January 2023

Letter to the Editor

A Special Election for Highland School District is being held Feb. 14 for the proposed school budget and tax levy beginning fiscal year July 1, 2024. Included in this budget is a TAX levy INCREASE of 8.9 new debt service mills. The proposed increased tax money is to build/fund a new high school among other projects. This is the SECOND TIME this specific school mill tax increase will be put to the citizens of the district.

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House of Representatives

On the third week of the 2023 Regular Session, the House passed legislation that could impact everything from car tags to the start of the school year. HB1150 which would extend the time period Arkansans have to register a vehicle.

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Community Matters: Nonprofit Professionals

In the Spring River Area of Arkansas, comprised of the cities of Ash Flat, Cherokee Village, Highland, and Hardy, you will find dedicated people serving to make life better for the common good of the community in organizations like the Mission of Hope, Comfort Keepers, CASA, John 316 Ministries, New Beginnings Pregnancy Center, and many others. Across America, in communities like Salem, AR, organizations such as the North Central Arkansas Development Council, Inc. are providing solutions to address wicked problems like eliminating poverty or providing literacy programs to help our children read. What makes these organizations unique are the nonprofit professionals who provide day-to-day boots on the ground to deliver programs and services to meet the needs of people and improve their quality of life. Service provider professionals is a term distinctive to the nonprofit sector because nonprofit organizations are the communities' safety net, delivering public programs and services for the common good of the community and its citizenry.

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FINANCIAL FOCUS

Before you turn 65, you’ll want to become familiar with Medicare’s rules and features. And if you’re a high earner, you’ll want to be especially aware of the Medicare premium surcharge — because, over time, it can add up to some significant dollars.

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