Opinion

LITTLE ROCK – When the legislature convenes in regular session in January, lawmakers will consider changing how district courts are funded. The outcome will be important throughout the judicial system.

I have been letting people know through this column of the outdoorsman’s swap meet I am holding at our now-finished ‘nature centermuseum’ building a mile south of Houston, Missouri, on Hwy 63, come Saturday, October 26. We have spaces for a half dozen more “vendors”. Vendors, being someone who brings a table and sells outdoor gear… old fishing lures, old guns, etc. There is no cost so if you want to come join us, please let me know so I can save you one of those spaces. If you have an old gun or two, or only a few fishing items, or any kind of antiques (old tools, old paddles, etc.), bring them and I will try to sell them for you at my table.

Dad and I closed up the pool hall one late summer night, noting that we had only accumulated a total of 16 dollars as a result of the entire day’s business. That wasn’t a good day, but it was a good day to float on the Piney rather than play pool.

Legislators and state officials continue to work on methods of improving maternal health care in Arkansas. A special committee created by the governor last week issued its recommendations in a report called “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies.” It calls for making access to health care clearer and more convenient for expectant mothers.

Workman’s Comp LITTLE ROCK – A legislative committee has signed off on stronger penalties against pharmacy benefit managers that fail to reimburse local drug stores according to rates established in state law. The Senate and House Committees on Insurance and Commerce reviewed and accepted new rules proposed by the Arkansas Insurance Department.

Ephesians 3:17-19 So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all fullness of God.

To the Board of Trustees, I have made the decision to resign from the Marion County Library Board of Trustees, effective August 30, 2024. I began my service on January 1, 2022.

Arkansas LITTLE ROCK – The state has begun a new campaign to make people aware of the variety of Medicaid services for which they may be eligible, especially if someone in their family has a disability. The intent is to help people with disabilities live more independently by getting services in their own home or in their local community, rather than in an institutional setting such as a long-term care facility or a hospital.

This week, the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee reviewed a vital report from the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regarding family preservation services. The data presented painted a hopeful picture of progress in our efforts to support Arkansas families and protect our children.

To the people of Marion County: When you come to the Marion County Library, you are greeted by a friendly, knowledgeable, welcoming staff. The Library Director ensures that the library operates according to the principles set forth by the Arkansas State Library.