Disaster Assistance for 2026 Livestock Forage Losses
Producers in Scott County are eligible to apply for 2026 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) benefits on [ improved pasture.]
LFP provides compensation if you suffer grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned or cash leased land or fire on federally managed land.
County committees can only accept LFP applications after notification is received by the National Office of qualifying drought or if a federal agency prohibits producers from grazing normal permitted livestock on federally managed lands due to qualifying fire. You must complete a CCC-853 and the required supporting documentation no later than March 1, 2027 for 2026 losses.
For additional information about LFP, including eligible livestock and fire criteria, contact the Sebastian County USDA Service Center at 479-646-8300 ext. 2 or visit fsa.usda.gov.
Extension Homemakers Clubs provide opportunities to learn, lead and serve
By Tristin Bolton
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fort Smith, Ark. — Extension Homemakers in Sebastian County are celebrating the contributions of their organization to the community during May as Extension Homemakers Month in Arkansas.
The Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council is a volunteer organization associated with the Cooperative Extension Service, part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. It has more than 2,500 members in nearly 300 clubs throughout the state.
Sebastian County EHC clubs:
• Central EHC
• Cavanaugh EHC
• Excelsior EHC
The Extension Homemakers program provides its members with education, friendship, and leadership development. Individual clubs work on various projects throughout the year, depending on the interests of their members and the needs of their communities.
As part of the observance, Greenwood Mayor, Doug Kinslow, has officially proclaimed May as Extension Homemakers Month in Greenwood. The proclamation was recently presented to Sebastain County EH President, Denise Kaestner.
“We are always looking for new members and invite anyone interested to visit one of our meetings,” Tristin Bolton, Family Consumer Sciences Agent, said. “It’s a great way to continue learning, to serve your community, and meet friends.”
To learn more about Extension Homemakers, contact Tristin Bolton at 479-484-7737.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three system campuses.
State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice
LITTLE ROCK – Some highlights from the fourth and final week of the Arkansas General Assembly’s Fiscal Session:
The Senate started the week by passing appropriation bills for departments, divisions, and agencies, including the Department of Health; Parks, Heritage and Tourism; Department of Transportation, UA East Arkansas Community College, and more.
Meeting briefly Monday evening, the Joint Budget Committee voted on HB1034, the Treasurer of State appropriation. The members voted to remove all proposed pay increases.
The Joint Budget Committee met on Tuesday to deal with government contracts, funding requests, out of state contracts, and discretionary grants.
The Senate convened at 1:00 and passed appropriation bills for the Board of Election Commissioners, the Division of Emergency Management, the Division of Environmental Quality, the State Insurance Department, and other departments, agencies, and boards.
The Senate also approved HB1103 to increase the homestead property tax credit to $675.
On Wednesday, the Senate voted to approve HB1100 to amend the Revenue Stabilization Law. Members also passed the last appropriations bills for UA Little Rock, Tobacco Prevention and Cessation programs, the Division of Environmental Quality, and more.
The Senate passed a bill providing matching funds for Arkansas TV to continue to receive PBS programming, but the bill failed in the House.
Members elected Senator Breanne Davis as the next President Pro Tempore designee. Senator Ronald Caldwell announced he will run for President Pro Tempore on the floor in November. The deciding vote will be given by the 96th Senate during its organizational meeting after the elections.
Republicans chose Senator Joshua Bryant as Majority Leader and Senator Tyler Dees as the Majority Whip. Due to members who are term limited, the Democratic caucus will wait until after the elections to elect its leadership.
At the conclusion of the day’s business, the Senate adjourned sine die, finishing the work of the 2026 fiscal session. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the completed $6.7 billion budget bills Wednesday afternoon.
The crack of bats and the roar of the crowd echoed through Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock on Wednesday night as the Arkansas Senate took on the Arkansas House of Representatives in the inaugural Home Run for Kids’ Sake charity softball game. The Senate power hitters were joined by sluggers from the Governor’s and Attorney General’s offices.
Previous matchups between the two legislative houses have taken place on the basketball court, where the Senate has dominated. This was the first year for softball.
The House edged ahead of the Senate in the final inning, winning 7-6. The real winners, of course, are the recipients of the game’s proceeds: Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Arkansas and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas.
You can watch any of the fiscal meetings on demand at https://senate.arkansas.gov.
You can read and download PDFs of the bills that were filed for the session at https://arkleg.state.ar.us/. Click on “Bills” in the menu, where you can search by keyword or filing date.
Obituary: Richard Hall (1960-2026)
Richard Alan Hall, better known as Rick, passed from this life on April 28, 2026 at his home. Rick was born on October 26, 1960 to proud parents Robert (Bob) and Jean Hall in Chula Vista, California.
After serving in the military, Bob and family moved back to Scott County and bought a farm in Cauthron, Arkansas. This farm is where Rick grew up and learned from his parents that hard work, honest values and love would be his way of life.
Rick’s family moved to Waldron when he was sixteen and he loved it. Rick went to school in Waldron from first grade to graduation. He loved playing basketball, baseball and softball along side his buddies.Upon graduating, Rick went on to college where he worked to become a master electrician. This college helped him get the job at Arkansas Nuclear One Power Plant in Russellville Arkansas.
The move to Russellville led to marriage and children Kyle and Christopher Hall. Rick was very involved with both boys and enjoyed going to all of their sport activities and school functions. He also enjoyed taking the boys camping and hunting with some of his best friends Roy Pyle and Rick Deeds. Rick also played on a softball league during the summers as well as volleyball.
Rick also loved the outdoors which led him to his dream to move back to Scott County and buy some land at Cauthron which is where he spent his retirement years. Rick found the place that made him the happiest along with his dogs Buck, Ella, Rosie and Kitty.
Rick leaves behind to cherish his memory, his children: Kyle Alan Hall and Christopher Ryan Hall both of Waldron, Arkansas. Rick will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including friends, neighbors and loved ones.
Rick was preceded in death by his loving parents, Robert and Jean Hall.
Rick’s memorial life celebration will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Mark Ward officiating.
Rick’s family will visit with friends and relatives Tuesday May 5, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel.
New Braum’s Location in Greenwood Set to Open
A new Braum’s location will officially open its doors in Greenwood at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, drawing early attention from residents eager to visit the popular restaurant.
Located at 811 Clarence Way, the new store sits adjacent to the new Sebastian County Library facility, placing it in a rapidly developing area of the city expected to see increased traffic activity.
The store features the company’s modern design and spans more than 6,000 square feet. It includes a Fresh Market area with seating for approximately 80 guests, along with double drive-thru lanes designed to improve convenience and traffic flow.
Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow acknowledged the excitement surrounding the opening but also expressed concerns about potential congestion in the area.
“We’re excited to welcome Braum’s to Greenwood,” Kinslow said. “At the same time, we want to encourage everyone to be patient and cautious, especially with the expected increase in traffic around the new location.”
City officials are advising motorists to remain alert, follow traffic patterns, and allow extra time when traveling near the area during the opening days.
Braum’s will host a grand opening celebration from May 11 through May 17. Customers who visit during that week can receive scratch-to-win cards featuring prizes such as a $100 Braum’s gift card, wireless headphones, a laptop computer, and free food and merchandise.
The addition of Braum’s marks another step in Greenwood’s continued growth, bringing a new dining option to residents while contributing to the city’s expanding commercial development.