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Saline River News

Want to incorporate more protein in your diet? Balance, healthy sources are key

Want to incorporate more protein in your diet? Balance, healthy sources are key

By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — When it comes to adding healthy sources of protein to your diet, an expert with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture said consumers need to first understand the science behind protein and how it affects our bodies. “When we think about ‘What is…

Cyclosporiasis outbreak: Keeping your family safe

Cyclosporiasis outbreak: Keeping your family safe

By Sarah Cato  University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — The Cyclosporiasis outbreaks happening across the U.S. may sound scary, but there are simple steps families can take to minimize risk of infection. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, also known as Cyclospora. As of July 13, 2026, CDC had received reports of…

Entergy Arkansas expands summer customer care events,offering free fans and bill assistance across the state

Entergy Arkansas expands summer customer care events,offering free fans and bill assistance across the state

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – As summer temperatures continue to climb, Entergy Arkansas is expanding in-person customer care events across the state, including an additional event in Little Rock at the Watershed Family Resource Center where a limited number of free fans will be available to help customers stay cool during the hottest months of the…

Protect children during back-to-school season by scheduling routine vaccines

Protect children during back-to-school season by scheduling routine vaccines

By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — As kids prepare to return to school, parents should talk to their children’s doctors about routine vaccinations, which can help keep children healthy and safe throughout the school year. “Back-to-school preparation is about more than buying supplies,” said Heather Wingo, extension immunization educator for…

How to avoid fast fashion when back-to-school shopping this summer

How to avoid fast fashion when back-to-school shopping this summer

By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — Though it can be tempting to buy inexpensive clothes from fast fashion retailers during the back-to-school shopping season, an extension expert suggests visiting thrift stores and preserving your existing wardrobe instead. “Fast fashion is a business model where clothing brands quickly mass-produce inexpensive, trendy…

Extension health experts share tips for supporting brain health through nutrition

Extension health experts share tips for supporting brain health through nutrition

LITTLE ROCK — Though diet alone cannot prevent the onset of dementia, choosing heart-healthy foods — such as leafy greens, beans, whole grains and healthy fats — also supports the brain, affecting cognitive function over time. “Nutrition is one important, modifiable lifestyle factor that may help support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive…

Is your child ready to stay home alone? Extension expert shares safety tips

Is your child ready to stay home alone? Extension expert shares safety tips

LITTLE ROCK — To help parents determine if their child is ready to stay at home alone, an extension family life expert says it is critical to focus on maturity, emergency preparedness and teaching children age-appropriate independence. Brittney Schrick, extension associate professor and family life specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said…

Mid-America Science Museum to Host Tesla Fest July 11 in Hot Springs

Mid-America Science Museum to Host Tesla Fest July 11 in Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Mid-America Science Museum will host Tesla Fest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 11. The annual event celebrates the life and scientific legacy of Nikola Tesla, whose innovations in electricity and engineering continue to influence modern technology. Tesla Fest is held on the Saturday closest to Tesla’s birthday, July…

Tips for washing, storing fresh produce to reduce waste, save money

Tips for washing, storing fresh produce to reduce waste, save money

LITTLE ROCK — Fresh produce is highly perishable, but proper washing and storage can help make it last longer, saving money and reducing waste. Quad Whitson, extension culinary nutrition and food safety program associate for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said that according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, about 30 to 40…

Arkansas State Parks Announces New Teaching Farm Partnership at Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Arkansas State Parks Announces New Teaching Farm Partnership at Pinnacle Mountain State Park

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas State Parks announced a new partnership with Apple Seeds, a nonprofit nutrition education organization, to establish a Central Arkansas Teaching Farm at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. The project, in partnership with the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, is made possible through a new Concessionaire Lease Agreement approved May 1, 2026. The…

Canning 101: Tips for Safe, Healthy Food Preservation at Home

Canning 101: Tips for Safe, Healthy Food Preservation at Home

LITTLE ROCK — For Arkansans interested in preserving fresh produce, extension experts encourage home canners to follow research-based guidelines to ensure the results are safe. Quad Whitson, extension culinary nutrition and food safety program associate for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said that for home food preservation, “canning” is an umbrella term that…

Canning 101: Tips for safe, healthy food preservation at home

Canning 101: Tips for safe, healthy food preservation at home

By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — For Arkansans interested in preserving fresh produce, extension experts encourage home canners to follow research-based guidelines to ensure the results are safe. Quad Whitson, extension culinary nutrition and food safety program associate for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said that for home…

Entergy Arkansas offers tips for staying cool andcutting energy costs this summer

Entergy Arkansas offers tips for staying cool andcutting energy costs this summer

Shares easy ideas for boosting efficiency and lowering electric bills LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – As the official first day of summer approaches and temperatures continue to rise, air conditioners will start running full blast and lead to an increase in electricity usage. However, staying cool and comfortable does not have to come at the cost…

Extension Agents to Offer Free Summer Produce Growing and Cooking Classes

Extension Agents to Offer Free Summer Produce Growing and Cooking Classes

LITTLE ROCK — The Cooperative Extension Service’s Grow Your Own Groceries Series will continue this summer with three free online sessions focused on growing and preparing healthy, nutritious foods. Each hour-long presentation begins at noon and is offered free of charge. Upcoming sessions include: Registration is available online at: https://uaex.uada.edu/grow-groceries During each session, experts with…

Wombat Burger Named Arkansas Best Burger by the Arkansas Beef Council

Wombat Burger Named Arkansas Best Burger by the Arkansas Beef Council

DELIGHT, AR — The Arkansas Beef Council today announced that the winner of the 3rd Annual Arkansas Best Burger Contest is the Wombat Burger from Eoff’s Food Trailer in Delight, Arkansas. This statewide competition celebrates Arkansas restaurants and their commitment to using 100% beef in crafting their burgers. The contest received 3,249 nominations from across the…

Avoiding Scams to Protect Finances

Avoiding Scams to Protect Finances

On June 5th from 9 – 2 at the Sadie T. Johnson Community Center (707 US Hwy 278, Monticello), Commercial Bank will join partners, including the Drew County Health Coalition, to provide education and resources to protect Seniors from financial exploitation. In addition, the Drew County Sheriff’s Department will be on site to accept expired or unused prescription medication for…