Saline River News

ASPSF Accepting Fall Scholarship Applications From Single Parents

ASPSF Accepting Fall Scholarship Applications From Single Parents

Article submitted LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 31, 2025) — Single parents enrolling in school for the Fall 2025 semester can apply for a scholarship from nonprofit Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) beginning Aug. 1.  To apply, single parents must go to aspsf.org/apply and fill out an online form with supporting documentation. Both new students…

BACK TO SCHOOL: Parents should model healthy screen time habits, encourage off-screen activities

BACK TO SCHOOL: Parents should model healthy screen time habits, encourage off-screen activities

By Rebekah HallU of A System Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — Excess screen time harms children and adolescents’ social skills, but it also affects their behavior similarly to dementia, presenting as distractibility and memory deficit. To help combat this, an extension expert says parents should limit screen time, encourage children’s off-screen interests and closely…

Shockwaves in the South: Powerful Russian Earthquake Sends Ripples Through Arkansas

Shockwaves in the South: Powerful Russian Earthquake Sends Ripples Through Arkansas

WARREN, Ark. – A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck off the Pacific coast of Russia on July 29 sent seismic shockwaves across the globe—waves that were recorded as far away as Arkansas. While no damage or shaking was reported locally, sensitive seismic equipment across the state captured the unmistakable vibrations from the distant quake,…

Arkansas Historic Preservation Program Announces Application Period for Grants

Article submitted LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) has announced the opening dates for the County Courthouse Grant and Historic Preservation Grant application period. AHPP will begin accepting letters of intent for both grants on Sept. 15, 2025. Submission of applications begins Nov. 12, 2025. “Our County Courthouse and Historic Preservation Restoration…

Consumer Alert: EBT Scams Are on the Rise

Consumer Alert: EBT Scams Are on the Rise

Article submitted Arkansans are experiencing an increase in EBT theft. Scammers are accessing funds on EBT cards without the knowledge of the recipient and then immediately spending that money in states outside Arkansas. This leaves the most vulnerable of Arkansans without the funds they need to purchase groceries. How do scammers access EBT funds? Scammers…

State Extension to host Southern Chow-Chow relish workshop, part of preservation demo series

By Rebekah HallU of A System Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — At the upcoming Southern Chow-Chow workshop, hosted by the Cooperative Extension Service on Aug. 23, attendees will learn to combine green tomatoes, bell peppers and cabbage to make the classic relish recipe. The event is part of extension’s Preserving Arkansas summer series, which…

Visitor Spending Fuels $17.4 Billion in Economic Activity in Arkansas

Visitor Spending Fuels $17.4 Billion in Economic Activity in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism released the annual tourism economic impact report along with the inaugural release of outdoor recreation economy data. In 2024, Arkansas welcomed 52 million visitors—a 2.6% increase over 2023—reflecting strong growth in the state’s visitor economy. According to the economic impact study released by Tourism Economics,…

Arkansas 4-H hosting gift card donation drive for Texas 4-H flood relief

By Rebekah HallU of A System Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — After the devastating flash floods that swept Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend, Arkansas 4-H is stepping up to help their fellow Texas 4-H members and affected communities by hosting a gift card donation drive. “Texas has suffered immensely in the last…

Arkansas Extension Service Shares July Planting Guide for Gardeners Across the State

Arkansas Extension Service Shares July Planting Guide for Gardeners Across the State

WARREN, Ark. – With temperatures climbing past 95°F in much of the state, the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is reminding gardeners that summer is officially here—and it’s a critical time for planting and planning in the garden. According to their July gardening update, hot weather can slow plant production, so proper crop selection and timing…

What Happened to Being Decent? A Small-Town Reflection on Social Media

What Happened to Being Decent? A Small-Town Reflection on Social Media

By Rob Reep, Saline River News Let’s start with the truth. The world’s always had its share of unkindness. Mean words. Petty arguments. People who whispered behind closed doors or judged others from across a room. That’s nothing new. But back then, there were limits. When I was growing up—before the internet, before social media—if…

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts exhibition highlights the art of conservation

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts exhibition highlights the art of conservation

LITTLE ROCK — The management of fish and wildlife habitat is typically viewed as being within the purview of scientists, but an exhibition opening Friday at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts demonstrates that artists also have played a significant role in advancing the conservation of natural resources. “The Long View: From Conservation to Sustainability:…

Read to Succeed Event Coming to Monticello Branch Library June 28

MONTICELLO, Ark. – Families with young children are invited to a fun and educational event at the Monticello Branch Library on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 a.m. as part of the Read to Succeed Initiative, a program created by Arkansas PBS to promote early literacy across the state. This free event, designed for families with…

Arkansas Adds Nine Properties to the National Register of Historic Places

(Little Rock) – Nine Arkansas properties have been added to the National Register of Historic Places during the month of May, according to the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. “Listing of these properties on the National Register of Historic Places is a true distinction, and it illustrates the special places that exist all across Arkansas” said…

Teacher Conservation Tours Now Open to Everyone

Teacher Conservation Tours Now Open to Everyone

MONTICELLO, AR – 5-27-25 – The Arkansas Forestry Association Education Foundation has announced that its Summer Teacher Conservation Tour (TCT) Workshop Series is now open to everyone, not just classroom educators. The expanded access provides a unique opportunity for the public to explore Arkansas’s rich natural resources, forest industries, and conservation efforts through three hands-on…