thank you {\an1} support for Arkansas week provided by support for Arkansas week provided by support for Arkansas week provided by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette the the Arkansas Democrat Gazette the the Arkansas Democrat Gazette the Arkansas ties and k-u-a-r FM 89 {\an1} and welcome to Arkansas week I'm Dawn and welcome to Arkansas week I'm Dawn and welcome to Arkansas week I'm Dawn Scott thank you so much for being here Scott thank you so much for being here Scott thank you so much for being here with us did Governor Sarah Huckabee with us did Governor Sarah Huckabee with us did Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signature education overhaul Sanders signature education overhaul Sanders signature education overhaul take effect immediately after being take effect immediately after being take effect immediately after being passed by the legislature earlier this passed by the legislature earlier this passed by the legislature earlier this year well that's up to the Arkansas year well that's up to the Arkansas year well that's up to the Arkansas Supreme Court to now decide as we record Supreme Court to now decide as we record Supreme Court to now decide as we record this mid-morning Friday no ruling has this mid-morning Friday no ruling has this mid-morning Friday no ruling has been issued briefs were filed this week been issued briefs were filed this week been issued briefs were filed this week in the lawsuit brought by 11 Phillips in the lawsuit brought by 11 Phillips in the lawsuit brought by 11 Phillips County residents and two public school County residents and two public school County residents and two public school advocates who claim that because of a advocates who claim that because of a advocates who claim that because of a procedural mistake while voting on The procedural mistake while voting on The procedural mistake while voting on The learns act an emergency Clause was not learns act an emergency Clause was not learns act an emergency Clause was not properly approved a hearing is scheduled properly approved a hearing is scheduled properly approved a hearing is scheduled for June 20th and that is where we will for June 20th and that is where we will for June 20th and that is where we will begin today joining me Antoinette begin today joining me Antoinette begin today joining me Antoinette grajeda she is the senior reporter for grajeda she is the senior reporter for grajeda she is the senior reporter for the Arkansas Advocate and we have with the Arkansas Advocate and we have with the Arkansas Advocate and we have with us Josie Lenora political and government us Josie Lenora political and government us Josie Lenora political and government reporter for Little Rock public radio reporter for Little Rock public radio reporter for Little Rock public radio station kuar FM 89.1 thank you both for station kuar FM 89.1 thank you both for station kuar FM 89.1 thank you both for being here you all have extensively being here you all have extensively being here you all have extensively reported not on the learns act but the reported not on the learns act but the reported not on the learns act but the referendum and the lawsuits that have referendum and the lawsuits that have referendum and the lawsuits that have followed so let's start with you Josie followed so let's start with you Josie followed so let's start with you Josie if someone is just joining us they're if someone is just joining us they're if someone is just joining us they're not really clear what the learns Act is not really clear what the learns Act is not really clear what the learns Act is or what it does let's give a refresher I or what it does let's give a refresher I or what it does let's give a refresher I think there's three big parts of the think there's three big parts of the think there's three big parts of the learn spill that I try to focus on when learn spill that I try to focus on when learn spill that I try to focus on when I explain it to people the first one is I explain it to people the first one is I explain it to people the first one is What's called the education Freedom What's called the education Freedom What's called the education Freedom accounts there's a reluctance to use the accounts there's a reluctance to use the accounts there's a reluctance to use the term vouchers but basically it would be term vouchers but basically it would be term vouchers but basically it would be it's a giant pool of money that we can it's a giant pool of money that we can it's a giant pool of money that we can give to parents who are interested in give to parents who are interested in give to parents who are interested in sending their kid to a private school so sending their kid to a private school so sending their kid to a private school so they can enroll them in a school of they can enroll them in a school of they can enroll them in a school of their choice a lot of public school their choice a lot of public school their choice a lot of public school advocates don't like that because some advocates don't like that because some advocates don't like that because some private schools aren't subjected to free private schools aren't subjected to free private schools aren't subjected to free and reduced lunch Transportation and reduced lunch Transportation and reduced lunch Transportation requirements the Americans with requirements the Americans with requirements the Americans with Disabilities Act so that's sort of one Disabilities Act so that's sort of one Disabilities Act so that's sort of one of the big controversial pieces of the of the big controversial pieces of the of the big controversial pieces of the bill the second part is it raises bill the second part is it raises bill the second part is it raises minimum teacher salaries to about fifty minimum teacher salaries to about fifty minimum teacher salaries to about fifty thousand dollars a year and the third thousand dollars a year and the third thousand dollars a year and the third part is that it allows struggling school part is that it allows struggling school part is that it allows struggling school districts to be inter and districts to be inter and districts to be inter and transformational contracts with Charter transformational contracts with Charter transformational contracts with Charter Schools talk more about the teacher pay Schools talk more about the teacher pay Schools talk more about the teacher pay to begin with it raises their pay to to begin with it raises their pay to to begin with it raises their pay to fifty thousand dollars which seems like fifty thousand dollars which seems like fifty thousand dollars which seems like a win for teachers but what does it do a win for teachers but what does it do a win for teachers but what does it do to the veteran teachers and what does it to the veteran teachers and what does it to the veteran teachers and what does it do to the power of the school districts do to the power of the school districts do to the power of the school districts to say hey we have to give them raises to say hey we have to give them raises to say hey we have to give them raises or we don't have to give them raises or we don't have to give them raises or we don't have to give them raises it's their choice is my understanding it's their choice is my understanding it's their choice is my understanding right so with the learns Act we had a right so with the learns Act we had a right so with the learns Act we had a Statewide minimum salary schedule so Statewide minimum salary schedule so Statewide minimum salary schedule so setting like if you work 10 years you setting like if you work 10 years you setting like if you work 10 years you get this 15 years and so on and so forth get this 15 years and so on and so forth get this 15 years and so on and so forth and and school districts could go above and and school districts could go above and and school districts could go above and beyond if they so chose but there and beyond if they so chose but there and beyond if they so chose but there was that minimum the learns act got rid was that minimum the learns act got rid was that minimum the learns act got rid of that and the governor recently talked of that and the governor recently talked of that and the governor recently talked about that this week where she's like about that this week where she's like about that this week where she's like well we're giving them more flexibility well we're giving them more flexibility well we're giving them more flexibility so they can choose what's best for them so they can choose what's best for them so they can choose what's best for them part of the controversy with the teacher part of the controversy with the teacher part of the controversy with the teacher pay raise because as you mentioned you pay raise because as you mentioned you pay raise because as you mentioned you know people should be excited right we know people should be excited right we know people should be excited right we get more money well a new teacher coming get more money well a new teacher coming get more money well a new teacher coming straight out of school is going to get straight out of school is going to get straight out of school is going to get fifty thousand dollars and someone who's fifty thousand dollars and someone who's fifty thousand dollars and someone who's been working 15 years could be getting been working 15 years could be getting been working 15 years could be getting also fifty thousand dollars unless the also fifty thousand dollars unless the also fifty thousand dollars unless the district decides to give them more but district decides to give them more but district decides to give them more but now it's up to the district how much now it's up to the district how much now it's up to the district how much that they want to do there's not a set that they want to do there's not a set that they want to do there's not a set minimum or a set minimum for those steps minimum or a set minimum for those steps minimum or a set minimum for those steps really gives them local control it gives really gives them local control it gives really gives them local control it gives it local control for sure and I know the it local control for sure and I know the it local control for sure and I know the controversy surrounding the money that's controversy surrounding the money that's controversy surrounding the money that's being given to families to go to private being given to families to go to private being given to families to go to private school that's a whole host of issues school that's a whole host of issues school that's a whole host of issues with that what about the the parents who with that what about the the parents who with that what about the the parents who pay in full for private schools what pay in full for private schools what pay in full for private schools what does that do to the privatization of does that do to the privatization of does that do to the privatization of schools here in Arkansas what's schools here in Arkansas what's schools here in Arkansas what's interesting about the education Freedom interesting about the education Freedom interesting about the education Freedom accounts is the design is that they will accounts is the design is that they will accounts is the design is that they will go first to military families homeless go first to military families homeless go first to military families homeless families those who are most financially families those who are most financially families those who are most financially in need and that it will spread out but in need and that it will spread out but in need and that it will spread out but there is kind of this question about at there is kind of this question about at there is kind of this question about at what point does it stop is there going what point does it stop is there going what point does it stop is there going to be enough for everybody that wants it to be enough for everybody that wants it to be enough for everybody that wants it and could that money be better spent in and could that money be better spent in and could that money be better spent in the public school system and I've heard the public school system and I've heard the public school system and I've heard a lot about the charter schools taking a lot about the charter schools taking a lot about the charter schools taking over distressed schools and what are the over distressed schools and what are the over distressed schools and what are the reasons what are the good and bad of reasons what are the good and bad of reasons what are the good and bad of that in y'all's opinion well through the that in y'all's opinion well through the that in y'all's opinion well through the transformation contract it's not a transformation contract it's not a transformation contract it's not a takeover necessarily it's more that they takeover necessarily it's more that they takeover necessarily it's more that they are allowed to run the day-to-day are allowed to run the day-to-day are allowed to run the day-to-day activities of the district it's not activities of the district it's not activities of the district it's not necessarily a charter school it could be necessarily a charter school it could be necessarily a charter school it could be a third party so under the a third party so under the a third party so under the transformation contract it's allows the transformation contract it's allows the transformation contract it's allows the struggling District to partner with a struggling District to partner with a struggling District to partner with a third party and it's an alternative to third party and it's an alternative to third party and it's an alternative to being taken over by the state right being taken over by the state right being taken over by the state right where States come in and they take over where States come in and they take over where States come in and they take over and they lose that local control so and they lose that local control so and they lose that local control so through this transformation contract through this transformation contract through this transformation contract they can partner with say a charter they can partner with say a charter they can partner with say a charter organization to come in and do the organization to come in and do the organization to come in and do the day-to-day work which is what's day-to-day work which is what's day-to-day work which is what's happening in Marvel Elaine so Marvel happening in Marvel Elaine so Marvel happening in Marvel Elaine so Marvel Elaine is a district in Phillips County Elaine is a district in Phillips County Elaine is a district in Phillips County that was already Consolidated once that was already Consolidated once that was already Consolidated once because of low enrollment it's a really because of low enrollment it's a really because of low enrollment it's a really rural area and we had we have a law rural area and we had we have a law rural area and we had we have a law where you know if you are less than 350 where you know if you are less than 350 where you know if you are less than 350 for two consecutive years that you for two consecutive years that you for two consecutive years that you consolidate and the legislature adjusted consolidate and the legislature adjusted consolidate and the legislature adjusted some of that and took care of that and some of that and took care of that and some of that and took care of that and that'll eventually go into law this year that'll eventually go into law this year that'll eventually go into law this year where that's not an issue anymore but where that's not an issue anymore but where that's not an issue anymore but Marvel Elaine found itself in the Marvel Elaine found itself in the Marvel Elaine found itself in the position where they were looking to be position where they were looking to be position where they were looking to be Consolidated a second time this year and Consolidated a second time this year and Consolidated a second time this year and they were doing what they could to save they were doing what they could to save they were doing what they could to save the school and keep it open their two the school and keep it open their two the school and keep it open their two schools in the district and and they schools in the district and and they schools in the district and and they could be Consolidated but all the nearby could be Consolidated but all the nearby could be Consolidated but all the nearby ones were also struggling districts ones were also struggling districts ones were also struggling districts students were going to be on the bus for students were going to be on the bus for students were going to be on the bus for you know more than 40 miles one way and you know more than 40 miles one way and you know more than 40 miles one way and that was just a lot of things that that was just a lot of things that that was just a lot of things that people didn't want so when the learns people didn't want so when the learns people didn't want so when the learns Act passed they pointed to this Act passed they pointed to this Act passed they pointed to this transformation contract and they asked transformation contract and they asked transformation contract and they asked is this something that we could do so in is this something that we could do so in is this something that we could do so in April the State Board of Education April the State Board of Education April the State Board of Education decided to give them a waiver grant them decided to give them a waiver grant them decided to give them a waiver grant them a waiver for this 350 and allow them to a waiver for this 350 and allow them to a waiver for this 350 and allow them to stay open and they put secretary stay open and they put secretary stay open and they put secretary education secretary Jacob Oliva over the education secretary Jacob Oliva over the education secretary Jacob Oliva over the school district and so he was able to school district and so he was able to school district and so he was able to pursue this transformation contract in pursue this transformation contract in pursue this transformation contract in may they were able to the State Board of may they were able to the State Board of may they were able to the State Board of Education had a special meeting and they Education had a special meeting and they Education had a special meeting and they approved the pursuit of this approved the pursuit of this approved the pursuit of this transformation contract so it was the transformation contract so it was the transformation contract so it was the first one in the state between Marvel first one in the state between Marvel first one in the state between Marvel Elaine and a charter management Elaine and a charter management Elaine and a charter management organization the Friendship Education organization the Friendship Education organization the Friendship Education Foundation and so that's how we have now Foundation and so that's how we have now Foundation and so that's how we have now ended up in a loss in a lawsuit I was ended up in a loss in a lawsuit I was ended up in a loss in a lawsuit I was moving to the legal challenges because moving to the legal challenges because moving to the legal challenges because there's a lot to to cover here there's a lot to to cover here there's a lot to to cover here we've covered the background but we've covered the background but we've covered the background but attorney general Tim Griffin filed attorney general Tim Griffin filed attorney general Tim Griffin filed responses for the state how did the responses for the state how did the responses for the state how did the attorney for the plaintiffs Ally Noland attorney for the plaintiffs Ally Noland attorney for the plaintiffs Ally Noland respond to Griffin let's get into what respond to Griffin let's get into what respond to Griffin let's get into what what's going on here she's arguing that what's going on here she's arguing that what's going on here she's arguing that the law wasn't voted on in the the law wasn't voted on in the the law wasn't voted on in the legislature correctly there was an legislature correctly there was an legislature correctly there was an emergency Clause tacked on to learns emergency Clause tacked on to learns emergency Clause tacked on to learns initially which means that the law would initially which means that the law would initially which means that the law would go into effect immediately I was there go into effect immediately I was there go into effect immediately I was there it's on video they voted on the the it's on video they voted on the the it's on video they voted on the the emergency clause and the bill at the emergency clause and the bill at the emergency clause and the bill at the same time under the plain language of same time under the plain language of same time under the plain language of the Arkansas Constitution those two the Arkansas Constitution those two the Arkansas Constitution those two things should be voted on separately but things should be voted on separately but things should be voted on separately but that's not customarily how it's done so that's not customarily how it's done so that's not customarily how it's done so there is this interesting thought there is this interesting thought there is this interesting thought experiment at play if the Supreme Court experiment at play if the Supreme Court experiment at play if the Supreme Court were to rule that the the emergency were to rule that the the emergency were to rule that the the emergency clause and the bill should be voted on clause and the bill should be voted on clause and the bill should be voted on separately what would that say about the separately what would that say about the separately what would that say about the hundreds of other laws that have been hundreds of other laws that have been hundreds of other laws that have been voted on with an emergency class right voted on with an emergency class right voted on with an emergency class right yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah absolutely if the judge rules in favor absolutely if the judge rules in favor absolutely if the judge rules in favor of the plaintiffs though that lawmakers of the plaintiffs though that lawmakers of the plaintiffs though that lawmakers didn't properly vote on the emergency didn't properly vote on the emergency didn't properly vote on the emergency Clause with learns act then become law Clause with learns act then become law Clause with learns act then become law do you think in in the standard 91 days do you think in in the standard 91 days do you think in in the standard 91 days after this the session so potentially so after this the session so potentially so after this the session so potentially so there's a lot of things at play here so there's a lot of things at play here so there's a lot of things at play here so right now we're waiting to hear from the right now we're waiting to hear from the right now we're waiting to hear from the Supreme Court they could be ruling right Supreme Court they could be ruling right Supreme Court they could be ruling right now actually now actually now actually so what has happened is in this lawsuit so what has happened is in this lawsuit so what has happened is in this lawsuit that Nolan filed following this that Nolan filed following this that Nolan filed following this transformation contract transformation contract transformation contract um alleging that this is they didn't um alleging that this is they didn't um alleging that this is they didn't have the authority to do this because have the authority to do this because have the authority to do this because the law is not yet in effect because of the law is not yet in effect because of the law is not yet in effect because of this defective emergency Clause so on this defective emergency Clause so on this defective emergency Clause so on the 26th May 26th a Pulaski County the 26th May 26th a Pulaski County the 26th May 26th a Pulaski County circuit court judge issued a temporary circuit court judge issued a temporary circuit court judge issued a temporary restraining order and that is what is restraining order and that is what is restraining order and that is what is being challenged currently the the state being challenged currently the the state being challenged currently the the state filed an appeal and then the Supreme filed an appeal and then the Supreme filed an appeal and then the Supreme Court denied the motion to stay that the Court denied the motion to stay that the Court denied the motion to stay that the temporary restraining order which has temporary restraining order which has temporary restraining order which has temporarily blocked the law in its temporarily blocked the law in its temporarily blocked the law in its totality not just not just the totality not just not just the totality not just not just the transformation contract but the whole transformation contract but the whole transformation contract but the whole law so this past week law so this past week law so this past week um the Supreme Court did Grant the um the Supreme Court did Grant the um the Supreme Court did Grant the request from the attorney general to request from the attorney general to request from the attorney general to have an expedited review so that's why have an expedited review so that's why have an expedited review so that's why I've been following filing these brace I've been following filing these brace I've been following filing these brace right now right now right now so while these briefs are filing they've so while these briefs are filing they've so while these briefs are filing they've been filed by both parties we're waiting been filed by both parties we're waiting been filed by both parties we're waiting for the Supreme Court to decide okay yes for the Supreme Court to decide okay yes for the Supreme Court to decide okay yes we'll keep the temporary restraining we'll keep the temporary restraining we'll keep the temporary restraining order or no if they keep it then the law order or no if they keep it then the law order or no if they keep it then the law remains paused until this hearing on remains paused until this hearing on remains paused until this hearing on June 20th now June 20th if the judge June 20th now June 20th if the judge June 20th now June 20th if the judge rules in favor of the plaintiffs then rules in favor of the plaintiffs then rules in favor of the plaintiffs then yes yes yes yes but a lot yes but the law will again yes but a lot yes but the law will again yes but a lot yes but the law will again be stay on pause and would in theory not be stay on pause and would in theory not be stay on pause and would in theory not go into effect until August 1st however go into effect until August 1st however go into effect until August 1st however it's my understanding that the state it's my understanding that the state it's my understanding that the state could then again appeal that decision so could then again appeal that decision so could then again appeal that decision so we could come back to another appeals we could come back to another appeals we could come back to another appeals process where the Supreme Court has to process where the Supreme Court has to process where the Supreme Court has to decide that part again because right now decide that part again because right now decide that part again because right now they're just looking at the temporary they're just looking at the temporary they're just looking at the temporary restraining order well on Tuesday night restraining order well on Tuesday night restraining order well on Tuesday night Governor Sanders an education secretary Governor Sanders an education secretary Governor Sanders an education secretary Jacob Oliva held another town hall Jacob Oliva held another town hall Jacob Oliva held another town hall meeting on the implementation of the meeting on the implementation of the meeting on the implementation of the learns act this time in El Dorado and learns act this time in El Dorado and learns act this time in El Dorado and after a question from an audience member after a question from an audience member after a question from an audience member addressed this court challenge take a addressed this court challenge take a addressed this court challenge take a listen listen listen we feel confident that there will be a we feel confident that there will be a we feel confident that there will be a ruling in the near future and we feel ruling in the near future and we feel ruling in the near future and we feel very solid about our case and the very solid about our case and the very solid about our case and the Attorney General representing us that we Attorney General representing us that we Attorney General representing us that we will win in the Supreme Court uh we have will win in the Supreme Court uh we have will win in the Supreme Court uh we have um to go through that process the good um to go through that process the good um to go through that process the good news is is learns is going to go into news is is learns is going to go into news is is learns is going to go into effect regardless of what happens it effect regardless of what happens it effect regardless of what happens it just depends on the timing of whether just depends on the timing of whether just depends on the timing of whether that happens in the next few days or the that happens in the next few days or the that happens in the next few days or the next couple of weeks but this is a piece next couple of weeks but this is a piece next couple of weeks but this is a piece of legislation that was overwhelmingly of legislation that was overwhelmingly of legislation that was overwhelmingly passed in the legislature and the court passed in the legislature and the court passed in the legislature and the court does not have the ability to block it does not have the ability to block it does not have the ability to block it completely one of the unfortunate completely one of the unfortunate completely one of the unfortunate setbacks with the restraining order is setbacks with the restraining order is setbacks with the restraining order is we planned on the application for we planned on the application for we planned on the application for families and school districts that go families and school districts that go families and school districts that go live on June 1st so we had to put a live on June 1st so we had to put a live on June 1st so we had to put a pause on that so the second we get all pause on that so the second we get all pause on that so the second we get all of this noise settled we're going to be of this noise settled we're going to be of this noise settled we're going to be ready to hit the ground running because ready to hit the ground running because ready to hit the ground running because we know parents are making decisions we know parents are making decisions we know parents are making decisions about where they want to send their about where they want to send their about where they want to send their children to school now if not already children to school now if not already children to school now if not already and uh some of that may be a little bit and uh some of that may be a little bit and uh some of that may be a little bit held in advance but it's just delay in held in advance but it's just delay in held in advance but it's just delay in the inevitable we're going to have the the inevitable we're going to have the the inevitable we're going to have the system up and running we're going to system up and running we're going to system up and running we're going to have everything in place and we're going have everything in place and we're going have everything in place and we're going to make sure to support those Choice to make sure to support those Choice to make sure to support those Choice opportunities for the families that you opportunities for the families that you opportunities for the families that you serve serve serve what is your reaction to to hearing that what is your reaction to to hearing that what is your reaction to to hearing that I don't see a scenario where the I don't see a scenario where the I don't see a scenario where the governor doesn't keep pushing this governor doesn't keep pushing this governor doesn't keep pushing this legislation or something similar no legislation or something similar no legislation or something similar no matter what happens in the courts she matter what happens in the courts she matter what happens in the courts she hasn't said that she would do this but hasn't said that she would do this but hasn't said that she would do this but there's nothing to stop her from calling there's nothing to stop her from calling there's nothing to stop her from calling a special session or passing something a special session or passing something a special session or passing something somewhere in the future I know that the somewhere in the future I know that the somewhere in the future I know that the governor's really campaigned on this governor's really campaigned on this governor's really campaigned on this legislation it's really important to her legislation it's really important to her legislation it's really important to her so I can't imagine a future where so I can't imagine a future where so I can't imagine a future where something like learns doesn't go into something like learns doesn't go into something like learns doesn't go into effect effect effect multiplication Freedom accounts that's multiplication Freedom accounts that's multiplication Freedom accounts that's been a big push for them as well a big been a big push for them as well a big been a big push for them as well a big piece of this secretary Oliva in an piece of this secretary Oliva in an piece of this secretary Oliva in an affidavit in the lawsuit had said you affidavit in the lawsuit had said you affidavit in the lawsuit had said you know we were set to roll this out and know we were set to roll this out and know we were set to roll this out and open up applications on June 1st but open up applications on June 1st but open up applications on June 1st but because this temporary restraining order because this temporary restraining order because this temporary restraining order we had to pause everything and if this we had to pause everything and if this we had to pause everything and if this keeps going on there is a possibility keeps going on there is a possibility keeps going on there is a possibility where this may not be ready for this where this may not be ready for this where this may not be ready for this first year and they would have to push first year and they would have to push first year and they would have to push it back a year and there's other parts it back a year and there's other parts it back a year and there's other parts of the law too that they would be of the law too that they would be of the law too that they would be concerned that because there's so much concerned that because there's so much concerned that because there's so much it's a 145-page document and there's so it's a 145-page document and there's so it's a 145-page document and there's so many different Provisions there are many different Provisions there are many different Provisions there are still lots of rules and regulations and still lots of rules and regulations and still lots of rules and regulations and policies that have to be developed in policies that have to be developed in policies that have to be developed in order for these things to be ready to go order for these things to be ready to go order for these things to be ready to go for the next school year so with these for the next school year so with these for the next school year so with these laws this lawsuit there's a possibility laws this lawsuit there's a possibility laws this lawsuit there's a possibility that things like the education Freedom that things like the education Freedom that things like the education Freedom account just won't be available this account just won't be available this account just won't be available this first year first year first year well as we heard from the governor just well as we heard from the governor just well as we heard from the governor just a moment ago the administration says if a moment ago the administration says if a moment ago the administration says if anything this is only a delay and that anything this is only a delay and that anything this is only a delay and that they are continuing the steps of they are continuing the steps of they are continuing the steps of implementing learns as we've just implementing learns as we've just implementing learns as we've just discussed and here's another cut from discussed and here's another cut from discussed and here's another cut from Tuesday's town hall meeting with Tuesday's town hall meeting with Tuesday's town hall meeting with Governor Sanders and secretary Oliva Governor Sanders and secretary Oliva Governor Sanders and secretary Oliva discussing just how they're preparing discussing just how they're preparing discussing just how they're preparing for the home schooling aspect of this for the home schooling aspect of this for the home schooling aspect of this plan plan plan homeschool families have the ability to homeschool families have the ability to homeschool families have the ability to opt in to the education Freedom accounts opt in to the education Freedom accounts opt in to the education Freedom accounts if they choose to do so it's certainly if they choose to do so it's certainly if they choose to do so it's certainly not required but if a family decides not required but if a family decides not required but if a family decides that educating their kid at home is the that educating their kid at home is the that educating their kid at home is the best option for them and they would like best option for them and they would like best option for them and they would like to participate in the education Freedom to participate in the education Freedom to participate in the education Freedom accounts they can do so however there accounts they can do so however there accounts they can do so however there will be some accountability measures will be some accountability measures will be some accountability measures that are in place that they have to that are in place that they have to that are in place that they have to agree that they're willing to agree that they're willing to agree that they're willing to participate in a standardized test participate in a standardized test participate in a standardized test similar to what we would have at one of similar to what we would have at one of similar to what we would have at one of the public or Charter or private schools the public or Charter or private schools the public or Charter or private schools that also are participating in the that also are participating in the that also are participating in the program in addition to that it's I think program in addition to that it's I think program in addition to that it's I think one of the things that's important for one of the things that's important for one of the things that's important for people to understand it's not like the people to understand it's not like the people to understand it's not like the government is going to send that family government is going to send that family government is going to send that family a check but we will cover things like a check but we will cover things like a check but we will cover things like curriculum or curriculum or curriculum or textbooks but it's wouldn't be a blank textbooks but it's wouldn't be a blank textbooks but it's wouldn't be a blank check that a family can take in the check that a family can take in the check that a family can take in the secretary likes to use the example by a secretary likes to use the example by a secretary likes to use the example by a PlayStation and call that an educational PlayStation and call that an educational PlayStation and call that an educational tool it would actually have to be tool it would actually have to be tool it would actually have to be something that is specific for educating something that is specific for educating something that is specific for educating the child and the government would then the child and the government would then the child and the government would then cover the cost in that direction but not cover the cost in that direction but not cover the cost in that direction but not just a open-ended check but again that just a open-ended check but again that just a open-ended check but again that is something that a family would have to is something that a family would have to is something that a family would have to opt in and make the decision that they opt in and make the decision that they opt in and make the decision that they wanted to participate in on the front wanted to participate in on the front wanted to participate in on the front end yeah and I think it goes to the end yeah and I think it goes to the end yeah and I think it goes to the notion that we know that a notion that we know that a notion that we know that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't meet one-size-fits-all approach doesn't meet one-size-fits-all approach doesn't meet to need of all students and families to need of all students and families to need of all students and families number one the the primary goal of the number one the the primary goal of the number one the the primary goal of the learns initiative is to improve the learns initiative is to improve the learns initiative is to improve the neighborhood schools in investing in the neighborhood schools in investing in the neighborhood schools in investing in the public school system is the number one public school system is the number one public school system is the number one priority of this educational initiative priority of this educational initiative priority of this educational initiative there's value in in lifting up zip codes there's value in in lifting up zip codes there's value in in lifting up zip codes a lot of times students are going able a lot of times students are going able a lot of times students are going able to go to school and learn with their to go to school and learn with their to go to school and learn with their friends and their peers a lot of time friends and their peers a lot of time friends and their peers a lot of time their parents went to the same school their parents went to the same school their parents went to the same school and their parents and their parents went and their parents and their parents went and their parents and their parents went to the same school and in multiple to the same school and in multiple to the same school and in multiple Generations have a value and vested Generations have a value and vested Generations have a value and vested interest but if that school is not able interest but if that school is not able interest but if that school is not able to meet an individual's needs then to meet an individual's needs then to meet an individual's needs then parents should be empowered to have parents should be empowered to have parents should be empowered to have choices and those choices need to be choices and those choices need to be choices and those choices need to be choices of quality and those choices choices of quality and those choices choices of quality and those choices need to have some kind of accountability need to have some kind of accountability need to have some kind of accountability around them and that's what the learns around them and that's what the learns around them and that's what the learns Bill does it's not going to go into Bill does it's not going to go into Bill does it's not going to go into place for The Homeschool families and place for The Homeschool families and place for The Homeschool families and the upcoming school year so stay for the the upcoming school year so stay for the the upcoming school year so stay for the 23-24 school year because there's going 23-24 school year because there's going 23-24 school year because there's going to be a lot of guardrails and rules that to be a lot of guardrails and rules that to be a lot of guardrails and rules that are going to be developed around that so are going to be developed around that so are going to be developed around that so that takes time to get that process that takes time to get that process that takes time to get that process right and outline how that's going to right and outline how that's going to right and outline how that's going to exactly work but we would be on track exactly work but we would be on track exactly work but we would be on track for full implementation for the 24-25 for full implementation for the 24-25 for full implementation for the 24-25 school year so for for families that are school year so for for families that are school year so for for families that are interested in that stay tuned we have a interested in that stay tuned we have a interested in that stay tuned we have a learns portal that we've established learns portal that we've established learns portal that we've established it's really easy it's learned that it's really easy it's learned that it's really easy it's learned that ade.arkansas.gov where we update all of ade.arkansas.gov where we update all of ade.arkansas.gov where we update all of our latest information so we we want to our latest information so we we want to our latest information so we we want to be clear and transparent throughout that be clear and transparent throughout that be clear and transparent throughout that process process process all right Antoinette Josie how do you all right Antoinette Josie how do you all right Antoinette Josie how do you react to that you've covered this for react to that you've covered this for react to that you've covered this for many months what are your thoughts many months what are your thoughts many months what are your thoughts hearing that hearing that hearing that it's it just further illustrates the it's it just further illustrates the it's it just further illustrates the point that there are a lot of things to point that there are a lot of things to point that there are a lot of things to still figure out about the law and how still figure out about the law and how still figure out about the law and how it will be implemented and you know I um it will be implemented and you know I um it will be implemented and you know I um a lot of that won't be answered until we a lot of that won't be answered until we a lot of that won't be answered until we get an answer on these lawsuits this get an answer on these lawsuits this get an answer on these lawsuits this summer {\an1} well let's talk about the referendum the well let's talk about the referendum the well let's talk about the referendum the Attorney General certified the ballot Attorney General certified the ballot Attorney General certified the ballot language for a proposed referendum to language for a proposed referendum to language for a proposed referendum to repeal the the learns act and that repeal the the learns act and that repeal the the learns act and that clears the way for capes or the citizens clears the way for capes or the citizens clears the way for capes or the citizens for Arkansas public education and for Arkansas public education and for Arkansas public education and students to gather signatures uh students to gather signatures uh students to gather signatures uh you know it makes it the longest ballot you know it makes it the longest ballot you know it makes it the longest ballot title for a referendum in in State title for a referendum in in State title for a referendum in in State history what are the challenges of this history what are the challenges of this history what are the challenges of this they have a lot of challenges they have they have a lot of challenges they have they have a lot of challenges they have a long road toe and there's not a lot of a long road toe and there's not a lot of a long road toe and there's not a lot of room for error so they need to get over room for error so they need to get over room for error so they need to get over 54 000 signatures and they have about 50 54 000 signatures and they have about 50 54 000 signatures and they have about 50 days so it's easy to do the math they days so it's easy to do the math they days so it's easy to do the math they need to get at least a couple thousand a need to get at least a couple thousand a need to get at least a couple thousand a day and sometimes those signatures day and sometimes those signatures day and sometimes those signatures aren't verified so I last time I talked aren't verified so I last time I talked aren't verified so I last time I talked to Steve grapp he said he wanted to get to Steve grapp he said he wanted to get to Steve grapp he said he wanted to get 90 000 signatures 90 000 signatures 90 000 signatures yes and that's a long way to go and even yes and that's a long way to go and even yes and that's a long way to go and even then it will just go on the ballot for then it will just go on the ballot for then it will just go on the ballot for November of 2024 so there's a chance November of 2024 so there's a chance November of 2024 so there's a chance people could have warmed up to the bill people could have warmed up to the bill people could have warmed up to the bill by then or people might not vote for it by then or people might not vote for it by then or people might not vote for it so they have a long way to go and so they have a long way to go and so they have a long way to go and they've got over 54 000 that they have they've got over 54 000 that they have they've got over 54 000 that they have to get but where they have to get it to get but where they have to get it to get but where they have to get it from has been more of a challenge now as from has been more of a challenge now as from has been more of a challenge now as well there's a new law that went into well there's a new law that went into well there's a new law that went into effect this session that increased the effect this session that increased the effect this session that increased the amount of places that you have to get it amount of places that you have to get it amount of places that you have to get it from so previously you had to collect from so previously you had to collect from so previously you had to collect signatures from 15 counties now that's signatures from 15 counties now that's signatures from 15 counties now that's up to 50 so two-thirds of our 75 up to 50 so two-thirds of our 75 up to 50 so two-thirds of our 75 counties in Arkansas is where you have counties in Arkansas is where you have counties in Arkansas is where you have to collect those from and this law also to collect those from and this law also to collect those from and this law also is being challenged a Senator Senator is being challenged a Senator Senator is being challenged a Senator Senator Brian and the Arkansas League of Women Brian and the Arkansas League of Women Brian and the Arkansas League of Women Voters filed a lawsuit against this Voters filed a lawsuit against this Voters filed a lawsuit against this particular law saying it's particular law saying it's particular law saying it's unconstitutional the state has filed a unconstitutional the state has filed a unconstitutional the state has filed a motion to dismiss and we are awaiting a motion to dismiss and we are awaiting a motion to dismiss and we are awaiting a ruling on that as well final thoughts as ruling on that as well final thoughts as ruling on that as well final thoughts as we close out this segment I think some we close out this segment I think some we close out this segment I think some version of learns or learns is probably version of learns or learns is probably version of learns or learns is probably going to become law in the future but going to become law in the future but going to become law in the future but we'll have to wait and see I know capes we'll have to wait and see I know capes we'll have to wait and see I know capes is very confident that they're going to is very confident that they're going to is very confident that they're going to be able to stop the law it's just been be able to stop the law it's just been be able to stop the law it's just been really interesting to sort of see really interesting to sort of see really interesting to sort of see everything play out in in the courts and everything play out in in the courts and everything play out in in the courts and and the law process and just really like and the law process and just really like and the law process and just really like we've talked about it being a really we've talked about it being a really we've talked about it being a really interesting thought experiment like if interesting thought experiment like if interesting thought experiment like if this then that if we if the court this then that if we if the court this then that if we if the court invalidates for example the emergency invalidates for example the emergency invalidates for example the emergency Clause what does that mean for the Clause what does that mean for the Clause what does that mean for the hundreds of other laws that were passed hundreds of other laws that were passed hundreds of other laws that were passed in a similar manner this session and in a similar manner this session and in a similar manner this session and what does that mean going forward for what does that mean going forward for what does that mean going forward for the way that lawmakers approve these the way that lawmakers approve these the way that lawmakers approve these types of things during a legislative types of things during a legislative types of things during a legislative session Ever Changing even as we sit session Ever Changing even as we sit session Ever Changing even as we sit here we don't know what's coming all here we don't know what's coming all here we don't know what's coming all right Antoinette grajeda senior reporter right Antoinette grajeda senior reporter right Antoinette grajeda senior reporter for the Arkansas Advocate and Josie for the Arkansas Advocate and Josie for the Arkansas Advocate and Josie Lenora political reporter for Little Lenora political reporter for Little Lenora political reporter for Little Rock public radio station auar FM 89.1 Rock public radio station auar FM 89.1 Rock public radio station auar FM 89.1 thank you both so much for your thank you both so much for your thank you both so much for your explanations and thoughts we do explanations and thoughts we do explanations and thoughts we do appreciate you and we'll be back with appreciate you and we'll be back with appreciate you and we'll be back with good roots good roots good roots major funding for good roots is provided major funding for good roots is provided major funding for good roots is provided by Arkansas Farm Bureau {\an1} I'm Lauren McCullough and this is good I'm Lauren McCullough and this is good I'm Lauren McCullough and this is good roots agritourism is a field that is roots agritourism is a field that is roots agritourism is a field that is growing in popularity as producers try growing in popularity as producers try growing in popularity as producers try to diversify and increase profits simply to diversify and increase profits simply to diversify and increase profits simply stated agritourism connects agricultural stated agritourism connects agricultural stated agritourism connects agricultural production with tourism to attract production with tourism to attract production with tourism to attract visitors onto a farm a ranch or any visitors onto a farm a ranch or any visitors onto a farm a ranch or any other business for the purposes of other business for the purposes of other business for the purposes of entertaining and educating those entertaining and educating those entertaining and educating those visitors visitors visitors in this episode we'll visit two in this episode we'll visit two in this episode we'll visit two locations here in Arkansas and find out locations here in Arkansas and find out locations here in Arkansas and find out what makes them unique and how they plan what makes them unique and how they plan what makes them unique and how they plan to keep visitors coming back to keep visitors coming back to keep visitors coming back our first stop subiaco Abbey {\an1} monks have long been responsible for monks have long been responsible for monks have long been responsible for making and keeping alive some of the making and keeping alive some of the making and keeping alive some of the world's most exciting food traditions world's most exciting food traditions world's most exciting food traditions and the ones here at subiaco are no and the ones here at subiaco are no and the ones here at subiaco are no exception exception exception subiaco Abbey has existed since subiaco Abbey has existed since subiaco Abbey has existed since 1878. relatively young compared to the 1878. relatively young compared to the 1878. relatively young compared to the medieval monasteries of Europe but no medieval monasteries of Europe but no medieval monasteries of Europe but no less traditional it's a Benedictine less traditional it's a Benedictine less traditional it's a Benedictine Monastery a sect known for its Monastery a sect known for its Monastery a sect known for its traditions of growing cooking and eating {\an1} my name is Father Richard walls I am a my name is Father Richard walls I am a my name is Father Richard walls I am a monk of subiaco Abbey we have a monk of subiaco Abbey we have a monk of subiaco Abbey we have a combination between the solitary life combination between the solitary life combination between the solitary life and the active Apostolic life and the active Apostolic life and the active Apostolic life we are open to the community we have a we are open to the community we have a we are open to the community we have a high school for boys we also have a high school for boys we also have a high school for boys we also have a retreat center so a good number of retreat center so a good number of retreat center so a good number of people come here for Retreats we like to people come here for Retreats we like to people come here for Retreats we like to have people come here and visit it gives have people come here and visit it gives have people come here and visit it gives them an opportunity to see what our life them an opportunity to see what our life them an opportunity to see what our life is like and also to give them a chance is like and also to give them a chance is like and also to give them a chance to slow down to get out of their lives to slow down to get out of their lives to slow down to get out of their lives and to just kind of relax a little bit and to just kind of relax a little bit and to just kind of relax a little bit about three years ago we started brewing about three years ago we started brewing about three years ago we started brewing beer here and we sell our beer in a tap beer here and we sell our beer in a tap beer here and we sell our beer in a tap room which is located on the property room which is located on the property room which is located on the property kind of at the edge of the farm in the kind of at the edge of the farm in the kind of at the edge of the farm in the United States all but three states have United States all but three states have United States all but three states have actually visited our tap room but it's actually visited our tap room but it's actually visited our tap room but it's more than just our our beer people come more than just our our beer people come more than just our our beer people come in and they have the opportunity to buy in and they have the opportunity to buy in and they have the opportunity to buy monk made products like woodworking or monk made products like woodworking or monk made products like woodworking or hot sauce we've have peanut brittle down hot sauce we've have peanut brittle down hot sauce we've have peanut brittle down there Brewery has every possibility of there Brewery has every possibility of there Brewery has every possibility of being something that will actually help being something that will actually help being something that will actually help to support the monastery I'm very much to support the monastery I'm very much to support the monastery I'm very much in favor of trying to do things that in favor of trying to do things that in favor of trying to do things that will help support us will help support us will help support us brother Sebastian we are at the very brother Sebastian we are at the very brother Sebastian we are at the very first stage of Brewing some beer so what first stage of Brewing some beer so what first stage of Brewing some beer so what do we what is going on right now so do we what is going on right now so do we what is going on right now so we're getting ready to grind the grains we're getting ready to grind the grains we're getting ready to grind the grains that we're going to use to make our that we're going to use to make our that we're going to use to make our Amber Beer this is a caramel 100 grain Amber Beer this is a caramel 100 grain Amber Beer this is a caramel 100 grain so we're going to grind it we're going so we're going to grind it we're going so we're going to grind it we're going to break it apart so that when we put it to break it apart so that when we put it to break it apart so that when we put it in the pot to seep it'll have an in the pot to seep it'll have an in the pot to seep it'll have an opportunity to convert the starches into opportunity to convert the starches into opportunity to convert the starches into sugars it's going to be loud isn't it sugars it's going to be loud isn't it sugars it's going to be loud isn't it it's going to be a little bit loud it's going to be a little bit loud it's going to be a little bit loud and here we go {\an1} what we've got here now are all those what we've got here now are all those what we've got here now are all those grains that have been ground together grains that have been ground together grains that have been ground together and you can see how the the holes have and you can see how the the holes have and you can see how the the holes have just opened up and that'll help convert just opened up and that'll help convert just opened up and that'll help convert that to Sugar a lot faster how often do that to Sugar a lot faster how often do that to Sugar a lot faster how often do fun do you guys Brew we try to brew fun do you guys Brew we try to brew fun do you guys Brew we try to brew three to four times a week last year's three to four times a week last year's three to four times a week last year's sales kind of help us drive that number sales kind of help us drive that number sales kind of help us drive that number everybody knows last year in March when everybody knows last year in March when everybody knows last year in March when the covid really kind of hit its first the covid really kind of hit its first the covid really kind of hit its first Peak we decided as a monastery talking Peak we decided as a monastery talking Peak we decided as a monastery talking with our Abbott that it would probably with our Abbott that it would probably with our Abbott that it would probably be best for us to shut down the brewery be best for us to shut down the brewery be best for us to shut down the brewery for a little while and uh to kind of see for a little while and uh to kind of see for a little while and uh to kind of see what was happening in the community so what was happening in the community so what was happening in the community so we decided to do that and we actually we decided to do that and we actually we decided to do that and we actually stayed completely shut down until stayed completely shut down until stayed completely shut down until mid-june and then this past weekend we mid-june and then this past weekend we mid-june and then this past weekend we opened back up so we were completely opened back up so we were completely opened back up so we were completely open inside seating being able to drink open inside seating being able to drink open inside seating being able to drink pints on the property not just outside pints on the property not just outside pints on the property not just outside and it was a really good response {\an1} so I'm out in the garden and I'm so I'm out in the garden and I'm so I'm out in the garden and I'm surrounded by these beautiful pepper surrounded by these beautiful pepper surrounded by these beautiful pepper plants right now it's still a little plants right now it's still a little plants right now it's still a little early in the season but in just a few early in the season but in just a few early in the season but in just a few days these will all be full of fabulous days these will all be full of fabulous days these will all be full of fabulous habanero peppers since 2003 the monks habanero peppers since 2003 the monks habanero peppers since 2003 the monks here have created a flaming hot sauce here have created a flaming hot sauce here have created a flaming hot sauce called monk sauce Father Richard walls called monk sauce Father Richard walls called monk sauce Father Richard walls is love for habanero peppers began in is love for habanero peppers began in is love for habanero peppers began in South America and followed him to South America and followed him to South America and followed him to Arkansas Arkansas Arkansas these are smoked and Frozen from last these are smoked and Frozen from last these are smoked and Frozen from last season right right we grow the peppers season right right we grow the peppers season right right we grow the peppers here from seed that I brought from here from seed that I brought from here from seed that I brought from Belize 18 years ago I did spend a good Belize 18 years ago I did spend a good Belize 18 years ago I did spend a good number of years in the country of Belize number of years in the country of Belize number of years in the country of Belize because subiaco was trying to start a because subiaco was trying to start a because subiaco was trying to start a monastery these things in vinegar tend monastery these things in vinegar tend monastery these things in vinegar tend to blow up like little balloons and so I to blow up like little balloons and so I to blow up like little balloons and so I like to just cut them in half and put like to just cut them in half and put like to just cut them in half and put them in the pot to get ready to make them in the pot to get ready to make them in the pot to get ready to make some Monk sauce because we're going to some Monk sauce because we're going to some Monk sauce because we're going to try to make a little bit here right sure try to make a little bit here right sure try to make a little bit here right sure all right absolutely so we cut all right absolutely so we cut all right absolutely so we cut everything up boil it and then and then everything up boil it and then and then everything up boil it and then and then blend it {\an1} that is a monk holding two bottles with that is a monk holding two bottles with that is a monk holding two bottles with three x's on them and Fire coming out of three x's on them and Fire coming out of three x's on them and Fire coming out of his ears so that makes me feel very his ears so that makes me feel very his ears so that makes me feel very confident right you want to try our own confident right you want to try our own confident right you want to try our own cracker and I'm trying the smoked the cracker and I'm trying the smoked the cracker and I'm trying the smoked the smoked right I'm already crying oh hmm smoked right I'm already crying oh hmm smoked right I'm already crying oh hmm maybe you want more than you think maybe you want more than you think maybe you want more than you think wow {\an1} that's right that's good but the Heat's that's right that's good but the Heat's that's right that's good but the Heat's good good good I think you've got a good thing here it I think you've got a good thing here it I think you've got a good thing here it is good you've got a good thing here is good you've got a good thing here is good you've got a good thing here that's right well I think that Arkansas that's right well I think that Arkansas that's right well I think that Arkansas is lucky and happy that you came back is lucky and happy that you came back is lucky and happy that you came back and brought your hot peppers I'm happy and brought your hot peppers I'm happy and brought your hot peppers I'm happy to you right brought the peppers with me {\an1} you don't necessarily need to have you don't necessarily need to have you don't necessarily need to have hundreds of acres to provide an Arkansas hundreds of acres to provide an Arkansas hundreds of acres to provide an Arkansas agricultural experience I'm at Urbana agricultural experience I'm at Urbana agricultural experience I'm at Urbana Farmstead just outside of Little Rock Farmstead just outside of Little Rock Farmstead just outside of Little Rock where Margie raimondo has created a true where Margie raimondo has created a true where Margie raimondo has created a true Urban Oasis Urban Oasis Urban Oasis hi I'm Margie raimondo I'm the chef and hi I'm Margie raimondo I'm the chef and hi I'm Margie raimondo I'm the chef and the farmer here at Urbana Farmstead this the farmer here at Urbana Farmstead this the farmer here at Urbana Farmstead this Farmstead has a market a farm and a Farmstead has a market a farm and a Farmstead has a market a farm and a kitchen there in the market we sell not kitchen there in the market we sell not kitchen there in the market we sell not only the produce that we grow here and a only the produce that we grow here and a only the produce that we grow here and a few other local farmers but we also do few other local farmers but we also do few other local farmers but we also do some of the value add things like hand some of the value add things like hand some of the value add things like hand things pickled things preserves and things pickled things preserves and things pickled things preserves and Apothecary products Aqua tourism is an Apothecary products Aqua tourism is an Apothecary products Aqua tourism is an opportunity for me to share my farm and opportunity for me to share my farm and opportunity for me to share my farm and also all the experiences around the farm also all the experiences around the farm also all the experiences around the farm you like to literally cut herbs yep for you like to literally cut herbs yep for you like to literally cut herbs yep for someone when they come out here that's someone when they come out here that's someone when they come out here that's what they want somebody wants an herb what they want somebody wants an herb what they want somebody wants an herb I'll just figure out how much they want I'll just figure out how much they want I'll just figure out how much they want and that will literally cut it for them and that will literally cut it for them and that will literally cut it for them when it's time what I like about this when it's time what I like about this when it's time what I like about this little area is it's got a little bit of little area is it's got a little bit of little area is it's got a little bit of everything so I've got the herbs I have everything so I've got the herbs I have everything so I've got the herbs I have the porcelain one thing the pandemic did the porcelain one thing the pandemic did the porcelain one thing the pandemic did is it brought us all back to the is it brought us all back to the is it brought us all back to the memories of how it used to be when we memories of how it used to be when we memories of how it used to be when we all had Gardens or when your all had Gardens or when your all had Gardens or when your grandparents had Gardens or when you grandparents had Gardens or when you grandparents had Gardens or when you grandparents had chickens run around and grandparents had chickens run around and grandparents had chickens run around and so people wanted to get close to that so people wanted to get close to that so people wanted to get close to that life again they brought back memories life again they brought back memories life again they brought back memories but what it did is it helped me shape but what it did is it helped me shape but what it did is it helped me shape the what I was doing here because I the what I was doing here because I the what I was doing here because I realized well geez I've lived that life realized well geez I've lived that life realized well geez I've lived that life partly out of necessity as a child when partly out of necessity as a child when partly out of necessity as a child when we were very poor as an immigrant family we were very poor as an immigrant family we were very poor as an immigrant family and partly when I trained as a chef on and partly when I trained as a chef on and partly when I trained as a chef on farms doing preservation and I'm like farms doing preservation and I'm like farms doing preservation and I'm like well well well here it is this is the voice of Urbana here it is this is the voice of Urbana here it is this is the voice of Urbana Farmstead and the best part is it's less Farmstead and the best part is it's less Farmstead and the best part is it's less than an acre it's Urban it's very Urban than an acre it's Urban it's very Urban than an acre it's Urban it's very Urban it's used to be a junkyard that we it's used to be a junkyard that we it's used to be a junkyard that we converted into a farm and I tell people converted into a farm and I tell people converted into a farm and I tell people all the time you don't need 12 acres of all the time you don't need 12 acres of all the time you don't need 12 acres of Rolling Hills you don't need that Rolling Hills you don't need that Rolling Hills you don't need that so here is where you put your own spin so here is where you put your own spin so here is where you put your own spin on the three sisters that's right tell on the three sisters that's right tell on the three sisters that's right tell me about that well the three sisters is me about that well the three sisters is me about that well the three sisters is typically squash and then a bean and typically squash and then a bean and typically squash and then a bean and also some kind of corn but I decided also some kind of corn but I decided also some kind of corn but I decided that I was going to add sunflower that I was going to add sunflower that I was going to add sunflower sunflowers are such happy plants and so sunflowers are such happy plants and so sunflowers are such happy plants and so I thought why not the sisters are happy I thought why not the sisters are happy I thought why not the sisters are happy let's throw a cousin in there so but I let's throw a cousin in there so but I let's throw a cousin in there so but I just love to combine things that are just love to combine things that are just love to combine things that are number one or companion plants so they number one or companion plants so they number one or companion plants so they help each other grow they may nurture help each other grow they may nurture help each other grow they may nurture each other with nutrition or they may each other with nutrition or they may each other with nutrition or they may help with Pest Management you have put help with Pest Management you have put help with Pest Management you have put your fingerprint on a lot of things out your fingerprint on a lot of things out your fingerprint on a lot of things out here it's a it's a really neat space you here it's a it's a really neat space you here it's a it's a really neat space you have a lot of visitors year round yeah have a lot of visitors year round yeah have a lot of visitors year round yeah they come out here for your Market but they come out here for your Market but they come out here for your Market but then also to learn from you and to then also to learn from you and to then also to learn from you and to purchase some of your goods it's just a purchase some of your goods it's just a purchase some of your goods it's just a big circle you're using everything and big circle you're using everything and big circle you're using everything and you're not wasting anything and you're you're not wasting anything and you're you're not wasting anything and you're sharing it with everybody it's all about sharing it with everybody it's all about sharing it with everybody it's all about building Community it's not just my building Community it's not just my building Community it's not just my community of plants but it's also community of plants but it's also community of plants but it's also sharing my knowledge and my the things sharing my knowledge and my the things sharing my knowledge and my the things that I've learned along the way with that I've learned along the way with that I've learned along the way with other people most of our families have other people most of our families have other people most of our families have farmed in some fashion whether it's your farmed in some fashion whether it's your farmed in some fashion whether it's your parents your grandparents just go back I parents your grandparents just go back I parents your grandparents just go back I mean that was a way of life right so I'm mean that was a way of life right so I'm mean that was a way of life right so I'm lucky because my family in Sicily still lucky because my family in Sicily still lucky because my family in Sicily still Farms we come from a farming family we Farms we come from a farming family we Farms we come from a farming family we grow grapes and we make wine where grow grapes and we make wine where grow grapes and we make wine where raimondo is a Family Winery in Sicily raimondo is a Family Winery in Sicily raimondo is a Family Winery in Sicily but we also grow vegetables and fruits but we also grow vegetables and fruits but we also grow vegetables and fruits every time I go back and I try to spend every time I go back and I try to spend every time I go back and I try to spend about a month a year there of course my about a month a year there of course my about a month a year there of course my family packs food and seeds so it's family packs food and seeds so it's family packs food and seeds so it's great when you can preserve the seeds as great when you can preserve the seeds as great when you can preserve the seeds as a generation to generation and then see a generation to generation and then see a generation to generation and then see them flourish it's like this place is my them flourish it's like this place is my them flourish it's like this place is my all my little passions all in one little all my little passions all in one little all my little passions all in one little compound {\an1} Arkansas agritourism comes in many Arkansas agritourism comes in many Arkansas agritourism comes in many shapes and forms whether it's having a shapes and forms whether it's having a shapes and forms whether it's having a cold brew with country mucks or learning cold brew with country mucks or learning cold brew with country mucks or learning how to live a healthy and happier life how to live a healthy and happier life how to live a healthy and happier life you're sure to find an Arkansas farmer you're sure to find an Arkansas farmer you're sure to find an Arkansas farmer to glean from for good roots I'm Lauren to glean from for good roots I'm Lauren to glean from for good roots I'm Lauren McCullough {\an1} and that concludes our program for and that concludes our program for and that concludes our program for Arkansas week I'm Dawn Scott thanks for Arkansas week I'm Dawn Scott thanks for Arkansas week I'm Dawn Scott thanks for being with us we'll see you next week {\an1} support for Arkansas week provided by support for Arkansas week provided by support for Arkansas week provided by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette the Arkansas Democrat Gazette the Arkansas Democrat Gazette the Arkansas times the Arkansas times the Arkansas times and kuar FM 89