FARMINGTON – Erin Ashcraft, a muralist and artist who grew up in Monticello, recently completed a new colorful and naturalistic mural in the Farmington City Library’s Jane Vest Children’s Library here. Ashcraft of Rogers, has finished her four-week commissioned work, a virtual mural over all the interior walls of the Jane Vest Children’s Library, transforming…
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The Delight of Southern Muscadines: A South Arkansas Gem
In the lush rolling hills of Southeast Arkansas, the muscadine grape stands out as a native fruit that signals the arrival of late spring and early summer. Revered for its robust flavor and nutritional benefits, the muscadine is more than just a fruit; it is a cherished part of Southern heritage and cuisine. A Brief…
This Day in Arkansas History: May 28, 1957 – The Release of “A Face in the Crowd”
On May 28, 1957, the American film industry saw the release of “A Face in the Crowd,” a drama that would not only mark the debut of several soon-to-be major Hollywood stars but also put the small town of Piggott, Arkansas, on the map. Directed by Elia Kazan and based on Budd Schulberg’s short story…
Honoring those who gave all this Memorial Day 2024
The History of Memorial Day in the United States
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May each year, is a day of remembrance and honor for the men and women who have died in military service to the United States. This solemn holiday, steeped in history and tradition, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless brave soldiers to…
Spoiler alert: Extension offers tips for food safety this summer
LITTLE ROCK — Memorial Day kicks off the unofficial start of summer and the season of barbecues, camp-outs and family gatherings. And it’s all fun — until the potato salad goes bad. Whatever is on your family’s summer agenda, don’t let food be the spoiler. “The big issues in the summer are your usual suspects…
South Arkansas Arts Center reveals exciting theatrical lineup for 2024-2025 season
EL DORADO, Ark. – The South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC) in El Dorado has unveiled its highly anticipated lineup of theatrical productions for the upcoming 2024-2025 season, promising a blend of classic charm and futuristic appeal that is set to captivate audiences of all ages. At a glittering event titled “A Season of Mistakes and…
Remembering Congressman William Shields Goodwin: Born May 2, 1866 in Warren
On May 2, 1866 William Shields Goodwin, a future member of the U.S. House of Representative was born in Warren. His journey from the humble beginnings of Bradley County to the halls of power in Washington, D.C., is a testament to his determination and unwavering commitment to public service. Goodwin’s early years were marked by…
May is Foster Care Awareness Month
Sounding The CALL for National Foster Care Awareness Month LITTLE ROCK – Each May, since 1988, National Foster Care Month has raised awareness for millions of Americans across the country. Today, National Foster Care Month continues to broaden awareness, uniting individuals and organizations through strong support and recruitment programs nationwide. This month, The CALL will…
Celebrate Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council Month in May
LITTLE ROCK — As the largest volunteer organization in the state, the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council and its nearly 3,000 members are dedicated to improving their communities and their quality of life. To recognize the organization’s achievements and contributions to the state, celebrate May as Extension Homemakers Month in Arkansas. The Arkansas Extension Homemakers program…
Pastime: Bradley County memories of David Pryor campaigns
Last Friday, one of the best “retail campaigners†of the last century, David Hampton Pryor, at age 89, entered into eternal rest. He was, without a doubt, one of the most effective, beloved and hardest working one-on-one elected officials who ever shook a hand in our midst. It always made me smile to hear him…
Happy Earth Day!
American Pickers to film in Arkansas this June
The American Pickers are excited to return to Arkansas! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in June 2024. AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking†on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as…
Arkansas strawberries arrive early, signaling start of fruit season
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansans eager for strawberry season have good news: the wait is over. This year, strawberries arrived one to two weeks earlier than usual, with the peak season anticipated for late April or early May. “A typical peak is closer to Mother’s Day, but this year, we’ll peak earlier,†said Amanda McWhirt,…
Breaking ground, building safely: Entergy Arkansas recognizes Safe Digging Month
Little Rock, Ark. – Spring is here and with warmer temperatures on the way, this is the prime season to start home improvement and landscaping projects. April is National Safe Digging Month and Entergy Arkansas is reminding you to call 811 before digging into your list of spring projects. National Safe Digging Month serves as a…
Four ways to get your family moving this month
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 11, 2024) – April is Move More Month, which makes it a great time to get moving as a family. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that kids stay active throughout the day and that older kids get an hour of more vigorous physical activity daily. Exercising as a family is a…
Cloud-cover forecast for Monday’s eclipse
‘Grow Your Farm’ short course coming up in May
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food will hold a short course on small-scale farming May 3-4. The CAFF Small Farm Short Course titled “Grow Your Farm” provides an intensive two-day workshop with a deep dive into bed building, equipment and transplanting. “We’ll also cover the basics of record keeping, profitability, branding…
Remembering the 1975 Warren tornado 49 years later
On March 28, 1975, Warren, Arkansas, experienced a devastating F4 tornado that left a lasting impact on the community, claiming lives, destroying homes, and reshaping the landscape. As we mark the 49th anniversary of this tragic event, we reflect on the resilience of the people of Warren and the strength of a community that rose…
Foresters for the Future Scholarship application period open through June 14
LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division and the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) are pleased to announce that applications for the Foresters for the Future scholarship are now being accepted. The scholarship will provide $4,000 per semester, for four years, to an incoming freshman pursuing a forestry degree at…
Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 3-22-24
Colorectal cancer stands as one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, the stark reality is that it doesn’t have to be. The month of March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In 2021, our General Assembly took a significant step forward in the fight against colorectal cancer by passing Act…