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The Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System's investments gained about $648 million in value, to $10.69 billion, in the fiscal year that ended June 30, an investment consultant told the system's board of trustees Wednesday. The consultant, Callan, reported that the system's investment return of 8.83% in fiscal 2023 ranked among the top 59% of the nation's public pension systems.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently announced several appointments to boards and commissions including an appointment to the Union County Quorum Court.

As counties, we know that all disasters start and end local. But we rely on critical federal programs and partnerships to assist in the recovery process. In 2022 alone, 622 counties experienced at least one federally declared major disaster — a designation that opens up a suite of federal funding opportunities for impacted communities and our residents.

Standard Lithium Ltd. has bought 118 acres of land in Lafayette County as the location for a future lithium production facility. The company said in a statement issued early Wednesday that the land acquisition is intended to advance what it calls the “South West Arkansas Project.”

Speaking to hospitality leaders from across the state, Gov. Sarah Sanders reiterated her goal of doubling the state’s tourism industry over the next decade.

GTL Americas LP, the company that is establishing a $3.5 billion-plus gas-to-liquid facility near Pine Bluff that will be the first of its kind in the United States, formally signed an agreement on Wednesday with Hyundai ENG America and S&B Engineers and Constructors Ltd. for front-end engineering and design.

White County officials are stepping up their game when it comes to emergency assistance for residents. The county has a new Emergency Alert System, called White County Alerts, through the program CodeRED Officials are hoping this will modernize their communication efforts.

Arkansas’ four Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs) will receive a one-time federal grant to help “enhance services and achieve financial sustainability,” the state Department of Human Services announced in a press release.

The governor appointed Chris Villines of Benton to the board with a term expiring Aug. 30, 2029; Mark Hayes of Little Rock with a term expiring Aug. 30, 2029; and Jordan Powell of Little Rock to the board with a term expiring Aug. 30, 2029, according to the governor’s office.