Ask Us About Advertising

N E W S

News on KTHS Airs Weekdays 7am, Noon, & 5pm & Weekends 7am & Noon News on KESA Airs Weekdays 8am, Noon & 5pm & Weekends 8am & Noon

Click Here for a Link to the Current Weather Conditions at the Carroll County Airport
Arrest Report 12/12
Nicholas Allen Tuttle 43 of Green Forest- illegal passing, reckless driving, no proof of liability insurance, driving on suspended/revoked license,obstruction gov operations class c, carrying a knife as a weapon, carrying a weapon,fleeing- felony, revocation Jenifer Rose Tinnin 30 of Green Forest- contempt of court, failure to appear-misd Malcolm Jarrod Nelson 38 of Holiday Island- possession of drug para/misd Caitlin Quinn Cantele 40 of Eureka Springs- contempt of court, failure to appear-misd, hold for other agency, bond surrender x2 Danny Joe Neal Sr 46 of Green Forest- hold for Arkansas Dept. of Corrections Earl Leroy Prentice 66 of Huntsville- failure to appear-misd Daniel Wayne Nevins 50 of Golden, MO- theft, speeding Luis Francisco Mejia-Zuniga 27 of Green Forest- failure to appear-misd, one or no headlights, driving on suspended/revoked license, hold for other agency Jesse Lee Foster 34 of Berryville- failure to appear-misd For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
News for Friday, December 12, 2025
First court appearance for attemptedmurder suspect, bond set at $750,000
CARROLL COUNTY — A Berryville-area man is facing multiple felony charges following a shooting and structure fire last month in rural Carroll County and made his first court appearance earlier this week.
According to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Central Dispatch received a report on Nov. 25 of a shooting and a structure fire in the 4000 block of County Road 830. Sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and EMS crews were dispatched to the scene.
Deputies arrived to find 33-year-old Ian Moran suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. EMS crews were already providing medical treatment while fire personnel worked to extinguish a structure fire across the road.
Investigators said Moran told deputies multiple times that he had been shot by 39-year-old John Tallent. Moran was transported to North Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Harrison and later transferred to Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He remains in critical condition following surgery.
Tallent was later located and arrested without incident. He appeared in Carroll County Circuit Court on Dec. 11 for his first court appearance, where bond was set at $750,000.
Tallent is charged with attempted first degree murder, criminal attempt, arson and first degree battery. According to the arrest affidavit, Tallent allegedly set fire to the residence belonging to the victim.
The shooting and structure fire remain under investigation by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.
---
Two killed, four injured in multi-vehicle crash on U.S. 65 in Boone County
HARRISON — Two people were killed and four others injured in a multi-vehicle crash last last week on U.S. Highway 65 in Boone County, according to a report released Thursday by the Arkansas State Police.
The crash occurred around 4:50 p.m. on Dec. 5 on U.S. 65 in Harrison. State police said a 2014 Ford F-150 traveling northbound crossed the turning lane and entered the southbound lanes of traffic.
The Ford struck a southbound 2008 Toyota Tundra, causing it to rotate. A southbound 2004 Chevrolet Colorado then struck the Toyota. Investigators said the Ford continued traveling northbound in the southbound lane and struck a southbound 2014 Nissan Versa. The Nissan then struck a fifth vehicle.
James E. Ramsey, 69, of Harrison, and Breonna M. Martin, 30, of Harrison, were pronounced dead as a result of the crash. Ramsey was a passenger in the Toyota while Martin was the driver of the Nissan. Their bodies were transported to the Boone County Coroner’s Office.
Four others were injured and transported to North Arkansas Regional Medical Center. The injured included the driver of the Ford F-150, listed as 51-year-old Joshua E. Massengale of Harrison.
State police reported that weather conditions were clear and the roadway was dry at the time of the crash.
The incident remains under investigation by the Arkansas State Police.
---
Berryville UMC hosting Christmas Cantana
BERRYVILLE - The Berryville United Methodist Church is presenting a musical Christmas Cantata on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.
A reception will be held afterwards with finger foods.
The Berryville United Methodist Church is located at 400 Eureka Ave, Berryville, AR 72616.
---
Legacy Lunker program kicks off Jan. 1
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is launching a new Legacy Lunker Program on January 1, 2026 — a first-of-its-kind effort to boost trophy bass fishing in the state.
Here’s how it works: Anglers who catch a largemouth bass weighing 10 pounds or more during spawning season can donate their fish to AGFC. Those fish will be taken to the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery, paired with genetically proven Florida bass, and released back into the same lakes — helping create bigger bass for the future.
Participants will receive a replica mount of their catch, prize packages from companies like Bass Pro Shops, and a chance to win a fully loaded $80,000 Xpress bass boat.
The program borrows ideas from Texas’ successful ShareLunker Program and follows a soft launch earlier this year where five trophy bass were collected and released after spawning. AGFC officials say the goal is to combine science, conservation, and angler recognition to make Arkansas one of the nation’s top destinations for trophy bass fishing.
Anglers can also report bass catches year-round, with prizes starting at 8 pounds for adults and 6 pounds for youth anglers.
For details, visit agfc.com/legacylunker.
---
ASP arrests on I-40 result in seizure of850lbs of marijuana, nearly $200,000 cash
Arkansas State Police (ASP) Troopers made three major drug and currency seizures along Interstate 40 in the past week, resulting in two arrests and the confiscation of more than 850 pounds of illegal marijuana and nearly $200,000 in cash.
On Friday, December 5, 2025, at approximately 12:15 p.m., an ASP Trooper stopped a 2016 tractor-trailer eastbound near the 6-mile marker in Crawford County for a traffic violation. A search of the trailer revealed 12 large cardboard boxes and five large trash bags containing high-grade illicit marijuana with a total weight of 724 pounds.
Troopers arrested the driver, Zaida Sherif Juhar, 35, of Atlanta, Georgia, who was transported to the Crawford County Detention Center and booked on felony charges of Trafficking a Controlled Substance. Juhar told investigators he was traveling from Elk Grove, California, to Henrico, Virginia.
Later that afternoon, around 2 p.m., Troopers stopped a second tractor-trailer traveling westbound on I-40 near Morrilton, also for a traffic violation. A search of the truck and trailer led to the discovery of $195,925 in U.S. currency concealed in the sleeper portion of the cab. The driver of the second semi was related to Juhar. The cash was seized as part of the continuing investigation.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, around 10 a.m., an ASP Trooper stopped a 2025 passenger vehicle for a traffic violation eastbound on I-40 near the 190-mile marker in Prairie County, close to Hazen. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery multiple trash bags containing 128 pounds of illegal marijuana in vacuum sealed packages.
Troopers arrested Xin Wang Huang, 43, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who was taken to the Prairie County Detention Center and booked on felony charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Purpose to Deliver and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Huang told investigators he was traveling from Oklahoma City to Memphis.

Arrest Report 12/11
Charles Ray Braman 59 of Berryville-body attachment for child support Ivan Landrum 46 of Eureka Springs- violation of no contact order For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
News for Thursday, December 11, 2025
Bake Sale to benefit Berryville Library is tomorrow
BERRYVILLE – The Friends of the Berryville Library are reminding the community that their annual Christmas holiday bake sale is tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — or until everything is sold out.
The fundraiser will take place in the outer lobby of the Berryville Library at 104 Spring Street.
Shoppers will find a wide variety of homemade cakes, pies, cookies, pet treats, and other holiday goodies. Prices will vary, and organizers say the treats make perfect additions to any holiday table or thoughtful gifts to brighten a friend’s day.
Organizers encourage residents to stop by early for the best selection. All proceeds will support the Friends of the Berryville Library as they work to raise the remaining funds needed to furnish the new Berryville Library, scheduled to open in 2026.
For more information, contact the Berryville Library at 870-423-2323.
---
Carroll County Sheriff’s Office issues warning on bond scam
CARROLL COUNTY — The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to stay alert after reports of scam attempts involving fake requests for bond payments.
In a statement this week, the sheriff’s office emphasized that it will never contact anyone to request payment for bonding individuals out of the county jail. Officials stressed that the Carroll County Jail does not accept PayPal, CashApp, Bitcoin, gift cards, or any other electronic or nontraditional form of payment for releasing someone in custody.
Authorities say scammers have recently posed as law enforcement officers while attempting to collect money for supposed inmate releases. Residents who receive such calls or messages are urged not to send any payment and to contact the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office directly to verify the information.
The sheriff’s office reminds the public that legitimate bond procedures never involve unsolicited payment requests.
---
AGFC Conservation Scholarships fuel futureof wildlife, fisheries in the Natural State
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is accepting applications through Dec. 31 for conservation scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year.
Any Arkansas resident majoring in a conservation-related field and attending an Arkansas college or university is eligible to apply. Students must have and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants must also submit a current transcript, a curriculum vitae of their course of study, a 300-word minimum essay, and a short video about their background and career plans and how those relate to conservation.
Becky Bloomfield, program coordinator, said incoming freshmen and sophomores who receive a scholarship will receive $2,500 per semester. This amount increases to $5,000 per semester for incoming juniors and seniors.
“We still have some students who reapply under a former scholarship format that allowed more scholarships but less money; those students may reapply for that format at the reduced rate, but we are phasing it out as they complete their studies,” Bloomfield said.
As a component of the scholarship, recipients are required to complete at least 40 hours of volunteer work with the AGFC involving at least four AGFC divisions during the year they receive funding.
Bloomfield says the volunteer aspect is much more than a requirement for a scholarship; it’s a valuable “foot in the door” at the AGFC.
“This is a golden opportunity for a student to build their network early,” Bloomfield said. “And they’re not just meeting people where they’re placed to volunteer. They’ll be working on the ground in a variety of roles to make contacts, get on-the-ground training, work experience, all the good stuff. I wish I had access to a program like this when I was in college in Kentucky.”
Visit www.agfc.com/conservationscholarships for more information and to apply.
The AGFC’s Conservation Scholarship Program is funded by the sale of Conservation License Plates. This program has been helping Arkansas students since 2001, the year after the first Conservation License Plate was issued. Since that time, more than $9 million has been delivered to students pursuing careers related to conservation.Page
Arrest Report 12/10
Haggai Katjang 21 of Berryville- failure to appear-misd Jesus Alejandro Chow 25 of Green Forest- no drivers license, speeding, possession of a controlled substance, DWI-drugs, reckless driving Gary Wayne Haley 46 of Eureka Springs- possession, possession of drug para/felony, forgery Charlotte Mae Frazier 43 of Lowell- possession of drug para/felony, possession Ashley Nicole Calico Reynolds 33 of Huntsville- failure to appear-misd For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
News for Wednesday, December 10, 2025
K9 Enzo receives protective vestthrough national nonprofit donation
HUNTSVILLE — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is recognizing a generous donation that will help keep one of its four-legged deputies safer on duty.
K9 Enzo, a certified working dog with the sheriff’s office, has received a bullet and stab protective vest provided by the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest was embroidered with the tribute, “In memory of K9 Gabo, Jonesboro, AR – EOW 1/16/20,” honoring the fallen K9 from Jonesboro.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 2009 with a mission to supply protective vests and other equipment to law enforcement dogs across the United States. The vests are U.S.-made, custom fitted, and certified by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).
Since its founding, the nonprofit has provided more than 6,225 vests worth $6.9 million to K9 officers in all 50 states. The program is open to certified U.S. law enforcement dogs at least 20 months old, including those whose current vests have expired. Nationwide, an estimated 30,000 K9s serve alongside law enforcement.
Each vest costs approximately $1,800 and weighs between 4–5 pounds, with a five-year warranty. Donations of any size are accepted, though a single contribution of $1,050 is enough to sponsor one full vest.
For more information about Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., including donation and volunteer opportunities, visit www.vik9s.org, call (508) 824-6978, or mail contributions to:
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.P.O. Box 9East Taunton, MA 02718
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation for the support, noting that donations like this help protect valuable K9 partners who play a critical role in public safety.
---
Celebrate responsibly: Arkansas law enforcementcracking down on drunk driving this holiday season
LITTLE ROCK - As Arkansans gather for holiday celebrations, state and local law enforcement officers are stepping up patrols to keep impaired drivers off the road. From December 12, 2025, through January 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Arkansas Highway Safety Office and Arkansas law enforcement agencies are teaming up for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign to prevent crashes and save lives.
The winter holidays are among the most dangerous times of the year for motorists due to traffic crashes involving drunk drivers. Between 2019 and 2023, 4,931 people were killed in December crashes involving an impaired driver. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes — nearly 700 of which involved drivers with blood alcohol levels almost twice the legal limit.
“Driving impaired is illegal, endangers everyone on the road, and is never acceptable,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “Our Troopers, local police and sheriff’s deputies will be out in full force this holiday season to identify and remove impaired drivers from our roads. We’re asking everyone to make smart choices, plan ahead, and help ensure that every celebration ends safely. Drunk driving is 100% preventable.”
Law enforcement and safety officials urge everyone to plan for a sober ride before holiday festivities begin and offer the following tips:
-Designate a sober driver.-Use a taxi or rideshare service.-Call a friend for a ride.-If someone you know has been drinking, help them find a safe way home.-Anyone who spots a suspected drunk driver should contact local law enforcement immediately.
---
Berryville High School opens salesfor 2026 Yearbooks and Senior Ads
BERRYVILLE — Berryville High School has launched sales for its 2025-2026 yearbooks, giving students and families the chance to reserve their copy and secure senior tribute ads before deadlines arrive.
The 2026 BHS yearbook is now available for $60 and can be ordered online at buytheyearbook.com using the school code 2285264.
School officials are also encouraging seniors and their families to act quickly, as senior ad spaces are filling up fast. Each senior ad purchase includes a complimentary yearbook.
Senior Ad Pricing:• ¼ page: $135• ½ page: $185• Full page: $320
Families may design their ads online or submit their materials directly to the school for inclusion.
The deadline for all senior ads is January 9, 2026.
Berryville High School encourages early submissions to ensure availability.
Arrest Report 12/9
News for Tuesday, December 9, 2025
City of Berryville celebrates record-breakingChristmas on the Square, Tree Lighting and Parade
Submitted by City of Berryville
 The City of Berryville is proud to announce the overwhelming success of this year’s Christmas on the Square, annual Tree Lighting, and Christmas Parade held on Saturday. Attendance, participation, and community engagement reached new heights, making this one of the most festive and memorable celebrations to date.
Christmas on the Square kicked off the afternoon with a variety of family-friendly activities and a strong focus on showcasing local vendors with the Carroll County Farmers Market. Over 200 cups of hot cocoa were served, with all donations benefiting the market’s nonprofit. Children and families were delighted with a special reading of The Night Before Christmas by Santa himself, and the Grinch also made a spirited surprise appearance. Children were able to write letters to Santa and decorate ornaments to hang on the community tree.
As evening arrived, the Berryville Parks Maintenance Team officially lit the community Christmas tree. The ceremony drew a large crowd who gathered to enjoy the moment and share in the holiday spirit.
This year’s Christmas Parade was the longest and most well-attended in Berryville’s history, lasting more than 45 minutes and featuring the highest number of participants the city has ever seen. Berryville Parks & Recreation Director Jamie Hussey shared, “This was the best year yet for our parade. It’s been incredible watching this event grow, and we’re so proud of our community for making it what it is.”
Community Engagement Director Julia Borkowski added, “I truly feel this was one of the most festive years we’ve ever had. Our community continues to show up with so much enthusiasm, and we are grateful for the support that keeps these traditions strong.”
Parade WinnersThe City of Berryville is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Christmas Parade. This year, more than $1,100 in prize money was awarded across all categories:
Best All Around Float: Filipino–American Neighbors - $250 cash prize
Best Corporate: Bank of 1889 - $200 cash prize
Best Pedestrian: Berryville High School Band - $200 cash prize
Best ATV, Bike & Miscellaneous: Sabrina Williams - $100 cash prize
Best Automobile: The Borkowski Family - $100 cash prize
Best Non-Profit or Church: Sanctuary of Hope Church - $200 cash prize
The City of Berryville extends a heartfelt thank-you to all participants, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and attendees who made this year’s festivities such a success.
We cannot wait to celebrate with you again next year.The City of Berryville wishes our entire community a safe, joyful, and happy holiday season.
---
Carroll County JPs to consider new 911 fund, budget measures at Dec. 16 meeting
BERRYVILLE – The Carroll County Quorum Court will meet Tuesday, Dec. 16, to take up a full slate of year-end business, including the second and third readings of two key ordinances and several resolutions involving county appointments.
The meeting begins at 5 p.m. at the Eastern District Courthouse in Berryville.
Justices of the peace will hold the second and third readings of an ordinance that would establish a new Central Dispatch Operations Fund on the county’s books. The measure follows recent upgrades to the county’s 911 system, including new and existing dispatch towers and associated equipment.
According to the proposed ordinance, the fund is needed to separately track the day-to-day financial activity of the Central Dispatch infrastructure. That includes utilities, repairs and maintenance, property insurance, and other operational expenses.
The ordinance affirms that sales tax collections from the county’s Sales Tax Fund would serve as the primary source of revenue for these ongoing expenses. If approved, the new account will operate under standard county budgeting and expenditure requirements in Arkansas law.
JPs will also conduct the second and third readings of the proposed 2026 operating budget. The budget ordinance outlines county spending and revenues for the upcoming fiscal year and must be approved before Jan. 1.
Under new business, the court will consider a resolution declaring a vacancy in the District 2 justice of the peace seat.
Several county and community board appointments are also on the agenda, including:
-Reappointing Katie Zerr to the Eureka Springs Library Board
-Appointing Tonya Williams and Jennifer McCullough to the Berryville Public Library Board
-Reappointing Charisse Matzenbacher to the Green Forest Library Board
-Appointing Kevin Cackle to the Carroll County Airport Commission
-Appointing Suzanne Villines and Owen Powell to the Mercy Hospital Board of Directors
Three emergency ordinances are up for consideration:
-Rescinding Ordinance 2022-02
-Setting compensation for all county elected officials for the 2026 budget year
-Approving and levying the school millage rates for Eureka Springs and Green Forest schools for the current tax year
Emergency ordinances take effect immediately upon passage.
JPs will also review two additional appropriation ordinances:
-A measure amending the 2025 budget to transfer state-reimbursed grant funds for election security
-A 2026 budget amendment to appropriate funds for renovations and equipment upgrades in the offices of the county assessor and tax collector
The agenda includes time for public comment, committee reports with Q&A, and comments from both justices of the peace and County Judge.
The meeting is open to the public.
---
Madison County Sheriff’s Office hosting recruitment events ahead of new facility opening
HUNTSVILLE – The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will host two recruitment events next week as it prepares to staff its new sheriff’s office and detention center.
The agency announced it will hold an all-day hiring event on Friday, Dec. 19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a second session on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 8 a.m. to noon. Both events will take place at the department’s new facility at 5643 Hwy. 412 Business in Huntsville.
Sheriff’s officials say their top priority is recruiting new detention officers, but they also expect to hire dispatchers and deputies as the agency grows into the new complex.
Applicants are encouraged to stop by either event, meet with staff, and pick up an application. Hiring is expected to begin in January.
The new Madison County Sheriff’s Office and detention center is nearing completion and will replace the current aging facilities. Officials have said the expansion will help improve safety, efficiency and services for residents across the county.
---
Berryville teams advance in annual Anstaff Bank tournament
BERRYVILLE - Both the Bobcats and the Lady Bobcats advance to the semi-finals of the 69th Annual Anstaff Bank Holiday Tournament.
The Lady Bobcats will play Huntsville at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, and The Bobcats will play Galena, MO at 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Arrest Report 12/8
12/4 Steven Ray Hutchcraft 59 of Eureka Springs- contempt of court, failure to appear-misd James Bruce Storman 65 of Oak Grove- failure to appear-misd, contempt of court 12/5 Jakayla Desiree Vaughn 30 of Green Forest- court commitment Van Patrick Neely 62 of Fayetteville- public intoxication, court commitment Bowen Elijah Campbell 42 of Berryville- public intoxication, court commitment Sariah Morgan Nelson 27 of Sioux Falls, SD- domestic battering-3rd degree 12/6 Sarah Leeann Davis 35 of Huntsville- contempt of court x2 For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
News for Monday, December 8, 2025
Numerous new Arkansas laws set to take effect January 1
LITTLE ROCK - A wide range of new Arkansas laws passed during the 2025 legislative session will go into effect on January 1, 2026, covering everything from hiring rules for state agencies to expanded tax credits and new healthcare mandates. While some measures approved earlier this year are already in force, many include January 1 as their official effective date.
A full summary of the session’s legislation is available through the Arkansas General Assembly.
Employment, Public Assistance and Public Safety
Act 948State agencies will no longer be allowed to hire “unauthorized aliens” under Act 948, which prohibits state entities from employing individuals who are not legally authorized to work in the United States.
Act 631Arkansans who receive SNAP benefits will be able to meet work-requirement obligations through volunteer service beginning next year. The law allows volunteering at any public entity that receives state funding to count toward those requirements.
Act 708Unemployment claimants will see a change in weekly reporting rules. Act 708 requires recipients to submit at least five work-search contacts each week. The law also directs the state to use its job board to match benefit recipients with available positions more efficiently.
Act 748Under Act 748, law enforcement agencies that pay to train an officer may seek reimbursement from any agency that hires that officer within 24 months after training is completed.
Home and Property Protection
Act 427This new law creates the Strengthen Arkansas Homes Program, allowing the state to award financial grants to eligible homeowners and nonprofit organizations. The goal is to help mitigate damage to insured homes caused by severe wind or other catastrophic weather events.
Disability and Savings Programs
Act 875The age threshold for disability eligibility under the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program will rise from 26 to 46. Individuals whose disability began before age 46 can open tax-advantaged savings accounts to help pay for qualified expenses.
Tax-Related Changes
One of the most notable changes taking effect in January is the elimination of the state’s 0.125 percent sales tax on groceries under Act 1008. Local sales taxes will still apply.
Act 880Certain properties owned by a trust or LLC may now qualify as a homestead for purposes of the disabled veterans property tax exemption, provided specific criteria are met.
Act 881Arkansas will introduce a new income-tax credit for corporations that relocate their headquarters to the state. Eligible companies may receive credits covering up to 50 percent of payroll for new full-time employees. In addition, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission director may award an extra credit of up to 10 percent.
Charitable Vehicle ExemptionMotor vehicles used exclusively by a public charity—or leased by one for at least 12 months—will become exempt from property taxes.
Acts 701 and 709These measures revise the Arkansas Wood Energy Products and Forest Maintenance Income Tax Credit. The updated law expands qualifying materials to include wood byproducts, raises required investment and job-creation benchmarks, and reduces the maximum credit amount.
Farmer Sales Tax Identification CardEligible farmers will be able to use a new sales-tax ID card in place of traditional exemption certificates when purchasing qualifying items.
Healthcare Coverage Changes
Several new mandates will apply to health benefit plans issued on or after January 1, 2026:
Act 866 requires coverage for deliveries at licensed birthing centers.
Act 627 mandates coverage for all types and techniques of breast-reconstruction services.
Coverage will also be required for breastfeeding and lactation consultant services in outpatient settings.
Act 628 mandates coverage for treatment of conditions caused by severe obesity for individuals 18 and older, though it does not require insurers to cover injectable diabetes or weight-loss drugs.
Act 390 requires coverage for lung-cancer screenings and follow-up care.
---
Local youth attend National 4-H Congress
LITTLE ROCK — Thirty Arkansas 4-H members had much to be grateful for over the Thanksgiving break: the opportunity to attend National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, the premier leadership event for senior 4-H members. Several from the listening area were in attendance.
The event, held Nov. 28 - Dec. 2, brought together more than 900 4-H members from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Arkansas’ delegation included 4-H members, 4-H staff, extension agents, and volunteers from 15 counties.
“Congress provides opportunities for skill development, service learning, and exploring how 4-H works in other states,” said Debbie Nistler, head of Arkansas 4-H and Youth Development for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “It also provides opportunities to explore careers within their project passions and beyond.”
Benton County 4-H member Brooklyn Luedecke said 4-H Congress inspired her to not only better herself as a leader, but also to help others become leaders.
“It was a very meaningful trip because I got to see how much other leaders from across the nation care about 4-H and how they also want to better the program in their communities,” said Luedecke, whose main 4-H project is leadership. “My favorite memory from Congress was getting to meet people from other states and find out what things were different while also realizing that many things were the same, because 4-H was our common ground.”
The group left the morning after Thanksgiving from Little Rock National Airport and Northwest Arkansas National Airport in Fayetteville. Once in Atlanta, they heard from several keynote speakers, including New York Times best-selling author Dan Clark and John Beede, an Everest mountaineer who shared his success strategies.
“My most enjoyable experience was the talented comedian and juggler who cheers up children at a local hospital in Atlanta,” Pulaski County 4-H member Isaiah Breshears, 18, said. “He reminded us that we are loved by our friends, valued by our clubs, and that suicide is never the answer.”
The Arkansas 4-H members also worked on variety of community service projects in the Atlanta metro area — from landscaping Piedmont Park and the Atlanta History Center, to reading to elementary students, to sorting and packing books for Children in Africa, for which Breshears volunteered.
The teens also did some sightseeing in Atlanta with stops at the Atlanta Zoo, College Football Hall of Fame, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, and Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves.
Breshears, who has 4-H projects in Workforce and Career Development and Environmental Science, said his favorite stop was Truist Park.
“We got to visit the press box, dugout, and the field,” he said. “I learned a lot about the important role sports management and mass communications play in nationally broadcast sporting events.”
All of the Arkansas delegation earned their trip to 4-H Congress by winning advanced record book contests in their respective projects.
“This trip is a culmination of years of work on their projects, building skills, and preparing for life after 4-H,” Nistler said. “These are some of the hardest working, strongest young people you’ll meet.”
The Arkansas 4-H Foundation paid for their trip.
“Arkansas 4-H stands out as one of the few states that fully funds every delegate’s trip to National 4-H Congress,” foundation Managing Director John Thomas said. “That tradition is made possible by donors who believe in our young people and want to celebrate the dedication, service, and leadership it takes to earn this honor.”
Attendees include the following:
-Benton County — Lydia Brown, Kolby Campbell, Krystal Edith Estrada, Zachariah Hinojosa, Zoey Hinojosa, Emily Jackson, Brooklyn Luedecke, Bailey Malone, Emma Millsap, Gracelyn Moore, Ramsey Puryear, Addison Robins and Lillian Swarengin-Carroll County — Andrew Rexwinkle-Clark County — Blakley Thompson-Columbia County — Dawson Dooly-Howard County — Anna Kate McKinnon-Independence County —Annaleigh Mead and Logan Wiltrout-Lonoke County — Kaitlyn Caswell Mogish-Madison County — Andrew Hendricks and Vallie Yancey-Montgomery County — Opal SamonsPulaski County — Isaiah Breshears-Sebastian County — Mary Dunn and Royston Drake Slate-Washington County — Joshua Bailey and Alyosha Wood-White County — Sadie Lillard and Delyia Sanderlin
The group was accompanied by 4-H staff member Breanna Wade; Howard County staff chair Samantha Horn; Garland County 4-H agent Sara Jackson; Madison County volunteer Jeneal Yancy and Benton County volunteer Nicole Swarengin.
For more information about 4-H, visit https://4h.uada.edu/ or contact your local county extension agent at uaex.uada.edu/counties.
---
Library Bake Sale this Friday
BERRYVILLE - The Friends of the Berryville Library will be hosting their annual Christmas holiday bake sale on Friday, December 12, starting at 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or until everything is gone. The bake sale will be held at the Berryville Library outer lobby located at 104 Spring Street.
The sale will feature cakes, pies, cookies, and a variety of other delicious goodies and pet treats. Bake sale items will vary in price and will be a perfect addition to your holiday table. Or you may choose to spread some holiday cheer by purchasing an item to give to brighten a friend’s day.
Stop by early for the best selection. All proceeds go to support the Friends of the Berryville Library and their efforts to raise the remaining funds needed to furnish the new library which will open in 2026.
For more information, contact the Berryville Library at (870) 423-2323.
---
Ozarks Chorale Holiday Concert is Dec. 14
EUREKA SPRINGS - The Ozarks Chorale Holiday concert "Do You Hear What I Hear?" will be this Sunday December 14th, 2025 7:00pm at The Auditorium in Eureka Springs. The public is warmly invited to bring in the Holidays with this musical tradition.
Tickets are $15 each while entry is free for those 18 and younger.