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State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

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State Capitol Week in Review from Senator Terry Rice

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas sales tax holiday this year will be on the first weekend in August, Saturday and Sunday, August 2 and 3.

Consumers will not have to pay sales tax on any articles of clothing that cost less than $100.

The exempted items include pants, shirts, dresses and shoes. Also free from sales tax are bathing suits, baby blankets, underwear, raincoats, uniforms, hats and caps, aprons, neckties, scarves and steel-toes boots.

Diapers, even disposal diapers, are included on the list of exempt items. However, sports equipment will not be exempt, so you will pay sales tax on cleats, baseball gloves, goggles, life preservers, shin guards and shoulder pads.

Accessories are also on the list of exempted items, as long as they cost less than $50. The list of articles is extensive, and includes handbags and purses, sunglasses, jewelry, hair notions, wallets, watches and wigs.

More than 65 categories of cosmetics are exempt from the sales tax, such as mascara, many types of hair products, fingernail polish and fingernail remover, bath salts, artificial eyelashes, perfume and stretch mark cream.

School supplies will be exempt from the sales tax. Officially the first weekend of August is called the sales tax holiday, but many people refer to it as the “Back to School” sales tax holiday. That’s because the legislature intentionally scheduled it for early August, to benefit families with children going to school.

School supplies include pens, pencils and paper as well as art supplies.

Thanks to Act 944 of 2021 some electronic and computer equipment were added to the list of tax exempt items.

Laptops, desktops, tablets, printers, keyboards, calculators, cell phones, e-readers and monitors are exempt from the sales tax.  However, video games, stereos and televisions are not included.

Arkansas families will save an estimated $2.6 million on purchases of electronic and computer equipment.

The sales tax exemption applies to single articles, and is not based on the overall cost of everything you buy. For example, you can buy three shirts $25 each and a pair of pants for $50 and you will not be charged the sales tax, even though the total is $125. Because each item is less than $100, the exemption is applied.

However, if you buy a pair of shoes for $120, you will have to pay the sales tax on the full amount of the purchase.

When you take advantage of a sale that allows you to buy one item and get another for a reduced price, the holiday exemption applies only to the items costing less than $100. For example, a store may offer a pair of jeans for $120 and you can get a second pair for half price, or $60. The sales tax exemption will apply only to the second pair.

The exemption applies to all sales taxes, not just state sales taxes. That means exempt items are free of all city, county and local sales taxes.

All retailers have to participate. Articles cannot be separated in order to lower their price under the $100 and $50 thresholds. Men’s suits and pairs of shoes, which normally are sold as one unit, cannot be split into separate purchases.

Fundraiser Drive Underway For Lady Rattler Championship Rings

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Fundraiser Drive Underway For Lady Rattler Championship Rings

By Jonathan W. Gipson, Magazine Schools Media Relations

MAGAZINE – It was, perhaps, a sign of things to come.

It was still a couple of weeks before the end of basketball season, but several Magazine Lady Rattlers switched their focus, if for only a day, to compete in the Arkansas Track Coaches Association’s State Indoor Track and Field Championships at the University of Arkansas’ Randal Tyson Track Center.

That’s not anything uncommon. In fact, for small school student-athletes, it’s the norm, especially for this particular group of Lady Rattlers who had long earned the reputation of being competitors with strong work ethics and “teamwork makes the dream work” attitudes.

The ATCA State Indoor Track and Field Championship Meet is a marathon of a day for competitors – events begin mid-morning and continue until champions are crowned late in the evening – but as fans, competitors and coaches anxiously watched as team names rose and fell throughout the day, one team became a constant at the top.

The Lady Rattlers won the Class 1A/2A Division by a gaudy 48 points over the Friendship Academy Southeast Lady Warriors, earning their first state indoor track and field championship and, at that time, their second state championship overall in the sport of track and field.

Fast forward nearly three months, and after enduring a nearly week-long delay because of the aftereffect of rainy and stormy weather and a change of venue (from Gurdon to Clinton), the Lady Rattlers were again hoisting state championship hardware, beating the Mineral Springs Lady Hornets by 26.5 points to win the Class 1A State Outdoor Track and Field Championship.

It’s been more than two months now since the end of the track and field season, during which the Lady Rattlers upped their total state track and field championships to three (one indoor state title in 2025 and two outdoor state titles in 2014 and 2025). Still, the magnitude of this incredible feat of winning two state championships and running the table, so to speak, in the sport of senior high girls track and field will resonate through the halls of history for decades to come at Magazine High School.

While greatness, it’s often said, is never forgotten, state championship rings serve as a physical reminder of a student-athlete’s accomplishments and the sacrifices they made to achieve greatness. 

As is customary after winning state championships, the Magazine senior girls track and field program is looking to provide state championship rings for its student-athletes and is currently conducting a fundraising drive to help purchase state championship rings to commemorate the 2025 Class 1A/2A State Indoor Track and Field Championship and the Class 1A State Outdoor Track and Field Championship.

Anyone wishing to contribute to this fundraising effort may do so in a variety of ways. Cash or check donations may be made in person at the Magazine Schools Administration Building located at 485 East Priddy Street in Magazine. Donations may be mailed to Magazine Schools at 485 East Priddy Street, Magazine, AR 72943, but make reference to the track and field championship ring fundraiser with the donation. Also, donations may be made online by visiting the Rattler Store on the Magazine Schools website (www.magazinek12.com) and by clicking the following link: https://osp.osmsinc.com/MagazineAR/BVModules/CategoryTemplates/Detailed%20List%20with%20Properties/Category.aspx?categoryid=YJ008.

For more information, please contact Magazine track and field/cross country coach Randy Bryan at 1-866-900-2001 or via email at [email protected].

Mansfield School Board Approves Purchase of ABC Pre-School 

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Mansfield School Board Approves Purchase of ABC Pre-School 
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1st Choice Ambulance Takes Over EMS Services in Scott County

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1st Choice Ambulance Takes Over EMS Services in Scott County
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Mansfield School Board Approves Staff Changes Property Purchase

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Mansfield School Board Approves Staff Changes Property Purchase
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The Final Roar: Ethan Martin and James Bausley

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The Final Roar: Ethan Martin and James Bausley
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Two new varieties of muscadine, a Southern grape species, to see release this fall, expand growing season

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Two new varieties of muscadine, a Southern grape species, to see release this fall, expand growing season

By Maddie Johnson
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station

Two new varieties of muscadine not only promise a longer growing season but also recall two Arkansas icons: Altus, the state’s wine capital, and Mighty Fine, a name that describes its flavor and a favorite phrase of retired fruit breeder John Clark.

Altus and Mighty Fine are being released this fall by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. Margaret Worthington, director of the Fruit Breeding Program for the experiment station, noted that although muscadines are known for being susceptible to damage when exposed to cold temperatures, both new varieties stand out for their ability to withstand colder weather compared to other muscadine varieties.

“I think it’s an opportunity for Arkansas producers to expand what they’re doing with different fruit crops,” said Worthington, who is also an associate professor of horticulture with the experiment station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.

“Muscadines are a nice fall crop, which makes them a good option for a berry grower wanting to spread out the labor and harvest throughout a longer season,” she said.

Mighty Fine

The first variety, named Mighty Fine, will be a black, seeded, fresh-market release, meaning it will be sold as a fresh fruit like table grapes. Mighty Fine performed very favorably in consumer trials when compared to the accepted quality standard for muscadines, the Supreme cultivar, Worthington said.

The Mighty Fine muscadine is larger in size, and among 58 field day attendees in 2022 who sampled it, it was ranked as the favorite by 37 percent, coming in ahead of Supreme and two other genotypes researchers were considering releasing.          

Worthington also said the new variety is self-pollinating and can produce fruit without needing another pollinizing variety.

Why “Mighty Fine?” Worthington said a grower suggested the name to her at a field day years ago. She said she liked it because it rhymes with muscadine and is a phrase frequently used by Clark, former director of the Arkansas Fruit Breeding Program and Distinguished Professor Emeritus of horticulture, who began the program’s muscadine breeding in 2006.

Altus

The other new release, named Altus, is also black, seeded and cold hardy, but is smaller in size and targeted for wine and juice production.

Altus, in Franklin County, is home to many of the state’s wineries and has hosted wine production since the late 1800s.

Hot- and cold-pressed juices produced from Altus muscadines were compared by 66 consumers to those from the Noble cultivar, the most widely planted black muscadine for wine and juice production, and Altus scored higher with consumers liking it for flavor, sourness and overall impression.

Renee Threlfall, an associate professor of enology and viticulture with the Division of Agriculture and Bumpers College, was a co-inventor of the Altus variety and noted it can bring floral notes to beverages.

Worthington credited Arkansas’ Post Winery in Altus for being involved with the variety trials.

“I always really value when an industry partner is willing to trial new cultivars, so it’s nice to have somebody like Post look at the vines and see things they like in them,” she said.

Worthington noted that many wineries in the southeast U.S. make muscadine wine. In Arkansas, those include Post, Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, Mount Bethel Winery and Rusty Tractor Vineyards.

Muscadine wines are a serious business in Arkansas with a solid following. Muscadine wines earned top scores in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Arkansas Quality Wine competitions.

Those interested in purchasing these muscadine plants or Arkansas Fruit Breeding Program blackberries, grapes, or peaches and nectarines, can find a list of licensed nurseries online.

“We are all excited about our first two muscadine releases,” said Parker Cole, associate director of technology commercialization for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “Mighty Fine and Altus are great varieties and are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Fruit Breeding Program team to deliver new varieties for producers.”

Looking forward

Worthington noted that the breeding program is also working on seedless varieties, which consumers can look forward to in the years to come.

“I am very hopeful to see the muscadine industry grow in Arkansas,” she said. “I think they’re a really nice, adapted crop here, and I’m surprised I don’t see as many muscadines being grown and eaten here as I did in North Carolina where I’m from.”

For further information about licensing Mighty Fine or Altus, growers can contact the Technology Commercialization Office by phone at 479-575-3953 or email at [email protected].

To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website. Follow us on X at @ArkAgResearch, subscribe to the Food, Farms and Forests podcast and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.

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.

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.

Waldron Mayor Endorses Montgomery for District 52 State Representative

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Waldron Mayor Endorses Montgomery for District 52 State Representative

Brent Montgomery, a Republican candidate for Arkansas House District 52, has received the official endorsement of Waldron Mayor David Millard. The announcement came Thursday, July 17, marking a significant boost in Montgomery’s campaign as he seeks to represent Scott, Yell, and parts of Sebastian Counties in the state legislature.

Montgomery, who announced his candidacy in May, recently hosted a well-attended campaign kickoff event at Chamberlyne Country Club in Danville, where local leaders including Kelly Boyd, State Representative Mary Bentley, and Mayor Millard spoke in support of his campaign.

In his formal endorsement, Mayor Millard highlighted Montgomery’s work ethic, strong moral compass, and deep local roots.

“As humble as he is, Brent is very self-motivated to get things done,” Millard said. “Scott County will continue to have a voice in the Capitol with Brent. He has roots here, he’s grounded in Christian faith, and he truly has the ability and drive to serve.”

Millard, who is Montgomery’s uncle, also spoke to the family’s long-standing legacy in Scott County. Montgomery’s grandfather, the late Rev. Millard, was the longtime pastor of Harvey Assembly of God. “Public service runs in the family,” he added.

Montgomery, a successful business owner, said he felt called to public service and has taken steps to ensure his company will continue to operate smoothly in his absence. “When I felt led to run, I made changes within my business to free myself up to fully serve this district,” he said.

With the retirement of long-serving Representative Marcus Richmond, Montgomery acknowledged the responsibility of stepping into that role.

“I know I have big shoes to fill,” he said. “When I knock on doors, I want to take the time to send them a handwritten letter and make notes of their concerns. That kind of listening is important to me.”

Montgomery emphasized his commitment to accessibility, saying he plans to mirror Richmond’s responsiveness to constituents.

“Just as people recognized that Marcus returned calls and answered emails, I intend to do the same,” he said. “I want to represent the people of this entire district — that’s my plan.”

The campaign has already gained traction in all corners of District 52, with many noting Montgomery’s deep connections to the area and reputation for integrity. “He’ll serve all the people — not just Scott County,” said Mayor Millard. “But his heart is here, and that matters.”

Montgomery says he will continue meeting voters across the district in the months ahead, focusing on faith, family values, economic growth, and responsive leadership.

“This campaign isn’t about politics,” he said. “It’s about people. I want to hear from them and serve them with humility, honesty, and hard work.”

T-Mobile Announces the Return of Friday Night 5G Lights: Turning High School Football into a Nationwide Celebration of Hometown Pride

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T-Mobile Announces the Return of Friday Night 5G Lights: Turning High School Football into a Nationwide Celebration of Hometown Pride

Last season, nearly 1,750 high schools from all 50 states – including the Greenwood Bulldogs — brought unmatched energy and creativity, rallying their communities and the nation, ultimately crowning Inola High School from Inola, Oklahoma the grand prize winner.  

This year’s competition promises to be even bigger, with more winners, more prizes and more chances for small towns to shine on a national stage. 450 schools will win $5,000 through weekly $5K Fridays giveaways, 25 finalists will each score $25,000 for their football programs and more.  

The grand prize winner will receive a $1 million football field upgrade, a renovated weight room from Gronk Fitness, a consultation with stadium experience experts, an all-expense-paid trip to the SEC Championship Game for select school officials and students and a tailgate party revealing the finalized upgrades in 2026.   

More than 2,500 high schools across the country have pre-registered, and 36 high schools already signed up across Arkansas, including Greenwood again.

During last year’s contest, Greenwood High School Bulldog’s football team was awarded $25,000 for field improvements and moved to the second round.

Here’s How to Get in the Game: 

  • Eligible to high schools in towns under 150,000 residents 
  •  Deadline to Apply: September 12 
  •  Entry Website: www.FridayNight5GLights.com 
  • Entries should include a short story on why the school deserves a game-changing field transformation. 
  • Finalist selection will be based on creativity, need, and community spirit.  
  • Public voting opens Sept. 25 – Oct. 24, with bonus votes earned via weekly “Social Plays.” 
  • The grand prize winner will be announced on Oct. 30. 

To learn more about today’s announcement, visit the newsroom.

Back to school: What happens after school is important too

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Back to school: What happens after school is important too

By Mary Hightower
U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

What happens after school is as important as what happens during class time.

Routines are important to keep busy families stay organized, fed and rested while still getting essential activities done, said Brittney Schrick, extension family life specialist for the Division of Agriculture.

It’s important for parents or guardians to set clear expectations and allow time for everyone to get into a daily routine. It is a good idea to begin the back-to-school routines before school begins, Schrick said, adding that “a few days is usually sufficient, but some children may need longer adjustment time.”

Once the dismissal bell rings, “make sure your child knows the after-school plan and be sure to communicate that with their teachers and all other necessary people,” she said. “Most schools have strict policies about pick-up/end-of-day procedures.

“If your child typically walks home, but they are picked up when it is raining, the school needs to know,” Schrick said. “If you normally pick your child up, but grandma is doing the pickup on Fridays, the school and your child need to know that as well.”

Routine is also important once the sun goes down.

“Going back to school also means going back to bed at a set time every night,” Schrick said. “Establishing a routine is essential to ensuring a good night’s sleep for your child.

“The same process of getting ready for bed each night will help prepare the child’s body and mind for rest,” she said. “A child’s bedtime routine should be consistent, relaxing and free from distractions.”

Schrick also has a publication for parents to gauge their child’s readiness to be home alone. Home Alone Handbook: Is Your Child Ready? MP571.

Schrick has other suggestions, including information about screentime at her Family Life Fridays blog.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. 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.

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