Pike County FCS

Kirby High School recently hosted Extension’s “Get Real – Here’s the Deal” event, bringing together students from both Kirby and Centerpoint High Schools for an engaging, real-world learning experience.

This hands-on simulation featured twelve interactive stations designed to help students step into their future and navigate financial decision-making. Each student was given a unique life scenario—including a career, salary, marital status, number of children, and tax deductions—along with a check register and starting balance.

As they moved through the exhibit, students made choices similar to those adults face every day. From buying a home or car, selecting insurance, opening a credit card, and budgeting for groceries and family needs, to even handling unexpected financial crises, every decision impacted their bottom line.

The event was made possible thanks to incredible community support. Volunteers included representatives from local businesses, banks, insurance agencies, county offices, and extension personnel from Pike, Howard, Sevier, and Montgomery counties. These volunteers guided students through each station, helping them think critically about their options while keeping their financial situation in mind.

“Get Real – Here’s the Deal” provided a valuable opportunity for students to build financial awareness, responsibility, and confidence as they prepare for their futures. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success!

I love this!

Arkansas Farm Bureau is excited to open the 2026 Arkansas Farm Trail on March 28. AFT allows farmers to share stories, connect with consumers and increase visibility for ArFB members producing direct-to-consumer goods. Returning for a second season, AFT is the first-of-its-kind Arkansas program that connects consumers with local agriculture and teaches about the state's agricultural industry.
The 2026 AFT includes nearly 40 passport stops, almost doubling the number in its second year. Check out the 2026 AFT farms and start planning your farm trail fun today!

Here at the EHC Spring Workshop with Pike County EHC members. What a great time for learning and connecting with others from across the state. If you would like to join an existing club or start a new club, call 870-285-2161.

On the auditorium wall at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Office in Little Rock are these patchwork quilts. I always look for Pike County’s block. Jo Spanhanks, who is listed as the president on the block, is in the last picture with two ladies from the Sweet Home EHC Club - she’s the lady in the middle. You meet the nicest people in EHC and she was one of the sweetest ever and I’m so glad I got to know her. 

It’s that time of the year when our minds turn to gardens and food preservation. FCS agents and EHC members are meeting today at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Office to learn about judging home preserved foods. Here’s a link to learn more about what fair judges are looking for when looking at those beautiful jars from the FSEN (Food Safety Extension Nerwork). https://foodsafety.extension.org/home-food-preservation/judging-home-preserved-foods-at-the-fair/

“Sew It’s Monday” is back at the Bainum Library community room and they invite you to join them!

Join us on the Spring Walk Across Arkansas event! Short term and long Term benefits include: Improved mood due to an uptick in endorphins - the feel good chemical, improved blood pressure, help with weight management, etc. etc. You can team up with co-workers, church friends, neighbors, family members or join our county wide group "Take a Hike in Pike" when you go online. You can even go solo with your own "team". You can go online walk.uada.edu or call the Pike County Extension Office at 870-285-2161.

I want to give a shout out to community supporters, volunteers, parents, and grandparents who have helped our 4-H kids and our 4-H Program Assistant, Shannon Ballard, have such a successful year!!! 4-H is growing and going strong in Pike County!