LITTLE ROCK — Now that the 2021 tax filing deadline has come and gone, many consumers are eagerly awaiting their tax refunds and perhaps planning how to use them. While there’s endless spending possibilities, the best choice may be not to spend at all. If you’re willing to delay gratification a while, a tax refund…
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How do God’s people live in a Godless society?
When God called Abraham out of Ur, he made a covenant-a promise-that Abraham would be the father of a holy nation. “I will bless those who bless you and I will place a curse on those who harm you. And all the people of the earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3) How would…
Arkansas food scientist lands USDA-NIFA grant to investigate low-moisture food processing safety
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Helping keep dry foods safe for consumption is the goal of an Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station researcher who was recently awarded a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Jennifer Acuff, assistant professor in food safety and microbiology with the University of Arkansas System Division…
Happy Earth Day
Busyness
Just the sound of the word seems frantic. Yet many today try to live their lives in constant motion, dictated by a long daily to-do list or pursuing random activities. At the end of the day, they feel totally exhausted and dread the next morning when they will get up and start their hectic pace…

Pastime: Recalling the brother and sister reading duo(s)
Oddly enough, it was a reply from a friend, whom I daily rode the yellow school bus with up on Highway 15 to East Side Elementary that came up with this Pastime. Jo Ann Castleberry Pyle, now an El Dorado businesswoman, came up with a mention about these reading primer subjects, “Alice and Jerry and…
Cooperative Extension Service launches ‘Sharing Stories’ opportunity for communities
LITTLE ROCK — For communities throughout the state, sharing stories of success, impact or solutions with others can help improve the quality of life for all Arkansans. The Cooperative Extension Service’s Community, Professional and Economic Development department has launched a new Sharing Stories – Strengthening AR Communities opportunity, which prompts members of Arkansas communities to…
Then He Screamed
“My God!” Ignoring the pain, he pushed upward until his shoulders were higher than his nailed hands. “Why have you forsaken me?” As he gave his final breath, he spoke a final time, “It is finished!” Bizarre, isn’t it. The thought of this man’s blood providing redemption for “whosoever” will. The soldiers are busy now…

Pastime: Calling “Castle 6″…
Recently when all the cyber talk on various Warren Facebook pages was humming about Wayne’s Confectionary, someone out of the blue, recited the phone number for Wayne’s. The questioner, I presume, got it correct. That number, sadly, has been reassigned since Wayne’s is no longer in business. But I knew, when the person who posted…
Southark Spotlight: BCSO School Resource Officer Jason Wallace
Saline River Chronicle recently sat down with Bradley County Sheriff’s Deputy and Warren School District Resource Officer Jason Wallace to discuss his unique role in the Warren School District. During the interview we also discuss how Officer Wallace got into law enforcement, as well as the challenges and rewards of his job.
‘Lazy’ mower approach can help pollinators
LITTLE ROCK – Procrastination in the spring and a little less mowing in the summer may be virtues when it comes to helping pollinators, researchers have found. The University of Vermont suggests delaying spring mowing so flowers like dandelions can provide early season food resources to pollinators. Those food sources are important to pollinators such…
Ozark Society documentary celebrates Buffalo River
LITTLE ROCK – The Central Arkansas Library System and the Ozark Society will present a free showing of First River: How Arkansas Saved a National Treasure, a new documentary directed by Michelle West in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Buffalo River’s designation as the country’s first national river, at CALS Ron Robinson Theater…
Extension offers course in beekeeping basics
LITTLE ROCK – Beekeeping basics, one of the Cooperative Extension Service’s most requested courses, is being offered in-person this spring. The three-part course teaches beginning beekeepers everything they need to know to get started with honey bees. Classes will be held in-person on April 11, 18 and 25 from 6-9 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension…
Crappie on the half shell
CASSCOE — As the old adage states, the dogwoods are blooming, so the crappie are biting. With that, spring is a great time to fill a cooler full of slabs. With a statewide limit of 30 crappie, a few good days of spring fishing can yield many meals for friends and family. While crappie is…
Getting Ready For Easter
Jesus, God’s Son came to our world more than 2,000 years ago. He embarked on the greatest “rescue mission” of all time. Jesus came to show us what God was like and how life should be lived. Some gladly welcomed Him, while others rejected His message and pushed Him away. Eventually His jealous critics framed…
Trailer for Arkansas-shot film “Chariot” released
The trailer for a new Arkansas-shot film has officially dropped. Written and directed by Adam Sigal, “Chariot” stars John Malkovich, Thomas Mann, Rosa Salazar, Shane West, and Scout Taylor-Compton. A dark comedy sci-fi film, “Chariot” was filmed in Arkansas in early 2021. In the film, the process of reincarnation is overseen by a corporation, and…
Arkansas 4-H offers 2 camps to introduce youngsters to overnight camping — with parent or guardian
FERNDALE, Ark. — The Arkansas 4-H program is offering three-day camps meant to introduce children as young as 5 to the joys of camping — along with their parent or guardian. These camps are open to both Arkansas 4-H members and non-members: State Camp which has two sessions from July 7-9 and July 10-12. Cloverbud…
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Any time a child is abused or neglected, it is a tragedy. Just last year, the Children’s Advocacy Center of South Arkansas (CAC) served 245 children because of abuse. The month of April is recognized across the nation as Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is a time to come together as a community to increase…

Pastime: (Part 2) Junior Play of “Laughing Gas”
As promised here is a more insightful look into the cast, their lines, actions and some hijinks of the Junior Play in the spring of 1972. The Junior Play for the Class of 1973 was done in the Spring of 1972. Ms. Eloise McFarland, the sponsor for both the Pine Cone (yearbook) and newspaper (The…
Monday marks 47-year anniversary of 1975 Warren tornado
Back on January 3, 2022 we made note that it was the 73-year anniversary of the 1949 devastating tornado that hit Warren, killing over fifty people and doing immense damage to the city. We are now facing the 47-year anniversary of another tragic time in the city, when on March 28, 1975 Warren was again…
Women’s History Month: Cooperative Extension Service celebrates service of women agents
LITTLE ROCK – For the month of March — Women’s History Month — the Cooperative Extension Service is recognizing the integral role women have played in fulfilling extension’s mission since its inception in 1914. The first girls’ canning clubs, started in 1912, gave way to home demonstration clubs that brought rural women together to share…