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Restoring native habitats to at least 20% of the world’s land currently being used by humans for farming, ranching and forestry is necessary to protect biodiversity and slow species loss, according to a newly published study conducted by a team of environmental scientists. The analysis found that this can be done in ways that minimize trade-offs and could even make farms more productive by helping to control pests, enhancing crop pollination and preventing losses of nutrients and water from soil. These working landscapes can still be grazed, mowed, harvested or burned, as long as these activities sustain or restore native species diversity.

Poetry of Our Past was presented recently by local author Marie Wagner at the Boone County Library in Harrison. During the height of the pandemic, poets from around the state and around the country were invited to submit poems that highlighted the history and heritage of the people and nature of the Ozarks. In addition to a full color, illustrated book, several poets submitted video readings of their work. This project included a wide range of styles from the short Haiku poems to longer narrative poems as well as some hip-hop and a folk song.

Little Rock– Attorney General Rutledge today joined a coalition of 27 attorneys general in a letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) asking the agency to withdraw its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for large employers. The letter follows a 6-3 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court last week blocking the Biden Administration’s OSHA vaccine mandate in response to a legal challenge brought by Attorney General Rutledge and other state attorneys general in addition to trade groups, nonprofits, and private businesses. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, OSHA has not withdrawn the emergency temporary standard (ETS), which would require vaccination for tens of millions of employees across the country.

Washington, DC – …. As Americans across the nation gather again to stand for life, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today joined in their call of protecting the sanctity of life. He is committed to defending the unborn and has continually acted in Congress to support important pro-life legislation and prohibit taxpayer dollars from funding abortion.

Third Grade All A’s - Andrew Brantner, Liliana Browning, Addison Denzlinger, Olivia Duffy, CJ Knighton, Sarah Lane, Sophia Layton, Connor McGlothlin, Rylan Robertson, Eben Rogers, Lilah Seward, Holly Sokoloski, Alayna Stumph, Saben Thurman, Bailey Wallace, Kasandra Yocham, and Brody Whitehead.

Local farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers who wish to renew an expiring pesticide license or receive a first-time private pesticide applicator license will have the opportunity to receive the required training February 6. If you are up for re-certification, you will have received a letter from the State Plant Board notifying you that your certification is up.

Little Rock- The Arkansas Highway Commission and the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) are urging a unified effort between citizens and workers to increase work zone safety following two ARDOT employee deaths in work zones in a matter of weeks.

Lonoke, Arkansas- During a tour of the Remington ammunition factory, U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) applauded the success of the company’s Lonoke facility and its investment in the community.