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News for Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Accident claims two lives in Carroll County
CARROLL COUNTY - A two-vehicle accident involving a school bus claimed the lives to a married couple from Colorado last week.
According to an incident report released by the Arkansas State Police earlier this week, the accident occured around 11:25 a.m. on Friday, April 18, on U.S. Highway 62. The report states that 74-year-old Deborah Clark was driving a 2013 Ford Escape when it crossed into the westbound lanes and truck the front of a school bus. Both Clark and her husband, 77-year-old Richard Clark, were killed in the accident. The Clarks resided in Divide, Colo.
No other injuries or casualties were reported.
The investigating state trooper reported road conditions as clear and dry at the time of the accident.
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Suspect in Bull Shoals fatality found dead after manhunt
BULL SHOALS - On Monday, April 21, 2025, at approximately 6:30 a.m., the Bull Shoals Police Department (BPD) responded to reports of a shooting in the 500 block of Maple Avenue in Bull Shoals.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Anita Suzanne Due, 48, inside her vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. Emergency medical personnel transported her to Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The BPD requested assistance from the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) to help with the investigation.
The primary suspect in the case was identified as Brooks Dean Due, 49, also of Bull Shoals. He was wanted on charges of First-Degree Murder and Violating a Protection Order.
Authorities from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Arkansas State Police, and the Bull Shoals Police coordinated efforts to locate Due, who was considered armed and dangerous. The manhunt extended into Monday afternoon, focusing on areas in Marion and Baxter counties.
Law enforcement officials located Due’s vehicle just south of Mountain Home. While tracking him, gunshots were heard. Brooks Due was subsequently found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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Teen-Only Movie Night this Friday at Berryville Library
Submitted by Berryville Library
BERRYVILLE - Calling all teens ages 13 & up! You are invited to a special TEEN ONLY movie night this Friday, April 25, from 6pm until 7:30pm at the Berryville Library. Bring your teen friends and enjoy watching the movie Plan 9 From Outer Space. Never heard of this movie? Come find out why! Be comfy and bring your blanket or pillow if you'd like. The movie will begin promptly at 6pm and free food will be provided. Don't miss out on this FREE teen only event provided by your friends at the Berryville Public Library.
For more information, contact the Berryville Library at (870) 423-2323.
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Schoenrock chosen to lead AGFC
LITTLE ROCK – Doug Schoenrock was named the 20th director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission today. He replaces former director Austin Booth, who vacated the position earlier this year.
Schoenrock, a dedicated hunter with many years of experience in conservation and business management, will assume the role in May 2025. The Commission made the announcement following a comprehensive search and selection process that began in January.
AGFC Commission Chairman J.D. Neeley of Camden said he was thrilled to welcome Schoenrock as the next Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
“Doug’s deep understanding of wildlife conservation, coupled with his proven business leadership abilities, makes him the ideal person to lead the agency forward,” Neeley said. “We are confident that under his guidance, the AGFC will continue its vital work in protecting and managing Arkansas’s diverse fish and wildlife resources.”
Schoenrock brings a wealth of leadership experience to the position, having served since 2002 on the Ducks Unlimited national board of directors. He also served as DU’s president from 2020-22 and chairman of the board from 2022-24. While a volunteer at DU, he was instrumental in developing conservation strategies, managing large-scale habitat projects and fostering partnerships with stakeholders.
Schoenrock launched a task force to study the feasibility of growing Ducks Unlimited’s Lands Program from 500,000 to 1 million acres conserved annually. He developed a conservation initiative toward non-consumptive users and corporate philanthropic efforts to expand Ducks Unlimited’s land portfolio. He also developed relationships with several state conservation agencies and conservation directors through conservation project work and public match assistance to unlock Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act funds.
“I’m honored to join the men and women of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. I’m deeply grateful for the trust placed in me, and I thank Chairman J.D. Neeley, Vice-Chairman Anne Marie Doramus, and all the Commissioners for their professionalism and leadership throughout this process,” Schoenrock said. “I look forward to working with the commissioners, the Arkansas General Assembly, Gov. Sarah Sanders, and all of AGFC’s partners to advance the mission of conservation and stewardship on behalf of all Arkansans and the many visitors who experience the beauty of The Natural State. Arkansas is home to remarkable biodiversity, strong communities and limitless opportunities for outdoor education and recreation. It’s a privilege to help protect and promote this treasured landscape.”
Schoenrock holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in science from the University of Tennessee. He is a lifelong outdoorsman and has a strong personal connection to the outdoors.
CARROLL COUNTY - A two-vehicle accident involving a school bus claimed the lives to a married couple from Colorado last week.
According to an incident report released by the Arkansas State Police earlier this week, the accident occured around 11:25 a.m. on Friday, April 18, on U.S. Highway 62. The report states that 74-year-old Deborah Clark was driving a 2013 Ford Escape when it crossed into the westbound lanes and truck the front of a school bus. Both Clark and her husband, 77-year-old Richard Clark, were killed in the accident. The Clarks resided in Divide, Colo.
No other injuries or casualties were reported.
The investigating state trooper reported road conditions as clear and dry at the time of the accident.
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Suspect in Bull Shoals fatality found dead after manhunt
BULL SHOALS - On Monday, April 21, 2025, at approximately 6:30 a.m., the Bull Shoals Police Department (BPD) responded to reports of a shooting in the 500 block of Maple Avenue in Bull Shoals.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Anita Suzanne Due, 48, inside her vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. Emergency medical personnel transported her to Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The BPD requested assistance from the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) to help with the investigation.
The primary suspect in the case was identified as Brooks Dean Due, 49, also of Bull Shoals. He was wanted on charges of First-Degree Murder and Violating a Protection Order.
Authorities from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Arkansas State Police, and the Bull Shoals Police coordinated efforts to locate Due, who was considered armed and dangerous. The manhunt extended into Monday afternoon, focusing on areas in Marion and Baxter counties.
Law enforcement officials located Due’s vehicle just south of Mountain Home. While tracking him, gunshots were heard. Brooks Due was subsequently found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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Teen-Only Movie Night this Friday at Berryville Library
Submitted by Berryville Library
BERRYVILLE - Calling all teens ages 13 & up! You are invited to a special TEEN ONLY movie night this Friday, April 25, from 6pm until 7:30pm at the Berryville Library. Bring your teen friends and enjoy watching the movie Plan 9 From Outer Space. Never heard of this movie? Come find out why! Be comfy and bring your blanket or pillow if you'd like. The movie will begin promptly at 6pm and free food will be provided. Don't miss out on this FREE teen only event provided by your friends at the Berryville Public Library.
For more information, contact the Berryville Library at (870) 423-2323.
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Schoenrock chosen to lead AGFC
LITTLE ROCK – Doug Schoenrock was named the 20th director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission today. He replaces former director Austin Booth, who vacated the position earlier this year.
Schoenrock, a dedicated hunter with many years of experience in conservation and business management, will assume the role in May 2025. The Commission made the announcement following a comprehensive search and selection process that began in January.
AGFC Commission Chairman J.D. Neeley of Camden said he was thrilled to welcome Schoenrock as the next Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
“Doug’s deep understanding of wildlife conservation, coupled with his proven business leadership abilities, makes him the ideal person to lead the agency forward,” Neeley said. “We are confident that under his guidance, the AGFC will continue its vital work in protecting and managing Arkansas’s diverse fish and wildlife resources.”
Schoenrock brings a wealth of leadership experience to the position, having served since 2002 on the Ducks Unlimited national board of directors. He also served as DU’s president from 2020-22 and chairman of the board from 2022-24. While a volunteer at DU, he was instrumental in developing conservation strategies, managing large-scale habitat projects and fostering partnerships with stakeholders.
Schoenrock launched a task force to study the feasibility of growing Ducks Unlimited’s Lands Program from 500,000 to 1 million acres conserved annually. He developed a conservation initiative toward non-consumptive users and corporate philanthropic efforts to expand Ducks Unlimited’s land portfolio. He also developed relationships with several state conservation agencies and conservation directors through conservation project work and public match assistance to unlock Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act funds.
“I’m honored to join the men and women of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. I’m deeply grateful for the trust placed in me, and I thank Chairman J.D. Neeley, Vice-Chairman Anne Marie Doramus, and all the Commissioners for their professionalism and leadership throughout this process,” Schoenrock said. “I look forward to working with the commissioners, the Arkansas General Assembly, Gov. Sarah Sanders, and all of AGFC’s partners to advance the mission of conservation and stewardship on behalf of all Arkansans and the many visitors who experience the beauty of The Natural State. Arkansas is home to remarkable biodiversity, strong communities and limitless opportunities for outdoor education and recreation. It’s a privilege to help protect and promote this treasured landscape.”
Schoenrock holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in science from the University of Tennessee. He is a lifelong outdoorsman and has a strong personal connection to the outdoors.
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Arrest Reports: 04/23
Austin Adams of Eureka Springs- Body Attachment for Child Support, Driving Left of Center, Driving on Suspended/Revoked License, Fleeing-Felony, Hold for Other Agency, Possession of Firearms by Certain Person, Reckless Driving.
Nicholas Deatherage of Eureka Springs- Disorderly Conduct, DWI #1, Reckless Driving.
James George of Holiday Island- Violation of No Contact Order.
There are currently 65 inmates housed at the Carroll County Detention Center.
Arrest Reports: 04/22
Tabitha Hanner of Heber Springs- Failure to Appear-Misd.
John Lynch of Fort Smith- Failure to Appear-Misd.
There are currently 68 inmates housed at the Carroll County Detention Center.
Arrest Reports: 04/21
Jeffrey Vanroy of Eureka Springs- Failure to Appear-Misd.
Richard Zilkey of Jacksonville- Driving on Susp/Revoked License, Failure to Appear-Misd, No Liab INS-Second Offense.
There are currently 77 inmates housed at the Carroll County Detention Center.
News for Monday, April 21, 2025
Madison County man charged with attempted murder
HUNTSVILLE - A Madison County man was arrested for attempted murder last week.
According to the Madison County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched around 4:10 p.m. on April 17 to an area on Madison County Road 8965 in reference to a possible shooting.
Upon arrival, deputies spoke to witnesses who stated that a man had been armed with a firearm and fired shots at an individual a short time before the incident was reported. Deputies reviewed security video from a nearby residence which reportedly corroborated details of the incident. Deputies located the suspect, identified as Corey Podoll, near the scene. He was detailed while deputies completed the investigation.
Podoll was transported to the Madison County Holding Facility where he was charged with second degree attempted murder, possession of a defaced firearm and public intoxication.
The sheriff's office reported that the victim was uninjured.
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Berryville Farmers Market marks new beginning at 501c(3)
BERRYVILLE - Market organizers, vendors, the Berryville Chamber, community members and friends gathered April 17 to celebrate the evolution and advancement of the Berryville Farmers Market.
As announced on the Market’s Facebook page, the farmers market is now officially a 501c(3) non-profit.
"We have many, many plans to improve and build markets in our community, therefore we have created a larger umbrella. Our goals are to provide quality vendors, create one-of-a-kind shopping experiences, unite communities, and support our local farmers," the farmers market announced. "We can do this by building opportunities and connections around us, and by plugging into many needed state and federal assistance programs to benefit all demographics with local, fresh food.
"Berryville has paved the way for us to be able to do this and we are beyond thankful. We will work hard for our community.”
The market is now open for the season and can be found at the Berryville Community Center Mondays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and Thursdays from 4-8 p.m.
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Give blood April 28 in Berryvilleand receive Ozarks Adventure Pass
BERRYVILLE - Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 45 area healthcare facilities, is partnering with four area attractions to offer free admissions for lifesaving donors to help boost the region’s blood supply this spring.
Successful donors in April will receive an Ozarks Adventure Pass, worth over $180 in value in free admission offers. The Ozarks Adventure Pass has tear-away vouchers for two free admissions to all four attractions:
-The Discovery Center - Springfield, MO ($30 value)-The Scott Family Amazeum - Bentonville, AR ($28 value)-Ripley’s Believe It or Not! - Branson, MO ($58 value)-Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge – Eureka Springs, AR ($70 value) Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors provide all the blood for patients at Mercy Berryville Hospital, as well as over 40 other healthcare facilities across the Ozarks. Berryville area residents will have the opportunity to donate at the following location:
Monday, April 28 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Mercy Hospital BerryvilleMedical Arts Conference Room211 Carter, Berryville
To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/donate-blood or by calling 417-227-5006.
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Cooperative Extension Service offeringseries of poultry safety online seminars
FAYETTEVILLE - The Cooperative Extension Service will offer a series of five online seminars focusing on multiple aspects of poultry safety and biosecurity. The seminars will cover topics including salmonella control, avian influenza and more. Participation is free.
Dustan Clark, extension veterinarian and Associate Director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry, said the series will feature guest speakers from various disciplines addressing different aspects of poultry production, including the H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus.
“HPAI-positive flocks continue to be a problem, but the numbers appear to be steadily in decline,” Clark said. “One webinar will cover biosecurity principles that can be used to assist in preventing avian influenza and other poultry diseases as well.”
The series is designed to offer useful information for all producers, from industry experts to backyard hobbyists.
“All poultry growers, both commercial and hobby flock owners, are invited to attend any or all of the webinars,” Clark said.
The current schedule includes:
-April 22, 6:00 PM - On Farm Salmonella ControlRegister: https://uada.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vVpnxXp5R9uTEeBzw0YdhA
-April 29, 6:00 PM- Poultry House Maintenance and Troubleshooting TipsRegister: https://uada.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JDq9wOzbTUWXn1VnXyr2vw
-May 6, 6:00 PM- Using the Diagnostic Laboratory for Identification of Problems in Backyard/Hobby Poultry MortalityRegister: https://uada.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AOkMJcldR66njiqCLhmtFg
-May 8, 6:00 PM- HPAI Health Risks for the Backyard Flock OwnerRegister: https://uada.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dLLtE4xnSIuLlJRJMNBeoQ
-May 22, 6:00 PM- Diseases in Small Flocks and Biosecurity Tools to Prevent ThemRegister: https://uada.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hwHG8TMnRAex-nuGjo1ngw
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.
HUNTSVILLE - A Madison County man was arrested for attempted murder last week.
According to the Madison County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched around 4:10 p.m. on April 17 to an area on Madison County Road 8965 in reference to a possible shooting.
Upon arrival, deputies spoke to witnesses who stated that a man had been armed with a firearm and fired shots at an individual a short time before the incident was reported. Deputies reviewed security video from a nearby residence which reportedly corroborated details of the incident. Deputies located the suspect, identified as Corey Podoll, near the scene. He was detailed while deputies completed the investigation.
Podoll was transported to the Madison County Holding Facility where he was charged with second degree attempted murder, possession of a defaced firearm and public intoxication.
The sheriff's office reported that the victim was uninjured.
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Berryville Farmers Market marks new beginning at 501c(3)
BERRYVILLE - Market organizers, vendors, the Berryville Chamber, community members and friends gathered April 17 to celebrate the evolution and advancement of the Berryville Farmers Market.
As announced on the Market’s Facebook page, the farmers market is now officially a 501c(3) non-profit.
"We have many, many plans to improve and build markets in our community, therefore we have created a larger umbrella. Our goals are to provide quality vendors, create one-of-a-kind shopping experiences, unite communities, and support our local farmers," the farmers market announced. "We can do this by building opportunities and connections around us, and by plugging into many needed state and federal assistance programs to benefit all demographics with local, fresh food.
"Berryville has paved the way for us to be able to do this and we are beyond thankful. We will work hard for our community.”
The market is now open for the season and can be found at the Berryville Community Center Mondays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and Thursdays from 4-8 p.m.
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Give blood April 28 in Berryvilleand receive Ozarks Adventure Pass
BERRYVILLE - Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 45 area healthcare facilities, is partnering with four area attractions to offer free admissions for lifesaving donors to help boost the region’s blood supply this spring.
Successful donors in April will receive an Ozarks Adventure Pass, worth over $180 in value in free admission offers. The Ozarks Adventure Pass has tear-away vouchers for two free admissions to all four attractions:
-The Discovery Center - Springfield, MO ($30 value)-The Scott Family Amazeum - Bentonville, AR ($28 value)-Ripley’s Believe It or Not! - Branson, MO ($58 value)-Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge – Eureka Springs, AR ($70 value) Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors provide all the blood for patients at Mercy Berryville Hospital, as well as over 40 other healthcare facilities across the Ozarks. Berryville area residents will have the opportunity to donate at the following location:
Monday, April 28 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Mercy Hospital BerryvilleMedical Arts Conference Room211 Carter, Berryville
To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/donate-blood or by calling 417-227-5006.
---
Cooperative Extension Service offeringseries of poultry safety online seminars
FAYETTEVILLE - The Cooperative Extension Service will offer a series of five online seminars focusing on multiple aspects of poultry safety and biosecurity. The seminars will cover topics including salmonella control, avian influenza and more. Participation is free.
Dustan Clark, extension veterinarian and Associate Director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry, said the series will feature guest speakers from various disciplines addressing different aspects of poultry production, including the H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus.
“HPAI-positive flocks continue to be a problem, but the numbers appear to be steadily in decline,” Clark said. “One webinar will cover biosecurity principles that can be used to assist in preventing avian influenza and other poultry diseases as well.”
The series is designed to offer useful information for all producers, from industry experts to backyard hobbyists.
“All poultry growers, both commercial and hobby flock owners, are invited to attend any or all of the webinars,” Clark said.
The current schedule includes:
-April 22, 6:00 PM - On Farm Salmonella ControlRegister: https://uada.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vVpnxXp5R9uTEeBzw0YdhA
-April 29, 6:00 PM- Poultry House Maintenance and Troubleshooting TipsRegister: https://uada.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JDq9wOzbTUWXn1VnXyr2vw
-May 6, 6:00 PM- Using the Diagnostic Laboratory for Identification of Problems in Backyard/Hobby Poultry MortalityRegister: https://uada.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AOkMJcldR66njiqCLhmtFg
-May 8, 6:00 PM- HPAI Health Risks for the Backyard Flock OwnerRegister: https://uada.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dLLtE4xnSIuLlJRJMNBeoQ
-May 22, 6:00 PM- Diseases in Small Flocks and Biosecurity Tools to Prevent ThemRegister: https://uada.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hwHG8TMnRAex-nuGjo1ngw
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.
Arrest Reports: 04/18
The Arrest Report will be posted soon.
There are currently 80 inmates housed at the Carroll County Detention Center.
News for Friday, April 18, 2025
Berryville man facing multiple chargesafter alleged drug use and gunfire incident
BERRYVILLE - A Berryville man is facing a number of felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly firing a gun inside his home and into a neighboring residence during what authorities believe was a drug-induced hallucination.
According to the arrest affidavit, Eric S. Fremin, 56, was arrested on March 21 following a chaotic sequence of emergency calls he made to the Carroll County Sheriff's Office claiming individuals were attempting to steal his vehicle and break into his trailer at Osage Mobile Home Park. Fremin ultimately reported that he had shot two people and requested emergency medical services.
When law enforcement arrived at his trailer, deputies say Fremin was hallucinating, claiming people were inside his home pointing guns at him. According to the arrest affidavit, Fremin was found kneeling at the front door, using a baby gate to support a double-barrel shotgun aimed down his hallway. After being disarmed once, he picked up a 9mm pistol and again pointed it down the hall. Deputy David Decker was able to disarm and detain Fremin without injury.
A search of Fremin’s trailer revealed extensive property damage, including bullet holes in walls and spent casings throughout the home. Investigators also discovered that one bullet had struck a neighboring trailer occupied by two adults and a one-year-old child. No injuries were reported.
Fremin told investigators he had been awake for five days and believed he was defending his home from intruders. A subsequent search warrant uncovered multiple items of drug paraphernalia and controlled substances, including suspected methamphetamine, a digital scale, and vials of crystalline residue and testosterone.
According to online records filed in the Carroll County Circuit Court earlier this week, Fremin has been charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault, as well as committing a Terroristic Act, Possession of Methamphetamine with Purpose to Deliver and Possession of a Controlled Substance. He’s also facing misdemeanor counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree and Disorderly Conduct.
Fremin was released from the Carroll County Detention Center after posting a $150,000 bond.
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Flash Flood Warning issued for listening area
CARROLL COUNTY — The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Carroll County and much of Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma, in effect from Friday evening through Sunday evening.
The watch includes the counties of Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Franklin, Madison, Sebastian, and Washington in Arkansas, as well as a broad stretch of northeastern Oklahoma. Cities under the watch include Berryville, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and Springdale, among many others.
According to forecasters, widespread rainfall of 2 to 6 inches is expected across the region, beginning Friday evening and continuing through the weekend. The heaviest rainfall is projected for Saturday and Sunday, with the potential for both flash flooding and main stem river flooding.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone areas,” the NWS stated.
Residents are urged to remain alert and monitor forecasts. Flood Warnings may be issued if conditions worsen. Those in flood-prone areas should be prepared to take immediate action if water levels begin to rise.
For flood safety tips and updates, visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
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Messer to invest $70 Million in new facilityin Berryville, welcome celebration set for April 28
BERRYVILLE - The City of Berryville is preparing to welcome a major new corporate partner as Messer, a global leader in industrial gases, announces plans to build a $70 million air separation unit (ASU) in the Berryville Business Park.
The state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in the community and is expected to bring high-quality jobs and cutting-edge technology to the region. City officials say the move will not only boost the local economy but also attract additional growth to Berryville.
A public welcome celebration is scheduled for Monday, April 28 at 10 a.m. at the Berryville Community Center. Residents, business leaders, and community members are invited to attend.
“We appreciate their commitment as they bring innovative technology, high-quality jobs, and, most importantly, new people to Berryville,” said Dean Lee, the city’s economic development director, in an announcement. “We look forward to developing a great long-term partnership with Messer as they establish their presence in our community.”
The upcoming facility will further strengthen Berryville’s position as a competitive destination for industrial development in Northwest Arkansas.
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State Capitol Week in Review
From Senator Bryan B. King
The legislature completed the 2025 regular session after approving a balanced budget, increasing public school funding, making higher education more accessible and improving maternal health care.
State government spending will be about $6.5 billion next fiscal year. That is a 2.89 percent increase over this year. The increase reflects economic growth in Arkansas because tax rates have not gone up.
The Public School Fund is the largest single expenditure made by the state every year. State aid to public schools will increase by $161.5 million. It is about $2.5 billion and will be distributed according to a formula that takes into account student enrollment. The foundation funding amount is going up from $7,771 to $8,162 per pupil. School districts get additional funding for every student from low-income families and students with special needs.
The governor proposed and the legislature approved significant changes in higher education. The law is called ACCESS, an acronym for acceleration, common sense, cost, eligibility, scholarships and standardization.
The new law streamlines the application process and increases the number of college entrance exams that students take for admission. Transferring from one state college to another will be easier.
It provides students more opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school. It provides incentives for colleges to teach skills in demand by industry.
Academic Challenge Scholarships will pay $2,000 during the freshman, up from $1,000.
Act 140 will improve maternal health care in Arkansas, especially in areas where existing medical services are lacking. Known as the “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act,” it changes Medicaid regulations to make prenatal care more accessible in a couple of ways.
It establishes presumptive eligibility for pregnant women who apply for Medicaid. This means they will get immediate prenatal care, while they’re waiting for a full application to be processed. It authorizes Medicaid to reimburse doulas and community health workers, including visits to the pregnant woman’s home if the visit is related to prenatal or postpartum care.
Act 122 requires all school districts to enact policies that restrict cell phone usage by students. It’s called the “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act.” Its purpose is twofold. First, it removes distractions from the classroom that are hindering students academically. Secondly, we hope it will improve the mental and emotional health of young people who spend too much time on social media.
Studies indicate that the rates of suicide and depression are significantly higher among teenagers who spend lots of time on social media.
The legislature also enacted new laws to protect children from strategies used by social media that are designed to encourage suicide and addictive or compulsive behavior. A law enacted two years ago is held up in federal court because social media companies challenged it. The new law is written to satisfy judicial questions raised in that lawsuit.
The legislature voted to increase the annual homestead property tax credit by $100, raising it from $500 to $600, and to completely eliminate the state sales tax on groceries. The first measure will save homeowners $57 million a year. The repeal of the grocery tax will save Arkansans $11 million a year.
BERRYVILLE - A Berryville man is facing a number of felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly firing a gun inside his home and into a neighboring residence during what authorities believe was a drug-induced hallucination.
According to the arrest affidavit, Eric S. Fremin, 56, was arrested on March 21 following a chaotic sequence of emergency calls he made to the Carroll County Sheriff's Office claiming individuals were attempting to steal his vehicle and break into his trailer at Osage Mobile Home Park. Fremin ultimately reported that he had shot two people and requested emergency medical services.
When law enforcement arrived at his trailer, deputies say Fremin was hallucinating, claiming people were inside his home pointing guns at him. According to the arrest affidavit, Fremin was found kneeling at the front door, using a baby gate to support a double-barrel shotgun aimed down his hallway. After being disarmed once, he picked up a 9mm pistol and again pointed it down the hall. Deputy David Decker was able to disarm and detain Fremin without injury.
A search of Fremin’s trailer revealed extensive property damage, including bullet holes in walls and spent casings throughout the home. Investigators also discovered that one bullet had struck a neighboring trailer occupied by two adults and a one-year-old child. No injuries were reported.
Fremin told investigators he had been awake for five days and believed he was defending his home from intruders. A subsequent search warrant uncovered multiple items of drug paraphernalia and controlled substances, including suspected methamphetamine, a digital scale, and vials of crystalline residue and testosterone.
According to online records filed in the Carroll County Circuit Court earlier this week, Fremin has been charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault, as well as committing a Terroristic Act, Possession of Methamphetamine with Purpose to Deliver and Possession of a Controlled Substance. He’s also facing misdemeanor counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree and Disorderly Conduct.
Fremin was released from the Carroll County Detention Center after posting a $150,000 bond.
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Flash Flood Warning issued for listening area
CARROLL COUNTY — The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Carroll County and much of Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma, in effect from Friday evening through Sunday evening.
The watch includes the counties of Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Franklin, Madison, Sebastian, and Washington in Arkansas, as well as a broad stretch of northeastern Oklahoma. Cities under the watch include Berryville, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and Springdale, among many others.
According to forecasters, widespread rainfall of 2 to 6 inches is expected across the region, beginning Friday evening and continuing through the weekend. The heaviest rainfall is projected for Saturday and Sunday, with the potential for both flash flooding and main stem river flooding.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone areas,” the NWS stated.
Residents are urged to remain alert and monitor forecasts. Flood Warnings may be issued if conditions worsen. Those in flood-prone areas should be prepared to take immediate action if water levels begin to rise.
For flood safety tips and updates, visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
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Messer to invest $70 Million in new facilityin Berryville, welcome celebration set for April 28
BERRYVILLE - The City of Berryville is preparing to welcome a major new corporate partner as Messer, a global leader in industrial gases, announces plans to build a $70 million air separation unit (ASU) in the Berryville Business Park.
The state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in the community and is expected to bring high-quality jobs and cutting-edge technology to the region. City officials say the move will not only boost the local economy but also attract additional growth to Berryville.
A public welcome celebration is scheduled for Monday, April 28 at 10 a.m. at the Berryville Community Center. Residents, business leaders, and community members are invited to attend.
“We appreciate their commitment as they bring innovative technology, high-quality jobs, and, most importantly, new people to Berryville,” said Dean Lee, the city’s economic development director, in an announcement. “We look forward to developing a great long-term partnership with Messer as they establish their presence in our community.”
The upcoming facility will further strengthen Berryville’s position as a competitive destination for industrial development in Northwest Arkansas.
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State Capitol Week in Review
From Senator Bryan B. King
The legislature completed the 2025 regular session after approving a balanced budget, increasing public school funding, making higher education more accessible and improving maternal health care.
State government spending will be about $6.5 billion next fiscal year. That is a 2.89 percent increase over this year. The increase reflects economic growth in Arkansas because tax rates have not gone up.
The Public School Fund is the largest single expenditure made by the state every year. State aid to public schools will increase by $161.5 million. It is about $2.5 billion and will be distributed according to a formula that takes into account student enrollment. The foundation funding amount is going up from $7,771 to $8,162 per pupil. School districts get additional funding for every student from low-income families and students with special needs.
The governor proposed and the legislature approved significant changes in higher education. The law is called ACCESS, an acronym for acceleration, common sense, cost, eligibility, scholarships and standardization.
The new law streamlines the application process and increases the number of college entrance exams that students take for admission. Transferring from one state college to another will be easier.
It provides students more opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school. It provides incentives for colleges to teach skills in demand by industry.
Academic Challenge Scholarships will pay $2,000 during the freshman, up from $1,000.
Act 140 will improve maternal health care in Arkansas, especially in areas where existing medical services are lacking. Known as the “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act,” it changes Medicaid regulations to make prenatal care more accessible in a couple of ways.
It establishes presumptive eligibility for pregnant women who apply for Medicaid. This means they will get immediate prenatal care, while they’re waiting for a full application to be processed. It authorizes Medicaid to reimburse doulas and community health workers, including visits to the pregnant woman’s home if the visit is related to prenatal or postpartum care.
Act 122 requires all school districts to enact policies that restrict cell phone usage by students. It’s called the “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act.” Its purpose is twofold. First, it removes distractions from the classroom that are hindering students academically. Secondly, we hope it will improve the mental and emotional health of young people who spend too much time on social media.
Studies indicate that the rates of suicide and depression are significantly higher among teenagers who spend lots of time on social media.
The legislature also enacted new laws to protect children from strategies used by social media that are designed to encourage suicide and addictive or compulsive behavior. A law enacted two years ago is held up in federal court because social media companies challenged it. The new law is written to satisfy judicial questions raised in that lawsuit.
The legislature voted to increase the annual homestead property tax credit by $100, raising it from $500 to $600, and to completely eliminate the state sales tax on groceries. The first measure will save homeowners $57 million a year. The repeal of the grocery tax will save Arkansans $11 million a year.
Arrest Reports: 04/17
The Arrest Report will be posted soon.
There are currently 80 inmates housed at the Carroll County Detention Center.
News for Thursday, April 17, 2025
Juvenile killed in accident in Rogers
ROGERS - An accident claimed the life of a minor pedestrian in Rogers this past Sunday.
According to an incident report released this week by the Arkansas State Police, the 11-year-old boy exited a vehicle while it was traveling on S. 47th Street in Rogers. He then fell down and was run over by the same vehicle. The accident occurred around 8 p.m.
The boy was transported to Mercy Hospital Rogers where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The investigating officer reported conditions as clear and dry at the time of the accident.
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Holiday Island Spring Cleanup is May 3
CARROLL COUNTY – The Carroll County Solid Waste District will host its annual Holiday Island Spring Cleanup this Saturday, May 3.
This service is provided free of charge only to customers of the Carroll County Solid Waste District.
Organizers ask residents to stack the material they wish to dispose of into two separate piles: one pile for bulky waste such as furniture, mattresses, toilets and dimensional lumber under three feet; and a second pile for metal items such as water heaters, washers, dryers, cookstoves and bare metal.
Items that will not be picked up during the cleanup event include household trash, hazardous waste, tires, roofing material, freon-containing appliances and electronics.
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Area officers graduate from Northwest ALETA
FAYETTEVILLE - Forty-eight cadets of the Northwest Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy Class 2025-A recently graduated as law enforcement officers during a ceremony held at the Cross Church in Fayetteville.
Over the course of the 13-week program, they completed approximately 649 hours of instruction and practical training, covering topics such as criminal law, traffic control, accident investigation, firearms training, and defensive tactics.
Chief Steve Gahagans of the University of Arkansas Police Department served as the keynote speaker offering congratulations and encouragement through his own career and experiences.
Special recognition and awards were presented to the cadets who attained the highest scores within the respective training categories listed as follows:
Academics:1. Magen Roberts, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.2. Reyna Chambers, Springdale P.D.3. Kurt Lentine, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.
Physical Fitness:1. Jonathan Castaneda, Rogers P.D.2. Ayden Barbour, Fayetteville P.D.3. Kurt Lentine, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.
Firearms:1. Cory Wood, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.2. Blake Longshore, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.3. Kyler Cotton, Rogers P.D.
Servant Leadership Award:Jaylan Thomas, Rogers P.D.
The graduates and their agencies are listed as follows:
Nick Herring, Bentonville P.D. – Class Leader
Morgan Sutton, Fayetteville P.D. – Assistant Class LeaderAubrey Minshew, Benton Co. – Squad A LeaderMichelle Sanchez, Springdale P.D.Leslie Wolfe, Rogers P.D.Sarah Hoftender, Fayetteville P.D.Vanessa Motes, Rogers P.D.Hannah Kirby, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.Reyna Chambers, Springdale P.D.Austin Reyes, Springdale P.D.Diego Sanchez, Rogers P.D.Gretchen Morgan, Fayetteville P.D.Fernando Machado, Rogers P.D.Tina Mullen, Benton Co.
Kurt Lentine, Univ. of Arkansas P.D. – Squad B LeaderRoxxana Andrade, Springdale P.D.Magen Roberts, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.Erik Carbajal, Springdale P.D.Jesse Moore, Benton Co.Korben Boothman, Washington Co.Dustin Le, Prairie Grove P.D.Kyler Cotton, Rogers P.D.Hayden Singleton, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.Jacob Todd, Rogers P.D.Jorge Vazquez-Islas, Fayetteville P.D.
Blake Arnold, Washington Co. – Squad C LeaderRigoberto Gutierrez, Fayetteville P.D.Alfredo Arenas, Springdale P.D.Easton Lewis, Bentonville P.D.Joshua Breeden, Rogers P.D.Alexander Baker, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.Jonathan Trujillo-Fuentes, Benton Co.Kivet Conner, Lowell P.D.Joseph Tartaglia, Springdale P.D.Nathaniel Lee, Siloam Springs P.D.Jontezz Washington, Springdale P.D.Payton Fitch, Bentonville P.D.
Ayden Barbour, Fayetteville P.D. – Squad D LeaderErick Reyes, Springdale P.D.Monteith Colclough, Fayetteville P.D.Romaunce McDowell, Washington Co.Jaylan Thomas, Rogers P.D.Blake Longshore, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.Cory Wood, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.Garret Prowell, Rogers P.D.Christian Marquez, Rogers P.D.Justin Noblin, Gentry P.D.
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Gov. Sanders seeks to ban junk food from SNAP
LITTLE ROCK - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced a plan to ban soft drinks and candy from Arkansas’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also referred to as food stamps.
She submitted a waiver earlier this week to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers SNAP. “Banning soft drinks and candy from food stamps will remove some of the least-healthy, most-processed foods from the program and encourage low-income Arkansans to eat better," said Sanders in a press release. "Arkansas leads the nation in common-sense, conservative reforms and I was proud to work with Secretary Rollins to make this move and take a strong first step toward broader changes to our food stamp program.”
In addition to banning soft drinks and candy from food stamps, this waiver also requests the addition of rotisserie chicken – an affordable, healthy protein source – to the list of eligible SNAP benefits. The State plans to use the GS1 US food categorization system to implement these policy changes. Food stamps are a $119 billion federal program designed to supplement the lowest-income Americans’ nutritional needs. However, about 23% of food stamp spending – $27 billion annually – now goes toward soft drinks, unhealthy snacks, candy, and desserts. One-third of Arkansans have diabetes or pre-diabetes. Studies have consistently shown the link between the overconsumption of sugary, highly processed foods like soft drinks and candy and chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. One study from Stanford found that just banning sugary drinks from food stamps could prevent obesity in 141,000 kids and Type 2 diabetes in 240,000 adults. Earlier this year, Governor Sanders signed SB59 into law, providing every student in Arkansas with free school breakfast. The legislation also repurposes Medical Marijuana tax revenue to ensure both Summer EBT and Arkansas’ free lunch and breakfast programs are fully funded into the future. Governor Sanders previously announced Arkansas will continue its Summer EBT program this year after serving 260,000 last summer. The Governor previously signed legislation to provide free school lunches for students who previously qualified for reduced-price meals. Sanders mailed Arkansas’ waiver to USDA today, opening up a 30-day public comment period in Arkansas. She previously announced her intent to pursue this waiver in December, 2024.
ROGERS - An accident claimed the life of a minor pedestrian in Rogers this past Sunday.
According to an incident report released this week by the Arkansas State Police, the 11-year-old boy exited a vehicle while it was traveling on S. 47th Street in Rogers. He then fell down and was run over by the same vehicle. The accident occurred around 8 p.m.
The boy was transported to Mercy Hospital Rogers where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The investigating officer reported conditions as clear and dry at the time of the accident.
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Holiday Island Spring Cleanup is May 3
CARROLL COUNTY – The Carroll County Solid Waste District will host its annual Holiday Island Spring Cleanup this Saturday, May 3.
This service is provided free of charge only to customers of the Carroll County Solid Waste District.
Organizers ask residents to stack the material they wish to dispose of into two separate piles: one pile for bulky waste such as furniture, mattresses, toilets and dimensional lumber under three feet; and a second pile for metal items such as water heaters, washers, dryers, cookstoves and bare metal.
Items that will not be picked up during the cleanup event include household trash, hazardous waste, tires, roofing material, freon-containing appliances and electronics.
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Area officers graduate from Northwest ALETA
FAYETTEVILLE - Forty-eight cadets of the Northwest Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy Class 2025-A recently graduated as law enforcement officers during a ceremony held at the Cross Church in Fayetteville.
Over the course of the 13-week program, they completed approximately 649 hours of instruction and practical training, covering topics such as criminal law, traffic control, accident investigation, firearms training, and defensive tactics.
Chief Steve Gahagans of the University of Arkansas Police Department served as the keynote speaker offering congratulations and encouragement through his own career and experiences.
Special recognition and awards were presented to the cadets who attained the highest scores within the respective training categories listed as follows:
Academics:1. Magen Roberts, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.2. Reyna Chambers, Springdale P.D.3. Kurt Lentine, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.
Physical Fitness:1. Jonathan Castaneda, Rogers P.D.2. Ayden Barbour, Fayetteville P.D.3. Kurt Lentine, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.
Firearms:1. Cory Wood, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.2. Blake Longshore, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.3. Kyler Cotton, Rogers P.D.
Servant Leadership Award:Jaylan Thomas, Rogers P.D.
The graduates and their agencies are listed as follows:
Nick Herring, Bentonville P.D. – Class Leader
Morgan Sutton, Fayetteville P.D. – Assistant Class LeaderAubrey Minshew, Benton Co. – Squad A LeaderMichelle Sanchez, Springdale P.D.Leslie Wolfe, Rogers P.D.Sarah Hoftender, Fayetteville P.D.Vanessa Motes, Rogers P.D.Hannah Kirby, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.Reyna Chambers, Springdale P.D.Austin Reyes, Springdale P.D.Diego Sanchez, Rogers P.D.Gretchen Morgan, Fayetteville P.D.Fernando Machado, Rogers P.D.Tina Mullen, Benton Co.
Kurt Lentine, Univ. of Arkansas P.D. – Squad B LeaderRoxxana Andrade, Springdale P.D.Magen Roberts, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.Erik Carbajal, Springdale P.D.Jesse Moore, Benton Co.Korben Boothman, Washington Co.Dustin Le, Prairie Grove P.D.Kyler Cotton, Rogers P.D.Hayden Singleton, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.Jacob Todd, Rogers P.D.Jorge Vazquez-Islas, Fayetteville P.D.
Blake Arnold, Washington Co. – Squad C LeaderRigoberto Gutierrez, Fayetteville P.D.Alfredo Arenas, Springdale P.D.Easton Lewis, Bentonville P.D.Joshua Breeden, Rogers P.D.Alexander Baker, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.Jonathan Trujillo-Fuentes, Benton Co.Kivet Conner, Lowell P.D.Joseph Tartaglia, Springdale P.D.Nathaniel Lee, Siloam Springs P.D.Jontezz Washington, Springdale P.D.Payton Fitch, Bentonville P.D.
Ayden Barbour, Fayetteville P.D. – Squad D LeaderErick Reyes, Springdale P.D.Monteith Colclough, Fayetteville P.D.Romaunce McDowell, Washington Co.Jaylan Thomas, Rogers P.D.Blake Longshore, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.Cory Wood, Univ. of Arkansas P.D.Garret Prowell, Rogers P.D.Christian Marquez, Rogers P.D.Justin Noblin, Gentry P.D.
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Gov. Sanders seeks to ban junk food from SNAP
LITTLE ROCK - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced a plan to ban soft drinks and candy from Arkansas’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also referred to as food stamps.
She submitted a waiver earlier this week to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers SNAP. “Banning soft drinks and candy from food stamps will remove some of the least-healthy, most-processed foods from the program and encourage low-income Arkansans to eat better," said Sanders in a press release. "Arkansas leads the nation in common-sense, conservative reforms and I was proud to work with Secretary Rollins to make this move and take a strong first step toward broader changes to our food stamp program.”
In addition to banning soft drinks and candy from food stamps, this waiver also requests the addition of rotisserie chicken – an affordable, healthy protein source – to the list of eligible SNAP benefits. The State plans to use the GS1 US food categorization system to implement these policy changes. Food stamps are a $119 billion federal program designed to supplement the lowest-income Americans’ nutritional needs. However, about 23% of food stamp spending – $27 billion annually – now goes toward soft drinks, unhealthy snacks, candy, and desserts. One-third of Arkansans have diabetes or pre-diabetes. Studies have consistently shown the link between the overconsumption of sugary, highly processed foods like soft drinks and candy and chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. One study from Stanford found that just banning sugary drinks from food stamps could prevent obesity in 141,000 kids and Type 2 diabetes in 240,000 adults. Earlier this year, Governor Sanders signed SB59 into law, providing every student in Arkansas with free school breakfast. The legislation also repurposes Medical Marijuana tax revenue to ensure both Summer EBT and Arkansas’ free lunch and breakfast programs are fully funded into the future. Governor Sanders previously announced Arkansas will continue its Summer EBT program this year after serving 260,000 last summer. The Governor previously signed legislation to provide free school lunches for students who previously qualified for reduced-price meals. Sanders mailed Arkansas’ waiver to USDA today, opening up a 30-day public comment period in Arkansas. She previously announced her intent to pursue this waiver in December, 2024.
Arrest Reports: 04/16
Samual James Birchfield of Eagle Rock - Contempt of Court, Failure to Appear Felony
Caitlin Quinn Cantele of Eureka Springs - Contempt of Court, Driving on Suspended/Revoked License, Failure to Appear Misdemeanor, Hold for Other Agency, Leaving Scene of Accident, No Liability Insurance First Offense, Obstruction Gov Operations Class C, Reckless Driving
Zachary Curtis Daniel of Eureka Springs - Contempt of Court, Failure to Appear Misdemeanor
Geraldine Denise Henderson of Berryville - Court Commitment
Christopher Gary Mulholland of Golden - Court Appearance
Angela Marie Norris of Green Forest - Failure to Appear Misdemeanor
Parduman Parduman of Delhi - Careless & Prohibited Driving, DWI #1, Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test
Jose Antonio Pedraza Torres, Jr Berryville - Driving on Suspended/Revoked License, Failure to Appear Misdemeanor
Mary Gail Snipes of Eureka Springs - Driving on Suspended Driver's License Due to DWI
There are currently 80 inmates housed at the Carroll County Detention Center.
News for Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Don’t risk it on 4/20: Plan for a sober driver
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with Arkansas law enforcement to urge drivers to stay sober behind the wheel.
Sunday, April 20, 2025, marks the unofficial marijuana “holiday,” and there will likely be an increase in marijuana use. Marijuana laws are changing constantly across the country, but one thing remains: Impaired driving is illegal and deadly. NHTSA is reminding all drivers: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DWI.
“ If you are impaired, do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “Use good judgement. Obey the law, and make safe choices when driving a vehicle. Your decisions don’t just affect you — they affect everyone on the road.”
If you think being high won’t affect your driving, you’re wrong. It has been proven that marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane. Whether the drug is legally obtained or not, drug-impaired driving poses a threat to everyone on the road.
Those who plan to use marijuana on 4/20 (or any day) should not drive. If you find yourself drug-impaired and stranded with your vehicle, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home or to a safe place. Remind your friends to never get in the vehicle with an impaired driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive while high, don’t let the drive and help them get home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later.
By working together, we can save lives and help keep Arkansas’ roadways safe. Please join the Arkansas Highway Safety Office in sharing the lifesaving message: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DWI.
For more information on impaired driving, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136, and go to https://www.tzdarkansas.org/ to learn about Arkansas’ Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities.
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Arkansas to appeal federal denial for
individual assistance for March 14 storms
On Friday, April 11, 2025, the State of Arkansas received a denial from the federal government regarding funding for Individual Assistance (IA) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in connection with the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred on March 14, 2025. Arkansas’s request for Public Assistance (PA) related to this event is still pending.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is currently working with the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) to appeal the federal government’s denial for IA. Arkansas has 30 days to submit the necessary documentation for an appeal.
Joint local, state, and federal damage assessments for the April 2, 2025, and continuing severe storms and flooding are ongoing. Damage assessments will continue through the end of April. Once damage assessments are complete and all data has been compiled, the State of Arkansas will submit a request to the White House for a Major Disaster Declaration.
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Craft & Chat each Wednesday at Berryville Library
BERRYVILLE - The Berryville Library invites creators to join others at Craft & Chat every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
Whether you crochet, knit, embroider, sew, scrapbook, or create in any way, this is a program for you. Pack up a current project and bring it with you to the library. Then, make new friends (or visit with old ones) as you make new stuff.
There are no group projects and there are no restrictions regarding what you can work on, as long as you can carry it into the library. Share, showcase, and learn new skills in a welcoming environment.
For more information, visit the library at 104 Spring Street or call (870) 423-2323.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with Arkansas law enforcement to urge drivers to stay sober behind the wheel.
Sunday, April 20, 2025, marks the unofficial marijuana “holiday,” and there will likely be an increase in marijuana use. Marijuana laws are changing constantly across the country, but one thing remains: Impaired driving is illegal and deadly. NHTSA is reminding all drivers: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DWI.
“ If you are impaired, do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “Use good judgement. Obey the law, and make safe choices when driving a vehicle. Your decisions don’t just affect you — they affect everyone on the road.”
If you think being high won’t affect your driving, you’re wrong. It has been proven that marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane. Whether the drug is legally obtained or not, drug-impaired driving poses a threat to everyone on the road.
Those who plan to use marijuana on 4/20 (or any day) should not drive. If you find yourself drug-impaired and stranded with your vehicle, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home or to a safe place. Remind your friends to never get in the vehicle with an impaired driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive while high, don’t let the drive and help them get home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later.
By working together, we can save lives and help keep Arkansas’ roadways safe. Please join the Arkansas Highway Safety Office in sharing the lifesaving message: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DWI.
For more information on impaired driving, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136, and go to https://www.tzdarkansas.org/ to learn about Arkansas’ Toward Zero Deaths campaign to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities.
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Arkansas to appeal federal denial for
individual assistance for March 14 storms
On Friday, April 11, 2025, the State of Arkansas received a denial from the federal government regarding funding for Individual Assistance (IA) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in connection with the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred on March 14, 2025. Arkansas’s request for Public Assistance (PA) related to this event is still pending.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is currently working with the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) to appeal the federal government’s denial for IA. Arkansas has 30 days to submit the necessary documentation for an appeal.
Joint local, state, and federal damage assessments for the April 2, 2025, and continuing severe storms and flooding are ongoing. Damage assessments will continue through the end of April. Once damage assessments are complete and all data has been compiled, the State of Arkansas will submit a request to the White House for a Major Disaster Declaration.
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Craft & Chat each Wednesday at Berryville Library
BERRYVILLE - The Berryville Library invites creators to join others at Craft & Chat every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
Whether you crochet, knit, embroider, sew, scrapbook, or create in any way, this is a program for you. Pack up a current project and bring it with you to the library. Then, make new friends (or visit with old ones) as you make new stuff.
There are no group projects and there are no restrictions regarding what you can work on, as long as you can carry it into the library. Share, showcase, and learn new skills in a welcoming environment.
For more information, visit the library at 104 Spring Street or call (870) 423-2323.
Arrest Reports: 04/15
Jose Aguilar-Colop of Green Forest- Driving on Susp. D/L Due to DWI, DWI#2, Fleeing-Misd, Poss. of Open Container of Etoh/Veh.
Jacob Dollarhide of Berryville- Failure to Appear-Misd.
Saul Ibarra of Purcell OK- Failure to Appear-Misd.
Amber Meier of Harrison- Possession Drug Para/Misd.
Steven Obenshain of Rogers- DWI #1, Refusal to Submit to Chemical Test.
Matthew Simpson of Shell Knob- Failure to Appear-Misd X2, Possession of Drug Para/Felony.
There are currently 73 inmates housed at the Carroll County Detention Center.
News for Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Moratorium on new wind, solar projects up forsecond reading at tonight's quorum court meeting
BERRYVILLE — The Carroll County Quorum Court will hold its regular meeting this evening with the second reading of a proposed moratorium on new wind and solar energy projects taking center stage.
The ordinance, which passed unanimously during its first reading earlier this month, would prohibit construction of new commercial wind and solar facilities in Carroll County for five years following the completion of the ongoing Nimbus Wind Project. The moratorium has garnered sizable public interest as residents and officials continue to debate the future of renewable energy development in the county.
The moratorium echoes a similar measure passed by Madison County and is aimed at giving Carroll County more time to assess the long-term impact of utility-scale renewable energy projects. It was prompted largely by community concerns over environmental disruption, potential damage to private property, and the risk of water source contamination from turbine-related incidents.
The Nimbus Wind Project, developed by Colorado-based Scout Clean Energy, is already under contract to provide electricity to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator. Existing agreements such as this one are not affected by the proposed ordinance. However, a lawsuit filed by several property owners against the county over road use agreements with Nimbus remains unresolved.
Also on tonight’s agenda is the introduction of new business including a resolution to appoint Leslie Echols to the Mundell Heights Subordinate Service District Board of Commissioners and Nixon Guzman to the Green Forest Library Board. The court will also consider an emergency ordinance regarding the authorization of contracted services, and an appropriation ordinance acknowledging donations for the Juvenile Probation Grant.
The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. in the Carroll County Courthouse and is open to the public.
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Give blood April 28 in Berryvilleand receive Ozarks Adventure Pass
BERRYVILLE - Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 45 area healthcare facilities, is partnering with four area attractions to offer free admissions for lifesaving donors to help boost the region’s blood supply this spring.
Successful donors in April will receive an Ozarks Adventure Pass, worth over $180 in value in free admission offers. The Ozarks Adventure Pass has tear-away vouchers for two free admissions to all four attractions:
-The Discovery Center - Springfield, MO ($30 value)-The Scott Family Amazeum - Bentonville, AR ($28 value)-Ripley’s Believe It or Not! - Branson, MO ($58 value)-Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge – Eureka Springs, AR ($70 value) Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors provide all the blood for patients at Mercy Berryville Hospital, as well as over 40 other healthcare facilities across the Ozarks. Berryville area residents will have the opportunity to donate at the following location:
Monday, April 28 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Mercy Hospital BerryvilleMedical Arts Conference Room211 Carter, Berryville
To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/donate-blood or by calling 417-227-5006.
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Community Emergency Response Teamtraining event scheduled in Berryville
Submitted by Suellyn Fry
BERRYVILLE - How prepared are you for a disaster - major fire, tornado, flooding? Learn how to be a competent volunteer that is usually the first step in the chain of events that happens after a disaster.
The Carroll County Citizen Corps Council that oversees the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Neighborhood Watch programs will be conducting a CERT class in Berryville.
CERT educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that impact their local area and train them in basic disaster response skills. This is a five week class with a disaster drill at the end. Topics covered are: Team Organization, Fire Safety, Light Search and Rescue, Disaster Medical Operations and Disaster Psychology. CERT operates under the Office of Emergency Management and is being presented to the public at no cost to them.
The training class will be held at the Berryville Fire Departments on the following Mondays from 6-9 p.m.:-May 12, 19, 26-June 2, 9
A disaster drill will be held Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Some things the CERT team has assisted with have been Search and Rescue for missingpeople, setting up a rehab area for several large fires involving multiple fire departments, assisting with traffic control at some large events, first aid at several events.
For more information or questions, or to sign up for the class, contact Suellyn Fry at 870-545-3317. Leavea message on her answering machine if she does not answer.
BERRYVILLE — The Carroll County Quorum Court will hold its regular meeting this evening with the second reading of a proposed moratorium on new wind and solar energy projects taking center stage.
The ordinance, which passed unanimously during its first reading earlier this month, would prohibit construction of new commercial wind and solar facilities in Carroll County for five years following the completion of the ongoing Nimbus Wind Project. The moratorium has garnered sizable public interest as residents and officials continue to debate the future of renewable energy development in the county.
The moratorium echoes a similar measure passed by Madison County and is aimed at giving Carroll County more time to assess the long-term impact of utility-scale renewable energy projects. It was prompted largely by community concerns over environmental disruption, potential damage to private property, and the risk of water source contamination from turbine-related incidents.
The Nimbus Wind Project, developed by Colorado-based Scout Clean Energy, is already under contract to provide electricity to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator. Existing agreements such as this one are not affected by the proposed ordinance. However, a lawsuit filed by several property owners against the county over road use agreements with Nimbus remains unresolved.
Also on tonight’s agenda is the introduction of new business including a resolution to appoint Leslie Echols to the Mundell Heights Subordinate Service District Board of Commissioners and Nixon Guzman to the Green Forest Library Board. The court will also consider an emergency ordinance regarding the authorization of contracted services, and an appropriation ordinance acknowledging donations for the Juvenile Probation Grant.
The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. in the Carroll County Courthouse and is open to the public.
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Give blood April 28 in Berryvilleand receive Ozarks Adventure Pass
BERRYVILLE - Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 45 area healthcare facilities, is partnering with four area attractions to offer free admissions for lifesaving donors to help boost the region’s blood supply this spring.
Successful donors in April will receive an Ozarks Adventure Pass, worth over $180 in value in free admission offers. The Ozarks Adventure Pass has tear-away vouchers for two free admissions to all four attractions:
-The Discovery Center - Springfield, MO ($30 value)-The Scott Family Amazeum - Bentonville, AR ($28 value)-Ripley’s Believe It or Not! - Branson, MO ($58 value)-Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge – Eureka Springs, AR ($70 value) Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors provide all the blood for patients at Mercy Berryville Hospital, as well as over 40 other healthcare facilities across the Ozarks. Berryville area residents will have the opportunity to donate at the following location:
Monday, April 28 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Mercy Hospital BerryvilleMedical Arts Conference Room211 Carter, Berryville
To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/donate-blood or by calling 417-227-5006.
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Community Emergency Response Teamtraining event scheduled in Berryville
Submitted by Suellyn Fry
BERRYVILLE - How prepared are you for a disaster - major fire, tornado, flooding? Learn how to be a competent volunteer that is usually the first step in the chain of events that happens after a disaster.
The Carroll County Citizen Corps Council that oversees the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Neighborhood Watch programs will be conducting a CERT class in Berryville.
CERT educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that impact their local area and train them in basic disaster response skills. This is a five week class with a disaster drill at the end. Topics covered are: Team Organization, Fire Safety, Light Search and Rescue, Disaster Medical Operations and Disaster Psychology. CERT operates under the Office of Emergency Management and is being presented to the public at no cost to them.
The training class will be held at the Berryville Fire Departments on the following Mondays from 6-9 p.m.:-May 12, 19, 26-June 2, 9
A disaster drill will be held Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Some things the CERT team has assisted with have been Search and Rescue for missingpeople, setting up a rehab area for several large fires involving multiple fire departments, assisting with traffic control at some large events, first aid at several events.
For more information or questions, or to sign up for the class, contact Suellyn Fry at 870-545-3317. Leavea message on her answering machine if she does not answer.