LITTLE ROCK — In the past 18 months or so, the state has taken two steps in an effort to help out the Arkansas wine industry. The first was a law passed by the state Legislature allowing direct shipping from Arkansas wineries to customers, and the second was the erection of highway signs publicizing the Arkansas Wine Country Trail and the location of state wineries that give tours of their operations.

LITTLE ROCK — Jefferson County Clerk Patricia Royal Johnson has agreed to accept a public letter of warning from the state Board of Election Commissioners to settle a complaint that she violated state election laws during the May primary election.

LITTLE ROCK — The number of homes sold in Arkansas increased by nearly 8 percent in September compared to a year earlier, and the average price of homes sold increased by about 1 percent, the Arkansas Realtors Association said Friday.

OKLAHOMA CITY — As the oil and natural gas industry continues to expand operations throughout Oklahoma and the region, operators say they are facing an increasing need to improve safety, both for their employees and for the public and environment throughout the area.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co. said Thursday it may ask regulators for permission to impose a demand charge on customers who use distributed generation such as rooftop solar panels.

LITTLE ROCK — Trick-or-treating may get a little chilly in much of Arkansas this week as the coldest temperatures of the season settle in over the state.