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Arrest Report 3/6
James Christopher Ford 41 of Eureka Springs- revocation
Dusty Joe Thompson 45 of Berryville- theft
David Wayne Jones 59 of Berryville- criminal trespass
For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
News for Friday, March 6, 2026 Severe weather possible this afternoon, tonight
CARROLL COUNTY - Residents across northwest Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma are being advised to stay weather aware today, as forecasters warn that severe thunderstorms are likely to develop later this afternoon and continue into the evening hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Tulsa, showers and possibly an isolated thunderstorm could occur this morning, but no severe weather is expected during the early part of the day. Conditions may change quickly by mid to late afternoon as storms develop along and ahead of a dryline positioned across eastern Oklahoma.
If temperatures warm enough despite expected cloud cover, the atmosphere could support widespread severe weather. Forecasters say storms may produce large hail up to two inches in diameter, damaging wind gusts exceeding 70 miles per hour, and a limited risk of tornadoes.
The threat is expected to begin in eastern Oklahoma late this afternoon and gradually spread eastward into northwest Arkansas through the evening.
Later tonight, another round of thunderstorms is expected to form along an advancing cold front moving through the region. These storms could also produce large hail, damaging winds and a limited tornado risk as the front pushes southward overnight.
In addition to the severe weather threat, storms could produce torrential rainfall leading to localized flash flooding. Flooding concerns are highest in portions of southeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas that have received significant rainfall over the past couple of days.
Emergency officials say activation of the regional storm spotter network is likely as the system moves through the area.
Looking ahead, thunderstorms could linger into Saturday morning before clearing as the cold front exits the region. Quiet weather is expected for the remainder of Saturday and Sunday as high pressure builds in.
However, additional storm chances return early next week, with forecasters noting that the risk for severe weather could increase again by Tuesday as another system approaches the region.
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Join the AGFC and Backcountry Hunters
and Anglers at the Black Bear Bonanza March 7
BENTONVILLE - Come out to the Benton County Fairgrounds Auditorium from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. March 7, and celebrate the return of the black bear to Arkansas. The Arkansas Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers has lined up an all-star cast of characters to present entertaining and timely wisdom of the woods and showcase Arkansas’s interesting history with the animal that once supplied its unofficial nickname as the Bear State. The day is full of family-friendly experiences, and tickets are available at backcountryhunters.org under the “events” tab.
The day will kick off with a special seminar by the American Bear Foundation focused on bear safety and living in bear country. Spencer Daniels, AGFC large carnivore biologist, will follow that presentation with an update on the status of Arkansas’s bear population, management and a peek into the future of bears and bear hunting in The Natural State. Three folks from the “Bear Grease” crew will also drop in for a live fireside chat and meet-and-greet. Ryan “Cal” Callaghan is CEO of BHA and is well known for his work on the MeatEater podcast network. “Bear” John Newcomb of the “Bear Grease” podcast will be available to talk bear hunting and bowmaking, and Brent Reaves, host of “This Country Life” podcast, is sure to spin a yarn or two while offering up some backwoods wisdom.
Not only does the Bonanza offer a great opportunity to get the family out of the house in early spring to celebrate conservation, it’s also been instrumental in raising funds toward AGFC bear research and conservation. The BHA not only donated $5,000 to help with satellite-collar research in the south Arkansas bear population, it also played a key role in a recent land donation that opened up additional public access to Cedar Creek Wildlife Management Area in Scott County.
The reintroduction of the black bear in Arkansas is one of the greatest conservation wins in history, beginning with the relocation of dozens of bears from 1958-1968. Today, more than 5,000 black bears are estimated to live in The Natural State, and hunters enjoy a healthy season to pursue these large carnivores to help manage the population at a sustainable level.
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74th annual Miss Green Forest Pageants are this weekend
GREEN FOREST - The 74th Annual Miss Green Forest Pageants will take place Friday and Saturday, celebrating local youth and continuing a long-standing community tradition.
The pageants begin this evening (Friday, March 6) at 6:30 p.m. with the Miss Elementary and Miss Intermediate competitions.
Activities continue Saturday, March 7, also beginning at 6:30 p.m., with the Junior Miss Green Forest pageant, a Pre-K and Kindergarten preview, and the crowning of Miss Green Forest.
Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students. Children ages five and under will be admitted free.
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Morrilton man arrested on CSAM charges, internet stalking
MORRILTON - Collin Cormier, 23, of Morrilton, was arrested Wednesday, March 4, 2026, after the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, with assistance from the Morrilton Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations, served a search and arrest warrant at a residence in Morrilton.
The investigation stemmed from a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) cyber tip submitted via the Microsoft Platform, which identified 100 images of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
Cormier was arrested after evidence showed he had engaged in sexually explicit messaging with a juvenile in Texas, including plans to meet the child.
Cormier was transported to the Conway County Detention Center following his arrest where he was booked on three counts of Possession of Child Pornography and one count of Internet Stalking of a Child.
Multiple electronic devices seized from the residence await forensic examination as the investigation continues
Arrest Report 3/5
Bella Finster 25 of Eureka Springs- breaking or entering
Irina Kazaku 28 of Eureka Springs-domestic battering in the 3rd degree
For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
News for Thursday, March 5, 2026 Closure of the Strait of Hormuz causes urea, diesel
prices to spike as planting season begins in Arkansas
By Mary Hightower/UAEX
JONESBORO - As war shuts down shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, farmers are seeing spikes in urea and diesel prices just as planting season has begun in Arkansas.
The conflict has stranded more than 200 vessels, according to Lloyd’s List, and prompted insurance companies to issue notices of cancellation for shippers working the Persian Gulf, according to gCaptain, a maritime news outlet.
Scott Stiles, extension economics program associate for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said about 30 percent of the world’s urea — a widely used fertilizer — goes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Each week, he conducts a price survey among urea dealers. The urea market’s reaction to the Iran conflict was “sharp and swift.”
“Prices went up $70 a ton on Monday,” Stiles said on Tuesday. “Most of them were quoting in the upper $500s per ton last week.
“I called a place on Monday, and they quoted me $640 per ton. I called the place back Tuesday morning, and they said $700 per ton,” he said.
On Tuesday, Stiles said he talked to an Arkansas farmer who reported being unable to get a quote after calling three dealers.
“Things are so volatile we don't really know where we are on the price curve and how far this is going to go,” Stiles said.
The situation is particularly dire for farmers who did not purchase urea earlier this season.
“Considering the economic situation row crop farmers were already facing, a lot of people were either waiting to see if they got financed or they needed an operating note for cash flow. For some, that delayed their decisions about booking urea,” Stiles said. “This is happening at the worst possible time. By that, I mean margins were thin to non-existent already going into the ’26 crop year.”
Stiles said that the prices of other fertilizers like potash and phosphates haven’t moved much.
Diesel and budget updates
Oil markets also have been rocked by the war in Iran, as a key producer shut down liquified natural gas production and one of the gulf’s largest oil refineries also shut down, sending gas and diesel prices upward.
“When we published the enterprise budgets in November, we put in a price of $2.46, and now we're a full dollar a gallon above that,” Stiles said. “Effectively, more than 40 percent has been added to our fuel cost in just the last few days.”
Each year, the Cooperative Extension Service develops enterprise budgets to help producers calculate their cost to farm. The budgets include inputs such as fertilizers and fuel.
Breana Watkins, an agricultural economics instructor for the Division of Agriculture, said she was working with colleagues to incorporate the wartime numbers.
“This won’t be a change to the budgets, but a bonus update with current spot prices,” Watkins said. “We’ll also have an update on commodity prices to reflect changes from the fall.”
Watkins said the goal was to have the updates ready by Friday.
As soon as the energy markets resumed trading Sunday night, prices spiked higher. The lead month April contract for NYMEX, the New York Mercantile Exchange, diesel futures closed last Friday at $2.5960 per gallon, Stiles said. It settled Tuesday at $3.1869.
“When you go out to the more deferred contracts, like the May and June, you do see diesel prices come down below $3.00,” Stiles said. “At least for now, the futures market sees the situation being a little calmer by the time we get out into May and beyond.”
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, NYMEX diesel reached its peak for the year in April at $5.22 per gallon.
“Fortunately, that was the only month we saw diesel prices above $5 that year,” Stiles said. “As supply chains adjusted and production ramped up, fuel prices generally trended lower into harvest. A similar thing happened with urea prices in 2022. Prices spiked higher in early March and stayed at historically high levels until early April before starting to trend lower.
On Tuesday, President Trump said in a Truth Social post that he had ordered the United States Development Finance Corporation “to provide, at a very reasonable price, political risk insurance and guarantees for the Financial Security of ALL Maritime Trade, especially Energy,” for shipping through the Persian Gulf.
The president also said that, if necessary, the U.S. Navy would begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
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Blood drive today in Berryville
BERRYVILLE - Residents will have the opportunity to give back and receive a unique reward during a a community blood drive in Berryville today.
The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is hosting a blood drive on today (March 5), and is offering donors an added incentive to help boost the region’s blood supply.
Successful donors will receive an Ozarks Adventure Pass, which includes tear-away vouchers valued at more than $195 for free admission to several popular attractions across the region. Participating destinations include the Discovery Center in Springfield, the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Branson, and Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs.
The blood drive will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Southern Heights Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, located at 279 Highway 221 South in Berryville.
In addition to the attraction passes, donors will also receive a limited-edition “Route 56” themed T-shirt while supplies last.
The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks supplies blood, platelets and plasma to more than 40 hospitals in the region, including Mercy Hospital Berryville. Donations collected locally play a direct role in supporting patients across the Ozarks.
Appointments are encouraged to help reduce wait times. Donors can schedule a time online at cbco.org or by calling 417-227-5006.
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Carroll County Extension to host ServSafe food safety class March 16
BERRYVILLE - Food service workers and business owners in Carroll County will soon have an opportunity to earn or renew an important food safety certification through a ServSafe training class scheduled later this month.
The Carroll County Extension Office will host a ServSafe Food Protection Manager class and proctored exam at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 16, in the Carroll Electric Community Room. The training is designed for restaurant managers, food service workers and others responsible for food preparation and safety.
The cost for the full certification course is $140, which includes the textbook, class instruction and the proctored exam. Those needing only recertification may attend for $60, which includes the class and exam.
Pre-registration is required by March 9.
Anyone interested in attending can contact Torrie Smith at the Carroll County Extension Office at 870-423-2958 for registration or additional information. Participants are encouraged to study the course materials in advance to improve their chances of passing the exam.
Food safety training plays an important role in Arkansas’ restaurant and food service industry. According to the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, the state is home to more than 5,500 restaurants, and programs like ServSafe help ensure food is handled safely while supporting local businesses and public health.
Across Arkansas, more than 40 extension family and consumer sciences agents are certified ServSafe instructors and proctors, offering classes in communities throughout the state. These courses provide training for food service managers and front-line employees working in restaurants, food trucks, catering operations, grocery stores, schools, daycares and health care facilities.
Quad Whitson, extension culinary nutrition and food safety program associate with the Division of Agriculture, said the training helps businesses meet state requirements and operate more confidently.
“In 2025 alone, extension offered more than 90 ServSafe Food Protection Manager and Food Handler classes statewide,” Whitson said. “Because we have certified instructors embedded across counties, we’re able to respond to local needs and provide training where people live and work.”
The ServSafe Food Protection Manager credential is accredited by the American National Standards Institute and meets Arkansas Department of Health requirements for a designated “person in charge” responsible for food safety in permitted establishments.
The certification exam is a 90-question, proctored test requiring a score of at least 70 percent to pass, covering topics such as preventing foodborne illness, proper temperature control, sanitation practices, allergen management and personal hygiene.
Extension officials say the training helps build a stronger culture of food safety across the food service industry.
“When both managers and front-line employees are trained, food safety becomes part of daily operations — not just something addressed during an inspection,” Whitson said. “That means fewer foodborne illness outbreaks, stronger consumer trust and a safer local food system.”
For more information about the March 16 ServSafe class in Carroll County, contact the Carroll County Extension Office at 870-423-2958.
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Berryville to host Easter Egg Hunt March 28
BERRYVILLE - Families across Carroll County are invited to celebrate the Easter season later this month as the City of Berryville and the Berryville Community Center host a community Easter Egg Hunt.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, at the Berryville Community Center, 601 Dr. Spurlin Circle, with activities beginning at 2 p.m.
Organizers say the celebration will take place outdoors on the community center soccer field, with activities moving inside the facility if rain develops.
The afternoon will feature a variety of family-friendly activities leading up to the egg hunts, which are scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. A full schedule with exact start times for each age group will be released closer to the event date.
In addition to the egg hunts, families attending the event will be able to enjoy several attractions and activities, including a bounce house, Touch-A-Truck displays, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and vendors from the Berryville Farmers Market.
Food will also be available for purchase from Mike’s Hot Dogs, and face painting will be offered by Jessica Ballard for an additional cost.
Egg hunts will be divided into several age groups to ensure children have an opportunity to participate with others their age. Categories include:
0–3 years old (must be able to walk)
4–7 years old
8–10 years old
11–15 years old
Families planning to attend are encouraged to bring baskets for collecting eggs and arrive early to enjoy the full lineup of activities.
For additional information about the event, residents may contact Community Engagement Director Julia Borkowski at Julia@berryvillear.gov or 479-418-9858.
Arrest Report 3/4
Thomas Jay Blalack JR 28 of Shell Knob, MO- failure to appear-misd
Hollie Anne Burdick 46 of Berryville- court commitment
Michelle Lynn Carrico 43 of Berryville- no charges listed
Brandon Grant Bledsoe 32 of Eureka Springs- revocation
Vanessa Diane Stoppel 47 of Eureka Springs- contempt of court
Hunter David Day 21 of Green Forest-contributing to delinquency of a juvenile, criminal mischief
Billy James Moran Standlee 21 of Green Forest- no charges listed
Jordan C Spillane 20- failure to appear-misd
Crystal Lee Mays 43 of Harrison- failure to appear-misd x2, possession of a controlled sub, hold for other agency
For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
News for Wednesday, March 4, 2026 CARROLL COUNTY - Just over 30 percent of Carroll County’s registered voters turned out yesterday and during the two weeks prior to cast ballots in a number of local and state races in the 2026 Nonpartisan and Preferential Party Primary.
A total of 5,281 ballots were cast in Carroll County, representing 31.29 percent of registered voters. Of those, nearly 4,300 were cast in the Republican primary, fewer than 900 in the Democratic primary and 137 in the nonpartisan election.
In local races, incumbent Carroll County Judge David Writer handily won reelection with 2,506 votes to 1,626 for challenger Dianne Baird. Writer secured just over 60 percent of the vote.
In the race for Justice of the Peace for District 2 on the Carroll County Quorum Court, Chris Clifton narrowly won with 240 votes to 233 for Margaret Hickman, a margin of 50.74 percent to 49.26 percent.
For Justice of the Peace in District 4, Luke Dignan won with 269 votes, representing 57 percent of the total, compared to 138 for Duane Coatney and 60 for Eric Griesenauer.
For Justice of the Peace in District 6, Craig Hicks won with 234 votes, totaling 85 percent, to 40 votes for Lisa Price-Backs.
In school elections, Ginger Johnson won the race for the Position 5 seat on the Eureka Springs School Board with 1,083 votes to 867 for Travis Holloway.
For the Zone 5 seat on the Green Forest School Board, Kenny Bonham won with 173 votes, or 69 percent, to 77 for Paul Wells Jr.
In the District 19 prosecuting attorney’s race, Robert Beau Allen carried Carroll County with 3,389 votes, or 67 percent, compared to 1,656 for Tony Rogers.
State Senator Bryan King won reelection in the primary against challenger Bobby Ballinger, earning 2,719 votes, or 64 percent, to 1,505 for Ballinger. In total, King received 6,376 votes across his district (nearly 59 percent) to 4,440 for Ballinger. As no candidates from other parties filed for the office, King in effect has won the race ahead of the General Election and will return to the Arkansas Senate next year.
In the State Representative District 6 race, Justice Hunter Rivett won in Carroll County with 1,929 votes, just over 55 percent, compared to 1,089 for Cody Rogers and 464 for Steven Baird.
These numbers remain unofficial, as voting totals and election results will be certified later this month. Additional reporting on yesterday’s election will follow in the coming days.
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Over 500lbs of illegal marijuana seized after Crawford County traffic stop
VAN BUREAN - Around 8 a.m. on March 2, 2026, an Arkansas State Police (ASP) Trooper stopped a box truck traveling eastbound on Interstate 40 near the 3-mile marker in Crawford County for a traffic violation. During the course of the traffic stop, Troopers searched the cargo area of the truck and discovered 507 pounds of illegal marijuana concealed inside three wooden crates.
The driver, Armen Grigoryan, 47, of Cherry Valley, California, was taken into custody and transported to the Crawford County Detention Center. He was booked on felony charges of Trafficking a Controlled Substance.
The truck was traveling from California to Memphis at the time of the stop.
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March 17 is Arkansas 4-H Giving Day
CARROLL COUNTY - This St. Patrick’s Day, the Arkansas 4-H Foundation is encouraging Arkansans to set a bit of gold aside to support youth development in the Natural State.
The foundation, established in 1951, will hold its annual Arkansas 4-H Giving Day on March 17. The mostly online event serves as the Arkansas 4-H Foundation’s most important annual fundraising event, supporting more than 8,000 members and helping Arkansas 4-H make more than 700,000 contacts with youth throughout the year.
Individuals can make a gift of any size to Arkansas 4-H using the online donation form. Donors can choose to direct their donation to a specific county or a specific program area.
Arkansas 4-H is a youth development effort of the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and education arm of the Division of Agriculture. Established more than 120 years ago, it operates in all 75 Arkansas counties, led by youth development professionals and supported by trained adult volunteers and mentors.
Learn more about Arkansas 4-H at 4H.uada.edu or reach out to the Carroll County Extension Office by calling (870) 423-2958.
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Volunteer opportunities available to improve WMA
access March 14, including McIlroy in Madison County
Submitted by Randy Zellers, AGFC
LITTLE ROCK - The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is opening up opportunities throughout the state to pitch in and help care for the woods, water and wildlife responsible for our nickname, The Natural State. Volunteers are welcome to sign up for specific projects on the following wildlife management areas March 14:
Big Lake WMA
Dave Donaldson Black River WMA
George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMA
Holland Bottoms WMA
McIlroy Madison County WMA
Rick Evans Grandview Prairie WMA
W.E. Brewer Scatter Creek WMA
Wedington WMA
Workdays on wildlife management areas aren’t a new concept. Local hunters have worked with area biologists in the past to enhance access and even help create wildlife openings. Unfortunately, some bad experiences with overly opportunistic people using those days to cut new openings in greentree reservoirs and later staking a claim on public areas they had cleared and preventing anyone else from using some of these spots forced the AGFC to shut down these large-scale opportunities. Even then, many local groups have worked directly with area managers to organize cleanups and help where they could. After talking with many public land hunters and conservation groups, the AGFC reinstituted work days on a trial basis in 2024, and the program has slowly expanded since.
“The workdays are much more deliberate and supervised now,” David Luker, assistant chief of the AGFC’s wildlife management division, said. “We absolutely want people to take pride in the area where they hunt and fish, but we have to have boundaries to ensure all people later using those areas have the same opportunities.”
Mary Beth Hatch, chief of the AGFC’s Education Division, says the opportunities are ideal for high school students looking to meet volunteer requirements for community service under the LEARNS Act, and do it for a resource they love and enjoy.
“It’s pretty common for Arkansas high school students to hurry home from school to get to the woods for a late afternoon hunt on public land,” Hatch said. “Having put in some sweat equity on those same areas will help instill some pride in those hunters long after they graduate. If you are going to volunteer, do it with something you already love.”
The opportunities aren’t only for students. All ages are encouraged to sign up and attend one of the work days nearest them.
“We have a list of locations where you can sign up and let us know what sort of equipment you may be able to bring,” Luker said. “If you have a chainsaw, weed trimmer or other item that may be useful, please let us know on the signup sheet. ATVs and other larger equipment may also be able to be used, but we need to know ahead of time so we can be efficient, safe, and minimize any impact from the use of those tools. I know we had one group last year who asked if they could bring a Bobcat to help clear boat lanes. It’s not off the table, but it requires a little more planning to ensure that we’re not causing more harm than good.”
Visit www.agfc.com/education/ to sign up for a work day near you.
Arrest Report 3/3
Jordan Tylor Anderson 35 of Eureka Springs- drug court violation
Emma Christine Standlee 19 of Green Forest-endangering the welfare of a minor 3rd degree x2, domestic battering in the 3rd degree
Kevin Riklong 20 of Green Forest- contempt of court
Jason Korin Davis 42 of Holiday Island- violation of protection order
Komej Jakabot 40 of Green Forest- failure to appear-misd
For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
News for Tuesday, March 3, 2026
It's Election Day in Arkansas
Today is Election Day across Arkansas and months of campaigning, countless candidate forums, political ads and a forest of campaign yard signs all culminate at the ballot box.
Voters are casting ballots in the Preferential Primary and Nonpartisan General Election today, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. With multiple contested Republican primaries at both the state and county level, many races could effectively be decided tonight before advancing to the November general election.
Polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters in line by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to cast a ballot.
Carroll County Voting Information
Carroll County operates as a vote center county, meaning registered voters may cast a ballot at any open vote center in the county today.
Election Day vote centers in Carroll County include:
-Freeman Heights Baptist Church, 522 W. Freeman Ave., Berryville
-St. Elizabeth Parish Center, 232 Passion Play Road, Eureka Springs
-Oak Grove Freewill Baptist Church, 9546 Hwy. 103 N, Green Forest
-Green Forest United Methodist Church, 100 S. Springfield Ave., Green Forest
-Holiday Island Country Club, 1 Country Club Drive, Holiday Island
-Osage Baptist Church, 16475 Hwy. 103 S, Alpena
In Carroll County, voters will decide a contested Republican primary for county judge between incumbent David Writer and challenger Dianne G. Beard.
Several justice of the peace races are also on the ballot:
-District 2: Chris Clifton vs. Margaret J. Hickman
-District 4: Luke Dignan, Duane Coatney and Eric Griesenauer
-District 6: Craig Hicks vs. Lisa Price-Backs
At the state level, voters in State Senate District 28 are choosing between incumbent Sen. Bryan King and Bobby Ballinger in the Republican primary.
In State Representative District 5, Kyle Evatt, Mike Bishop, Jeff Pratt, Truman Copeland and Jon Burnside are seeking the Republican nomination.
State Representative District 6 features Cody Rogers, Hunter Rivett and Steven Baird on the Republican ballot.
In Madison County, voters are deciding several high-profile county races.
The Republican primary for county judge includes Larry D. Garrett, Theodore A. Walker and Jacky L. Scott Jr.
The sheriff’s race features Chuck Melton, Wes Walters and Ronnie Boyd.
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ADEM recognizes Severe Weather Awareness Week
LITTLE ROCK - The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM), in coordination with the National Weather Service, is recognizing March 1–7, 2026, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Arkansas.
State emergency officials say the annual observance is designed to encourage Arkansans to review their severe weather safety plans and ensure their homes, schools and workplaces are prepared for the possibility of spring storms.
“Severe weather can strike with little warning,” said ADEM Director AJ Gary. “Taking time now to prepare can help save lives when storms threaten Arkansas.”
Tornado Safety
With peak tornado season approaching, ADEM officials urge residents to identify a safe location inside their home, such as a basement or a small interior room on the lowest floor away from windows.
Residents should also have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, including NOAA weather radios, smartphone alerts and updates from local media outlets.
If caught outdoors or in a vehicle during a tornado warning, individuals should move to the nearest sturdy building immediately. If no shelter is available, officials recommend lying flat in a low-lying area and covering your head to protect against flying debris.
Flood Safety
Flooding remains one of the most dangerous weather threats in Arkansas. Emergency officials stress the importance of never driving through flooded roadways.
“Turn Around, Don’t Drown” remains a key safety message. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, and two feet of water can carry away most vehicles.
Residents are also advised to avoid walking through floodwaters, which may conceal debris, contaminants or strong currents. If flash flooding is possible, move to higher ground immediately.
Build a Disaster Supply Kit
Emergency management officials recommend every household maintain a disaster supply kit with enough essentials to last at least three days. Items should include:
-Water and non-perishable food
-Flashlights and extra batteries
-A NOAA Weather Radio
-First aid supplies and necessary medications
-Important documents stored in a waterproof container
-Clothing, toiletries and blankets
For additional severe weather preparedness resources, residents can visit adem.arkansas.gov or ready.gov.
Arkansans can also locate designated community safe rooms through the state’s online Citizens Portal at gis-adem.hub.arcgis.com.
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Carroll County burn ban lifted
CARROLL COUNTY - The burn ban in Carroll County has been lifted, allowing residents to resume outdoor burning activities under normal state guidelines.
County officials announced the decision after recent improvements in conditions, but they are still urging residents to use caution, especially with gusty winds and warm temperatures in the forecast.
As of Tuesday morning, the burn ban in Madison, Newton and Washington Counties remains in place.
The update comes as the National Weather Service in Tulsa issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Northwest Arkansas, outlining several potential weather concerns through the end of the week.
The outlook notes a limited risk of severe thunderstorms this evening and overnight, primarily across northeast Oklahoma, though portions of Northwest Arkansas could see impacts. Large hail is expected to be the primary severe weather threat.
Looking ahead:
Wednesday: Thunderstorm and heavy rain potential as a cold front approaches.
Thursday: Thunderstorm and high wind potential.
Friday: Continued thunderstorm chances with potential for high winds and heavy rainfall.
Saturday: Additional thunderstorms and locally heavy rain possible.
Sunday and Monday: No hazardous weather expected at this time.
Forecasters say showers and thunderstorms will persist Wednesday into early Thursday as the cold front moves across the region. A few severe storms and localized heavy rainfall will be possible, especially southeast of Interstate 44. A stronger storm system is expected to bring additional rounds of showers and storms from late Thursday night into early Saturday, with the highest severe weather chances during that period.
The Weather Service notes that local spotter activation may be needed.
Even though the burn ban has been lifted, officials remind residents that changing weather conditions today - including gusty winds ahead of storms - can quickly elevate fire risk. Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware and monitor updates from the National Weather Service at weather.gov/tulsa.
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Senate Capitol Week in Review
By Sen. Bryan King
In 2008, almost 70% of Arkansas voters approved the proposed Constitutional Amendment which created the Arkansas Legislature’s Fiscal Session. Voters decided a fiscal session would allow for greater legislative oversight and the ability to make necessary changes more readily because the national or state economy can change quickly. This year’s upcoming fiscal session will convene on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The fiscal session, which focuses on the state budget, lasts up to 30 calendar days but may be extended by 15 days, if necessary.
The fiscal session is primarily focused on appropriations for the “big six” state departments, which include the budgets pertaining to Department of Education, Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Department of Transportation, the Division of Corrections and Department of Public Safety. Overall, there are 15 cabinet- level state departments as well as additional boards and commissions which all have budgetary needs.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is set to give her updated budget proposal on March 3, 2026, for fiscal year 2027 (which begins on July 1, 2026). Budget hearings are scheduled Wednesday, March 4 through Friday, March 6, 2026. These hearings provide legislators with the opportunity to closely examine agency requests, ask questions, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and effectively.
Following the hearings, pre-filing of legislation will begin on Monday, March 9, 2026. During a fiscal session, only appropriation-related bills may be pre-filed. Any other bills outside the scope of fiscal matters can be brought before the members of the General Assembly only if approved by a two-thirds vote in each chamber.
The fiscal session will focus on general revenue and increases like those we have seen in the last few years such as funding education, corrections and public safety, healthcare, and maternal care. Additionally, tax cuts will probably be on the agenda.
Arkansas continues to maintain a balanced budget. Arkansas Code requires the Secretary of Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), who is the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, to always be aware of the actual and estimated funds available to ensure that they are sufficient to maintain the State on a sound financial basis without incurring a deficit. There are also requirements for the executive branch to report to the legislative branch on a regular basis regarding the status of the State’s finances.
According to DFA Secretary, James Hudson, “the FY 2026 forecast is expected to fully fund the Revenue Stabilization Law and provide a surplus of $334.4 million.” The department makes timely adjustments to adjust the forecast and budgets if conditions warrant. Unallocated or surplus funds from general revenue are placed into the revenue allotment reserve fund. The General Assembly then determines how the funds will be spent. This general revenue one-time funding source is rarely used to finance general operation appropriations.
Arrest Report 3/2
Cody Michael Compton 24 of Green Forest- contempt of court
Gabrielle Phillips 34- hold for other agency
Kirsten Quianna Tolbert 22 of Green Forest- failure to appear-misd
Maylee Renae Obptande 26 of Green Forest- failure to appear-misd
Larry James Loftin 62 of Green Forest- contempt of court
Emanuel Rangel-Lemus 26 of Green Forest- body attachment for child support
Joe Mathias 39 of Green Forest- driving on susp D/L due to DWI, failure to appear-misd
April Shanea Mathis 33 of Huntsville- court commitment
For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here