KTHS Radio Survey

N E W S

Local News Schedules:

Monday thru Friday 8am, Noon & 5pm Saturday & Sunday at 7am and Noon

Berryville Elementary Pledge of Allegiance

06/11/2021

Silver Alert Issued for Madison County Man
The Madison County Sheriff's Office has issued a Silver Alert for Claude Eugene Upton. According to a release from Arkansas State Police, Upton was last seen on Thursday, June 10, at 7:30 a.m. Upton is a 67-year-old white male, with gray hair and brown eyes. He's 5 feet, 8 inches and weighs 186 pounds. Police said he was last known to be at 2711 Madison 6345, wearing a blue t-shirt, pajama pants or blue jeans and gray shoes. If you have any information on Upton's whereabouts call the Madison County Sheriff's Office at (479) 738-2320.
Two More Suspects Arrested in Barry County, Mo. Homicide Investigation
The Barry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a possible homicide that happened in the area of Farm Road 1078 and Farm Road 2140, according to Barry County Sheriff Danny Boyd. Boyd says on May 28, around 6:02 p.m., Barry County police received a call of a body in a field by the road. Upon arriving on the scene, police determined the victim was Daylon Michael Anderson, 25, of Monett, Mo. Boyd says Anderson had died from an apparent gunshot wound. Police arrested Dylan Rixon Williams, 21, of Monett in connection with the incident. Williams is charged with first degree murder and armed criminal action. He is being held without bond. On June 7, two other suspects were arrested in connection with the homicide, Carlos M. Gutierrez, 19, of Carthage, Mo., and Jonathan Renteria-Marquez, 20, of Carthage. Both are being held in the Barry County Jail with a bond of $350,000 on the charges of second degree murder, second degree robbery and tampering with physical evidence. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to call the Barry County Sheriff’s Office at 417-847-6556
Arkansas Farm Bureau Reporting Widespread Devastation in SE Arkansas
The AFB says an early survey of the damage shows more than $300,000,000 in crop losses after heavy rains flooded farms in the region. “It seems like these 100 year events occur every two years now,” said Jay Coker, a farmer in Arkansas Co. Coker farms rice, corn, and soybeans on thousands of acres in the county. He says most of his hard work now sits underneath water. “A field that is under for 48 hours is probably not going to survive,” said Coker. Arkansas County Judge, Eddie Best, says they believe more than 15,000 acres of crops are flooded. According to Coker, 2500 of those, belong to him. “When you have an event like this, and you lose the potential for the income off these acres, then you impact the entire state of Arkansas,” said Coker. Coker says he hopes to still produce rice when it’s time to harvest, however believes the soybean fields are a total loss. “Just like a human with oxygen, the soy beans need to be able to respire and breathe and it can’t do that in these conditions,” said Coker. Coker says this event is unprecedented and late into the season, which makes it hard to replant “To have to start over and not end up with anything, that’s probably what’s on a lot of people’s minds,” said Coker. Coker believes it will take another 7 days for all of the water to drain from his crops.
Tyson Foods Set Goal of Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Tyson Foods has set a goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its operations and supply chain by 2050. The company joins a growing group of airlines, banks, software firms and others taking corporate action in the face of a worsening climate crisis. Tyson released its latest 2020 sustainability report on Wednesday, detailing its progress and plans to reduce carbon emissions and water usage, among other efforts. The move to "net zero" is an expansion of the company's earlier target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2030. It was one of the first targets by a meat-producing company to be accepted by the Science Based Targets initiative. It's also consistent with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In recent years, Tyson's sustainability reports have tracked the company's progress toward reaching its environmental goals, as well as animal welfare and workplace goals. One study says that a third of the global population -- 3.5 billion people -- could be living in temperatures inhospitable to human life in the next 50 years. According to the study published last year by the National Academy of Sciences, billions of people could be living in climates where the average annual temperature is 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Most humans have lived in places with an average temperature between 51 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Another publication says that as temperatures rise and rainfall patterns alter drastically, the world's food production will be at risk if greenhouse gas emissions continue climbing at their current rate.
Bass Pro Shops Kick-Off "Gone Fishing"
Bass Pro Shops is challenging families to put down their digital devices and discover the joys of fishing. To kick-off “Gone Fishing”, the nationwide movement that gets kids and families connected to nature each summer, the company is donating more than 40,000 rods and reels to local nonprofit organizations for kids of all backgrounds. Becky Roark, executive director of the Beaver Water Alliance, says its a great way to teach local kids about the outdoors and the preservation of nearby lakes. “Whenever community partners like this step in, it really has a nice message that the community does care about the youth and engaging them in conservation, but also our water quality in Northwest Arkansas,” Roark said. Bass Pro Shop in Rogers donated supplies and reels to the Beaver Lake Big Bass Bonanza event.
Artists Present Visions for Likenesses of Two Arkansas Icons
Five artists on Wednesday presented their visions for likenesses of two Arkansas icons that, if selected, they will sculpt for display in the U.S. Capitol. The Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission and the National Statuary Hall steering committee reviewed each artist's roughly 3-foot-tall clay model and heard from the sculptors about their processes and artistic decisions. Arkansas is in the process of replacing the two statues representing the state in the U.S. Capitol with likenesses of civil-rights leader Daisy Gatson Bates and country music legend Johnny Cash, as ordered by the Legislature with Act 1068 of 2019. Congress invited each state to submit up to two bronze or marble statues to be placed in Statuary Hall in 1864, and as the number of statues grew, they spread to other areas in the U.S. Capitol. In February, the panelists narrowed the 31 applicants down to three finalists for each statue, with one artist in the running for both projects. Members of the committees will now rank their first, second and third choices and turn in their scores by Friday, and the results will be discussed in a meeting Monday.
Sen. Boozman Doesn't Support Sale of Pine Trees
U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., says that he does not support the planned sale of 6,300 acres of the University of Arkansas System's Pine Tree Research Station in St. Francis County. Congress' approval is required for the sale to go through. "I share the concerns of outdoor enthusiasts about the loss of public lands for recreational usage so I will not support a waiver for the sale of the research station," Boozman said in a statement about five hours after state lawmakers grilled UA System officials about the sale. Boozman is the state's senior senator and the ranking member on the committee that would have a say in the Pine Tree sale. Lawmakers meeting earlier in Little Rock accused UA System officials of "arrogance" and of "thwarting the will" of the General Assembly in continuing with the sale of 6,300 acres to Lobo Farms LLC for some $17.6 million, plus a $1 million endowment. "It blows my mind why y'all continue to go on and stick your finger in the eye of the Legislature," said Sen. Ron Caldwell, R-Wynne, a leader in the Legislature's efforts this spring to prohibit the sale of the property to a private entity. Lawmakers passed two such bills. Wet and heavily wooded, the acres set for sale aren't conducive to the row-crop research conducted elsewhere at the research station. Because of that, the acreage has been open for decades to the public for fishing, hunting, hiking and bird-watching. UA System President Donald Bobbitt said the system is legally obligated to follow the terms of a contract executed with Lobo Farms before passage of the new laws. "This is a valid contract," Bobbitt said. The lawmakers' criticism and UA's defense of the sale were aired Tuesday in a joint meeting of the Senate Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs.
National Retail Federation Expects Retail Sales to Grow More
A national retail trade group has revised its sales projections upward for the year as the economic recovery from the pandemic accelerates. The National Retail Federation now expects retail sales to grow between 10.5% and 13.5%, compared with its growth projection in February of 6.5% to 8.2%. The revised figures represent about $4.5 trillion in total sales. Federation President Matthew Shay and Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz presented the new sales forecast on Wednesday in the group's live webcast of its State of Retail and the Consumer event. They said that when the original forecast was made earlier this year, there was still much uncertainty surrounding consumer spending, covid-19 infection rates, vaccine distribution and any additional stimulus funding. The National Retail Federation, based in Washington, D.C., says retail is the nation's largest private-sector employer, supporting 1 in 4 U.S. jobs and contributing $3.9 trillion to the overall economy annually. The National Retail Federation now estimates 2021 retail sales, including those made online, will total between $4.44 trillion and $4.56 trillion. Online sales alone are expected to grow between 18% and 23%, to about $1 trillion. All figures exclude car dealers, gas stations and restaurants.

09/10/2021

Covid-19 Update:
The U.S. Surgeon General is warning about a new variant that’s causing concern in the U.S. and is encouraging the unvaccinated to get the vaccine. The delta variant that was first found in India now makes up for about 6% of cases here in the U.S., and that number is quickly increasing. “This is obviously very concerning. There is also some initial evidence might also be, the delta variant might be more dangerous in terms of causing more severe disease,” Dr. Vivek Murthy said. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says they believe the delta variant is even more transmissible than the U.K. variant, but he says the good news is the vaccines we have are effective. He says two doses of the Pfizer vaccine give you 88% protection against the variant, and one dose gives you 33% protection. He says the key to protecting yourself is getting vaccinated. The surgeon general says two-thirds of unvaccinated people believe myths about the vaccine. The Arkansas Department of Health says that’s why there is still vaccine hesitancy in our state. Dr. Jennifer Dillaha says some people in Arkansas are so firmly convinced that some of the misinformation out there is true that they are unwilling to reconsider their point of view on the vaccine. In the U.S., we’ve seen an 80% decrease in deaths in seniors since the vaccine became available. Almost 40% of Arkansans 12 and older are fully vaccinated, and another 10% have had one dose of the vaccine. On Wednesday, the Health Department reported 242 new cases of Covid-19 and 2 more deaths.
16 Year Old Goshen Girl Missing
Police are asking for help locating a missing 16-year-old girl last seen getting off a school bus in Fayetteville. The Fayetteville Police Department reports that Mikayla Smith, 16, was last seen getting off a school bus at Fayetteville High School on May 24. They say she did not come home after school and has not been in contact with her family since that day. Smith is described as 5'8", weighing 200 lbs. with brown eyes and black and blonde hair. She has a tattoo that says "Crybaby" on the back of her right hand. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Strange with the Fayetteville Police Department at (479) 587-3520
Rogers Man Sentenced for Impersonating a Police Officer
A Rogers man was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to impersonating a police officer and other felony charges. Nichlous Dean Wilkerson, 41, pleaded guilty Monday to criminal impersonation, two counts of possession of firearms by certain persons and tampering with physical evidence. He was charged as a habitual offender because of prior felony convictions. The plea came under an agreement Herb Southern, Wilkerson's attorney, reached with Joshua Robinson, deputy prosecutor. Wilkerson was arrested May 6, 2019.. Benton County Circuit Judge Robin Green accepted the plea agreement and Wilkerson's guilty plea. Wilkerson must abide by a suspended sentence agreement for 10 years after his release from prison.
Another State Doctor Sentenced for Overprescribing Opioids
A Fort Smith doctor was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday for overprescribing opioids. Donald E. Hinderliter, 85, was sentenced to four years in prison followed by one year of supervised release on one count of distribution of a controlled substance without an effective prescription. Hinderliter owned and operated Hinderliter Pain Clinic in Barling, according to court documents. In May 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration received several anonymous complaints that Hinderliter was operating a "pill mill." The complaints said Hinderliter and his associate, Dr. Cecil W. Gaby, charged cash, prescribed hydrocodone and benzodiazepines in the same amount to patients regardless of a particular patient's prognosis or need. Patients traveled great distances to get large quantities of oxycodone, hydrocodone, alprazolam and methadone among other controlled substances, according to the complaints. Hinderliter admitted that he prescribed pills to more than 150 people, often not for legitimate medical purposes. Gaby was sentenced May 27 to 1o years imprisonment for his role in the case.
Missouri Man Killed in Tractor Accident
A man from Crane, Missouri is dead after being run over by a tractor, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The incident happened on June 8, 2021, at 1:38 p.m., on Farm Road 2021 which is just five miles south of Aurora. Burl Baum, 69, was sitting in a tractor when it began to roll backward. He then fell out of the tractor and was ran over. This is MSHP Troop D’s 51st fatal of the year. The next of kin has been notified.
Teen Dating Violence (TDV) A Real Concern
Teen dating violence affects around 10% of our nation’s teen population; in other words, about 1 in 10 teens report being assaulted by their partner. Teen dating violence is a term that is not widely talked about or given much thought, but it has shown to be a more common occurrence than many like to believe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that "26 percent of women and 15 percent of men who were victims of contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime first experienced these or other forms of violence by that partner before age 18." These numbers are overwhelming, especially considering the fact that most teens are unaware they are being abused by their partner until the later years of their life. A common misconception is that violence can only be categorized as physical. Teen dating violence (TDV) can present itself in a number of ways. It can start off small: a few seemingly harmless jokes, or a playful shove, but these can turn into bigger, more serious offences. Those physical acts include, but are not limited to: Hitting, hair pulling, spitting on, slapping, sexual abuse, stalking, and doing things without your consent. TDV is something that needs to be advocated for and talked about within communities, as it directly affects our students and teenage population. Loveisrespect.org says, “One in three teens in the US will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before they become adults." It is important to teach teens how to recognize the warning signs of a toxic/abusive relationship early on, and this month is the perfect opportunity to do so, seeing as it is National TDV Awareness Month. As for TDV victims, or teens who are questioning whether or not they are a victim, there are countless resources and outlets to answer your questions, all it takes is you to speak up. As Teendv.org says, “Remember, love has many definitions, but abuse isn’t one of them."
No Tickets Left at the Gate for Diamond Hogs
This weekend the Diamond Hogs are set to play North Carolina State at Baum Walker Stadium. If you’re still looking to buy tickets to this weekend’s Super Regional games, you won’t be able to get them at the gate. The University of Arkansas says they’re out of tickets to sell. “Unfortunately, there is a limited amount of tickets and were sold out for the weekend,” said Kevin Trainor, Senior Associate Athletic Director. According to the UA, tickets went to season holders and those part of the Razorback Foundation. The University is also required to give a certain amount to North Carolina State. However, if you haven’t got your tickets yet, you still can. On websites like Stub Hub, prices range from $150 to $950 though. Whether you have tickets or not, the UA encourages fans to support the Diamond Hogs. “If you’re not able to get a ticket from Baum Walker Stadium. Get together with razorback fans. Your friends, your family. Call those hogs wherever you are,” Trainor. Encouraging everyone to go out and support local businesses. The first game kicks off Friday night at 5:00 p.m. at Baum Walker Stadium.
List of Winners at the 2021 CMT Music Awards
Here's the list of winners at the 2021 CMT Music Awards, held Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee.Video of the year: Carrie Underwood and John Legend, "Hallelujah"Female video of the year: Gabby Barrett, "The Good Ones"Male video of the year: Kane Brown, "Worship You"Duo/group video of the year: Little Big Town, "Wine, Beer, Whiskey"Breakthrough video of the year: Dylan Scott, "Nobody"Collaborative video of the year: Chris Young and Kane Brown, "Famous Friends"CMT performance of the year: Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey, "The Other Girl" (from the 2020 CMT Music Awards)Best family feature: Taylor Swift, "The Best Day (Taylor's Version)"

06/09/2021

Governor Authorizes Bonuses for State Employees
At his weekly briefing Tuesday, Governor Hutchinson said he’d authorized a 3 percent performance or merit pay bonus for state employees, He lauded state employees for good work during a difficult year. It will cost $11.2 million in general revenue and almost $17 million more from federal money. The pay raise will be added to existing pay, not be a one-time payment. The news wasn’t quite so good on COVID-19. More cases. Arkansas' count of coronavirus cases rose Tuesday by 231 - the fifth daily increase in a row that was larger than the one a week earlier. The number of people hospitalized in the state with covid-19 rose by 29, to 204, its highest level since March 20. The state's death toll from the virus, as tracked by the Health Department, rose by three, to 5,852. He pitched this as a reason for more people to get vaccinated. Health Director Jose Romero spoke about the need for younger children to be vaccinated. The virus can be very serious for children 12 to 18, with prolonged hospitalization. The governor also used the briefing to take some credit for the announcement last week that Fort Smith had been chosen for a fighter jet training mission for foreign pilots. It grew, he said, from a military affairs committee he appointed five years ago to make the state more attractive to military facilities and retirees. It has produced several pieces of legislation to do that. Hutchinson said the new mission would eventually bring 800 people to Ebbing Air National Guard Base and potentially have an economic impact of $1 billion. He said a critical factor in Arkansas’s choice was a promise of $22 million in funding ($17 million state and $5 million local) to extend the existing runway.hool change is in keeping with federal guidelines.
Madison County Man Pleads Not Guilty to Capital Murder
A Madison County man pleaded not guilty to two counts of capital murder and other charges Monday related to the shooting of his mother, father and uncle in early May. Samuel Oliver Simmons, 44, was given an Oct. 12 court date before Circuit Judge Mark Lindsay. He also is charged with one count of attempted capital murder. Madison County Sheriff's deputies responded about 5:30 a.m. May 1 to a home at 1641 Madison 5675, just off Arkansas 23, south of Huntsville and found Richard Simmons Jr., 67, Mark Lee Simmons, 66, and Richard Simmons' wife, Mary Marlene Simmons, 65, all had been shot multiple times. Mark Simmons and Mary Simmons were both dead at the scene. Richard Simmons survived. Samuel Simmons is the son of Richard and Mary Simmons. He lived at the same address as his parents and uncle. Samuel Simmons was later arrested near Huntsville by an Arkansas State Police trooper. He is being held at the Washington County Jail with no bond set while awaiting trial. Capital murder, if convicted, is punishable by life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
IRS To Send Money Back to 2.8 Million Americans Who Filed Taxes Early
The Internal Revenue Service plans to send back money to 2.8 million Americans who filed taxes early, before legislation that waived tax on unemployment compensation paid in 2020. The American Rescue Plan signed earlier this year excluded up to $10,200 in unemployment compensation per taxpayer paid in 2020. Filers who paid their taxes early did not deduct those funds and are now due money back. Refunds will be calculated using the maximum allowance. A typical refund amount will be far smaller than $10,200. “So far, the IRS has identified 13 million taxpayers that may be eligible for the adjustment,” the IRS said in a statement. “Some will receive refunds, which will be issued periodically, and some will have the overpayment applied to taxes due or other debts. For some there will be no change.” As of Monday, the IRS said it had reviewed over 3.1 million returns, with more than 2.8 million receiving refunds. The agency said it will continue the reviews through summer, starting with the simplest returns and then working with the more complex calculations. Taxpayers can expect a letter within 30 days of an adjustment notifying them of the changes to their return, according to the IRS. Some families with children may require an amended return if the adjustment makes the household available for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Medical Marijuana Sales Still Brisk
Arkansas medical marijuana sales have recently surpassed $330 million and is fast approaching 50,000 pounds in sales within the next week, according to the Department of Finance and Administration. Since the first dispensary opened in mid-2019, Arkansans have spent $330.4 million to obtain 48,914 pounds of medical marijuana. The Releaf Center in Bentonville is the first dispensary in the state to reach 5,000 pounds in sales. Since opening in August 2019, The Releaf Center has sold more than 5,249 pounds to patients. There are currently 33 dispensaries in operation throughout Arkansas with five that are working toward opening for business, as 38 dispensaries have been licensed in all. The five working toward opening are 3J Investments in Lamar, Natural Root Wellness in Fayetteville, Missco Cannabis Jonesboro, Natures Herbs and Wellness Pine Bluff and Pine Bluff Agriceuticals, which was approved to open within the month by ABC, will open this month. The Arkansas Department of Health reports that 77,029 active patient cards have been administered.
Wildlife Officers Rescue Two People on the Buffalo National River
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Wildlife officers quickly put training in to practice last Friday after they rescued two people from a quick current in the Buffalo National River, according to a Facebook post on the AGFC page. Officers were training for swift-water rescues near the Shine Eye Campground in Searcy County, when they saw a boy struggling to keep his head above the water, the post said. A man fishing nearby saw the boy struggling, but he was pulled into the current after attempting to rescue the boy, according to the post. The post said the angler was able to get to the boy as they fought to keep their heads above the water. Wildlife officer Kent Slape ran into the river and threw the pair a throw bag. The report states the man grabbed the line, but as Slape was anchoring himself the gravel bar gave way and he was swept into the current, according to the post. Eric Rawls, another Wildlife officer, grabbed Slape and they swam to an eddy to reach the angler and boy, according to the post. Three more Wildlife officers, Cody Stone, Cody Standifer and Clint Park swam to the struggling pair and help keep them afloat. Wildlife officer Caleb McClanahan threw another line, and the officers pulled everyone to the bank. No injuries were reported and no medical attention was required according to the post.
Arkansas County Music Awards
Conway native Erin Enderlin took home the top honor of entertainer of the year and an award for songwriter of the year Monday at the Arkansas Country Music Awards ceremony. Enderlin's wins give her a total of 11 trophies. Sherwood native David Adam Byrnes walked off with the award for top male country artist and album of the year for his "Neon Town," produced by Trent Willmon. Mae Estes was named female vocalist of the year, with Lance Carpenter winning for male vocalist. Little Rock's Salty Dogs won for vocal group of the year. Other awards included:• Bluegrass Artist of the Year: Arkansauce• Inspirational Artist of the Year: The Villines Trio
Missouri Gov. Parsons Signs Prescription Drug Database for Opioid Misuse
Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill 63 on Monday, June 7. The bill will create a statewide prescription drug database to flag possible opioid misuse. It passed the House 91-64 in May. “We’ve got this done, the governor has now signed it, and it is now law,” said local lawmaker Holly Rehder. Feeling grateful after a long nine years... Senator Holly Rehder dedicated much of her time in Jefferson City to create a database to track potentially addictive prescription pills. More than half the counties in Missouri currently use databases run out of St. Louis and Kansas City. Once the statewide database is in place, Rehder said the remaining counties will transition.. Rehder said the next step is creating more recovery opportunities and centers in Missouri. The database will go into effect August 28.
California Valedictorian Accepted Into 21 Universities
From Stanford to Yale, UCLA and many more, the valedictorian of Everette Alvarez High School in Salinas, California, Jorge Marquez Sanchez, was accepted to 21 universities and offered a whopping $2.4 million in scholarships. Out of all his options, it's Harvard that he's chosen. Marquez Sanchez says it wasn't easy — especially during a pandemic. "I think many people underestimate how difficult it was. It was difficult having Wi-Fi problems sometimes, not having help right away when you need it," Marquez Sanchez said. While he doesn't know what the future holds, he knows that he wants to give back. He said, "my main goal is to be able to empower communities and underprivileged communities so that I'm able to increase their resources." Marquez Sanchez modestly said that he was in disbelief when he found out he got accepted but is excited to start college at Harvard in the fall.
Walmart Announces Thanksgiving Day Closure
Walmart announced that all of its U.S. store locations will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25. The company said it will close all stores for a second consecutive year as a “thank you” to associates for their “continued hard work during the pandemic.” “Throughout the pandemic, our associates have been nothing short of heroic in how they have stepped up to serve our customers and their communities,” said Dacona Smith, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Walmart U.S. “Closing our stores on Thanksgiving Day is one way we’re saying ‘thank you’ to our teams for their dedication and hard work this year. We hope everyone will take the opportunity to be with their loved ones during what’s always a special time.” Walmart has not revealed store hours for Black Friday (Nov. 26). The company said that information will be shared “at a later date.” Several stores that normally remain open on Thanksgiving Day were closed in 2020, including Kohls and Target.

06/08/2021

Berryville School District and Today's Power Inc Break Ground on Solar Energy Array+
The Berryville School District and Today's Power Inc. of North Little Rock, broke ground last week on a solar energy array that will cover 80% of the 1,900 student system's electricity load. Offcials say the 1-megawatt array near the school system's football and baseball fields will include 3,000 solar panels and use single-axis tracking, it is expected to be completed before the end of the year. Berryville Superintendent Owen Powell called utility scale solar "the most cost-effective way to benefit all who work and learn in Berryville schools" while also investing in "a green clean, renewable source of generation right here in our town." Today's Power, founded by Arkansas' rural electric cooperatives, will develop, install and own the solar array, selling the electricity at a discount to the school system. The company has buiilt projects totaling nearly $110 million in investment since its founding in 2015. The Berryville district sweetened the deal getting more competitive long-term rates with TPI by partnering with the Barnabas Team of Northwest Arkansas, a consulting group, in the request-for-proposals phase. The school will be responsible for purchasing the power produced by the system, but not for its ongoing operation and maintenance. All of these factors will combine to keep the electricity costs stable and affordable for the school. The district's solar power service agreement with TPI runs for 25 years. TPI President Michael Henderson said "TPI is proud to be partnering with Berryville Schools. With this solar array, the district will produce green energy, which will benefit all of its students by lowering the school's energy costs. In addition, it will be an excellent educational resource. It's rare that one project will help so many students, teachers and staff."
Berryville Accident Report
Berryville Police responded to a two-vehicle accident Tuesday, June 3rd, at 3:15pm. The accident was in front of Harter House. A 2014 Toyota, driven by Brad Trulove of Berryville, turned east out of the Harter House parking lot and sideswiped an eastbound 2006 Toyota, being driven by Marvin Maldonado-Lopez of Green Forest. No injuries were noted on the accident report.
Mennonite Disaster Service Search and Rescue Team Holding Fundraiser
The Mennonite Disaster Service Search and Rescue Team will hold a Search and Rescue Fundraiser this Friday, June 11th from 5-7:30pm at the Mennonite School on Cisco Road. The MDS "Mission" is to respond to those affected by disasters. MDS-SAR specializes in finding drowning victims via high-tech Towfish Sonar; dive team for recoveries' rescuing people in flooding rivers, creeks and waterways via airboat or Jet Boats; they are a certified swiftwater Rescue Team, rescuing injured people from wilderness and National Parks and searching for the lost. The Mennonite Disaster Service has been on Search and Rescue missions in Carroll, Newton, Boone, Madison, Washington, Benton, and Stone Counties, as well as other states. Their new command trailer will on display Friday at the fundraiser. The Search and Rescue Team will be serving a home cooked meal, including homemade bread and pies. There will be an auction at 7:30pm to sell any leftover homemade bread and pies as well as any donated items. If you wish to donate items for the auction, contact Ted Hostetler at 870-423-8277 or Josh Kropf at 870-654-7310. If you can't make the event, donations may be sent to MDS Search and Rescue, 1063 CR 708, Berryville, 72616.
Applications for Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA Deadline is June 15
The Fall Semester deadline for applying for a scholarship is June 15th. Katie Marie Glenn is Outreach Manager....
ArDOT To Begin Demolition of Hwy. 7 Bridge at Pruitt
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) have announced they will begin work on Wednesday, June 9 to demolish the old Highway 7 bridge at Pruitt in Newton County which will impact traffic and visitor access to that area of the Buffalo National River. The temporary closure will include the Buffalo River from Ozark to below the Lower Pruitt river access. ARDOT and its contractors began preparation work in February 2019 for the replacement of the old Pruitt Bridge. During the preparation and blasting portions of the demolition on June 9, access to the Buffalo River and the trails and roads within the safety perimeter will be prohibited. ARDOT officials close bridge in NE Arkansas, citing ‘structural damage’ Vehicle traffic on Highway 7, County Roads 80 and Pruitt-Yardell will be impacted for approximately one hour during the blasting portion of the demolition. The area will be swept and reviewed for safety concerns after the blast. When cleared, trails, roads and the Lower Pruitt river access will be opened to traffic. The Buffalo River within the safety perimeter will be closed up to 24 hours after the blast as cleanup is conducted Bridge debris will be captured on prepared temporary structures above the river. During the closure, all visitors traveling the upper sections of the river will be required to exit at the Ozark access to prevent them from entering the demolition area.
Missouri Boy Killed in Boating Accient
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Water Division says an 8-year-old boy from Waynesville died in a boating accident Sunday afternoon. The patrol says the boy was hit by the propeller when he got out of the boat just after 3:30 p.m. The accident happened near the 6 mile marker of the Glaize Arm. The patrol says the boy was pronounced dead at the scene. His name hasn’t been released.
Gas Prices to Stay High Through July 4
With demand gearing up for the summer and production proceeding at a slow pace, analysts expect gas prices to remain high through Independence Day. Arkansas gas prices edged down just 0.3 cents in the last week to an average of $2.75 per gallon, according to GasBuddy.com. Natural State motorists are paying 4.1 cents a gallon more than they did a month ago and $1.04 than the same time last year. The national average also rose slightly, up 0.6 cents a gallon to $3.04. According to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, the national average has remained above $3 per gallon for the fourth straight week. “While gas prices haven’t broken past the low $3s, they have also failed to decline much from their peak as demand for gasoline continues to push higher as the summer driving season is underway,” De Haan said. He added that data showed gas demand last week eclipsed the prior week when millions of Americans geared up for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. “Economic conditions are ripe for continued growth in demand, contributing to prices holding at high levels,” De Haan said. “Our current gas prices likely won’t change much by July 4, but remain stubbornly high, barring any major curveballs to supply and demand.”

06/07/2021

Officer Involved Shooting in Green Forest
Arkansas State Police continue their investigation into an officer involved shooting in Green Forest Saturday morning.. Shortly before 8 AM a Green Forest police officer was dispatched to an apartment at 408 South Thorne Avenue. Three roommates of Maung Tway, 34, of Green Forest, reported to police that Tway was creating a disturbance and asked police to remove him from the apartment. As a police officer asked Tway to step-out of his bedroom, Tway opened the door wielding a large knife. The officer ordered Tway to drop the knife, but Tway continued to approach the police officer brandishing the knife. Despite the officer’s continued commands for Tway to drop the knife and stop, Tway still moved toward the officer who then fired his pistol wounding Tway. Tway was transported to a Berryville hospital where he died. His body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory where the state medical examiner will confirm the manner and cause of death. Special Agents of the state police Criminal Investigation Division will prepare an investigative case file to the Carroll County prosecuting attorney who will decide if the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer was consistent with Arkansas laws.

Electrical Substation Fire Causes Thousands of Power Outages
A lightning strike caused a fire to an electrical substation Sunday afternoon near the Norfork Dam in northern Arkansas, leading to thousands of power outages. A fire broke out at the North Arkansas Electric Cooperative in Pineville, Arkansas after the lightning strike. The fire caused thousands of power outages across northern Arkansas, impacting more than 4,000 customers throughout the day. Nearly 1,400 customers still had power outages at 4:30 Monday morning. After reviewing the damage, the NAEC estimates power will be restored to those served by the Norfork Substation by midday Monday. The fire has been controlled after NAEC personnel and emergency personnel worked the scene for several hours.
USGS Reports Earthquake Friday
The U.S. Geological Survey said a quake that struck southeast of Cave City, Ark., was relatively minor. The magnitude 1.9 earthquake occurred at 4:32 a.m. Friday, June 4. The USGS said it was centered about 8 miles southeast of Cave City in northeastern Independence County. The epicenter was deep with a depth of a little over 10 miles.
Extra SNAP Benefits Expire June 30th
Extra benefits to feed Arkansas families during the pandemic are now set to expire as a result of Governor Asa Hutchinson ending the state of emergency in May. The expiration comes with a direct impact on something Arkansans relied on during the pandemic: extra Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs benefits. Mary Franklin with the Arkansas Department of Human Services said the state applied for a transition month to allow the benefits to last through June 30th, instead of ending with the state of emergency in May. “Anyone who was eligible for SNAP but was not receiving the maximum SNAP benefit amount for their household size was getting supplement,” Franklin said. After June 30th, it will go back to being based on income and number of people in a household for those who qualify. “For some time they may have been used to getting this larger amount and this amount is going to go back to the amount they should actually be getting based on the program policy,” Franklin said. Franklin encourages anyone who qualifies for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to update their information regarding income and household members so once the benefits do change, they are receiving the correct amount.
Covid-19 Update
Governor Asa Hutchinson announced 88 new COVID-19 cases and no additional death due to coronavirus in Arkansas on Sunday, June 6. There are 1,707 cases statewide considered active by the Arkansas Department of Health. A total of 187 people are hospitalized and 33 are on ventilators. The statewide death toll due to COVID-19 remains at 5,846. There have been 10,476 PCR tests this month and 4,347 antigen tests.
Huntsville Family Finalist in AFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award
The finalists in Arkansas Farm Bureau’s annual Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture Award have been announced. The awards honor young farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18-35 for the general excellence of their operations, their hard work and innovation. The winners of the state awards will be announced at the organization’s annual Officers & Leaders Conference at the Hot Springs Convention Center, July 19-20. The YF&R Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers in Arkansas who have excelled in their farming/ranching operations and exhibited outstanding leadership abilities. The award is designed for an individual or couple involved in full-time production agriculture with a majority of their income subject to normal production risks. The 2021 YF&R Achievement Award finalists include: James and Ashton Dixon of Hindsville (Madison County). The Dixons have six broiler houses on 44 acres where they expect to grow 5.7 million pounds of chicken in 2021. They also will remove and sell roughly 1,400 tons of litter per year between flocks. The winner will receive a $35,000 cash prize and a trip to the 2022 American Farm Bureau Convention in Atlanta to compete for the national award. The two runners-up receive $5,000.. The winner of the Excellence in Agriculture Award will receive $11,000 cash prize and a trip to the 2022 American Farm Bureau Convention to compete for the national award. The two runners-up will receive $1,500. Arkansas Farm Bureau is a nonprofit, private advocacy organization with almost 190,000 families throughout the state working to improve farm and rural life.
Lottery Scholarship Application Deadline is July 1
The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL) announced today that July 1 is the deadline to apply for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship. The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery provides tuition assistance to traditional and non-traditional students attending universities and two-year colleges – both public and private – in the state. Since its inception in 2009, the Arkansas lottery has helped raise more than $1 billion in scholarship proceeds and awarded more than 650,000 Academic Challenge Scholarships to students. Traditional students must score at least 19 on the ACT to qualify for the scholarship. The latest ACT score accepted by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education will be from the June testing. Students who have yet to achieve a score of 19 make take the Accuplacer test as a substitute. Freshman students at four-year colleges receive $1,000 from the scholarship. Second- and third-year students receive $4,000, and senior-level students are awarded $5,000 per year. At two-year colleges, first-year students receive $1,000 annually, while second-year students are awarded $3,000. To maintain eligibility, students must keep a 2.5 grade point average. Additionally, students seeking certification for high-demand occupations in healthcare information technology and industrial manufacturing may apply for the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship, which is also funded by lottery revenue. Students must apply at least 30 days before enrolling in an eligible program. Finally, funding is available for high school students who wish to start early on receiving credit for college courses through the Arkansas Concurrent Academic Challenge Scholarship. It pays $125 per credit for up to two concurrent-credit courses per semester of the student’s junior and senior high school year. For more information and to apply, students may visit scholarships.adhe.edu.
Health Regulators Warn Surgeons to Stop Implanting Certain Heart Pump
U.S. health regulators warned surgeons Thursday to stop implanting a heart pump made by Medtronic due to power failures recently tied to cases of stroke and more than a dozen deaths. Medtronic said earlier in the day it would stop selling its Heartware assist device, which is intended to boost blood circulation in patients with heart failure. Recent company data showed the device can unexpectedly stop working and sometimes fail to restart, the Food and Drug Administration said. The company said it hasn't been able to pinpoint the root cause in every case. Surgeons can use implants from other manufacturers, the FDA said in a memo to physicians. About 4,000 people worldwide currently have the Medtronic device, roughly half of them in the U.S. For those patients, the agency said U.S. doctors should contact the company for the latest guidance on managing the device, which includes managing blood pressure. The FDA said Medtronic halted sales after reviewing 100 reports of power failures with the device, which led to 14 patient deaths and 13 patients having it removed. The company previously issued recalls on some Heartware devices and components used when implanting it. In December, the company warned about power failures or delayed restarts with three lots.
Walmart Invites Over 1,000 Businesses to Open Call
Walmart Inc. has invited more than 1,000 small and medium-sized businesses to pitch their products to the company's merchants at the eighth annual Open Call event, which will be held virtually on June 30. Walmart said Tuesday that this is the largest group of supplier-hopefuls that has ever been invited to the event. All 50 states will be represented, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Business owners will have 30 minutes to talk one-on-one with a merchant about their product, which must be made, grown or assembled in the U.S. Outcomes of the meetings can include having items placed on shelves in a few local stores; distributed to hundreds of Walmart and Sam's Club stores; or listed on Walmart.com and Walmart Marketplace. More than 4,300 businesses applied, and the company received more than 12,500 requests for a merchant meeting. Walmart said in March that it would spend $350 billion over the next 10 years on products made, grown or assembled in the U.S. That is in addition to its 2013 commitment of $250 billion over 20 years.