(Distributed 07/27/09) Community leaders and other individuals will have an opportunity during an Aug. 4 forum in Vidalia to hear how leaders in Helena-West Helena, Ark., worked to bring those two cities together.

(Distributed 7/27/09) BOSSIER CITY, La. – People interested in agritourism learned how to minimize risks and develop a plan of operation at three educational programs presented by the LSU AgCenter July 21 and 23.

(Radio News 07/27/09) Most school-age youngsters are deeply immersed in summer, but with back to school time right around the corner, parents and their children should start preparing. LSU AgCenter family and child development expert Dr. Linda Robinson says children will need to shift from play mode back to the world of homework. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/27/09) Grandparents raising grandchildren represent the fastest-growing type of family household in the United States. Many grandparents come to this role because of a crisis in the parent’s life. LSU AgCenter family and child development expert Dr. Linda Robinson says these grandparents have much more to deal with than just children going through normal developmental challenges. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/27/09) Thirty Louisiana 4-H’ers participated in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational in Grand Island, Neb. Joe Barrett, an LSU AgCenter 4-H agent in Bossier Parish, called the event the superbowl of outdoor skills programs. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/27/09) Parents of children starting kindergarten may be anxious about the upcoming transition. LSU AgCenter family and child development expert Dr. Linda Robinson says parents should keep in mind that many children adapt easily to changes. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(Radio News 07/27/09) LSU AgCenter rice breeders constantly are working on experimental lines, and Dr. Steve Linscombe says two Clearfield lines in development show promise. The first is an early maturing, long-grain variety that if released would be called CL 111. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

(TV News 07/27/09) For 100 years the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station has been improving rice-growing techniques in Louisiana. The station recently celebrated its centennial during its annual field day. Station director and rice breeder Dr. Steve Linscombe said the station’s strong variety development program has contributed to the longevity of the state’s rice industry. (Runtime: 1:41)

(Video 07/27/09) Tired of constantly watering your plants during the summer? Then you might be interested in planting drought-tolerant plants. On this edition of Get it Growing, LSU AgCenter horticulturist Dan Gill introduces you to a number of plants that can hang tough during the heat of summer and therefore reduce your watering chores. (Runtime: 1:47)

(Audio 07/27/09) Gardeners can plant a variety of heat-tolerant plants in their flower beds in July and August. Flowers like periwinkle and salvia can thrive in sunny spots, and caladiums can tolerate the shade. (Runtime: 60 seconds)