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Know the key benefits of Roth IRA

Tammy Teague
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Know the key benefits of Roth IRA

As you save for retirement, you’ll want to take full advantage of the investment vehicles available to you —and one of the best is a Roth IRA. But what sets it apart from other accounts?

Three key factors distinguish the Roth IRA:

• Tax-free earnings – When you invest in a Roth IRA, your earnings can grow tax free, provided you don’t begintaking withdrawals until you’re 59½ and you’ve had your account at least five years. If you don’t meet these criteria, withdrawals of earnings will be subject to taxes and apossible 10% penalty. 

• No penalties on withdrawals of contributions – You fund a Roth IRA with after-tax dollars, which means you can withdraw your contributions — not the earnings — at any time for any reason, without facing taxes or penalties. So, you could use some of your Roth IRA money for non-retirement purposes, such as helping pay for a child’s college education.

• No required withdrawals at age 73 – With a traditional IRA or a 401(k), you must start taking withdrawals — called required minimum distributions, or RMDs — once you reach 73. But this rule doesn’t apply to a Roth IRA — you can keep it intact as long as you like. You may need to tap into it for some of your retirement income, but if you don’t use it all, the remainder could benefit your beneficiaries. 

​A Roth IRA does share one similarity to a traditional IRA: It can be funded with virtually any type of investment, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, certificates of deposit (CDs) and so on.

​However, unlike a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA does have income limits. 

For the 2023 tax year, if your modified adjusted gross income was less than $138,000 (for a single filer) or $218,000 (married filing jointly), you can put in the full amount of $6,500 and an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution if you’re 50 or older. The amounts you can contribute will gradually decline at higher income levelsand are phased out entirely at $153,000 for single filers and $228,000 if you’re married and file jointly. These income ranges will likely change for the 2024 tax year, so you’ll want to consult with your tax advisor for details.

​Still, even if you’ve contributed to a traditional IRA or a 401(k) for many years, you may have a chance to eventually “convert” some, or all, of these funds to a Roth IRA and gain its benefits. It’s not hard to do this conversion — it involves minimal paperwork from your traditional IRA or 401(k) provider — but it does come with tax issues. Any money that’s converted from a traditional IRA or 401(k) to a Roth IRA will be treated as ordinary taxable income. This can trigger a large tax bill, so, unless you have the money available from other accounts to pay the taxes, the conversion may or may not make sense for you. But you don’t have to convert all the funds at once. By spreading the conversion over several years, you could reduce the effect of a large tax hit in any single year. You may want to consult with your tax advisor before converting any funds to a Roth IRA.

​If you can find a way to contribute to a Roth IRA, either directly or through a conversion, consider it carefully — you’ll find a lot of upsides to this investment account. 

This article is provided by Jeffrey O’Neal, Financial Advisor 

Edward Jones

20 N Express St, Paris, AR 72855

479-963-1321

jeffrey.o’[email protected]

edwardjones.com/jeffrey-o’neal

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Can I sell this salsa?

Tammy Teague
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Can I sell this salsa?

By Drew Viguet
National Agricultural Law Center
U of A System Division of Agriculture

The Arkansas Food Freedom Act opens increased opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, but those who create food and drink items must be sure they’re legal to sell under the act.

The popularity of homemade goods, also known as “cottage foods,” has seen a significant uptick in the last two decades, according to the Food Law and Policy Clinic at the Harvard Law School.

“The rising demand for locally produced food in the United States has fueled a dramatic increase in small-scale food production in recent years,” the clinic said in its publication “Cottage Food Laws in the United States.” “Locally produced food sales totaled at least $12 billion in 2014, up from $5 billion in 2008, and are expected to continue to grow to $20 billion by 2019. Much of this locally produced food is sold at farmers markets, which have also increased dramatically, by 134 percent between 2004 and 2016.”

“Arkansas producers are able to sell certain home-processed food items to the public without inspection from the Arkansas Department of Health,” said Jeff Jackson, public health section chief II with the Arkansas Department of Health. “While this will present opportunities for Arkansas producers, the details of the Arkansas Food Freedom Act should be clearly understood to ensure that food entrepreneurs know which items are eligible for sale and which are not.”

Act 1040 of 2021, which became known as the Arkansas Food Freedom Act, allows Arkansas residents to sell more types of homemade food and drink products in more locations than before, and allows direct sales of certain homemade food and drink products that do not require time or temperature controls to remain safe. Some products, such as pickles, salsas, and canned vegetables, may require pH testing or preapproved recipes.

Understanding the Law

On Jan. 10, Jackson will present “An Overview of the Arkansas Food Freedom Act.” The webinar will be held at 11 a.m. Central/noon Eastern. Registration is free.

The webinar is the second in a three-part series called “Plan. Produce. Profit,” which provides needed information to specialty crop producers on how to operate within the Arkansas Food Freedom Act.

The third “Plan. Produce. Profit.” webinar will be held on Feb. 14. Renee Threlfall of the Institute of Food Science and Engineering at the Division of Agriculture will present the webinar, titled “Creating and Processing Value-Added Food Products in Arkansas.” Registration is available online.

The first webinar, “Liability Issues with Food Processing Under the Arkansas Food Freedom Act,” was presented by NALC Senior Staff Attorney Rusty Rumley. The recording of the presentation is available online.

The National Agricultural Law Center and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture are facilitating the webinars which are designed for Arkansas specialty crop producers.

The series is funded by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

For information about the National Agricultural Law Center, visit nationalaglawcenter.org or follow @Nataglaw on X. The National Agricultural Law Center is also on Facebook and LinkedIn.

For updates on agricultural law and policy developments, subscribe free of charge to The Feed, the NALC’s newsletter highlighting recent legal developments facing agriculture, which issues twice a month.

About the National Agricultural Law Center

The National Agricultural Law Center serves as the nation’s leading source of agricultural and food law research and information. The NALC works with producers, state and federal policymakers, Congressional staffers, attorneys, land grant universities, and many others to provide objective, nonpartisan agricultural and food law research and information to the nation’s agricultural community.

The NALC is a unit of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and works in close partnership with the USDA Agricultural Research Service, National Agricultural Library.

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. The Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service.

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 five system campuses.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The Vault Gives New Life to Old Bank

Madison VanRavensway
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The Vault Gives New Life to Old Bank

Waldron in 1901 was home to two banks, one being the Bank of Waldron on the corner of Main and Danville streets. The second story was home to doctor’s offices and the first library. The building is rich with history as is all of downtown. 

Walmart leaving left Waldron with a big hole. So many necessities now required a drive out of town, a minimum of a half hour one way. Ashley Imperialli saw the need for clothing in Waldron following the closure of Walmart in 2017, she began thinking on a consignment clothing shop.

Imperialli shares she knew someone needed to do better, “In March 2022, the Boys & Girls Club was having a Spring Fling Dance. I was shopping in town that afternoon when a woman and two young girls (probably a mother and her daughters, ages 6-8) were frantically looking for outfits for the dance. Later that evening, at the dance, I saw the same little girls wearing what looked like their mother’s clothing; probably 10 sizes too big for them, tied with rubber bands and in knots in attempt to make it somewhat fit. Her shoes were likely 10 sizes too big as well. Their outfit didn’t seem to bother them one bit, as they were having a blast, but it bothered me that our community had no options for this mother.”

Ashley says those that know her know she doesn’t complain without trying to find a solution. So she began the search for a building on Main Street for her vision. 

After looking at a few places and not finding exactly what she wanted, she enlisted the help of everyone she could think of who might be able to assist her search. 

Just before she gave up, she said her best friend told her she had found the perfect building, calling it fate. Imperialli said she didn’t know the owners, which is almost unheard of in Waldron. She formed a friendship with the sellers, and the old Bank of Waldron building began its journey into restoration.

The original Bank tiles are right outside the door, stepping through the original door customers are met with original tiling on the floor. The logo for The Vault pays homage to the rosette on the Bank of Waldron inlay on the outside of the building. Original marble is still on the walls, and the bathroom is untouched. 

After taking ownership of the building in October 2022 the restoration began. The original vault, now a changing room, had some interesting additions added to it by previous owners. Imperialli said they had to spend about half their time in the small room due to the condition. On one side she described a rock tub or possible koi pond being built into the building. A sledge hammer was needed to remove it. The other side was home to some sort of bird cage, which was removed by the sellers. Now a nicely lit, spacious changing area, it has been given new life and new purpose with the original brick restored to its former beauty. 

The beauty and history of the building was kept intact wherever possible. Ashley’s vision was to bring the building back to life with this new venture.

The Vault opened to customers on 12/9/2023. The customer who made the first purchase remembered going in when the building was a bank. 

“The Vault’s goal is to provide high quality clothing and accessories for women, men, and children at an affordable price. Our community can, once again, enjoy affordable options for clothing and accessories without driving out of town.”, Imperialli explained. 

Currently there are about 60 consignors working with The Vault, the floor is full and ready for shoppers. For the month of December the new business is doing a soft launch. Their hours are Thursday and Friday 11:00am – 7:00pm, Saturday 9:00am – 7:00pm, and Sunday 1:00pm – 5:00pm. 

The days of walking down Main Street and checking out the businesses are coming back, be sure to give this place a visit and get ready for your next event or add to your every day wardrobe. 

From Ashley “I’m extremely excited to bring a much needed business to the residents of Waldron. I’m equally excited to breathe life into a building of such historical significance in our town!”

Ashley Imperialli is the owner of the Vault, her daughter Summer, will be operating it. The completed the restoration with help of friends and family. There are plans to restore the second floor and use it as two Airbnb units. 

The Rosette designed to pay homage to the one on the front of the building.

Timepiece: Very Much Alive

Tammy Teague
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Timepiece: Very Much Alive

By Dr. Curtis Varnell

Magazine Mountain has more than its share of stories to be told.  One of the most unusual involved an airplane crash that occurred right after WWII.  

With the mountain rising abruptly 2,500 foot above the surrounding countryside, Magazine has had its fair share of airplane accidents.  Flying by altimeter, pilots feel safe at flying 2,000 foot above sea level only to discover, often fatally, that the mountain has an elevation topping 2,800 foot.

On the night of November 17, 1947 a B-25 flying out of Camp Barksdale, Louisiana departed on a relatively short trip to Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Herbert Lindroth, an air force mechanic, was given leave to travel along in order to visit his parents who lived in a Chicago suburb.  

November of that year was unusually cold and it was sleeting and foggy as the crew reached Arkansas.  Residents in Havana reported that the plane was seen circling and apparently lost at about 6 P.M.  Shortly afterward, Mr. Lee Apple, who lived on Magazine, heard a crash and saw flames in the distance.  He and a passing motorist rushed to the scene as quickly as possible- a difficult task since the terrain was very rugged and steep.  They were soon joined by several farmers and businessmen from Havana.  It was a scene of nearly total destruction with parts of the large plane scattered and burning across a wide area.  Sheriff Earl Ladd and the State Police arrived shortly afterward and a search for the bodies began. It was noted that the crash occurred only a few hundred yards from the site of a fatal crash that occurred two years previously.  

The plane struck the mountain with such force that it had sheared off a huge oak tree and had rooted up two others.  Parts of the plane, clothing, and bodies were scattered over an area more than one-hundred yards in length. Two bodies were quickly discovered, burned beyond recognition.  Three others were discovered soon afterward, the watches on their arms frozen in time at 7:15, the presumed time of the crash.  It was assumed the sixth body must have been thrown a great distance away and the men gave up the search for it until morning

Newspapers across the nation reported the information and sent photographers to the site. The bodies were left in place on the mountain until Air Force personnel arrived the next day and the search for the sixth man continued without success.  

Forced to work late on Friday at his job as aircraft mechanic, Herbert Lindroth arrived at Barksdale just in time to see the plane on the runway.  Realizing that the military craft was not going to wait on him, he left to enjoy his weekend of in Shreveport.  When he returned to barracks on Sunday, he scared the daylights out of his friends who thought he was an apparition.  His squadron officer quickly figured out the details and got the search in Arkansas called off.  The names of those killed were: Capt. William F. Wilson, 29, Strong City, Kansas, Capt. Albert C. Frese Jr., 27. Brunswick, Georgia, Lt. Robert O. Pabst, 24, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2nd Lt. Ed D. Ward, 27, Chicago, Illinois, Pf. James H. Miershma, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Pfc. William E. Wesley, Muskegon, Michigan. 

The sixth man, Mr. Herbert Lindroth is still very much alive and today (2015) lives in Bland, Missouri where he loves to repeat the story of his demise complete with the newspaper clippings of his own obituary from November, 1947.

Memorial Service to be held for Prominent Logan County Educator

Tammy Teague
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Memorial Service to be held for Prominent Logan County Educator

Dr. Glenda Ezell, a well-known college educator and public school teacher passed from this life on Dec. 11. 2023.  Dr. Ezell began her career teaching elementary school at Paris.  Later, she served as both Alternative Education and Special Education teacher for the district.  While teaching, she received first a Master’s in Special Education and later, a Masters in Early Childhood Education.  Glenda than taught in the education department and later, after receiving her doctorate in education at the University of Arkansas, served as Dean of Education at the University of the Ozarks.  She finished her career as Dean of Education at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

Glenda was very active in community affairs and served on many boards and as a member of many organizations. She was an advisor and frequent contributor to the State Board of Higher Education, the president of the Logan County Retired teacher’s organization, served on the Logan County Library board, and the Smith Memorial group.  Her doctoral research was in the alternative licensure teacher program, a program which is instrumental in getting more teachers into the classroom, and she is viewed as a pioneer and expert in the success of the program. 

Glenda was an accomplished singer and, over the years, sang at many community and regional events.  A writer and a poet, she co-authored Songs of the Mountain, a collection of poems of the Ouachita Mountain region.  Her poems reflect her love of God, family, and her students.

A great loss education and to the region, her life achievements were celebrated with a memorial service at rural Mt. Salem School after her graveside service on Friday, December 15.  Logan County Library at Paris and several other business were closed to honor her lifetime achievements and work.

Lawsuit Filed Over Sexual Abuse Claims; Defendant Volunteered at Local Preschool

Resident News Network
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Lawsuit Filed Over Sexual Abuse Claims; Defendant Volunteered at Local Preschool

Miss Tina’s Preschool in Greenwood has had a lawsuit filed against them alleging that they knowingly allowed a known child predator to volunteer at the preschool. Jamie Speaks is the husband of Wanda Speaks, an employee of Miss Tina’s preschool.

In a civil suit filed December 12th, 2023 it is alleged that Jamie Leon Speaks, who had been previously prosecuted and found guilty of multiple child sexual abuse cases and other charges such as false imprisonment and aggravated assault, was allowed to volunteer at the preschool.

Speaks’ volunteering included helping small children use the bathroom unattended by other adults, which had previously resulted in the repeated molestation of at least one child, possibly others.

While the abuse incidents outlined in the suit happened years ago at a preschool run by the defendant’s wife Wanda, the known sex offender was able to continue to be present at Miss Tina’s preschool functions as recently as this year.

The lawsuit indicates that in 2012, Speaks was convicted of child molestation, was required to register as a sex offender, yet regardless of this status was allowed to remain present at Miss Tina’s preschool, located at 508 S. Coker st.

Greenwood Police Department Chief Brad Hobbs states that they have submitted a report to local prosecutor’s office and have been asked to perform follow up interviews with more possible victims. This case is still open and ongoing.

We will be continuing to follow this case and bring you more information as it becomes available.

State v. Jamie Speaks: Docket Report Results – Not an Official Document (arcourts.gov)

State v. Jamie Speaks: Docket Report Results – Not an Official Document (arcourts.gov)

State v. Jamie Speaks: Docket Report Results – Not an Official Document (arcourts.gov)

Doe v. Miss Tina’s Preschool, Inc. Et Al: Docket Report Results – Not an Official Document (arcourts.gov)

AGFC wildlife veterinarian, National Deer Association offer five reasons to test your deer for CWD

Tammy Teague
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AGFC wildlife veterinarian, National Deer Association offer five reasons to test your deer for CWD

By Randy Zellers

Arkansas deer hunters submitted a record 8,759 samples from their harvested deer during the 2022-23 Arkansas deer hunting season to be checked for chronic wasting disease, but according to Dr. Jennifer Ballard, wildlife veterinarian for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, there’s still a lot of work to be done in monitoring and slowing the spread of CWD on the landscape. 

Ballard recently partnered with the National Deer Association to increase awareness of chronic wasting disease and the importance of having your harvested deer tested. The article “Five Reasons to get Your Deer Tested for CWD” gave a concise message to a national audience to help increase awareness about having your deer tested, even if you don’t live in an area where CWD has been confirmed.

“If there are resources available to get your deer tested, results from areas where the disease has not been found are just as valuable as those where a few detections have occurred,” Ballard said. “They may even be more valuable because they give us greater confidence in knowing where the disease does and does not occur.” 

CWD management is constantly evolving, but one constant in nearly all wildlife diseases is that management strategies are most effective when they are implemented early. That means remaining vigilant.

“When something like CWD is first found in an area, hunter participation in testing their harvest and reporting sick deer is high, but wildlife management is a long-term prospect,” Ballard said. “One pattern we see is that hunters become complacent about having their deer tested once CWD has been in the area for a while, but surveillance is really critical to informing deer management in the presence of this disease.

“When CWD was first detected in Arkansas, Cory Gray, who’s now the chief of the AGFC’s Research Division, explained it best: ‘Fighting CWD is a marathon, not a sprint.’ We’re still way too early in the race to rest.”

Visit deerassociation.com to learn more about the National Deer Association and its mission to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting. 

Visit www.agfc.com/cwd for more information on CWD in Arkansas, how to get your deer tested, and how testing your deer might earn you a $1,000 Arkansas Lifetime Sportsman Hunting and Fishing Permit. 

Volleyball has three named to CSC Academic All-District teams

Tammy Teague
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Volleyball has three named to CSC Academic All-District teams

FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball placed three on the College Sports Communicator’s Academic All-District volleyball teams, it was announced Tuesday.

Earning the honor for the Lions are libero Paola Fragalle, middle blocker Angelina Hardison and defensive specialist Lauren Weber.

The 2023 Academic All-District® Volleyball teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes volleyball honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.

To be eligible for selection under the new criteria for 2023-24, student-athletes must have a 3.50 or higher GPA and have either played in 90 percent of the team’s sets or start at-least two thirds of the team’s matches.

Fragalle anchored one of the top defenses in the LSC, averaging a team-high 5.06 digs per set, which ranked 30th nationally and fourth in the LSC. UAFS ranked fifth in the nation and led the LSC with 18.92 digs per set this season. Additionally, UAFS was fourth in the league in opponent hitting percentage at .161. Fragalle set a career-high with 29 digs at UT Tyler and had 14 matches with 20 or more digs. She had double-digit digs in all but two matches.

Fragalle was also named Second Team All-LSC and to the LSC All-Academic Team as she sports a 4.0 GPA while majoring in Business Administration. She becomes just the second Lion to be named to the LSC All-Academic Team.

Hardison was second on the Lions with a .306 attack percentage this season while totaling 188 kills. She tallied a career-high 16 kills on a .517 attack percentage in a win over Newberry. For the season, she had five matches with 10 or more kills. Defensively, Hardison averaged 0.64 blocks per set for a total of 69 blocks. She had a season-high eight blocks against Texas A&M International.

Weber appeared in 102 sets, collecting 126 digs and was third on the team with 24 aces. She had six matches with double-digit digs, including a season-high 17 win a win at UT Permian Basin. She recorded four aces in a win over Midwestern State.

For more information about CSC Academic All-District® and Academic All-America® Teams program, visit AcademicAllAmerica.com.

Waldron School Board Meeting Minutes

Tammy Teague
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Waldron School Board Meeting Minutes

The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, December 11, 2023; at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Mac Davis, Stan Cottrell and Konnor McKay.  Board member Angela Hunsucker was not present for the meeting. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Chris LiphamMisty Owens, Kim Solomon, Kristi Sigman, Darla Jeffery, Zack Taylor, Josh Atchley and Toni Dozier.

President Clay Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:32p.m. 

Konnor McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer.

​Mac Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance.

​ A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the November 13th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve Quotes from Johnson Controls; D) Approve Invoices to Midwest Bus Sales.  Motion carried 4-0.

​A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Stan Cottrell to approve the Waldron High School Merit Pay, to be paid on December 15, 2023.  Motion carried 4-0.

​Each of the principals reported on what is happening at their school.  Mrs. Dozier reported on the Ryan Walker Family Night that was December 7th.  She also informed the board that ABC students will be going to see The Grinch on Friday, December 15th.  Mrs. Jeffery announced the 4th Grade musical will be Thursday, December 14th at the High School.  She also reported that there were over 25 families in attendance at the parent night last month.  Elementary will also be having attendance incentive days on December 21st and 22nd.  Mr. Taylor reported that this year’s Paint Party had the largest turnout so far!  He also informed the board that Ajay Cherry placed 2nd place in the Jr. High Chess tournament.  The Christmas concert was on December 11th, with the band and choir both performing.  Both Middle and High Schools are gearing up for semester tests next week. Mrs. Solomon reported to the board members the students that received qualifications at Regional Band Competition; Emily Stockton, 2nd Band, 3rdChair; Darian Hunt and Randa Rhoades, All Regional Jazz; Blake Bingham and Darian Hunt, All Regional Orchestra.  All FCCLA students that competed at Regionals qualified for State.  Agri students, William Atchley and Bradley Sliger placed 1st in Category 3, Class 3 Champion Outdoor Recreation and Convenience at the Farm Bureau Convention.

​Athletic Director, Chris Lipham, reported that the Jr. High Boys Basketball team won the Arvest Invitational, with the Jr. High Girls coming in as runner-up.  The State Cheer competition is this Saturday, December 16th.  The Waldron High School Choir is traveling to Little Rock Wednesday, December 13th, to sing at the State Capitol.  The upcoming football conference alignment is being discussed and should know the results when we get back from break.  

​Superintendent Fielding took his time to congratulate AAA New Comer Athletic Director of the Year, Chris Lipham.  The board members and Mr. Fielding alike expressed the exceptional job Chris is doing in this new position.

​ Adjourned to Executive Session:  7:00

​Returned from Executive Session: 8:42

​A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Mac Davis to hire Bethelene Davenport as ABC/First Step Paraprofessional as of December 18, 2023. Motion carried 4-0.

​Mr. Fielding made an announcement that Mrs. Kim Solomon will be taking over the Adventure Online Academy/First Step/ABC Principal position as of July 1, 2024.  Mr. Josh Atchley will then transition to High School Principal.

​A motion was made by Stan Cottrell and seconded by Konnor McKay to adjourn.  Motion carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

‘Tis the Season to Drive Sober

Tammy Teague
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‘Tis the Season to Drive Sober

December 12, 2023 – It’s hard to have a happy holiday when you’re arrested for drunk driving. Keep the season merry and bright by following the law and refusing to drink and drive. During this busy winter holiday season, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with Arkansas law enforcement to urge drivers to think twice before drinking and driving. The Arkansas Highway Safety Office wants all drivers to remember this lifesaving message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. From December 13, 2023, through January 1, 2024, drivers will see officers working on a special high-visibility enforcement campaign to get impaired drivers off the road and spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving.

Tragically, December can be a dangerous time for people on the road. During the 2017-2021 December months, there were more than 4,500 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. In December 2021 alone, 1,013 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. Additionally, male drivers are far more likely to be impacted by drunk driving: In December 2021, male drivers who were alcohol impaired were involved in fatal crashes at a much higher rate (721) compared to female drivers (208). Overall, young drivers ages 21-34 accounted for the highest percentage (27%) of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes in December 2021. The increased parties and festivities celebrating the season tend to bring out more drunk drivers. Arkansas law enforcement officers want to remind drivers to always make a plan before heading out to a celebration. 

Designated drivers are a valuable tool for reducing impaired driving, and can even be the difference between life and death.  If you are a designated driver, be sure to stay hydrated with water and other non-alcoholic beverages and actively support other designated drivers.  Being a designated driver can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that many people are counting on you to stay sober behind the wheel, particularly other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians on the roadways.

“Drunk driving isn’t just dangerous, it’s illegal,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “The holidays are a special time of year and it’s our job in state and local law enforcement to keep the highways and local streets safe for everyone. Drivers have a choice to make: Follow the law and respect your fellow drivers by refraining from drunk driving. Or, make the choice to drive drunk, put others at risk, and risk your own mortality and wellbeing. We need a commitment from every driver to keep the roads free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday.”

Remember: A few dollars spent on a sober ride is a lot cheaper than a DWI, which can cost up to $10,000. Something else to consider: Don’t ever be too proud or embarrassed to ask for a ride. Allowing a sober driver to help you get home safely keeps you and others safe. What’s more embarrassing than drunkenly asking for a sober ride home? Spending the night in jail. Having your car impounded. Losing your job. Take your pick or choose to drive sober.

The Arkansas Highway Safety Office recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

It’s never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get to your destination safely. Plan a safe way home before you leave.

If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi, ride-share service or a designated driver to drive you home. 

If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 9-1-1.

If you know someone who is about to drive or operate a motorcycle or any other vehicle while impaired, help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.

Always buckle up. Your seat belt is your best defense against a drunk driver. 

For more information about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement period, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136. Also learn more about Arkansas’ ongoing Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, visit www.TZDArkansas.org  or follow TZD Arkansas on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (X).

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