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Iranian war strands global timber shipments, but Arkansas impacts minimal

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5:54 pm

Iranian war strands global timber shipments, but Arkansas impacts minimal

By Mary Hightower
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

The conflict in the Strait of Hormuz is restricting imports to the rapidly growing timber markets in the Middle East and northern Africa, according to an industry outlet, but impacts on the Arkansas timber industry will likely be minimal, said Matthew Pelkki.

Pelkki is a professor and George H. Clippert Chair of Forestry at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and director of the Arkansas Center for Forest Business. He’s also part of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

The Middle Eastern and North African Market — or MENA — region has become a growing market for timber exporters, especially Russia, according to industry news outlet Wood Central. Russia shipped 1.7 million cubic meters of lumber there in 2024. The American Hardwood Export Council said U.S. hardwood lumber shipments to MENA rose 11 percent during the first six months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.

“Arkansas sends about 17 percent of its production of wood out of state,” he said on Thursday. “Most goes to mills in surrounding states, especially Louisiana. 

“As far as internationally, our largest customer for Arkansas wood products is Mexico,” Pelkki said. “We do ship some hardwoods to the European Union, primarily Germany, and a lot of wood pellets to the United Kingdom.”

Some hardwoods and logs end up in Vietnam as well, he said.

“While the Middle Eastern and North African Market has grown substantially, it is still a small component of U.S. wood exports,” Pelkki said.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, the U.S. exports $8.75 billion in wood products.

Canada is the top destination, valued at $1.96 billion. The United Kingdom is second at $1.68 billion, and the European Union is third at $881 million. None of the Middle Eastern or North African nations is in the top 10.

 However, “any loss or reduction of U.S. hardwood exports is going to cause prices for lumber to stagnate or drop, and as prices and quantity of those hardwoods decrease, it will have an effect on demand for hardwood timber,” Pelkki said. “But I think at this time, the effect of the war on Arkansas’ hardwood sawmills and forest landowners will be minimal.”

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.

About the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center

The College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Arkansas Forest Resources Center, a University of Arkansas System Center of Excellence, brings together interdisciplinary expertise through a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The College and Center are headquartered at the University of Arkansas at Monticello campus, but their programs range statewide with the mission of developing and delivering teaching, research, and extension programs that enhance and ensure the sustainability and productivity of forest-based natural resources and agricultural systems. Academic programs are delivered by the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources through the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, research is administered by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, and extension and outreach activities are coordinated by the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

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 campuses.

Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.

Charleston, Waldron Students Compete at Arkansas Archery State Championship

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Charleston, Waldron Students Compete at Arkansas Archery State Championship

Students from the Waldron and Charleston School Districts were among those competing at the 18th annual Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Archery in the Schools State Championship, held Saturday at Bank OZK Arena and the Hot Springs Convention Center in Hot Springs.

Archers from across the state gathered for the championship event, which is hosted each year by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as part of its Archery in the Schools program.

Among the standout performances for the region came from Charleston High School, which finished fourth overall in the high school division, placing the Tigers among the top teams in the state. Charleston also had one of the top individual performances of the day, as Maddie Johnson finished second among female high school archers with a score of 286, narrowly missing the top spot after a tiebreaker determined by additional 10-ring hits.

Statewide, Magnet Cove High School once again led the competition, winning the high school team championship with a score of 3,385 out of a possible 3,600 points, finishing 80 points ahead of runner-up Bryant High School.

At the middle school level, the Charleston School District also had a strong showing. Charleston Middle School finished third overall in the state with a team score of 3,198, trailing only El Dorado Barton Junior High and Valley Springs School District.

Charleston’s success continued in the elementary division, where Charleston Elementary captured first place statewide with a score of 2,994, earning the top trophy in the elementary competition.

While Charleston schools produced several top finishes, students from Waldron schools also participated in the statewide event, joining hundreds of young archers representing districts from across Arkansas and highlighting the continued growth of archery programs throughout the River Valley.

According to AIS Program Coordinator Aimee Swaim, the championship represents the culmination of months of preparation by students and coaches across the state.

“The coaches and students work so hard all year long to get here, and you can see the excitement on their faces when they file into the arena,” Swaim said. “It takes a lot of people to put this program together, and I’m just fortunate to have such an incredible group of coaches and staff throughout the state who come together to make it happen for the kids.”

The Archery in the Schools Program teaches students the fundamentals of archery using modern compound bows and is designed so students of nearly any size or ability can participate.

Arvest Donates $10,000 to Support Study Room at New Greenwood Library

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Arvest Donates $10,000 to Support Study Room at New Greenwood Library

GREENWOOD — Arvest Bank presented a $10,000 check to the Scott-Sebastian Regional Library in Greenwood on Friday, March 13, with the donation designated to fund one of the new facility’s study rooms.

During the visit, Library Director Rene Myers led attendees on a walkthrough tour of the building’s interior, highlighting the community room, board room, children’s and teen areas, study rooms, checkout desk, and the large open adult section.

Scott-Sebastian Library Board President Jim Reynolds (RNN photo/Tammy Moore Teague)

A construction site manager said the project will take another visible step forward next week with the installation of the building’s windows.

“There is a lot of glass for this building, and it’s really going to change the look once those are installed,” the manager said.

CCC Construction manager explaining the progress made during this phase of construction. (RNN photo/Tammy Moore Teague)

Those attending the event included Sebastian County Quorum Court members Jackie Davis, James Butler, and Denny Aldridge; MAHG representatives Travis Bartlett and Tim Varner; Arvest staff; Sebastian County Judge Steve Hotz; County Administrator Mark Allen; Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow; and library board president Jim Reynolds, among others.

Myers said she is thankful that all of the study rooms have now been sponsored, but noted there are still opportunities for additional community support.

Scott-Sebastian Library Director Rene Myers and JP James Butler (RNN photo/Tammy Moore Teague)

“We are going to have an outdoor patio, and it would be nice if someone wanted to donate for a bench, table or some chairs,” Myers said.

As construction continues, community leaders said the new Greenwood library will provide expanded resources, meeting spaces, and educational opportunities for residents throughout the Scott-Sebastian region, reflecting a collaborative effort between local government, businesses, and citizens to invest in the area’s future.

Touring the progress at the Scott-Sebastian Regional Library (RNN photo/Tammy Moore Teague)

ARDOT hears questions, concerns at Waldron meeting on future I-49 corridor

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6:20 pm

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ARDOT hears questions, concerns at Waldron meeting on future I-49 corridor

The Arkansas Department of Transportation held a public involvement meeting in Waldron on Thursday, March 12, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., as part of its ongoing effort to gather feedback on the proposed Future Interstate 49 corridor between Y City and Barling. The Waldron meeting was one of two public meetings announced by ARDOT for the project.

Senator Terry Rice (left) and Scott County Judge Brian Jones (right).

ARDOT representatives were on hand to answer questions and discuss how the proposed route could affect homes, businesses, and private property along the corridor. Meeting attendees were also able to view detailed maps and zoom in on specific locations to better understand how individual properties may be impacted.

According to information shared during the meeting, there is currently no projected completion date for the expansion. One ARDOT representative said the project is expected to move forward in sections, based on priority and available funding.

Among those attending the meeting were concerned citizens, former Scott County Judge James Forbes, current Scott County Judge Brian Jones, State Senator Terry Rice, and several local elected officials.

One resident raised concerns about the interstate potentially crossing her property. “I hope they will give me what it’s worth,” she said. ARDOT representatives responded that property owners whose land falls within the project path would be offered fair market value.

ARDOT has also made project information available online through its public meeting site, which includes maps, exhibits, and other details related to the proposed corridor.

National Agricultural Law Center hosts webinar on H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program

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12:14 pm

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National Agricultural Law Center hosts webinar on H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program

By Ramie Parsons U of A System Division of Agriculture

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The National Agricultural Law Center will host an upcoming webinar, “Homing in on H-2A: An Overview of the Temporary Agricultural Worker Program,” on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from noon-1 p.m. EDT or 11 a.m. to noon CDT.

Authorized by the Immigration and Nationality Act, the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program allows qualified agricultural employers who lack sufficient domestic labor to petition the federal government for permission to bring nonimmigrant foreign workers into the United States for temporary or seasonal agricultural employment. According to recent data from the United States Department of Agriculture, “the number of H-2A positions requested and approved has increased more than sevenfold in the past 19 years, from just over 48,000 positions certified in fiscal year 2005 to around 385,000 in FY 2024.” The number was 370,000 in FY 2022.

This webinar will provide an overview of the major provisions of the H-2A program, including a discussion of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate and its calculation and application to U.S. employees. The program will also describe the requirements, processes and legal issues related to obtaining certification to employ H-2A workers. The program will be presented by Audry Thompson, staff attorney at the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law. Thompson serves as program director of the Understanding Agricultural Law educational series, supervises law students in the Rural Economic Development Clinic and authors the Agricultural Law Weekly Review. Her research focuses on agricultural labor issues, and she currently serves as lead CASL attorney for AgWorks, an agricultural labor-focused educational and consulting grant project between CASL, Penn State Extension and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

“H-2A plays a critical role in meeting labor needs across the agricultural sector, but it is also one of the most highly regulated employment programs affecting producers,” Thompson said. “This

webinar will help participants better understand how the program operates and what employers must consider when navigating the process.”

“Agricultural labor remains one of the most significant legal and policy issues facing producers nationwide,” said Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center. “This webinar reflects the Center’s continued commitment to providing objective, timely information on complex issues that directly impact agricultural operations.”

Thompson earned her Juris Doctor from Penn State Dickinson Law and is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania. She is also a Ph.D. candidate in Penn State’s College of Education, where her forthcoming dissertation examines clinical legal education.

Additional information about the webinar, including registration details, is available on the National Agricultural Law Center’s website.

About the National Agricultural Law Center

Created by Congress in 1987, 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, agribusinesses, state and federal policymakers, lenders, Congressional staffers, attorneys, land grant universities, students, 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 National Agricultural Library, a subsidiary of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. For information about the NALC, visit nationalaglawcenter.org. The NALC is also on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn as @nataglaw.

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 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 campuses.

Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.

Waldron School Board Meets

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3:37 pm

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The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, March 9, 2026,at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall, Angela Hunsucker, Konnor McKay and Toni VanDeWiele. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, John Keener, Kim Solomon, Chris Lipham, Kristi Sigman, Josh Atchley, Zack Taylor, Toni Dozier, Cheyenne Smith, Chelsea Ridenhour, Tonya Cluck, Keith Brigance and Erica Richardson.

President Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Mr. Konnor McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer.

Angela Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Toni VanDeWiele to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the February 9^t^h Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures; C) Approve Purchase Orders to Saied Music Company (4) D) Approve Purchase Order to Safari Micro; E) Approve Invoice to ASBA Worker’s Compensation Trust. Motion carried 4-0.

Each of the principals reported on the happenings at their buildings. Mrs. Solomon stated that ADE Assessments have been underway. Read Across America Week was a success at Pre-K. She also informed the board that there will be a family picnic/track and field day coming up the first part of April along with an Easter egg hunt. Mrs. Solomon also wanted to thank West Fraser for donating shaving and the City of Waldron for spreading the shavings on the playground. Mrs. Smith also stated that Literacy Week was a success and they had many activities for the students, she expressed her gratitude for all those that donated their time to come and read to the students. The GT program is working hard on their Living Wax Museumscheduled for this Thursday night March 12^th. Kindergarten registration is April 2^nd from 4:30-6:30. Mrs. Smith also recognized some clubs for their accomplishments; 3^rd and 4^thgrade competed in the Quiz Bowl hosted by Co-op, placing in the top 10 were Raylan Byford and Zayne Justice. Archery contenders competed at State this past month as well. All buildings are gearing up for testing in the coming weeks. Mr. Taylor had a long list of 8^th grade students that made 1^st Division Superior rating and 2^nd Division Excellent rating in the band Solo & Ensemble Assessment. Mr. Atchley announced that FFA week was a huge success. CAP conferences will be this Friday, March 13^th. There will be a group of students earningcommunity service hours by helping out at the Waldron Country Club with some greens. Some other announcements were that prom will be April 11^th and Juniors will be taking the ACT on March 10^th.

Mr. Lipham stated that both Sr High Girls Basketball and Sr. High Boys Basketball teams made it to Regionals this year. Baseball, softball and track are all underway now.

Superintendent Fielding informed the school board members that the Harrison House is under contract pending some inspection tasks to be repaired. He also informed the board members on the status of the roofs at the Middle School and Elementary. ADE stopped by for a walk through of the facilities that went very well.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to add Item C) Discuss and Act on Relationship with Lifetouch. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Toni VanDeWiele and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to discontinue the relationship with Lifetouch. Motion carried 4-0.

Adjourned to executive session. Time dismissed: 7:00 Time returned: 7:34

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker seconded by Toni VanDeWiele to accept the resignation from Cydney Spooner as HS Sped Paraprofessional effective February 23, 2026. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to accept the resignations from Bridgette Lindsey as HS SpEd Para and Bus Driver as of March 4, 2026. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Toni VanDeWiele and seconded by Konnor McKay to accept the resignation from Shelley Hunt as ES Teacher as of the end of the 2025/26 SY. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Toni VanDeWiele and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to accept the resignation from Carla Waddleas MS Para as of the end of the 2025/26 SY. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Konnor McKay to accept the resignation from Connie Hughesas HS SpEd Teacher as of the end of the 2025/26 SY. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to hire George Goodrich as a Level 4 Bus Driver with 0 years’ experience effective March 9, 2026. Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Toni VanDeWiele to rehire the certified staff as listed (see attached lists). Motion carried 4-0.

A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0.

Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

Obituary: Melba Swanson (1932-2026)

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5:46 am

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Melba Jean Swanson, 94, passed away on February 24, 2026. She was born on February 22, 1932, in Hartford, Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil “Swany” Swanson; her son, James Edward Nunley; her grandson, Jeremy Nunley; her parents, James and Nora Morrison; and her siblings George Morrison, Jimmy Morrison, Joyce Weaver, Marilyn Morrison, and Caroline Morrison.

She is survived by her children Debra Parker (Edward), Kathy Mabee, and Ken Nunley (Sue); her grandchildren Joshua Nunley, Tawnya Ferdolage, Justin Mabee, Barbie Mabee, Heather Uccello, Katherine Salyers, and Danielle Comer; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Melba moved to California in 1951. In 1990, she returned to Mansfield, Arkansas, where she lived for 34 years before she moved back to California in 2024.

She loved flowers, especially roses, and enjoyed playing Canasta and dominoes. A devoted sports fan, she faithfully followed the Dodgers and the Lakers, and the Arkansas Razorbacks. She spent many evenings at Little League games cheering for her sons and helped manage her daughters’ softball team, the Hurley Birds.

Melba was a dedicated mother who loved her children deeply and worked to raise them to respect others, work hard, and, above all, be kind. She will be missed sorely but her love will live on.

Electioneering Questions Arise at Mansfield Polling Location

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8:31 am

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Electioneering Questions Arise at Mansfield Polling Location

Questions surrounding electioneering activity at Mansfield City Hall, which served as a polling location during the March 3 preferential primary, have prompted responses from city officials and campaign representatives regarding how election laws were applied that day.

According to a written statement from Mansfield Mayor Buddy Black, several individuals campaigning near the polling location were asked to move farther away from the entrance to ensure compliance with Arkansas election law.

Black said city hall was serving as an open polling location for the primary election when he observed individuals electioneering near the entrance.

“It is the City of Mansfield’s policy to follow the laws established by the legislature of the State of Arkansas, and I felt it my duty to ensure that the individuals participating in electioneering activities for numerous candidates near the polling location at city hall were not in violation of that code,” Black stated.

Black stated he asked the individuals whether they were campaigning for Brent Montgomery, Tammy Brown, or Lora Rice to relocate to a different area that was clearly beyond the 100-foot electioneering boundary from the polling entrance.

“If I misspoke regarding the same, it was clearly an error,” Black stated. “However, I asked all individuals … to please move to a different location that was unquestionably beyond the legal 100-foot distance from the entrance of the polling location.”

Arkansas law prohibits electioneering inside a polling place or within 100 feet of the primary exterior entrance used by voters while voting is taking place. Electioneering includes distributing campaign literature, displaying campaign materials or apparel, soliciting votes or signatures, or attempting to influence voters (see related story). Violations of the law may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor under Arkansas Code §§ 7-1-103 and 7-1-104.

Bo Lang, who was present representing the Brent Montgomery campaign, said those campaigning had already positioned themselves beyond the legal boundary. Lang said the group had moved an additional 10 feet beyond the 100-foot marker to ensure they were complying with the law.

“Buddy directed the city police officer to assist poll worker Robert Gage in taking a piece of rope to measure,” Lang said.

Lang also alleged the group was treated rudely during the interaction.

“Buddy stated we could not be on city property,” Lang said. “I responded that this is public property and we, the people, own it.”

Lang said the mayor instructed the group to move to a nearby gazebo. Instead, Lang said they eventually relocated to a corner of private property after receiving permission from the property owner.

In response to a Freedom of Information Act request regarding whether Mansfield has any ordinance or policy restricting electioneering on public property, City Attorney Travis Plummer stated none exists. “To the best of my knowledge and understanding, there is no ordinance, policy, or written directive that prohibits electioneering on public property…”

While the incident prompted differing accounts from city officials and campaign representatives, both sides maintain their actions were intended to comply with Arkansas election law. The situation highlights the challenges that can arise when polling locations are situated on public property, where normal public access and election law restrictions intersect.

See Lang’s interview in its entirety: https://youtu.be/Vo45_vSA2m8

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Officials Address Questions About Newspaper Inside Mansfield Polling Location

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10:46 am

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Officials Address Questions About Newspaper Inside Mansfield Polling Location

Questions surrounding electioneering during the March 3 preferential primary at Mansfield City Hall, which served as a polling location involved the presence of a local newspaper inside the building that contained political advertisements.

According to Mansfield Mayor Buddy Black, copies of local newspapers are routinely placed on a table in the lobby area of city hall and were not related to any election activity.

“A copy of local newspapers is always on one of the tables in the lobby area of city hall,” Black said in a statement. “This is common practice, and the fact that there were political advertisements located in that publication is of no significance.”

Black said the newspapers are made available as part of the public’s normal use of the lobby area to access local news media.

Concerns about the issue were brought to the attention of the Sebastian County Election Commission, which reviewed whether the presence of the publication could be considered electioneering under Arkansas law.

According to Election Commissioner Charity Gregory, Arkansas Code § 7-1-103 prohibits electioneering inside a polling place or within 100 feet of the primary entrance used by voters. Electioneering generally involves displaying or distributing materials that promote or oppose a candidate or issue appearing on the ballot at that specific polling location.

“The Sebastian County Election Commission is aware that a newspaper was present at the Mansfield City polling location during the recent election, and that the newspaper contained advertisements for candidates appearing on the ballot,” stated Charity Gregory, Sebastian County Election Commissioner. “Their presence inside the polling location did not meet the standard we expect for maintaining a strictly neutral voting environment. The Commission takes this matter seriously. We will be reinforcing guidance with all poll workers and election officials to ensure that no campaign materials, advertisements, or other election-related content are allowed within polling locations in the future. Additional training and clearer procedures will be implemented to help prevent situations like this from occurring again. Our goal is to ensure that every voter can cast their ballot in a fair, neutral, and distraction-free environment. The Sebastian County Election Commission remains committed to upholding the integrity of the voting process and maintaining public confidence in our elections.”

Although Mayor Buddy Black characterized the presence of a newspaper containing political advertisements inside the polling location as insignificant and part of normal practice at City Hall, the Sebastian County Election Commission said the situation did not meet the standard expected for maintaining a strictly neutral voting environment. “…The paper should have been reviewed and removed prior to the election,” concluded Gregory.

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