News

Manatees

One of the strangest looking ocean mammals is the manatee. To make it even more unusual, a manatee is not related to any other ocean mammal but is a distant cousin of the elephant. The manatee and elephant even have physical features that are similar. Both mammals are the same gray color with short wiry hair. Manatees have toenails like an elephant and even have a short trunk. Scientists believe that manatees evolved millions of years ago from land to marine animals leaving their much larger cousin the elephant behind. Like other marine animals a manatee, which is sometimes called a sea cow, has to surface to breathe.
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Duck Season Gone

It is a sad time for us hunters. The last of the duck season ended Monday. But there is still some of the Canada goose hunting season remaining as you can still hunt them until February 6 in Missouri, February 14 in Kansas. The season is over in Arkansas.
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Covid, Flu and RSV symptoms

Are you or a loved one not feeling well? Feverish? Starting to cough? It’s hard to know what it is. Is it COVID-19? The seasonal flu? Or is it respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV? All three have similar symptoms, with fever being the most common.
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You can help

What is a pollinator? An animal that carries pollen from one plant to another is considered a pollinator. Why are pollinators important? Most fruit, vegetable, and seed crops- along with other plants that provide fiber, medicines and fuel- are pollinated by animals. While three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants depend on pollinators to reproduce, some scientists estimate that one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of animal pollinators. What types of animals are considered pollinators? Bees, butterflies and moths, birds and bats, beetles and other insects are considered pollinators. We will discuss some of these pollinators more in depth in later articles.
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New Livestock and Forestry Research Station director aims to expand

Batesville- Shane Gadberry said the Livestock and Forestry and Research Station is a natural fit for him to advance his work on behalf of Arkansas beef producers. After 25 years as an extension livestock specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, he has been appointed resident director of the research station near Batesville.
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Eating problems for breakfast . . .

Every morning I wake up with the understanding that I will encounter problems throughout the day. Some I will predict or know are coming; others I know will blindside me. Accepting the fact that problems will arise is an asset because in viewing them as opportunities helps me. There’s a saying attributed to Alfred A. Montapert, “Expect problems and eat them for breakfast.” I really like this thought because it inspires me to be proactive in dealing with tribulations. My frustration is lessened because I know and accept snags and complications happen. It helps me to remain calm, access the situation and then act. Accepting the possibility of problems helps in a couple ways. It takes the sting out problems when they arise. Have you ever been around anyone who gets bent out of shape when issues arise? Whining, complaining and exhibiting frustration are time wasters and energy drainers. These three things do damage as they bring down morale, drain momentum for those trying to work, and it’s just plain ugly behavior.
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