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YEAREND: Arkansas strawberry growers pivot with new varieties for 2025-26 crop

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YEAREND: Arkansas strawberry growers pivot with new varieties for 2025-26 crop

By Sarah Cato
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service

After an emerging disease swept the strawberry industry in 2024, many growers and plant suppliers are looking to new, potentially resistant varieties for the 2025-26 crop.

Neopestalotiopsis, commonly called Neo-P, was first detected in Arkansas in 2020, but became a widespread issue for strawberry production during planting season last year and really affected harvest season in the beginning of 2025. Neopestalotiopsis is a genus of plant pathogens belonging to the family Sporocadaceae. While new strains or species of the fungus are highly pathogenic in strawberries, it does not pose a health risk to humans.

“There are still a lot of questions around Neo-P, a lot we don’t understand,” said Aaron Cato, horticulture integrated pest management specialist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “But we have learned that if growers stay vigilant with cultural and chemical control methods, we can drastically reduce the impact.”

One cultural method that has caught traction for this season is the use of potentially resistant varieties. Division of Agriculture horticulture production specialist Amanda McWhirt said the strawberry industry in the Southeast has planted more new varieties this fall than she’s seen in her career.

“We had a lot of new brand new varieties that have not been previously trialed planted across the state this year in an effort to limit the impact of Neo-P on the strawberry crop,” McWhirt said. “This is really the first time as an industry we’ve planted new varieties at this scale across the state.”

Have no fear, older favorites such as Chandler and Camino Real will still be available. However, many growers have shifted a significant portion of their acres to new, potentially Neo-P resistant varieties.

“We still have some decent plantings of our old favorites, but a lot of growers have planted new varieties on about 40 percent or more of their acres,” McWhirt said.

The Division of Agriculture extension horticulture team is conducting extensive research on Neo-P control methods and trialing the newer varieties.

“We’ve got plantings of these new varieties at research stations across the state and we will be tracking yield, plant size, fruit quality and performing taste tests,” McWhirt said. “We’ve started comparing plant sizes in mid-December and we’re already seeing differences between the old and new varieties. We will be able to make better recommendations to growers ahead of the 2026-27 season.”

Cato and his pest management team have pushed the importance of a rigorous fungicide spray schedule and vigilance in keeping dead or diseased plants out. Additionally, Cato will be hosting a round table on Neo-P and McWhirt will be hosting a round table on the performance of new varieties, both at the 2026 Mid-South Berry Conference.

“We’ve been very fortunate this planting season in that we’ve seen very little Neo-P compared to last year and I hope it stays that way,” Cato said. “But ultimately we should still treat this year as if the risk is high, as the potential losses far outweigh the costs of additional sprays.”

More information on controlling Neo-P this winter can be found in Cato’s blog post.

To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.

Arvest Bank Warns of Video Call Scams

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Arvest Bank is warning the public about a rise in scams involving unsolicited video calls to individuals.

The recent trend involves scammers impersonating financial institutions, including Arvest. Scammers reach out via text, phone call or email to initiate a video call through FaceTime or another video conferencing platform. They may claim there is a serious problem with their personal bank account, such as suspicious activity or a technical issue that needs immediate attention. Their goal is to trick customers into sharing their screen in real-time while they sign into their personal bank accounts, enter passwords or transfer money.

“Scammers are always finding new ways to steal money from their victims, and that includes using video calls to gain access to financial accounts,” said Erin Gray, director of Integrated Account Protection at Arvest Bank. “One of the best ways to keep yourself safe from potential fraudsters is to pay attention to red flags. When in doubt, contact your financial institution directly for assistance. At Arvest, we will never ask for a video call requesting that you share your screen with us to view your personal account information.”

Gray shares the following tips to help people identify these screen-sharing scams and protect themselves and their sensitive information.

What to Watch For

● Unsolicited and unexpected contact about your personal account with an urgent request for you to act quickly.

● Request to share your screen through FaceTime or a video conferencing app, such as Zoom.

● Ask to watch you log in to your personal account or make a transfer from one of your accounts to another.

How to Stay Safe

● Verify unexpected calls. Never trust your caller ID alone to verify a caller. If the call is unexpected, hang up and call the company they are representing back at a verified number.

● Pay attention to email addresses. Scammers may use a web-based email service, such as Gmail, to spoof a company or bank.

● Never share your screen with strangers. Be cautious about companies asking you to share your screen without prior approval.

● Routinely check your accounts. Watch for any strange or unexpected transactions or money movement. Contact your bank immediately if you see suspicious activity.

● Stay calm and take your time. Scammers can be aggressive and pressuring. Try not to make any decisions until you’ve had time to confirm the situation.

If you believe you’ve been the target of a scam, report it to your bank and to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Used Christmas trees needed for AGFC’s Habitat for the Holidays program

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Used Christmas trees needed for AGFC’s Habitat for the Holidays program

By Randy Zellers

After the holiday cheermeister calls an end to a season of tinsel, lights and carols, the fate of many real Christmas trees is a gloomy trip down the garbage chute to Mount Crumpit, or the nearest landfill. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has a second, far more meaningful life for these one-time-use evergreens as crucial underwater habitat for Arkansas’s fish populations.

The Natural State is full of fantastic water to wet a line and enjoy a day of angling, but the natural cover available in some lakes has grown quite “grinchy” — perhaps two sizes too small. The addition of a few firs or cedars left from your holiday cheer can add cover for fish and create a fishing hot spot you won’t need a 39-and-a-half-foot pole to reach.

The AGFC has set up a network of locations where anyone can drop off their used trees to help Christmas … perhaps … mean a little bit more.

Once submerged in lakes and reservoirs across the state, the donated trees provide immediate benefits:

Refuge: The dense network of branches offers small game fish and baitfish critical protection from larger predators, which helps more of them survive and grow.
Dining Hall: As these trees decompose, they become a buffet for algae and aquatic insects, which fuel the base of the aquatic food web.
Fishing Hot Spots: Larger fish like bass and crappie are drawn to this new cover to hide and ambush prey, bringing excellent angling opportunities with them.

Unlike Dr. Seuss’ famous Santa impersonator, the AGFC can’t take the trees “tinsel and all”; donations should be stripped of all lights, ornaments and other decorations before being dropped off. Artificial trees also cannot be donated because the plastic they are made of is not designed to be submerged and could leach harmful chemicals into the water.

Trees are free for any angler to use for habitat. AGFC biologists recommend tying cinder blocks or sandbags to the trees with paracord to weigh them down. The cord will hold the trees down until they are waterlogged and settle on the bottom.

Anglers planning to sink any materials in lakes or rivers should call the lake owner beforehand to make sure placing habitat is allowed. Some water-supply reservoirs and other lakes have regulations to prevent placing brush without permission.

Biologists also recommend sinking multiple trees at each location. Christmas trees don’t have many thick branches and deteriorate quickly, but clusters of the main trunks can offer a year or two of woody cover.

Trees can be dropped off at any of the following locations until the end of January:

Northwest Arkansas
Beaver Lake – Highway 12 Access, AGFC Don Roufa Highway 412 Access and Monte Ne Boat Ramp Access
Lake Elmdale – Boat Ramp Access
Bob Kidd Lake – Boat Ramp Access
Crystal Lake – Boat Ramp Access
Lake Fayetteville — Boat Ramp Access

North Arkansas
Bull Shoals Lake – Any U.S. Army Corps of Engineers boat ramp
Norfork Lake – Any U.S. Army Corps of Engineers boat ramp

Northeast Arkansas
Jonesboro – Craighead Forest Park Lake Boat Ramp
Lake Bono – Boat Ramp Access
Lake Walcott – Crowley’s Ridge State Park Boat Ramp Access
Lake Charles – West parking lot at Highway 25 Boat Ramp Access
Lake Poinsett — Dam Access Boat Ramp
Batesville — Ramsey Slough Boat Ramp

Central Arkansas
Arkansas River – Riverview Park Access in North Little Rock
Lake Barnett – Reed Access
Harris Brake Lake – Chittman Hill Access
Lake Pickthorne – Holland Bottoms Access
Lake Overcup – Lake Overcup Landing
Cox Creek Lake – Cox Creek Lake Public Access
Lake Hamilton – Andrew Hulsey State Fish Hatchery Access

West Central Arkansas
Lake Atkins (Pope County)
Lake Jack Nolen
Sugar Loaf Lake

East Arkansas
Horseshoe Lake — Bonds Access
Wynne Sports Complex Family and Community Fishing Pond

Southeast Arkansas
Cook’s Lake – Potlatch Cook’s Lake Nature Center
Bus lot across from Grand Avenue United Methodist Church in Stuttgart
AGFC Regional Office at Monticello – 771 Jordan Drive
Connerly Bayou Boat Ramp- Lake Chicot

South Arkansas
Camden – AGFC Regional Office on Ben Lane, next to the National Guard Armory
Upper White Oak Lake – Upper Jack’s Landing
Magnolia – Columbia County Road Department Yard on Highway 371
El Dorado – Union County Fairgrounds

Southwest Arkansas
Millwood Lake – Millwood State Park ramp on the point
Dierks City Pond – Main parking area
Rick Evans Grandview Prairie – Nature Center
Hope – AGFC Regional Office on U.S. Highway 67 East
Lake Dieffenbacher – Bobby Ferguson Park Pavilion, Texarkana

State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

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State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

With the year nearing its end, it’s worth reflecting on the major pieces of education legislation that were passed this year.

The 95^th General Assembly Regular Session kicked off in January and ended the first week of May. The legislature completed the 2025 regular session after approving a balanced budget, increasing public school funding and making higher education more accessible.

The Public School Fund is the largest single expenditure made by the state every year. State aid to public schools did increase by $161.5 million starting in the new fiscal year that started in July. It is about $2.5 billion and will be distributed according to a formula that takes into account student enrollment. The foundation funding increased from $7,771 to $8,162 per pupil for the 2025-2026 school year. School districts get additional funding for every student from low-income families and students with special needs.

Act 122, that went into effect at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, requires all public school districts to enact policies that restrict cell phone usage by students. It’s called the “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act.” Its purpose is twofold. First, it removes distractions from the classroom that are hindering students academically. Secondly, the governor and legislators hope it will improve the mental and emotional health of young people who spend too much time on social media.

Sixty-four percent of Arkansas public school students are eligible for free or reduced school meals. ACT 123 provides each student with a breakfast at no cost whether or not they are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. State budget officials estimate that it will cost the state $14.7 million for the program. The program is funded by a special privilege tax on medical marijuana. The bill was co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of twenty-five senators.

When children go hungry their long-term health is negatively affected, and their grades suffer. Hunger affects a child’s academic performance and increases their chances of being punished for behavioral problems and missing classes, according to testimony before the Senate Education Committee.

National studies indicate that students who have eaten breakfast perform better on standardized tests. Students improve academically in general, and some studies show that they specifically do better in mathematics.

The governor proposed and the legislature approved significant changes in higher education. The law is called ACCESS, an acronym for acceleration, common sense, cost, eligibility, scholarships and standardization.

ACCESS provides students more opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school. It provides incentives for colleges to teach skills in demand by industry.

The legislature raised the Academic Challenge Scholarships to $2,000, up from $1,000 for freshman students. The scholarships are funded with revenue from the state lottery. Since Arkansas voters approved the lottery in 2008 in a statewide election, it has paid for more than 770,000 scholarships. Their value is about $1.4 billion.

Obituary: Ralph Marsh (1941-2025)

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Ralph Noble Marsh, 84, of Booneville, Arkansas, formerly of Waldron, Arkansas, was born February 1, 1941, right there in Booneville, to Charles Francis Marsh and Lois Marie (Jonas) Marsh. On December 23, 2025, Ralph passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Ralph lived a life rooted in hard work, family, and the simple things that mattered most. He proudly served in the Arkansas National Guard and was known as a true jack of all trades-if something needed fixing, Ralph could figure it out. He never met a stranger and was always ready with a story, a bit of advice, or a helping hand.

He loved the outdoors-hunting, fishing, and teaching his grandchildren how to shoot guns and respect nature. Some of his favorite times were spent watching western movies, playing cards, and sitting around telling stories that somehow got better every time they were told. Family gatherings often meant cards, dominoes, Canasta, or Solitaire, and those moments of laughter and togetherness meant everything to him.

Above all, Ralph loved his family. He was proud of his large extended family and treasured every minute spent with them, from quiet card games to teaching life lessons the old-fashioned way.

Ralph was preceded in death by the love of his life, Helen Nadine Marsh, whom he married on April 29, 1963. They shared 48 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories together. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Lee Lindquist; his brother, Bobby Marsh; and his nieces, Carol Canada and Linda Hamm.

He leaves behind his children: Robert “Speedy” Marsh and wife Karen, Sharon Rogers, Patricia Broussard and husband Bobby, L. C. Marsh, Helen Halpain, Wanda Emmons, and Angela Williams and husband Allen; his sister-in-law, DoeDoe Marsh; his grandchildren: Rachel Himes, Brandy Marsh, Nikki Manning, Jerry Morris, Richard Morris, Kayla Beaty, Chance Broussard, Gage Broussard, Riley Broussard, Braiden Marsh, Landon Marsh, Triton Halpain, Kelsey Mantis, Madyson Sanders and Colton Williams; along with a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren who brought him endless joy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at Birdsview Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home of Waldron, Arkansas.

Serving as pallbearers will be L. C. Marsh, Chance Broussard, Allen Williams, Jerry Morris, Triton Halpain, and Gage Broussard. Honorary pallbearers are Richard Morris, Robert (Speedy) Marsh and Bobby Broussard.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 26, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Obituary: Marsha Carter (1952-2025)

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Marsha Lea Carter, 73, of Waldron, Arkansas, passed away Monday, December 22, 2025, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Marsha was born February 6, 1952, in Waldron, Arkansas, to Maurice and Ima Jean (Newberry) Hunt. She grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, before later returning to her hometown of Waldron, where she would spend her retirement years.

Marsha retired after a dedicated career as a construction project and payroll manager with Webber Construction. After moving back to Waldron, she also served as a substitute teacher at Waldron High School, where she was known and respected by students and staff alike. She was a faithful member of Waldron First Baptist Church.

Above all, Marsha was devoted to her family. She was lovingly known as Mom, Nonna, and Mrs. Carter-titles that reflected her nurturing spirit, kindness, and the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her loving husband, Steve Carter; her children, Heather, Wes, Matt, and Brittany; her grandchildren, Dylan, Caitlin, Kiersten, Gracie, Caiden, Kelsie, Haley, and Dallas; her great-grandchildren, Lakelyn and Kinzley; along with numerous cousins and extended family members who will cherish her memory.

Marsha was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Ima Jean and one brother, Lucky.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 26, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

A celebration of Marsha’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas, with Bro. Nick Hunt officiating. Interment will follow at Union Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home of Waldron, Arkansas.

Arrest Reports: 12/14/25

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Extension Homemakers to start 2026 with new lessons

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Extension Homemakers to start 2026 with new lessons

Scenes from the second day of the AEHC annual state meeting in Little Rock. (Image courtesy Joy West)
By Tracy Courage

As 2026 approaches, many people will make familiar resolutions — to get healthier, manage their money better, or learn something new — in the new year. Arkansas Extension Homemakers Clubs offers a way to accomplish all three goals and more.

For the first four months of the year, EHC clubs will offer monthly programs focused on a specialty area within Extension’s Family and Consumer Science division — including health, nutrition, personal finance and family life.

The 2026 featured lessons include:

• January — Health and Well-being – Living a Healthier Life through the 8 Dimensions of Wellness

• February — Family Life – Smartphone Smarts: A Guide to Healthier Scrolling Habits

• March — Nutrition – Stay Safe: Food, Fundraisers, Potlucks & Picnics

• April — Personal Finance – Consumer Protection: How to Avoid the Latest Scams

“The curricula are written by state specialists who are experts in their field,” said Laura Hendrix, statewide advisor for EHC clubsand extension’s personal finance expert. “I encourage clubs to offer these programs across the state.”

Extension Homemakers, one of the state’s largest volunteer organizations, is part of the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. EHC’s three-part mission is to empower people through informal education in Family and Consumer Sciences, leadership development, and community service.

Each year, the organization surveys its members to assess impact. The 2025 survey showed:

• 64% of members said they make a difference in their communities because of EHC

• 65% gained new knowledge and skills

• 48% are more comfortable in leadership roles

• 88% are more active as volunteers

In 2025, EHC clubs in Arkansas reported a combined 5,040 volunteers who contributed 337,778 volunteer hours, valued at $11.7 million.

For more information about EHC, visit uaex.uada.edu/ehc or contact your county extension agent. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.

Obituary: Linda Sue Hutchens (1942-2025)

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Obituary: Linda Sue Hutchens (1942-2025)

Linda Sue Hutchens, 82, of Waldron, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, at her home, surrounded by the life and land she loved.

Born December 28, 1942, in Texas, Linda was the daughter of George Gaden Craig and Faye Lavoyne (Ammons) Craig. She was a hardworking woman whose life centered on family, home, and the simple pleasures that brought her joy.

Linda worked for many years at Tyson Foods and later served her community at the Scott County Senior Center. Outside of work, her happiest moments were spent caring for her cows, riding her side-by-side through the pasture to check on them, and baking pies that became a cherished comfort to those she loved. Her kitchen and her land were places of warmth, laughter, and lasting memories.

In August of 1959, Linda married the love of her life, Jerry Bob Hutchens. Together they shared 49 years of marriage, building a life rooted in devotion, hard work, and family. Though she deeply missed him after his passing, their love remained a guiding presence throughout her life.

Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Bob Hutchens; her parents, George and Lavoyne Craig; her son, Dewayne Hutchens; a beloved grandchild, Emily; her sister, Georgeanna Staggs; her brothers, LeeRoy Craig and Parker Leon Craig and her Son-in-Law, Keith Oliver.

She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her children, Jerry Ray Hutchens and wife Deloris of Harvey, Arkansas; Sandra Kay Oliver of Packsaddle; Jimmy Hutchens and Janet of Waldron; Kim Russell and husband Larry of Waldron; and Josh Hutchens and wife Charla of Waldron. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home of Waldron, Arkansas.

Linda will be remembered for her quiet strength, her generous heart, and the deep love she gave so freely to her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the memories that will be treasured forever.

In lien of flowers the family ask that donations be made to St Jude, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 . Linda was a devoted supporter and would have brought each child into her home if possible.

Sebastian and Franklin County Extension office offers ServSafe Manager Course

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Sebastian and Franklin County Extension office offers ServSafe Manager Course

ServSafe has been the industry standard since 1919 in training millions of people how to receive, store, prepare, and serve food safely. Through the Cooperative Extension Service, we offer training and certifications for the ServSafe Food Handler, ServSafe Manager, and ServSafe Instructor & Proctor programs. The Arkansas Department of Health is now requiring each food service facility to have at least one supervisory employee who has Certified Food Manager training.

A ServSafe Certified Food Manager Course will be offered on Monday, January 12th at the Franklin County Extension Office located at 300 Airport Road in Ozark, AR. The training will take place beginning at 9:00 a.m.. The course will cost $140 for New Managers and $60 for re-certifications. The course cost pays for the book and the exam. Participants who pass the exam will receive a ServSafe Food Manager Certification good for five years. All participants must pre-register and pay by January 6th. Class size is limited. Once the ServSafe books are distributed, they are non-refundable.

If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact the Franklin County Extension Office at 479-667-3720 or email Casey Ford at [email protected]. You can also call thethe Sebastian County Extension Office at 479-484-7737 or [email protected]. Persons who require ADA accommodation, language and/or interpretation services for your ServSafe course instruction, and/or examination should notify the County Extension Office as soon as possible prior to the activity. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact the Franklin County Extension Office as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

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