Opinion

The simple task of unpacking Christmas ornaments is like opening a time capsule. As we pick up each ornament a memory may be attached that takes us back in time or to loved ones and friends we love. Decorating the tree with these ornaments becomes a gift as we enjoy these memories. When my niece, Becca was little we began exchanging ornaments. I began giving her ornaments each year so that when she got married and had a home of her own, she would have some ornaments on her first Christmas tree. I’m going to try to begin the same tradition with my great-nieces and nephews. When I’m long gone, they will have ornaments for their trees from Aunt Pam and hopefully loving memories.

Little Rock-Complete your gift-giving by donating your discarded Christmas tree for fish cover at several Little Rock District lakes. To donate, take your old Christmas tree to any of the following locations: Norfork: Any U.S.

Here’s a fun fact I just read it in new book called The Blue Zones Challenge by Dan Buettner. Most New Year’s Resolutions last for 4-6 weeks. Then people go back to their old habits. So, there are two ways to approach this problem. You can do what the experts who follow the people who live the longest suggest and make meaningful changes in sustainable ways, like changing your environment, support group, etc. so that your every move becomes measurably better.

As we close out another tough year, I’d like to praise the 3 million people who call Arkansas home. Arkansans always are the first to arrive, they give all they have, and they don’t leave until the job is done. During this last year, Arkansas has had its share of challenges, and we have faced each one with determination and compassion.

When we hear the latest from Washington each day, it is easy to get distracted by the drama of disagreements. But what you don’t usually see on the news are the things we agree on, and the work behind the scenes that truly touches families and hardworking Arkansans.

My oldest son and I have recently been debating the proposition that science is dead. As a highly trained dermatologist that proposition is very troubling to him, and he strongly insists it is false. I point out to him that public policy in the United States, specifically the federal government’s response to covid, is unscientific. That policy was fashioned by the top medical officials in the country and enforced by the President.

Little Rock– When the new year begins, the Arkansas Works program will have a new name and will operate under new rules. ARHOME is the new Medicaid program.

We recently celebrated the life of former Senator Bob Dole, an American hero who dedicated his life to serving others. He sacrificed his own safety and almost paid the ultimate price as an Army lieutenant during World War II and, after he was saved, the people of his Kansas hometown rallied to support his recovery needs. He repaid them by serving as their voice in Washington for decades while also reliably advocating for veterans.

From reducing income tax to lowering the sales tax on used cars, there are several pieces of tax legislation passed in 2021 that will take effect on January 1, 2022. In the most recent special session, the General Assembly passed Act 1 and Act 2, which are identical pieces of legislation that reduce the top income tax rate for individuals from 5.9% to 4.9% incrementally over the next four years.

Little Rock– State government had an eventful year in 2021, and much of the activity occurred in the Arkansas Senate. In January the legislature convened in regular session and approved a list of bills to lessen the impact that public health orders had on individuals and businesses.