Statewide ACT Aspire results show little to no rebound from pre-pandemic levels

LITTLE ROCK – Statewide preliminary ACT Aspire results for Grades 3-10, released this week by the Arkansas Department of Education, show little to modest increases from 2022, with many grades and subject areas reflecting decreases. Due to COVID-19, administration of the assessment was cancelled during the spring of 2020. When using 2019 test scores as…

Mid-South artists honored at Rosenzweig Exhibition Awards Reception

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Vincent Marie’s mixed-media piece “I’m Tired” has been honored with the top award of the “2023 Irene Rosenzweig Biennial Juried Exhibition.” The awards were announced during the opening reception at The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC) on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Juror Dr. Rachel Trusty, visiting assistant professor…

Summer course keeps archers at full draw

MAYFLOWER – The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Arkansas Bowhunters Association will hold a special “Introduction to Bowhunting and 3-D Archery Tournaments” workshop from 8:30-11:30 a.m., Aug. 5, at the AGFC’s Fiocchi Shooting Sports Complex in Mayflower (formerly known as the Camp Robinson Shooting Range).  By Randy Zellers Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Otis Lambright, vice…

Presence of blight pathogen confirmed in Arkansas pine trees

MONTICELLO, Ark. — For months, foresters and researchers have been investigating reports of ailing pine trees in Arkansas. New diagnostic lab results help tell part of the story, but researchers are continuing to investigate the cases of loblolly pine decline. Top photo: PINE DECLINE — Loblolly pines showing brown and dropped needles, symptoms of a multi-factor ailment…

2024 Little Rock Marathon registration open, theme for 22nd annual race revealed

Registration for the 22nd running of the Little Rock Marathon is open, race officials said Wednesday, adding that the theme this year should transport participants a few thousand years.  Little Rock Marathon Executive Director Geneva Lamm said the marathon registration from now until September 8 is $95, with half marathon registration starting at $85. From…

Feed mill proposal explored for Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal

WARREN, Ark. – The Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Facilities Authority (SARIFA) convened on Wednesday at the BCEDC Building to discuss potential developments and financial matters. One of the major highlights of the meeting was a proposal presented by Jason Cater, a poultry veterinarian, regarding the establishment of a feed mill on the Intermodal property. The…

Surprise birthday celebration honors Mrs. Colen at Warren Train Depot

WARREN, Ark. – The historic Warren Train Depot event center buzzed with excitement as a large crowd gathered to celebrate the surprise birthday of Mrs. Vivian Colen, a cherished member of the community. The event, organized by devoted well-wishers, showcased the profound impact Mrs. Colen has made in the city, prompting Mayor Gregg Reep to…

Warren Street Department reopens Shelby Street; Urges caution in ditch cleaning areas

WARREN, Ark. – Shelby Street has been officially reopened to the public, announced Warren Street Foreman Monty Hearnsberger on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. After diligent efforts and extensive repairs, the Warren Street Department successfully completed the necessary maintenance work on Shelby Street. The road was temporarily closed to allow for vital repairs and enhancements aimed…

Boat ramp project on Saline River announced at Bradley County Quorum Court Meeting

Several reports were presented and one ordinance was approved during Monday’s Bradley County Quorum Court meeting. Chief Operating Officer Leanna Williams of Bradley County Medical Center told the justices that hospital roof repairs had been delayed by rainy weather. She said work was also ongoing on a telemedicine grant program. Top photo: Bradley County Quorum…

Local leaders meet with Arkansas Connect in hopes of enhancing broadband access

WARREN, Ark. – In an effort to bolster high-speed internet connectivity and affordability within the City of Warren, a meeting was held at the Warren Municipal Building on Monday evening. The gathering, organized at the behest of Mayor Gregg Reep, brought together local business owners and representatives from Arkansas Connect, Laurie Ringler and Kimberly Young,…

Mainline Health Systems Inc. COO, Ashley Anthony, chosen to speak at NRHA Rural Community Health Connections Summit in Washington D.C.

MONTICELLO, Ark. – Mainline Health Systems Inc. Chief Operating Officer, Ashely Anthony, was chosen to speak at the NRHA Rural Community Health Connections Summit in Washington D.C. held on July 12th. Mrs. Anthony presented on the topic of managing chronic diseases, shining a spotlight on the Chronic Care Management (CCM) Program offered at MHSI. She…

Researchers trace ancestry of Arkansas honeybees to original ‘colonists’

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Honeybees in some areas of Arkansas have a direct, genetic link to the first European honeybees brought to America in the 17th century. Allen Szalanski, professor and insect geneticist for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, said research to identify the distribution of pathogens in managed honeybee colonies throughout the state uncovered this hidden…

Summer utility bill tips from Entergy Arkansas

Each season of the year has its own impact on energy bills, with summertime usually trending bills up. Increasing energy usage during hot summer temperatures can lead to higher bills – burning up summer funds. Entergy Arkansas is sharing tips to help customers sunblock their utility budgets during the summer heat! Entergy Arkansas offers a variety of energy…