Arkansas
ATU's Gunther Earns Statewide Agriculture Scholarship – Arkansas Tech University
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.
CORNING, Ark. (KATV) — Regulatory Enforcement Agents with the Department of Finance and Administration, along with local police, seized a significant amount of illegal THC products from Pacific Green in Corning on Tuesday.
According to the DFA, more than a dozen agents joined the City of Corning Police in the day-long operation that resulted in two arrests.
DFA agents seized more than 25 pounds of illegal products consisting of flower, vapes, and edibles.
Owner Ben Bennett and employee Sharia Shipman were arrested and both charged with the following:
- Delivery of a Schedule VI controlled substance (Class D Felony)
- Possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with the purpose to deliver (Class B Felony)
- Controlled substances – Offenses relating to records, maintaining premises (Class C Felony)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class D Felony)
- Unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate certain crimes (Class C Felony)
Bennett’s bond was set at $150,000, while Shipman’s bond was set at $100,000.
“In addition to selling illegal products, investigators confirmed violations involving underage access at this location,” said David Potter, Director of the Regulatory Enforcement Division. “This retailer, which was located within 1,000 feet of a school, presented significant public health and safety concerns. We are proud to partner with the Corning Police Department in addressing these violations. We seized a substantial quantity of illegal products, including flower, vapes, edibles, and other items, during the operation. We appreciate the cooperation of local law enforcement and information received from the community that led to yesterday’s operation and stopped this blatant disregard of the law.”
Note: All suspects accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.
The Department of Finance and Administration said Arkansans can use Apple Wallet to present their license or ID in person, online and in apps at select organizations, including at more than 250 Transportation Security
IDEMIA Public Security North America and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s Division of Driver Services and Motor Vehicles have launched Arkansas driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet, allowing residents to securely store and use their credentials on an iPhone or Apple Watch.
The new feature gives Arkansans the ability to present their identification at participating businesses and venues, at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints in more than 250 airports, and online or within apps when age or identity verification is required.
The launch builds on Arkansas’ ongoing efforts to expand digital identification options. In March 2025, the state introduced the Arkansas Mobile ID app, and officials say adding IDs to Apple Wallet offers residents another secure and convenient way to access their credentials.
“We’re proud to build on our partnership with the Arkansas DFA’s Division of Driver Services and Motor Vehicles, expanding on the launch of the Arkansas Mobile ID app in March 2025. The launch of ID in Apple Wallet in the state provides Arkansas residents a new, secure way to store and present their digital credentials, with transparency and control over how their information is shared at the forefront,” said Rob Gardner, CEO, IDEMIA Civil Identity.
To add an Arkansas driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet, users can tap the plus sign at the top of the Wallet app on their iPhone, select “Driver’s License or State ID,” and follow the verification process.
Officials say privacy and security were central considerations in the rollout. Information stored in Apple Wallet is encrypted on a user’s device, and users control when and how their information is shared. When presenting an ID, only the information necessary to verify age or identity is provided.
Apple and the Arkansas Division of Driver Services and Motor Vehicles also do not receive information about when or where residents use their digital IDs.
The technology is also designed to make verification easier for businesses. Participating businesses can use IDEMIA’s Mobile ID Verify app to accept and verify mobile IDs directly from an iPhone without requiring customers to hand over their devices or use additional hardware.
The launch marks another step toward broader adoption of digital credentials in Arkansas, giving residents a secure alternative to carrying a physical driver’s license or state ID while maintaining control over their personal information.
For information on the launch of IDs in Apple Wallet in Arkansas, click here.
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