We’re highly disappointed in Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin’s stance and chest-beating over the U.S. Court of Appeals’ ruling that allows the state to enforce the ban on delta-8 and other hemp-derived products containing THC. Mr. Griffin’s constant reminder that this move is to “save the children!” is laughable, at best, and a deviation from the fact the state (and dispensaries) simply can’t stomach the idea of competition from alternative sources such as vape shops, which, if we may add, send the DFA a sizable chunk of change on taxes from the sales. News flash: Children aren’t the ones buying these products — it’s adults who don’t qualify for a medical card and who should be able to make their own decisions. There are surely instances where irresponsible adults allow these products to get into the hands of minors, but the old “Save the Children” argument reeks of politician breath. We’re not alone when we say, Lighten up, Tim, and have a toke. You could use a little something to chill out.
During a brief drive Friday morning we observed a suit-clad Henderson Chancellor Dr. Trey Berry filling in a pothole on 12th Street, where several weeks ago the city cut into the street and filled it with gravel. The patch soon compacted, creating a sizable void local traffic knew to avoid. Although he won’t appreciate this mention, Dr. Berry’s act is noteworthy because A) it proves just how much he cares about Henderson and the first impression left for campus visitors (Friday marked one of many summer Heart Start welcomes), and B) it needed to be done; somebody had to do it.
A reminder for those who may not be aware: Future construction of Pine Street from 10th to 26th will include widening of the thoroughfare to add a turn lane. Not four travel lanes and a turn lane, as with West Pine Street from 26th to Arkansas Highway 26. Once the widening is complete, Pine Street, currently an Arkansas highway, will be handed over to the City of Arkadelphia for maintenance.
FYI: We spent 3 hours in the most recent Arkadelphia school board meetings — the last three minutes of which were devoted to discussion about the high school’s bat problem. Our story got the attention of some Little Rock TV news station. We hope it was worth their 3-hour round trip to record some footage and take the glory without giving mention to the source.
We’re nearly halfway through 2025. Where has the year gone?
We second this and call for a vote. Amen to an excellent piece by Rob Reep at Saline River News.
B: We got your numerous emails. Honey catches more flies than vinegar.
“I want to make a promise to you, The Reader. And I don’t know if I can fulfill it tomorrow, or even the day after that. But I put the bastards of this world on notice, that I do not have their best interest at heart. I will try and speak for my reader. That is my promise. And it will be a voice made of ink and rage.”
— From Rum Diary, the film
Joel Phelps is publisher and editor of arkadelphian.com. Opinions expressed in Bits & Pieces are his own. Contact him at editor@arkadelphian.com.