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AEDC Launches State's First Industrial Site Development Program

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AEDC Launches State's First Industrial Site Development Program


In an announcement on Monday, June 10, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) launched the Arkansas Site Development Program to provide matching funding for site development improvement efforts throughout the state. According to a press release by the organization, the program is designed to “enhance industrial site readiness and competitiveness for job-creating projects in Arkansas.”

The announcement marks the first industrial site development program in Arkansas state history. The Arkansas Site Development Program was developed by AEDC under the leadership of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, with AEDC officials working with the Arkansas General Assembly on its creation.

“In economic development, having shovel-ready sites is vital for attracting great companies to locate and expand,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “The Arkansas Site Development Program will give our local communities the resources they need to enhance their industrial sites and give them a competitive edge for economic development projects in the future.”

The program allows eligible applicants to apply for funding to improve the competitiveness of qualified industrial sites for economic development projects. Applicants can be from cities, towns and counties in Arkansas, as well as economic development organizations and chambers of commerce.

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To qualify for the program, applicants must submit industrial sites with at least 30 acres of contiguous land listed on the Arkansas Site Selection Database. Sites must be owned or optioned by an applicant, and optioned sites must be owned by the applicant when the grant agreement is executed.

A variety of site development projects can be funded through the Arkansas Site Development Program, according to the release, including extension and improvement of public infrastructure to the site, right of way acquisition, easement acquisition, soil borings and analysis, construction costs for site improvements, including drainage improvements, easement, dozer or dirt work, grading, site mitigation and site rehabilitation, due diligence study costs, and other site development-related activities deemed necessary by AEDC to “improve a site’s competitiveness.”

The application period opened on Monday. Applicants must submit their intent to apply for program funding by Aug. 1 – the application deadline is Sept. 2. The funding awards will be announced in November.

Projects will be evaluated on a 100-point scale in seven categories, including site conditions, utilities, transportation infrastructure, site due diligence, current marketing efforts, local funding match and site certification.

For more information, view the Arkansas Site Development Program FAQ sheet.

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To apply for the program, click here.

READ ALSO: SOUTHERN BANCORP LAUNCHES MINORITY BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM



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Fog Lifts on Status of Razorbacks’ Injured Trio Ahead of Auburn Rematch

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Fog Lifts on Status of Razorbacks’ Injured Trio Ahead of Auburn Rematch



Photo Credit: Craven Whitlow / On3

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Love might be in the air when No. 21 Arkansas hosts Auburn for a Valentine’s Day clash Saturday night, but revenge will be on the menu.

The Razorbacks (18-6, 8-3 SEC) suffered their first conference loss when they faced the Tigers (14-10, 5-6 SEC) on the road back in January. It feels harsh to say a 22-point margin of defeat flattered the Hogs, but the game was even uglier than the 95-73 scoreline indicated.

Arkansas basketball coach John Calipari said afterwards there was “no way” for his team to win that game with how poorly they played and how well Auburn performed. Now back in the friendly confines of Bud Walton Arena, the Hogs can get their get-back.

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The Tigers, meanwhile, will be looking to get back in the win column after three straight losses to Tennessee, Alabama and Vanderbilt. Auburn basketball coach Steven Pearl even apologized after failing to defend home court against the Commodores on Tuesday.

Arkansas has won five of its last six games, most recently dominating back-to-back road games against Mississippi State and LSU.

That’s even more impressive considering the Hogs were without sophomore wing Karter Knox (knee) and junior guard DJ Wagner (ankle) for both contests. The shorthanded Razorbacks were able to make do against two opponents with a combined 5-17 mark in league play, but they’ll need to be back to full strength to feel good about this matchup.

Fortunately, a source indicated to Best of Arkansas Sports that Knox and Wagner are expected to play Saturday. Both returners have struggled this season, and it remains to be seen if their two-week absence can act as a fresh start or not. Big man Malique Ewin, who took a shot to the face Tuesday that required four stitches to fix up, should also be good to go.

The initial SEC availability report will be released Friday night, but that trio returning would be a major boon for Arkansas — especially considering the ways in which Auburn dominated the first matchup.

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Scouting Auburn Basketball (Again)

As Arkansas fans know all too well, everything for the Tigers starts with Keyshawn Hall — the 6-foot-7 Swiss army knife hung 32 points on Arkansas last month. The senior is averaging 20.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 40.6% from three. He accounts for nearly a quarter of Auburn’s scoring and is incredibly efficient inside the arc, as well, sinking 63.2% of his two-pointers.

Hall is a volume shooter who rebounds well for his position and draws fouls at a high clip (2.6 PF drawn per game). Arkansas cannot allow him clean catch-and-shoot rhythm or straight-line drives. Razorback defenders will have to body him up, contest everything and make him finish over length and through contact. That screams Billy Richmond III, but Knox’s return will also be a big help here.

The tone-setter in the backcourt is Tahaad Pettiford (6-foot-1). He’s averaging 14.1 points and 3.5 assists. Despite lackluster efficiency from behind the arc (26.5%), his 1.59 assist-to-turnover ratio shows he’s steady with the ball. Despite scoring just 8 points in Auburn’s earlier win, Pettiford tallied 7 assists and only two turnovers in under 30 minutes during the blowout.

Pettiford’s value is pace control, though he’s capable of electric scoring bursts. When he gets downhill, Auburn’s offense flows. This is where Wagner’s defensive presence at the point of attack will be vital.

Acuff should be able to attack offensively if he’s matched up with the smaller Pettiford, though Auburn will likely put a bigger body on Arkansas’ standout freshman.

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KeShawn Murphy (6-foot-10) provides the physical interior backbone. He’s averaging 10.5 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting efficiently and stretching the floor at 36.7% from three on low volume. The senior averages 1.8 stocks (steals plus blocks), often swinging the momentum with his defensive presence.

Ewin, Nick Pringle and Trevon Brazile hosted a block party against LSU, but they’ll have their hands full in this contest and will have to stay out of foul trouble.

Kevin Overton (6-foot-5) is another dangerous complementary piece. He averages 12.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and a team-leading 1.4 steals, shooting 36.5% from three.

Predicting Arkansas vs Auburn

Auburn plays fast and confident offensively, scoring at a high clip but giving up nearly 79 points per game. The Tigers rank 11th in offensive efficiency on KenPom but just 84th on defense. The Razorbacks are fifth and 42nd, respectively.

This is not an airtight defensive group — it’s a tempo-and-shotmaking team. Auburn scores in volume but isn’t dominant on the glass (29.4 rebounds per game), although the Razorbacks lost the rebounding battle by nine in the first matchup. Arkansas will have to be better on the boards and avoid live ball turnovers to dictate the game’s flow. The Hogs are 2-4 when outrebounded by five or more and 16-2 otherwise.

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Even after consecutive blowout wins, complacency shouldn’t be a hindrance for Arkansas given the way the first matchup went. Arkansas has played connected, disciplined basketball with sharper defensive attention to detail in its last two outings. If that edge carries over, the Hogs flip the script.

Arkansas wins, 92-78.

How to Watch Arkansas vs Auburn

Date: Saturday, Feb. 14

Location: Bud Walton Arena (Fayetteville, Ark.)

Tipoff Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. CT (ESPN)

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ESPN BPI: Arkansas has a 65.6% chance to win and is favored by 4.0 points.

KenPom: Arkansas has a 72% chance to win, with a projected score of 87-80.

Odds/Betting Line: Arkansas, -7.5 | O/U 167.5 (BetSaracen)

Need a refresher on how the first matchup went? Here’s our recap of the Arkansas vs Auburn game on Jan. 10:

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YouTube video

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More coverage of Arkansas basketball from BoAS:

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  • Michael Main is a Fayetteville native who, like both of his older brothers, attended the University of Arkansas. Main graduated in 2025 with a double major in journalism and political science and a minor in legal studies. He spent his childhood following the Razorbacks closely and attending as many games as possible, witnessing iconic moments like the Michael Qualls put-back dunk, the Henry Heave and a number of field stormings. Main was a member of the Razorback Marching Band and Hogwild Pep Band, attending every home football and basketball game while he was a student and traveling to San Francisco, Providence, Tampa and elsewhere for postseason play. After freelancing for BoAS for a year and a half, the 22-year-old made the transition to a full-time role as senior writer following his graduation. In his free time, Main is likely spending time outdoors, enjoying the company of friends or feeding his obsession with Liverpool FC and European football as a whole.



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Arkansas Lottery Cash 3, Cash 4 winning numbers for Feb. 12, 2026

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The Arkansas Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Cash 3 numbers from Feb. 12 drawing

Midday: 4-4-5

Evening: 4-6-5

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Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from Feb. 12 drawing

Midday: 5-3-4-9

Evening: 1-8-9-6

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Feb. 12 drawing

10-12-24-32-35, Lucky Ball: 12

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Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Natural State Jackpot numbers from Feb. 12 drawing

02-24-25-32-37

Check Natural State Jackpot payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Arkansas Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Cash 3 Midday: 12:59 p.m. CT daily except Sunday.
  • Cash 3 Evening: 6:59 p.m. CT daily.
  • Cash 4 Midday: 12:59 p.m. CT daily except Sunday.
  • Cash 4 Evening: 6:59 p.m. CT daily.
  • Lucky For Life: 9:30 p.m. CT daily.
  • Natural State Jackpot: 8 p.m. CT daily except Sunday.
  • LOTTO: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

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You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Arkansas editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Two Arkansas men convicted on methamphetamine, cocaine conspiracies across multiple states

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Two Arkansas men convicted on methamphetamine, cocaine conspiracies across multiple states


A federal jury has convicted two Arkansas men and a California man involved in methamphetamine and cocaine conspiracies that spanned from California to Texas to Arkansas, involving multiple pounds of drugs.

The trial, spanning six days, ended Tuesday evening with guilty verdicts for 54-year-old Bruce McArthur Smith, of Hesperia, Calif., 54-year-old Kevin Langel, of Pine Bluff, and 71-year-old Larry Rogers, of Benton.

The three men were initially indicted in November 2022, with a federal grand jury returning a Superseding Indictment on January 6, 2026. Smith was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.

Langel and Rogers were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, with Langel’s charge involving more than five kilograms of cocaine and Rogers’ charge involving more than 500 grams, but less than five kilograms of cocaine.

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Evidence proved the controlled substances being sold by the three men were ultimately purchased from 58-year-old Roderick Toney, of Little Rock.

Toney pleaded guilty on February 7, 2025, to conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Toney is awaiting sentencing.

At the trial, the prosecution presented phone calls between Smith and Toney that detailed multiple methamphetamine transactions.

The investigation revealed that Smith knew individuals in Pine Bluff and came to Arkansas multiple times during the conspiracy period of 2020 through 2022.

Toney received a large amount of methamphetamine directly from Smith at an apartment complex in Little Rock several times during the period.

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In June and July 2022, Toney was purchasing kilograms of Cocaine from Rogers.

Evidence detailed Toney and Rogers’ movements on July 14, 2022, when Rogers obtained money from a relative of Toney’s at a car wash, and proceeded to travel to a business on Geyer Springs Road in Little Rock, where he met Langel and obtained a kilogram of cocaine.

In addition to evidence that Langel was the source of supply of cocaine that Rogers obtained for Toney, the prosecution presented evidence that Langel was involved in numerous kilogram transactions of cocaine sourced from Houston and Dallas in late 2022 and early 2023.

All men were detained following the jury’s verdict and will be sentenced at a later time.

Smith and Langel’s conspiracy charges carry a minimum sentence of 10 years, with a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a minimum of five years’ supervised release to follow. Rogers’ charge carries a minimum of five years and a maximum sentence of 40 years, and four years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

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