Opinion

Arkansans are unfortunately familiar with the devastating impacts of tornadoes. I’ve seen the damage left in their powerful wake and talked with homeowners, businesses and local leaders about the challenges they face in getting things back to normal. In the face of these trials, I have also seen the resolve of citizens determined to rebuild and the care of those who offer hope through words and deeds to friends and neighbors experiencing some of the greatest hardships of their lives.

Little Rock – Average teacher salaries in Arkansas ranked 47th in the nation in 2020, down from 46th in 2019 and 44th in 2018. Legislators on the Senate and House Education Committees heard a lengthy salary comparison last week, written by legislative staff.

An important deadline is approaching if you plan on voting in the May 24 Preferential Primary Election and Nonpartisan General Election. If you have not already registered to vote, you have until April 25 to file your voter registration application with your county clerk.

Fayetteville — The Center for Arkansas Farms and Foods’ 2022 Beginner Farmer Classes are available online through Oct. 31.

Cover crops more effective than insecticides for managing pests, study suggests. Did that catch your attention? Promoting early season plant cover, primarily using cover crops, can be more effective at reducing pest density and crop damage than insecticide applications, according to a Penn State-led team of researchers.

Recently, Ukraine has been arming their citizens with AK-47 rifles and plenty of ammo. Does armed militia ring any bells? At this time, Ukraine families are escaping death by traveling to Poland and other safe zones. The men then tell their wives and children that he must return to Ukraine to defend his country. Needless to say, many will not return.

ROGERS — The American Red Cross initiated the distribution of emergency supplies today those areas affected by the severe weather this week. Emergency supplies include items to help clean up after the tornado such as trash bags, work gloves, shovels, rakes, mold prevention and bottled water.