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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…

Grilling vs. Barbecue: Arkansas Expert Explains the Difference Ahead of Summer Cookouts

Grilling vs. Barbecue: Arkansas Expert Explains the Difference Ahead of Summer Cookouts

WARREN, Ark. — As grills and smokers fire up across the South this summer, one University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture expert says there’s an important distinction many people still debate: grilling and barbecue are not the same thing. “‘Barbecue,’ as anyone in the South can tell you, is a loaded word,” said Janeal Yancey,…

Arkansas Department of Agriculture Distributes Over 12,350 Tree Seedlings

Arkansas Department of Agriculture Distributes Over 12,350 Tree Seedlings

LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s sixth annual Free Tree Fridays campaign successfully distributed 12,350 tree seedlings across the state during 30 events held each Friday from March 20 through April 24. A total of 3,200 Arkansans participated in the events, celebrating Arbor Day and the importance of trees in communities. Each…

Arkansas Imagination Library to Expand Early Literacy and Parent Engagement in the Arkansas Delta

Arkansas Imagination Library to Expand Early Literacy and Parent Engagement in the Arkansas Delta

Walton Family Foundation Investment Will Support Jefferson and Phillips County Families Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS: Arkansas Imagination Library (ARIL) is expanding early literacy, parent engagement, and Pre-K literacy support in Jefferson and Phillips Counties through a new two-year initiative supported by the Walton Family Foundation. The two-year initiative will focus on increasing…

Arkansas Gas Prices Climb Above $4 Per Gallon, Experts Share Ways to Save

Arkansas Gas Prices Climb Above $4 Per Gallon, Experts Share Ways to Save

By Rebekah Hall University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas drivers are paying higher gas costs at the pump, and a financial expert with the Cooperative Extension Service says some households may need to adjust their spending habits to accommodate increasing gas prices.   According to AAA, the average price of regular unleaded gas in Arkansas was $4.076 per gallon as of May…

Recent rain welcome on Arkansas farms, but more rain is needed to erase drought

Recent rain welcome on Arkansas farms, but more rain is needed to erase drought

By Mary HightowerUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture JONESBORO, Ark. — Amid a few rounds of rain, corn and rice planting are nearly complete in Arkansas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. “Corn and rice are right at the finish line,” said Scott Stiles, extension program associate for economics. “There…

Celebrate Extension Homemakers Council Month in Arkansas This May

Celebrate Extension Homemakers Council Month in Arkansas This May

WARREN, Ark. — Extension Homemakers in Bradley County will celebrate their contributions and service to the community during May as Extension Homemakers Council Month in Arkansas. EHC is delivered through the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Bradley County EHC clubs are among 320 clubs statewide, with…