pay a contractor in full until the work is finished.
Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance company.
Make sure you review and understand all documents sent to your insurance company.

Griffin also reminds Arkansans that, following Governor Sanders’ emergency declaration, the state’s anti-price gouging law is now in effect. Act 376 of 1997 prohibits businesses from price gouging during a state of emergency.

The law prohibits businesses from charging more than 10 percent above the pre-disaster price of goods or services, such as:
Food and water
Fuel
Blankets, medicine
Flashlights, batteries and construction materials

Griffin said: “The price gouging law is triggered whenever a state of emergency is declared by federal, state or local governments. A violation of Act 376 is a violation of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which carries a fine of up to $10,000. Many of our neighbors have had their lives turned upside down by the recent severe weather and need our support. Price gouging will not be tolerated.”

The ban on price gouging remains in effect for at least 30 days and can be extended another 30 days if necessary to protect the lives, property or welfare of the citizens. For home repairs, the law remains in effect for 180 days.

Arkansans who wish to report concerns about the subject of this Consumer Alert or desire more information should contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office by calling (800) 482-8982 or by visiting www.arkansasag.gov.

SMALL BUSINESSES TO GOVERNOR SANDERS & GENERAL ASSEMBLY: LET’S MAKE TAX CUTS A REALITY
NFIB applauds Governor Sanders’ plan to cut state’s income tax
LITTLE ROCK (March 30, 2023) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) here in Arkansas applauds Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ plan to cut the state’s income tax. Following Governor Sanders’ announcement, NFIB State Director Katie Burns praised the proposal as a step forward for small businesses.

“Our small businesses face a myriad of challenges, from rising prices to the worker shortage. Cutting taxes for hardworking Arkansans will direct dollars back to business owners instead of sitting in government coffers waiting to be spent on more government programs. This plan will go back into the bottom line of small business owners so they can continue to keep Main Street communities across Arkansas alive by growing and creating jobs. We look forward to working with our new Governor, her team, and the General Assembly to make these tax cuts a reality.”

Background:
Because most small businesses in Arkansas are organized as pass-through entities, such as LLCs and partnerships, where owners pay taxes at the individual rate.

The Governor’s proposal would impact the more than 1.1 million Arkansas taxpayers who make more than $24,300. The tax cuts will total $100 million in personal income tax cuts, as well as $20 million in corporate tax cuts. The individual top rate will decrease from 4.9% to 4.7%. For Arkansas-based corporations, as well as those domiciled outside the state, the tax rate will decrease from 5.3% to 5.1%. The cuts will be retroactive and go into effect on January 1, 2023. The bill, SB54, was introduced by Sen. Jonathan Dismang (R-Beebe) and Rep. Les Eaves (R-Searcy).

BRANDI PARKER EXHIBIT OPENING AT SAAC
The South Arkansas Arts Center welcomes El Dorado native artist Brandi R Parker and her solo exhibition "Organism" to the Price Gallery April 4-28. There will be an artist's reception on Thursday, April 6 from 5:30pm-7:00pm.

The show is an exploration of organic abstraction with various media: colored and graphite pencils, pen & ink, watercolor and marker. She hopes the viewers experience the show like staring at clouds to see the forms they hide: with wonder and imagination.

"The show is a philosophical embrace of life and the most characteristic trait in life— uncertainty. The last eighteen months of life, living through COVID-19, lockdown in New York City, dealing with familial loss and the birth of my daughter, pulls me to move outside, above and through the Collective Consciousness, to look at who we are as humans and our experiences in this plane and craft a narrative through it. 'Organism' is this narrative," said Parker.

A love for the arts is embedded in Parker’s DNA. Her grandfather owned Parker Music on the downtown square for decades into the 1980’s. An artisan himself, he spent his later years woodcarving and tinkering in his shop. Her maternal grandmother also dabbled in oil painting.

Parker graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2000, with a BA in Fine Arts, in Drawing and Printmaking. After college, she worked in local advertising agencies and government for a few years. She decided to move to New York in 2003 for a new and exciting phase of life. Originally moving to the city with the intention to be a studio musician, she quickly shifted focus for her career back to visual arts. Parker eventually found her way into her current over twenty-year career in designing sustainable consumer packaged goods.

Parker recently relocated back during the COVID-19 lockdown from New York City, where she lived for almost twenty years with her wife, Megann McManus. The couple also now have a baby girl, Ellea Berlin.

For more information on the Brandi R Parker exhibit at the South Arkansas Arts Center, please call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. SAAC is located at 110 East Fifth Street, El Dorado, Arkansas.

March 31, 2023

ARKANSAS ELECTRIC CORPORATION AND ENTERGY TO PERFORM SUBSTATION AND TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE
Arkansas Electric Corporation and Entergy will be performing necessary substation and transmission maintenance from April 6 through April 23. The project is to ensure reliability.

The project will not affect the Boyce Drake (Camden West) or Redhill metering points.

Ouachita Electric does not anticipate any outages during the process, however only one transmission feed will be available during the project. If a transmission outage occurs, then Entergy has assured Ouachita Electric that the restoration timeframe is anticipated to be approximately four hours.

SAU TECH ADULT EDUCATION CENTERS TO HOST COMMUNITY SPRING FLING EVENTS
EAST CAMDEN, AR (03/31/2023) SAU Tech's Adult Education Program invites the public to attend its Spring Fling events in Camden and Magnolia to learn more about Adult Education's services. The event in Camden is on April 28 on Jackson Street, from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. The event in Magnolia is on April 29, at the Harvey Couch Business Park from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

The Spring Fling events will have food, carnival games and prizes, snow cones, popcorn, bouncy houses, and more. In Magnolia, CMC Steel will cook and provide lunch for the event. The events are an excellent time for parents and children to enjoy themselves and learn more about adult education and the community resources available in their communities.

Service partners attending the event include Arkansas Workforce Services Mobile RV, Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District, WIOA-Title IB, Central Arkansas Development Council, Women's Crisis Center, Hippy, The HUB, Albemarle, Southern Aluminum, SAU Tech, and Calhoun County Health Department. Other partners include River Rock CDL Training, Area Agency on Aging, Cricket Wireless, Columbia County Ambulance Service, Slings with Bling Down South, Trio-Henderson State University, Magnolia/Columbia County Ambulance Service, Future Builder's, Inc., Magnolia Fire and Police Department, Camden Fire Department and The Event Center @ Fairview Park.

UPDATE: ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE HOSTS “FREE TREE FRIDAYS” IN RECOGNITION OF ARBOR DAY
LITTLE ROCK – In recognition of National Arbor Day, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division will be hosting giveaways of bare root seedlings at various locations across the state each Friday from March 17 through April 28.

“Adding trees to your yard or to a community forest is beneficial to all Arkansans, and Spring is an excellent time to plant trees,” said Kristine Kimbro, Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator for the Forestry Division. “With these Arbor Day celebration giveaways, we hope to provide all Arkansans with access to the many benefits trees provide.”

Species will vary by location with at least two of the following species offered at each giveaway: American elm, river birch, bald cypress, persimmon, and/or red mulberry. Offerings are limited to three seedlings per person on a first come, first served basis. The giveaways will be hosted at various locations across the state. Following is a listing of locations and times currently scheduled:

March 31
Walnut Ridge – Lawrence County Extension Office, 1100 West Main Street: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Pocahontas – American Made General Store, 1100 Pace Road: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wynne – Wynne Fire Department, 1111 Falls Boulevard: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Arkadelphia – Clark County NRCS Office, 640 6th Street: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Dierks – Dierks City Park, South Arkansas Avenue/Clawson Park Road: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

April 7
Batesville – Riverside Park, 1770 Chaney Drive: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Hot Springs – Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Avenue: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Greenbrier – Greenbrier City Hall, 11 Wilson Farm Road: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Marion – Crittenden County Courthouse, 100 Court Street: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Morrilton – Morrilton Walmart, 1621 S. Business 9: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
White Hall – Tractor Supply Company, 6903 Sheridan Road: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

April 28
Casa – Casa Community Center, 114 South Maple Street: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Jonesboro – Earle Bell Community Center, 1212 South Church Street: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Additional locations will be added throughout the month. Visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/urban-community-forestry/free-tree-friday/.

ENTERGY ARKANSAS EARNS ENERGY STAR® EXCELLENCE AWARD
2023 marks fifth consecutive year for honor
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Entergy Arkansas Entergy Solutions Point of Purchase Solutions (POPS) Program is proud to announce that it has received the 2023 ENERGY STAR® Excellence in Marketing Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The program has been awarded for five consecutive years for its exemplary work and ongoing commitment to energy efficiency in Arkansas.

The Entergy Solutions portfolio is made up of energy-efficiency programs administered by Entergy Arkansas that help both residential and business customers save energy and money by reducing the upfront cost of a variety of power-saving upgrades. The programs work with participating partners, local trade allies and retailers to help customers find ways customers can save energy through the implementation of energy efficiency measures.

Cumulatively, the Entergy Solutions residential and commercial programs have achieved evaluated energy savings of 2,825,891,591 kilowatt hours through 2022. This is the equivalent of saving the carbon dioxide emissions from 389,667 homes’ electricity use for one year or saving the greenhouse gas emissions of 431,512 gasoline-powered vehicles driven for one year.

“Our Entergy Solutions programs play an integral role in helping Entergy provide safe, affordable, and reliable energy to our customers,” said Denice Jeter, energy efficiency manager for Entergy Arkansas. “These programs help customers manage their energy usage efficiently, and we are certainly proud to have the success of these programs recognized by the EPA for five consecutive years.”

The Entergy Solutions Programs for residential customers include comprehensive home assessments, air conditioner tune-ups, smart thermostats, and discounts on lighting and appliances. Deeper energy efficiency measures, like insulation, air sealing and duct sealing, are also available through Entergy Solutions. For businesses, Entergy Solutions provides solutions for companies and organizations of all sizes to increase their efficiency. From customized programs that set a schedule for energy used to incentives for improving the facility’s energy efficiency, the Entergy Solutions Programs identify ways to save energy and increase the bottom line for small and large businesses, agricultural businesses, and public institutions.

POPS provides ways for Entergy Arkansas customers to save money on energy-efficient products for their homes. Whether customers buy a product that is eligible for a rebate or purchase directly from the Entergy Arkansas Marketplace, they can save on products that use less energy and save money. From smart thermostats to dehumidifiers and advanced power strips, there are discounts and rebates that allow Entergy customers to make their homes brighter and more comfortable, for less.

Cumulatively, the Entergy Solutions POPS Program has achieved evaluated energy savings of 96,446,519 kilowatt hours through 2022. These hours equate to saving the carbon dioxide emissions from 13,299 homes’ electricity use for one year, or from 7,691,005 gallons of gasoline used.

In 2022, Entergy Solutions POPS helped increase the sale of ENERGY STAR certified LED lighting at participating retailers and giveaways to low income, discounting 15% more LED lightbulbs than in the previous year. Entergy Arkansas launched their online marketplace in 2020 - https://entergysolutionsar-marketplace.com/entergyarkansas/ - which sells discounted products such as LED bulbs, smart thermostats, advanced power strips, dehumidifiers and air purifiers. 536 customers made a purchase on the marketplace in 2022.

In total, over 400,000 Arkansans were served by POPS offerings in 2022. The program also provided 43,042 free energy efficiency kits to customers through partnerships with schools and other nonprofits.

“ENERGY STAR provides valuable tools and resources that the Point of Purchase Solutions program needs to support customers and projects across the state,” said Jeter. “ENERGY STAR’s testing processes and warranties also give us complete confidence that the products we support with incentives will serve our customers well.”

As summer approaches, now is a great time to take advantage of Entergy Solutions programs. The warmer months are considered high energy usage months, and one of the best ways to save energy is by having a home energy audit to help with energy efficiency.

Each year, the ENERGY STAR program honors businesses and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy achievements. Winners are selected from a network of thousands of ENERGY STAR partners. For a complete list of 2023 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR’s awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners. For more information about Energy Star products and programs, visit https://www.energystar.gov/about. For more information about residential and customer Entergy Solutions programs, visit https://www.entergy-arkansas.com/energy_efficiency/main/.

COTTON STATEMENT ON GRAND JURY INDICTMENT OF FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after former President Donald Trump was indicted by a federal grand jury:

“Never before in American history has the party in power targeted a former president with criminal charges. Such an unprecedented step should not be taken lightly. But the left-wing prosecutor in New York City reportedly has charged President Trump with a convoluted legal theory already rejected by his predecessor and the Department of Justice. I hope that the courts dismiss the indictment as a matter of law, and I urge the prosecutors pursuing President Trump to carefully consider the harm caused to our republic if flimsy charges against former presidents become a new common practice in our politics.” Cotton: No Chinese Citizen, Company Should Own American Land

Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama), today introduced the Not One More Inch or Acre Act, legislation that will prevent any Chinese individual or business from owning American land. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has bought hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland across the United States, including property immediately adjacent to military bases. These land purchases have let the Chinese advance their economic and national security interests while undermining the U.S.

“For decades, the Chinese Communist Party has been gobbling up American farmland and real-estate. At best, this submits American land and resources to China’s best interests, not America’s—at worst, these purchases serve as outposts for Chinese espionage campaigns against American businesses and military bases. We can’t allow Chinese citizens, or anyone affiliated with the CCP, to own one more inch of American soil. And any American land exploited by current Chinese ownership should be sold,” said Senator Cotton.

“There is no doubt that the Chinese Communist Party is our greatest geopolitical and national security threat, and everything they do is as our adversary,” said Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. “The FBI has said that they open a new counterintelligence case against China about twice per day. From stealing our intellectual property and spying on our children through TikTok, to buying up American farmland near military installations and engaging in unfair trade practices that undercut Alabama steel makers and shrimpers, we must hold the CCP accountable. We accomplish this through strength, not continued weakness. I’m grateful for Senator Cotton’s continued leadership on this critical issue. I’ll continue to fight to defend hardworking Americans while protecting our homeland,” said Senator Britt.

The Not One More Inch or Acre Act would:
Prohibit citizens of the People’s Republic of China, members of the CCP or any individual or entity acting on their behalf from purchasing any real estate in the United States.
Require the sale of any property owned or influenced by the CCP that the President determines to be a national security risk.
Set a minimum penalty for foreign investors who fail to comply with USDA reporting requirements.

STATE CAPITOL WEEK IN REVIEW FROM SENATOR MATT STONE
March 31, 2023
LITTLE ROCK – The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved legislation that lengthens prison sentences for violent offenders and requires prison inmates to work harder to qualify for parole.

The legislation is Senate Bill 495. One goal is to provide juries in criminal trials with more accurate information about the length of time that convicted criminals are truly going to serve behind bars after their sentencing.

Criminals convicted of rape and capital murder would serve 100 percent of their sentences. The 100 percent sentence requirement also will apply to aggravated robbery, human trafficking, Internet stalking of a child and more serious categories of aggravated residential burglary.

Offenders would serve 85 percent of their sentence after conviction for a long list of violent felonies, including second degree murder, negligent homicide, manslaughter, encouraging someone to commit suicide, first degree battery, first degree sexual assault and sexual indecency with a child.

Other felonies on the list include permitting abuse of a minor, serious categories of arson, advocating overthrow of the government, treason, making a terrorist threat, arming a terrorist and exposing the public to toxic, chemical or radioactive substances.

Making offenders serve longer sentences would bring Arkansas sentencing guidelines more in line with those used by federal prisons, where people convicted of federal crimes serve almost all of their sentence.

The sponsor of SB 495 told senators on the Judiciary Committee about inmates being released after serving only a sixth of their sentence because of Arkansas laws.

In some cases, they were released before completing drug rehabilitation or other programs designed to help them transition back to the outside world.

A goal of SB 495 is to create incentives for inmates to complete rehabilitation, anger management, skills training and other courses that improve their chances of success in society. Instead of automatically earning “good time” just for being in prison, they would not begin to accumulate credits for early release until they complete rehabilitation programs.

The bill creates a task force to work on recidivism, and expands mental health treatment for inmates.

Along with SB 495, the legislature will consider appropriations to pay for an additional 3,000 prison beds and the hiring of additional security officers and prison staff. One goal is to put a stop to the “revolving door” that allows dangerous offenders to be released early due to lack of prison capacity. Those new beds will be in addition to the 400 beds recently approved by prison officials.

Another goal is to free up space in county jails, which house convicted offenders when there is no space in state prisons. Sheriffs have told legislators that conditions are becoming more dangerous for jail staff and minimum security prisoners, as county jails fill up with serious offenders.

A growing number of people charged with misdemeanors are being released because county jail space has to be reserved for dangerous felony offenders. By making space available again in county jails, supporters of SB 495 say they want to re-establish the importance of punishing misdemeanors.

Representatives of prosecuting attorneys and county sheriffs told senators that they support SB 495.

March 30, 2023

ARKANSAS LAW ENFORCEMENT TO RAMP UP EFFORTS TO COMBAT DISTRACTED DRIVING
March 29, 2023
Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes on our nation’s roadways. The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office (HSO) is working with state and local law enforcement agencies to encourage drivers to put down their phones while driving as part of the statewide “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” high-visibility enforcement effort April 3rd-10th.

The effort will involve Arkansas State Troopers, local sheriff’s deputies, and local police officers. The operation will target drivers who are texting and driving as well as violating other distracted driving laws.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], between 2011 and 2020, more than 32,400 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver. In 2020, there were 3,142 deaths linked to driver distraction, or 8% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities. This is an increase of 23 fatalities compared to 2019.

Research shows that Millennials and Generation Z are the most distracted drivers, often using their cell phones to talk, text, and scroll through social media while behind the wheel. According to NHTSA research from 2017, young drivers 16 to 24 years old have been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving at higher rates than older drivers since 2007. In 2020, 7% of drivers 15 to 20 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted.

“Distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads, and most of this distraction is attributed to texting while driving,” said Colonel Mike Hagar, Director of the Arkansas State Police and the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “People know texting and driving is dangerous and often illegal, but they do it anyway, and it puts others at risk. Beginning April 3rd, drivers will see increased law enforcement efforts, as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting while driving. If you text and drive, you will pay.” In addition to being unsafe, violating Arkansas’ distracted-driving laws can also be costly.

Arkansas law prohibits the use of a hand-held cell phone for texting, typing, emailing or accessing the internet while driving, regardless of the driver's age. It is also a “primary offense” law, which means a state trooper, police officer or sheriff's deputy can initiate a traffic stop without observing any other violation. Fines can range from up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 for any subsequent offense.

Many drivers are guilty of a “double standard” when it comes to distracted driving. In its 2018 Traffic Safety Culture Index, the American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation reported that while nearly 96% of drivers believed it was very or extremely dangerous to read a text or email while driving, four out of ten drivers admitted to doing so within the previous 30 days.

“These drivers give themselves a personal exemption to ignore the law while unfairly putting others at risk,” said Colonel Hagar. “State troopers and other law enforcement officers will increase enforcement of distracted driving laws as part of the ‘U Drive. U Text. U Pay.’ enforcement operation.”

The Arkansas Highway Safety Office and NHTSA urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. Drivers are encouraged to follow these suggestions to ensure a safe driving experience:
If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Only after you are off the roadway and stopped is it safe to text.

Ask your passenger to be a “designated texter.” Allow the passenger access to your phone for responding to calls or messages.

Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.

Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.

Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. Help break the dangerous habit of distracted driving. Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay.

For more information, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. Also learn more about Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDArkansas.org.

OUACHITA COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER EXTENDS PROJECT SEARCH DEADLINE
The Ouachita County Medical Center Project SEARCH has extended sign-up dates to Friday, April 07, 2023 for the 2023 -2024 Internships

Project SEARCH® Arkansas: ACCESS® Initiative in partnership with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) is a nine-month internship program for young adults with developmental disabilities. Interns in the program complete three rotations at a partnering business with the goal of gaining necessary skills to obtain competitive employment.

Project Search is for Young adults with disabilities. Below are the requirements:
Ages 18-35
Individuals residing in Arkansas
In the process of completing or have already completed a high school education

Applications are now available online at projectsearcharkansas.org. To learn more about the program or receive a paper application contact Samantha at 501-912-7912.

BEECH SPRINGS CAMP PREPARING FOR SUMMER CAMPS. CAN YOU HELP?
Summer camp season is right around the corner, and your Beech Springs Camp staff is working hard to put their best foot forward. Could you or your church help with any of these five projects that need to be done before Beech Springs Summer Camps? The AC cover in front of the Magnolia Lodge could use some TLC. The step and platform by the snack shack/ pool building needs to be shored-up. The pool pump shed needs attention. There’s a rotting bench and 2 boards that need to be replaced in the dock by the pond. Someone with an industrial power washer is needed to remove old paint around the pool area. If any of these projects are up your alley, please give David Stanley a call at 870-314-4939. Liberty Baptist Association can reimburse you for supplies, and David and Wesley would love to pay you in coffee and donuts!

FARMERS BANK FOUNDATION RESCHEDULES ARKANSAS STATE POLICE GOLF TOURNAMENT FOR MAY 12
Magnolia, Ark. (March 29, 2023) – The Farmers Bank Foundation has announced a new date for the fourth annual Arkansas State Police Foundation Golf Tournament. The charitable event will now be held on Friday, May 12, at Mystic Creek Golf Club in El Dorado, Arkansas. The scheduling change was made due to severe weather threats in Southwest Arkansas for the event’s original date of March 31.

If the new date affects any pre-registrations or team status for course play, please call Candace Rankin at 870-235-7003 for more details.

All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Arkansas State Police Foundation.

For more information about the tournament or team registration, sponsorships, auction items, or any other event, please visit www.myfarmers.bank/ASPFgolf.

COTTON, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BILL TO STOP CONTRABAND CELLPHONE USE IN PRISONS
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act, legislation to prevent contraband cellphone use in federal and state prison facilities by allowing state and federal prisons to use cell phone jamming systems. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), and James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) are original co-sponsors of the bill. Congressman David Kustoff (R-Tennessee) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House Of Representatives.

"Prisoners have used contraband cell phones to direct illegal activities outside prison walls, including hits on rivals, sex trafficking, drug operations, and business deals. Cellphone jamming devices can stop this, but the Federal Communications Act doesn't allow facilities to use this technology. Our bill would fix this problem so that criminals serve their time without posing a threat to the general public," said Senator Cotton.

“Ending the outrageous use of contraband cellphones in jails and prisons is an immediate solution to reduce crime, improve public safety, and provide relief to our overwhelmed correctional systems. The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act is a necessary first step towards alleviating the crime crisis America is currently facing. I am proud to join Senator Cotton to introduce this important legislation and I urge my colleagues to support it,” said Congressman Kustoff.

This legislation is supported by the Major County Sheriffs of America, National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Council of Prison Locals.

Background:
The use of contraband cellphones is widespread in both federal and state prison facilities. Inmates have used contraband cellphones to conduct illegal activities, including ordering hits on individuals outside of the prison walls, running illegal drug operations, conducting illegal business deals, facilitating sex trafficking, and organizing escapes which endanger correctional employees, other inmates, and members of the public.

In 2018, a gang fight over territory using cellphones to trade contraband sparked a brawl inside the Lee Correctional Institution near Bishopville, South Carolina, and left seven inmates dead and 20 injured.

Bureau of Prisons Correctional officer Lt. Osvaldo Albarati was murdered in 2013 for interrupting an illicit contraband cellphone business. His actual assassination was initiated by an inmate using a contraband cellphone to contact the gunman as outlined in the indictment.

A 2018 report showed an FCI Fort Dix inmate arranged murder and assault from a smuggled phone in a Jersey prison.

Contraband cell phones aren't only allowing violent criminals to continue their nefarious activities. In 2019, the Wall Street Journal reported that Martin Shkreli, the disgraced pharmaceutical executive sentenced to seven years for securities fraud, was still making decisions at Phoenixus AG through the use of a contraband cellphone.

BOOZMAN JOINS BIPARTISAN TRUCK PARKING BILL TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY, ROAD SAFETY
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Jon Tester (D-MT) to introduce the bipartisan Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, legislation that would create a short-term authorization of funds to increase truck parking capacity and improve existing truck parking infrastructure.

“Truckers play a crucial role in our supply chain. Arkansas truckers have shared with me the difficulties they frequently experience in finding a safe location to park as they transport goods and products across the country,” Boozman said. “The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act is an investment that will make it easier for these drivers to find reliable parking, and improve efficiency, while protecting all motorists on the roads.”

“There is a significant and pervasive shortage of truck parking in the U.S. – only about one space for every 11 truck drivers. We thank Sen. Boozman for recognizing the need to provide truck parking when and where it’s needed, so professional drivers can get back on the road to safely deliver America’s freight,” said Arkansas Trucking Association President Shannon Newton.

“Parking for large commercial trucks remains a major problem for truckers. Members of the National Association of Small Trucking Companies face challenges every day finding safe parking locations. NASTC supports the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act and appreciates Senators Mark Kelly and Cynthia Lummis for their leadership and sponsorship of this much-needed bill," said David Owen, President of the National Association of Small Trucking Companies.

In a recent Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Boozman called on Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to support a long-term solution to ease the truck parking crisis.

BOOZMAN: EPA MUST INCLUDE ARKANSAS IN DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) called out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its refusal to allow Arkansas to revise its plan to comply with federal air regulations that continue to be a moving target.

“The EPA is great until you disagree with them,” Boozman said at a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing. “They talk about federal cooperation, but once you disagree then it tends to be their way.”

Boozman expressed his frustration with EPA’s rulemaking process that’s making it impossible for Arkansas and other states to comply with misguided air regulations.

“For it to be fair nationwide, then again, the states need to have the ability to be part of that decision-making and that hasn’t been the case in Mississippi and Arkansas,” Boozman said. “That’s not appropriate.”

Arkansas submitted its proposal in 2019. Last month, Arkansas filed a lawsuit challenging the EPA’s rejection of its State Implementation Plan (SIP) under the Clean Air Act. Boozman and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) blasted the agency’s decision and vowed to support the state’s efforts to appeal the move.

It’s estimated that nearly 50 Arkansas businesses will be at risk of closure as a result of the onerous federal plan’s implementation.

March 29, 2023

CITY OF CAMDEN BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEET IN SPECIAL SESSION
The City of Camden Board of Aldermen met in special session on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.

Mayor Charlotte Young called the meeting to order at 6 pm.

City Clerk Donna Stewart called the roll. Aldermen L.E. Lindsey, Lawrence Askew, William McCoy, Chris Aregood, Gerald Castleberry, Ed Winters were in attendance. Ebony Gulley and Marvin Moore were absent at roll call. Alderman Gulley arrived at 6:04 pm. Alderman Moore arrived at 6:20 pm.

First up was Resolution No. 30-23, a resolution expressing the willingness of the City of Camden to utilize State And Street monies for the Camden Overlay Project. Motion was made and seconded. Passed by unanimous vote.

Ed Winters spoke to the issue of Ben Wooten and his dismissal by the Mayor. The Mayor has the right to remove any department head. He asked to move to a vote. Alderman Gulley stated that she had tried to get the issue on the agenda since February. She stated that it was not appropriate to shut down the discussion now. Alderman Winters contended that by going to the vote it takes 2\3 of the board or 6 votes to overturn Mayor Young’s decision to dismiss Mr. Wooten. The issues was discussed at length when Alderman Gulley asked that the y go into another executive session. Motion was made and seconded. The Aldermen’s vote was tied so Mayor Young broke the tie with a vote to allow the Executive session.

After a lengthy executive session, the Council returned to the Council Chambers. Alderman Gulley made a motion to overturn Mayor Young’s decision to terminate Ben Wooten. Motion was seconded. The vote was split down the middle with a 4 for and a 4 against vote. 6 votes were required to overturn the Mayor’s decision so it did not pass.

The Board then discussed the fact that Public works employees came to a meeting earlier this year. Some employees aired complaints during audience participation. Afterwards they were sent a letter that was perceived by some as telling them not to come to City Council meetings anymore. If they did, some felt that it implied that they would be terminated. The letter was not signed. Alderman Askew stated that it was a type of retaliation. Employees are citizens first. The letter was hand delivered. Director Franklin stated that he had a meeting with the Mayor after the meeting in question. He was given the ”letter” which was actually a page out of the employee handbook as to how employees should properly address grievances. There had been a line added that the employees perceived as a threat of dismissal if they come and voiced concerns at the Council Meetings. After a long discussion, it was decided that Director Franklin would let employees in his Department know that the Council disavowed the additional statement to the page and they will not face termination if they speak at future meetings.

There was a report given city Clerk Donna Stewart and City Treasurer Lauren Robertson. The purpose of the report was to clarify as to why Director Franklin had been overpaid over the past two years. Treasurer Robertson reported that the initial mistake was made before she took the position. At the end of the year 2020 when employees were given a 1.5% pay increase, it was entered in a way that resulted in the overpayment. When Director Franklin got his first check in 2021, he expected to see a raise.

When asked why it took 2 years to discover it, explanations were made stating that the reports show department totals, not a breakdown by employee. When she discovered it back in 2021, she stated that she brought it to the attention of then Mayor Lott. She stated that she never got paperwork to make the changes in the system to correct it. Former Mayor Lott was at the meeting and Mayor Young allowed him to speak to the issue. He contended that the Treasurer had not brought it to his attention. He stated that she had a

At one point it was stated that the Treasurer does not report to the Mayor, but to the Council which started a whole new discussion as to why Treasurer Robertson had not brought the mistake before the Council.

City Clerk Stewart had put a letter explaining the overpayment on each of the Councilmen’s desk. She had given explanation as to the overpayment and then asked the council members some pointed questions. This started yet another round of discussion. Alderman Askew stated that her letter had explained the mistake but the add ons (questions) were unnecessary which took him back to the letter given the employees that had been discussed ad nauseum earlier. He stated that it was the add ons causing all the problems.

The meeting was finally adjourned at 9:00 pm.

CAMDEN’S FIRST FRIDAY MONTHLY MARKET KICKS OFF 2023 SEASON APRIL 7TH IN DOWNTOWN CAMDEN
First Friday Monthly Market in Camden, AR is excited about kicking off the 2023 season in downtown Camden. Lots of fun and activities are planned for the April market where the theme is “Bloom Where You Are Planted”!

With the market falling on Good Friday and Thanks to Lorecia Hutchins Shelter Insurance there will be special Easter Egg Hunt for children at the market. They can also visit with the Easter Bunny during the evening and take a fun photo.

Several first-time vendors will be showing their wares, with everything from special leather works, hand thrown pottery, resin art, fresh cut flowers, Easter flower halos, honey, pickles, fresh veggies and farm raised beef.

Two great food trucks will be located at the Washington Street and Madison Ave intersection ready to serve you. “Crawfish Haven” will be set up with wonderful Cajun cooked crawfish and shrimp. To ensure a good variety we will also have Mortuary BBQ and they are always a crowd favorite. If you are looking for a delicious treat Headbangers Creamery will be offering awesome ice cream tacos, floats and other ice cream treats. Other food items can be found throughout the market from flavored popcorn, baked goods, macarons, cheesecake jars even tea party boxes.

We excited to announce the April performer is The Experience. They are a Camden favorite with great jazz, blues and other hits. Dancing is always allowed, so come out and show us your moves. During the band breaks enjoy a lively demonstration from Dance 2 Fit.

Downtown merchants will be open late for all your shopping convenience offering great First Friday specials. First Friday Monthly Market in Downtown Camden, AR, April 7, 6PM – 9PM.

Come stroll, shop, nibble, browse and chat… See you there!

HARMONY GROVE WATER ASSOCIATION TO FLUSH LINES
The Harmony Grove Water Association will begin flushing their water lines on April 3, 2023. This process will take about 7 to 10 working days to complete.

When washing white clothes please take precaution, because this process could stir up sediment in the pipes until the process is complete.

The Harmony Grove Water Association is very sorry for the inconvenience this may cause, but it is a process designed to give the customer the best water quality possible.

If you have any questions, please contact Mike Gairich, HGWA Water operator at 870-807-0641

March 28, 2023

HARMONY GROVE KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
If you have a student who will be 5 years old by August 1 and live in the Harmony Grove School District--- it is time to REGISTER for the 2023-2024 School Year!!

Make your appointment with Mrs. Sorrells, elementary counselor, for March 30, 31, April 14, 21, or 28.

Registration Documents
Birth certificate “
Social Security Card
Immunization records
Heath Insurance Card
Proof of address in HG District (2 bills with guardian’s address)
Health Physical (may get in the summer and return when school starts)
Legal documentations (if there are custody issues)
Parent /Guardian ID
Registration Packet Complete

Please note that your child will not be fully registered or put on a class list until all documentation is received.

Email sorrelr@hgsd1.com or call 574-0338 to request a registration packet and an appointment.

SWEET REPEATS RESALE SHOP TO BE OPEN APRIL 1ST
The Sweet Repeats Resale Shop will be open April 1st from 8am-2pm. The inside sale is at Oasis Church (Former Immanuel Baptist Church Building) on the corners of Mt. Holly and Tate Streets in Camden.

Small Kitchen Appliances, Dishes, Home Décor, Lamps, Bedding, Towels & Washcloths, Picture Frames, Furniture, Children’s Toys, Books, Records, DVD’s, CD’s, Sporting Goods, Exercise Equipment, Electronics, Purses, Jewelry… lots of new items!!!

All proceeds go to The Hub, to benefit the community.

GOVERNOR SANDERS AND ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN ANNOUNCE FILING OF LAWSUITS AGAINST META, TIKTOK
Griffin: ‘[T]heir success cannot come at the expense of Arkansas’s youth’
LITTLE ROCK – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Attorney General Tim Griffin today announced that Griffin has filed three separate lawsuits against social media companies in Arkansas courts – one lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and two lawsuits against TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance. Following the filing of the lawsuits, Sanders issued the following statement:

“We have to hold Big Tech companies accountable for pushing addictive platforms on our kids and exposing them to a world of inappropriate, damaging content. Arkansas is leading the charge on filing three lawsuits against TikTok and Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram. These actions are a long time coming. We have watched over the past decade as one social media company after another has exploited our kids for profit and escaped government oversight. My administration will not tolerate that failed status quo.”

Griffin added:
“The common theme of the three lawsuits filed today is deception, deception that endangers Arkansans, especially our children. First, I filed a lawsuit against Meta to hold them accountable for their disregard of our children’s welfare. Meta has publicly misled consumers about the addictive nature of their products. Specifically, they intentionally employ algorithms that are addictive to adolescents and are rewiring how our children think, feel and behave. Instead of communicating the nature of these algorithms to the public, they actively conceal the nature of their products in pursuit of profits and growth. In testimony under oath in front of the Congress of the United States, they expressly denied the impacts that their products have on minors. We are holding Meta accountable for targeting our youth and deceiving the public about it. We are sending Silicon Valley a clear message that their success cannot come at the expense of Arkansas’s youth.

“Second, I filed two lawsuits against TikTok and ByteDance, collectively: The first lawsuit targets TikTok and ByteDance for misleading the public about the availability of adult content to teenage users. Specifically, they market their app as appropriate for teenage users while offering an abundance of posts that contain mature themes, nudity and drugs, all of which is readily available to minors. The second lawsuit against TikTok and ByteDance targets their false claim that Arkansans’ user data is not accessible by the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party.

“TikTok is deceiving the public regarding the harmful content it is putting in the hands of our kids, and it is deceiving the public about its ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Protecting Arkansas’s youth is my highest calling, and I look forward to the fight.”

SAAC HOSTS THE ARKANSAS WOMAN TO WATCH 2023 TOURING EXHIBITION
The South Arkansas Arts Center welcomes a fantastic art exhibit that is now open and will run through April 27 in the Merkle Gallery that showcases the work of four female artists with ties to Arkansas. An Artist’s Reception is planned for Thursday, March 30, 5:00-7:00pm.

“Arkansas Women to Watch 2023: New Worlds” is the latest exhibit in the Women to Watch (W2W) exhibition series, which was conceived by the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) in Washington, DC, the only museum worldwide solely dedicated to championing women through the arts.

W2W was created specifically for NMWA’s 29 US regional and international affiliated communities, including the Arkansas State Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (ACNMWA). ACNMWA has participated in every W2W exhibition, which, according to Mary Ross Taylor, president of the Committee, “provides national and international museum recognition for more women artists.”

Chaney Jewel, the Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at The Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, selected four artists whose work embodies this year’s “new World” theme for the upcoming exhibition. These participating artists include Anais Dasse, Hannah McBroom, Aimee Papazian and Heidi Carlson-Rogers. In March2023, they will announce which artist is selected to exhibit in the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.

For more information on this fabulous exhibit, please call the SAAC office at 780-862-5471 or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org.

BECHTELHEIMER LECTURE "MODERN ART: NOT IN AMERICA!" UPCOMING AT SAAC
Artist and educator Gay Bechtelheimer will present “Modern Art: Not in America!” on April 13 at the South Arkansas Arts Center. Sponsored by Cherie and Rudy Bright, the spring installment of Bechtelheimer’s popular lecture series will focus on the individuals who brought modern art to the US, how MoMA came to be, and the artists who created the work.

"For almost 30 years, the effort to bring modern art to the United States went nowhere,” says Bechtelheimer. “The attempts were continually hindered by war, economic crisis and a deeply skeptical public. It was a project that might have gone astray, and almost did, if not for the determination of a unique and committed group of people. These prescient individuals recognized and appreciated that the innovative efforts being made by artists in Europe at the beginning of the twentieth century were revolutionary and would have historical significance in the discourse, perception and development of art from that time forward."

The evening’s events will begin with a reception hosted by SouthArk Arts in April, who will bring their interactive mobile mural to SAAC’s Merkle Gallery. Refreshments will be provided beginning at 6:30, with the lecture to follow.

This event is free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. Call 870-862-5474, or visit www.saac-arts.org

March 27, 2023

LIBERTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION WATER DRIVE FOR MISSISSIPPI
The Liberty Baptist Association is collecting bottled Water to take to Mississippi for the people affected by the tornado’s this past Friday. Water can be left here, at the Radio Station and at Grace Baptist Church in Camden. Take your water donations to The Liberty Baptist Association Offices located at 912 Mt. Holly Road in El Dorado. The association office is open Monday through Friday, 8 am - 12 pm. Deadline to leave your donations is Friday, March 31^st at noon.

FARMERS BANK FOUNDATION TO HOST 4^TH ANNUAL GOLF BENEFIT FOR ARKANSAS STATE POLICE FOUNDATION
Magnolia, Ark. (February 16, 2023) – The Farmers Bank Foundation is proud to announce plans for the fourth annual Arkansas State Police Foundation Golf Tournament. The charitable event will be held Friday, March 31, at Mystic Creek Golf Club in El Dorado, Arkansas.

All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Arkansas State Police Foundation. The nonprofit was created in 2002 to ensure that state law enforcement officers are thoroughly trained, equipped, and capable of responding to threats across Arkansas.

Tee times for the golf tournament are scheduled for 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. The event will accept 44 four-person teams (22 teams in the morning session and 22 in the afternoon). The entry fee is $500 per team — complete with breakfast, lunch, two carts, and a gift bag.

The Farmers Bank Foundation is also seeking additional sponsorships before March 20. Sponsorship opportunities range from $200 to $5,000, and in-kind donations will be accepted until the day of the event.

"This golf tournament is one of the biggest charitable endeavors each year for the Farmers Bank Foundation," said Elizabeth Burns Anderson, Executive Director of the Farmers Bank Foundation. "It is not only a key part of our fundraising mission, but it also contributes to a phenomenal nonprofit organization in the Arkansas State Police Foundation and impacts our first responders' abilities to properly train and equip themselves for unforeseen emergencies."

In addition to the golf tournament, the Farmers Bank Foundation is planning activities to help raise additional funds for the Arkansas State Police Foundation. Scheduled events include a 40-yard dash competition among the Market Presidents of Farmers Bank & Trust. Donations can be made for specific Presidents and will be accepted at their branches or online.

A silent auction will also be held online. Items up for bid include Otterbox coolers, autographed memorabilia from former NFL stars Terry Bradshaw and Archie Manning, and a condo vacation in Miramar Beach, Florida.

For more information about the tournament or team registration, sponsorships, auction items, Market President 40-yard dash, or any other event, please visit www.myfarmers.bank/ASPFgolf or call Candace Rankin at 870-235-7003.

Further tournament details and real-time updates can be found on the Farmers Bank & Trust Facebook page at www.facebook.com/farmersbankandtrust.

ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN PRAISES PROTECT ARKANSAS ACT
Griffin: ‘If we aren’t safe, we aren’t free.’
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement praising the introduction of the Protect Arkansas Act, which will reform Arkansas’s criminal justice system, creating truth in sentencing:

“As I often say, if we aren’t safe, we aren’t free.

“The first responsibility of government is to keep its citizens safe, and on this point, the status quo has failed. Arkansas has a deceptive and dangerous parole problem where violent felons go free after serving only a fraction of their time. These violent felons return to our neighborhoods, where they are likely to commit another violent crime against Arkansans. This reality is unacceptable.
“I am grateful to Senator Ben Gilmore and Representative Jimmy Gazaway for showing an early interest last year in reforming our criminal justice system and working to make Arkansas safer. This bill will help protect our communities, victims and our state’s future. I am also very thankful for the partnership with Governor Sanders and her staff to help bring this critical and historic criminal justice reform bill to fruition. I especially want to thank Senior Assistant Attorney General Ryan Cooper, who has played an indispensable role in the drafting of this bill.”

LANDSCAPING BUSINESS OWNER PLEADS GUILTY TO TAX EVASION AFTER NOT FILING AND PAYING TAXES FOR NINE YEARS
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs man and owner of a landscaping business pleaded guilty today to evading more than $507,000 in federal income taxes. U.S. District Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the plea hearing, in which Jerry Christopher Wade, age 43, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging him with tax evasion.

According to court documents, from 2011 through 2019, Wade owned and operated Four Seasons Landscaping, located in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Wade started Four Seasons Landscaping approximately 12 years ago and is 100% owner. The landscaping business was Wade’s only source of income. Despite earning income each year, Wade did not timely file federal income tax returns for the years 2011 through 2019. Wade admitted to federal agents he knew he was required file his tax returns. Wade told agents he did not keep business records, including records documenting income or expenses. Wade further admitted he did not issue IRS Forms W-2 or 1099 to his workers or to himself and he did not keep payroll records for the wages paid to himself or his workers.

During the years under investigation, Wade received checks from customers (income) totaling $2,537,771.86 from 2011 through 2019. Wade did not deposit all of these checks into his bank accounts, and he received cash back from the bank totaling $878,983.48 when he negotiated the checks.

As part of his plea, Wade admitted he intentionally attempted to evade and defeat his income tax responsibilities by taking the following actions, amount others: conducting business transactions in cash, paying employees without reporting said payments to the IRS, cashing customer checks at his financial institution, and asking customers to write multiple checks in amounts of less than $10,000 to avoid bank reporting requirements.

In total, Wade did not pay federal income taxes of $507,554.00 to the IRS, and also admitted that he failed to file income taxes with the state of Arkansas. Wade agreed to pay restitution, including penalties and interest, to both the U.S. Treasury and Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

Wade is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, monetary penalties, and restitution. The U.S. District Judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Mohlhenrich is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov.

BOOZMAN CONTINUES LEADERSHIP IN ADDRESSING VETERAN SUICIDE CRISIS
Introduces Legislation to Support Comprehensive Approach to Help Save Lives
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is continuing his commitment to addressing the veteran suicide crisis by teaming up with Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) to introduce bipartisan legislation that requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to take a more comprehensive look at the factors that can better help save lives.

The Not Just a Number Act would require the VA to examine veterans’ benefits usage in its annual suicide prevention report in order to evaluate the relationship between VA benefits and suicide outcomes. The legislation would also require the VA to analyze which benefits have the greatest impact on preventing suicide, and require the Department to issue recommendations for expansion of those benefits in the fight to combat veteran suicides.

“Improving suicide prevention initiatives remains a priority for Congress,” said Boozman, a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “I’ve led a bipartisan push directing the VA to implement new strategies for outreach by coordinating with successful veteran-serving organizations. The Not Just a Number Act is the next step to modernize how we reach and serve veterans who struggle to get the mental health care and support they need. This legislation will help us make better data-driven policy decisions which can translate into real-world success preventing suicide and saving lives.”

“When it comes to preventing veteran suicide, we’ve got to be looking at all the data we have on hand to see what’s working and what’s not,” said Tester. “The fact is that one veteran lost to suicide is one too many, and our bipartisan Not Just A Number Act would provide a fuller picture of the complex factors contributing to veteran suicide—ultimately helping us make better-informed decisions on how we can save more lives.”

Currently, the VA only analyzes how many veterans who die by suicide had recent interactions with the VA through medical or mental health appointments. Acknowledging suicide prevention goes beyond just mental health practices. The Not Just a Number Act would require the VA to also look at veterans’ use of disability compensation, education and employment benefits, home loans and foreclosure or housing assistance programs.

The Not Just a Number Act builds on Boozman’s veteran suicide prevention efforts to enable the VA to conduct additional suicide prevention outreach through veteran-serving non-profits and support successful measures with federal grants. The Boozman-authored provision was included in legislation expanding veterans’ access to mental health services that was signed into law in 2020.

The Boozman-Tester initiative to require a more comprehensive look at factors contributing to veteran suicide received strong backing from Veterans Service Organizations and stakeholders nationwide.

“The VFW strongly supports the Not Just a Number Act which would require VA to identify all of the factors included in veteran suicide including economic benefits,” said the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Legislative Director Pat Murray. “For far too long VA has looked at veteran suicide as simply a clinical problem, but we know the issue is much more complex than that. This bill would examine veteran suicide by looking at socioeconomic AND mental health factors in order to provide a better roadmap to combat this problem. We thank Senators Tester and Boozman for their bipartisan support for this issue and we look forward to getting this bill passed into law.”

“As DAV and our million-plus members continue our work to combat suicide among veterans, it remains imperative that our nation is armed with data that provides a holistic view of what works best in our fight to prevent these tragic outcomes,” said Disabled American Veterans (DAV) National Commander Joe Parsetich. “This bill would help the VA and other federal, state, and local government agencies better understand the role education, job training, and housing programs play in the veteran suicide epidemic. DAV is proud to support the Not Just a Number Act, and we applaud Senators Tester and Boozman for their bipartisan leadership in introducing this important legislation.”

“Suicide prevention is The American Legion’s top priority and the Not Just a Number Act will ensure that additional data is made available to better understand the suicide epidemic facing the veteran community,” said The American Legion National Commander Vincent J. Troiola. “It is essential that VA leverage all available data to better understand how we can assist veterans in their time of need. We thank Chairman Tester and Senator Boozman for their continued leadership and introducing this important legislation.”

“Student Veterans of America (SVA) believes veteran suicide prevention needs to be an all-hands-on-deck approach, not siloed in the Veteran's Health Administration (VHA),” said SVA Vice President of Government Affairs Tammy Barlet. “The Not Just A Number Act will require the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to analyze veteran suicide data in VA's National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report beyond the VHA touch point by including Veteran Benefits Administration program usage, like education and job training. In addition, this bill will examine the workability at the Office of the Secretary level to form a new VA Suicide Prevention Office to reflect VA's commitment to suicide prevention.”

“Tragically, veteran suicide continues to be a national crisis in this country that demands sustained prevention efforts” said Wounded Warrior Project Vice President of Government and Community Relations Jose Ramos. “The Not Just a Number Act will push our community to understand more about veterans lost to suicide and drive future policies that can help save more lives. We applaud Senators Tester and Boozman for their efforts to address this crisis.”

“Our States and Territories recognize that veteran suicide is a national public health concern and one that can only be addressed by our nation as a whole,” National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) President James S. Hartsell. “For years we have made a concerted effort to promote and expand mental health and suicide prevention efforts for our nation’s veterans. The ‘Not Just a Number Act’ takes our collective efforts to a new level that we fully endorse. Expanding our knowledge of the underlying issues, combined with earlier reporting of key facts, will offer State and Territory Veterans’ Affairs Departments additional opportunities to assist veterans in crisis and provide appropriate services to help prevent suicide attempts. We commend Senators Tester and Boozman for this thoughtful, important legislation.”

“The Not Just a Number Act will improve data collection on veteran suicide and deepen our understanding of what VA programs have the greatest impact on suicide prevention,” said American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A. “AFSP commends Senator Tester and Senator Boozman for introducing this important legislation to increase our understanding of the factors contributing to suicide among veterans and develop solutions to help save lives.”

March 24, 2023

CONSUMER ALERT: H2O POOLS FAILED TO FULFILL PROMISES
Griffin: Company has taken more than $500,000 but has left some Arkansans with 'little more than a hole in the ground.’
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued a Consumer Alert after filing a lawsuit against Conway-based H2O Pools and Supplies, LLC, and its owner for violating the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by failing to perform contracted services or provide purchased goods:

“I filed a lawsuit against H2O Pools and Supplies, LLC and its owner, Victoria Harvey, seeking restitution for Arkansans who have paid more than $500,000 for pools at their homes but instead have been left with—in some cases—little more than a hole in the ground.

“I am also seeking civil penalties as some deceptive acts were committed against elderly Arkansans. Additionally, I am asking for an injunction to prevent the company and owner from operating any pool-related business in Arkansas, so they no longer have an opportunity to prey upon our citizens.”

Griffin says his office has received 26 consumer complaints against H2O Pools and Supplies, LLC, through the beginning of March. Additionally, the Better Business Bureau has received five complaints against the company while the Arkansas Contractor’s Licensing Board received another seven.

In the suit, Griffin says the company and its owner:
Offered to sell and install pools and pool liners for home installation.
Collected down payments for purchase of “pool kit,” “all supplies” and “material.”
After accepting money, failed to provide receipts for purchased goods.
Ignored complaints or failed to provide a solution to consumers, eventually stopping communication.
Harassed consumers who made negative social media posts complaining about the company.

H2O Pools and Supplies, LLC, has also had its registration with the Secretary of State’s Office revoked.

To read the lawsuit filing, click here.

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR M*A*S*H CAMPS
Applications are now being accepted for two summer camp opportunities designed to introduce high school and junior high students to potential medical careers. The camps are scheduled in 19 different communities throughout Arkansas.

The Medical Applications of Science for Health (MASH) concept was first piloted in 1988 by the UAMS Regional Campus in Pine Bluff. Arkansas Farm Bureau (ArFB) quickly recognized the value and importance of these MASH camps in helping rural communities ‘grow their own’ healthcare providers, and when initial grant funding ended, Farm Bureau stepped up to ensure continuation of these programs.

Hosted by one of eight UAMS’ Regional Campuses and/or a local hospital or college, MASH is a two-week summer day camp that introduces students entering grades 11-12 to multiple healthcare careers. Through hands-on activities, tours, and exposure to various healthcare practitioners, students learn about different career options in healthcare. In addition to doctors and nurses, other professions that may be presented include physician assistants, medical/radiologic technologists, respiratory care, pharmacists, EMT/paramedics, physical/occupational therapists, dieticians, public health, and mental/behavioral health professionals. Emphasis is placed on how these different professions function both individually and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

By 2019, MASH had expanded to 34 locations across Arkansas, reaching around 500 students annually, and had also been replicated in several other states. COVID restrictions interrupted programming during 2020-2022, but this summer, the 35th anniversary of MASH, 22 camps are returning in various forms to meet the unique needs of Arkansas communities.

In addition to a full two-week MASH camp, Mini-MASH is an intensive one-week summer program for students entering grades 11-12, and Community Health Applied in Medical Public Service (CHAMPS) is a three- to five-day camp for students entering grades 8-10.

Communities hosting camps this year include Blytheville, Conway, Crossett, DeWitt, El Dorado, Fayetteville, Forrest City, Fort Smith, Harrison, Helena, Lake Village, Malvern, Monticello, Paragould, Rogers, Pine Bluff, Texarkana, Warren, and West Memphis. Deadlines for applications range from March 27 through May 12, but most applications are due in April. For a list of program locations and to apply, see https://regionalcampuses.uams.edu/health-careers/high-school-students/mash/mash-camp-locations/

“Helping to create the prototype for our MASH programs 35 years ago is one of the greatest highlights of my career,” said Robin Howell, Sr. Program Manager for UAMS Regional Campuses. “Since 1988, nearly 10,000 Arkansas students have participated in a MASH camp, with many of them going on to pursue health careers. These programs have helped thousands of students make informed decisions about what they wanted to do with their lives. We have seen many who started in MASH, then came to UAMS, and are now practicing somewhere in Arkansas. We’re very proud of the many “homegrown” Arkansas success stories that began with one of our pipeline programs. And we’re incredibly thankful for the amazing long-term partnership we have in Arkansas Farm Bureau. It simply wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Farm Bureau’s involvement in the programs is an outgrowth of its efforts to ensure access to quality healthcare throughout Arkansas, with a special focus on rural healthcare needs.

“After an almost three-year hiatus, it is exciting to see MASH camps returning,” said Jennifer Craig, Director of Leadership Development for Arkansas Farm Bureau. “The opportunity provided to students through this program is unmatched. For many students, MASH solidifies their commitment to a career in the health field and most importantly, in rural Arkansas.

“Farm Bureau is proud to be a part of ensuring the future of health care providers in rural Arkansas.” MASH, Mini-MASH and CHAMPS offer a variety of activities and experiences to instruct students in core topics, which may include:
CPR & First Aid training
Dissections, Suturing, Casting
Mental/Behavioral Health issues
Opioid/Substance Abuse awareness
Telemedicine
Blood

Arkansas Farm Bureau is a private advocacy organization of almost 190,000 families throughout the state working to improve farm and rural life.

UAMS HOSTS PARTY WITH A PURPOSE IN PRESCOTT TO OFFER FREE HEALTH SERVICES, FOOD, MUSIC
LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Department of Family and Preventive Medicine Research and Evaluation Division (RED) is hosting a free, public health fair April 1 in Prescott.

General and mental health screenings; information on strokes, substance abuse, breast cancer and COVID-19; and testing for sexually transmitted diseases including HIV will be available from noon until 4 p.m. at The Gala Event Center at 122 E. Elm St.

Food trucks will provide free food for up to 250 people during the event, called Party with a Purpose.

Following the health fair, games and prizes will be offered from 4 to 6 p.m., also at the event center. An indoor blues concert will follow at the McRae gym at 1030 E. Fifth St. N. and will feature blues singer King South and R&B singers Tawanna Campbell, Paris Oates and Ken Lambert.

The Department of Family and Preventive Medicine’s Research and Education Division, which is hosting the health fair, also operates a Gap Services office at 117 E. Main St. in Prescott.

UAMS opened the Gap Services office in 2021 to provide free health services, as well as access to food, for residents of southwest Arkansas. It is operated by Berry Marks, a RED program manager.

A second Gap Services office was opened at 1609 E. Ash St. in McGehee the following year. The RED program manager at this location is Peggy Woodson.

STATE CAPITOL WEEK IN REVIEW FROM SENATOR MATT STONE
March 24, 2023
LITTLE ROCK – In every regular session the legislature can refer up to three proposed constitutional amendments to voters.

The measures referred during the 2023 session will be on Arkansas general election ballots of November, 2024. If a majority of voters approve, the amendments will become part of the state Constitution.

Individual lawmakers have introduced 33 proposed amendments. Of those, 20 have been filed by senators and 13 by House members. The proposals are in the form of joint resolutions. Senate Joint Resolutions 1 through 20 are proposed amendments, as are HJR 1001 through HJR 1013.

The legislature has not chosen the three amendments it will refer. The first step is for the Senate and House Committees on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs to narrow the list of proposals.

It is not mandatory for the legislature to refer any proposed amendments. Legislators could refer just one or two resolutions to next year’s ballot.

SJR 10 would establish the rights of crime victims, such as being notified in a timely manner of all public proceedings arising from the crime. For example, any time the offender is due for sentencing or a parole hearing.

The victim would have a right to full and timely restitution, and would have the right to reasonable protection from the accused and from anyone acting on behalf of the accused.

SJR 8 would establish the taxpayers’ bill of rights. It is a shell, meaning that it consists only of a title and a brief description. In addition to creating a taxpayers’ bill of rights, it would set limits on government spending.

SJR 6 would allow lawsuits against the state in state courts. Currently, there is language in the state Constitution that the state may never be sued in any of its courts. SJR 6 would allow a lawsuit alleging the state had violated the U.S. or state Constitutions, and seeking injunctive, declaratory or monetary relief.

SJR 7 would provide that the Highway Commission should be governed in the same manner as all other state agencies. In 1952 Arkansas voters approved Amendment 42, also known as the Mack-Blackwell amendment, and it grants the Highway Commission a degree of constitutional autonomy that other state agencies do not have.

SJR 3 would provide that no individual would be denied the right to conduct a transaction because of his or her personal opinions or beliefs. Transactions would include purchases and sales of goods and services, either in cash, electronically or by a method normally used by households.

SJR 14 would provide for additional methods of financing firefighting equipment. SJR 17 is also a shell. It would set ethical requirements for elected officials. SJR 13 would legalize the growing of marijuana at home. It is a shell, and would be amended to add details later.

One of the lengthiest proposals is HJR 1002, to authorize the legislature to reduce or eliminate property taxes, both real and personal.

HJR 1003 would create procedures for recalling elected officials, after they have taken office.

A House proposal would allow the General Assembly to set its own salaries. Now, an independent commission sets legislative salaries. Another House resolution would allow lottery scholarship revenue to pay for scholarships at vo-tech schools and technical institutes.

RECEPTION AT SAAC FOR ARTIST JOHN KEECH EXHIBITION "TARPIT"
The South Arkansas Arts Center is hosting Jonesboro, Arkansas artist John Keech and his exhibition "Tarpit" to the Price Gallery this March. There will be an artist's reception on Thursday, March 30 from 5:30pm-7:00pm.

A resident of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Keech was born in Winston-Salem North Carolina and raised in Miami, Florida. He earned a B.F.A. from Washington University in St. Louis and an M.F.A. from the University of Iowa before joining the faculty of Arkansas State University in 1968, where he taught drawing for 40 years. His work has been exhibited in juried and solo exhibitions across the country, and can be found in a diverse range of permanent collections.

Keech sees art—or the possibility of art—everywhere. His medium is reverse painting on glass, in which he rolls a coat of black paint over a sheet of plexiglass and then uses materials of all kinds to remove the paint, leaving a transparent image made by the absence of paint. To remove the paint, Keech uses everything from handmade molds, brushes, and combs to bits of trash, packaging, and found objects. Every neighborhood walk is an opportunity to scan the ground to find the next great item he will incorporate into his artwork.

Keech said, "The tradition of reverse painting on glass is as old as glassmaking itself. In the exhibition most of the images resemble fossils of mysterious creatures. Some are surreal and some are rather humorous. The composite pieces evoke a kind of scientific fantasy. The tarpit is an appropriate inspiration."

Keech and his wife, Brenda, are parents to Laura, grandparents to Harper and Rosie, and have a black cat named Ace. When he isn’t painting in his attic studio, he can be found fly fishing or playing pickle ball, which he has recently picked up after decades as a tennis player.

March 23, 2022

CITY OF CAMDEN BOARD OF ALDERMEN TO MEET IN SPECIAL SESSION
The City of Camden Board of Aldermen will meet in special session on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.

The agenda is as follows:
A. Call To Order
B. Roll Call
C. New Business
     1. Resolution No. 30-23, a resolution expressing the willingness of the City of Camden to utilize State And Street monies for the Camden Overlay Project
D.   Other Business
     1. Personnel Issues
     2. Report from Donna Stewart and Lauren Robertson
E. Adjournment

2023-2026 STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROPOSED AMENDMENT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
LITTLE ROCK | March 22, 2023
A proposed amendment to the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s (ArDOT) Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for Federal Fiscal Years 2023-2026 is available for public comment now through March 30. Please visit www.ardot.gov/stip to view the proposed amendment.

The purpose of this proposed STIP amendment is to allocate and utilize funding from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant that was awarded to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT). At the request of ADPHT, these funds will be utilized on improvements to Delta Heritage Trail in Arkansas and Desha counties.

The public is invited to review and comment on the contents of this proposed STIP amendment by March 30. The amendment may also be reviewed at the ArDOT Central Office or the State Clearinghouse. For more information, or to request a copy of this proposed STIP amendment by mail, contact the ArDOT Program Management Division at (501) 569-2262.

All comments regarding this proposed STIP amendment should be submitted to STIP@ardot.gov or in writing to:
Arkansas Department of Transportation
Jared D. Wiley, P.E.
Assistant Chief Engineer – Planning
P.O. Box 2261
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203

ARKANSAS DELEGATION SUPPORTS GOVERNOR’S REQUEST FOR MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION
WASHINGTON— U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman—wrote to President Joe Biden urging him to support Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ request for a major disaster declaration for Bradley, Calhoun, Cleveland, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Grant, Jefferson, Lincoln, Nevada, Ouachita, Searcy and Stone Counties due to severe winter weather from January 30-February 2, 2023.

“Arkansans have demonstrated resourcefulness and resilience during this challenging time. But as it stands, we believe the magnitude of this weather event warrants supplemental federal assistance. The above-mentioned counties have seen homes, businesses, and important infrastructure severely damaged, and federal government resources will be critical in our restoration efforts,” members wrote in the letter.

The letter can be found below:

Dear Mr. President:
On behalf of the State of Arkansas, we are writing to support Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ request to declare a major disaster, pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act, as a result of a winter storm beginning on January 30, 2023, and continued through February 2, 2023.

As Governor Sanders noted in her request, the severity of this event created disastrous amounts of debris, caused widespread power outages, and resulted in the death of two citizens. Preliminary damage estimates show a major impact to local jurisdictions in Bradley, Calhoun, Cleveland, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Grant, Jefferson, Lincoln, Nevada, Ouachita, Searcy, and Stone Counties totaling a staggering $8,946,609.68.

Governor Sanders has activated all emergency resources and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management has coordinated all appropriate state agencies. However, Arkansas has been affected by additional severe weather events before and after this winter storm, including a Gubernatorial Declared disaster. Both the state and many of the local jurisdictions in this request are recovering from these other weather events as well.

Arkansans have demonstrated resourcefulness and resilience during this challenging time. But as it stands, we believe the magnitude of this weather event warrants supplemental federal assistance. The above-mentioned counties have seen homes, businesses, and important infrastructure severely damaged, and federal government resources will be critical in our restoration efforts.

The entire Arkansas delegation is eager to assist in any way possible to ensure expedited evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions. We thank you for your support, and respectfully ask for your attention and assistance in providing the resources necessary to ensure the safety and full recovery of Arkansans.

HOT SPRINGS MAN SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 10 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING AND FIREARMS POSSESSION
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs man was sentenced today to 130 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs.

According to court documents, George Monroe Walston, age 51, was identified by law enforcement to be distributing methamphetamine in Hot Springs, Arkansas area.

Between the months of May 2021 and October 2021, investigators were able to conduct multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Walston.

On April 19, 2021, a search was conducted at Walston’s residence, resulting in investigators locating and seizing approximately 205.3 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, located in various locations throughout the residence; approximately 359.7 grams of marijuana; nineteen (19) individual dosage units of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (aka “LSD” or “Acid”); $6,330 United States Currency; and ten (10) firearms, including five (5) handguns, two (2) shotguns, and three (3) rifles; and various ammunition for the recovered firearms.

The methamphetamine and the LSD recovered and seized, was subsequently forwarded to the Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratory for confirmatory testing.

U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations Little Rock, Hot Springs Police Department, Garland County Sheriff’s Department and 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

COTTON INTRODUCES BILL BANNING FEDERAL CONTRACTORS FROM HAVING RACIAL HIRING QUOTAS
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Protecting Equal Opportunity from ESG Act, legislation that would require that federal contractors certify that they do not use any racial quotas or have any policies that encourage or require discrimination based on race. Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), and Rick Scott (R-Florida) are cosponsoring the legislation.

“No federal contractor should give into leftist pressure have racial quotas and benchmarks in their hiring processes. This legislation will make sure no company doing business with the federal government engages in discriminatory practices,” said Senator Cotton.

“No government policy should be based on race or ethnicity, a habit of the woke left. I’m proud to join Senator Cotton and our colleagues on this commonsense legislation, and urge others to join us and pass it,” said Senator Scott.

The Protecting Equal Opportunity from ESG Act would:
Reinforce existing equal opportunity protections through clarifying, by statue, that government contractors are prohibited from adopting racial quotas.
Prohibit the United States government from doing business with companies that have used racial quotas or policies that employ racial discrimination within the past five years, redirecting federal contract dollars to businesses aligned with our constitutional values.
Include a “national interest” waiver to the five-year lookback provision for contractors in key industries, allowing for narrow exceptions for critical contracts, especially in the first five years after the bill becomes law.

March 21, 2023

TYSON FOODS EXPANDING IN HOPE
Tyson Foods announced this week that it will invest $70 million on a new hatchery in Hope to serve two of its poultry production complexes. Completion of the 131,000-square-foot hatchery in Hope is expected by late 2024. The new hatchery is expected to triple capacity and add to "operational efficiencies" at Tyson's nearby processing operations in Hope and in Nashville. In 2022, Tyson invested $67 million in its Hempstead County operations, including a feed mill. Tyson Foods said the new hatchery will also provide contract opportunities for poultry farmers within a 30-to-50-mile radius of the complex. Tyson C.E.O. Donnie King said that the investment is another way to demonstrate the company's long-term commitment to the Hope and Nashville communities. Current hatchery workers will provide the manpower for the new operation, plus new, additional hires are expected.

CONSUMER ALERT: GRIFFIN FILES COMPLAINT AGAINST HOURGLASS VIXENS, LLC
Griffin: Arkansans should avoid businesses ‘offering massage, medical, cosmetology and dentistry services without a license’
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following Consumer Alert to Arkansans after filing a complaint and request for a temporary restraining order against Benton-based Hourglass Vixens, LLC, and its owner for violating the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and offering multiple services without a license:

“Today I filed a complaint against Hourglass Vixens, LLC, and its owner, Phatiffany Cook, and asked for a temporary restraining order against them for violating the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and for offering massage, medical, cosmetology and dentistry services without a license.

“The business also simply scams many women out of their money – asking consumers to reschedule therapeutic sessions, and when the consumer cannot, failing to refund their payments. Across the nation, unlicensed beauty shops such as this one have unfortunately been the scene of many tragic injuries, and even deaths, because of complications arising from the procedures they perform.”

Griffin said that Hourglass Vixens operated a business that offered the following services without having the required licensure:
Cosmetology treatments, body modification therapy, dental, medical and massage services
Syringe lip fillers, breast lifts and tummy tucks that require the use of needles or blades
Laser liposuction, fat freeze cool sculpting and skin tightening
Teeth whitening

Griffin strongly urges Arkansans to take every step possible to avoid this business, and businesses like it, by confirming they are licensed to perform the services they are offering.

Griffin provided the following contact numbers for consumers to call to confirm that a healthcare provider is licensed in the State of Arkansas:
Arkansas Department of Health – (800) 462-0599
State Medical Board – (501) 296-1802
Massage Therapy Technical Advisory Committee – (501) 683-1448
Arkansas Board of Dental Examiners – (501) 682-2085

The State Medical Board also has a license verification process on its website: www.armedicalboard.org

LIVE ON STAGE, INC. AND THE OUACHITA COUNTY COMMUNITY CONCERT ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCE BEACH BOYS TRIBUTE ACT AS PART OF THEIR 2022 - 2023 CONCERT SEASON
CAMDEN, Ark. – (March 4, 2023) – Sail On is bringing all of the Beach Boys biggest hits to our area for a night of “Fun, Fun, Fun” that won’t soon be forgotten. Join this surfin’ party band for a special concert at the Event Center at Fairview Park on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Children 12th grade and under will be admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paid adult. For more information, please call 870-807-6915 or 870-818-2131, or visit www.camdenaliveonstage.com.

“…musically sound in every respect…”
Felice Jorgeson, Artistic Director

Beach Boys tribute band, Sail On, brings nothing but “Good Vibrations” to every venue they play at! This accomplished group has made a splash on the music scene, establishing themselves as one of the best Beach Boys tribute acts out there today! The group brings a young look and authentic sound reminiscent of the original Beach Boys during the prime of their career. Their impeccable harmonies capture the sound of the iconic band and transport audiences directly to the beach for an evening of lasting memories and music that transcends generations! Click Here To View A Video Of Sail On.

The Ouachita County Community Concert Association has been presenting world-class entertainment to the Camden community since 1947! An enthusiastic group of volunteers work tirelessly to provide family entertainment and educational outreach performances to educate and entertain adults and students alike.

Live On Stage, Inc. provides excellent, affordable, entertainment attractions and support services to an American community of concert presenters.

COTTON LEADS BIPARTISAN LETTER URGING DOD TO UPDATE WARFIGHTING REQUIREMENTS TO FIGHT RUSSIA
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), and Senator Angus King (I-Maine), sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin urging him to implement an update of the Department of Defense’s warfighting requirements for confronting Russia in Europe. The letter noted that the Department has not reassessed its warfighting requirements for Europe since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and does not anticipate significantly changing them until 2026.

In part, the senators wrote:
“Failure to provide timely updates to our warfighting requirements in Europe is already having real-world consequences for decision-making related to security assistance. In recent public testimony, senior Pentagon officials often cited the need to maintain these outdated levels of equipment and munitions as one reason for not providing Ukraine with certain capabilities.”

Full text of the letter may be found below.

March 21, 2023
Secretary Lloyd J. Austin
Department of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 22202

Dear Secretary Austin,

We are writing to request that the Department of Defense immediately undertake an urgent and comprehensive update to its warfighting requirements for confronting Russia in Europe. It is our understanding that the Department has not reassessed its European theater warfighting requirements since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and does not anticipate significantly changing them until FY2026. Maintaining outdated plans and assumptions represents a potential threat not only to our objectives in Europe, but also to our allocation of resources in dealing with our security interests elsewhere in the world.

Senior U.S. military leaders have publicly stated that Russia has suffered upwards of 200,000 casualties and lost significant portions of its most knowledgeable officer and noncommissioned officer corps. Open-source reports also indicate that Ukraine has destroyed half of Russia’s operational tanks and a large proportion of its armored personnel carriers, among other critical capabilities.

Put simply, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have significantly degraded Russia’s conventional forces over the past year. Simultaneously, Western sanctions have effectively constrained Moscow’s ability to rebuild its battered conventional forces. Russia’s military is not the same as it was in 2021, and shows no signs of returning to its pre-invasion state in the near term. Our European warfighting requirements should reflect this new reality—not in 2026, but now.

Failure to provide timely updates to our warfighting requirements in Europe is already having real-world consequences for decision-making related to security assistance. In recent public testimony, senior Pentagon officials often cited the need to maintain these outdated levels of equipment and munitions as one reason for not providing Ukraine with certain capabilities.

We urge the Department of Defense to quickly begin the process of updating its warfighting requirements for confronting Russia in Europe, and to brief Congress on the updated assessment no later than April 21. This is essential to maintaining the partnership between the Congress and the administration on additional security assistance to Ukraine.

Sincerely,

_____________________                                                               _____________________
Tom Cotton                                                                                        Richard Blumenthal
United States Senator                                                                      United States Senator

March 20, 2023

PLANT A SEED OFFERS SPRING BREAK TO-GO LUNCHES
Plant a Seed is offering free to go Spring Break Lunch Sacks for children 18 and under March 20^th through March 14^th. Lunch sacks will be available from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Plant a Seed Building located in Carnes Park in Camden.

SANDERS REQUESTS MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FROM PRESIDENT BIDEN
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Joe Biden to support ongoing recovery efforts in communities impacted by the severe winter weather in January and February of this year, which caused power outages, damage to infrastructure, and deaths.

“Today, I submitted a formal request to President Biden to secure a Major Disaster Declaration to support communities across the state of Arkansas impacted by the winter storms earlier this year. The sheer magnitude of this event created disastrous amounts of debris, caused extensive power outages, and resulted in the death of two Arkansans and the injury of many others. We have determined that these storms are of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments, and that supplementary federal assistance is necessary. Thirteen hard-hit Arkansas counties have sustained significant damage to infrastructure, businesses, agriculture, and property – and we must provide these Arkansans with the assistance they need to fully recover.”

With the damage assessment process now complete, Governor Sanders is specifically requesting:

Public assistance for Bradley, Calhoun, Cleveland, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Grant, Jefferson, Lincoln, Nevada, Ouachita, Searcy, and Stone Counties

Hazard Mitigation statewide

BOOZMAN SHARES SERVICE MEMORIES OF FORT SMITH VETERAN IN RECOGNITION OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
WASHINGTON– U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the service and sacrifice of Debbie Emery in ‘Salute to Veterans,’ a series recognizing the military service of Arkansans.

Emery knew right out of high school she wanted to continue the example set by her family and enlist in the military. “I graduated high school [in] 1972, I wanted to join then to follow my uncles, my father, my grandfathers,” she said. “I wanted an opportunity to do something with my life.”

Emery joined the Army and served in the Women’s Army Corps. She was assigned to the 86th combat support hospital at Fort Campbell, Kentucky before becoming a member of one of the Army’s first all-female firing squads. She then transitioned into the 143rd Army Signal Corps and received data-telecommunications training to be a communications center specialist, but later took on an executive administration role before finally becoming a chaplain’s assistant. Her time in the service took her all around the world from Germany to Panama and South Korea.

She noted that although it was hard to adjust to being away from family and friends, the excitement of new locations was something she truly loved. “I absolutely loved the travel. I was one that enjoyed going and meeting,” Emery said. “Where else can you go and get benefits like, you know, travel [and] they supply you a place to live.”

When Emery joined the Army, it was a time few were enlisting. Serving in the military was also not something a lot of women did and, as a result, they were often separated from their male counterparts. “When I first went, of course everything was all female drill sergeants, all female cadre, everything we had was all females…Females weren’t really as welcome during that period.” Debbie and women like her paved the way for future generations of women to have greater opportunities in uniform and truly be respected for their capabilities.

She retired as a Sergeant First Class. Advancing in military rank was one of the major highlights of her career. “Every time you got a promotion, it was just, you were ecstatic thinking I really did something well here.” She is also the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal.

Since leaving active duty, she has been involved in local veterans programs and has maintained a positive outlook on the military and the benefits of joining the Armed Forces. “Join. You will never have such a close camaraderie. You can have relationships that you’ll build for life,” she said. “To me it’s amazing, it’s very amazing the bonds and friendships that you build throughout. It’s an honorable profession and I would encourage people to go.”

“Debbie Emery rightfully takes pride in her service to our country. I am grateful for her dedication to America’s defense and her role in showing future generations of women they have a place in the military. I am pleased to collect her stories and preserve her memories of time in uniform,” Boozman said.

Boozman will submit Emery’s entire interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.

March 17, 2023

ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN CHALLENGES RACE-BASED RESTRICTIONS ON CAMDEN FAIRVIEW STUDENTS
Griffin: ‘It’s time to put education decisions in the hands of parents’
LITTLE ROCK – After filing a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, El Dorado Division, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement:

“I have acted to terminate a consent decree affecting students in the Camden Fairview School District. Arkansas has made great strides in expanding educational opportunities for our children. Parents should be able to select the school that best meets their child’s needs, and school choice should be available to all families across the state. But for decades, students in Camden have been denied that opportunity solely based on their race because of an unconstitutional agreement entered into by previous administrations.

“I am asking the federal district court to end that government-sponsored, illegal racial discrimination. It’s time to put education decisions in the hands of parents.”

Background
More than three decades ago, parents in Ouachita County brought an action to consolidate the Camden, Fairview and Harmony Grove school districts. That lawsuit ended with a consent decree that consolidated the Camden and Fairview school districts and an agreement by Harmony Grove not to accept transfers by white students without the new Camden Fairview district’s permission

Several years later, after Camden Fairview approved the transfer of children from one white family and rejected another transfer application, the school districts agreed not to permit any transfers by white students without a court order. Camden Fairview later sought to expand that race-based restriction to include other schools, and the Office of the Attorney General successfully blocked it.

To read the filing, click here.

CAMDEN WATER UTILITIES TO FUSH LINES
Camden Water Utilities will be conducting it’s annual city wide system flush, starting Monday, March 27 and lasting until Friday, March 31, 2023. Caution should be used when washing clothes as sediment will be present from time to time during this period.

Camden Water Utilities would like to apologize for any inconvenience this may cause its customers and ask for your patience and understanding during this time frame.

Should customers have any questions concerning the system flush they can call 836-7331.

CAMDEN FAIRVIEW BOARD OF EDUCATION TO MEET
The Camden Fairview Board of Education will hold their regular meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at Garrison Auditorium.

The agenda is as follows:
Call to order
Student Hearings
Approval of minutes of previous meetings

Unfinished Business
None

New Business
Presentation and recommendation regarding the 2023-2024 school calendar.
Presentation and recommendation of the Camden Fairview Middle School auditorium project.
Presentation and recommendation regarding of Capturing Kids Heart.
Presentation and recommendation regarding Camden Fairview School District providing a virtual option for instruction for 6-12 grade students for the 2023-24 school year.
Presentation of Camden Fairview Middle School Star Academy.
Presentation and recommendation regarding the Camden Fairview High School track resurface.
Facility Rentals
Superintendent’s report to the Board
Financial report
Personnel
Superintendent Evaluation
Hiring
Resignation

ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN REFERS SUMMIT UTILITIES INVESTIGATION FINDINGS TO PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Griffin: 'As the advocate for Arkansas rate payers, I have identified problems that demand the Public Service Commission’s attention'
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today released the following statement announcing he is referring the findings of his office’s investigation into Summit Utilities Arkansas, Inc. to the Arkansas Public Service Commission and is asking the Commission to investigate the company’s purchasing and billing practices and potential violations of Commission rules:

“As the advocate for Arkansas rate payers, I have identified problems that demand the Public Service Commission’s attention regarding both the price of gas that Arkansans pay and billing. These issues have resulted in more than 2,800 calls to my office since January. I am asking the Commission to open separate investigations of the natural gas costs and billing practices of Summit Utilities.”

ARKANSAS STATE POLICE CAPTAIN GRADUATES FROM FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY
QUANTICO, Va. (March 17, 2023) — On Thursday, March 16, 2023, Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagar announced that Captain Chris Goodman graduated as a member of the 285th session of the FBI National Academy. The graduation took place at the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Nationally, fewer than one percent of officers have the opportunity to attend this prestigious program.

“On behalf of Arkansas State Police, we congratulate Captain Goodman on this impressive accomplishment,” said Colonel Hagar, who also serves as the Arkansas Public Safety Secretary. “Captain Goodman is uniquely qualified for admission to this respected program, and he represented our organization and our great state with distinction. I am immensely proud of the elite members of our organization who have graduated from the National Academy, as they embody ASP’s core values: Honor, Integrity, Duty and Excellence.”

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

The 285th session consistent of two hundred and forty-seven law enforcement officers from 47 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 28 countries, four military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations.

Captain Goodman started his career at the Russellville Police Department in 1997. In 2003, he was hired by Arkansas State Police and assigned to Troop H. In 2006, he transferred to Troop J, where he remained until 2018. He was promoted to sergeant in Pope County, Troop J in 2016, back to Troop H as a lieutenant in 2018, and then to captain of Troop H in 2020. He has a wife and two daughters.

About the FBI National Academy
FBI Academy instructors, special agents, and other staff with advanced degrees provide the training; many instructors are recognized internationally in their fields. Since 1972, National Academy students have been able to earn undergraduate and graduate credits from the University of Virginia, which accredits many of the courses offered. A total of 54,154 graduates have completed the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. The National Academy is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, the same facility where the FBI trains its new special agents and intelligence analysts.

OVER $1 MILLION PROVIDED FOR ARKANSAS WATER AND WASTEWATER PROJECTS
LITTLE ROCK, AR – On March 15, 2023, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Commission approved $1,078,415 for five water and wastewater projects serving more than 1,278 Arkansans. The projects are as follows: Lisbon Public Water Authority, Union County, received a $107,263 loan from the Water Development Fund to extend a waterline to a new service area on Morning Star Road. The current customer base for this project is 487.

City of Menifee, Conway County, received a $368,822 loan from the Water Development Fund to replace a cement waterline with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. The current customer base for this project is 200.

City of Ogden, Little River County, received a $80,340 loan from the Water Development Fund for tank improvements. The current customer base for this project is 206.

City of Ozan, Hempstead County, received a $149,221 loan from the Water Development Fund for a water treatment plant and tank improvements. The current customer base for this project is 127.

City of Taylor, Columbia County, received a $372,769 loan from the Water Development Fund to replace existing water meters and install a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. The current customer base for this project is 258.

More information about the Natural Resource Division’s water and wastewater programs can be found at agriculture.arkansas.gov/natural-resources/divisions/water-development/water-and-wastewater-funding/ or by contacting Debby Dickson at debra.dickson@agriculture.arkansas.gov or 501-682-0548. Learn more about the Arkansas Department of Agriculture at agriculture.arkansas.gov/.

The Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture, forestry, and natural resources to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while conserving natural resources and ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

STATE CAPITOL WEEK IN REVIEW FROM SENATOR MATT STONE
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.

March 16, 2023

CITY OF CAMDEN BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEET - HEATED DISCUSSIONS ENSUE
The City of Camden Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, March 14th at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.

Mayor Charlotte Young called the meeting to order promptly at 7 pm. The Invocation was given by Superintendent Ronald Matheney, Pastor of the Johnson Memorial CAGIC, located at 885 Lincoln Drive in Camden. The Invocation was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance

City Clerk Donna Stewart called the roll. Aldermen L.E. Lindsey, Lawrence Askew, William McCoy, Chris Aregood, Gerald Castleberry, Ed Winters and Marvin Moore were all in attendance. Alderman Ebony Bullet was absent upon roll call. She did arrive at 7:15 pm.

Minutes of Regular Meeting dated February 14, 2023 and the Financial Report for February 2023 were passed by unanimous vote.

Mayors Report. Mayor Young reported that the Camden Water Utilities will be flushing lines. Mayor Young introduced the Employee of the month Leslie Harrington who is a Camden Police Officer. She received a Gift card and certificate. The Mayor personally purchases the gift cards. You can nominate any City Employee that you wish for Employee of the Month. Call City Hall if you know of someone who is going above and beyond to serve the City. Talked about the events planned for Spring Staycation. You can visit the City of Camden page for details. Most events are free.

Police Chief Boyd Woody gave the Annual Police Department Report. This year's annual report of the Camden Police Department provides a comparison of Crime and Activity for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 as well as other years as appropriate.

The data is presented in this manner to provide not only a better and hopefully clearer understanding of crime in our City but also a means of evaluating the Department's effectiveness in addressing this problem.

The report also provides an overview of the many other activities of Department responsibility and likewise provides the means of evaluating our effectiveness in addressing these other matters as well.

This year's crime stats are based on seven (7) different categories of offenses: homicide, robbery, rape, burglary, assault, theft, and auto theft, which are reported to the FBI on a monthly basis through its National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Those categories are further divided into crimes against person (homicide, rape, robbery and assault) and crimes against property (burglary, theft and auto theft).

In 2022 there we 382 Criminal cases reported. The Department closed 288 of those cases of 75.4%. There were 131 cases of Domestic Violence reported. All of those cases were closed.

A total of $568,292 was the Felony amount stolen for the year. The Department recovered $351,971 or 62%.

There were 113 Felon warrants and 29 misdemeanor warrants over the course of the year.

25 vehicles were reported stolen. 23 of the 25 were recovered as well as 7 additional vehicles recovered from other jurisdictions.

Firearms were used in 44 of the 513 cases.

The Police Department responded to 9606 calls for services during 2022, averaging over 195 calls per week.

During the calendar year 2022, the Animal Control Officers responded to 663 complaints. As a result of these complaints, 318 dogs were confined, 139 reports were filed, 68 citations issued and 29 warnings were issued. In 2022 61 of the dogs that were confined were sent to Rescue Shelters in other states and were reclaimed by their owners.

Marvin Moore called for an executive session. No action was taken as a result of the session. The Counsel members will receive more Information from the Mayor before the next meeting.

The meeting moved to Old Business with Ordinance No. 01-23, an ordinance authorizing a rate plan for the Water and Sewer Department, and amending Chapter 22, Water and Sewers, Article II, Water, Division 2, Meter and Rates, Section 22-22, Rates of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Camden, Arkansas. This was the second reading. There was a public hearing regarding this matter just prior to the City Council meeting. Only a hand full of people attended the hearing. Aldermen that were there heard from the Water Department Head, David Richardson. No one had any negative comments during the meeting. If the City Council does not make the rate changes, the state will take over the City Water Department and the rates will go up . The City is in a position of raising rates and maintaining control of our water system, or leave rates as they are and let the State of Arkansas tell the City what we will do regarding our water rates. A motion was made to suspend the rules and put the Ordinance to a final vote. Alderman Askew, Gulley, McCoy, and Moore voted no. Aldermen Lindsey, Castleberry, Winters and Aregood voted yes. The Ordinance will come back for a third reading next month.

Ordinance No. 02-23, an ordinance amending Chapter 22, Water and Sewers, Article III, Sewers, Division 3 Rates and Charges, Section 22-65, Sewer Rates, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Camden, Arkansas. This was the second reading. The Ordinance will come back for a third reading next month.

Resolution No. 14-23, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development (OPED) to provide certain Economic Development Services for the City of Camden. Executive Director of OPED and two reps from Small Business Administration were in attendance to answer questions. Mr. Silliman and the reps had handouts for the council to see that explained some of the things that are offered. After some discussion, it was brought to the attention of the Board that this Resolution had been voted down last month and shouldn’t even be on the agenda. This was the case so at this time, the City will not provide any funding for Economic Development in the area.

New Business began with Resolution No. 20-23, a resolution confirming the appointment of Karen McClane to the Camden Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. The appointment was approved by unanimous vote.

Resolution No. 21-23, a resolution confirming the appointment of Sandra Wood to the Camden Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. The appointment was approved by unanimous vote.

Resolution No. 22-23, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Ouachita County Cooperative Extension Service to provide educational programs. After Kerry Weatherford from the County Extension Office explained some of the educational programs they provide, the resolution was approved by unanimous vote.

Resolution No. 23-23, a resolution amending the Annual Operating Budget for 2023; and for other purposes. This was for repairs to the motor of the current rescue boat for the Fire Department. A new boat is being purchased, however, if the Fire Department keeps the older boat in working conditions, it is smaller than the new boat and can get to places that the larger boat wont be able to get to. The smaller boat is also good when the Department rescue residents from their homes when there is flooding in the area. The resolution was approved by unanimous vote.

Resolution No. 24-23, a resolution amending the Annual Operating Budget for 2023; and for other purposes. Motion made and seconded. There was money Budgeted to get new truck for the purpose of hauling the trash to Smackover. The lead time to get a new truck is one and a half to two years. It was Requested to get approval to purchase a used truck. The Used truck still has about two years warranty on it. The Budgeted amount was $150,000 but a new truck is now priced at $190,000.00. The used truck is $107,000.00. It was learned that the city already has the used truck in operation as money had been appropriated for the expenditure. The Council does want the Department to look into the possibility of buying an extended warranty. The resolution was approved by unanimous vote.

Resolution No. 25-23, a resolution amending Resolution 7-17 and the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual. Motion made and seconded. There was some discussion regarding employees clocking in and out and the new program that is in the process of being implemented throughout the city. The new software will allow employees to clock in and out, keep up with vacation and sick time, etc. all on their phone. The city is working to work out any possible problems or bugs before implementing it. No City employees are using the program at this time. This software will benefit the employees as well as the city’s overall efficiency in time keeping. Alderman Gulley asked to table the Resolution to look at the Personnel Policy more in depth. The resolution was tabled until the June meeting.

Resolution No. 26-23, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Lease Agreement with the Events Center at Fairview Park; and for other purposes. Motion was made and seconded. Alderman McCoy asked to table the Resolution. He maintains the lease Agreement is not in compliance with the agreement with school. Amanda Wunnerberg and Teresa Allen spoke regarding the Events Center. Motion was made to amend the Resolution subject to approval of the Camden Fairview School District. The Amendment was approved with Aldermen McCoy and Askew abstaining. More discussion was had regarding the legality of the lease agreement as well as questions on some of the wording of the agreement and the length of the contract. Motion was made and seconded to amend the lease from 40 years to 25 years. The resolution was approved as amended with all aldermen voting for it with the exception of Alderman McCoy who abstained.

Resolution No. 27-23, a resolution amending the Annual Operating Budget for 2023; adding new revenue and expense line items for a Police grant; and for other purposes. Motion was made and seconded. The resolution was approved by unanimous vote.

Resolution No. 28-23, a resolution amending Resolution 7-17 and the Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual; shortening the waiting period for employee insurance coverage; and for other purposes. Motion was made by Alderman Gulley to table the resolution until June. Alderman Castleberry asked why to delay as it wasn't a change in policy but to only help employees get insured quicker after hire. Alderman Gulley contended that there should be a workshop before making the change since the board had already decided to wait for a workshop on policy and procedure. The vote was split 4 to 4. Mayor Young voted to move forward so the Resolution moved forward for a final vote. There was more discussion questioning the wording of the Resolution. City Attorney Michael Frey explained the reasoning behind the way the wording of the resolution. The resolution passed with all Aldermen voting yes with the exception of Alderman Gulley who abstained.

Resolution 29-33, a resolution amending the City and Rescue Grant Budgets for the purpose of claiming revenue replacement funds for police and fire salaries and employer payroll contributions. Motion was made and seconded. The Resolution passed by unanimous vote.

That was all on the agenda except for “Other Discussion”. A couple of Aldermen mentioned things they had on their mind but then the issue of what was discussed in Executive Session came up. There was a very heated argument as to why the Council should or should not vote on it at the current time. The discussion turned to argument and all the Aldermen were trying to speak over one another. At one time, it looked as though things could get uglier than they had already become, and Police Chief Boyd Woody got up and went to the Aldermen’s table and told them that things were getting out of hand. Mayor Young gaveled the room down. It was decided to have a special meeting for the purpose of voting on the personnel issues on March 29^th.

The meeting adjourned at 12:16 am. The next regular meeting of the Camden City Board of Aldermen is April 11, 2023.

SAU TECH TO DEDICATE PRYCE ROBERTSON PARK
Southern Arkansas University Tech invites the public to the Pryce Robertson Park Dedication on April 8, 2023, at Noon. Rocket Baseball will follow the dedication with games against Carl Albert State College starting at 1:00 pm. Pryce is the son of Richard and Vicki Robertson and is an alumnus of Southern Arkansas University Tech. Rain out date is April 22 at Noon.

AGFC AIMS TO SUSTAIN CONSERVATION WITH NEW CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (March 16, 2023) –- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) announced today a new corporate partnership program designed for Arkansas companies to support long-term conservation efforts in the state. Inaugural partners include Greenway Equipment and Fiocchi Ammunition as companies dedicated to the conservation and enjoyment of Arkansas's wildlife and natural resources.

“Arkansas is blessed with not only fantastic natural resources, but we also are home to some of the most conservation-minded people and businesses in the country,” AGFC Director Austin Booth said. “Conservation is in the fabric of what makes us Arkansans, and this initiative will enable the many businesses who recognize that importance to contribute to the valuable work of conserving our natural resources for the next generation of Arkansans.”

The new program offers companies opportunities to partner with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and its Foundation in their shared interest in the preservation and protection of Arkansas. Proceeds from each partnership will support the Commission’s targeted initiatives around habitat restoration, wildlife management, and educational programs, enabling expanded efforts and engaging more Arkansans in outdoor recreational activities.

“Greenway is proud to partner with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as a Premier AGFC Conservation and Cultivation Sponsor. This partnership not only aligns with our company’s commitment to give back to the communities in which we operate, but also allows us to support the AGFC by providing the products and services necessary to promote and protect our state’s many valuable natural resources,” said Bill Midkiff, president of Greenway Equipment. “Through our sponsorship of private land programs such as DMAP and WRice, we hope to increase awareness and adoption of sustainable management practices which enhance wildlife habitats and provide support to all landowners during each step of the process.”

“Fiocchi is honored to invest in both conservation and sustainable economic growth throughout Arkansas. Our partnership with the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation will allow us to broaden our commitment to our employees and other Arkansans,” said Tim Caldwell, vice president and general manager for Fiocchi of America. “It also compliments our corporate values as we build the first lead-free primer facility in America, right here in Arkansas. We are proud to help sponsor the Arkansas Game & Fish Commision’s Mayflower Shooting Range and support the local law enforcement entities as well as the growing interest in adult and youth shooting sports.

Corporate partners will have the opportunity to collaborate with AGFC on projects that align with their values and goals. Partnerships can take many forms, including sponsorships, cause-marketing campaigns, and employee engagement initiatives.

The AGFF engaged Arkansan Alan Turner of Turner Sponsorship Consultants for his 20+ years of experience in partnership marketing to help build the program and identify companies with operations in Arkansas that share the same passion for the outdoors and preserving it. To learn more, contact Jibbie Tyler, senior director of corporate partnerships for the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation.

COTTON INTRODUCES BILL TO ALLOW DEATH PENALTY FOR COP-KILLERS
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) introduced the Defending Our Defenders Act today, legislation that would make the murder of a state or local law enforcement officer a federal crime punishable by life in prison or the death penalty.

Congressman Mike Garcia (CA-27) is introducing companion legislation in the House. Bill text may be found here.

“Law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to defending the rule of law and protecting their fellow citizens. An attack on an officer is an attack on our democracy, and those criminals must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This bill will subject those who murder police to a punishment they deserve, life in prison or the death penalty,” said Senator Cotton.

“The Defund the Police movement and soft-on-crime policies from the far-left have severely handicapped police officers’ ability to confront skyrocketing crime rates and have put these brave men and women in more danger than ever. We must do more to take care of our heroic law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. That’s why I’m proud to join Senator Tom Cotton in introducing this important bill. I named this legislation in honor of a hero of the Antelope Valley, Sgt. Steve Owen, who was brutally murdered in 2016 while on duty. It is critical that we pass this legislation to ensure our law enforcement officers have the protection necessary to do their jobs effectively. The men and women who protect us every day deserve to know that we have their back,” said Congressman Garcia.

Organizations endorsing the legislation include the National Association of Police Organizations, Major County Sheriffs of America, California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations, Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, Los Angeles Police Protective League, and Heritage Action for America.

March 14, 2023

SAU TECH TO HOST SPECIAL SPEAKER
Please join us for a presentation by Kevin Nicholson. Kevin is the Global Fixed Income Chief Investment Officer for RiverFront Investment Group. Kevin serves on the firm's Operating Committee. He also regularly guests on financial news channels such as CNBC, Bloomberg, and Yahoo Finance. Kevin will speak on interest rates, the stock market, and the Silicon Valley banking crisis. The presentation is free and open to the public.

March 28, 2023
1:00 PM -2:30 PM
Tech Engineering Auditorium - TE 100

Learn more about Kevin at https://www.riverfrontig.com/about/our-associates/kevin-nicholson/

DON'T RELY ON LUCK THIS ST. PATRICK'S DAY — DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER
March 13, 2023
For many, celebratory drinks and St. Patrick’s Day go together like corn beef and cabbage. To help keep roadways safe throughout the State this St. Patrick’s Day, Arkansas law enforcement officers are teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. If your plans for the holiday include alcohol, make sure you plan for a sober driver – Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

“Arkansans will join people from across the globe in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, March 17. While St. Patrick’s Day has cultural and religious significance to many, it is also associated with widespread binge drinking,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “If you’ve been drinking, make the smart choice to plan for a sober driver or ride-shar app to get you and your friends home safely. Before you put your keys in the ignition, remind yourself: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

According to NHTSA, 11,654 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2020. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2016 to 2020 — one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 45 minutes in 2020. This is why Arkansas law enforcement is working with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, but also a matter of life and death. As you head out to the festivities, help us spread the word: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest times on our nation’s roads. During the 2016-2020 St. Patrick’s Day holiday period (6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18), 287 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes. In 2020 alone, 37 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period (6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18). Drivers should also keep an eye out for pedestrians who have been drinking. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly; lack of attention to surroundings could put pedestrians at risk of injury or worse.

If you’re the designated driver, make sure you keep that promise of safety to yourself and your passengers. It can be a long night, but your passengers are counting on you, not to mention the other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the streets that are entitled to a safe roadway. Take the role of designated driver seriously — you are making a difference.

Celebrate with a Plan
— Before heading out, it’s vital to plan ahead. Be honest with yourself: You know whether you’ll be drinking or not. Arkansas law enforcement recommends these safe alternatives 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 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.

Always remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
For more information on impaired driving, visit https://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.

EXHIBITION BY ARTIST WESLEY BEARD SHOWING AT SAAC
The South Arkansas Arts Center is hosting local artist Wesley Beard and his exhibition "Kaleidoscope Eclipse" to the Lobby Gallery. Inspired by a passion of observing and photographing insects in nature, the installation features moth wing art and origami crane mobiles by the El Dorado native and will be on exhibit through the end of March with a closing reception on Thursday, March 30 from 5:30-7:00pm.

Just as the title of his exhibit insinuates, being that a group of butterflies is referred to as a "kaleidoscope" and a group of moths is referred to as an "eclipse," Beard's passion for insects has spanned for many years. The photographs, mostly of moths, in his exhibit were actually captured in South Arkansas and have been photoshopped with 8 to 32 images of the same wing creating a mandala-like pattern.

Beard's interest in moths was first piqued at an industrial job where many types of insects would find their way through the shop and blend in to the world where he worked. He became enthralled with the intricacies and diversities of moths. For example, Beard said, "moths have individual scales that act as a coat for the wings, body, and head. Moths also differ in the way they display themselves while they roost. Some have their wings flat with the surface while others pinch their wings behind the back perpendicular to their perch. I've even seen wings rolled around the body like a blanket to mimic dead grass." Beard went on to say, "The combinations continue to amaze me with every new moth or insect I encounter."

Born in El Dorado, he was raised by a family filled with teachers of love and creativity. Beard moved to Florida after high school but then returned to El Dorado in 2011 where he now resides with his wife and children. It was about the time that his son was born that he began making the origami cranes and creating the mobiles to bring peace, luck, and balance into visualization. Wesley invites all the guest to take an origami crane from the display as a gift.

For more information on the Wesley Beard exhibit at the South Arkansas Arts Center, please call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org. SAAC is located at 110 East Fifth Street, El Dorado, Arkansas.

VEHICLE INVOLVED IN MARCH 9 PEDESTRIAN DEATH LOCATED
Arkansas State Police has located the vehicle believed to be involved in a March 9 hit-and-run pedestrian fatality that occurred on U.S. Highway 82 in Lafayette County.

An 85-year-old Springhill, Louisiana, resident who was visiting family in Arkansas was killed when he was struck. The investigation into his death is ongoing. Information will be released as it becomes available.

FORESTERS FOR THE FUTURE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN THROUGH JUNE 15, 2023
LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division and the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) are pleased to announce that applications for the Foresters for the Future scholarship are now being accepted. The scholarship will provide $4,000 per semester, for four years, to an incoming freshman pursuing a forestry degree at UAM’s College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources.

Applications will be accepted through June 15. Students interested in the scholarship can find more information on the UAM website at uamont.edu/academics/CFANR/forestersforthefuture.html.

“Arkansas has nearly 19 million acres of forests with over 12 billion trees,” said State Forester Joe Fox. “This scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for a future forester to obtain a quality education and move into a dynamic and rewarding career field.”

The scholarship program was established by Act 399 of the 2021 Regular Session of the Arkansas General Assembly. UAM and the Forestry Division hope the scholarship will entice students to pursue forestry as a career.

“The forestry industry is a pillar of Arkansas’s economy that impacts every area of our state,” said Dr. Peggy Doss, UAM Chancellor. “The Foresters for the Future Scholarship will support our efforts to attract and to retain a diverse group of future foresters and to prepare them for a career path that offers extensive job opportunities in the wood products industry.”

"This scholarship is a tremendous opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Michael Blazier, Dean of the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources and Director of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center. “Not only does it provide substantial financial aid to help them study for a career in forestry, they get a wide range of internship options for on-the-job learning with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division."

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture, forestry, and natural resources to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while conserving natural resources and ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Visit www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, a University of Arkansas System Center of Excellence, brings together interdisciplinary expertise through a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The College and Center are headquartered at the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus, but their programs range statewide with the mission of developing and delivering teaching, research, and extension programs that enhance and ensure the sustainability and productivity of forest-based natural resources and agricultural systems. Academic programs are delivered by the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources through the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, research is administered by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and extension and outreach activities are coordinated by the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello offers all of their programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.

ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN ESTABLISHES ELECTION INTEGRITY UNIT (EIU)—TO INCLUDE ELECTION LAW HOTLINE—UNDER SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement announcing the creation of the Election Integrity Unit under his office’s Special Investigations Division with Chief of Investigations Wayne Bewley serving as the unit’s director:

“Public confidence in our elections is tied directly to public confidence in government. Election integrity has always been a priority for me throughout my time in public office. Therefore, as Attorney General I have established an Election Integrity Unit. This unit will operate using existing personnel and funding and will require no additional resources.

“As director of the unit, Chief Bewley will work closely with Senior Assistant Attorney General and Chief Prosecutor Ryan Cooper to ensure that all credible leads are investigated, including those received through our existing Election Law Hotline, also under the supervision of the Election Integrity Unit.”

Griffin reminds Arkansans who may wish to file a complaint concerning potential election law violations to contact his office’s Election Law Hotline at (833) 995-8683.

ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN FILES AMICUS BRIEF WITH U.S. SUPREME COURT IN SUPPORT OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR FEMALES IN ATHLETICS
Griffin: ‘No female should be forced to give up her spot to a male or be forced to share a locker room with a male’
LITTLE ROCK – Following a filing in the U.S. Supreme Court today, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement:

“Today, I co-led a 21-state amicus brief defending female sports and fighting to give females equal athletic opportunity. Our U.S. Supreme Court brief supports West Virginia’s emergency appeal asking the Court to reinstate its law barring males from competing as females. No female should be forced to give up her spot to a male or be forced to share a locker room with a male. And the Constitution and federal law don’t force her to do so.”

BOOZMAN INTRODUCES BILLS TO COMBAT ARKANSAS PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is continuing his leadership to address the growing health care provider shortage with the introduction of a pair of legislative initiatives aimed at attracting medical professionals to practice in communities across Arkansas. The senator is advancing bills to increase access to medical residency slots in underserved areas and incentivize students to join the medical field.

More than 500,000 Arkansans live in an area defined by the federal government as lacking the adequate number of health professionals to serve the population. Nationwide, the U.S. faces a projected shortage between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians by 2034 according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.

“We have an urgent need to ensure well-qualified medical providers are available to care for and treat Arkansans no matter where they live. The Natural State ranks among the lowest in the number of available physicians per capita. Reducing the physician shortfall and supporting the health care needs of our communities continue to be priorities for which I’m working to deliver bipartisan solutions,” Boozman said.

Boozman and Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) have teamed up again this Congress to help address the growing physician shortage crisis.

The senators introduced the Physicians for Underserved Areas Act, legislation that would update the Graduate Medical Education (GME) distribution process to allow medical residency programs in areas with physician shortages a greater chance of gaining available residency slots following a hospital closure elsewhere in the country.

They also introduced the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act that would allow medical and dental students to pause student loan interest accrual and principal loan repayment while serving in their residencies or internships.

“Senator Boozman understands the important role residency programs play as a pipeline for physicians for underserved states like Arkansas,” said Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. “Data shows us that physicians are more likely to practice in areas where they complete their residencies. However, it also shows us that the majority of medical students graduate with about $200,000 in student loan debt. The Physicians for Underserved Areas Act and the REDI Act will help retain physicians in areas where they are needed most. We are very grateful to Senator Boozman for his leadership in these efforts.”

March 13, 2023

PUBLIC HELP SOUGHT IN MARCH 9 PEDESTRIAN DEATH
Arkansas State Police is seeking the public’s help in gathering information on a hit-and-run pedestrian fatality that occurred shortly after 5 a.m. on U.S. Highway 82, just west of Stamps in Lafayette County on Thursday, March 9, 2023.

An 85-year-old Springhill, Louisiana, resident who was visiting family in Arkansas was killed when he was struck by what investigators believe was a 2006-2007 silver Toyota RAV4. The vehicle likely sustained significant damage to the front passenger (right) side.

Please contact ASP Troop G Dispatch at (870) 777-4641 if you have information on the location of the vehicle or its owner.

ASP RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING INTERSTATE CRIMINAL PATROL EFFORTS IN 2022
Arkansas State Police’s Interstate Criminal Patrol (ICP) dominated the 2022 Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area awards held earlier this week in Biloxi, Miss., winning three out of six individual awards and Team of the Year. Additionally, Trooper Deston Linkous was recognized as Officer of the Year for 20 seizures netting an overall street value of $7.9 million.
Individual winners:
-- Trooper Deston Linkous, largest marijuana seizure, 1,632 pounds in one July 2022 seizure
-- Trooper David Hamilton, largest methamphetamine seizure, 119 pounds in one March 2022 seizure
-- Trooper Josh Elmore, largest “other dangerous drugs” seizure, 56 pounds of Fentanyl in one September 2022 seizure

During 2022, ASP seized over 8,015 pounds of marijuana, 143 pounds of cocaine, 372 pounds of methamphetamine, 65.8 pounds of fentanyl, $996,100 in cash and 32 weapons.

March 10, 2023

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO INFORM AND RECEIVE COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC CONCERNING A WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASE
Camden Water Utilities will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 6:30 pm at the City of Camden Municipal Building located at 206 Van Buren, NE. The purpose of the meeting is to inform and receive comments from the public concerning a water and sewer rate increase scheduled to go into effect August 1, 2023 as a result of the rate study conducted pursuant to Arkansas Act 605 of 2021.

All interested citizens are encouraged to attend.

CITY OF CAMDEN BOARD OF ALDERMEN TO MEET
The City of Camden Board of Aldermen will have their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.
The agenda is as follows:
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. INVOCATION – Supt. Ronald Matheney, Pastor – Johnson Memorial COGIC, 885 Lincoln Drive, Camden, AR
C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D. ROLL CALL
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
      1. Minutes of Regular Meeting, February 14, 2023
F. ACCEPTANCE OF FINANCIAL REPORT
       1. Financial Report for February 2023
G. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
H. MAYOR’S REPORT
       1. Annual Police Department Report – Boyd Woody, Police Chief
I. OLD BUSINESS
       1. Ordinance No. 01-23, an ordinance authorizing a rate plan for the Water and Sewer Department, and amending Chapter 22, Water and Sewers, Article II, Water, Division 2, Meter and Rates, Section 22-22, Rates,                                                                                            of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Camden, Arkansas. (Second Reading)

       2. Ordinance No. 02-23, an ordinance amending Chapter 22, Water and Sewers, Article III, Sewers, Division 3                  Rates and Charges, Section 22-65, Sewer Rates, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Camden, Arkansas (Second Reading)

       3.   Resolution No. 14-23, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the Ouachita    Partnership for Economic Development (OPED) to provide certain Economic Development Services for the City of Camden.
J.   NEW BUSINESS
      1. Resolution No. 20-23, a resolution confirming the appointment of Karen McClane to the Camden Housing           Authority Board of Commissioners.

2. Resolution No. 21-23, a resolution confirming the appointment of Sandra Wood to the Camden Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.

3. Resolution No. 22-23, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Ouachita County Cooperative Extension Service to provide educational programs.

4. Resolution No. 23-23, a resolution amending the Annual Operating Budget for 2023; and for other purposes.

5. Resolution No. 24-23, a resolution amending the Annual Operating Budget for 2023; and for other purposes.

6. Resolution No. 25-23, a resolution amending Resolution 7-17 and the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

7. Resolution No. 26-23, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a Lease Agreement with the Event Center at Fairview Park; and for other purposes.

8. Resolution No. 27-23, a resolution amending the Annual Operating Budget for 2023; adding new revenue and expense line items for a Police grant; and for other purposes.

9. Resolution No. 28-23, a resolution amending Resolution 7-17 and the Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual; shortening the waiting period for employee insurance coverage; and for other purposes.

K. OTHER BUSINESS
L. ADJOURNMENT

THE CAMDEN DOWNTOWN NETWORK & THE CITY OF CAMDEN PRESENT CAMDEN’S SPRING BREAK STAYCATION!
Looking for fun activities for Spring Break? Camden, Arkansas has you covered with Camden’s Spring Break Staycation happening March 20th -25th. From tours and games to movies and food, there are activities for all ages!

All week long enjoy events, activities, contests and more around the city of Camden. There’s a sidewalk chalk contest presented by the Camden Police Department, the Tribe Gym Camp, and an outdoor coloring poster that will be set in the park at Washington and Adams.

Monday, March 20
Join us at Dixon Designs for a fun time making a shirt. 1PM – 3PM Dixon designs will provide a free shirt, you pick out your design and take part in making it. Spots are limited. Call 870-231-3901 to reserve your place. Dixon Designs is located in Downtown Camden at 118 E. Washington Street.
It’s a fun night of Bingo for all ages! Catherine’s Bistro will host a Bingo Night from 6pm to 8pm. ALL FREE!

Tuesday, March 21
Tuesday has a full day of events lined up starting with a Tea Party with a real life princess and Table Etiquette Lesson at the Umstead House. Two times are available starting at 10am for ages 5-10 and 2pm for ages 11 & up. There is a small charge of $10 per child for this event. Book your daughter’s spot for this magical day by contacting Camden Downtown Network on Facebook Messenger.

Take part in a Live Virtual Ride Along with the Camden Police Department. Watch along from the comfort of your home as Police patrol the City of Camden. Look for the QR code on the Camden Police Department’s Facebook page to join. There are 2 opportunities to watch: 11am - 1pm and 6pm - 8pm.

The Camden Library will be hosting Superhero Story Time at 2pm. This event is FREE and open to all ages.

Head out to River Rose at 1200 Cash Rd for a picnic party from 4pm - 6pm for fun games and yummy food!

Bring your furry friends to Native Dog from 5pm - 7pm and snap photo at their Pet Selfie Station. Free sodas are available for the kids.

Wednesday, March 22
Take a walk back into the history of Camden with tours of the McCollum Chidester House from 1pm - 3pm. The event is FREE for all ages.

Thursday, March 23
Thursday starts off with a Fire Truck tour provided by the Camden Fire Department. Bring the kids as they get a chance to see a fire truck close up! The event will start at 9am at the Camden Fire Station on Van Buren St. across from St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Later that evening, the Camden Police Department will host a fun evening at Carnes Park starting at 6:30pm with a Whipped Cream Pie eating contest! After that, enjoy a movie in the park on the Big Screen! Popcorn will be provided.

Friday, March 24
Friday kicks off with a Kid’s Casting Contest and Boating Safety Event presented by Stephen Tyson Jr. Fishing. The event will take place from 11am - 1pm at the Camden Fairview High School Pond and is FREE and open to kids ages 3 - 18. Registration starts at 10:45am. FREE hotdogs will be provided courtesy of Farmers Bank & Trust.

Come take a tour of a police car at Thrive Church from 2pm - 4pm. You’ll get to ride around in the police car with the sirens on! Also, Bring your bike and participate in the Bike Safety Class and Obstacle Course Competition for a bike license. Popsicles, snacks, and water will be provided!.

Saturday, March 25
The week wraps up on Saturday with events all over town! Come get Spring Fever at Four Seasons from 10am - 3pm browsing plants, decor, vendors, food trucks & more!

Hungry? Come to downtown from 4pm - 8pm for the food truck festival for a myriad of different foods, treats, and desserts!

Bring the whole family for a Family Dance Class presented by dance2fit. Three classes will be held on the Courthouse Lawn beginning at 4pm, 5pm, and 7pm. Each class will last 30 minutes and admission will be $5 per person.

The week wraps up with an outdoor movie presented on the courthouse lawn. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars.

All this and more during Camden’s Spring Break Staycation! Keep up to date on events by following Camden Downtown Network on Facebook.
https://explorecamden.com/.../spring-break-staycation/

STATE CAPITOL WEEK IN REVIEW FROM SENATOR MATT STONE
March 10, 2023
LITTLE ROCK – As the legislative session enters its final weeks, activity is in high gear.

The highlight of the week was the final passage of the governor’s historic reform of Arkansas education.

Dozens of other important measures were advanced out of committee and approved by the Senate and House of Representatives.

Both chambers approved HB 1419 to change the rules for citizens’ groups trying to place an issue on statewide ballots.

Currently, supporters of an initiative or proposed amendment must submit signatures from at least 15 counties. HB 1419 would require a minimum number of signatures from 50 counties. Arkansas has 75 counties.

The bill’s sponsors say it is too easy for wealthy special interests to get an issue on the ballot. Opponents question whether the bill is constitutional.

Senate Bill 199 was sent to the governor for signing. It would extend the period in which a person can sue a physician for malpractice for performing gender transformation procedures on a minor. Those procedures include surgery and hormone therapy.

People who have had the procedures could file a malpractice suit up to 15 years after they turn 18.

The Senate passed SB 270 to expand the definition of sexual indecency with a child to include adults who knowingly enter and remain in a bathroom assigned to the opposite sex, if a minor is present.

It does not apply to parents with their own children who are under the age of seven.

The House passed HB 1156 to require schools to designate all bathrooms and changing areas as exclusively for boys or girls. If a student is unwilling or unable to use the boys or girls bathrooms, the school must provide a reasonable accommodation, such as a single-use room.

The Senate approved SB 262 to remove the power of the state Board of Education to require consolidation or annexation of a school districts whose student population falls below 350.

Act 195 repeals a state law that required teenagers under the age of 16 to get an employment certificate from the state Department of Labor as a condition for getting a job.

The House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs advanced HB 1513 to create an election integrity unit within the office of the state Attorney General.

The unit will work with the state Board of Election Commissioners and the Secretary of State. Its staff will track all violations of election and voter registration laws, and will oversee the hotline for reporting violations that is maintained by the Attorney General.

The House approved and a Senate committee advanced HB 1401 to cut from two years to one year the cumulative period that an able-bodied adult is eligible for welfare.

According to the bill’s sponsor, more than half of the recipients of cash welfare in Arkansas have received it for longer than 18 months. Technically, the cash assistance program is under the Department of Workforce Services and is called the Transitional Employment Assistance Program.

HB 1401 would not affect children, people who cannot find work due to circumstances beyond their control, parents or caregivers over 60 and parents or caregivers with disabilities.

BOOZMAN HONORED WITH VFW CONGRESSIONAL AWARD
WASHINGTON—Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) honored U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) with its 2023 Congressional Award in recognition of his commitment to America’s veterans and demonstrated success expanding benefits and improving services they have earned.

“I’m honored to advocate on behalf of our nation’s veterans and their families and proud of what we’ve accomplished to strengthen benefits and services to better support their needs. The achievements we’ve made would not have been possible without the dedicated members of the VFW. I look forward to continuing my commitment and working with the VFW to fulfill the promise we made to the men and women called to serve in uniform,” Boozman said.

“Senator Boozman is a consummate champion of the rights, benefits and quality of life of those who served and those who are still serving our great country,” said VFW Commander-in-Chief Tim Borland. “I can’t think of any other elected representative who has done more in reminding congress that ‘Every Veteran Counts.’”

The senator met with VFW Department of Arkansas members on Tuesday to discuss the organization’s priorities for 2023 which includes supporting the Boozman-backed GUARD VA Benefits Act, legislation to eliminate predatory claims practices.

As a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee responsible for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) funding, Boozman has been a leader in delivering additional resources to support the needs of veterans and their families.

Boozman continues pursuing that agenda in the 118th Congress. Last month, the Boozman-backed VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act, legislation to bolster recruitment and retention of the VA workforce, advanced through the committee. He also introduced a trio of bipartisan bills to better support the needs of families of loved ones called to serve.

Under the senator’s leadership, a number of significant improvements were signed into law to improve veterans benefits during the last Congress including landmark legislation expanding VA health care to toxic-exposed veterans of all eras, enhancements to veteran breast cancer care and expanded authority for the VA Office of Inspector General to conduct investigations and interviews.

WESTERMAN STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT BIDEN'S BUDGET PROPOSAL
WASHINGTON - Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement on President Biden's FY 2024 budget proposal:

"Rather than proposing changes that would correct our current economic trajectory, President Biden proposed trillions of dollars in new taxes for hard working American families and businesses. His idea is that he is 'taxing the rich' and 'greedy businesses,' but at the end of the day, businesses will pass on those costs to the American people in the form of even higher costs. Americans can't afford that right now.

"What's more, the proposal ignores the economic debt crisis facing our country, and instead, would send us down the same path of irresponsible spending that got us to this point in the first place. The federal government once again collected record tax revenues. We don't have an alternative income problem; we have a spending problem. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office is estimating that the U.S. will be paying over $10.5 TRILLION in the next decade on interest alone. That is more interest to be paid in the next ten years than has been paid in the history of our country. It's all driven by radical spending that's resulted in rapid inflation and higher interest rates that compound the problems Americans are facing every day.

“While I am disappointed in the proposed budget, I am hopeful that with a Republican House majority, we will be able to stop this reckless spending because it's past time to rein in on government spending and get our country back on track."

March 09, 2023

CAPITOL EXHIBIT FEATURES ART BY CAPITOL EMPLOYEES
Fourth Floor Exhibit on Display Through April 21
(LITTLE ROCK, ARK.) – Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston invites visitors to the State Capitol to view the new exhibit entitled, "Hidden Talents: Art by Employees of the Arkansas State Capitol."

The exhibit features paintings, wood carvings, mixed media, photography, and digital art. Artists representing offices throughout the Capitol participated.

"The talent, skill and creativity on display is incredible. Many of these pieces were done by staff in my office and I'm proud to display their work at the Capitol for everyone to see," said Thurston.

The exhibit will be on display in the fourth floor gallery from now through April 21st.

NFIB JOBS REPORT: SMALL BUSINESSES REPORT RECORD HIGH LEVELS OF JOB OPENINGS
Nearly Half Of Small Businesses Have Job Openings They Can’t Fill
LITTLE ROCK (March 8, 2023) -- Forty-seven percent (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in the current period, according to NFIB’s monthly jobs report.

“The small business labor demand remained strong in February,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Small business owners are working to maintain competitive compensation and are raising compensation in the hopes of filling their open critical positions.”

Although state-specific data is unavailable, NFIB State Director Katie Burns said:

“This report highlights the urgent need to adequately prepare Arkansas’s youth to enter the workforce with the skills required to fill job opportunities in their own community. We’ll continue working with lawmakers in the General Assembly on solutions that make it easier for small businesses to keep their doors open and shifts staffed.”

The percent of small business owners reporting labor quality as their top small business operating problem remains elevated at 21%, down three points from January. Labor cost reported as the single most important problem to business owners increased two points to 12%, down one point below the highest reading of 13% reached in December 2021.

A seasonally adjusted net 17% of owners are planning to create new jobs in the next three months, down two points from January and 15 points below its record high reading of 32 reached in August 2021, showing that the trend in planned hiring is on the decline.

Sixty percent of owners reported hiring or trying to hire in January, up three points from January. Of those hiring or trying to hire, 90% of owners reported few or no qualified applicants for the positions they were trying to fill. Thirty percent of owners reported few qualified applicants for their open positions.

Seasonally adjusted, a net 46% of owners reported raising compensation, unchanged from last month. A net 23% plan to raise compensation in the next three months, up one point from January.

Thirty-eight percent of owners have job openings for skilled workers and 19% have openings for unskilled labor.

CONSUMER ALERT: DELTA-8 THC ENDANGERS CHILDREN
Griffin: “Delta-8 and related products are harmful, unregulated, and parents should be vigilant to ensure they aren’t accessible to children”
LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued a Consumer Alert informing Arkansans of the dangers of unregulated Delta-8 and other recreational THC products to children:

“Recreational Delta-8 and related products are harmful, unregulated, and parents should be vigilant to ensure they aren’t accessible to children. These products are widely available, sold online and in convenience stores and gas stations, with no age requirement to purchase.

“Unlike medical marijuana packaging, which cannot target children, Delta-8 packaging intentionally targets them. I have personally seen recreational Delta-8 products that mimic well-known candy packaging kids routinely consume.

“Also, unlike medical marijuana, Delta-8 products do not meet the childproofing requirements under state law. Ingestion of Delta-8 products by children can be harmful and can require emergency medical care.”

Griffin warns Arkansans:

Delta-8 THC has psychoactive and intoxicating effects, similar to the “high” people may experience from using cannabis.

Adverse reactions to Delta-8 THC may include: hallucinations, vomiting, tremor, anxiety, dizziness, confusion and loss of consciousness.

Some products are packaged and labeled in a way that mimics national brands (i.e. “Doweedos” products packaged similarly to “Doritos” chips).

Some products are made in ways appealing to children (i.e. gummies, chocolates, cookies and candies).

Not only are Delta-8 THC products dangerous for children, but pets are at risk from accidental ingestion.

Legislation was just introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly to address this issue. Senate Bill 358 would statutorily add Delta-8 THC as well as the Delta-9 and Delta-10 variants to the state’s controlled substances list.

“Delta-8 should be banned in Arkansas. I strongly support SB358 to protect Arkansas’s children,” Griffin added.

ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN FILES LAWSUITS AGAINST 2 SOLAR COMPANIES
Griffin: ‘It is important that bad actors working in the solar sector be held accountable’
LITTLE ROCK – After filing separate lawsuits today against two solar-panel installation companies, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement:

“Today I filed separate lawsuits against Conway-based Sun Valley Renewables, LLC, and its owners Stephen Walker and Joshuah Walker, as well as Quitman-based Cavalry Solar Solutions, which is doing business as Apollo Energy, and its owner Branden Glover. These companies have violated the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by failing to perform contracted services or providing purchased goods. To date, complaints filed with my office against Sun Valley Renewables, LLC, total $1.1 million, and complaints filed against Apollo Energy total $1.8 million.

“It is important that bad actors working in the solar sector be held accountable to distinguish them from companies operating in good faith. I will continue working to protect Arkansans from companies that do not fulfill their contractual obligations.”

To read the lawsuit against Sun Valley Renewables, LLC, click here. To read the lawsuit against Cavalry Solar Solutions dba Apollo Energy, click here.

COTTON INTRODUCES BILL TO KEEP MEN OUT OF WOMEN’S PRISONS
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Preventing Violence Against Female Inmates Act, legislation to prohibit the Bureau of Prisons from housing prisoners with persons of the opposite sex. The legislation would require the Bureau of Prisons to house federal inmates according to their biological sex and would withhold certain federal grants from states that fail to do the same.

Senator Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Senator Steve Daines (R-Montana), Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), and Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida) are co-sponsors of the legislation. Congressman Rick Crawford (Arkansas-01) is leading companion legislation in the House.

“President Biden’s plan to house male and female prisoners together puts women in danger. Documented cases prove that placing men—including men who ‘identify’ as women—in women’s prisons puts female inmates at increased risk of sexual assault. My bill will stop the president’s ill-conceived plan and keep men and women separated in federal prison,” said Senator Cotton.

“One of the main purposes of having sex-specific prisons is to protect incarcerated women from rape and other violent crimes. But some women’s prisons in Democrat-run jurisdictions are now placing violent biological men in women’s prisons on nothing more than a simple statement that the felon ‘identifies’ as a woman. President Biden and his allies want this dangerous and absurd policy imposed on the entire nation. This is another anti-woman policy embraced by a Democrat party that is unrecognizable from the one we knew growing up. It’s also anti-child, since it will lead to women being impregnated while incarcerated and having children born in the prison,” said Congressman Crawford.

BOOZMAN VOTES TO OVERTURN D.C. CITY COUNCIL’S DISASTROUS CRIME BILL
Senator Rebukes Soft-On-Crime Approach to Public Safety Crisis Gripping Nation’s Capital
WASHINGTON—The Senate voted Wednesday to overturn the Revised Criminal Code Act (RCCA) of 2022, legislation passed by the Washington, D.C. City Council that weakens penalties for certain crimes as the nation’s capital experiences a surge in violence, criminal conduct and public safety concerns. U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) voted to approve a Congressional Review Act joint resolution blocking the RCCA from taking effect and delivered a speech on the Senate floor criticizing the dangerous and irresponsible measure.

“There is no justice in downplaying crime. There also can be no pretense of keeping the public safe and upholding law and order when leaders refuse to demand true accountability from those who brazenly break the law,” Boozman said. “Unlike our Democratic colleagues, Republicans won’t make excuses for criminals and we won’t sit back and allow far-left ideology to gut the criminal justice system of its ability to deter and punish unlawful, violent behavior.”

The law would have reduced penalties for many violent criminal offenses including carjackings, robberies and even homicides. It was vetoed by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, but was then submitted for Congressional approval pursuant to the D.C. Home Rule Act after the Council overrode the mayor’s veto by a 12-1 vote.

Boozman co-sponsored the joint resolution of disapproval in the Senate led by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN). If a CRA joint resolution of disapproval is approved by a simple majority in both chambers of Congress and signed by the President—or if Congress successfully overrides a presidential veto—the rule is invalidated. The House of Representatives passed the legislation last month despite 173 House Democrats refusing to support overturning this misguided proposal. President Biden has signaled he will sign this resolution.

In his remarks, the senator highlighted the hypocrisy of those who have called for abolishing the Senate’s legislative filibuster in order to ram through party-line votes on incredibly bad policies, including D.C. statehood.

“It seems that, for Democrats, giving the District complete autonomy over its affairs is a useful political talking point, until it isn’t,” Boozman stated.

BOOZMAN, BLUMENTHAL, TESTER & GRAHAM LEAD BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO SAFEGUARD VETERANS FILING BENEFIT CLAIMS
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), senior members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, were joined by Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in introducing legislation to hold unaccredited entities that target men and women who served in uniform accountable for their predatory practices. The Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act would reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited claim representatives who charge unauthorized fees while helping file a disability claim.

“Ensuring veterans have the resources to make informed decisions about filing VA claims is an important part of helping them access the benefits they’ve earned. They also deserve to have trusted and reliable advocates working on their behalf, which is why we must hold accountable those aiming to make a profit off their service. I’m proud to join my colleagues to strengthen education of the claims process and hold bad actors responsible for their predatory practices,” said Boozman.

“This legislation is needed because unaccredited claims representatives often extract exorbitant profits from veterans,” said Blumenthal. “Predatory scammers who exploit our heroes must be held accountable – which is why the GUARD VA Benefits Act makes strong bipartisan sense. By strengthening the VA’s enforcement authority, we can protect our veterans charged for benefits they’ve rightfully earned.”

“I’ll take on anyone in Washington to protect veterans from scammers looking to prey on their hard-earned benefits,” said Tester. “That’s why we’re introducing bipartisan legislation to hold predatory actors accountable by reinstating criminal penalties that will protect the men and women who fought to protect our country.”

“Ensuring that our veterans are protected against those who wish to take advantage of them should be a top priority of Congress. I’m pleased to join Senator Boozman and Senator Blumenthal in this effort. I hope this sends a clear signal that those unfairly targeting and treating our nation’s veterans will be held accountable for their actions,” Graham said.

The bipartisan measure has the support of numerous veterans advocacy organizations. Here is what they are saying about the GUARD VA Benefits Act:

“The Military Officers Association of America asks Congress to take swift action and pass the GUARD VA Benefits Act,” said Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), MOAA president and CEO. “Veterans need our support to get the target off their backs from uncertified predatory claims agents looking to profit from their service-connected conditions. MOAA thanks Senators Boozman and Blumenthal for their continued leadership on this bill and their commitment to ensure veterans are supported by accredited and accountable representation.”

“For many disabled veterans, VA disability compensation can be the difference between making ends meet and homelessness. That’s why it remains imperative that veterans are properly represented by accredited individuals and institutions—such as DAV and our nationwide corps of benefits advocates—when applying for VA benefits. DAV applauds the bipartisan leadership of Sens. Boozman and Blumenthal for introducing the GUARD VA Benefits Act, which will help ensure disabled veterans receive VA-accredited representation while deterring predatory practices that seek to bilk our nation’s heroes of their earned VA benefits,” said Joe Parsetich, DAV National Commander.

“The VFW strongly supports the GUARD VA Benefits Act which would put guardrails in place to protect veterans from entities seeking to take their hard-earned benefits. Reinstating penalties for people charging unauthorized fees relating to veteran claims is a necessary action to prevent claims sharks from preying upon veterans. The VFW thanks Senators Boozman and Blumenthal for their continued bipartisan support for service members, veterans, and their families,” said Pat Murray, VFW’s National Legislative Director.

COTTON, COONS, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BILL TO HOLD CHINA ACCOUNTABLE FOR FORCED ORGAN HARVESTING
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware) today introduced the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act to combat the unethical and criminal practice of harvesting organs, often from minority groups and other vulnerable victims in China and elsewhere.

The legislation authorizes the Secretary of State to deny passports and visas to anyone involved in illegal organ trafficking. It also mandates annual reporting on forced organ harvesting in foreign countries and sanctions individuals that facilitate organ harvesting.

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Senator Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Senator Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nevada), Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Senator Angus King (I-Maine), Senator James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Senator Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), and Senator Todd Young (R-Indiana). The House Foreign Affairs Committee passed this bipartisan bill unanimously on February 28.

“There is growing evidence that the Chinese Communist Party has and continues to harvest organs from persecuted religious groups, prisoners of conscience, and inmates. This bill will identify and punish CCP members involved in forced organ harvesting. It’s past time to hold Beijing accountable for these heinous acts,” said Senator Cotton.

“Forced organ harvesting is cruel and immoral, often targeting ethnic and religious minorities and some of the most vulnerable groups in the world. As co-chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, I am proud to re-introduce the bipartisan Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act that will empower the Biden administration to take action against those who practice this despicable crime,” said Senator Coons.

Background:
Reports indicate that China is a major harvester and trafficker of forcibly acquired organs. A groundbreaking study last year in the American Journal of Transplantation found evidence that strongly suggests that physicians in China participated in executions by organ removal.

Experts estimate that the human organ trafficking industry in China is worth $1 billion a year and is fueled by harvesting organs from China’s 1.5 million concentration camp inmates.

China appears to be the primary perpetrator of forcefully-acquired human organ trafficking, but it is not the only offender. Corrupt government officials, transnational criminal groups, and terrorist organizations around the world also traffic in forcibly harvested human organs.

March 08, 2023

EL DORADO BRINGS OUT THE LUCK FOR ANNUAL SHAMROCKIN’ ON THE SQUARE!
El Dorado, AR— Main Street El Dorado in partnership with Code 3 Services, LLC team up to present Shamrockin' on the Square! Come out to beautiful Downtown El Dorado (Washington/Elm St.) on Saturday, March 11th from 11am-4pm to enjoy this annual event and all that it has to offer!

“We are so excited to kick off 2023 with this annual event and give the public a chance to experience our beautiful downtown and all it has to offer,” said Beth Brumley, executive director of Main Street El Dorado.

“We have added some new activities to this year’s event and can’t wait to see everyone Downtown”, Brumley said.

It will be a day of fun filled with a chili cook-off, crawfish, inflatables, kid’s activities, DJ, karaoke AND MORE! Admission is FREE to the festival with some activities requiring a small fee. An ATM will be on site.

Pot of Gold Game
Ever wanted to win a Pot of Gold? Well, now's your chance! Event goers will be able to play "Green or Orange" – a heads or tails type game presented by NOALMARK, who will be live on location starting at 10am. Everyone 12 and older is eligible to play! Bring your magic to Shamrockin' on the Square, March 11 at 1pm to see if you will be the lucky winner of the $200 prize!

Grill Wars Chili Cook-Off
The Grill Wars season kicks off with an ICS sanctioned Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by J Richard Morgan CPA. The cooking starts at 9am with judging starting at noon. Over $2,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded in 4 categories, with First Place Traditional Red receiving $500 cash and a trophy. Other categories include Homestyle, Verde, and Salsa. With this being an ICS Sanctioned event, the Top 3 cooks in each division will receive an invitation to the World Championship Chili Cook-Off in Myrtle Beach, SC (all youth participants are invited to World’s!).

From 1pm - 3pm, Enjoy all-you-can-eat chili as the public will have a chance to taste competition chili.

$10 will allow you to sample all the chili you can stand and vote for your favorite!

Registration for this competition is going on now with entry fees being $35 dollars for the required, Traditional Red, and optionally $30 for the Homestyle category, $25 for the Verde category and $20 per salsa entry. Youth cooks are invited to enter at the cost of $10 (youth contestants please contact Holly at 870-862-4747 to enter as youths can’t enter online)

Get your team registered now for one, or multiple categories at www.chilcookoffs.com

Vendors
Register to be put on our vendor contact list and receive info to reserve a space for the event now! Get your business or organization registered at www.mainstreeteldorado.org under the "Become an Event Vendor" tab. Spaces available range from 10x10 without electricity ($25) to 10x20 with electricity ($75), with special pricing for nonprofit organizations. Applications and payment are due by Monday, March 6th with day-of set up only between 8-10am.

Fun Zone
Festival-goers will have their pick of fun events and attractions that will fill the streets of Downtown El Dorado. Kids will have a blast on the inflatables, playing yard games featuring Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4 and MORE.

There’s plenty of fun for the Adults too! Test your aim and enjoy free BAGGO.

Beer Garden
Adult beverages of sorts will be available for cash purchase from 11am-4pm. Sodas and water will also be available for purchase.

Everyone 21 years and older, please bring your government issued photo ID to purchase alcohol. An ATM will be on site.

Great FoodCome out to enjoy the best food in the region including access to all of our wonderful Downtown
restaurants and some of the best crawfish and shrimp around will be served up from Main Street's very own! $25 plates will feature your choice of 1lb of Shrimp or 3lbs of crawfish with all the fixins. Then, cool off with a frozen treat with King Kone snow cones.

Karaoke and DJ
All day, music will be playing on the Square with opportunities for event goers to try their voice in karaoke for FREE! It all starts at 11:00am with the DJ Master himself conducting the festivities, Mr. Jeremy "JayO" Owens.

Arkansas’s Largest Rock, Paper, Scissors Championship

Open to ages 10+ up, bring your A-game to test your RPS skills with the one and only, Henry Frisby at the mic to emcee this competition! Entry is $5 cash per person. Winner takes home all the bragging right and a HUGE trophy! Registration at 2:30 pm with the Competition starting at 3pm on the Union County Courthouse steps on Washington St.

To learn more about Shamrockin’ on the Square, or to register for an event, go online at mainstreeteldorado.org, you can also call the Main Street El Dorado offices at 870-862-4747 or email your inquiry to assistant@mainstreeteldorado.org.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Code 3 Services LLC, J Richard Morgan CPA, Hepco-Budweiser, Macs Tree Service, Lawrence Electric, Cadence Bank and the El Dorado A&P Commission and the City of El Dorado.

CLEAN-UP CAMDEN - A KEEP ARKANSAS BEAUTIFUL EVENT
SATURDAY, APRIL 1 FROM 8:00 AM TO 12:00 NOON
Please come out and help us clean up the trash along the main roads within the city of Camden. The roads in this city activity will include Adams Ave., Cash Rd., Branyon Hunnicutt Bypass, California Ave. SW, Dooley Womack Dr., Fairview Rd., Maul Rd., Mt Holly Rd. SW and Washington St.

Trash bags, safety vests gloves and bottled water will be available and will be distributed beginning at 7:00 AM the morning of the clean-up at Thrive Church located at 746 California Ave. SW along with

individual street clean-up assignments and instructions.

If you are interested in helping with this city activity please email your name, number of participants and contact information to edwardwinters54@gmail.com,

First, second and third place prizes will be given to individuals or teams for this event.

TERRY TACO HOWARD MEMORIAL TRAIL RIDE 2023
Sponsored by Holly Springs Baptist and Methodist Churches

Terry Taco Howard Memorial Trail Ride 2023 WILL TAKE PLACE ON Saturday, April 1^ST from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Horses will at leave@ 9:00 am. There will be a no ATV ride this year. Negative Coggins required! No alcohol or drugs allowed. All kicking stock must have something red on their tail.

Please stay in tight groups for easy flagging.

The line up order: wagons, buggies, carts & horses. Absolutely no horses between wagons, buggies or carts.

GOVERNOR SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS SIGNS ARKANSAS LEARNS ACT INTO LAW
Today, surrounded by parents, students, and legislators in the Capitol Rotunda, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed Senate Bill 294: the Arkansas LEARNS Act into law.

"As the father of four children, and now the grandfather of a precious newborn, today is a great day for the children of Arkansas," said Republican Party of Arkansas Chairman Cody Hiland. "This is not just the boldest education reform in the nation, this is the pathway forward as Arkansas Republicans cast a vision to empower parents and provide educational opportunities to our young people. Arkansas LEARNS will raise teacher pay across the board, ban Critical Race Theory, bolster school safety, and enable parent's to make the best decision on where their children attend school. I applaud Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the overwhelming majority of Republican legislators who supported this historic piece of legislation.”

CONSUMER ALERT: POST-STORM REBUILDING SCAMS
Griffin: After severe weather, watch out for scammers
LITTLE ROCK – As part of Consumer Protection Week and in advance of severe weather this spring season, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin issued a Consumer Alert to Arkansans to protect themselves from post-storm rebuilding scams:

“Spring severe weather is a fact of life in Arkansas. Not only should Natural State residents ready themselves for severe weather, but they should also take steps to protect themselves from scammers who prey on victims of storm damage to score quick cash, sometimes minutes after the storm has ended. Storm victims' first act should be to make sure they are safe, then call their insurance agent. It should not be signing a contract from someone knocking on your door unannounced."

Griffin reminds homeowners that:
Insurers will honor their home policies.
There is no need to rush into or be pressured to sign a contracting agreement.

He also offered these tips:
Get more than one estimate.
Demand references and check them out.
Never let a contractor pressure you into hiring them.
Never sign a contract with blanks "to be filled in later."
Never pay a contractor in full until the work is finished.
Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance company.
Make sure you review and understand all documents sent to your insurance company.

Griffin also reminds homeowners to get everything in writing, including repair costs, scope of work, time and payment schedules, and any other detailed guarantees or expectations.

SOCIAL SECURITY AND OIG HOLD ANNUAL SLAM THE SCAM DAY
The Social Security Administration and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) continue to raise public awareness about Social Security imposter scams during the fourth annual “Slam the Scam” Day on March 9. Social Security scams — where fraudsters pressure victims into making cash or gift card payments to fix alleged Social Security number problems or to avoid arrest – are an ongoing government imposter fraud scheme. For several years, Social Security impersonation scams have been one of the most common government imposter scams reported to the Federal Trade Commission. Social Security has made concerted efforts to address this issue, through extensive outreach and investigative initiatives. These efforts have made a significant impact, reducing money reported lost to Social Security scams by 30 percent from 2021 to 2022.

“I am proud of the work we have done to combat Social Security imposter scams and raise public awareness,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect the public and their critical benefits. We urge Americans to remain vigilant, do not give out personal information or money, and report any scam attempts.”

Scammers use sophisticated tactics to trick potential victims into disclosing personal and financial information. Typically, they use these P’s – Pretend, Prize or Problem, Pressure, and Payment. For example, scammers pretend they are from Social Security in phone calls or emails and claim there is a problem with the person’s Social Security number. The scammer’s caller ID may be spoofed to look like a legitimate government number. Scammers may also send fake documents to pressure people into complying with demands for information or money. Other common tactics include citing “badge numbers” and using fraudulent Social Security letterhead to target individuals for payment or personal information.

Social Security will never tell you that your Social Security number is suspended; contact you to demand an immediate payment; threaten you with arrest; ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone; request gift cards or cash; or promise a Social Security benefit approval or increase in exchange for information or money.

Social Security employees do contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, are already receiving payments and require an update to their record, or have requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter.

“Working with our law enforcement and private sector partners to inform consumers about scammers and their deceptive practices remains a priority for my office. We will continue promoting National Slam the Scam Day to help protect consumers from these predators. Slamming the scam begins with consumers quickly taking a step to hang up the phone, or delete suspicious texts and emails, without responding to the scammers,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “That remains the easiest and most effective method to avoid falling prey to these vicious scams.”

Tomorrow’s events include:

1 p.m. ET: Join the FTC’s National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) Twitter chat (in Spanish) for advice on avoiding common scams with @laFTC. Follow the conversation by using the hashtag #NCPW2023.

3 p.m. ET: Join the FTC’s NCPW Twitter chat (in English) for advice on avoiding common scams with @FTC. Follow the conversation by using the hashtag #NCPW2023.

To report a scam attempt, go to oig.ssa.gov. For more information, please visit www.ssa.gov/scam and www.ssa.gov/fraud.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE HOSTS “FREE TREE FRIDAYS” IN RECOGNITION OF ARBOR DAY
LITTLE ROCK, AR – In recognition of National Arbor Day, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division will be hosting giveaways of bare root seedlings at various locations across the state each Friday from March 17 through April 28.

Although species will vary by location, all seedlings will be native Arkansas hardwoods grown at the Forestry Division’s Baucum Nursery. The giveaway will be limited to three seedlings per person on a first come, first served basis. The giveaways will be hosted at various locations across the state. Following is a listing of locations and times currently scheduled:

March 17
Little Rock – Arkansas Department of Agriculture, 1 Natural Resources Drive: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Osceola – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Office, 3137 W. Keiser Avenue: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

March 24
Morrilton – Wal-Mart, 1621 S. Business 9: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

March 31
Walnut Ridge – Lawrence County Extension Office, 1100 W. Main Street: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Pocahontas – American Made General Store, 1100 Pace Road: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wynne – Wynne Fire Department, 1111 Falls Boulevard: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

April 14
Warren – Warren City Park, 400 W. Church Street, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Alma – Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

April 21
Sheridan – The Mad Butcher, 815 Rock Street: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Additional locations will be added throughout the month. Visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/urban-community-forestry/free-tree-friday/.

COTTON, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BILL TARGETING PALESTINIAN TERROR PAYMENTS
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) introduced the Taylor Force Martyr Payment Prevention Act, legislation aimed at eliminating Palestinian “martyr payments,” otherwise known as the “pay to slay” program. The bill would deter foreign banks from processing these payments for the Palestinian Authority by cutting off their access to the United States financial system.

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Senator Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Senator Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Senate Steve Daines (R-Montana), Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Senator John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Senator James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida), Senator John Thune (R-North Dakota), Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), and Senator Todd Young (R-Indiana) are co-sponsors of the legislation. Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) is leading companion legislation in the House.

“Radical Islamic terrorists shouldn’t be rewarded for killing innocent people, and banks should be held responsible for processing any sort of ‘martyr payments.’ Our bill will build upon the original Taylor Force Act to ensure Palestinian terrorists don’t benefit financially for committing these senseless murders,” said Senator Cotton.

“I am honored to re-introduce the Taylor Force Martyr Payment Prevention Act today, alongside Senator Cotton. Our bill seeks to prevent any financial benefit these terrorists are promised for murdering innocent civilians by penalizing foreign banks that allow these ‘pay to slay’ transactions to occur unimpeded. I am pleased that this bill has already garnered bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, and I will never waver in the fight to bring justice to the Force family and all those who have been victims of these horrific crimes,” said Congressman Lamborn.

“We would like to thank Senator Cotton, Congressman Lamborn and their co-sponsors for reintroducing the Taylor Force Martyr Payment Prevention Act. The bill would provide the U.S. government with an important new tool to incentivize foreign banks to get out of the martyr payment business and to deny them access to the U.S. financial system if they do not do so. Speaking from personal experience, we can say that this is not a theoretical problem. The family of the terrorist who murdered Taylor, celebrated as a hero by Hamas, has been receiving martyr payments as a reward for his despicable actions. No foreign bank from any country, particularly those which claim to be U.S. allies, which participates in rewarding those who kill innocent Americans should be able to evade responsibility. We want to say thanks again to the co-sponsors of the bill for their leadership and for helping us ensure that Taylor did not die in vain,” said Stuart and Robbi Force, the parents of Taylor Force.

The Republican Jewish Coalition, Christians United for Israel, and the Zionist Organization of America support the legislation.

March 07, 2022

CONSUMER ALERT: ‘POP-UP’ MEDICAL SCREENING CLINICS
Griffin: ‘Unfortunately, some businesses prey upon the concerns of parents and the goodwill of schools’
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement alerting Arkansans about unregistered businesses and unlicensed healthcare providers conducting “pop-up” medical screening clinics for student athletes:

“The health of our children is a priority for parents and schools. Unfortunately, some businesses prey upon the concerns of parents and the goodwill of schools by offering ‘pop-up’ medical screening clinics performed by unlicensed healthcare providers in order to provide a false sense of security that they are working in the best interests of children.”

Griffin said parents should be aware of the following claims made by these fraudsters:
Claims to look for routine injuries or preexisting cardiac conditions that may pose a risk to some student athletes.
Promises to parents – which are likely untrue and possibly illegal – that parents will not have any out-of-pocket costs.

Griffin recommends the following tips to parents and schools to protect themselves from falling prey to illegitimate businesses promoting or conducting “pop-up” medical screening clinics:
Coordinate with local doctors and hospitals to conduct screenings.
Ask any company offering to conduct screenings for proof they are registered to do business in Arkansas.
Ask any healthcare provider conducting a screening if they are licensed in the State of Arkansas.
DO NOT provide any insurance information to an unregistered business or unlicensed healthcare provider.

Parents or schools that wish to report concerns about the subject of this Consumer Alert or desire more information should contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office by calling (800) 482-8982, or online at www.arkansasag.gov.

PULASKI ACADEMY TO REPRESENT ARKANSAS AT MAKE48’S NATIONAL COMPETITION
A team from Pulaski Academy High School in Little Rock will head to Kansas City in March 2023 to represent the State of Arkansas at a 48-hour maker competition.
North Little Rock, Ark. – Six Central Arkansas teams were tasked to create a prototype of a singular interactive experience based on the history of the Trail of Tears at the first Make48 competition held in Arkansas at the Innovation Hub on the weekend of October 6, 2022.

The Trail of Tears was a tragic event in history where approximately 60,000 people of the "Five Civilized Tribes" were forced to leave their lands by the United States government between the years of 1830 and 1850. North Little Rock has an open area within Riverfront Park where the Trail of Tears passed through. The participating teams were challenged to build an experience that honors those who have gone before, those who suffered from injustice, and those who persevered against all the challenges of the times.

A team from Pulaski Academy High School in Little Rock, the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College, eSTEM High School Charter School, Boone Park Elementary, Cross County School District, and the City of Hot Springs gathered at the Innovation Hub facility in North Little Rock to create their masterpieces in 48 hours. The team “BruWin”, led by students Galen Jauss, Allen Thomason, Evan Goodwin, and teacher Les Williams from Pulaski Academy High School in Little Rock, was crowned the winner at the end of the competition on Sunday, October 8, 2022.

The City of North Little Rock has plans to turn part of its open greenspace in Riverfront Park into an experience to remember and recognize the history of the Trail of Tears using ideas from all the final prototypes.

Make48 is a national invention competition where teams are given 48 hours to come up with an idea, and create a prototype, marketing materials, and a pitch. The goal of Make48 is to foster imagination, creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.

The Make48’s 2022 city series episodes were released on the This Old House Makers Channel on Roku, channel 458, on February 22, 2023. The sixth season starts with the first city competition, Wichita, followed by Milwaukee, Madison, Indianapolis, North Little Rock, Beloit, and Kansas City.

The winning team, BruWin, will be heading to Kansas City for Make48’s national competition, which is set to happen from March 31, 2023, to April 2, 2023.

COTTON INTRODUCES THE NO EARLY RELEASE FOR CARJACKERS ACT
Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the No Early Release for Carjackers Act. The bill ensures criminals who commit carjackings aren’t eligible for early release from prison.

“There seems to be widespread agreement in Washington this week that those who commit carjackings shouldn’t be allowed early release from prison. If that’s the case for D.C., it should be the case in places like Little Rock, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. This bill will ensure carjackers across the country aren’t eligible for early release from federal prison,” Senator Cotton said.

On Wednesday, the Senate will vote on a resolution that will reverse changes to the D.C. criminal code that would have, among other things, lessen penalties for those convicted of carjacking. President Biden intends to sign the resolution.

BOOZMAN, COTTON, CRAWFORD INTRODUCE BILL TO MINT COIN MEMORIALIZING SULTANA DISASTER
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) along with Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) introduced legislation to create a commemorative coin in remembrance of the Sultana Steamboat tragedy with a portion of the proceeds allotted to funding the preservation, maintenance and display of artifacts at the Sultana Disaster Museum in Marion, Arkansas.

“This commemorative coin will help share the stories of victims and survivors of the Sultana while preserving a piece of our history and ensuring this tragedy is not forgotten,” Boozman said.

“This bill will honor the victims of the Sultana tragedy and spread awareness of the event. I’m proud to join the rest of the Arkansas delegation in introducing this legislation,” Cotton said.

“The sinking of the Sultana was a great tragedy that has been, for the most part, left in the shadows of the past. This commemorative coin would not only keep alive the memory of those who were lost, but help fund the efforts of Marion residents to tell this story and preserve this important part of our history and heritage,” said Crawford.

On April 27, 1865, the Sultana, a 260-foot-long wooden steamboat carrying thousands of passengers exploded, burned and sank into the Mississippi River claiming the lives of more than 1,000 passengers including recently released Union prisoners of war. This tragedy is recognized as the greatest maritime disaster in U.S. history.

The remains of the Sultana were rediscovered in 1982 and efforts were launched to preserve the artifacts. In 2011, Arkansas State University hosted the first public exhibit of relics from the disaster. A small museum opened in Marion to house these pieces of history and, after persistent efforts from the community and the Sultana Historical Preservation Society, ground was broken in November 2022 on a new multi-million dollar facility to host this educational and economic resource.

This legislation would authorize the U.S. Department of Treasury to mint in 2023 $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins and half-dollar coins.

Arkansas Congressmen French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman are original cosponsors of the House legislation.

March 06, 2023

CAMDEN CITY COUNSEL WORKSHOP MARCH 01, 2023
The City of Camden Board of Aldermen will meet for a workshop Tuesday, March 01, 2023 at 6 pm in the Council Chamber of the Municipal Building.

The Agenda is as follows:
Street Closing – Old Smackover Road
Sanitation – Commercial Dumpster charges
Policy – Closing President’s Day
Policy – Changing insurance from 1^st from 60 to 1^st from 30
Policy – Changing insurance from 1^st from 60 to 1^st from 30
Carnes Park Pool schedule
Chief Woody – address salaries and City Ordinance
Chief Nash retirement

SAIL ON! BEACH BOYS TRIBUTE TO PERFORM IN CAMDEN, AR ON MARCH 25, 2023
Live On Stage, Inc. and the Ouachita County Community Concert Association announce Beach Boys Tribute Act as part of their 2022 - 2023 Concert Season
CAMDEN, Ark. – (March 4, 2023) – Sail On is bringing all of the Beach Boys biggest hits to our area for a night of “Fun, Fun, Fun” that won’t soon be forgotten. Join this surfin’ party band for a special concert at the Event Center at Fairview Park on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Children 12th grade and under will be admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paid adult. For more information, please call 870-807-6915 or 870-818-2131, or visit www.camdenaliveonstage.com.

…musically sound in every respect…”
Felice Jorgeson, Artistic Director

Live On Stage, Inc. provides excellent, affordable, entertainment attractions and support services to an American community of concert presenters. View a video about Live On Stage.

March 03, 2023

SAAC TO OFFER "FLORAL FANTASY" CORKS AND CANVAS WITH ARTIST PAM VERNON
"Spring" into action and join us at the South Arkansas Arts Center as local artist Pam Vernon leads the March Corks and Canvas art class! This month’s Corks and Canvas class "Floral Fantasy" will be held on Thursday, March 16 from 6-9pm. This will be a fun-filled night of painting that is designed for people who have always wanted to try their hand at art and also have some fun along the way.

Our artist this month has chosen an acrylic paint project where you will paint beautiful and vibrant sunflowers. Vernon explained, "We will paint a colorful floral canvas featuring sunflowers as the focal point. The vivid color of the background shows texture and movement as each brush stroke brings the subject-matter to life."

No experience is needed. Come enjoy a time of relaxation with your friends recreating the featured painting of the night. Paints, brushes, an 11x17 canvas and all the supplies will be waiting for you, and SAAC will also be providing snacks. Participants are welcome to bring their own drink of choice.

Get ready to have a fun night with friends. You can register for the workshop on SAAC’s website, www.saac-arts.org or call the office at 870-862-5474. Limit of 12 participants. The workshop fee is $40.

SAAC is located at 110 East Fifth Street, El Dorado, Arkansas.

WESTERMAN EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT DOD’s POLICY TO PAY FOR SERVICE MEMBERS’ TRAVEL COSTS TO ACCESS ABORTIONS
WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Bruce Westerman sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressing concern about the Department of Defense’s recent announcement to implement new policies requiring commanders to allow Service members and their dependents to travel to different states for the purpose of obtaining an abortion if abortion is illegal in the state in which they are stationed. The DOD also announced that it will pay for all travel costs associated with the abortion – meals, travel, and hotel stay. Congressman Westerman released the following statement:

“This is a blatant abuse of taxpayer dollars. Each state has a right to decide its own laws on abortion, and our military men and women must abide by the state’s laws in which they are stationed. If service members or their dependents want to go across state lines for an abortion because it’s illegal in their state, hardworking Americans should not be the ones who have to pick up the bill to fund their travel costs. I’m especially disappointed that on top of this irresponsible spending of taxpayer dollars, the Department of Defense has deliberately removed the role of a chaplain in providing spiritual care and counseling to a service member prior to seeking an abortion. I am respectfully calling on Secretary Austin to ensure the Department of Defense is acting in the spirit of the law and upholding the values of the American people to stop spending taxpayer dollars to fund abortions,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman.

Background:
On October 20, 2022, the U.S. Department of Defense released a memo, “Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health Care,” which directed the unprecedented use of taxpayer dollars to facilitate abortions for service members and their families. Congressman Westerman joined 40 Republican colleagues in a letter to Secretary of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressing concern for this blatant government overreach, a letter which the Department of Defense has since ignored.

On February 13, 2023, the Department of Defense issued three more guidance memos to implement the October 20 announcement. When implemented, the Department of Defense will:

Pay for the following for a service member or dependent to get an abortion across state lines:
Cost of lodging
Cost of mealsCost of round-trip transportation, including mileage or airline tickets.

Give up to 21 days of “administrative leave.” Administrative leave is typically given at a commander’s discretion for events like national disasters, dependent health emergencies, or bereavement. Under these new policies, it can be given for service members to get an abortion across state lines.

Eliminate the role of the chaplain in providing spiritual care and counseling. Commanders will not be able to require that a soldier speaks with the chaplain prior to receiving an abortion. This diminishes the chaplain’s role to provide emotional and spiritual support to service members in times of need.

BOOZMAN, MURRAY LEAD LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN VA SUPPORT FOR DISABLED VETERANS AND YOUNG CAREGIVERS
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Patty Murray (D-WA), senior members of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced legislation to support the families of disabled veterans, including children who take on caregiving roles.

The Helping Heroes Act of 2023 recognizes the work done by the approximately 2.3 million children under the age of 18 living in a household with a disabled veteran and seeks to provide critical support and assistance to these children in accessing local, state and federal resources.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) currently has limited authority to support veteran families with healthy development, especially when it comes to children who take on these caregiving roles. Veteran families could benefit from access to mental health care, peer support, recreational opportunities and other experiences that can help these children lead healthier lives.

“This legislation is an investment in the families of our veterans,” Boozman said. “Expanding the VA’s resources to better support the education, health and other needs of young caregivers is a critical part of our commitment to those who have served and sacrificed for our country and their loved ones.”

“Our country has a serious obligation to support all of our veteran families, and that means making sure those who’ve stepped up as caregivers for their family—including our kids—aren’t shouldering that responsibility alone,” said Murray. “I’m reintroducing this bipartisan legislation to make sure VA delivers much-needed care and support for our disabled veterans and their youngest caregivers.”

Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) are original cosponsors of the legislation.

The Helping Heroes Act of 2023 would help meet the unmet needs of these children by:

Requiring a full-time Family Coordinator at each VA medical center to assess the needs of veteran families in their catchment area and refer them to available local, state, and federal resources;

Establishing a Family Support Program to provide supportive services to eligible family members of disabled veterans;

Ensuring transition assistance curriculum includes information on services for children in veteran families adjusting from Active Duty to veteran status;

And requiring VA to collect data on the experiences of disabled veteran families to better identify and understand their needs.

These young caregivers provide invaluable support to their veteran family members. In doing so, they face unique challenges and often take on added responsibilities. More about this issue can be found in the Elizabeth Dole Foundation commissioned report from Mathematica on supporting the healthy development of children from military and veteran caregiving homes.

The legislation is supported by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Blinded Veterans Association and American Veterans.

“Generations of veteran children have witnessed first-hand the physical and emotional effects of war when their parent returns home. They experience more stress, anxiety, and isolation than most of us will see in our lifetimes,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. "Today, with the reintroduction of the Helping Heroes Act, we take an important step in acknowledging the load these caregiver children carry is heavier than our nation should let them bear. On behalf of the millions of hidden helpers across America, we thank Senators Murray and Boozman for driving this critical, bipartisan legislation.”

As part of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Helpers initiative, a number of nationwide organizations wrote a letter to Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs leadership in support of this legislation.

March 02, 2023

ARKANSAS COMMERCIAL TRUCK SAFETY AND EDUCATION PROGRAM APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
The Arkansas Highway Commission is pleased to announce the next application cycle for the Arkansas Commercial Truck Safety and Education Program (ACTSEP) began Tuesday, March 1.

ACTSEP is a grant program that funds truck safety and education efforts through cooperative public/private programs that focus on increased enforcement, regulatory compliance, industry training, and educational programs to ensure the safe movement of goods on Arkansas highways.

ACTSEP is the first program jointly involving the trucking industry and the Arkansas Department of Transportation to ensure improved commercial truck safety on state highways. It is funded with the first $2 million collected annually from a 15% registration fee increase for certain trucks operating in Arkansas under the International Registration Plan.

Applications are available at:
www.ardot.gov/ACTSEP

TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM & RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
The Arkansas Highway Commission is pleased to announce that applications for the Arkansas Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and the Arkansas Recreational Trails Program (RTP) are now available.

Virtual seminars will occur on March 16 and April 4 to inform potential eligible sponsors of TAP and RTP requirements and responsibilities. Registration information for the seminars can be found at the web addresses listed below.

Eligible TAP projects include, but are not limited to:
On-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized forms of transportation, including sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle signals, lighting, and other safety-related infrastructure.

Infrastructure related projects and systems that will provide safe routes for non-drivers.
Conversion and use of abandoned railroad corridors for trails for pedestrians, bicyclists, or other non-motorized transportation users.
Any environmental mitigation activity, including pollution prevention and abatement activities.
Infrastructure related Safe Routes To School (SRTS) projectsSidewalk improvements, traffic calming, and speed reduction improvements.
Pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements.
Non-infrastructure projects: Public awareness campaigns and outreach
Enforcement, encouragement, and evaluation programs
Bicycle and Pedestrian education or a walking school bus program near a K-8 school.
Pedestrian/Trail Master Plans

Eligible RTP projects include, but are not limited to:
Improvement of motorized, non-motorized and multiple-use trails
Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages.

The Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act (IIJA) reauthorized the TAP and RTP (previously authorized under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act).

Project applications and registration for both programs, including general project guidelines, may be obtained by visiting ardot.gov/tap or ardot.gov/rtp.

Applications must be completed by June 1 at 4 p.m. Central Daylight Time for funding consideration.

The Department will continue the open application cycle for Arkansas Recreational Trails Program Motorized projects. Applicants may submit year-round and are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

JACO MEATS AND ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCED AS FIRST STATE-INSPECTED MEAT PROCESSING FACILITIES
LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) is pleased to announce that JACO Meats in Hope, Arkansas, and the Arkansas State University (ASU) Meat Market in Jonesboro, Arkansas are the first two facilities licensed by the Arkansas Meat Inspection Program.

The Arkansas Meat Inspection Program was authorized by Act 418 during the 2021 Regular Session of the Arkansas General Assembly and was finalized through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The program allows the Department to inspect meat products for shipment within Arkansas.

“The establishment of state-inspected processing facilities at JACO Meats and the ASU Meat Market is great news for Arkansas consumers and the state’s agriculture industry,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “We are hopeful that this program will continue to expand and increase the availability of locally-sourced meat and meat products for Arkansans.”

Arkansas is one of 28 states participating in FSIS’s State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs. These programs allow state inspectors to ensure program enforcement and regulatory compliance in small establishments operating within the state. The MPI programs must develop, administer, and enforce requirements “at least equal to” those set forth in the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA).

The need for additional meat processing capacity was highlighted by food supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the Department worked with the Arkansas legislature and industry stakeholders to receive and distribute $10.4 million from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for the Arkansas Meat and Poultry Processing Grant Program. JACO Meats and the ASU Meat Market received funding through the Arkansas Meat and Poultry Processing Grant Program in 2020.

For more information on program requirements or to apply, visit agriculture.arkansas .gov/arkansas-meat-inspection-program/.

COTTON, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM “GENDER-TRANSITION” SURGERY
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Protecting Minors from Medical Malpractice Act, legislation that will allow individuals who suffered dangerous gender-transition procedures as minors to seek justice in court. Senator Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Senator Steve Daines (R-Montana), Senator James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida), and Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) are co-sponsors of the bill. Congressman Jim Banks (Indiana-03) is leading companion legislation in the House.

“Gender-transition procedures aren’t safe or appropriate for children. Unfortunately, radical doctors in the United States perform dangerous, experimental, and even sterilizing gender-transition procedures on young kids, who cannot even provide informed consent. Our bill allows children who grow up to regret these procedures to sue for damages. Any doctor who performs these irresponsible procedures on kids should pay,” said Senator Cotton.

“Performing irreversible surgery on a child too young to drive a car or get a tattoo is wrong. The quacks who enable this inexcusable practice must be held accountable. Our bill would ensure justice for women like Chloe Cole, who is currently suing her former so-called medical professionals for subjecting her to irreversible and damaging gender transition surgery at a young age,” said Congressman Banks.

The Protecting Minors from Medical Malpractice Act would:

Create a private right of action allowing people who suffer gender-transition procedures performed on them as minors to sue the medical practitioner who performed the procedure.

Allow victims or their legal guardian to sue for declaratory or injunctive relief, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.

Provide a 30-year statute of limitation after the age of majority.

Gender-transition procedures include puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures that change an individual’s body in order to align with an identity at odds with an individual’s biological sex.

Applicable to procedures performed after the date of passage of this legislation.

Clarify that federal law cannot be construed to force medical practitioners to offer such procedures.

Prohibit federal health funds from going to states that force medical practitioners to perform gender-transition procedures.

The legislation is supported by the American Principles Project, Heritage Action for America, Ethics and Public Policy Center, Family Research Council, Family Policy Alliance, and the Independent Women’s Forum.

COTTON, GRAHAM INTRODUCE BILL TO PERMANENTLY CONTROL FENTANYL ANALOGUES
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today introduced the Protecting Americans from Fentanyl Trafficking Act. The legislation would make permanent the DEA’s temporary controls on fentanyl analogues to control the deadly substance. The bill is also co-sponsored by Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Senator Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Senator John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Senator Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina). Bill text may be found here.

“Illicit fentanyl is made with the intent to create addicts and to kill. Granting the DEA permanent control of this deadly drug and its analogues will provide law enforcement the tools needed take these dangerous drugs off the streets,” said Senator Cotton.

“Ms. Rebecca Kiessling testified before Congress yesterday that when it comes to fentanyl we’re at war and we need to act like we’re at war. She tragically lost both her sons to fentanyl overdoses from a single pill laced with enough fentanyl to kill an individual four times over. Her sons bought what they thought to be Percocet, and it turned out to be pure fentanyl. They both died from the ingestion. Fentanyl is the leading cause of death among 18-45 year olds in America. More Americans die from fentanyl poisoning than car accidents and gun violence combined! Under President Biden, we’ve lost complete operational control of the border. Fentanyl is flooding into our country. We should be going after Mexican drug cartels and other transnational criminal organizations who deal this deadly drug by designating them as foreign terrorist organizations – giving us even more tools to combat this epidemic. I will be working with my colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee to dramatically increase the punishment for fentanyl distribution, including charging the crime of murder if an overdose death occurs as a result. Bottom line: The Biden Administration response to the fentanyl epidemic has been lacking. I intend to do all I can to make them change course,” said Senator Graham.

Background:
Senator Cotton first introduced the Protecting Americans from Fentanyl Act in April of 2021 and called for its passage by unanimous consent, but Senate Democrats objected to the motion.

BOOZMAN, KAINE, HASSAN & ROUNDS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO BOOST HIRING OF MILITARY SPOUSES
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) were joined by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) in introducing the Military Spouse Hiring Act, legislation to amend the tax code to incentivize businesses to hire military spouses.

“Serving in our nation’s uniform is a family affair. Servicemembers’ spouses are a critical piece of the support system underpinning America’s military and they deserve abundant access to meaningful career opportunities. Our bill helps encourage employers to hire these skilled and resilient men and women to enhance their own organizations while also strengthening our national defense,” said Boozman.

“Our service members and their families make countless sacrifices for our security and freedom,” said Kaine. “In turn, we have a responsibility to take care of them—and that must include helping America’s talented military spouses access a wide range of work opportunities. Expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a bipartisan, commonsense step that can help us do that.”

“It is not only service members themselves who sacrifice to keep our country safe, secure, and free, but also their family members who, in supporting them, face a variety of challenges as well,” said Hassan. “It is common for military spouses to struggle to find employment due to relocation and other factors, which is why we are reintroducing this bipartisan bill to incentivize companies to hire them. This business tax credit is a commonsense and concrete way to help our military families, and I will continue to work across the aisle on ways to support service members and their families.”

“Our service members and their families make incredible sacrifices to defend our country,” said Rounds. “One of these sacrifices includes relocating from one assignment to the next, which can make it difficult for military spouses to secure a job and for employers to hire them. We owe it to our service members and their families to remove obstacles hindering their financial well-being. Expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to include military spouses will help remove one barrier, giving our military families the opportunities they deserve.”

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA-08).

“My mother was a military spouse, and I am keenly aware of challenges facing partners of active-duty servicemembers, who often have to relocate their families long distances,” said Beyer. “Our legislation would make important changes to the tax code to overcome hurdles to employment that disproportionately affect military spouses, and show military families that their service to the nation is valued. This is the kind of bipartisan measure that I believe could win passage in the Ways and Means Committee, and I will continue working with my colleagues in both parties to advance it in the current session.”

According to a survey by Blue Star Families, military spouse employment is the top issue impacting active-duty families, and the top contributor to financial stress among military families. Military spouses consistently experience unemployment rates substantially higher than the national rate, and two thirds of employed active duty military spouses report underemployment. Frequent moves often stall military spouses’ upward career progression and force them to find new jobs. This hurts military families and military readiness.

The Military Spouse Hiring Act would address the issue by expanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program—which incentivizes employers to hire individuals who experience unique employment barriers—to include military spouses.

In addition to Boozman, Kaine, Hassan and Rounds, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hoeven (R-ND) and Mark Warner (D-VA).

Military service organizations supporting the measure include the Air & Space Forces Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, American Veterans, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States, Blue Star Families, Commissioned Officers Association of the US Public Health Service, Chief Warrant Officers Association of the U.S. Coast Guard, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Fleet Reserve Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, Marine Corps League, Military Chaplains Association of the United States of America, Military Family Advisory Network, Military Officers Association of America, Military Spouse Advocacy Network, National Military Family Association, National Military Spouse Network, Non Commissioned Officers Association, Reserve Organization of America, Service Women’s Action Network, The American Legion, The Retired Enlisted Association, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, United States Army Warrant Officers Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, Work Opportunity Tax Credit Coalition and Wounded Warrior Project.

March 01, 2023

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF ARKANSAS AND ARKANSAS 4-H TO HOST SEAPERCH CHALLENGE
Submersible, student-constructed remote-operated drones simulate real-world tasks
Little Rock, Ark. — Feb. 27, 2023 — The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and Arkansas 4-H will host the 2023 Arkansas SeaPerch Challenge, an underwater robotics competition, on Friday, March 3 at the University of Arkansas – Little Rock Aquatic Center. An estimated 200 students will represent 61 teams from 12 counties at the event. Event participation has grown by more than 400 percent since 2016.

The SeaPerch is a remotely-operated submersible built from more than three dozen parts, including PVC pipe, pool noodles, three 12-volt motors and batteries. During the contest, teams must navigate their SeaPerch through obstacle courses and complete other tasks, such as moving plastic rings from one part of the course and successfully placing them to another part. The goal is to ignite students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

During this year’s competition, competitors will use their SeaPerch robots to simulate ocean exploration and mapping. Robots are becoming more common as scientists use submersibles to document regions of the ocean where manned craft cannot safely go. The winner of the Arkansas SeaPerch Challenge will advance to the International SeaPerch Challenge that will be held May 13, 2023, at the University of Maryland.

"Arkansas' electric cooperatives are dedicated to providing STEM-based educational opportunities for Arkansas’ youth," said Rob Roedel, director of corporate communications for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. "Our partnership with Arkansas 4-H has resulted in tremendous growth in this program that opens learning paths for the future leaders of our state.”

To learn more about the Arkansas 4-H SeaPerch Challenge, visit 4h.uada.edu. More information about the SeaPerch initiative can be found at seaperch.org/about.

SAAC HOSTS “FEED ME SEYMOUR” BRUNCH
The South Arkansas Arts Center invites you to the “Feed Me, Seymour Brunch” on Sunday, March 5, in the Merkle Gallery. This popular annual event is hosted come-and-go style, with serving starting at 11:00am and continuing through 1:00pm.

SAAC's fundraising chair Chrystal Osborn, longtime volunteer Tena Hughes, and their committee have created a tempting and delicious menu for this brunch, held in conjunction with the spring production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” which opens March 3. On Sunday afternoon, curtain goes up on the show for a special matinee performance at 2:30 p.m.

The crowd-pleasing menu for SAAC’s Sunday brunch includes a Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar, fruit skewers, ham and cheese rolls, egg salad, pasta salad, sweet treats, coffee and hibiscus tea punch. Also, guests will be thrilled that the hit of past brunches, miniature tomato pies, will make their return to the serving table. The entire event is made possible by dedicated volunteers from SAAC's board of directors and theatre committee, who give of their time and talents each year to cook, decorate, and serve.

Sponsor Murphy Pitard Jewelers will be on hand during the brunch to display the spectacular Golden Audrey necklace, which they have donated as this year's raffle item. The custom-designed gold and diamond solitaire necklace features a flower and leaf botanical design, inspired by Audrey II in "Little Shop". Along with the Golden Audrey, the winner of this year's raffle also receives a live Venus Flytrap, donated by All About Flowers.

Guests to the brunch have the exclusive opportunity to try on the Golden Audrey, valued at $2400. They can also purchase tickets to the raffle, which will conclude with an onstage drawing at the show's final performance on March 11. Tickets are $10. Murphy-Pitard staffers will also curate a limited-time jewelry display filled with unique items inspired by flowers, plants, and nature.

Miniature Venus Flytraps in pots painted by SAAC teachers and students will serve as the centerpieces for each table, and are available for $25. All funds raised will support SAAC's educational opportunities.

Tickets for this delectable brunch are $25 for adults, $10 for kids 6 to 12, kids 5 & under free. For more information, please call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org.

DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 44 YEARS COMBINED IN FEDERAL PRISON
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs drug trafficking organization was sentenced today to federal prison for crimes related to the Distribution of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs.

According to court documents, in 2020, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating a drug trafficking organization operating within the Western District of Arkansas, Hot Springs Division. During the course of their investigation, investigators identified Jose Luis Aguilar as the leader of this group. Jose Luis Aguilar regularly supplied narcotics to multiple dealers in the Hot Springs area between July 29, 2020, through at least September 25, 2020.

Those members of the drug trafficking organization indicted federally have been sentenced as follows:
Jose Luis Aguilar: age 61, Houston, Texas – one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Aiding and Abetting in the Possession with the Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine
235 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.

Eric Alexi Aguilar: age 25, Houston, Texas – one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and one count of Aiding and Abetting in the Possession with the Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing Methamphetamine
120 months imprisonment and 5-year term of supervised release.

James Franklin Wells, Jr: age 60, Hot Springs, Arkansas – one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than 50 Grams of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine
180 months imprisonment and 4-year term of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations Little Rock, the Hot Springs Police Department, the 18th East Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Garland County Prosecutors Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Achorn and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Daniels prosecuted the case.

HOT SPRINGS MAN SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 7 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR FIREARMS POSSESSION
HOT SPRINGS – A Hot Springs man was sentenced yesterday to 92 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the U.S. District Court in Hot Springs.

According to court documents, on February 10, 2020, Investigators with the Hot Springs Police Department, Special Investigations Division, conducted a controlled purchase of a firearm from Larry Wayne Natt, Jr., age 36. The firearm Natt possessed and transferred was manufactured outside the State of Arkansas and therefore traveled in interstate commerce. Prior to Natt possessing the firearm, Natt was convicted of at least one felony offense and prohibited from possessing firearms. Furthermore, Natt was aware of his status as a convicted felon at the time of possession.

U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement. The Hot Springs Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

COTTON, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BILLS TO STOP TEACHING OF CRITICAL RACE THEORY IN SCHOOLS AND MILITARY INSTITUTIONS
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced two bills, the Stop CRT Act and the Combatting Racist Training in the Military Act. The Stop CRT Act would prevent federal funding from going to schools that teach Critical Race Theory. The Combatting Racist Training in the Military Act would prevent similar woke ideology from being taught in any Department of Defense institution, including service academies. Congressman Dan Bishop (North Carolina-08) introduced companion legislation in the House.

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) and Senator James Lankford (R-Oklahoma) are co-sponsors of the Stop CRT Act.

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Senator Steve Daines (R-Montana), and Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) are co-sponsors of the Combatting Racist Training in the Military Act.

“Radical activism should have no place in our military’s training. American soldiers should learn how to kill our enemies, not anti-American ideology. This legislation will prevent Department of Defense bureaucrats from teaching woke ideology,” said Senator Cotton.

“Critical race theory (CRT) is a poisonous ideology that seeks to divide Americans based on their skin color, and it must be ripped out, root and branch, from our institutions. CRT should have no place in American life and certainly shouldn't be promoted using American tax dollars. The Biden administration and radical Left's relentless promotion of these racist, anti-American ideologies is toxic to our country and culture. These bills are one crucial part of our fight against the insidious effort from the Left to fundamentally transform society based on their designs,” said Congressman Bishop.

FEBRUARY 28, 2023

WESTERMAN, CARTER, GOLDEN, RUPPERSBERGER INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROTECT PATIENT ACCESS TO MEDICAL INFORMATION

WASHINGTON - Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Jared Golden (D-ME), and Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) introduced the Patients’ Right to Know Their Medication Act of 2023 to ensure that rural Americans and seniors have access to important information about their prescription medications and to protect the jobs of hardworking Georgians.

It is common practice for patients to see safety, dosage, health consequences, and other details about their prescription medication when they pick it up from the counter, but this is not a legal requirement, leaving some patients in the dark about their own health. This bill would ensure that patients nationwide are guaranteed access to this vital information.

“Although many pharmacies include some information to patients about their prescriptions, it’s not required by law. Without printed information about their medication, some seniors or patients without access to reliable internet connection may not receive the necessary information on safety, dosages, and other details about their medication. Legislation like this ensures that every patient, especially those in rural districts like mine, has access to the important information they need,” said Congressman Westerman.

“When I practiced pharmacy, I always made sure that my patients knew the impacts their prescriptions would have on their health. This is a common-sense update that will help patients, pharmacists, and drug manufacturers maintain the highest quality health care for all. With this bill, you won’t need a medical degree or even a strong internet connection to know that you’re taking your medications safely and correctly,” said Congressman Carter.

“Many rural Mainers and seniors don’t have reliable access to the internet or aren’t comfortable using it to get important information about their prescription medications,” said Congressman Golden. “Our bipartisan bill requires information about medications to be printed, ensuring that every American who relies on a prescription has all the information they need to take it safely when they leave the pharmacy. This commonsense bill also would support hundreds of good jobs in Madawaska and our state’s forest products industry.”

“I am proud to support this common sense, bipartisan bill that is simple and straightforward but potentially lifesaving,” said Congressman Ruppersberger. “By requiring clear instructions and warnings such as potential adverse side effects on paper, we will ensure all Americans are empowered to take their prescriptions safely, especially seniors who cannot or do not use the Internet.”

February 24, 2023

37TH ANNUAL HOT SPRINGS BOAT, TACKLE AND RV SHOW
The 37th annual Hot Springs Boat, Tackle and RV Show will take place this weekend, Feb. 24-26, in downtown Hot Springs at the Hot Springs Convention Center and Bank OZK Arena. If you are in the market for a new boat, RV or tackle, you’re in luck. The Hot Springs Boat, Tackle and RV Show is one of the best places for adventures-seekers to find their dream boat, RV and will showcase the latest innovations in gear, tackle, accessories and apparel.

The event will offer plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy Arkansas' outdoors.

Arkansas continues to be a giant recreational area with hundreds of lakes, rivers, streams and parks offering boaters and campers fun, affordable family recreation. The Hot springs Boat and RV Show will feature a wide variety of information on Arkansas-based resorts, campgrounds, boating and RV accessories. The event will also include the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Mobile Aquarium as well as dock and lift boat exhibitors and other exhibits related to the boat and RV industries – all under one roof.
Recent boat and RV shows have shown solid attendance and solid sales at the boating and RV industries continue to do well. There is hardly ever been a better time to enjoy the vast outdoors opportunities Arkansas provides.

This year’s show includes free, unlimited parking. And, thanks to a donation from Gregg Orr Marine, everyone who stops by can enter their information for a chance to win a Havoc VJ Duck Boat valued at $12,000.

Show hours for this year’s Hot Springs Boat, Tackle and RV Show are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and for a final day on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission price is $10 for adults while children 12 and under get in for free.

For more information contact Ken Griffey at (501) 765-1423, email griffeyinc@sbcglobal.net or visit dgattractions.com.

WARMER WEATHER IS NEAR, PREPARE FOR THE DANGERS OF SPRING THUNDERSTORMS
Entergy Arkansas recognizes Severe Weather Preparedness Week, Feb. 26 – March 4
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Spring symbolizes a new beginning, but when it comes to seasonal changes, the uncertainty of weather remains. No one knows that better than Entergy Arkansas and other emergency responders.

The National Weather Service (NWS), in cooperation with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM), has proclaimed the week of Feb. 26 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Arkansas.

Entergy Arkansas plans and trains all year to respond and restore power when extreme, unpredictable weather causes power outages and downed power lines. The cycle of planning, preparation and training prepares the company for every weather situation.

Extreme weather events are increasing in strength and frequency across our region. Monitoring weather patterns is essential to making sure our crews are ready to respond and restore power, should our service be impacted.

Entergy Arkansas consistently works to strengthen and modernize its infrastructure throughout the year. Whether it is installing new equipment to reduce outages or replacing poles with stronger ones, these types of investments help improve grid resiliency and minimize power disruptions for customers.

As we begin to enter the new season, we’re encouraging customers to prepare now for unexpected weather.

Make a plan
Prepare for extreme weather in advance by assembling an emergency kit of basic supplies. Knowing exactly when and where severe weather will occur is unlikely, so preparing in advance is critical. Entergy Arkansas can help customers prepare with tips on developing a family plan and preparing an emergency kit of basic supplies. For more information, visit entergynewsroom.com/storm-center/plankit.

After stocking up, customers should ensure they have several ways of getting severe weather warnings. Install a smartphone app that will alert you when severe weather is in the area or sign up for emergency alerts that are available for customers. A weather radio with a loud alarm can also help when severe weather threatens overnight.

For additional information on preparing for severe weather, visit entergynewsroom.com/storm-center/preparation.

Stay informed
Knowing how to communicate with Entergy Arkansas after a storm is important. There are several ways to stay informed and report outages and downed power lines:

Download our free app for your smartphone at entergy.com/app.
Sign up for text alerts by texting REG to 36778 and have your account number and ZIP code handy. The registration pattern is as follows, including spaces: REG (account number) (ZIP code). Once registered, text OUT to 36778 to report an outage. You can also report an outage online as a guest.
Visit the Entergy Storm Center website and our View Outages
Follow Entergy Arkansas on Facebook and Twitter.

About Entergy Arkansas
Entergy Arkansas provides electricity to approximately 728,000 customers in 63 counties. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR), an integrated energy company engaged in electric power production, transmission and retail distribution operations. Entergy delivers electricity to 3 million utility customers through its operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy owns and operates one of the cleanest large-scale U.S. power generating fleets with approximately 24,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including 5,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Entergy has annual revenues of $10 billion and approximately 12,000 employees.

BOOZMAN, TESTER LEAD BICAMERAL BILL TO STRENGTHEN EARNED SUPPORT FOR MILITARY SURVIVORS AND FAMILIES
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, recently joined Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT), Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) to introduce legislation that would adjust monthly benefits for family members and survivors of veterans who lost their lives in service to our country.

The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)—the rate of compensation paid to survivors of servicemembers who die in the line of duty or veterans who die from service-related injuries or diseases—has been minimally adjusted since its establishment in 1993. The Caring for Survivors Act of 2023 will bring parity to payments for DIC recipients, which currently lag behind other federal program payments by nearly 12 percent.

“We must better care for the loved ones of troops who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” Boozman said. “Updating benefits for military survivors to match those provided by other federal programs will help us continue to live up to the promises we made to our servicemembers and their families.”

“I will always defend the earned benefits and economic security of our military families who lost their loved ones in the line of service,” said Tester. “These families have endured the unimaginable and giving them more economic certainty is something everyone should support. That’s why I’m introducing a bipartisan bill to fix outdated policies and bring surviving spouses and family members’ earned benefits in line with other federal programs—ensuring survivors receive the benefits they need and have earned.”

Under current law, DIC restricts benefits for survivors if the veteran was disabled for less than ten years before his or her death. The Caring for Survivors Act would reduce the timeframe a veteran needs to be rated totally disabled from ten to five years—broadening eligibility to more survivors.

Veterans Service Organizations applauded the bipartisan effort to provide surviving spouses and family members their due benefits. The legislation is supported by Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and Gold Star Wives.

“Gold Star Wives is grateful to Chairman Tester and Senator Boozman for their support of our widows/widowers of our military service members,” said Gold Star Wives President Tamra Sipes. “We are the women and men left behind. We pick up the pieces for our spouses, reinvent our lives and try to make life as normal as possible for our children. We are the true single parent families left in communities where we often don’t know anyone, we have no one to go back to, and we have to reinvent our lives. This bill for widows/widowers of our military service members acknowledges that sacrifice, and provides us with a small, but meaningful increase to assist our daily living.”

February 22, 2023

ACCIDENT CLAIMS LIFE OF CAMDEN MAN
There was an accident on Highway 79B yesterday evening. Kenneth McIntyre, 58, of Camden was traveling southbound on Highway 79 B on his Suzuki VL800 when the driver of a Kia Sorento, that was traveling northbound, attempted to make a left turn onto the Highway 79 access road. The operator of the Kia failed to yield and made a left turn in the path of the Suzuki. McIntyre was unable to avoid the collision and the front of the motorcycle struck the right front side of Kia. After impact the motorcycle came to a final rest in the Highway 79B turn lane. The Kia came to a final rest on the Highway 79 access road.

McIntyre was killed in the crash. There was no other mention of injury and the name of the driver of the Kia was not included in the report. The weather was clear and the road was dry.

ARKANSAS BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH!
At the ABA, we are thankful for the many African-American broadcasters who contribute to the excellence and progression of our industry. We are proud to support diversity in broadcasting; this month, keep an eye out as we continue to honor key African-American figures in recognizing Black History Month!

DID YOU KNOW? In 1948, Mary Dee made on-air history as the first African-American female DJ! Beginning her career at WHOD along with her brother Mal Goode, whom we featured last week, she spent 8 years giving listeners a taste of great music and kept them up-to-date on what was going on in the community. Dee had the opportunity to interview well-rounded individuals like Nat King Cole, Eartha Kitt, and Tony Bennett.

She even became a mentor for young people in the industry, distributing hundreds of records, and was able to advise a young George Benson at the start of his career! With a lasting legacy, she was one of two black females inducted into the Association of American Women in Radio and Television. We salute you, Mary.

SOUTHEASTERN AR CATFISHING TRAIL TOURNAMENT
The Southeastern Arkansas Catfishing Trail Tournament will be March 11th, 2023 at Sandy Beach in Camden

Registration will be 6:30 am the day of tournament. Launch is at 7 am. End of Fishing at 3 pm. Weigh-in at 3:30 pm back at the boat ramp.

$50 per boat (3 max adults per boat) $10 Big Fish & $5 Trash Fish (optional)
Call Randy @ 501-317-7196 for additional information or questions

See Facebook page- Southeastern Arkansas Catfishing Trail - for schedule, rules & to ask any questions.

ARKANSAS COMMERCE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES $53 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDS TO CONNECT ARKANSANS TO HIGH-SPEED INTERNET
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (February 22, 2023) – The Arkansas Department of Commerce today announced that more than $53 million will be awarded to 10 internet service providers in Arkansas to extend high-speed internet in eight underserved counties throughout the state. This award completes the sixth award phase of the Arkansas Rural Connect broadband infrastructure grant program which is designed to expand the broadband footprint in rural Arkansas communities.

The $53 million investment, combined with $18.8 million in provider matching funds, will result in nearly 5,800 homes and businesses being connected to fast, reliable internet in Ashley, Baxter, Chicot, Clark, Columbia, Hot Spring, Logan, and Lonoke counties.

“Ensuring that Arkansas families have access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet is one of the highest priorities of my administration,” Governor Sanders said. “It is foundational to enhancing educational opportunities for our students, improving healthcare for our residents, and igniting economic renewal across our great state.”

The Arkansas Rural Connect grant program is administered by the Arkansas State Broadband Office, housed within the Department of Commerce. With today’s announcement, the program has awarded nearly $550 million to connect more than 129,000 unserved and underserved locations throughout Arkansas.

“The Department of Commerce is honored to be charged with the responsibility to bring affordable, reliable, high-speed internet to all Arkansans,” said Hugh McDonald, secretary of the Department of Commerce. “Today’s announcement is another step forward on the path to creating opportunities for families, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes by eliminating the digital divide in Arkansas by 2028.”

Approved by the Arkansas General Assembly’s Joint Budget Committee, the eight projects announced today, along with 14 projects approved last December by the Arkansas Legislative Council, were funded through the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund. Through the fund, the state of Arkansas was allocated $158 million for internet-related projects. Demonstrating the need for continued broadband expansion in the state, the Arkansas State Broadband Office received nearly $328 million in grant requests.

“We’ve made great strides as a state in prioritizing the buildout of broadband infrastructure,” stated Glen Howie, state broadband director. “Under Governor Sanders’ strong leadership, we plan to connect the remaining unconnected, work to ensure broadband affordability, and equip our residents with the digital skills they need to compete in the 21st century economy.”
Arkansas Rural Connect awardees and counties that will benefit from this phase of the program include:
CableSouth Media LLC (Ashley County) – $7,921,193.00
NEXT, Powered by NAEC (Baxter County) – $2,151,269.00
Ashley-Chicot Electric Cooperative Inc (Chicot County) - $6,621,712.00
South Central Connect LLC (Clark County) - $1,677,136.16
Four States Fiber (Columbia County) - $5,207,451.00
South Central Connect LLC/Central Arkansas Telephone Cooperative Inc. (Hot Spring County) – $4,579,711.00
Wave Rural Connect LLC/Cox Communications LLC (Logan County) - $14,252,451.37
Connect2First Internet (Lonoke County) - $10,947,298.00

SAAC WELCOMES BACK KRISTEN BLOSSOM AS DIRECTOR FOR 2023 SUMMER MUSICAL
The South Arkansas Arts Center is thrilled to welcome Kristen Blossom back to the Callaway Theatre stage as director for the 2023 summer musical, “Newsies”. Blossom is delighted to be returning to SAAC, where she last joined us as the director and choreographer for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” in the summer of 2019.

Blossom has extensive experience directing both children and adults at the community theatre and collegiate levels. She holds an MFA in Acting from the FSU/Asolo Conservatory, which has been rated one of the top 20 acting schools in the world. She is a member of the Actors Equity Association and has extensive experience performing and directing on stages all over the country. She is a trained dancer and registered yoga teacher, allowing her to incorporate her teaching techniques into all elements of a production. She has worked on stage in New York and in film in Los Angeles. She is currently the assistant professor of acting, voice and musical theatre at Stephen F Austin University.

“I’m thrilled to work with everyone again. SAAC is a magical place with wonderful people. I love 'Newsies' because it reminds me that one small idea from a young person, when taken seriously, can change entire systems of injustice," said Blossom. "I want everyone to walk away from show feeling really, truly inspired, to stand together and use their voices to promote the change they want to see in our world right now. Like the Newsies sing, 'Wrongs will be righted, if we're united!'"

Set in turn-of-the century New York City, “Newsies” is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged ‘newsies.' When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right! “Newsies” is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.

Adults and teens can ready to audition for “Newsies” with an audition prep workshop hosted by Kristen Blossom on February 25th and 26th. Get a crash course in the "Newsies" universe at this free two-day workshop on Saturday 6:30-9:30pm and Sunday 1:00-4:00pm. The workshop is free, but advance registration is required.

For more information about the summer musical or the audition workshop, please call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org. SAAC is located at 110 East Fifth Street, El Dorado, Arkansas.

U.S. SUPREME COURT REJECTS CHALLENGE TO ARKANSAS'S LAW BARRING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST ISRAEL, ISRAELIS
Griffin: ‘I will vigorously enforce Arkansas’s law and ensure that taxpayers aren’t required to pay for anti-Israel and anti-Israeli discrimination’
LITTLE ROCK – Following the United States Supreme Court’s decision earlier today declining to review an en banc decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit upholding Arkansas’s law prohibiting national origin discrimination, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement:

“Today, the United States Supreme Court declined to review an Eighth Circuit decision upholding Arkansas’s law prohibiting state contractors from discriminating against Israel and Israelis. As the Eighth Circuit correctly concluded, the First Amendment does not protect refusals to deal with someone simply because of their nationality. As Arkansas’s Attorney General, I will vigorously enforce Arkansas’s law and ensure that taxpayers aren’t required to pay for anti-Israel and anti-Israeli discrimination.”

COTTON STATEMENT ON RUSSIA’S WITHDRAWING FROM NUCLEAR ARMS TREATY
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after Russian President Vladimir Putin suspended the New Start nuclear arms treaty:

“Vladimir Putin announced today that Russia is killing the New START nuclear arms treaty after violating it with impunity for years. President Biden never should have extended this treaty, which handcuffed the United States while allowing Russia to cheat and China to expand its arsenal. Russia’s actions underscore the urgent need for U.S. nuclear modernization to meet the threat of our adversaries’ growing stockpiles.”

BOOZMAN, COTTON MOVE TO BLOCK IRS SURVEILLANCE, PROTECT AMERICAN TAXPAYERS
WASHINGTON—U.S Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) joined Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Ranking Member Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-ID) and over two dozen of their Republican colleagues in introducing the Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act to block future progressive political attempts to make the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) snoop on the private information of American taxpayers.

In 2021, the Biden administration proposed new requirements that would have directed the IRS to collect the private transaction information of virtually every American. This legislation will protect taxpayers by prohibiting such requirements from ever being implemented.

“The IRS has failed to secure private information and often struggles to provide basic customer service to the millions of American taxpayers it’s accountable to and was designed to serve. It has no business attempting to monitor their every bank transaction and requiring financial institutions to turn over this data. Our bill would ensure the agency stays out of innocent Americans’ personal finances,” Boozman said.

“The IRS has no business collecting the financial data of millions of Americans. This legislation is necessary to protect against the Biden administration’s proposals that would give the IRS access to personal banking information and threaten the privacy of every American,” Cotton said.

“Under the Biden administration and progressive leadership, the IRS has proposed outrageous actions that threaten the privacy of American taxpayers,” said Scott. “In light of this pattern, this legislation will prevent the IRS from taking future steps to encroach on the lives and finances of everyday Americans.”

“Americans are justifiably concerned about providing sensitive customer data to the IRS, an agency with an extensive history of leaks, hacks and other violations of taxpayer confidentiality,” said Crapo. “They loudly rejected the IRS bank reporting dragnet when it was originally proposed, and this legislation will prevent the IRS from turning banks and credit unions into private investigators for law-abiding Americans.”

The bill is also cosponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Rand Paul (R-KY), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Thune (R-SD), JD Vance (R-OH), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Todd Young (R-IN).

The Consumer Bankers Association, Credit Union National Association, American Bankers Association, Independent Community Bankers of America, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions, Americans for Tax Reform and the National Taxpayers Union have all endorsed the Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act.

February 20, 2023

CAMDEN’S YOUTH SPORTS COMMITTEE TO MEET
The City of Camden’s Youth Sports Committee will meet on Friday, February, 24, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building.

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF ARKANSAS TO SPONSOR 2023 STATE SPELLING BEE
Little Rock, Ark. — Feb. 20, 2022 — The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas are hosting the 2023 Arkansas State Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 11 at the Arkansas 4-H Center in Little Roc. The public is invited to attend the event.

Approximately 84,350 students from 422 s schools in 55 counties across Arkansas have participated in local and county contests leading up to the March State Spelling Bee contest. One winner from each county will participate in the statewide spelling bee. The Arkansas winner will proceed to The Scripps National Spelling Bee, the nation’s largest and longest-running educational program.

Aditi Shashidhara of Benton County is the winner of the 2022 Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas State Spelling Bee. The Haas Hall of Bentonville student is the daughter of Ramya and Eswaraiah Shashidhara.

The purpose of the Scripps National Spelling Bee is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them throughout their lives.

Learn more about the Arkansas State Spelling Bee at: www.aecc.com/spellingbee

SAAC ANNOUNCES CAST FOR “LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS”
Directors Delaine Gates and Darrin Riley are pleased to announce the cast for the upcoming South Arkansas Arts Center production of “Little Shop of Horrors”, sponsored by Murphy-Pitard Jewelers and All About Flowers and scheduled to take the stage March 3-5 and 9-11, 2023.

“We are fortunate to have a diverse cast of both new and familiar faces to bring this fiendish thriller to life on the SAAC stage. The heavy rock and roll and R&B score has proven to be a challenging and delightful journey into one of the darker versions of the story of Skid Row denizens,” said the directors, who have worked together on two earlier productions of "Little Shop" over the years.

The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" after his coworker crush of the same name. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it one thing: BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!

The cast is as follows; Matthew Power as Seymour Krelborn, an insecure, put-upon florist's clerk and eventual hero; Summer Shipp as Audrey, the secret love of Seymour's life; Clayton Evers as Dr. Scrivello, an egotistical dentist with bad-boy tendencies; Thomas Brewster as Mr. Mushnik, the greedy owner of the flower shop. Audrey II, the plant with an appetite for human flesh, will be puppeted by Destiny White with the baritone sounds of Jacarllus Hill serving as the voice. Chelsea Brown, Angel Owens and Katie Ford will play the hip, young, and smart street urchins Ronette, Chiffon and Crystal who narrate the show with their golden voices. Filling out the musical ensemble will be Chris Curry, Callie Blair, Jade Watts, Jaspyn VanAssche, Addie Bosanko, and Hannah Hopson.

A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, “Little Shop of Horrors” has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney's “The Little Mermaid”, “Beauty and The Beast”, and “Aladdin”) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world.

February 17, 2023

FARMERS BANK FOUNDATION TO HOST 4TH ANNUAL GOLF BENEFIT FOR ARKANSAS STATE POLICE FOUNDATION
Magnolia, Ark. (February 16, 2023) – The Farmers Bank Foundation is proud to announce plans for the fourth annual Arkansas State Police Foundation Golf Tournament. The charitable event will be held Friday, March 31, at Mystic Creek Golf Club in El Dorado, Arkansas.

Further tournament details and real-time updates can be found on the Farmers Bank & Trust Facebook page at www.facebook.com/farmersbankandtrust.

MORE THAN 55 MILLION IN DRUGS, 1,000+ ARREST AMID 'OPERATION TASK FORCE ARKANSAS'
Drug Task Force officers across the state banned together since November to eradicate illicit and deadly drugs from communities, culminating with "Operation Task Force Arkansas" on Jan. 25, 2023. Their efforts led to more than 1,200 arrests, confiscation of hundreds of firearms, and more than $55 million of fentanyl, meth, cocaine, opioid pills, and other drugs.

"This is a new day in Arkansas," said Arkansas Drug Director Boyce Hamlet, "We are grateful to our drug task force agents and commanders for their cooperation and leadership. If you are a person that deals fentanyl and opioids in our communities, to our families, and around our children you need to understand the old way of doing business is over."

He added, "Arkansas is sick of the death, destruction and sadness you have brought upon our state. We may have missed you this time, but we won't the next time. Make a business decision and find a new profession. You have been warned."

All 18 operational Drug Task Force units in Arkansas ended the 3-month focus with the 3-day intense warrants sweep serving 300 total warrants. In just three days, officers were able to confiscate 122 grams of fentanyl, 6,572 grams of meth, 500 prescription pills, 500 counterfeit pills (mostly fentanyl), 79 firearms and 256 arrests, Since the first day of 2023, they have totaled 522 arrests, more than 1.5 million grams of drugs (including 609 grams of fentanyl and nearly 60,000 grams of methamphetamine) and 11early 23,000 pills, all estimated at $21,852,048 estimate value of the drug confiscations.

Since November I, 2022, the Drug Task Force officers have made 1,274 arrests, seized 372 firearms, and amassed 2,262,090 grams of drugs and 39,324 pills for $55,387,093 in estimated value of drug confiscations. The total confiscations since November I, 2022 are;
• Cocaine (crack): 657 grams
• Cocaine (powder): 6,932 grams
• LSD/Ecstasy (MOMA); 165 dosages
• Heroin: 573 grams
• Fentanyl: 11,068 grams
• Marijuana/THC edibles (in all forms): 1,842,090 grams
• Methamphetamine: 260,728 grams
• Opioid pills: 18,392 pills
• Counterfeit pills: 20,726 pills
• Kratom: 2,036 grams
• Vape Pens: 1,541 cartridges
• Other (including Psilooybin mushrooms): 138,500 grams.

For information and treatment and recovery centers in Arkansas, where to dispose of medications, and more, visit www .wtakeback.org. On the website, the Arkansas Opioid Dashboard bas a map of the state in which individuals can click individual counties to reveal each counties own Opioid Dashboard, which contains information on Peer Recovery Specialists, drug and alcohol statistics, and more. Prescription medicines are toxic waste and pose a danger to people, pets, and the environment. Dispose of expired & unneeded medications in an environmentally save method by taking them to any of the 270 permanent drop box locations in Arkansas. To find a location, click on the Collection Sites tab and enter a zip code.

Provisional data from CDC's National Center for Health Statistics indicate an estimated 93,331 drug overdose deaths in the United States during 2020, an increase of29.4% from the 72,151 deaths predicted in 2019. In Arkansas, 618 people died from a drug overdose death in 2021.

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES PLAN TO ADD WORK REQUIREMENT FOR ARHOME RECIPIENTS
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Wednesday (Feb. 15) a plan that would add a work requirement, beginning in 2024, for Arkansans enrolled in Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me (ARHOME), a program that uses federal Medicaid funding to provide healthcare coverage to adults with low incomes. Sanders said enrollees who are not working, going to school, or volunteering would be removed from the ARHOME program and enrolled in fee-for-service Medicaid. The detailed proposal is expected to be available in April for public comment and will be sent to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for review.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FOR SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). These grants are funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enhance the competitiveness of the Arkansas specialty crop industry. Specialty crops are defined by USDA as fruits, vegetables, horticulture, floriculture, and tree nuts.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture uses a two-phase application process for administering the grant funds. Project concept proposals outlining the project’s goals, tasks, and budget requirements must be submitted by March 1.

After all concept proposals are reviewed by an advisory committee, selected projects will be invited to submit detailed project proposals.

Applicants are encouraged to develop projects pertaining to the following issues affecting the specialty crop industry:
Increasing sales and marketability and driving demand for specialty crops;
Increasing consumption of specialty crops in Arkansas’s schools by expanding child knowledge and/or improving access to the nutritional benefits of specialty crops;
Increasing access to local healthy foods;
Research projects focused on helping specialty crop growers reduce financial costs, improve pest and disease management, and/or value-added products; and
Enhancing specialty crop food safety.

The 2023 SCBGP application can be found at cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1 /SpecialtyCropBlockGrant2023ProjectConceptProposal.

Information about the 2023 SCBGP is available in the Request for Applications (RFA) at agriculture.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/ADA-SCBG-RFA-2023.pdf. For additional information, contact Amy Lyman, amy.lyman@agriculture.arkansas.gov.

AG GRIFFIN JOINS GOVERNOR SANDERS TO COMBAT THE SCOURGE OF FENTANYL IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND WELCOME NEW DRUG DIRECTOR
Griffin: 'We must act with urgency to combat this crisis’
LITTLE ROCK – Following a joint press conference today, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement:

“The lethal impact of fentanyl on Arkansans and our communities cannot be overstated. Much of the supply originates in Mexico and South America, using raw materials from Communist China. We must act with urgency to combat this crisis. It's been an honor to work collaboratively with Governor Sanders, Senator Gilmore and Representative Gazaway on this legislation, and I appreciate their leadership. Together, we deliver a clear message to fentanyl traffickers: you will face severe consequences, up to life imprisonment. I also applaud Governor Sanders’s appointment of Tom Fisher as Arkansas Drug Director. He is an extraordinary choice, and I look forward to working with him.”

SAAC HOSTS 2023 STUDENT ART SHOW AND COMPETITION AWARDS RECEPTION
The South Arkansas Arts Center invites the public to the 2023 Student Art Show and Competition. This fun and lively exhibit, sponsored by R. Eric Hatley, MD, will hang in the Merkle and Price Galleries through March 11. The public is invited to the Artist’s Reception on Saturday, February 25, from 2:00-3:30pm with awards presentation by judge Kelly Campbell beginning at 2:30 pm.

This exhibit showcases 178 works by talented K-12 students from El Dorado, Norphlet, Smackover, Junction City, Parkers Chapel, Monticello and Fordyce.

"Student artwork is special to me,” said Campbell. “During my tenure as an art teacher, I was amazed at the work students are capable of producing. I have student artwork hanging in my home - some of which was purchased from this very competition."

Campbell's appreciation for student art began many years ago. Before coming to work at SAAC and teaching classes there, she spent 26 years teaching art in public schools in Union County. Twenty-four of those were spent at Union in 7th-12th instruction, along with weekly full class lessons for grades 4-6 and in-depth lessons for gifted and talented for grades 4-6. The last two years were spent teaching art in grades K-8. She said, "Some of my students went on to become art teachers or professional artists, some just practice art in their daily lives, and some have children who have inherited their talent."

According to Campbell, "Judging student art requires more than saying 'Oh, that's a pretty picture!'. Skillful use of media, originality, and use of elements and principles of art (according to age level, of course) all are considerations when making choices. It's not an easy task."

Cash prizes will be awarded. Selected from all entries received, the $100 Grand Prize will go to the Best of Show, and additional cash prizes will be awarded in each division for First Place ($50), Second Place ($25), and Third Place ($15).Work has been divided into four divisions for judging: K-2 Grade, 3-5 Grade, 6-9 Grade, and 10-12 Grade.

For more information about this exhibit, please call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org. SAAC is located at 110 East Fifth Street, El Dorado.

SENATE VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ADVANCES BOOZMAN-BACKED BILL TO BOLSTER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF VA WORKFORCE
Includes VACANT Act Provision to Prevent Extended Absence of Medical Center Directors
WASHINGTON— The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee on Thursday passed legislation championed by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) that would bolster recruitment and retention of clinicians at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Boozman and Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT), would provide the VA with more tools to compete for highly qualified medical personnel, support training for current and future VA clinicians to ensure veterans receive the highest quality of care, and provide more oversight and public transparency on VA’s efforts to address vacancies.

“This is an important step to delivering care and services veterans earned. Investing in VA personnel and expanding the workforce strengthens our ability to better support the men and women who served in uniform,” Boozman said.

The legislation would also limit the detailing of medical center directors to different positions within the VA. The bill would require the VA Secretary to ensure a plan is in place to fill vacant medical center director positions within 180 days of detailing.

This provision is based on Boozman’s Veterans Affairs Medical Center Absence and Notification Timeline (VACANT) Act in response to the Fayetteville VA Medical Center being without a permanent director for nearly two years.

COTTON INTRODUCES BILL TO TRAIN ISRAELI PILOTS IN NECESSARY AIRCRAFT TO DEFEND ISRAEL FROM IRAN
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to train Israeli pilots to operate KC-46 refueling aircraft before Israel receives its KC-46s from the United States in 2025. This early training will expedite Israel’s fielding of the KC-46 and will help credibly deter Iran. The bill would also guarantee a small U.S. KC-46 presence in Israel until Israel’s KC-46s reach full combat capability.

“America needs to provide our Israeli allies with the military capabilities they need to protect themselves from an increasingly dangerous Iran. Training these pilots now will send a message to Tehran and will ensure that Israel is able to use these planes the day they receive them,” said Senator Cotton.The Expediting Israeli Aerial Refueling Act of 2023 would:
Direct the Air Force to train Israeli pilots in the operation and maintenance of the KC-46 at U.S. bases and to make slots available for Israeli pilots to participate in a training exchange program.

Require the Department of Defense to provide a report on the requirements for the forward deployment of U.S. KC-46s in Israel and to require at least one U.S. KC-46 to be forward-deployed in Israel until the arrival of Israel’s KC-46 aircraft in 2025.

February 15, 2023

CITY OF CAMDEN BOARD OF ALDERMEN MEET
The City of Camden Board of Aldermen met in regular session on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building.

Mayor Charlotte Young called the meeting to order promptly at 7:00 pm. The Invocation was given by Reverend Benny Morgan, Pastor of Timothy methodist Church, 1800 California Ave., in Camden. The Invocation was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

City Clerk , Donna Stewart, called the roll. Aldermen L.E. Lindsey, William McCoy, Ebony Gulley, Marvin Moore, Joe Askew, Chris Aregood and Gerald Castleberry were present. Alderman Ed Winters was absent.

The Minutes of the Regular Meeting dated January 10, 2023 and the Financial Report for January 2023 were approved by unanimous vote.

The Mayor’s report included the Annual Fire Department Report presented by Fire Chief Ron Nash. Chief Nash reported that a new fire truck was delivered in December of last year. The new fire truck went into service as Engine One and responds from central station. It will soon be dedicated in memory of Retired Captain Randy Stover, who passed away January of 2022 and Retired Captain Earl Banks, who passed away November of 2022. Last year the fire department replaced its entire inventory of SCBA air packs and expiring turnout gear. Chief Nash thanked the city council for funding the needs as well as recognized the Ouachita County Quorum Court for providing $36,000 in grant money for each fire department in the county which was designated for turnout gear replacement.

The city council approved the request for a new rescue boat and the department is currently working towards that purchase.

The department began a project to replace the concrete drive-in front of station 3 and ran into some problems with the quality of the dirt that supports the concrete slab. After help from the city and county road departments, the majority of the project is complete. The remaining slab will be replaced as weather permits.

The department inspected and serviced 626 hydrants last year. The Camden Fire Department continues to maintain an ISO 2 rating.

In 2022 the Camden Fire Department answered 624 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) requests for service. This represents a decrease of 52% from the previous year of 2021. This number only represents the NFIRS eligible requests and are significantly lower after the implementation of a new software which changed some truck runs from NFIRS entries to request for service.

The department answered an additional 1079 request for service that did not meet the criteria for NFIRS. The addition of this data raises our total requests for service to 1703 for the year 2022. This is down from 2630 total request for service in 2021.

In 2022 the Camden Fire Department responded to 111 fire calls. Of these 111 fire calls, 30 were structure fires. The number of fire calls for 2022 were up 9% and the number of structure fires were down 19% from 2021. Our goal is and always has been the reduction in fire losses. Our increase in fire calls for 2022 in comparison to 2021 reflects an increase that falls within the parameters of the last 6 years overall.

In 2022 the department experienced thirty-nine (39) requests for service that resulted in property loss. This number is down from the 44 property loss calls experienced in 2021. The value of these losses was established using a variety of sources including ACTdatascout, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and Kelly Blue Book (KBB). These 39 responses represent a total value of $2,467,925 with an estimated loss of $552,875. This represents a property savings to the citizens of Camden of$1,915,050.

In 2022 the Camden Fire Department provided an average response time of 3.12 minutes. The average response time for 2022 was slightly higher than the average response time for 2021.

Public education and fire inspections have always been an important part of the Fire Department’s service that they provide for the community. It allows the Department an opportunity to educate the public and hopefully reduce fire losses, injuries and even deaths. In 2022 the Fire Department was able to increase public education efforts. In 2022 fire education was provided to 3249 individuals, compared to only 513 in 2021. This is a significant increase in our Public Education Program.

The Camden Fire Department conducted 521 inspections in 2022, a slight decrease compared to 603 inspections in 2021.

Training is a large part of the firemen’s daily activities. Chief Nash stated the department will continue to concentrate on preparing officers and firefighters for the next step in their careers and provide classes on a variety of topics related to the fire service. They will also continue to provide Emergency Medical Technician training. In 2021 the department logged 2651 training hours through the Arkansas Fire Academy as well as other sources.

The Camden Fire Department continues to provide emergency medical services within the scope of their training. As the department is increasingly called upon to provide medical assistance to the public, the Department continues to increase their level of training. The department currently has one (1) paramedic, thirteen (13) EMTs and fourteen (14) EMRs on the department. At present we have 2 additional personnel in EMT training. The department responded to one hundred forty-seven (147) medical assist calls in 2022. We also responded to an additional 48

"Invalid Assist" calls which are not included in our medical response data. They are included in the total number of "Service Call" entries. Department personnel also provide medical assistance on all rescue and extrication calls.

The Camden Fire Department is organized into a three shift or platoon system. Each shift is comprised of nine (9) firefighters that are divided between the three (3) stations based on emergency response requirements. Each shift reports for duty at 0700 hours (7 a.m.) and works a twenty-four (24) hour day, ending at 0700 hours the following morning. During each day the shift will work to fulfill basic station duties based on the day of the week. In addition to the daily duties each shift is required to perform public education, fire hydrant maintenance, commercial inspections and to maintain a constant state of readiness. Currently the fire department is fully staffed.

There was no old business so the board turned their attention to New Business. They first addressed Ordinance No. 01-23, an ordinance authorizing a rate plan for the Water and Sewer Department, and amending Chapter 22, Water and Sewers, Article II, Water, Division 2, Meter and Rates, Section 22-22, Rates, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Camden, Arkansas. This was the first of three readings. After some discussion, some language will be changed in the Ordinance. The Counsel will hear the 2^nd reading in the March meeting.

The next ordinance addressed Sewer rates. Ordinance No. 02-23, an ordinance amending Chapter 22, Water and Sewers, Article III, Sewers, Division Rates and Charges, Section 22-65, Sewer Rates, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Camden, Arkansas. This was the first of three readings. After some discussion, some language will be changed in the Ordinance. The Counsel will hear the 2^nd reading in the March meeting.

Resolution No. 12-23, a resolution awarding the bid for towing regular-sized city vehicles for the year 2023 was next on the agenda. OTM received the contract for towing regular-sized city vehicles. Buddy’s Wrecker Service was awarded the contract for towing large vehicles for the City.

Resolution No. 13-23, is a resolution awarding the bid for towing large-sized city vehicles for the year 2023. Buddy’s Wrecker Service was awarded the contract for towing large vehicles for the City.

Resolution No. 14-23, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with the Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development (OPED) to provide certain Economic Development Services for the City of Camden. The resolution failed after some discussion regarding what OPED does with the money. Aldermen Castleberry, Lindsey, and Aregood voted yes. Aldermen Moore, Askew, McCoy and Gulley voted no. The resolution failed.

Resolution No. 15-23, a resolution amending the Operating Budget for 2023; and for other purposes. This is for new computer hardware, software and security for City Hall. This resolution passed by unanimous vote.

Resolution No. 16-23, a resolution confirming the appointment of members to the Keep Camden Beautiful Committee. The members to appoint to the Committee was approved by unanimous vote.

Resolution No. 17-23, a resolution awarding the bid for the purchase of three (3) 2023 Police Utility Vehicles for the Camden Police Department. This resolution also passed by unanimous vote.

The meeting adjourned at 10:36 PM. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 14, 2023.

FORREST CITY MAN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH MARIANNA SHOOTING
February 14, 2023
Arkansas State Police arrested Tyler Williams, 27, of Forrest City, on Monday (February 13th), charging him with two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated robbery and first-degree battery in connection with a Saturday shooting in Marianna. Williams is in Marianna Police Department custody, and the investigative file will be submitted to the Lee County Prosecutor’s Office.

At the request of the Marianna Police Department, the Arkansas State Police is investigating an incident that left two dead and one wounded Saturday afternoon (February 11th). Marianna Police asked ASP's Criminal Investigations Division to assist after responding to a 911 call at 229 South Florida Street at about 2:06 p.m.

Davalone Taylor, 32, of Marianna was transported with multiple gunshot wounds to Forrest City Medical Center in a private vehicle and then airlifted to Regional One Health Medical Center in Memphis.

Albert Dillard, 32, of Forrest City had multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 4:15 p.m. by the Lee County Coroner. Arthur Hill, 59, of Forrest City was pronounced dead at 3:30 p.m. after being transported to the Forrest City Medical Center.

The deceased were transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where manner and cause of death will be determined. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN FILES LAWSUIT TO REVOKE CHARTER OF ALLPORT'S MUNICIPAL C
ORPORATIONGriffin: ‘I am filing a new lawsuit to revoke the charter of Allport because Arkansas law requires me to do so’
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin released the following statement after his office filed a lawsuit today to revoke the charter of the town of Allport’s municipal corporation:

“In her 2021 filing, my predecessor erroneously sought to create a remedy not allowed by the statute as an alternative to revocation. Last week I successfully sought and was granted a dismissal of that action. Today, I am filing a new lawsuit to revoke the charter of Allport because Arkansas law requires me to do so. The statute says the Attorney General shall--not may--file pleadings to revoke the charter. Thus, it leaves me no discretion.”

Background
After following the statutory process in the Arkansas Municipal Accounting Law, the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee twice, within three years, notified Allport of its failure to substantially comply with the Municipal Accounting Law. On September 24, 2020, the Committee notified the Attorney General that the statutory process had been completed twice and that Allport had not come into substantial compliance. Upon notification, “[t]he Attorney General shall file pleadings . . . to revoke the charter of the municipal corporation” that was twice notified in a three-year period of its failure to substantially comply with the Municipal Accounting Law.

The previous 2021 filing did not seek to revoke Allport’s charter. Instead, it requested that Allport be given additional time to substantially comply with the Municipal Accounting Law and that a special master be appointed to determine whether Allport had substantially complied. None of this is contemplated by the law.

Click below to read the complaint and three exhibits.
Complaint
Exhibit 1
Exhibit 2
Exhibit 3

CADC TO DISTRIBUTE USDA COMMODITIES FEBRUARY 15 & 16, 2023 IN OUACHITA AND CALHOUN COUNTIES – NOTE VENUE CHANGE FOR OUACHITA COUNTY
Camden –Central Arkansas Development Council will distribute USDA Commodities in Ouachita County Wednesday, February 15, and Thursday, February 16, 2023, in Camden. Distribution will begin at 9 am.

Food Items May Include: UHT Milk, Dried Date Pieces, Raisins, Vegetable Soup, Tomato Soup, Dry Garbanzo Beans, Canned Black Beans, Almonds, Mac & Cheese, Canned Pork, Canned Chicken.

In Ouachita County, commodities will be distributed at the following location: Ouachita County:
Carnes Park

In Calhoun County, commodities will be distributed at the following location:
CADC Office
210 South Lee Street, Hampton

ID must be present in order to receive commodities. All customers receiving commodities must present identification. Must Meet Income Guidelines.

ASHDOWN MAN SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS IN PRISON FOR PRODUCTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
TEXARKANA – An Ashdown man was sentenced today to 360 months in prison without the possibility of parole, followed by 20 years supervised release, on one count of Production of Child Pornography. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing and hearing in the U.S. District court in Texarkana.

According to court documents, in November of 2018 the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Texarkana, Arkansas received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual had uploaded to the internet multiple images depicting the sexual abuse of a five-year old female. The subsequent investigation identified the defendant, Aaron Llyod Mitchell, age 25, as the individual who posted the images to the internet. On November 21, 2018, FBI agents conducted a search of Mitchell’s residence. During a post-Miranda interview, Mitchell admitted to producing the images of the five-year-old and uploading them to the internet. On December 13, 2018, Mitchell was indicted on multiple charges involving the sexual exploitation of a minor. On June 20, 2019, Mitchell pleaded guilty to production of child pornography.

U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the aU.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

The FBI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Roberts prosecuted the case.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

COTTON LEADS BIPARTISAN LETTER URGING BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO STEM MEXICAN STEEL SURGE
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai urging them to take action against the unsustainable surge of Mexican steel imports. In addition to raising grave concerns in the steel industry and in steel communities, this surge is also in violation of a 2019 agreement between the United States and Mexico. The United States deserves, and should demand, fair treatment from all trading partners, including its friends.

Co-signing the letter are Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio).

In part, the senators wrote:
“We urge the Biden administration to immediately begin consultations under the 2019 agreement to address this surge of Mexican steel and return imports to “historic volumes of trade,” with quotas, if necessary. However, if the Mexican government refuses to remedy this breach, we regretfully urge the administration to consider other mechanisms to ensure compliance and protect American jobs, including the reapplication of Section 232 tariffs.”

Full text of the letter may be found below.

February 14, 2023

The Honorable Gina Raimondo
Secretary
Department of Commerce
1401 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20230

The Honorable Katherine Tai
U.S. Trade Representative
600 17th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20508

Dear Secretary Raimondo and Ambassador Tai,

We write to urge the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Department of Commerce to take action to stem the unsustainable surge of Mexican steel imports—particularly of steel conduit—in violation of the U.S. and Mexico’s 2019 Joint Statement on Section 232 Duties on Steel and Aluminum.

As you are aware, the United States lifted its 25 percent tariffs on Mexican steel imports in May of 2019. The previous administration reduced these duties as part of an agreement which stipulates that if steel imports “surge meaningfully beyond historic volumes of trade… the importing party may impose duties of 25 percent….in respect to the individual product(s) where the surge took place.” In recent months, it has become clear that Mexican steel imports now “exceed historic volumes of trade” and are “surg[ing] meaningfully” into our market.

Since the U.S. lifted Section 232 tariffs, Mexican steel conduit imports have reached unprecedented levels and Mexico’s penetration of the U.S. steel conduit market has more than tripled, while demand from U.S. consumers has fallen. The 2019-2022 Mexican iron and steel surge is the largest from any iron and steel exporter to the United States. In fact, the volume of annual iron and steel imports from Mexico has increased approximately 73 percent over the pre-Section 232 2015-2017 baseline, semi-finished steel and long product imports are up 120 percent, and steel conduit imports have risen by an even more disturbing 577 percent. A recent Customs and Border Protection (CBP) investigation revealed that importers misclassified Mexican steel conduit exports, concealing this extraordinary surge.

The wave of Mexican steel imports has already contributed to the loss of over 200 steel jobs in California and led to the closing of one of less than a dozen American factories that produce steel conduit. Many steel producers are concerned that additional production cuts, layoffs, and plant closures are imminent. The administration must act now to avoid further damage.

We urge the Biden administration to immediately begin consultations under the 2019 agreement to address this surge of Mexican steel and return imports to “historic volumes of trade,” with quotas, if necessary. However, if the Mexican government refuses to remedy this breach, we regretfully urge the administration to consider other mechanisms to ensure compliance and protect American jobs, including the reapplication of Section 232 tariffs.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter; we look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

February 13, 2023

OUACHITA COUNTY PRESIDENT’S DAY SCHEDULE
Monday February 20, 2023 the Ouachita County Courthouse and the Extension office will be closed for Presidents Day. The Sanitation Department will run on regular schedule. They will not observe the Holiday.

TWO DEAD, ONE WOUNDED IN MARIANNA SHOOTING
February 12, 2023
At the request of the Marianna Police Department, the Arkansas State Police is investigating an incident that left two dead and one wounded yesterday afternoon (Saturday, February 11th). Marianna Police asked ASP's Criminal Investigations Division to assist after responding to a 911 call at 229 South Florida Street at about 2:06 p.m.

Davalone Taylor, 32, of Marianna was transported with multiple gunshot wounds to Forrest City Medical Center in a private vehicle and then airlifted to Regional One Health Medical Center in Memphis.

Albert Dillard, 32, of Forrest City had multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 4:15 p.m. by the Lee County Coroner. Arthur Hill, 59, of Forrest City was pronounced dead at 3:30 p.m. after being transported to the Forrest City Medical Center.

The deceased were transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, where manner and cause of death will be determined. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

"LEGALIZE YOUR RIDE" THIS SATURDAY
LITTLE ROCK, AR--On Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., the National Lawyers Guild of Arkansas (NLG-AR) will partner with the Central Arkansas DSA to offer a FREE "Legalize Your Ride" Car Clinic to assist any Arkansan needing to get their headlights, taillights, etc., repaired.

"Our goal is to help curtail police stops and searches, particularly those in minority and low-income communities," said NLG-AR Board President Connor Thompson,"We will also educate residents on their rights when such stops do occur."

The FREE "Legalize Your Ride" tail-light repair, basic vehicle inspection, and know your rights event will be held in the parking lot of Second Baptist Church Downtown, located at 222 East 8th Street in Little Rock.

ARKANSAS GROWN GRANT PILOT PROGRAM ANNOUNCES SECOND ROUND OF FUNDING
LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) announces a second round of funding for the Arkansas Grown Grant pilot program for farmers residing and farming in Benton, Washington, Madison, and Carroll counties in Northwest Arkansas. This pilot program is created with support from the Walton Family Foundation and offers grant funding to eligible farmers who are committed to increasing capacity for wholesale fruit and vegetable production, resulting in more local food. The application can be found at cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/ ArkansasGrownGrant ForNorthwestArkansasFarmersRoundTwo.

Grants up to a maximum of $15,000 will be awarded for eligible expenses to farmers in the four-county pilot program area. Free assistance in completing the application is offered through the Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center in Fayetteville. For more information, visit asbtdc.org/fayetteville/.

“The Walton Family Foundation’s generosity is well known throughout Arkansas and the nation,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is honored to assist in the administration of the second round of this grant program and looks forward to seeing the positive impacts it will have on farmers, consumers, and local food production in Northwest Arkansas.”

Funds will be awarded to approved applicants on an equitable basis until funds are no longer available. A committee will review applications based on the following criteria: (1) dedication to growing local food for sale to wholesale and commercial buyers; (2) demonstrated interest in increasing capacity to sell to wholesale buyers and distributors; (3) the ability to provide performance metrics on reports; (4) demonstrated need; and (5) sustainability.

In September 2022, the Department announced the recipients of the first round of funding. Grants were awarded for eligible expenses to 25 farming operations in the four-county pilot program area. For a list of recipients from the first round of funding, visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/wpcontent/uploads/2022/09/AR-Grown-Pilot-Grant-Winners.pdf. Photos from a reception held at the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food in Fayetteville for the 2022 recipients can be found at flic.kr/s/aHBqjA7ZRK.

For more information about the pilot program, go to arkansasgrown.org/grant-pilot-program/ or contact Karen Reynolds at karen.reynolds@agriculture.arkansas.gov.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture, forestry, and natural resources conservation to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while sustaining natural resources and ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

COTTON CALLS FOR PRESIDENT BIDEN TO PROVIDE ANSWERS ON “OBJECTS” VIOLATING U.S. AIRSPACE
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement calling on President Biden to address the nation and provide answers on the “objects” that have violated American airspace:

“After allowing a Chinese spy balloon to fly across America when we could’ve downed it off the Aleutian Islands, President Biden has now downed three ‘objects’ despite claiming last week that would’ve posed unacceptable risks to public safety. The president owes the American people an explanation, direct and on camera, of what we know about these ‘objects’ and what steps he’s taking to protect America’s sovereign airspace. Justin Trudeau did that, so surely Joe Biden can. No commander-in-chief should hide behind press secretaries and anonymous sources in a time of crisis.”

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February 10, 2023

CAMDEN TIMBERS OPENS AT FORMER VICTORY LUMBER
The Audio from today’s event can be heard in its entirety above.

Camden had special visitors and an exciting event this morning. Camden Timbers officially opened. Governor Sarah Sanders and Congressman Bruce Westerman were in attendance along with a number of other State and Local officials. James Lee Silliman, Executive Director for the Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development, made opening remarks. He expressed his appreciation to everybody for coming out for this event. He stated that timber is an important part of our local and state economy, and Ouachita County has long been known for the ability to produce labor and local products.

Mr. Silliman said projects such as the one announced today don't just happen. It takes teamwork, dedication and cooperation between the various partners in the process to bring it to fruition. Ouachita Partnership consists of Ouachita County, the City of Camden, Camden Area Chamber of Commerce and the Camden Area Industrial Development Corporation. They partner with the governor's office and Arkansas Economic Development Commission for projects such as this.

Governor Sanders and Congressman Westerman both spoke. This was the first economic development even Governor Sanders has had since she took office. Congressman Westerman talked about the importance of the timber industry in Arkansas and the economic impact the industry has on the nation.

Michael Ranson, managing partner at Astara, said that the mill has an annual payroll of $2 million. There are currently about 35 employees but Ranson said the mill workforce could double or triple in the corning years as the plant expands. We keep coming back to Arkansas for a few reasons, Ranson said. Arkansas is a state that supports its industries and has an environment where responsible businesses can operate freely."

There were several other speakers including Mayor Charlotte Young and Ouachita County Judge Robbie McAdoo. We can hope this is the beginning of a new trend in Camden!

Malvin "Mal" Russell Goode started out in news radio in the 1950s, eventually anchoring news segments and becoming a news director at WHOD in Pittsburgh. He was 54 years of age when he went on to further his career as the first black network news correspondent for ABC and their UN reporter. Here he covered many of the debates and happenings of the United Nations in his reports. His first assignment was none too small, covering the Cuban Missile Crisis. In 1968, Goode reported on the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., with whom he shared the fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha.

Further achievements included being the first African-American member inducted into the Radio and Television News Directors Association in 1971 and the National Association of Black Journalists in 1990. We salute you, Malvin!

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ANNOUNCES GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR FARMERS MARKETS
LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) is pleased to partner with the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas for the eighth annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program. This program, which is administered by the Department and funded by the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas, helps build awareness for farmers markets and their vendors. This program provides funding assistance for the state’s farmers markets to serve their communities as consumer interest in locally grown and made products continues to increase.

The Farmers Market Promotion Program may fund the following promotional items to build community and regional awareness for a specific farmers market: signage listing names, seasons, times of operation, and location details; local traditional advertising; and social media campaigns. In 2022, the Department provided over $9,000 in grants to 23 Arkansas farmers markets through the partnership with the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas.

Applications are due April 28, 2023, or until funds are no longer available. Applications and additional information can be found at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-programs/farmers-market-programs/.

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture, forestry, and natural resources conservation to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while sustaining natural resources and ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

2023 EAST ARKANSAS SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
Theme: WIN WHERE YOU STAND: INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO GROW SMALL BUSINESSES AND SUSTAIN LOCAL COMMUNITIES.
Providing small and emerging business owners with the skills, tools and contacts needed to build and grow their enterprises as well as help stabilize and sustain their local communities are the goals of an upcoming FREE business conference to be held in West Memphis, Arkansas. The regional conference will be held in person in the Marion Berry Renewable Energy Center on the campus of ASU Mid-South, located at 2000 W. Broadway Ave., West Memphis, Arkansas 72301 and via Zoom. Funded primarily by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), through its Arkansas Business Navigator Program grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and FORGE, Inc., the 2023 East Arkansas Small Business Development Conference, with a theme of “Win Where You Stand: Innovative Approaches to Grow Small Businesses and Sustain Local Communities” will bring together private, quasi-state, state, federal and, non-profit organizations with a singular focus of equipping existing and aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources to start and grow their businesses and make a powerful and positive impact on the communities where they are located.

Hosted by the Arkansas Human Development Corporation (AHDC), ASBTDC, City of West Memphis, East Arkansas Planning and Development District (EAPDD), Southland Casino Hotel, SBA, West Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Southland Casino Hotel, and many other organizations, the conference will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Social distancing and masks are encouraged and liability release forms will be provided. Topics will include: How to finance your business; Effective use of social media; How to hire and keep quality staff; Building strategic partnerships.

ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN FILES LAWSUIT TO STOP ATF’S UNLAWFUL ‘STABILIZING BRACES’ RULE
Griffin: ‘Congress didn’t grant President Biden’s ATF the authority to impose such a broad and sweeping mandate on Americans, and we’re asking the Court to immediately block it’
LITTLE ROCK – Following his filing of a multistate lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement:

“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) new ‘stabilizing braces’ rule is unlawful. For more than a decade, these braces have been sold as firearm attachments not subject to regulation. Stabilizing braces were designed to help people with disabilities use pistols, and they have become increasingly popular with senior citizens. The rule, however, affects most pistol owners, as many lawful gun owners use stabilizers to mitigate firearm recoil and enhance accuracy. Congress didn’t grant President Biden’s ATF the authority to impose such a broad and sweeping mandate on Americans, and we’re asking the Court to immediately block it.”

About the Biden Administration’s Rule
The Biden administration's rule departs from existing ATF regulations that authorized firearm manufacturers and the public to use pistol stabilizing braces without federal regulation. This year, President Biden ordered the ATF to abandon more than a decade of established practice to instead treat pistols with modified stabilizing braces as "short barreled rifles" subject to the National Firearms Act. This rule would require an owner of a pistol equipped with a stabilizing brace to pay a $200 fee and submit their name and other personal information to the Department of Justice or face criminal penalties. A coalition of state attorneys general is suing to protect citizens from this blatant federal overreach. To read the Biden administration's rule, click here.

BOOZMAN SHARES SERVICE MEMORIES OF GREENWOOD AIR FORCE VETERAN
WASHINGTON– U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the service and sacrifice of Richard McKinney in ‘Salute to Veterans,’ a series recognizing the military service of Arkansans.

Richard McKinney spent much of his Air Force career in a division of the service he says is not usually popular – the Office of Special Investigations (OSI).

He grew up in a military household, following his dad’s Air Force career all over the world, and enlisted himself after graduating from Greenwood High School. McKinney attributed his father’s time on active duty to his decision to enlist. “I just kind of grew up and always knew that I liked that military life, I liked that structure. And growing up on the military bases it was just a very natural environment for me.”

McKinney joined the Air Force in 1973. He trained as an electrician and eventually moved into management with the civil engineering division, but re-enlisted and eventually found his calling when an OSI officer said they were looking for new agents.

He successfully navigated OSI’s rigorous selection process and throughout his career was involved with investigations that ranged from narcotics and fraud to counterintelligence. He also served in Operation Desert Shield and was assigned to help keep secret U.S. military programs secure.

“A commander would come up and say, “Okay. I’ve got this program. I’m not going to tell you what it is. I want you to send a team in this building – it’s where we work – and I want you to tell me if you can find any leaks about information about what we do, what we’re working on, where we’re going. Things like that,” McKinney shared. “We would do whatever we needed to do, just like an adversary would do. Then we would come back after those operations and write up a classified report and then we would go back to the organization.” “We always came in with a non-adversarial approach. We didn’t want to put anyone in jail. It was really a tool to help them plug the holes. Keeps those programs safe, secure.”

After more than 20 years McKinney retired from military service and began devoting time to the needs of veterans in his community. He served as a VFW Post Commander in Greenwood for many years and worked to enhance the organization’s public service work.

“We are recognized nationally at our post there for being a community service post, which we are extremely proud of,” McKinney said. “We are an outreach, we want to do things in the community. You need something done you come to the VFW, we will try to figure out how to get it done.”

McKinney also advocates for hiring veterans. “The veterans are such a huge asset. I tell people in private business: if you get somebody that’s done a hitch in the service, you’ve got a guy who knows how to show up on time. You’ve got a guy who knows how to dedicate himself to a project,” he said.

He has focused on getting a younger generation of men and women who served in uniform involved in local veteran organizations to help increase their influence on policies impacting them and their fellow veterans.

“Richard McKinney honorably served our nation in uniform and was dedicated to maintaining security for U.S. military programs. His time in our Armed Forces, devotion to our national security and concern for his fellow veterans all demonstrate his character and patriotism. I am grateful to collect and preserve his memories of service,” Boozman said.

Boozman will submit McKinney’s entire interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.

February 08, 2023

NEW CAPITOL EXHIBIT FOCUSES ON POSTAL HISTORY IN ARKANSAS
Display Can Be Viewed Through Memorial Day
(LITTLE ROCK, ARK.) – Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston invites the public to come to the State Capitol and view the newly installed exhibit, “Special Delivery: Postal History in Arkansas.”

“Our State Capitol curators have done a great job, as always, on this exhibit. It is very educational about part of our history that many people may not know about,” said Thurston. Author Winifred Gallagher wrote, “The history of its post office is nothing less than the story of America.” This exhibit seeks to tell part of that story.

In 1775, Continental Congress began the process of creating a postal system to unify and connect the 13 colonies. No longer willing to trust the British postal system, Congress created its own and named Benjamin Franklin as its first postmaster. In 1792, Congress passed and President George Washington signed the Postal Service Act, which provided incentives for newspapers to be sent through the mail to promote civic and political engagement in the early republic.

As the United States grew in size and population, the post office also expanded. In Arkansas, the expansion of the Postal Service influenced pioneers to settle further into the untamed territorial land and, eventually, establish an independent state. Among the items displayed is a postal cabinet, on loan from Arkansas Post Museum State Park, that was used at Arkansas Post from the late 1800s until 1941.
In an era before mass communication, the post office connected citizens to each other and their government. This early Postal Service looked very different than the one we’re used to today. There were no mailboxes or house-to-house delivery: instead, people collected their mail from the local post office, which was the central place of importance in rural Arkansas communities. As the federal government improved the transportation infrastructure, postal roads linked post offices—and, as a result, towns—together.
In addition to being proof of payment for mail service, postage stamps have become a way to recognize noteworthy individuals, organizations, concepts and locations. Arkansas-related subjects have been honored in numerous ways since the early 20th century. Appreciation for stamps and stamp collecting preserve the history of Arkansas, the United States, and the world.

"Special Delivery: A Postal History of Arkansas" will be on display in the Arkansas State Capitol’s first floor galleries through Memorial Day. The Capitol is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

FORT SMITH ARMS DEALER ARRESTED IN AUSTIN, TEXAS
Arrest Ended Six-Day Nationwide Manhunt
FORT SMITH – A Fort Smith man was arrested yesterday in Austin, Texas on criminal charges related to his alleged possession of an unregistered destructive device; namely, an improvised explosive bomb, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by law. Mehta’s arrest ended a six-day manhunt, in which the public’s assistance was solicited in locating the defendant, who was assumed to be armed and dangerous.

According to court documents, Neil Ravi Mehta, 31, was found to be in possession of an “improvised explosive bomb” during a federal search warrant executed at his residence on Free Ferry Road, in Fort Smith, Ark. Law enforcement officers located the device in the top left corner of the kitchen island. The device was x-rayed by bomb technicians on-scene, made safe, and the evidence was collected. The following images were taken during the execution of the search warrant:
Mehta is charged in a Criminal Complaint with a single count of Unlawful Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device. A Grand Jury will later hear evidence related to this investigation and determine whether additional criminal charges will be filed against Mehta. If convicted of the charge of Unlawful Possession of an Unregistered Destructive Device, Mehta faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

This is a joint investigation involving the following federal law enforcement agencies: the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Export Enforcement (OEE); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General (DOL-OIG).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Mohlhenrich and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elser are prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

PENGUIN PROJECT TO RETURN TO THE SAAC STAGE WITH “FROZEN, KIDS”
The South Arkansas Arts Center's Penguin Project presents “Disney's FROZEN, Kids,” a special theatrical production for actors of differing needs and their mentors. The Penguin Project will take the stage on February 10 and 11. Friday’s performance will be at 7 pm, followed by a Saturday matinee at 2 pm, and tickets are available for $5 at saac-arts.org.

From its starring roles to its ensemble, The Penguin Project, founded by Dr. Andy Morgan in Peoria Illinois, allows children with differing needs to perform in a live stage production in front of an audience. The program was launched at SAAC in 2016, and pairs each special-needs artist with a mentor of a similar age who guides them through the production from start to finish.

For the 2023 Penguin production, director Lynn Gunter chose “Disney’s FROZEN, Kids” and assembled a dedicated and motivated cast of artist/mentor pairs. Elsa is played by artist Madison Miller, with mentor Hailee Lawrence. The role of Anna is played by Lily Langston, with mentor Maryana Woolen. As Hans, Christian Cotton appears with mentor Will Legg. Will Colvin plays Kristoff, with mentor Lily Mitchell. Sven is played by Jake Conner with Gideon Moncrief as mentor. Emmalyn Curl appears as Olaf, with mentor Lauren Hartwell. Katie Legg is Little Anna, with mentor Lauren Hartwell. The role of Wesselton is filled by Michael Raborn, with mentor Sydney Patterson. The Queen is played by Alyssa Walthall, with mentor Carley Gilkey. Sam Jones takes on the part of Pabbie, with mentor Luke Legg, while Bulda is played by Elizabeth Legg, with mentor Allison Allgood. Ian Allgood plays the Bishop, with mentor Ellery Palculict. The ensemble includes Lydia Culp, with mentor Ashleigh Curl, and Bella Johnson, with mentor Amy Raborn.

The artists and mentors work as a dedicated pair throughout the production. “These peers walk onstage with their artist, cuing lines or guiding movements when needed,” said Gunter. “Some of our artists really only need a friend, someone to assure them that they are doing well. Every time these area un-sung heroes meet their artists where they are and being them closer to performing for the public.”

Many of the participants in this year’s production have participated in previous Penguin Project shows at SAAC, but for two, Christian Cotton and Michael Raborn, this will be their fourth, beginning with the first production of “Aladdin, Jr.” Assistant Director Kathy Nielsen and Music Director Cassie Hickman are both veterans Penguin Project leaders.

“For me, Penguin Project is about watching dreams come to life and amazing things happen,” said Hickman. “Watching our artists become roles they have ALWAYS wanted to play is amazing to see. For example, In ‘Seussical,’ one of our artists wanted to sing ‘Let it Go’ at the end of every rehearsal. Now, she is Elsa and is getting to perform ‘Let it Go’ for all to see.”

To purchase tickets for The Penguin Project, sponsored by Entergy, please call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474, visit the SAAC web site at saac-arts.org, or visit the SAAC at 110 E. 5th Street, El Dorado, Arkansas.

AG GRIFFIN IMPROVES LAW ENFORCEMENT CAPABILITIES, ADDS SA KALMER AND K9 OFFICER LUCY TO SID
Griffin: ‘This unique K9 unit will strengthen our ability to protect children and will be an invaluable asset to our state’
LITTLE ROCK – Following this morning’s press conference, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement:

“I am proud to announce that we have added K9 Officer Lucy and her handler, Special Agent Amber Kalmer, to our Special Investigations Division (SID). Lucy might look like your typical Labrador, but she is highly trained and effective. Lucy is one of 100 electronic storage detection (ESD) K9s in the world, and she is the only one in Arkansas. She is trained to detect chemical compounds found in data storage devices, including thumb drives and cell phones. Lucy will assist with search warrants to locate electronic devices that contain evidence critical to law enforcement, and during her down time, she is a companion dog for victims. This unique K9 unit will strengthen our ability to protect children and will be an invaluable asset to our state.”

SENS. BOOZMAN, COTTON JOIN GRASSLEY TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION MANDATING E-VERIFY FOR ALL EMPLOYERS
WASHINGTON—U.S Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) joined Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to reintroduce legislation to help businesses comply with immigration laws by certifying the legal status of their workforce. The Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act would permanently authorize and expand the E-Verify program, an internet-based system that assists employers in determining whether current or prospective employees are authorized to work in the United States. The bill requires employers to use the program to determine workers’ eligibility.

“Employers need a commonsense, cost-effective tool that allows them to hire with confidence. Law enforcement must be empowered to hold bad actors accountable when they willfully violate immigration rules while hiring employees. E-Verify does both. It has a proven track record of success and, with a historic illegal immigration crisis raging on our southern border, it’s even more urgent to permanently reauthorize and mandate it,” Boozman said.

“Expanding the E-Verify program will crack down on the black market for illegal jobs and help enforce our immigration laws. Americans and legal immigrants should be the ones making up our workforce, not illegal immigrants,” Cotton said.

“Businesses across the country have opted to use the E-Verify system to help them comply with our immigration laws. E-Verify is a proven tool for employers, including myself, that helps reduce incentives for illegal immigration and safeguards job opportunities for Americans and other legal workers. Expanding the system to every workplace will improve accountability for all businesses and take an important step toward putting American workers first,” Grassley said.

The Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act is also cosponsored by Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Mike Lee (R-UT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), James Lankford (R-OK), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Thune (R-SD) and Joni Ernst (R-IA).

February 07, 2023

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR NONPROFITS FROM ARKANSAS BLACK HALL OF FAME FOUNDATION
Little Rock, Ark. (Feb. 6, 2023) – Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation, in partnership with Arkansas Community Foundation, is awarding grants to programs that benefit African American or underserved populations in Arkansas. Nonprofits with programs focusing on education, health and wellness, youth development, strengthening families and economic development are eligible to apply. Proposals will be accepted online now through April 1.

“We are especially grateful to our donors whose consistent support allows us to make grants to grassroots organizations throughout Arkansas. It is critically important that we continue to support organizations facing new challenges created by the pandemic,” said Charles Stewart, ABHOF Chair. “Typically, our grants range from $1,000 to $2,500, but may approach $5,000 in special circumstances. There are many nonprofits working tirelessly in communities throughout Arkansas to improve the quality of life for its citizens.”

Since 2004, ABHOF has granted more than $717,000 to nonprofits across the state. Projects funded through this grant program range from support for temporary emergency shelter for families temporarily displaced to support for the first Arkansas Racial Equity Summit at UCA.

“Our long-standing partnership with Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation empowers local people working to find solutions to the needs of their underserved communities,” said Heather Larkin, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “We’re honored to work with Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation to provide a support system for Arkansas.”

Funds from Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation cannot be allocated for salary support or to support general operating budgets outside the specific proposal or project.

Priority consideration for grants:
Requests that show multiple sponsoring agencies/organizations.
Requests that include evidence of local financial support (including, but not limited to, in-kind support.)
Requests that demonstrate collaborative ventures among organizations within the community.
Requests that have promise for sustainability beyond the period of the grant.
Requests that show an innovative approach to community challenges.

All geographic sections of the state are eligible. Scholarship requests will not be considered. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, hospitals, public schools and government agencies are eligible to apply now through April 1 at www.arcf.org/ABHOF. Organizations that do not qualify for tax-exempt status are not eligible.

Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation aims to provide an environment in which a future generation of African American achievers with Arkansas roots will thrive and succeed. The Foundation honors the contributions of African Americans through its annual Black Hall of Fame induction ceremony and awards grants to support charitable endeavors in Black and other under-served communities throughout Arkansas. Learn more at www.arblackhalloffame.org.

2023 ARKANSAS CENTURY FARM APPLICATIONS DUE MAY 31
LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2023 Arkansas Century Farm Program. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. Online and printable applications are available at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/arkansas-century-farm-program/. There is no cost to apply.

“Arkansas Century Farm families have persevered challenges for at least ten decades and have contributed greatly in making Arkansas agriculture the success story that it is today,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “As our state’s largest industry, agriculture has an economic impact of over $19 billion annually and provides one in seven jobs in the state.”

To qualify, Arkansas farms must meet the following criteria:
The same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by Dec. 31, 2023. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage and adoption.

The farm must be at least ten acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.

Qualifying Arkansas farms will receive a personalized Arkansas Century Farm certificate and metal sign listing the farm name and year established.

OVER 400 ATTEND FIRST ARKANSAS GROWN CONFERENCE AND EXPO
LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Grown program, administered through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department), partnered with several Arkansas agricultural associations and organizations to host the first Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo in Little Rock.

The conference was open to all parties interested in Arkansas’s agriculture industry and focused on farmers and producers who grow for the local food system. The four-day event consisted of general sessions with keynote speakers, workshops, off-site farm tours, networking opportunities, and a vendor trade show with representatives from over 70 businesses and organizations. Evening events at the Sunset Lodge at Rusty Tractor Vineyard and the University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute showcased Arkansas Grown food, wine, and beer. Over 400 individuals attended the conference. Photos from the event are available at flic.kr/s/aHBqjAqf9R.

“The Arkansas Department of Agriculture was fortunate to partner with Arkansas organizations and associations to host the first Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo,” said Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “This event served as an excellent opportunity for our farmers to connect with each other and with organizations that provide resources and opportunities that support our state’s largest industry.”

Partner organizations included the Arkansas State Horticulture Society, Arkansas Association of Grape Growers, Arkansas Farmers Market Association/Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention, Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association, and Arkansas Agritourism Association. The Department would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the first Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo:

Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas, Gold

University of Arkansas System of Agriculture, Gold

Walton Family Foundation, Gold

AgWorks, Silver

American Farmland Trust, Silver

Arkansas Farm Bureau, Silver

Arkansas SARE, Silver

Barn2Door, Silver

Haygrove Garden Tunnels, Silver

River Valley Tractor, Silver

The Nurserie, Silver

University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech, Silver

Arkansas Pork Producers, Bronze

Ben E. Keith Co., Bronze

Dogwood Hills Guest Farm, Bronze

Edwards Food Giant, Bronze

Harps Food Store Inc., Bronze

Ilex Organics, Bronze

Mark McLarty Ford, Bronze

Me & McGee Market, Bronze

Mountaire Corporation, Bronze

Ralston Family Farms, Bronze

Red River Auto Group, Bronze

Yaupon Brothers American Tea Co., Bronze

Additional Friends of Arkansas Grown sponsors can be viewed at arkansasgrown.org/arkansas-grown-conference-expo/

UAMS’ HEALTH CAREER UNIVERSITY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR PROGRAMS IN CAMDEN, MAGNOLIA
LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is now accepting applications for Health Career University programs in Camden and Magnolia.

Health Career University encompasses a variety of high-tech, innovative programs that provide high school and undergraduate students from underrepresented minority groups with interactive exposure to health careers, career guidance, exam preparation and assistance in applying for medical, pharmacy, nursing and health professional schools or biomedical research.

The Pre-Health Summer Scholars Program is partnering with local colleges to afford students in southwest Arkansas the opportunity to participate. The program, which is tailored to freshman and sophomore college students, will be held June 5-30 at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and Southern Arkansas University Tech in Camden.

Participants will learn about cutting-edge medical treatments and technology. The program provides direct and simulated clinical experiences, and students will collaborate with leaders in the health care industry.

Health Career University will accept applications through March 1.

The sites in Camden and Magnolia represent an expansion of programming for Health Career University, which launched last year in Little Rock and Pine Bluff.

To see the program requirements and apply, visit https://ddei.uams.edu/outreach-programs/health-career-u/. Those interested in receiving more information can email healthcareerU@uams.edu.

COTTON INTRODUCES BILL TO RECOGNIZE ARKANSAS MUSEUM AS THE “NATIONAL COLD WAR CENTER”
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced a bill to designate the Cold War museum at the Blytheville/Eaker Air Force Base in Blytheville, Arkansas as the “National Cold War
Center.” Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas) is an original co-sponsor of the legislation. Congressman Rick Crawford (Arkansas-01) introduced companion legislation in the House. Bill text can be found here.

“Eaker Air Force Base played a key role in the defense of our nation during the Cold War—we ought to preserve its legacy and encourage the continued education of future generations. Our bill will officially recognize the museum in Blytheville as the nation’s National Cold War Center, which will help preserve this important history and be a boon to local tourism,” said Senator Cotton.

“We have a good story to tell. Blytheville played a vital role in America’s national security and helped safeguard the world against the threat of nuclear war. The community is dedicated to preserving this history. I’m proud to join the effort designating this exhibit as the National Cold War Center so we can pay tribute and share the experiences of men and women who served at Eaker Air Force Base,” said Senator Boozman.

“As a Cold War veteran, I can say it was a pivotal time in American history when the threats were tremendous but we were all united in defeating our enemies. I applaud those at the Blytheville Cold War Center who have kept alive this period and remind us of the threat that communism poses. Giving this historic military base Congressional recognition will ensure that the museum is able to continue to teach its visitors about the Cold War for generations to come,” said Congressman Crawford.

February 06, 2023

WEEKEND SEES HOMICIDE IN CAMDEN
On Sunday February 51\ 2023 at 2:17 a.m. Officers of the Camden Police Department were dispatched to an apartment located in the Riverside Courts housing complex.

On arrival, Officers located a black male and a black female inside an apartment. Officers identified the male as Roderick Crowell. He had suffered a single gun-shot wound. While Officers were on-scene gathering information, Crowell identified the person that shot him as Nicko. Crowell was transported by ambulance to the Ouachita County Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Criminal Investigators were advised and able to obtain a warrant of arrest for Nicko Freeman. He was located at approximately 8:2 am. At a residence in Camden and was placed under arrest without incident.

This case is still and on-going investigation. The Camden Police Department encourages anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact the Criminal Investigation Division at (870) 836-5755.

CAMDEN CITY COUNCIL TO HOLD WORKSHOP REGARDING WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASE
The Camden City Council Workshop is Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 6:30pm. The purpose is to discuss the Water and Sewer Rate increase. Civil Engineering Associates, LLC will be present to answer any questions.

CITY OFFERS HELP WITH STORM CLEANUP: SUMMIT CONTRACTORS WORKING ON WASHINGTON STREET TUESDAY
Mayor Charlotte Young announced today that in order to help our citizens in recovering from this past week's ice storm. The City Landfill will be allowing the dumping of limbs from storm debris for free for the rest of the month of February.

Mayor Young also stated the City has the knuckle booms out running and will be removing limbs this month. However they will be unable to pick up large trees that a tree removal service might have cut for you. She stated the we want to help clean our city back up and will remove the storm debris we are able to get.

Please make note: Summit contractors will be working on Washington Street from First Baptist Church and in front of Dr. Ladd's office all day Tuesday(2/7). They will have flagmen to control traffic. If at all possible, please avoid the area for Tuesday only so they can complete the work as quickly as possible.

SAAC ANNOUNCES TWO DAY AUDITION WORKSHOP FOR SUMMER MUSICAL, “NEWSIES”
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! It's time for a "Newsies" extravaganza! Get ready to audition for
a coveted cast spot in the South Arkansas Arts Center’s 2023 summer musical, “Newsies”, with an audition prep workshop! The workshop is scheduled for Saturday 6:30-9:30pm and Sunday 1:00-4:00pm, February 25th and 26th.

Get a crash course in the "Newsies" universe with this two-day audition prep workshop. The "Newsies" Audition Workshop is a great way to get familiar with the material, meet director Kristen Blossom, and learn more about all the possibilities for SAAC's summer musical.

At this Movement Intensive, director Kristen Blossom will teach two dances, work with students on developing characters, and exploring the real-world background of "Newsies". She will also help students with audition preparation and expectations, as well as creating and maintaining safe and respectful spaces in the world of theatre. The workshop, for adults and teens, is free to participate in due to Murphy USA sponsoring the play, but registration is required.

This Disney film turned Tony-winning Broadway hit inspires everyone to fight for what's right and seize the day. Set in turn-of-the century New York City, “Newsies” is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies." When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right! Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message.

Call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 to register for this workshop or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org for more information. SAAC is located at 110 East Fifth Street, El Dorado, Arkansas.

February 03, 2023

SUMMER AT ASMSA PRESENTS FREE RESIDENTIAL SUMMER CAMPS FOR YOUTHS
HOT SPRINGS — Rising sophomores throughout Arkansas are invited to apply for Summer At ASMSA, a weeklong free residential summer camp at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts in downtown Hot Springs.

Summer At ASMSA participants will spend a week exploring a variety of exciting and fun topics. Campers will participate in hands-on session during the day, enjoy a variety of fun activities in the evenings and live in the Student Center during the week.

Summer At ASMSA will be held Sunday, June 11, through Saturday, June 17, 2023. Each of the camps is free with no costs for tuition, meals or housing. Campers are selected through a competitive application process. Priority application deadline is April 10, 2023.

Camps being offered this summer include:
AEGIS Environmental Science and Biotechnology Camp will allow participants to gain hands-on experience in molecular biology laboratory techniques while exploring the ecology and geology of the Ouachita Mountains region. Conduct field research and lab analysis while you sequence ant DNA, find a crystal, and learn how to evaluate the health of our ecosystems in Hot Springs National Park.

AEGIS Anime! Origami! Hiragana! is a Japanese language and culture camp. Participants will learn how to introduce themselves, make some Japanese food, count yen, and more while exploring some of the cultural norms and unique aspects of Japanese society. Students will leave camp with the tools and knowledge to continue learning Japanese independently.

Computer Science Camp presents the many faces of computer science through hands-on experiences in a variety of programming contexts. Do you want to learn more about computer programming, game design, and more? Join us for our computer science camp where you will learn to make animations, program micro:bits, and more! Participants will culminate the week in a “Capture the Flag” competition.

Studio Arts Camp is an activities-based initiative to help grow students’ excitement about the arts while building their portfolios. Students will engage in different processes including observational drawing, collage, painting, ceramics, and more.

Engineering Camp will help students learn how things work and create their own designs. Learn about all types of engineering, from nuclear to electrical at this hands-on camp. Students will learn how to solder, use design thinking, and much more.

“Summer At ASMSA is my favorite week of the year because I get to see our campers make new friends and great memories,” said Amy Brown-Westmoreland, outreach coordinator for ASMSA. “Campers also learn about a subject they love without the pressure of grades, and I learn from them! I also love hearing how campers have stayed in touch long after camp is over.”

To start the application process, interested campers should complete the interest form at https://asmsa.me/SummeratASMSA. For more information, contact Brown-Westmoreland at outreach@asmsa.org or (501) 622-5116.

About ASMSA: The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts is one of 17 public residential high schools in the country specializing in the education of academically gifted students. Located in historic downtown Hot Springs, the school is a campus of the University of Arkansas System. For more information about Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts, visit www.asmsa.org or call 501.622.5100.

WESTERMAN ANNOUNCES STATE OF THE UNION GUEST
WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Bruce Westerman announced that his guest for this year's State of the Union Address will be Brittany Alkonis. He released the following statement:

“I am pleased that Mrs. Brittany Alkonis will be joining me for this historic occasion. Brittany is the wife of U.S. Navy Lieutenant Ridge Alkonis, who has been unnecessarily imprisoned by the Japanese government,” Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04) said. “Brittany’s relentless fight for justice for Ridge has caught my attention and that of many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in Congress and has rallied a great deal of bipartisan support for the Alkonis family. I am humbled by the opportunity to welcome Brittany to the U.S. Capitol, and to hear her and her family’s story firsthand. It is my hope that Brittany’s presence at the State of the Union will be a step forward the fight for justice for Ridge and will emphasize the need for the Biden Administration’s support in this fight to bring Ridge home.”

Lt. Alkonis is originally from California and is a constituent of Congressman Mike Levin. Congressmen Bruce Westerman and Mike Levin are a part of the great number of Members of Congress who have joined the bipartisan fight to advocate for Lt. Alkonis’s release from prison.

“Rep. Westerman and I remain deeply concerned about the ongoing treatment of Ridge Alkonis and the delays in his transfer to the United States.” Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) said. We want to see him come home as quickly as possible. I thank Rep. Westerman for inviting Brittany Alkonis to the State of the Union. Her presence will shine a light on this case and the impact it is having on her family and their communities. Her resilience throughout this difficult situation is remarkable. I continue to urge the U.S. and Japanese governments to work expeditiously on an agreement that will bring Ridge back home safely. Along with Rep. Westerman and other Members of Congress, I will continue to advocate on Ridge’s behalf until he is back on U.S. soil.”

Background:
U.S. Navy Lt. Ridge Alkonis is originally from California and is the husband of Brittany Alkonis; they have three children together. In 2006, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy where he was a pitcher for the Midshipmen baseball team. From 2008-2010, he served on a church mission in Japan, where he gained great love and respect for the Country. In 2012, he moved to Japan with his wife to serve on the U.S.S. Fitzgerald, stationed in Yokosuka, Japan.

In May 2021, Lt. Alkonis was driving to his home in Japan, with his wife and three children after a hike on Mount Fuji. While driving, he experienced a horrible case of altitude sickness that caused him to lose consciousness at the wheel, leading to an accidental car crash which left two Japanese citizens dead.

On the scene, Japanese officials neglected to provide Lt. Alkonis with medical care and immediately took him to jail, where he stayed in solitary confinement for 26 days without access to representation, counseling, medical examination, or adequate language translation. On June 23, 2021, he was released on bail.

In October 2021, Lt. Alkonis was sentenced to 3 years and immediately sent to prison. This, despite his family’s commitment to pay the largest private gomensai settlement by a U.S. Service member in Japan’s history, of $1.65 million. Lt. Alkonis filed for an appeal and was released on bail.

In July 2022, the Japanese Appellate court rejected Lt. Alkonis’ appeal and sent him to prison to serve his three-year prison sentence.

Brittany and many others across the country are fighting relentlessly for justice for Lt. Alkonis.

ATTORNEY GENERAL GRIFFIN APPOINTS MARTHA MCKENZIE HILL TO ARKANSAS TOBACCO SETTLEMENT COMMISSION
Griffin: ‘Hill's commitment to healthcare and Arkansas make her an exemplary appointee’
LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement after appointing Martha McKenzie Hill to the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission:

“I am honored to appoint Martha McKenzie Hill to the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission replacing Dr. Roddy Lochala, whose term expired in 2017. Hill's commitment to healthcare and Arkansas make her an exemplary appointee. I appreciate her continued willingness to serve the state of Arkansas."

Martha McKenzie Hill is appointed to a four-year term that will expire in February 2027.

About Martha McKenzie Hill
Martha McKenzie Hill has extensive experience working as an advocate for clients before the Arkansas Legislature and the state executive branch. Martha's experience began as a volunteer advocate for the Arkansas State PTA. Previously in Washington, D.C., she served in the President George H.W. Bush administration from January 1990 until January 1993 first at the U.S. Department of State in the Office of the Legal Adviser and then at the White House as a member of the National Security Council staff, as Deputy Legal Adviser. Prior to that, she represented companies and families in private practice in Dallas, Texas. Hill obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in history with honors and special honors. She then went on to obtain her Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. Hill serves as Counsel at Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C.

BOOZMAN, CAPITO LEAD REPUBLICAN SENATORS IN FIGHT AGAINST BIDEN WOTUS RULE
Senators Announce Congressional Review Act Resolution of Disapproval to Block Overreaching Water Regulation
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) and Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public (EPW) Committee Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) led their Senate Republican colleagues in introducing a formal challenge to the Biden administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule through a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval.

The resolution comes after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a new rule in December 2022 repealing the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) and changing the definition of Waters of the United States in a way that will expand federal regulatory authority.

“Arkansans want clean and safe water, but they don’t need the federal government to seize control of every pond, puddle and ditch in our state in the name of protecting the environment. By withdrawing the Navigable Waters Protection Rule and attempting to return to the burdensome, far-reaching WOTUS rule, the Biden administration is seeking to do exactly that,” Boozman said. “My colleagues and I are united in our commitment to stop it and stand up for farmers, ranchers, private landowners and future opportunities that this rule would trample.”

“With its overreaching navigable waters rule, the Biden administration upended regulatory certainty and placed unnecessary burdens directly on millions of Americans,” Capito said. “This Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval will give every member of Congress the chance to stand with farmers, ranchers, landowners, and builders, and protect future transportation, infrastructure, and energy projects of all kinds in their states. I appreciate the widespread support we’ve received in both the Senate and House, and across the country, as we fight to place an important check on this misguided overreach from the Biden administration.”

The CRA provides Congress an expedited mechanism to overturn certain federal agency regulations and actions through a joint resolution of disapproval. A joint resolution of disapproval under the CRA is afforded special procedures, bypassing normal Senate rules and allowing for a vote on the Senate floor. If a CRA joint resolution of disapproval is approved by a simple majority in both houses of Congress and signed by the President—or if Congress successfully overrides a presidential veto—the rule is invalidated.

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO-06), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, simultaneously led his colleagues in introducing an identical resolution in the House.

Senate cosponsors of the resolution include Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sens. John Thune (R-SD), John Barrasso (R-WY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Rand Paul (R-KY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AK), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Todd Young (R-IN).

Boozman has been a long-time advocate for a commonsense rule to protect water without eroding the rights of landowners. In 2015, he voted to prevent implementation of the Obama administration’s WOTUS rule. In 2021, Boozman helped introduce legislation to protect Arkansas famers, small businesses and property owners by codifying the 2020 NWPR. Last year, he joined Senate Republicans in urging the EPA and USACE to halt rulemaking until the U.S. Supreme Court completes its consideration of Sackett v. EPA, a case expected to have major implications on the Clean Water Act’s scope and enforcement.

February 02, 2023

IRS-CERTIFIED ENTERGY ARKANSAS VOLUNTEERS TO PROVIDE FREE TAX ASSISTANCE
Super Tax Day strives to eliminate poverty for our neediest customers
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Entergy Arkansas and community partners will host several Super Tax Day events to kick off the tax preparation season, with IRS-certified volunteers on hand to help low- and moderate-income families file for free. Federal and state tax returns must be filed by April 15, and Super Tax Day events are scheduled across the state Feb. 4, 18, 25 and March 25.

"Entergy employees Power Life with a direct, positive impact on the quality of life of our customers," said Liz Brister, Entergy's manager of low-income programs. "Through volunteering their time in helping prepare taxes during Super Tax Day events and assisting customers in claiming funds they have earned, Entergy makes a positive impact in the communities we serve.”

For more than 14 years, IRS-certified volunteers have provided free tax preparation for low-to-moderate income taxpayers at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout the Entergy service area, including locations across Arkansas.

The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the nation’s most effective means of lifting Americans out of poverty, and VITA site volunteers will help customers determine if they are eligible for the credit.

In 2022, more than 12,000 Entergy customers received $21.7 million in federal tax refunds through Earned Income Tax Credits. Since 2009, Entergy’s Super Tax Day program has helped return $320 million to 177,000 working families throughout the company’s service area in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Super Tax Day dates, time and locations are listed below –

Saturday, Feb. 4
Southern Bancorp
J Austin White Cultural Center
185 S Main St
Eudora
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

United Way of the Ouachitas
233 Hobson Ave
Hot Springs
8:30 a.m. to noon

Saturday, Feb. 18
Southern Bancorp
425 E Plaza
West Helena
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Southern Bancorp
Dunbar Community Center
1001 W 16th St
Little Rock
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Central Arkansas Development Council
Benton Senior Center|
1800 Citizens Plaza
Benton
8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Central Arkansas Development Council
Arkadelphia Senior Center
1305 North 10th St
Arkadelphia
1 to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 25
Southern Bancorp
103 W Main
Lockesburg
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Southern Bancorp
2421 NW Ave
El Dorado
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Southern Bancorp
120 S 2nd
Blytheville
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, March 25
United Way of Northeast Arkansas
St. Bernards Hospital Auditorium
225 E Washington Ave
Jonesboro
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free tax preparation services are provided at VITA sites throughout the 2023 tax season. In some VITA locations, local community partners are offering appointments for tax preparation services, drop-off tax prep services, financial coaching, budget workshops, free legal services and more. For more information on Entergy’s Super Tax Day and VITA, visit entergy.com/freetaxhelp. Customers can also file on their own at https://www.getyourrefund.org/.

DENTON, JACKSON EARN SAFETY AND LOSS CONTROL PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
Little Rock, Ark. — Feb. 2, 2023 — Dustin Denton, manager of right-of-way services for Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), and Mark Jackson, construction crews safety coordinator for AECI, recently completed an intensive program in electricity utility safety and loss control. The two utility professionals participated in a certified loss control program offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in conjunction with the National Utility Training and Safety Association.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, nearly 4 million workplace injuries occur each year. One of the goals of NRECA’s certified loss control program is to ensure a safe work environment for electric utility workers and the general public.

Denton and Jackson are among a select group of electric utility professional workers that have earned the certification. The program requires the completion of rigorous seminars and tests, a 30-hour OSHA course and a detailed final course project. The certification participants complete four, week-long sessions to challenge and educate them in current, innovative safety practices.

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas comprise 17 electric distribution cooperatives; Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. (AECI), a Little Rock-based cooperative that provides various services to the distribution cooperatives; and AECC, a generation and transmission cooperative. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to more than 600,000 members, or customers, in Arkansas and surrounding states.

COTTON STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR SANDERS’S SELECTION TO DELIVER THE REPUBLICAN RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THE UNION
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement applauding the choice of Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders to deliver the Republican response to President Biden’s State of the Union:

“Under President Biden, America has stumbled from crisis to crisis, both at home and on the world stage. Sarah Sanders will present the Republican case for strong families, economic prosperity, and military strength. Our governor is a champion for conservative values who will contrast sharply with President Biden’s divisive, weak leadership.”

GOVERNOR SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS TO DELIVER REPUBLICAN ADDRESS TO THE NATION
WASHINGTON - Today, Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders will deliver the Republican Address to the Nation from the Arkansas Capitol, following President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address on February 7th.

Congressman Bruce Westerman released the following statement celebrating the announcement:

“Both as an Arkansan and a friend of Sarah, I am incredibly proud and excited that she has been selected to deliver the Republican Address to the Nation on Tuesday night."

BOOZMAN APPLAUDS SELECTION OF GOVERNOR SANDERS TO DELIVER THE REPUBLICAN RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THE UNION
WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) applauded the announcement that Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders will deliver the Republican response following President Biden’s State of the Union Address on Tuesday.

“Under the Biden administration inflation is still staggeringly high, gas prices are increasing and the crisis at our southern border has spiraled out of control. Americans continue struggling to make ends meet. We are grateful to have young conservative leaders like Governor Sarah Sanders who are leading the fight against reckless policies and focusing on making the lives of families better in Arkansas and across the country. In all my years of friendship with Sarah she has constantly put faith, family and Arkansas first. We have a lot of reasons to be optimistic about the future and now all Americans will have the opportunity to hear the Republican vision about the path forward, which I know she will deliver with heart and boldness,” Boozman said.

COTTON, RISCH INTRODUCE BILL TO PROHIBIT BANNING GAS STOVES
Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced a bill to prevent restricting or banning gas stoves and similar appliances. Senator James Risch (R-Idaho) is an original co-sponsor of the legislation. Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI-04) introduced companion legislation in the House. Bill text may be found here.

“Democrats tried to ban gas stoves, got caught, and backed down. But they will try again—their desire to regulate every aspect of American life knows no bounds. Our bill would prevent any future attempts to regulate how Americans cook breakfast,” said Senator Cotton.

“The Biden administration has now taken aim not once, but twice, at the gas stoves that feed millions of families every day. After walking back a threat to ban gas stoves in January, Biden’s Department of Energy has proposed a loophole that could ban gas stoves that do not meet their cherry-picked, ridiculous energy consumption standards. Our bill, the STOVE Act, will prevent the administration from moving forward with any attempt to ban gas stoves,” said Senator Risch.

“The last thing Americans need or want is another bureaucrat telling us which appliance we can have. Americans should have the ability to choose the most affordable and most available way to cook food in their own homes. I am proud to work with Senator Cotton and Senator Risch on the bicameral STOVE Act to forcefully push back on current and future nanny-state proposals emanating from Washington,” said Congressman Huizenga.

February 01, 2023

CADC TO DISTRIBUTE USDA COMMODITIES FEBRUARY 15 & 16, 2023 IN OUACHITA AND CALHOUN COUNTIES
Camden –Central Arkansas Development Council will distribute USDA Commodities in Ouachita County Wednesday, February 15, and Thursday, February 16, 2023, in Camden. Distribution will begin at 9 am.

Food Items May Include: UHT Milk, Dried Date Pieces, Raisins, Vegetable Soup, Tomato Soup, Dry Garbanzo Beans, Canned Black Beans, Almonds, Mac & Cheese, Canned Pork, Canned Chicken.

In Ouachita County, commodities will be distributed at the following location: Ouachita County:
IVRA CLARK PARK
828 Visor Street, Camden

In Calhoun County, commodities will be distributed at the following location:
CADC Office
210 South Lee Street, Hampton

ID must be present in order to receive commodities. All customers receiving commodities must present identification. Must Meet Income Guidelines.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR ARKANSAS STUDENTS
Little Rock, Ark. (Feb. 1, 2023) – Scholarships are now available for eligible Arkansas students through Arkansas Community Foundation.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”

Scholarships with statewide eligibility include:

· Abigail Robertson Scholarship, provides a scholarship for female students pursuing a business degree at a college or university in Pulaski County

· Advancing Women in Transportation Scholarship, provides a scholarship to female students who plan to pursue a career in a transportation related field in Arkansas

· Anne Pressly Scholarship, to memorialize the legacy of Anne Pressly and support a graduating high school senior woman who plans to pursue a career in Journalism

· Arkansas Service Memorial Scholarship, for students who are children of Arkansans who lost their life in service in the state, nation or community

· Barbara Mashburn Memorial Scholarship, provides a scholarship for a graduate of an Arkansas high school pursuing an education as a vocalist

· East Student Scholarship, provides a scholarship to a graduating senior who attends any high school with an EAST program

· Elizabeth G. Redman Republican Party of Arkansas Scholarship, for students who are members of or active in the Republican Party of Arkansas

· Herchel and Melba A. Fildes Scholarship, provides a scholarship to students studying nursing and attending Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas or Arkansas State University in Beebe

· Lillian McGillicuddy Republican Party of Arkansas Scholarship, for students who are members of the Arkansas Federation of Young Republicans or are active in the Republican Party of Arkansas

· Marie and Bob Marshall Republican Party of Arkansas Scholarship, for students who are members of or active in the Republican Party of Arkansas

· Merwin T. and Agnes Bowman Nursing Scholarship, for students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or equivalent degree from a qualified institution

· Poultry Federation Scholarship, provides scholarships to students pursuing a degree related to the poultry industry and attending a school in the University of Arkansas system, Arkansas State University system, Arkansas Tech University or Southern Arkansas University

· Robert P. Atkinson Hospital Leadership and Scholarship, provides a scholarship to students pursuing an advanced degree with an emphasis in healthcare and/or hospital administration

· Ryan Mondy D.A.S.H. Memorial Scholarship, provides scholarships to graduating seniors whose lives have been affected by cancer

To apply, and for more information about these and other scholarships, visit www.arcf.org/apply/scholarships/.

Deadlines for scholarship applications differ and can be found on the application portal.

Arkansas Community Foundation, a statewide nonprofit organization, provides resources, insight and inspiration to build better Arkansas communities – communities where our kids will want to raise their kids. The Community Foundation is the largest grantmaker in the state in the number of grants made each year. Since 1976, the Foundation has provided more than $393 million to nonprofits. The Foundation staff works directly with donors, professional advisors and nonprofits to help strengthen Arkansas communities through strategic philanthropy and focusing on local needs. Its assets rank among the top 60 out of more than 800 community foundations in the United States. Serving statewide and local initiatives, the Community Foundation helps connect those who want to give to causes they care about. Contributions to Arkansas Community Foundation, its funds and any of its 29 affiliates are fully tax deductible.

MILLIGAN CELEBRATES UNCLAIMED PROPERTY DAY THROUGH GREAT ARKANSAS TREASURE HUNT AUDITOR’S OFFICE HAS $444.1 MILLION IN UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
Feb. 1, 2023 (Little Rock, Ark.) – Auditor of State Dennis Milligan, whose office administers the Great Arkansas Treasure Hunt, joins colleagues from around the country in celebrating Unclaimed Property Day today. Unclaimed Property Day was launched by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators in 2021 to raise awareness of unclaimed property.

“Unclaimed property can be any number of financial items, such as unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, certificates of deposit, unused rebate cards – you name it," Milligan said. “We currently have a total of $444.1 million in the Great Arkansas Treasure Hunt program owed to citizens.”

When owners abandon an account – through a move or a death, for instance – and the company cannot locate the owner, the money or properties are submitted to the Auditor of State’s office. The office’s Unclaimed Property Division then works to connect property to its rightful owner, Milligan said.

“Statistically, one in seven people nationwide have unclaimed property. In Arkansas, the percentage is greater at one in four,” Milligan said. “We are required to return prope

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WESTERMAN, CARTER, GOLDEN, RUPPERSBERGER INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROTECT PATIENT ACCESS TO MEDICAL INFORMATION

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