POCAHONTAS, Ark. (KAIT) – The Arkansas Department of Transportation is working on putting a bypass that connects Highway 67 and Highway 90.

Mayor Keith Futrell says that the citizens of Pocahontas have wanted this for years.

“Well for several years, ARDOT has looked at this project of putting a bypass from Highway 67 over to Highway 90 which will cross Highway 115 also. The citizens of Pocahontas have asked for it for a long time,” Futrell said.

The bypass would give semi-trucks and others a chance to avoid in-city traffic and get to the highways more efficiently.

“With PECO being in town and we have such a large gravel quarry here. The trucks they come through Pocahontas, hundreds a day, they come down our city streets and we’re gonna try to move majority of the truck traffic to the Northside of the town,” Futrell said.

Although the new bypass could benefit the city, residents with property along the proposed path have some concerns.

Greg Baltz, one of those property owners, says he’s both worried and hopeful.

“The fact that the city or the state needs to come in and take a piece of property is concerning to us but more importantly I think being a resident of Pocahontas and seeing the growth or potential growth we have, this bypass is needed,” Balts said.

There will be a meeting held by ARDOT on Tuesday, July 23. ARDOT will go over the cost of this project when they intend to start, and the final plans. Baltz hopes positive things will come out of the meeting

“Well first I want make a final look at the exact plans, and exactly where they are going, I know it’s been narrowed down very close, and look at it again. And then just to start to feel out how much of our property they are going to take and what the compensation numbers will be,” Baltz said.

Both Futrell and Baltz expressed that this bypass has a chance to grow the city of Pocahontas even more and that they are both excited and anxious to see how things will shake out.

The meeting will be held at the Community Center in Pocahontas from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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The Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday that an Arkansas coalition of municipal planners has been named the recipient of a $100 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant award for energy innovation.

Metroplan, the central Arkansas urban planning agency, teamed with the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission and the city of Fort Smith to form the Arkansas Tri-Region CPRG Coalition, which submitted a proposal seeking a CPRG grant. The proposal, titled “Energy and Environment Innovation for the Natural State,” was one of 25 from across the country selected by the EPA for CPRG funding. Metroplan served as the lead agency on the proposal.

The grant will fund projects throughout central Arkansas, northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley, an area representing half of the state’s population. Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, Metroplan board president, said the award is a testament to the group’s commitment to environmental stewardship as well as a call to action.

“We stand at the forefront of an ambitious journey to foster a sustainable future for our community,” he said. “Together with the EPA, we will implement innovative solutions that will significantly improve our environment and quality of life. We are honored to be among the select few to spearhead these transformative programs.”

The award will fund projects to sequester and reduce emissions by protecting and restoring natural areas, increasing efficiency and improving access to active transportation and transit, according to a press release. Projects such as LED streetlights and EV charging are intended to reduce emissions from the transportation sector and building efficiency funding will support net-zero technologies for public and commercial buildings. Projects will be designed to ensure equitable access to the environmental benefits funded by the grant.

“By preserving critical outdoor spaces, enhancing active transportation and demonstrating innovative energy solutions, the CPRG implementation funding will be transformative for the Natural State and our state’s growing economy and tourism,” said Metroplan Executive Director Casey Covington. “Our coalition’s selection for an award speaks to the benefits of partnerships among and within regions to achieve common energy and environment innovation goals.”

The coalition partnered with more than 50 communities, agencies and organizations across three regions to develop projects and programs included in the proposal. It received support from the state and from the state’s congressional delegation.

Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan said funds from the award will support the city’s recently adopted climate action plan.

“This grant brings us one step closer to achieving nature-based solutions at the city and regional level,” he said.

In Fort Smith, award funds will support projects within the city’s energy and environment innovation plan.

“We are honored to be selected to receive a portion of this vital grant from the EPA,” said Mayor George McGill. “This recognition underscores our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. These initiatives will not only improve the quality of life for our residents but also have a positive impact on our environment, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for the city of Fort Smith and the Natural State.”

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Arkansas Tech University student Rose Gunther is one of 10 college students from around the Natural State selected for a 2024-25 Farm Credit of Western Arkansas Scholarship.

Gunther, a junior from Bigelow, will use the $2,000 scholarship to continue her pursuit of a agriculture business degree from ATU. She holds membership in the ATU Presidential Leadership Cabinet and National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS).

“As an agriculture student at Arkansas Tech University, I’ve been impressed by two key strengths that have made a significant difference in my experience,” said Gunther. “The biggest strength is the student-to-teacher connections. By having smaller classroom sizes that allow the teacher to know each student, I feel more motivated and confident inside and outside the classroom. I have no problem answering during class or stepping up to help an organization because I feel valued as an individual rather than just a number in a crowd.

“The other strength,” continued Gunther, “is that professors understand student’s unique challenges and are willing to adapt to meet their needs. This flexibility has been especially helpful in balancing work and classes while pushing us to do our best. Overall, my experience with the agriculture program has been awesome, and I’m grateful for the opportunities now and in the future.”

According to a news release from Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, the scholarship program has awarded more than $400,000 to students since 1996. Recipients must demonstrate exemplary academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, volunteer activities and financial need.

To qualify, applicants must be full-time students at an accredited college, university or trade program for the 2024-25 academic year. They must also be the children and/or grandchildren of Farm Credit of Western Arkansas members or members themselves.

“Being recognized by Farm Credit of Western Arkansas with this scholarship is an honor,” said Gunther. “It’s not just financial support. It represents a validation of my hard work and potential. I was fortunate to receive this scholarship twice and appreciate that my small efforts and achievements are valued within the agriculture industry. It has also motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my academic and personal pursuits in hopes that my minor contributions will have a significant impact in the future. This scholarship not only eases my financial burden, but it inspires me to help my community and beyond, just as Farm Credit of Western Arkansas has done through its support.”

Learn more about the ATU agriculture program at www.atu.edu/agriculture.