LITTLE ROCK – Officials who recruit industry to Arkansas are saying that the 2025 legislative may turn out to be the most significant of the past 25 years.
The legislature approved a package of laws designed to boost energy production, simplify regulations and create well paid jobs.
Act 373, also known as the Generating Arkansas Jobs Act, will allow electric utilities to finance new construction projects that enable them to meet increased demands for power.
The Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Commerce called Act 373 “landmark legislation.” Data centers and computer facilities that use artificial intelligence require large amounts of reliable energy. Economic development officials in Conway and Little Rock have been working to attract investments in new data centers.
Act 548 expands an existing tax incentive program for data centers to include large facilities that may be located at more than one site. It also updates the kind of equipment and services that qualify for tax exemptions.
Act 576 is the Industrial Development Authorities Expansion Act. It allows cities, counties or a group of local governments to create a regional organization for economic development.
The local economic development authorities can build, create and acquire industrial parks, research facilities, job training programs and transportation infrastructure. They can issue bonds and they can contract with cities and counties to receive revenue from bonds issued by the local government entity. They can negotiate agreements with businesses to accept payments in lieu of property taxes.
The legislature voted to place on next year’s general election ballot a proposed constitutional amendment that would further expand the authority of local economic development agencies.
Act 882 updates a current incentive program to encourage businesses already in Arkansas to modernize and automate. The incentives are tax credits. Act 881 creates tax credits for companies that locate their corporate headquarters in Arkansas.
Act 719 changes the formula by which the state collects corporate income taxes on services, bringing us in line with 34 other states. According to the Department of Finance and Administration, Arkansas tax law required multi-state corporations to rely on an “outdated method” of calculating the proportion of income they derived from the states in which they operate. The change is expected to encourage companies to locate in Arkansas.
Act 1012 creates a package of incentives to promote the growth of the lithium industry in south Arkansas. Traditional tax incentives promote the extraction of minerals, which in the past would be shipped to other states for processing and adding value.
Also, Act 1012 creates incentives to promote industries that refine lithium and use it in manufacturing and processing into batteries and other products. Those industries will create well paid jobs in the processing of lithium, in addition to the jobs that are created in its extraction.
Act 740 lowers the contribution rate for unemployment insurance paid by businesses. It also increases funding for skilled workforce training by repealing the cap of $2.5 million that used to limit how much would be deposited annually into a training fund.
Arkansas is blessed with abundant wildlife and their offspring. As the green march of spring continues to increase outdoor recreation opportunities, many landowners and outdoor adventurers are likely to come across unattended baby wild animals. Offering a helping hand is not only a recipe for disaster; in some cases, it can be illegal.
First and foremost, don’t assume that these animals have been abandoned. One or both parents may be out of sight, waiting for you to leave. The spots on a fawn are nature’s version of camouflage; their strategy to avoid predators is to stay perfectly still and let the danger pass. The mother leaves the fawn alone for much of the day to feed and build up her milk supply for her young. Deer aren’t the only animals that use the stay away, stay safe strategy. A female rabbit only spends about one hour out of every 36 with her young. Many well-meaning good Samaritans have picked up a helpless baby deer only to have inadvertently stolen it from its mother.
Concerns over chronic wasting disease have made it illegal to rehabilitate deer in Arkansas because the removal of the infectious agent once a facility is exposed to the disease has proven impossible. As a result, taking an abandoned fawn also leaves the well-intentioned person in a sticky situation with no one to take it in and no way to care for it themselves.
Many landowners call the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in spring when they see baby birds that have fallen from their nest. Some may want to put the bird back in the nest, but, again, the best course of action is often to leave things be and let nature take its course. Baby birds almost ready to fly often will hop around in the tree branches, exercising their wings and fall out of the tree. Parents will feed these youngsters where they find them on the ground.
In some cases, the young animal may have a disease or some other issue that led to being abandoned by its mother on purpose. Trying to place this bird back in the nest may cause the problem to spread and create a complete nest failure.
Even in the best-case scenario, the young of such prolific species as rabbits, mice, songbirds and other small species have a 20 percent chance of survival through their first year. The survival strategy for these animals is to simply reproduce more young than will die from predation, disease and environmental causes.
It’s best to observe the young animal from a distance and prevent any unnecessary danger from pets and children. Housecats and feral cats are by far the biggest predators of songbirds in the United States, so keeping your cat away from the backyard birds is a good practice, no matter the time of year.
In addition to the baby deer mentioned earlier, federal laws may make it illegal to possess other animals. Migratory birds such as cardinals, mockingbirds and other songbirds fall into this category, as do hawks and owls. Even possessing the feathers of these birds requires a special permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and rehabilitating them also requires special training and permitting.
The AGFC lists licensed rehabilitators on its website at www.agfc.com/rehab to help connect people with these resources when they don’t heed the warning to leave abandoned wildlife alone. These rehabbers are not paid for their services and only do it as a labor of love. Please contact the rehabber before taking the animal from its setting, as they have space limitations and can only take in so many animals at a time.
Feral hogs have been a growing menace in Arkansas for decades, wreaking havoc on crops, livestock and the environment. A concerted effort, over a decade in the making, is showing signs of progress.
Feral hogs, descendants of animals brought by early explorers and later supplemented by Eurasian wild boars for sport hunting, have been present in North America since the 1500s. By 1999, some people recognized the growing problem, but scattered populations, complex issues and a lack of coordinated effort stalled significant action.
These invasive pests, estimated at over 6 million nationwide, cause $30 million to $41 million in damages annually in Arkansas alone. They are not just agricultural nuisances, but vectors for human and animal disease and destroyers of native habitats.
The Arkansas State Legislature established the Feral Hog Eradication Task Force in 2017. This unfunded task force, which consisted of 20 federal, state and nongovernment agencies, was charged with developing an eradication plan. The initial year was spent gathering information, studying successful strategies from other states and crafting a plan. Early efforts by individual agencies were fragmented. Workshops on “do-it-yourself”; trapping, boots-on-the-ground; removal services and trap-loan programs were scattered across the state, often in areas with the most severe infestations or local interest. These efforts, while helpful, lacked a unified, statewide approach.
The task force identified a critical gap: dedicated personnel for removal efforts. Successful trapping requires specialized knowledge and technology, which can be a barrier for small landowners who can’t justify the expense. The USDA Feral Swine Control Project, created in the 2018 Farm Bill, offered funds to combat this deficiency.
The task force leveraged these funds to hire full-time trappers through county conservation districts and the USDA APHIS Wildlife Services.
In 2019 the USDA Farm Bill awarded $3.4 million to fund pilot projects. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture, in partnership with USDA APHIS Wildlife Services and conservation districts, took the lead in training feral hog technicians. These technicians learned to use advanced trapping technologies and equipment, working alongside APHIS personnel. Thanks to local knowledge and landowner connections, this collaboration opened doors to previously inaccessible areas.
By 2024, the efforts were showing results. The Feral Swine Control Project, operating in 12 counties across four project areas (North Central Ozarks, West Arkansas River Valley, Southeast and Southwest), assisted on 483 properties covering about 500,000 acres. More than 13,000 feral hogs had been removed, with nearly 4,500 removed using conservation district resources. Landowners reported more than $2.5 million in damages caused by feral hogs on these properties. Future damages can be avoided with increased efforts by the agencies involved, and, more importantly, by landowners willing to address this growing issue.
One landowner who has benefited from this project is James Mitchell. James lives in Yell County and has noticed a drastic reduction in the number of feral hogs around his property. James attributes the reduction of feral hogs to the implementation of whole sounder trapping strategies on his property and, just as importantly, on his neighbor’s property.
One major accomplishment of the task force was designating USDA APHIS Wildlife Services as the initial point of contact for the statewide removal of feral hogs on private property. Today, landowners can call (501) 835-2318 for assistance. Beyond the pilot projects, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services significantly increased its presence in Arkansas, growing from seven field personnel in 2018 to more than 22 technicians and biologists in 2024. Special projects like those in the Buffalo River Watershed and the Northeast Arkansas Elimination Project have further targeted feral hog populations.
Aerial operations conducted by USDA APHIS and permitted operators have also played a role. While flights are limited to certain times of the year, they have reduced hog numbers in some areas, especially when combined with trapping programs.
Participation in the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Conservation Incentive Program (CIP), funded by the Arkansas General Assembly in 2023, is a more recent accomplishment of the task force. One of the most popular practices in the 2024 CIP pilot year was a cost share with private landowners for feral hog traps. The agency dedicated $1.2 million to this practice, accounting for about 37 percent of the total CIP funds. The feral hog trapping practice was set up on a first-come, first-served basis for applicants, and Arkansans were incredibly interested in it, with more than 400 applications. By the end of the program, 224 applicants had been awarded funding, resulting in hundreds of landowners purchasing approved trap systems.
Before receiving funding, applicants were required to demonstrate they had recently experienced feral hog damage on their property and undergo online training on trapping best practices. Once applicants purchased their selected trap system, they had to submit their first trap event on a mobile application to receive their full reimbursement. Through the efforts of Arkansas landowners, the practice reported the removal of 6,693 feral hogs, impacting 52 counties and helping protect more than 900,000 acres across the state. These numbers are a baseline, as the traps are still in the landowners’ hands and are being used. The task force expects the actual removal numbers through the program’s efforts to be much higher.
The approach of full-time trappers working across the state and providing landowners with the right tools, such as reliable trap systems, provides a framework for eradicating feral hogs from large areas of the state. Landowners in heavily trapped areas have reported reduced feral swine and associated damages. The task force will continue to explore other management strategies and additional tools, such as toxic baits and research into a boar sterilant at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.
As efforts continue, the Arkansas Feral Hog Eradication Task Force remains committed to its mission. With a united front and a growing toolbox, Arkansas is making strides in the fight against this destructive invasive species.
James “Ray” McMahan, 70, of Greenwood, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in a Fort Smith hospital. He was born October 12, 1954 in Benton, Arkansas to Oliver Morgan and Ethel Lucille (Owens) McMahan. He was a retired diesel mechanic and a member of the Northside Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth McMahan; two sons, James Gregory McMahan and Brennon McMahan and wife, Jill; one brother, Ronny McMahan and wife, Vicky; four grandchildren, Garret McMahan and wife, Kelsey, Payton McMahan, Jackson McMahan and Bentlee McMahan and two great grandchildren, Rhett McMahan and Riggs McMahan. He was preceded in death by two brothers, William McMahan and Danny McMahan and one sister, Martha Evans.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Friday, May 16 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood. The family will visit with family and friends after the service. Inurnment will be at Mayberry Cemetery at a later date.
Ma Edita Ransom of Waldron, Arkansas passed from this life, Friday May 9th, 2025 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Ma Edita was born March 31, 1951 in Caloocan, Philippines to Francisco Tambungui and Corazon Jesusa (Dizon). Ma Edita was 74 years old. She attended Evening Shade Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas.
Ma Edita was married to the love of her life, Richard Ransom. She had a deep passion for being a wife, mother, and homemaker. Ma Edita was a wonderful cook. She loved preparing meals with love for her family and friends. Ma Edita enjoyed traveling a great deal. She loved seeing new places and finding adventure. When Ma Edita was not at home caring for the needs of her family, she enjoyed fishing and spending time outdoors. Ma Edita loved life and lived it to the fullest.
Ma Edita leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughter Mercedita Manuzon of the Czech Republic, her son, Jeff Manuzon of the Philippines, her sister, Maria Slater of Waldron, Arkansas, her brother, Manolo Tambungui, her niece, Esther Slater and her dear friend, Robert (Bobby) Slaten. Edita will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Ma Edita is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Ransom, and her parents Francisco Tambungui, and Corazon Jesusa.
Ma Edita’s memorial service date and time will be held at the Evening Shade Baptist Church in Waldron, Arkansas. The memorial service arrangements are pending to allow for long distance travel for Ma Edita’s friends and relatives to be in attendance.
Melba lived from the Model T era to Space X! What a life!! She married George “Wayne” Pugh on April 9, 1949 after dating for four months. It only lasted 54 years.
Wayne and Melba had two children within one year in 1950. Jerry was born in January, and Brenda in December. They then moved to the big town of Peoria, IL, in 1951. Caterpillar lured them North with promises of work and steady wages. Melba looked so young, door-to-door salesmen would ask if her mother was home.
Their son, Randy came next in 1955. The only Yankee born in the family. Melba learned to drive a stick-shift, and went to night school to freshen up some secretarial skills, which landed her a 30 year career with the state of Illinois Highway Department. She worked as a basic clerk, then on up to Executive Secretary.
The years flew by. Arkansas called Melba and Wayne back home after retirement. First to Waldron, then to Fort Smith. Many family members have passed on over the years such as her parents Roscoe Gentry and Lima Gentry; siblings Doris Bottoms and I. Lee Gentry; nephews Michael Gentry, Gary Bottoms, and Larry Bottoms. Even her beloved Wayne and son Jerry.
Many joys were mixed into the years as well. Sweet granddaughter Lacey was born, and in time, Lacey married Georgi Hristov. Then came Julia, the precious great granddaughter in 2019. Better than Space X!!
Memories will sustain us. Sending our love to you, now and forever. Brenda and Tom Downs; daughter and son-in-law; Randy Pugh, son; Lacey and Georgi Hristov and Julia, granddaughter, grandson-in-law, and great granddaughter; Terry and Jenny Bottoms nephew and niece.
There will be a private service and burial, as Melba wished. If you choose to honor her memory, please make a donation to your local animal shelter. Thanks!
Special Thanks to the staff of Alma Health and Rehab for providing such loving care of Mother for many years, and to Arkansas Hospice as well.
