February 2023

WHEREAS: On or about January 30, 2023, severe winter weather began in Arkansas and continues to cause dangers, hardships, and suffering throughout the state, which in turn, warrants this executive action; WHEREAS: Within the State of Arkansas, great hardship has fallen upon its citizens, including their businesses and their public and private property; WHEREAS: The winter weather is limiting commercial vehicles from accomplishing their designated responsibilities of hauling heavy equipment, oversized loads, transformers, necessary hardware, and other transmission and distribution equipment to line crews for the purpose of restoring power to the citizens of the State of Arkansas; WHEREAS: There is a likelihood of numerous downed power lines, and it is important to maintain a safe distance from the downed power lines and from the line crews and equipment restoring power to the citizens of the State of Arkansas; WHEREAS: The winter weather has resulted in dangerous road conditions creating a backlog of deliveries by commercial vehicles transporting essential items of commerce to customers in Arkansas; WHEREAS: The winter weather is limiting commercial vehicles from accomplishing their designated responsibilities of hauling feed and picking up poultry; and WHEREAS: Pursuant to 49 CFR §390.23, the Governor is authorized to declare a regional emergency for the duration of emergency conditions, not to exceed thirty (30) days from the date of the initial declaration of emergency, and any motor carrier or driver operating a commercial motor vehicle to provide emergency relief is temporarily exempt from the regulations found in 49 C.F.R. §390 to §399 for the duration of the declared emergency.

For a special Valentine’s adventure far beyond the realms of the ordinary, come to the James Ranch in Pocahontas on Feb. 14 for an extra special delight for all of your senses.

Wilson Masonic Lodge #432 of Hardy, Ark. welcomed brother Steve Stroud into the fraternity as an Entered Apprentice on Friday Jan. 27. Brothers from five surrounding lodges in the area took part in the initial Entered Apprentice (EA) ceremony following a meal and fellowship.