Good news abounds in Natural State
Rogers once M ister encouraged his young viewers, during difficult times, to look for the “helpers” – because seeing others step forward to offer aid as well as hope was certain to lift their own spirits.
That’s advice we can all take to heart. It is a useful exercise to help us see past the daily barrage of negative stories and drown out the loudest voices that amplify them.
The good news is that “good news” isn’t extinct. In fact, it’s far more commonplace than we have grown to expect in modern times.
Here in The Natural State, which has maintained its small town feel even as the world gets increasingly disconnected, we don’t have to look far to find examples of neighbors – or even strangers – helping one another in times of need. Acts of kindness and humanity unfold daily. Many times we even export them to support others around our country or across the globe.
Recent natural disasters have given rise to examples of Arkansans volunteering their time and expertise on behalf of those experiencing hardships. Hurricanes Milton and Helene, which unleashed extreme damage on states across the South, prompted dozens of our families, friends and neighbors to leap into action and find ways to assist the recovery efforts.
Our linemen descended on Florida to help restore power, with two Arkansans even saving a man nearly swept away in floodwaters. Arkansas Southern Baptists mobilized to provide disaster relief aid in Georgia. Mercy Hospital nurses from Northwest Arkansas volunteered to help provide medical care in North Carolina. Firefighters from around the state joined Arkansas National Guardsmen to help perform search and rescue missions while other Natural State Guardsmen prepared a large shipment of “Meals, Ready to Eat” (MREs) for victims.
The Red Cross of Arkansas also sent dozens of members to help displaced survivors find shelter in addition to working around the clock to serve hot meals, deliver cleanup supplies and offer emotional support.
We’ve also lived through severe weather at home bringing out the best in Arkansans.
When heavy rains recently made roads impassable and stranded a couple at their home in Flippin, a local first responder took to horseback to deliver their vital medication. In the wake of devastating tornadoes earlier this year, countless individuals and organizations took action to help their neighbors clear debris and start to rebuild their lives, homes and businesses.
All year long, there is never a shortage of selflessness and heroism among members of law enforcement and the communities they serve. In the last few months, police officers in Hoxie, Conway and Lawrence County, as well as an Arkansas State Trooper, have all been recognized for life-saving actions they took while on duty.
Another consistent source of exciting and welcome stories comes from our students. This summer, two Bryant High School juniors took home the top national honors at the 2024 Skills USA competition in the audio and radio production category, while Russellville High School’s Quiz Bowl team brought home a national championship.
Generosity and empathy are staples in Arkansas. Perhaps the best recent example was seen when a 40-year veteran of Baptist Health’s team retired. She’d struggled to secure reliable transportation, so her coworkers raised money to purchase her a car, which she received on her last day.
There really is no place like this state and, in large part, that is thanks to our people. We are the helpers and should always watch for that to play out every day, through big and small gestures, and take the opportunity to appreciate it.
Sen. John Boozman
