AGFC launches new license system, Smartphone app

Submitted by AGFC

LITTLE ROCK

— Renewing your hunting and fishing licenses this year will be easier than ever before, thanks to an upgraded online licensing portal launching this month. Smartphone users also will find a new AGFC mobile app to download and keep handy this hunting season.

The main license purchasing web page will be similar to previous online license systems, but will offer more user-friendly customizations, including license listings based upon the user’s residency, age and current license purchases.

“You’ll get the same feel as many online stores where you will create and log into a personalized account and only the selections that you are eligible for will be visible,” Spencer Griffith, AGFC Deputy Director, said. “You will need to log in using your choice of contact information you’ve submitted in the past, and the system will connect you with your account. Once you’re set up, the system should be much faster to use, so you can get out hunting and fishing instead of fiddling with a website or your phone.”

The new system also will be more inclusive to all hunters and anglers in Arkansas. By the end of the year, the interface will be available in both English and Spanish.

In addition to the new license system, the AGFC’s smartphone application will see a relaunch later this week to make it more compatible with today’s smartphones and make checking deer and turkeys possible without the need for cell phone service.

To take advantage of these features, users will need to delete the old app from their phones and find the new application listed under “AGFC” in Apple’s app store and the Google Play store. Once the new app is downloaded, users will need to log in to their same account as the website to ensure all their license purchases are correct. When hunting seasons begin, the number of tags each license allows will be activated. The hunter can log back into the app before the hunt to verify their tags. After that, they may use those tag locations in the app to check their deer, bear or turkey, even without a cell signal.

Once the phone is back in range of data signals, the information will be sent to the information, but the proof of the filled electronic tag on the hunter’s phone will serve as proof that the hunter has electronically tagged their deer.

“People can still tag their deer with a paper tag they make themselves until they reach cell phone service and call it in, but the app adds a level of convenience for our hunters to get their deer checked and get it home to enjoy as quickly as possible,” Griffith said.

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Farm Bureau has launched the Ag Innovation Challenge, a statewide business competition that showcases Arkansas startups developing innovative solutions to address challenges facing Arkansas farmers, ranchers and rural communities. The challenge is presented in partnership with Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas. The application window is open now and closes Oct. 8.

Challenge applicants must represent a for-profit business and submit a business plan, business pitch, product images and other assets for review. Judges will review all applications and select five semi-finalists to present at the Arkansas Farm Bureau Annual Meeting on Nov. 30 with a winner and runner-up announced at the meeting in Little Rock.

“We’re excited to hear from Arkansas-based companies who are investing in innovative solutions that serve our members,” says Philip Powell, director of local affairs and rural development at Arkansas Farm Bureau. “We continue to search for ways to bring value and build community for our members and I’m hopeful this competition will advance the work we’re doing in a meaningful way.”

Cash prizes totaling $15,000 will be awarded to the top two businesses, with the winner receiving $7,500 and the runner-up earning $5,000. There will also be a People’s Choice award winner to be awarded $2,500.

Entrepreneurs entering the contest must be 18 and a current member of Arkansas Farm Bureau.

The Ag Innovation Challenge application can be found at arfb.swoogo.com/arkaginnovationchallenge. For more information, please contact Philip Powell at Philip.Powell@arfb. com.

Extension agriculture agents from all 75 Arkansas counties want to know how their constituents use the livestock, forage and gardening resources of the Cooperative Extension Service, and have opened a survey for feedback.

The Cooperative Extension Service is the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Its aim is to share research-based knowledge about a wide range of topics including farming, gardening and raising livestock.

“We’ve opened an online survey with questions about how people find out about and use specific resources of ours,” said Brad Runsick, the Baxter County extension staff chair who initiated the survey.

The survey doesn’t address row or field crops.

“Our mission each year, in planning our work, is to provide a relevant service to the people we serve,” Runsick said. “I and my fellow agents truly want to plan our work for the coming year based on feedback from the people we are helping now and hope to help in the future.”

The nine-question survey should take only a few minutes to complete. The survey will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 15.

Some of the resources offered by the Cooperative Extension Service include publications on gardening, soil testing and other diagnostic services, as well as production meetings where farmers and ranchers can hear about relevant recommendations and be face-to-face with land grant experts.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu/ .

Steven Michael Severson, age 76, passed away on August 25, 2023, in Ft Smith, AR. He was born on March 10, 1947, in Faribault, MN, to the late Gordon Severson and Florence Gagnon.

Steve joined the Army right out of high school and spent 9 years as a supply and weapons expert. Steve’s lifelong career was in the meat packing business. He started in Albert Lea, MN, and retired from the Tyson plant in Grannis, AR. He had 35 years of service as a Federal Food Inspector.

Steve loved riding motorcycles and going to car shows with his 1953 Chevy firetruck. It won many trophies and plaques, and he was very proud of it and thoroughly enjoyed “Big Red”.

Steve was very well known for his “Bubba” jokes and his day was complete when he had made one or more people smile.

Steve designed and built a small spacious trailer court in Cove, AR. For many years he enjoyed interactions with many long-term tenants who have become friends.

For a long time Steve was very active in the Knights of Columbus. Cooking and serving at those fish dinners was his forte. South Polk County Why Catholic was also a huge joy every week for many years. He delighted in his friends coming to the house for delicious food and spiritual growth studies and discussions.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Thomas Severson. He is survived by Peggy, his beloved wife of 27 years; his son Tim, wife Pricila and grandsons Scott and Dino Severson of Las Vegas, NV; and son Brian Severson of Cove. His stepson; Joe Betz and wife Amy Hilbert of Fayetteville,

AR; stepdaughter Kathy (the wonderful kidney donor) and husband Blake Patterson of Hot Springs, AR, stepson David and wife Amy Betz of Mena, AR. He also has 5 step grandchildren; Taylor, Alex, Gabe, Olivia and Amelia Betz. Also very dear to him is his St. Agnes family with friends too numerous to mention.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Agnes Food Pantry, a ministry dear to Steve’s heart.

A visitation and rosary are scheduled for Thursday, August 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bowser funeral home. The Mass of Christian burial will be on Friday, September 1, at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Catholic Church with Fr. Joseph Shantiraj as the celebrant. Interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Mena, AR.

Mae Justice, age 89, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, August 20, 2023, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born on Wednesday, May 6, 1934, to Martin and Alice Boda Anderson in Mason City, Iowa.

Mae was known for her infectious energy, lively spirit and her unwavering love for her family and her church, Christ’s Church at Mountain Fork. Her life was characterized by fun and a loving heart that never tired of giving. Mae’s passion for the word of God was evident in her daily living. Her favorite book was the Bible, and she spent countless hours studying its pages, drawing strength and wisdom to share with others. She found solace in gospel music, the lyrics and melodies resonating with her deep faith. An ardent Attendee at Christ’s Church at Mountain Fork, Mae’s faith was unwavering, finding expression in her role as a Prayer

Warrior. She embodied the spirit of intercession, frequently praying for her children and grandchildren with unwavering faith.

In addition to her spiritual activities, Mae loved spending time working in the yard, immersed in the beauty of nature. She had a talent for making things grow, not just plants, but also the love and laughter in those around her. She was a fan of the television show Virgin River, a small indulgence that reflected her love for community and strong relationships. An avid card player, Mae could frequently be found at the gaming table with her friends, her lively and active personality shining through.

Mae leaves behind a legacy of love and faith. Her life was a testament to the importance she placed on loving God and family, a lesson that she imparted to those she left behind. But more than that, she taught us all how to have a good time, to embrace life with a lively spirit, and to cultivate a loving and active lifestyle. Her memory will be cherished, and her lessons remembered. To Mae, the world was an array of opportunities to love, laugh, and live to the fullest.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Virgil Justice; one brother, Gary Anderson; and one sister, Fayetta Miller; one grandson, Tony Trammell.

Mae is survived by her one son and daughter-in-law, Willis and Carolyn Strickland of Mena; three daughters and son-in-law, Rose and Carlos Morales of Corinth, Texas, Peggy Cunningham of Colorado, Susan Wilson of Mena; thirteen grandchildren, Andrew, Jordan, Karen, Carlos, Sam, Jacob, Jessica, Jonathan, Bobby, Joy, Patrick, Kevin, and Angel; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; numerous nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends and her beloved church family in Mountain Fork.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the Rocky Cemetery in Rocky, Arkansas. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. Online guestbook: bowserffh.com

Connie Joe Kelsey, 77, of Mena passed away on August 21, 2023, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born on June 19, 1946, to Arlin Kelsey and Ola Annie Roberts-Kelsey.

She enjoyed gardening, making Jewelry, going to church, and spending time with her family. She loved her puppies, and she was a loving friend to many and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Connie leaves behind her daughter Katherin Beaty and her husband Weldon; her grandchildren Michael Beaty and his wife Cathy, Weldon Brandon Beaty and his wife Amanda, Meagan Shanice Lasalle, Teagan Hilton and her husband Cody, and Elizabeth Dotson and her husband Thomas; her great-grandchildren Declan Dotson, Nolan Dotson, Naomi Lasalle, Jacelynn Beaty, Weldon Braydon Beaty, Aya Beaty, Coraline Beaty, Cassius Beaty, and Grady Beaty; Cheryl Chaney-Anglin; and her extended family and friends.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501982-3400. Online guestbook available at anaturalstatefuneralservice.com/.

Joseph Dwight Evans, age 91, of Zafra, Oklahoma, died Sunday, August 27, 2023. He was born Tuesday, March 8, 1932, to William “Bill” and Addie Evans in West Valley, Arkansas.

Dwight, affectionately referred to as Pa, was a hard worker who dedicated his life to faith, family, and farming. He was an avid guitar picker who loved to sing gospel music and never missed a Sunday morning church service. By profession, Dwight worked at “the shirt factory”, was a field agent for Lane Poultry, owned a layer house, and raised cattle. There was never a time when he didn’t have his hat “tipped” and a smile on his face. In addition to church events, he enjoyed spending time at the sale barn, Mena and Wickes Senior Centers, and any sporting event that his family was involved in.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Arvella Marie Evans, his parents, siblings, Ollie Callahan, Emmett Evans, and Dorothy Bickel.

Dwight is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Donnie and Sherry Evans of Zafra and daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and Jimbo Wise of Wickes; grandchildren, Rachel Fowler and husband, Nick, Andra Youngblood, Charlotte Wiles and husband, Clay, Tell Evans and wife, Nicole, Brett Cunningham and wife, Susan, and Jana Carr; great-grandchildren, Whitley Lindvigsmoen, Ty Fowler, Bailey Fowler, Drew Fowler, Sage Evans, Bryce Youngblood, Ally Youngblood, Case Wiles, Colt Wiles, Kasen Carr, Korbyn Carr, Archer Cunningham, and Brooke Cunningham; and a host of family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 29, 10:00 a.m. at Bowser Family

Funeral Home Chapel in Mena, Arkansas, with Brother Todd Webb officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hatfield. Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Pallbearers: Tell Evans, Clay Wiles, Clifford Johnston, Henry Bruce, Garland Owens, Jerry Self, Dale Toon, and James Green.

Honorary Pallbearers: Zack Frachiseur, Jay “Gator” Gisclair, John Smith, Will Sprague, Terry Plunkett, and Quinton Owens.

Online Guestbook: bowserffh.com A graveside service for Gene Davis will be held 10:00 A.M., Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Willowhole Cemetery, North Zulch, Texas. Bro. Glenn Connor will officiate the service. A reception will be held following the service at the Normangee Community Center, Normangee, Texas.

Gene Harold Davis, 84, of Normangee, Texas, passed away on August 24, 2023, in Normangee, Texas. He was born on December 24, 1938, to Malcom Eli and Bertha Lee (Blackwell) Davis in Newhope, Arkansas.

Gene was preceded in death by both of his parents and all of his siblings, Cois Davis, Polly Yarbrough, Carl Davis, Louise Funderburk and Charles Davis.

He is survived by his children, Timothy Davis (Carla), Gregory Davis (Karen), Judy Davis-Escobar (Alex), Kenneth Davis (Bridgette), Randy Davis, and Kristal Byrd (Paul); stepchildren, Allen Byrd (Stephanie), Denise Smelser (Brett), and Troy Byrd (Tasha); twenty-four grandchildren and forty-six great-grandchildren.

Gene was a passionate man. He loved his family and had faith in the Lord. Gene enjoyed hunting and fishing. He would take you to a “honey hole” and would always end up catching more fish than you, somehow. He fried the best tasting crappie you have ever tasted. Gene enjoyed chasing that big buck up a mountain with family and friends. He was a jack of all trades working jobs from logging, game warden, construction and heavy machinery. He was dependable and would lend his hand in time of need with many words of advice. Gene knew everything and would tell you about it for hours. There was never a dull moment of lack of an entertaining story. We will all miss listening to him tell his stories for hours.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gene, please visit our floral store.

Jerry Arnold Henson

Mr. Jerry Arnold Henson, age 79, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in Mena, Arkansas. He was born February 12, 1944, in Camden, Arkansas, to the late J.D. Henson and Nana (Brown) Henson.

Mr. Henson was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving for 10 years and participating in the Vietnam War. He was married to his loving wife, Carol Ann (Wolfe) Henson, on November 14, 1993, and they were married 30 years till his passing.

Mr. Henson is preceded in death by his parents, J.D. Henson and Nana (Brown) Henson. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Carol Ann Henson; sons, Robert Ledbetter, Russell Hooks and wife Becky; brother, James and wife Margaret; sisters, Louise Furr, Betty Montgomery and husband Jim; one niece; and by many friends too numerous to mention.

Cremation services for Mr. Henson are entrusted to Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. There are no services planned at this time.

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