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
Arrest Report 9/16
Ronnie Lael Carpenter – 38 of Green Forest GFPDFailure to Appear
James Ryan Harp – 42 of BerryvilleGFPDContempt of Court
Jeffrey Cordell Tworoger – 35 of Green Forest CCSOLittering, No Lamps on Bicycle, Possession, Obstructing Governmental Operations
Pamela Ann Tyree – 47 of BerryvilleCCSOObstructing Gov Operations
For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
James Ryan Harp – 42 of BerryvilleGFPDContempt of Court
Jeffrey Cordell Tworoger – 35 of Green Forest CCSOLittering, No Lamps on Bicycle, Possession, Obstructing Governmental Operations
Pamela Ann Tyree – 47 of BerryvilleCCSOObstructing Gov Operations
For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
News for Wednesday,September 16th, 2026
Coming Soon
Arrest Report 9/15
Nicholas Luke David Watson – 39 of Green Forest GFPDNo Liab Insurance, Driving DWI Suspended License, Possess Controlled Substance Sched VI < 4oz, Owner Fail to Register Vehicle – Expired Tags, Possess Drug Para
Darrell Dean Huddleston – 48 of Green Forest GFPDFailure to Appear
Rebecca Lynn Williams – 42 of RogersCCSOContempt of Court, Failure to Appear For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
Darrell Dean Huddleston – 48 of Green Forest GFPDFailure to Appear
Rebecca Lynn Williams – 42 of RogersCCSOContempt of Court, Failure to Appear For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
News for Tuesday,September 15th, 2026
Two Newton County officers arrested on charges of theft of firearms
JASPER - Two Newton County law enforcement officers have been arrested following an Arkansas State Police investigation into the theft of firearms.
Special agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division arrested former Jasper Police Department Officer Mikel Blocker and Newton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division Detective Aaron Carter on Friday, Sept. 11.
Both men are from Jasper and were arrested on charges of theft of a firearm. They were booked into the Newton County Detention Center.
State Police said the investigation began at the request of the 14th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Multiple firearms were recovered during the course of the investigation, although authorities have not released additional details about the weapons or the circumstances surrounding their alleged theft.
Blocker and Carter have both been terminated from their respective law enforcement agencies.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Arkansas State Police said no additional information is being released at this time.
Charges are allegations; accused are innocent until proven guilty.
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Registration opens for Greater Berryville Area Chamber Awards Banquet
BERRYVILLE - Registration is now open for the 2026 Greater Berryville Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, set for Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Berryville Community Center.
This year’s banquet will carry the theme “Boots & Blazers – It Takes a Community,” celebrating the businesses, organizations and individuals whose work, leadership and service contribute to the Berryville community.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m. Guests can expect an evening of dinner, networking and recognition of local business excellence and outstanding community members. The event will also feature door prizes and an auction.
Jeffrey Kent, chief operating officer of Commander Companies, will serve as this year’s guest speaker.
Kent provides executive leadership across multiple nationally recognized brands and also serves as chief of operations for Willie Robertson. He is seen regularly on A&E’s “Duck Dynasty: The Revival.”
Kent brings more than 25 years of experience as a pastor, missionary, teacher and author. He spent three years serving as a missionary in China and has focused much of his ministry on spiritual leadership, strengthening marriages and encouraging Christians to become more active in their faith and communities.
In 2024, Kent and Robertson co-founded The Movement in Monroe, Louisiana, a missional community centered around weekly gatherings and encouraging Christians to engage their communities.
Kent is also the author of “Satisfied: A 21-Day Prayer and Fasting Devotional Through the Gospel of John” and “GO: A Simple Guide to Sharing the Gospel.” He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Louisiana College and a Master of Divinity in Discipleship and Church Ministry from Liberty University. Kent and his wife, Abigail, also lead marriage conferences across the country.
Tickets for the banquet are $50 per person. Tables are also available for purchase with sponsorship benefits. Space is limited, and advance reservations are encouraged.
Businesses and organizations can also support the banquet through sponsorships or by donating items for the auction and door prizes. The Chamber said donations provide another opportunity for local businesses to receive recognition while supporting its programs and community initiatives.
Voting is also underway for the Chamber’s annual awards, with area residents encouraged to cast their votes for businesses, organizations and community members they believe deserve recognition.
The banquet will be held at the Berryville Community Center, 601 Dr. Spurlin Drive. Tickets, tables and additional information are available through the Greater Berryville Area Chamber of Commerce website at berryvillechamber.com/events.
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18 fatal crashes in Arkansas during first week of September
Arkansas State Police are urging motorists to slow down and stay focused behind the wheel following a recent spike in fatal crashes across the state.
State police say 18 fatal crashes were reported across Arkansas during the first week of September, involving victims ranging from minors to people as old as 80.
Authorities say speeding and distracted driving are among the factors contributing to deadly crashes. Excessive speed reduces the amount of time drivers have to react to hazards, while distractions such as cellphone use can significantly impair a driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle.
State police are also reminding families to be aware of older loved ones who may be experiencing difficulty driving safely. Officials say declining reaction time or decision-making ability can create additional risks on the road, and families may eventually need to have difficult conversations about whether a loved one should continue driving.
Despite the recent increase in deadly crashes, Arkansas has recorded 34 fewer fatal crashes so far this year compared with the same period in 2025.
State police say every driver has a responsibility to pay attention, obey traffic laws and consider the safety of passengers and others on the road.
Officials say the ultimate goal is simple: making sure everyone gets home safely.
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Smart TV raffle to support local veterans organizations
BERRYVILLE - Area residents have a chance to win a new television while supporting two local organizations that serve veterans and the community.
A raffle is currently underway to benefit the local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, or VFW. The winner will receive a new LG 55-inch Smart TV.
Raffle tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at The Appliance Store and More in Berryville.
Proceeds will support the local American Legion and VFW and their work on behalf of area veterans and the community.
The winner will be announced this month on KTHS 107.1 FM.
Organizers are encouraging residents to purchase a ticket for a chance to win while helping support local organizations dedicated to those who have served in the U.S. military.
JASPER - Two Newton County law enforcement officers have been arrested following an Arkansas State Police investigation into the theft of firearms.
Special agents with the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division arrested former Jasper Police Department Officer Mikel Blocker and Newton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division Detective Aaron Carter on Friday, Sept. 11.
Both men are from Jasper and were arrested on charges of theft of a firearm. They were booked into the Newton County Detention Center.
State Police said the investigation began at the request of the 14th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Multiple firearms were recovered during the course of the investigation, although authorities have not released additional details about the weapons or the circumstances surrounding their alleged theft.
Blocker and Carter have both been terminated from their respective law enforcement agencies.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Arkansas State Police said no additional information is being released at this time.
Charges are allegations; accused are innocent until proven guilty.
---
Registration opens for Greater Berryville Area Chamber Awards Banquet
BERRYVILLE - Registration is now open for the 2026 Greater Berryville Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, set for Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Berryville Community Center.
This year’s banquet will carry the theme “Boots & Blazers – It Takes a Community,” celebrating the businesses, organizations and individuals whose work, leadership and service contribute to the Berryville community.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m. Guests can expect an evening of dinner, networking and recognition of local business excellence and outstanding community members. The event will also feature door prizes and an auction.
Jeffrey Kent, chief operating officer of Commander Companies, will serve as this year’s guest speaker.
Kent provides executive leadership across multiple nationally recognized brands and also serves as chief of operations for Willie Robertson. He is seen regularly on A&E’s “Duck Dynasty: The Revival.”
Kent brings more than 25 years of experience as a pastor, missionary, teacher and author. He spent three years serving as a missionary in China and has focused much of his ministry on spiritual leadership, strengthening marriages and encouraging Christians to become more active in their faith and communities.
In 2024, Kent and Robertson co-founded The Movement in Monroe, Louisiana, a missional community centered around weekly gatherings and encouraging Christians to engage their communities.
Kent is also the author of “Satisfied: A 21-Day Prayer and Fasting Devotional Through the Gospel of John” and “GO: A Simple Guide to Sharing the Gospel.” He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from Louisiana College and a Master of Divinity in Discipleship and Church Ministry from Liberty University. Kent and his wife, Abigail, also lead marriage conferences across the country.
Tickets for the banquet are $50 per person. Tables are also available for purchase with sponsorship benefits. Space is limited, and advance reservations are encouraged.
Businesses and organizations can also support the banquet through sponsorships or by donating items for the auction and door prizes. The Chamber said donations provide another opportunity for local businesses to receive recognition while supporting its programs and community initiatives.
Voting is also underway for the Chamber’s annual awards, with area residents encouraged to cast their votes for businesses, organizations and community members they believe deserve recognition.
The banquet will be held at the Berryville Community Center, 601 Dr. Spurlin Drive. Tickets, tables and additional information are available through the Greater Berryville Area Chamber of Commerce website at berryvillechamber.com/events.
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18 fatal crashes in Arkansas during first week of September
Arkansas State Police are urging motorists to slow down and stay focused behind the wheel following a recent spike in fatal crashes across the state.
State police say 18 fatal crashes were reported across Arkansas during the first week of September, involving victims ranging from minors to people as old as 80.
Authorities say speeding and distracted driving are among the factors contributing to deadly crashes. Excessive speed reduces the amount of time drivers have to react to hazards, while distractions such as cellphone use can significantly impair a driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle.
State police are also reminding families to be aware of older loved ones who may be experiencing difficulty driving safely. Officials say declining reaction time or decision-making ability can create additional risks on the road, and families may eventually need to have difficult conversations about whether a loved one should continue driving.
Despite the recent increase in deadly crashes, Arkansas has recorded 34 fewer fatal crashes so far this year compared with the same period in 2025.
State police say every driver has a responsibility to pay attention, obey traffic laws and consider the safety of passengers and others on the road.
Officials say the ultimate goal is simple: making sure everyone gets home safely.
---
Smart TV raffle to support local veterans organizations
BERRYVILLE - Area residents have a chance to win a new television while supporting two local organizations that serve veterans and the community.
A raffle is currently underway to benefit the local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, or VFW. The winner will receive a new LG 55-inch Smart TV.
Raffle tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at The Appliance Store and More in Berryville.
Proceeds will support the local American Legion and VFW and their work on behalf of area veterans and the community.
The winner will be announced this month on KTHS 107.1 FM.
Organizers are encouraging residents to purchase a ticket for a chance to win while helping support local organizations dedicated to those who have served in the U.S. military.
Arrest Report 9/14
Jerry Brian Moody – 55 ESPDViolation of Protection Order, Domestic Battering in the Third Degree
Gerardo Montoya-Mendoza – 35 ofCCSODriving While Intoxicated DWI
Jayda Johnson – 18 of Holiday IslandBVPDFailure to Appear
Leslie Maye Ann Gass – 44 of YellvilleASPContempt of Court x2
Ian Scott Moran – 34 of AlpenaCCSOInterference with Emergency Communications, Driving on Suspended License, Domestic Battering in the Third Degree
Mary Crowder – 26 of BerryvilleBVPDDomestic Battering in the Third Degree
Tamnas Annie Willett – 41 of HarrisonCCSOFailure to Appear
Jeremy Duane Middleton – 44 of Green Forest CCSORevocation, Failure to Appear x2, Contempt of Court
Bruce Loeak – 40 of Green ForestGFPDBattery Third Degree, Public Intoxication
Queny Timious – 26 of Green ForestBVPDRevocation, Failure to Appear, Detainer for INS
Phoe Raw – 39 of Green ForestCCSOCourt Commitment
Christian Bradley Lowe – 27 of BransonCCSOAggravated Assault on Family/Household Member, Domestic Battering in the Second Degree For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
Gerardo Montoya-Mendoza – 35 ofCCSODriving While Intoxicated DWI
Jayda Johnson – 18 of Holiday IslandBVPDFailure to Appear
Leslie Maye Ann Gass – 44 of YellvilleASPContempt of Court x2
Ian Scott Moran – 34 of AlpenaCCSOInterference with Emergency Communications, Driving on Suspended License, Domestic Battering in the Third Degree
Mary Crowder – 26 of BerryvilleBVPDDomestic Battering in the Third Degree
Tamnas Annie Willett – 41 of HarrisonCCSOFailure to Appear
Jeremy Duane Middleton – 44 of Green Forest CCSORevocation, Failure to Appear x2, Contempt of Court
Bruce Loeak – 40 of Green ForestGFPDBattery Third Degree, Public Intoxication
Queny Timious – 26 of Green ForestBVPDRevocation, Failure to Appear, Detainer for INS
Phoe Raw – 39 of Green ForestCCSOCourt Commitment
Christian Bradley Lowe – 27 of BransonCCSOAggravated Assault on Family/Household Member, Domestic Battering in the Second Degree For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
News for Monday,September 14th, 2026
Deadline today for Carroll County Master Gardener applications
BERRYVILLE - Area residents interested in joining the Carroll County Master Gardeners have until today, Monday, Sept. 14, to submit an application for this year’s training program.
The organization previously extended its application deadline to Sept. 14 as it prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in Carroll County. The Master Gardeners are inviting residents with an interest in gardening, horticulture and community service to become part of the program. Space in this year’s class is limited.
The 40-hour training program will begin Oct. 21 and continue weekly through Nov. 18 at the Carroll Electric Community Room. Classes will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The cost is $125 for in-person training or $150 for online training. A limited number of half-price scholarships are available, and prospective participants can inquire about financial assistance when obtaining an application.
Applications are available through Monty Rexwinkle at the Cooperative Extension Service in Berryville by calling 870-423-2958.
Additional information and applications are available through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Master Gardener program or the Carroll County Master Gardeners website.
The Carroll County Master Gardeners are marking their 30th anniversary in 2026 and are encouraging new members to help continue the organization’s work in horticulture education and community service throughout Carroll County.
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Inspect treestands now to avoid catastrophe during deer season
By Randy Zellers, AGFC
The ongoing heatwave might keep most hunters out of the woods right now, but skipping your pre-season stand safety check is a recipe for disaster. A quick trip to inspect your stand and hunting location is well worth the effort if it means coming home safely at the end of each hunt later this year.
According to Matt Gideon, Hunter Education and Boater Education Coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, treestand falls account for 75 to 80 percent of hunting accidents each year, and many result in major injuries and even death.
“Right now, you want to go out and inspect all of the welds, straps and cables carefully on your stands,” Gideon said. “And if it’s been out all year, it’s almost a sure thing that you need to replace those straps holding it to the tree. Ideally, you should take the stand down at the end of every season, and I probably wouldn’t trust one that’s been up all year without going ahead and taking it down to give it a thorough inspection and replacing any worn parts. Squirrels and rats can chew up the straps, and just sitting in the elements all year can weaken the materials.”
Gideon, an avid hunter who started at the AGFC’s Charlie Craig Fish Hatchery in Centerton before transitioning to the agency’s Education Division, coordinates with the AGFC’s Enforcement and Education divisions to compile the agency’s annual Hunter Incident Report as part of his duties.
“We produce the report each year so Hunter Education instructors can relay valuable lessons learned from previous years’ accidents,” Gideon said. “It also lets us take a look at trends in lapses of judgment or safety that we can address in our classes and offer advice about possible regulations changes that are needed to keep up with changes in hunting styles and technology.”
Gideon says misuse of safety harnesses is a leading cause of treestand falls. Just about every treestand made comes with a complimentary safety harness, and many aftermarket harnesses are not only comfortable, but have accessory pockets to hold hunting gear. Still, lack of a safety harness remains the number one cause of most treestand fall injuries.
“A lot of people either aren’t wearing their harnesses or not wearing them properly,” Gideon said. “They may have them on, but they are unattached during the climb up or down, and that’s when a lot of our treestand falls happen.”
Gideon says that negotiating that transition safely requires the use of a special rope called a lifeline that is tied to the tree throughout the season.
“You attach your harness to it, and it uses a special knot called a Prusik knot that slides up and down, but locks down tight when it is yanked hard and keeps you safe,” Gideon said. “You install the lifeline above the stand when you’re setting it up, and that way you always have that extra point of contact with the tree from the time you leave the ground until you return at the end of your hunt.”
The Mayo Clinic estimates that one in three hunters who use tree stands will experience a fall sometime in their hunting career. The use of a safety harness when that occurs can be the difference between a moment of fright and a lifetime of injury, even death.
Gideon says that fatalities have occurred from as little as 8 feet high, and most hunters go much higher than that.
“Jumping down from 10 feet is one thing, but falling unexpectedly is a different story,” Gideon said. “Plus, you often have a loaded firearm or bow with you that adds more danger to the situation. There’s really no excuse not to wear one, and when worn properly, you really forget that it’s there.”
Gideon says most hunters probably overestimate the height they set their stands, with the majority of deer stands being set at roughly 12 to 15 feet off the ground, but he’s seen some that were extremely high.
“You know, a lot of deer get killed by people in ground blinds, leaned up against the base of a tree or maybe brushed in a little on the ground — you don’t have to climb that high,” Gideon said. “Be still and monitor your scent; a lot of deer are taken that way.”
Gideon says it’s also important to remember that only 16 hunting incidents were reported last year, and only two of those were fatal.
“We don’t take any injury or fatality lightly, but Arkansas had nearly 300,000 hunters in the woods last year, so the injury rate reported comes out to be eight one-thousandths of a percent,” Gideon said. “Golf, on the other hand, has nearly twice the injury rate, at 0.016 percent.”
Visit www.agfc.com/huntered for more information on hunting safety and a copy of the Fiscal Year 2026 Hunter Incident Report.
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State Capitol Week in Review
By Sen. Bryan King
As the United States continues to celebrate its 250th year, Arkansans are preparing for another important election season. The nation’s founders set in motion a system based on the idea that government draws its power from the people. That idea continues today through every ballot cast. With Arkansas’s voter‑registration deadline for the November election approaching on October 5, 2026, residents have a timely opportunity to take part in that process and make their voices count.
Voting remains one of the most effective ways to shape everyday life. Local, state, and federal officials make decisions about school funding, road repairs, public transportation, healthcare access, economic development, public safety, and how tax dollars are used. By voting, Arkansans help choose the people who will represent them and decide how community resources are spent. Each ballot directly influences the quality of life for families across the state.
Even small numbers of votes can shape the outcome of an election. Local races are often decided by very tight margins, and growing participation from various communities has influenced the results of statewide contests in recent years. When more people vote, issues that matter most to them are more likely to be noticed and addressed. Every ballot adds to a collective voice that leaders can’t ignore.
Being well‑informed strengthens the impact of each vote. Election seasons can be overwhelming, with constant ads and political messaging. Reliable, nonpartisan information helps voters sort facts from persuasion. Resources such as vote411.org and ballotpedia.org provide clear details about candidates and ballot measures. Reviewing all races, including local contests and proposed amendments, helps voters match their choices with their values. Voters can be more confident and stress-free on Election Day by preparing a plan which includes researching candidates, noting preferred choices, and bringing those notes to the polls.
Registering to vote in Arkansas is simple. Residents must complete a paper voter‑registration form, which is available from county clerks, public libraries, DMV and revenue offices, disability agencies, and military recruitment centers. Forms can also be printed online or requested by mail from the Arkansas Secretary of State. Once the county clerk processes the application, the voter receives a registration card, which may take a few weeks. Voters can confirm their registration status at any time by visiting voterview.ar-nova.org or by contacting their county clerk.
To register to vote in Arkansas, you must meet several requirements: you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Arkansas, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. You cannot be currently serving a felony sentence that has not been discharged or pardoned, and you must not be legally declared mentally incompetent to vote by a court.
With the October 5 deadline approaching, Arkansans have a chance to shape their communities and take part in a democratic tradition that has lasted for two and a half centuries. Every ballot is a reminder that the strength of American self‑government depends on citizens who stay informed, participate, and make their voices heard.
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Nominations open through Sept. 30 for inaugural Eureka Springs Poet Laureate
EUREKA SPRINGS - Nominations are now open for the first-ever Eureka Springs Poet Laureate.
The new honorary position was created by the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow, eMerge Literary Magazine, Eureka Springs Arts Council and Eureka Springs Carnegie Library. Organizers say the program is designed to celebrate poetry, place and community while recognizing a poet whose work reflects the spirit and character of Eureka Springs.
The selected Poet Laureate will serve a three-year term and receive a $500 stipend.
During that term, the Poet Laureate will serve as an ambassador for Eureka Springs and the literary arts. The role could include appearances at civic and cultural events, public readings, workshops, youth activities and other efforts to encourage poetry throughout the community.
Organizers are seeking nominees who demonstrate artistic excellence, have a meaningful connection to Eureka Springs and Carroll County and are committed to engaging the public through poetry.
Nominees must be residents of Carroll County.
The deadline to submit a nomination is Sept. 30.
Applications, guidelines and submission requirements are available online at WritersColony.org. A nomination drop box is also available at the Eureka Springs Carnegie Public Library.
For more information, contact the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow at 479-253-7444.
BERRYVILLE - Area residents interested in joining the Carroll County Master Gardeners have until today, Monday, Sept. 14, to submit an application for this year’s training program.
The organization previously extended its application deadline to Sept. 14 as it prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in Carroll County. The Master Gardeners are inviting residents with an interest in gardening, horticulture and community service to become part of the program. Space in this year’s class is limited.
The 40-hour training program will begin Oct. 21 and continue weekly through Nov. 18 at the Carroll Electric Community Room. Classes will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The cost is $125 for in-person training or $150 for online training. A limited number of half-price scholarships are available, and prospective participants can inquire about financial assistance when obtaining an application.
Applications are available through Monty Rexwinkle at the Cooperative Extension Service in Berryville by calling 870-423-2958.
Additional information and applications are available through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Master Gardener program or the Carroll County Master Gardeners website.
The Carroll County Master Gardeners are marking their 30th anniversary in 2026 and are encouraging new members to help continue the organization’s work in horticulture education and community service throughout Carroll County.
---
Inspect treestands now to avoid catastrophe during deer season
By Randy Zellers, AGFC
The ongoing heatwave might keep most hunters out of the woods right now, but skipping your pre-season stand safety check is a recipe for disaster. A quick trip to inspect your stand and hunting location is well worth the effort if it means coming home safely at the end of each hunt later this year.
According to Matt Gideon, Hunter Education and Boater Education Coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, treestand falls account for 75 to 80 percent of hunting accidents each year, and many result in major injuries and even death.
“Right now, you want to go out and inspect all of the welds, straps and cables carefully on your stands,” Gideon said. “And if it’s been out all year, it’s almost a sure thing that you need to replace those straps holding it to the tree. Ideally, you should take the stand down at the end of every season, and I probably wouldn’t trust one that’s been up all year without going ahead and taking it down to give it a thorough inspection and replacing any worn parts. Squirrels and rats can chew up the straps, and just sitting in the elements all year can weaken the materials.”
Gideon, an avid hunter who started at the AGFC’s Charlie Craig Fish Hatchery in Centerton before transitioning to the agency’s Education Division, coordinates with the AGFC’s Enforcement and Education divisions to compile the agency’s annual Hunter Incident Report as part of his duties.
“We produce the report each year so Hunter Education instructors can relay valuable lessons learned from previous years’ accidents,” Gideon said. “It also lets us take a look at trends in lapses of judgment or safety that we can address in our classes and offer advice about possible regulations changes that are needed to keep up with changes in hunting styles and technology.”
Gideon says misuse of safety harnesses is a leading cause of treestand falls. Just about every treestand made comes with a complimentary safety harness, and many aftermarket harnesses are not only comfortable, but have accessory pockets to hold hunting gear. Still, lack of a safety harness remains the number one cause of most treestand fall injuries.
“A lot of people either aren’t wearing their harnesses or not wearing them properly,” Gideon said. “They may have them on, but they are unattached during the climb up or down, and that’s when a lot of our treestand falls happen.”
Gideon says that negotiating that transition safely requires the use of a special rope called a lifeline that is tied to the tree throughout the season.
“You attach your harness to it, and it uses a special knot called a Prusik knot that slides up and down, but locks down tight when it is yanked hard and keeps you safe,” Gideon said. “You install the lifeline above the stand when you’re setting it up, and that way you always have that extra point of contact with the tree from the time you leave the ground until you return at the end of your hunt.”
The Mayo Clinic estimates that one in three hunters who use tree stands will experience a fall sometime in their hunting career. The use of a safety harness when that occurs can be the difference between a moment of fright and a lifetime of injury, even death.
Gideon says that fatalities have occurred from as little as 8 feet high, and most hunters go much higher than that.
“Jumping down from 10 feet is one thing, but falling unexpectedly is a different story,” Gideon said. “Plus, you often have a loaded firearm or bow with you that adds more danger to the situation. There’s really no excuse not to wear one, and when worn properly, you really forget that it’s there.”
Gideon says most hunters probably overestimate the height they set their stands, with the majority of deer stands being set at roughly 12 to 15 feet off the ground, but he’s seen some that were extremely high.
“You know, a lot of deer get killed by people in ground blinds, leaned up against the base of a tree or maybe brushed in a little on the ground — you don’t have to climb that high,” Gideon said. “Be still and monitor your scent; a lot of deer are taken that way.”
Gideon says it’s also important to remember that only 16 hunting incidents were reported last year, and only two of those were fatal.
“We don’t take any injury or fatality lightly, but Arkansas had nearly 300,000 hunters in the woods last year, so the injury rate reported comes out to be eight one-thousandths of a percent,” Gideon said. “Golf, on the other hand, has nearly twice the injury rate, at 0.016 percent.”
Visit www.agfc.com/huntered for more information on hunting safety and a copy of the Fiscal Year 2026 Hunter Incident Report.
---
State Capitol Week in Review
By Sen. Bryan King
As the United States continues to celebrate its 250th year, Arkansans are preparing for another important election season. The nation’s founders set in motion a system based on the idea that government draws its power from the people. That idea continues today through every ballot cast. With Arkansas’s voter‑registration deadline for the November election approaching on October 5, 2026, residents have a timely opportunity to take part in that process and make their voices count.
Voting remains one of the most effective ways to shape everyday life. Local, state, and federal officials make decisions about school funding, road repairs, public transportation, healthcare access, economic development, public safety, and how tax dollars are used. By voting, Arkansans help choose the people who will represent them and decide how community resources are spent. Each ballot directly influences the quality of life for families across the state.
Even small numbers of votes can shape the outcome of an election. Local races are often decided by very tight margins, and growing participation from various communities has influenced the results of statewide contests in recent years. When more people vote, issues that matter most to them are more likely to be noticed and addressed. Every ballot adds to a collective voice that leaders can’t ignore.
Being well‑informed strengthens the impact of each vote. Election seasons can be overwhelming, with constant ads and political messaging. Reliable, nonpartisan information helps voters sort facts from persuasion. Resources such as vote411.org and ballotpedia.org provide clear details about candidates and ballot measures. Reviewing all races, including local contests and proposed amendments, helps voters match their choices with their values. Voters can be more confident and stress-free on Election Day by preparing a plan which includes researching candidates, noting preferred choices, and bringing those notes to the polls.
Registering to vote in Arkansas is simple. Residents must complete a paper voter‑registration form, which is available from county clerks, public libraries, DMV and revenue offices, disability agencies, and military recruitment centers. Forms can also be printed online or requested by mail from the Arkansas Secretary of State. Once the county clerk processes the application, the voter receives a registration card, which may take a few weeks. Voters can confirm their registration status at any time by visiting voterview.ar-nova.org or by contacting their county clerk.
To register to vote in Arkansas, you must meet several requirements: you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Arkansas, and at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. You cannot be currently serving a felony sentence that has not been discharged or pardoned, and you must not be legally declared mentally incompetent to vote by a court.
With the October 5 deadline approaching, Arkansans have a chance to shape their communities and take part in a democratic tradition that has lasted for two and a half centuries. Every ballot is a reminder that the strength of American self‑government depends on citizens who stay informed, participate, and make their voices heard.
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Nominations open through Sept. 30 for inaugural Eureka Springs Poet Laureate
EUREKA SPRINGS - Nominations are now open for the first-ever Eureka Springs Poet Laureate.
The new honorary position was created by the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow, eMerge Literary Magazine, Eureka Springs Arts Council and Eureka Springs Carnegie Library. Organizers say the program is designed to celebrate poetry, place and community while recognizing a poet whose work reflects the spirit and character of Eureka Springs.
The selected Poet Laureate will serve a three-year term and receive a $500 stipend.
During that term, the Poet Laureate will serve as an ambassador for Eureka Springs and the literary arts. The role could include appearances at civic and cultural events, public readings, workshops, youth activities and other efforts to encourage poetry throughout the community.
Organizers are seeking nominees who demonstrate artistic excellence, have a meaningful connection to Eureka Springs and Carroll County and are committed to engaging the public through poetry.
Nominees must be residents of Carroll County.
The deadline to submit a nomination is Sept. 30.
Applications, guidelines and submission requirements are available online at WritersColony.org. A nomination drop box is also available at the Eureka Springs Carnegie Public Library.
For more information, contact the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow at 479-253-7444.
Arrest Report 9/11
Bruce Loeak – 30 of Green ForestGFPDBattery 3rd Degree, Public Intoxication
Queny Timious – 26 of Green ForestBVPDRevocation
Brittani Ann Reyes – 30 of HarrisonCCSOFailure to Appear
Delvin Asuncion Vargas Vargas – 19 of RogersCCSOFailure to Appear, Detainer for INS
Joshua Ward Smith – 47 of Eureka SpringsESPDAssault 3rd Degree For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
Queny Timious – 26 of Green ForestBVPDRevocation
Brittani Ann Reyes – 30 of HarrisonCCSOFailure to Appear
Delvin Asuncion Vargas Vargas – 19 of RogersCCSOFailure to Appear, Detainer for INS
Joshua Ward Smith – 47 of Eureka SpringsESPDAssault 3rd Degree For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
News for Friday,September 11th, 2026
Today marks 25 years since 9/11 attacks
Today marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, a day that claimed nearly 3,000 lives and forever changed the United States.
On that morning, 19 Islamic extremist terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, while a third struck the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C. A fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew members fought back against the hijackers.
Among those killed were 343 members of the New York City Fire Department, along with law enforcement officers and other first responders who rushed toward danger as thousands fled to safety.
Across the nation today, Americans are marking the 25th anniversary with memorial ceremonies, moments of silence and acts of service honoring those who were killed, those who responded and the families whose lives were forever changed.
A quarter-century later, Sept. 11 remains a day of remembrance for one of the darkest moments in American history, and for the courage, sacrifice and unity demonstrated in its aftermath.
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Berryville Film Festival kicks off today with two days of films, workshops
BERRYVILLE – Filmmakers, actors and movie fans will gather in Berryville beginning today for two days of independent films, workshops, panel discussions and other activities during the annual Berryville Film Festival.
The festival kicks off today, Friday, Sept. 11, and continues through Saturday at the Berryville Community Center, 601 Dr. Spurlin Circle. The center's theater will host screenings, question-and-answer sessions and other events throughout the weekend.
Today's schedule begins at noon with an opening ceremony and networking session, followed by several blocks of short films throughout the afternoon. Q&A sessions with filmmakers are also scheduled between screenings.
Among today's special events is an on-screen knife fighting workshop at 5:15 p.m. led by instructor Jonathan Nichols. The hands-on workshop will cover the fundamentals of theatrical knife-fight choreography, including creating believable movements and reactions while safely staging and filming a confrontation.
At 6:30 p.m., the festival will host a "Different Directors, Different Methods" panel featuring Jason Pitts of Lucid Lake Pictures, Zac Counts of FairlyOdd, Curtis Stout of Napalm In The Morning Productions and Brett Helms of Leaping Dog Films. The four directors will discuss their different methods, choices and creative approaches to filmmaking.
Today's schedule concludes with a final block of films beginning at 7:45 p.m., followed by a Q&A.
Festival activities resume Saturday at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony and social hour. Screenings begin at 11 a.m. and will include micro-shorts, horror films and another block of short films.
Saturday's schedule also includes several special events. Actress Juli Tapken will lead a self-tape workshop at 1 p.m. focusing on how actors can improve recorded auditions through setup, framing, performance and submission techniques.
"Actors Take the Stage" will follow from 2:40-3 p.m., giving actors an opportunity to perform monologues before an audience.
A free Family Block, presented by the Berryville Public Library, begins at 3 p.m. and will feature four family-friendly films. The lineup includes the premieres of "The Unescapeable," created by local children during a 12-hour filmmaking challenge, and "Students In Charge," created by students attending the Berryville Film Camp.
Also showing will be "Finger Guns," directed by Levi Coppedge and filmed in Arkansas, and "Ghostbusters: Half Life," directed by Kevin Croxton and filmed at locations throughout Arkansas, including Eureka Springs.
The festival's final film block begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, followed by an awards ceremony and red carpet event at 6 p.m.
Organizers say the Berryville Film Festival is designed to showcase independent filmmaking while providing educational and networking opportunities for filmmakers, actors and others interested in the industry.
Weekend passes are $25, while Friday-only and Saturday-only passes are $15. Workshops are included with applicable day and weekend passes, while Saturday's Family Block is free to attend.
Additional information, passes and a complete schedule are available through the Berryville Film Festival website.
https://www.berryvillefilmfest.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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Carroll County Sheriff’s Office plans pair of fall events
BERRYVILLE – The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office is preparing for two community events this fall with a fundraiser to benefit local children and a Halloween night Trunk or Treat.
The Sheriff’s Office will host its Shop with a Cop Poker Run on Saturday, Oct. 10, with proceeds benefiting the department’s Shop with a Cop program to bring Christmas to local children who might otherwise go without.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, located at 205 Hailey Road in Berryville. The cost is $30 per buggy and $10 for each additional hand. A meal, provided by Tyson Foods and CS Bank, is included with each hand.
Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place as well as the worst hand. The first-place winner will receive a commemorative BB gun.
The event will also include a silent auction and several raffles, including a 50/50 drawing, a 32-quart cooler and a 36-inch Blackstone griddle. Organizers said all proceeds will support the Shop with a Cop program, which helps provide Christmas gifts for local children.
Later in the month, the Sheriff’s Office will welcome families for its Trunk or Treat on Halloween night.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6-9 p.m. at the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office at 205 Hailey Road in Berryville.
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Surviving the Downturn: Ag economists team up to show how we got here, and what the future holds
By Mary Hightower, UAEX
As agriculture faces its darkest period since the 1980s, a team of economists from across the Southeast documented their answers to “how did we get here?” and “how do we recover?” into a sweeping publication titled “Surviving the Farm Economy Downturn: 2026 Update.”
“The number of farm bankruptcies is rising across the South, and much like previous downturns, producers are asking for advice on how to manage their way out of this hopefully short-term economic downturn,” Joe Outlaw and Bart L. Fischer, co-directors of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center, wrote about the publication in Southern Ag Today.
At 155 pages, the report from the Southern Risk Management Education Center and the Agricultural and Food Policy Center, features the work of 37 experts from the two centers, plus Auburn University, Mississippi State University, Texas A&M AgriLife, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Maryland, and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.
The document is divided in six primary sections: Setting the Stage, Crop Market Outlooks, Livestock, Ag Lending/Credit/Crop Insurance, Strategies, and Resiliency. Each section contains from two to eight highly detailed articles.
SRMEC Director Ron Rainey said the project’s analyses come from a deep pool of expertise.
“This is a project led by Southern Risk Management Education Center and the Agricultural and Food Policy Center leadership with expertise from the Southern Extension Economics Committee,” Rainey said.
“Leadership at both centers started discussions in September 2025 and convened a meeting of committee members this February, where we announced the 60-day timeline for article first draft and chapter assignments,” Rainey said.
The first effort was published in 2018.
The publication was made possible by support from the Southern Risk Management Education Center, under project award Nos. 2021-70027-34722 and 2025-70027-45397, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
The Southern Risk Management Education Center is based at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. The Agricultural Food and Policy Center is housed at Texas A&M University.
---
ASL launches new "The Price is Right" scratch-off ticket
LITTLE ROCK - On Sept. 1, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL) launched THE PRICE IS RIGHT™, a $10 scratch-off ticket inspired by the popular game show.
"I grew up watching THE PRICE IS RIGHT, and I know a lot of Arkansans did too," said ASL Executive Director Sharon Strong. "There's something really fun and nostalgic about bringing such an iconic game show to a lottery ticket - especially when players have the chance to win cash prizes and potentially take that excitement all the way to Hollywood!"
The scratch-off game features three top prizes of $200,000 each, as well as over $9.9 million in total cash prizes.
Two second-chance drawings will be held in 2027 for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles, California for five days and four nights. The trip also includes admission as an audience member to an in-person show taping of THE PRICE IS RIGHT television game show and the chance to play for up to $10 million in cash prizes at a lottery winner-exclusive GAME SHOW EXPERIENCE Event. To enter the drawings, players must enter non-winning THE PRICE IS RIGHT scratch-off tickets from ASL into The Club.
The Club is an Arkansas lottery-exclusive location for entering non-winning instant tickets into Play It Again® cash drawings and other special second-chance promotions. Players who join The Club are among the first to receive information about new games, promotions, and more. To learn more about The Club or sign up, visit https://theclub.aslplayerservices.com/. As with any lottery product, Arkansas players must be at least 18 years old to purchase THE PRICE IS RIGHT scratch-off tickets.
Today marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, a day that claimed nearly 3,000 lives and forever changed the United States.
On that morning, 19 Islamic extremist terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. Two were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, while a third struck the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C. A fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after passengers and crew members fought back against the hijackers.
Among those killed were 343 members of the New York City Fire Department, along with law enforcement officers and other first responders who rushed toward danger as thousands fled to safety.
Across the nation today, Americans are marking the 25th anniversary with memorial ceremonies, moments of silence and acts of service honoring those who were killed, those who responded and the families whose lives were forever changed.
A quarter-century later, Sept. 11 remains a day of remembrance for one of the darkest moments in American history, and for the courage, sacrifice and unity demonstrated in its aftermath.
---
Berryville Film Festival kicks off today with two days of films, workshops
BERRYVILLE – Filmmakers, actors and movie fans will gather in Berryville beginning today for two days of independent films, workshops, panel discussions and other activities during the annual Berryville Film Festival.
The festival kicks off today, Friday, Sept. 11, and continues through Saturday at the Berryville Community Center, 601 Dr. Spurlin Circle. The center's theater will host screenings, question-and-answer sessions and other events throughout the weekend.
Today's schedule begins at noon with an opening ceremony and networking session, followed by several blocks of short films throughout the afternoon. Q&A sessions with filmmakers are also scheduled between screenings.
Among today's special events is an on-screen knife fighting workshop at 5:15 p.m. led by instructor Jonathan Nichols. The hands-on workshop will cover the fundamentals of theatrical knife-fight choreography, including creating believable movements and reactions while safely staging and filming a confrontation.
At 6:30 p.m., the festival will host a "Different Directors, Different Methods" panel featuring Jason Pitts of Lucid Lake Pictures, Zac Counts of FairlyOdd, Curtis Stout of Napalm In The Morning Productions and Brett Helms of Leaping Dog Films. The four directors will discuss their different methods, choices and creative approaches to filmmaking.
Today's schedule concludes with a final block of films beginning at 7:45 p.m., followed by a Q&A.
Festival activities resume Saturday at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony and social hour. Screenings begin at 11 a.m. and will include micro-shorts, horror films and another block of short films.
Saturday's schedule also includes several special events. Actress Juli Tapken will lead a self-tape workshop at 1 p.m. focusing on how actors can improve recorded auditions through setup, framing, performance and submission techniques.
"Actors Take the Stage" will follow from 2:40-3 p.m., giving actors an opportunity to perform monologues before an audience.
A free Family Block, presented by the Berryville Public Library, begins at 3 p.m. and will feature four family-friendly films. The lineup includes the premieres of "The Unescapeable," created by local children during a 12-hour filmmaking challenge, and "Students In Charge," created by students attending the Berryville Film Camp.
Also showing will be "Finger Guns," directed by Levi Coppedge and filmed in Arkansas, and "Ghostbusters: Half Life," directed by Kevin Croxton and filmed at locations throughout Arkansas, including Eureka Springs.
The festival's final film block begins at 4 p.m. Saturday, followed by an awards ceremony and red carpet event at 6 p.m.
Organizers say the Berryville Film Festival is designed to showcase independent filmmaking while providing educational and networking opportunities for filmmakers, actors and others interested in the industry.
Weekend passes are $25, while Friday-only and Saturday-only passes are $15. Workshops are included with applicable day and weekend passes, while Saturday's Family Block is free to attend.
Additional information, passes and a complete schedule are available through the Berryville Film Festival website.
https://www.berryvillefilmfest.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
---
Carroll County Sheriff’s Office plans pair of fall events
BERRYVILLE – The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office is preparing for two community events this fall with a fundraiser to benefit local children and a Halloween night Trunk or Treat.
The Sheriff’s Office will host its Shop with a Cop Poker Run on Saturday, Oct. 10, with proceeds benefiting the department’s Shop with a Cop program to bring Christmas to local children who might otherwise go without.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, located at 205 Hailey Road in Berryville. The cost is $30 per buggy and $10 for each additional hand. A meal, provided by Tyson Foods and CS Bank, is included with each hand.
Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place as well as the worst hand. The first-place winner will receive a commemorative BB gun.
The event will also include a silent auction and several raffles, including a 50/50 drawing, a 32-quart cooler and a 36-inch Blackstone griddle. Organizers said all proceeds will support the Shop with a Cop program, which helps provide Christmas gifts for local children.
Later in the month, the Sheriff’s Office will welcome families for its Trunk or Treat on Halloween night.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6-9 p.m. at the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office at 205 Hailey Road in Berryville.
---
Surviving the Downturn: Ag economists team up to show how we got here, and what the future holds
By Mary Hightower, UAEX
As agriculture faces its darkest period since the 1980s, a team of economists from across the Southeast documented their answers to “how did we get here?” and “how do we recover?” into a sweeping publication titled “Surviving the Farm Economy Downturn: 2026 Update.”
“The number of farm bankruptcies is rising across the South, and much like previous downturns, producers are asking for advice on how to manage their way out of this hopefully short-term economic downturn,” Joe Outlaw and Bart L. Fischer, co-directors of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center, wrote about the publication in Southern Ag Today.
At 155 pages, the report from the Southern Risk Management Education Center and the Agricultural and Food Policy Center, features the work of 37 experts from the two centers, plus Auburn University, Mississippi State University, Texas A&M AgriLife, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Maryland, and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.
The document is divided in six primary sections: Setting the Stage, Crop Market Outlooks, Livestock, Ag Lending/Credit/Crop Insurance, Strategies, and Resiliency. Each section contains from two to eight highly detailed articles.
SRMEC Director Ron Rainey said the project’s analyses come from a deep pool of expertise.
“This is a project led by Southern Risk Management Education Center and the Agricultural and Food Policy Center leadership with expertise from the Southern Extension Economics Committee,” Rainey said.
“Leadership at both centers started discussions in September 2025 and convened a meeting of committee members this February, where we announced the 60-day timeline for article first draft and chapter assignments,” Rainey said.
The first effort was published in 2018.
The publication was made possible by support from the Southern Risk Management Education Center, under project award Nos. 2021-70027-34722 and 2025-70027-45397, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
The Southern Risk Management Education Center is based at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. The Agricultural Food and Policy Center is housed at Texas A&M University.
---
ASL launches new "The Price is Right" scratch-off ticket
LITTLE ROCK - On Sept. 1, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL) launched THE PRICE IS RIGHT™, a $10 scratch-off ticket inspired by the popular game show.
"I grew up watching THE PRICE IS RIGHT, and I know a lot of Arkansans did too," said ASL Executive Director Sharon Strong. "There's something really fun and nostalgic about bringing such an iconic game show to a lottery ticket - especially when players have the chance to win cash prizes and potentially take that excitement all the way to Hollywood!"
The scratch-off game features three top prizes of $200,000 each, as well as over $9.9 million in total cash prizes.
Two second-chance drawings will be held in 2027 for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles, California for five days and four nights. The trip also includes admission as an audience member to an in-person show taping of THE PRICE IS RIGHT television game show and the chance to play for up to $10 million in cash prizes at a lottery winner-exclusive GAME SHOW EXPERIENCE Event. To enter the drawings, players must enter non-winning THE PRICE IS RIGHT scratch-off tickets from ASL into The Club.
The Club is an Arkansas lottery-exclusive location for entering non-winning instant tickets into Play It Again® cash drawings and other special second-chance promotions. Players who join The Club are among the first to receive information about new games, promotions, and more. To learn more about The Club or sign up, visit https://theclub.aslplayerservices.com/. As with any lottery product, Arkansas players must be at least 18 years old to purchase THE PRICE IS RIGHT scratch-off tickets.
Arrest Report 9/10
Shadi Belle Widner – 43 of Oak GroveGFPDFailure to Appear
Lavonda Lambert Humphrey – 59 of Eureka SpringsESPDDriving DWI Revoked License, DWI #2
SkyeAnne Elizabeth Taylor – 25 of Green ForestGFPDFailure to Appear
Ashley Nicole Pearson – 39 of BerryvilleCCSONo Charges Listed
Colton Allen Waits – 31 of HarrisonCCSONo Charges Listed
Rodney Shane Donahue SR – 56 of Eureka SpringsESPDCriminal Trespass
Majesti Raymond Bush – 30 of BerryvilleCCSOContempt of Court
Stephen Blake Reed – 28 of BerryvilleCCSOContempt of Court
Diane Mae Whaley – 68 of Green ForestCCSOFailure to Appear
Lea Candace Bradley – 40 of Green ForestCCSOFailure to Appear
For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
Lavonda Lambert Humphrey – 59 of Eureka SpringsESPDDriving DWI Revoked License, DWI #2
SkyeAnne Elizabeth Taylor – 25 of Green ForestGFPDFailure to Appear
Ashley Nicole Pearson – 39 of BerryvilleCCSONo Charges Listed
Colton Allen Waits – 31 of HarrisonCCSONo Charges Listed
Rodney Shane Donahue SR – 56 of Eureka SpringsESPDCriminal Trespass
Majesti Raymond Bush – 30 of BerryvilleCCSOContempt of Court
Stephen Blake Reed – 28 of BerryvilleCCSOContempt of Court
Diane Mae Whaley – 68 of Green ForestCCSOFailure to Appear
Lea Candace Bradley – 40 of Green ForestCCSOFailure to Appear
For more information visit the Carroll County Sheriff's Department website - Click Here
News for Thursday,September 10th, 2026
City of Berryville partnering with Pioneer & Heritage Daysin celebration of city's 150th anniversary
BERRYVILLE - The City of Berryville is partnering with Carroll County Pioneer & Heritage Days for this year’s Pioneer Days celebration, with several special contests planned in recognition of the city’s 150th anniversary.
Pioneer Days will be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19, as Berryville continues its sesquicentennial celebration throughout 2026.
The annual event will feature live music, food, crafters and vendors, historical re-enactments and demonstrations and other activities. Free pony rides will also be available for children on Saturday.
This year, the city is sponsoring a series of Sesquicentennial Awards and contests intended to highlight Berryville and Carroll County traditions while encouraging more community participation.
“We are thrilled to partner with Pioneer Days during such an important year for Berryville,” Mayor Tim McKinney said in the city's official announcement on its Facebook page. “Our 150th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate where we came from, recognize the people who helped build our community and create new memories for generations to come.”
Activities on Friday, Sept. 18, begin with a pie baking contest at 10 a.m. First, second and third place winners will receive $100, $75 and $50, respectively, along with a plaque. The contest is sponsored by Rockin’ W Excavation and Danny’s Tire & Full Service.
A coloring contest will follow at 11 a.m., with a plaque and $50 prize for the winner. Best pioneer costume contests for boys and girls will be held at 11:30 a.m., with each winner receiving a plaque and $50.
Sesquicentennial contests continue Saturday, Sept. 19, beginning at 10 a.m. with competitions for best whittler and best pioneer costumes for men and women. Each winner will receive a plaque and $50.
A cornhole competition is scheduled for 1 p.m., followed by longest beard and best mustache contests at 2:30 p.m. At 3 p.m., organizers will recognize the oldest Carroll County resident. Plaques and $50 prizes will be presented in each competition.
The city is sponsoring the contests other than Friday’s pie baking competition.
“We want people to come out, bring their families and friends, have some fun and make a weekend of it,” McKinney said. “There is something for everyone at Pioneer Days.”
This year’s event takes on additional significance as Berryville marks 150 years of community history. City officials said the partnership with Pioneer Days provides an opportunity to recognize the community’s past while continuing traditions for future generations.
Additional information, contest rules and event updates will be available through the Carroll County Pioneer & Heritage Days social media pages and the Carroll County Heritage Museum website.
---
NWACC joins Arkansas AG's "One Pill Can Kill" initiative
BENTONVILLE – Northwest Arkansas Community College has become the latest Arkansas college to join a statewide initiative aimed at educating students about fentanyl, counterfeit prescription pills and how to respond to an opioid overdose.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin joined NWACC President Dr. Dennis C. Rittle on Wednesday to announce the launch of the One Pill Can Kill initiative on the Bentonville campus.
NWACC is the 13th Arkansas school and second community college to participate in the initiative, which provides students with education and training on the dangers of illicit opioids and resources to respond to an overdose.
“NWACC’s position as Arkansas’s largest community college means it significantly impacts the lives of young people,” Griffin said. “Our training today is equipping student leaders with information about the dangers of illicit opioids and giving them resources to be able to respond in the event of an overdose.”
The Arkansas initiative began in 2024 and has since expanded to college campuses across the state. Participating schools have included the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, UA Little Rock, the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith and Hendrix College.
Training offered through the program teaches students how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and administer naloxone, commonly sold under the brand name Narcan. Some participating campuses have also distributed fentanyl harm-prevention kits containing testing strips and other supplies.
The effort focuses heavily on the threat posed by counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration warns that illicit pills can be manufactured to resemble legitimate medications such as oxycodone, Xanax and Adderall, making it difficult to distinguish a counterfeit pill by appearance alone. The agency says medications should only be taken when prescribed by a medical professional and obtained from a licensed pharmacy.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that the DEA says is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. As little as two milligrams can constitute a potentially lethal dose, depending on factors including a person's size and tolerance.
Naloxone can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose by blocking opioids from receptors in the body. The University of Arkansas, which has participated in the Attorney General's initiative, has expanded access to the medication through free Narcan kits and campus vending machines.
Rittle said NWACC's participation is part of the college's broader focus on student safety.
“The wellbeing of our NWACC college community is a top priority,” Rittle said. “The opioid epidemic in our country is an urgent public-health challenge that touches every community, and we’re grateful for Attorney General Griffin’s commitment to shine a light on the issue and provide needed resources to help combat it.”
Griffin said awareness and preparation are central to the initiative.
“One pill truly can kill,” he said, “but preparation and awareness can save lives.”
---
Carroll County Health Department to host flu shot clinic Sept. 22
BERRYVILLE – The Carroll County Health Department will hold a walk-in flu shot clinic later this month as health officials encourage residents to protect themselves and their families ahead of flu season.
The clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Carroll County Health Department, located at 402 Hailey Road in Berryville.
Flu shots will be available with no out-of-pocket expense. Those who have health insurance are asked to bring their insurance information with them.
The Arkansas Department of Health says flu vaccination can help protect individuals as well as those around them from influenza.
No appointment is indicated as necessary for the walk-in clinic.
For additional information, residents may contact the Carroll County Health Department at 870-423-2923.
BERRYVILLE - The City of Berryville is partnering with Carroll County Pioneer & Heritage Days for this year’s Pioneer Days celebration, with several special contests planned in recognition of the city’s 150th anniversary.
Pioneer Days will be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19, as Berryville continues its sesquicentennial celebration throughout 2026.
The annual event will feature live music, food, crafters and vendors, historical re-enactments and demonstrations and other activities. Free pony rides will also be available for children on Saturday.
This year, the city is sponsoring a series of Sesquicentennial Awards and contests intended to highlight Berryville and Carroll County traditions while encouraging more community participation.
“We are thrilled to partner with Pioneer Days during such an important year for Berryville,” Mayor Tim McKinney said in the city's official announcement on its Facebook page. “Our 150th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate where we came from, recognize the people who helped build our community and create new memories for generations to come.”
Activities on Friday, Sept. 18, begin with a pie baking contest at 10 a.m. First, second and third place winners will receive $100, $75 and $50, respectively, along with a plaque. The contest is sponsored by Rockin’ W Excavation and Danny’s Tire & Full Service.
A coloring contest will follow at 11 a.m., with a plaque and $50 prize for the winner. Best pioneer costume contests for boys and girls will be held at 11:30 a.m., with each winner receiving a plaque and $50.
Sesquicentennial contests continue Saturday, Sept. 19, beginning at 10 a.m. with competitions for best whittler and best pioneer costumes for men and women. Each winner will receive a plaque and $50.
A cornhole competition is scheduled for 1 p.m., followed by longest beard and best mustache contests at 2:30 p.m. At 3 p.m., organizers will recognize the oldest Carroll County resident. Plaques and $50 prizes will be presented in each competition.
The city is sponsoring the contests other than Friday’s pie baking competition.
“We want people to come out, bring their families and friends, have some fun and make a weekend of it,” McKinney said. “There is something for everyone at Pioneer Days.”
This year’s event takes on additional significance as Berryville marks 150 years of community history. City officials said the partnership with Pioneer Days provides an opportunity to recognize the community’s past while continuing traditions for future generations.
Additional information, contest rules and event updates will be available through the Carroll County Pioneer & Heritage Days social media pages and the Carroll County Heritage Museum website.
---
NWACC joins Arkansas AG's "One Pill Can Kill" initiative
BENTONVILLE – Northwest Arkansas Community College has become the latest Arkansas college to join a statewide initiative aimed at educating students about fentanyl, counterfeit prescription pills and how to respond to an opioid overdose.
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin joined NWACC President Dr. Dennis C. Rittle on Wednesday to announce the launch of the One Pill Can Kill initiative on the Bentonville campus.
NWACC is the 13th Arkansas school and second community college to participate in the initiative, which provides students with education and training on the dangers of illicit opioids and resources to respond to an overdose.
“NWACC’s position as Arkansas’s largest community college means it significantly impacts the lives of young people,” Griffin said. “Our training today is equipping student leaders with information about the dangers of illicit opioids and giving them resources to be able to respond in the event of an overdose.”
The Arkansas initiative began in 2024 and has since expanded to college campuses across the state. Participating schools have included the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, UA Little Rock, the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith and Hendrix College.
Training offered through the program teaches students how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and administer naloxone, commonly sold under the brand name Narcan. Some participating campuses have also distributed fentanyl harm-prevention kits containing testing strips and other supplies.
The effort focuses heavily on the threat posed by counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration warns that illicit pills can be manufactured to resemble legitimate medications such as oxycodone, Xanax and Adderall, making it difficult to distinguish a counterfeit pill by appearance alone. The agency says medications should only be taken when prescribed by a medical professional and obtained from a licensed pharmacy.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that the DEA says is approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. As little as two milligrams can constitute a potentially lethal dose, depending on factors including a person's size and tolerance.
Naloxone can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose by blocking opioids from receptors in the body. The University of Arkansas, which has participated in the Attorney General's initiative, has expanded access to the medication through free Narcan kits and campus vending machines.
Rittle said NWACC's participation is part of the college's broader focus on student safety.
“The wellbeing of our NWACC college community is a top priority,” Rittle said. “The opioid epidemic in our country is an urgent public-health challenge that touches every community, and we’re grateful for Attorney General Griffin’s commitment to shine a light on the issue and provide needed resources to help combat it.”
Griffin said awareness and preparation are central to the initiative.
“One pill truly can kill,” he said, “but preparation and awareness can save lives.”
---
Carroll County Health Department to host flu shot clinic Sept. 22
BERRYVILLE – The Carroll County Health Department will hold a walk-in flu shot clinic later this month as health officials encourage residents to protect themselves and their families ahead of flu season.
The clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Carroll County Health Department, located at 402 Hailey Road in Berryville.
Flu shots will be available with no out-of-pocket expense. Those who have health insurance are asked to bring their insurance information with them.
The Arkansas Department of Health says flu vaccination can help protect individuals as well as those around them from influenza.
No appointment is indicated as necessary for the walk-in clinic.
For additional information, residents may contact the Carroll County Health Department at 870-423-2923.