News Briefs

JA Farms named Arkansas Farm Family of the Year

Jeremy and Magen Allen of Bismarck (Hot Spring County), owners of JA Farms, were named Friday (Dec. 8) as the 2023 Arkansas Farm Family of the Year. JA Farms is…

12th annual Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception scheduled

The 12th annual Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception will be held on Jan. 13th at the Berry Farm Shop in Gillett. “The Coon Supper has been a long-standing tradition in Gillett…

NLR industrial park lands 70,000-SF tenant

Wellness and personal care company Country Life signed a 10-year lease for approximately 70,000 square feet at Central Commerce Center (C3), a first-generation industrial facility on Diamond Drive near the…

Hot Springs ad agency sells

SixtyOne Celsius, a full-service advertising agency in Hot Springs, recently announced Aaron Buckley, the company’s creative director, has acquired the agency from former President Stephanie Alderdice. “I am thrilled to…

State Chamber’s Candice Lawrence selected for prestigious U.S. Chamber Foundation program

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced Candice Lawrence, Vice President of Programs and Partnerships of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas and Executive Director of Arkansas…

Lane Schmidt hired as A-State chief of staff

Arkansas State University has appointed Lane Schmidt as its new chief of staff. Schmidt recently joined the university administration to provide strategic support and assistance to Chancellor Todd Shields and…

Southern Bancorp names Walter Pryor as Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel

Southern Bancorp, Inc. announced Tuesday (Dec. 5) Walter Pryor as its Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, a new role that will oversee the operations of administrative functions and legal…

UAMS researcher lands $1.8 million grant to study cell processes in human energy production

Dr. Huiliang Zhang at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) will use a $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study proton leak, a…

Winthrop Rockefeller Institute adds 3 to board

The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute has added three new members to its board of directors. They include: Lisa Willenberg, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton Dr. Deacue…

Lung cancer survival increases in Arkansas

The American Lung Association recently released its 2023 State of Lung Cancer report, which shows an improving survival rate. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Arkansas…

Webinars to tackle avian influenza to be offered to poultry producers

Avian influenza, a deadly virus that can decimate poultry flocks, has been found in Arkansas and public officials are now attempting to educate producers about what steps to take if…

Arkansas State University to no longer offer journalism as a major

College students who wish to major in journalism at Arkansas State University will no longer have that option. School officials have opted to discontinue the degree program, and it will…

CHI St. Vincent opening heart clinic in Pine Bluff

CHI St. Vincent announced Monday (Dec. 4) the opening of CHI St. Vincent Heart Clinic-Pine Bluff, a new satellite cardiology clinic led by CHI St. Vincent cardiologist Dr. Stephen Broughton….

Delta Regional Authority distributes $31 million in funding; Arkansas receives $5.7 million

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is awarding over $31 million in investments to 34 projects across Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri through the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF)….

Entegrity, state-supported alliance form 1st green building apprenticeship

Arkansas Apprenticeship Alliance and Entegrity Energy Partners launched the first U.S. apprenticeship in the emerging green building industry, according to a Wednesday (Nov. 29) news release. The apprenticeship is expected…

LR Chamber hires Wickliffe for business retention and expansion role

The Little Rock Regional Chamber announced Thursday (Nov. 30) the hiring of Jarod Wickliffe as its Director of Business Development, Retention and Expansion, a recently restructured position on the Chamber’s…

U.S. Department of Labor providing $1.3 million to aid seasonal and low income ag workers in Arkansas

Arkansas agriculture workers, especially those identified as low income seasonal or migrant farmworkers, will continue to receive counseling, training and support, through renewed funding to the Arkansas Human Development Corporation…

Entergy Arkansas to donate $660,000 to nonprofits

Little Rock-based utility Entergy Arkansas will give $660,000 to nonprofits as part of its Entergy Arkansas Bright Futures Campaign. Six nonprofits will each receive $110,000 as the utility marks its…

Ritter expanding fiber network in Pine Bluff, White Hall

Ritter Communications will bring its RightFiber broadband to Pine Bluff and White Hall neighborhoods through a $2.4 million infrastructure investment. RightFiber has speeds up to 5 gigs. “We’re excited to…

Blue & You Foundation distributes $3 million in grants to local Arkansas groups

The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas announced it is awarding 32 grants worth more than $3 million to organizations across Arkansas. The Blue & You Foundation is…