Malvern Daily Record
Prattsville wildfire burns over 60 acres; burn ban remains for HSC
An aggressive wildfire fanned by 16 mph wind gusts in neighboring Grant County scorched at least 61 acres on Monday. The Prattsville Fire Department reported that just before 3 p.m. on March 30, their firefighters were dispatched to the area of...
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After 28 years, Leca Ledbetter closes
Friends, family, and members of the local legal community gathered at the Hot Spring County Circuit Courtroom on Monday afternoon to celebrate the retirement of longtime court reporter Leca Ledbetter, whose 28 years of service to the Seventh Judicial...
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Shall We Gather at the River?
I feel fortunate to be writing this column from the banks of the Ouachita River Whitewater Park. As I stroll along the waterway at the end of a spring break, the relentless whirr of I-30 traffic is dampened by the sound of rushing water and the calls...
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New Details Emerge in Stafford Kidnapping Case
Newly filed court documents have shed light on the case of a Donaldson man recently accused of kidnapping a woman protected by an active no-contact order. David Alexander "Alex" Stafford, 32, who lists a North Hall Street address, was arrested by...
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Twin Blazes Flank I-30 Near Rockport as Burn Ban Begins in HSC
Two multi-acre fires that sparked up on opposite sides of I-30 within 24 hours of one another along with rising wildfire risks have caused Hot Spring County Judge Thornton to declare a burn ban effective immediately on Wednesday afternoon. The first...
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Glen Rose Elementary runners rock the last lap for Little Rockers Marathon
A number of students from Glen Rose Elementary School recently completed the Little Rockers Kids Marathon on Feb. 28, finishing the final mile of a full marathon during the Little Rock Marathon weekend late last month. Eighteen GRES students,...
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"When I Grow Up..."
Poyen seventh grader Korbin Beard, center, takes a turn at center stage as Bruce in Matilda the Musical, as the title character, played by Poyen senior Mylee Hobbs, looks on with concern. The production, which finished its two week run at Magnet Cove...
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MPD'S O'keefe & Mcmahen receive life saving award
The Malvern Police Department commended two of its own -- Ofc. Colton O'keefe, and Ofc. Arron Mcmahen -- with an award on Friday morning for using lifesaving measures during the course of duty. On the evening of Oct. 14, 2025, the officers responded...
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Suspect Subdued by Good Samaritans Pleads Not Guilty to Battery of Malvern Officer
A Malvern man accused of committing battery against a member of law enforcement appeared in circuit court this week in a case where bystanders were credited with coming to the officer’s aid during the struggle. Robert Leach, 30, entered a plea of not...
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Rockport Camper Fire Contained In Wednesday's High Winds
A camper fire that sparked up near the Highway 51 train tracks in Rockport on Wednesday afternoon threatened a nearby home on Butterfield Cutoff Road. Firefighters from the Glen Rose and Magnet Cove volunteer fire departments assisted Rockport’s...
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Hot Spring County 2026 Plat Book Published, Available for Purchase
The Malvern Daily Record, with Mapping Solutions, has announced the release of the recently published Hot Spring County Plat Book. This spiral-bound book features the standard landownership map pages showing townships and ranges within Hot Spring...
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Inmate Convicted of Murdering a 4-year-old as a Teen Died of Natural Causes, ADC Confirms
MALVERN -- A Fayetteville man convicted as a teenager of murdering a young girl forty years ago has died in prison, the Arkansas Department of Corrections has confirmed. According to ADOC spokesperson Rand Champion, Christopher Segerstrom, 55, was...
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Locally Made & Built to Last
Eddy Crumby, left, shares examples of his handcrafted woodworks with Debbie Russell at the Hot Spring County Farmer’s Market on Friday morning. Crumby’s craft business, Pappy’s Workshop, is one of a number of local vendors bringing their spring...
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Extension offices to host Servsafe Manager Course
The UADA Extension offices of Hot Spring and Garland counties have announced they will host a joint upcoming Server Certified Food Manager Course in May. The training, which will be held at the Lecture Hall at Arkansas State University Three Rivers...
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Council Approves Entertainment District, Ice Damage Repairs; Explores Splash Pad Possibilities
The Malvern City Council approved several infrastructure and operational measures during its regular monthly meeting March 9, including final passage of an ordinance creating a new entertainment district, authorization of street improvement funding and...
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Read Across America Week at MES
Malvern Elementary School library media specialists Madison Reed, top left, and Aly Louton dress up as book characters from A Creepy Pair of Underwear and Jasper Rabbit for “MES Is Full of Characters — Dress as Your Favorite Book Character Day” on...
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England & Barton Basketball Teams Brawl During State Semi-finals in Poyen
A state semi-final basketball game descended into chaos in Poyen's gym on Saturday when a 2A Arkansas State Semifinals game between Barton and England ended in a fight involving players and spectators. After the England Lions lost a six-point lead...
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County Treasurer Talks Money Management, Security, Navigating Law Changes After Re-election
Hot Spring County Treasurer Glorie Thornton secured another term in office during Tuesday night's March primary, winning on the Republican ticket in a race with no Democratic challenger in November. Thorton received 2,547 votes (63%) to overcome...
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County Judge Focuses on Economic Growth, Job Creation After March 3 Win
Hot Spring County voters returned incumbent County Judge Dennis Thornton to office during the March 3 Republican primary election earlier this week, defeating his challenger, former HSC Solid Waste Authority Administrator Ray Cook, in the only race for...
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Group 6, Probation Visit Results in Drug Bust, Two Arrests on Election Day
A home visit from probation officers and law enforcement ended in two arrests earlier this week after two suspects at a Sullenberger Street residence were found in possession of numerous illicit narcotics, according to the Malvern Police...
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Malvern Named Outstanding Gifted Program Winner at AGATE Conference
For a third time, the Malvern School District’s gifted and talented program has earned statewide recognition as the 2025 Act 56 Outstanding Gifted Program winner from the Arkansas Governor’s Advisory Council for the Education of Gifted and Talented...
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HSCSO Serves Arrest Warrant in 1983 Cold Case Murder
The Hot Spring County Sheriff’s Office announced significant developments on Monday afternoon in a murder case dating back 43 years. The 1983 homicide cold case of 39-year-old Wanda Lee Isbell of Sherwood was recently reopened in October 2025...
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Diamond Lakes FCU Rebrands as Clearway Credit Union
A familiar financial institution that has served the area for 66 years is reinventing its image to reflect its commitment to community development. In a press release issued on Feb. 27, the Diamond Lakes Federal Credit Union announced its official...
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Entergy Donates to The Cup of Water Food Pantry
Representatives from the Entergy's service center in Malvern present The Cup of Water manager, Don Walsh, bottom left, with over 400 items of non-perishable food for the community pantry on Thursday morning. The donations were contributed by around 30...
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MPD Trains for Taser Proficiency
Det. Chris Lisenbey, above right, instructs Ofc. Logan Paul, second from left, as Ofc. Josh Killian and Sgt. Keith Prince, right and second from right, look on during the Malvern Police Department's annual taser proficiency training. The session, held...
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2026 Annual 4-H Auction Right Around the Corner
This Friday night is the biggest night of the year for Hot Spring County 4-H! The community is invited to join us for an our annual 4-H Benefit Auction. This event has items for every one whether you are looking to go eat at your favorite local...
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Serenades, Silent Bids Raise Funds for ASUTR
Local singers brought their A-game to the mic on Saturday night as ASU Three Rivers hosted a Sip & Sing Fundraiser at 1943 By Coffee Records on Feb. 21. Proceeds from the karaoke event and a simultaneous silent auction went to benefit the school's...
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Poyen's Garden & Grit 4-H Club Cultivates Knowledge
A new 4-H club launched this year at Poyen School District has spent its first growing season truly earning green thumbs. Members of Poyen's new Garden and Grit 4-H Club spent the group's inaugural semester working on a fall garden. The plot was...
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HSC Leadership Class 13 Visits State Capitol
Hotspringcountyleadershipforumclass13visitedthearkansasstatecapitolonthursday,...
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Sheriff, Captain Weigh In on HSCSO Training Standards, Department Retention, and Deputy Salaries
As election season draws focus on the current state of local government and law enforcement, Hot Spring County Sheriff Richard Tolleson and Capt. Kirk Mcclenahan spoke to the Malvern Daily Record on Wednesday regarding the present state of county law...
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Wilson Students Weave “Threads of Unity” For Black History Month
slice after slice of colored paper, putting the finishing touches on a number of art projects that are the focus of this year’s Black History Month studies at WIS. On the whiteboard at the front of her classroom, Solano -- the National Art Education...
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March Primary Candidates Face Off at Hot Spring County Political Debate
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Glen Rose's Melhorn Earns Thea Foundation Arts Scholarship
A Glen Rose High School senior is among a select group of Arkansas students recognized statewide for artistic talent and creativity through the Thea Foundation’s annual scholarship competition. Glen Rose's Maddie Melhorn was awarded a $3,000...
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State Agencies Urge Public to Avoid Contact With Wild Birds Due to Avian Influenza
Special to the MDR from Arkansas Department of Agriculture Arkansas agriculture and health agencies are urging the public to avoid contact with wild birds, especially birds that appear sick or are found dead, due to detections of highly pathogenic...
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HSC Treasurer, Judge Seek Injunction, Damages in Social Media Defamation Case
(Plaintiff) Dennis Thornton seek compensatory and punitive damages along with a restraining order preventing defendant Mike Shnaekel from "restoring, reposting or republishing the false statements" from a recent Facebook post which they say were...
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Weldon Delivers Final State of the City Address; Council Advances Entertainment District, East Page Tea Room Rezoning Approved
allow a proposed tea room at the site of a former residence on East Page Avenue. Two council members -- Ward 3's Sean Bridges and Ward 2's Wayne Reynolds -- were absent at roll call. During a second reading of the entertainment district ordinance --...
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Vallecillo-mendez Found Guilty, Sentenced to 40 Years for Rape of Minor
On Friday, Benton man who was recently convicted of sexual assault in Saline County was found guilty of rape by a Hot Spring County jury and sentenced to four additional decades behind bars. Following a two-day jury trial at the Hot Spring County...
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Arkansas Department of Health Secures $13.3 Million to Expand Statewide Health Data Infrastructure Investment comes thanks to Sen. Boozman’s support
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has secured $13.3 million in federal funding thanks to Senator John Boozman’s (R-AR) work on the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026. This investment is...
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Illusionist Josh Farley's See America Tour Mesmerizes the Ritz on Monday
formance is a stop on Farley's See America Tour, which follows an ambitious schedule of 50 performances throughout 50 states over the course of 50 weeks. In a phone interview with the Malvern Daily Record on Thursday morning, Farley pulled back the...
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Westerman Secures $9.2 Million to Demolish, Remediate Former Army Navy Hospital in Hot Springs
located at 105 Reserve Street in Hot Springs. Citing the necessity of this funding to “mitigate fire risk, secure the site, and remove hazards to public safety,” Westerman described the hospital as “an iconic building that has fallen into serious...
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Quorum Court Examines Winter Storm Response, Jones Mills Concrete Sale
Scarbrough (Dist. 5) were absent during roll call, with County Judge Dennis Thornton noting that some were still dealing with travel-related issues and others with family illnesses. County Attorney George Hopkins, who was out of town, joined the...
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The Renovated Ritz to Celebrate First Movie Screening & Balcony Naming Announcement on Saturday
The screen at Malvern's Historic Ritz Theater will light up with familiar faces this weekend as Arkansas State University Three Rivers proudly celebrates the theater's first movie showing since its closure. The event will also observe the official...
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MNB Celebrates Arivette’s 47 Years of Service
Bettyarivette,seniorvicepresidentofinformationsystemsatmalvernnationalbank,ishonored duringaretirementreceptionheldfridayafternoonatthebank’smainbranchlobby.arivette, whobeganhercareerattheageof20inmnb’sbookkeepingdepartment,isretiringafter47...
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Malvern’s Safe Haven Baby Box Dedicated After Community-led Effort
of effort is too much if it saves the life of one infant.” Brewster explained that while Arkansas law has long allowed parents to surrender a newborn at a fire station or hospital, the baby box provides a crucial alternative. “This allows for an...
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As Snow and Ice Grips HSC, Homeless Coalition Focuses on Safety of Unhoused Population
coalition chairman Boyce Mitchell said the timing of the storm coincided with the group’s annual Point-in-time count, which allowed the organization’s volunteers to both complete the required census and personally assess how local unhoused individuals...
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Frozen Conditions Continue to Affect Hot Spring County
Effects from last weekend’s winter storm continue to impact Hot Spring County into the middle of this week, with many government offices, businesses and school districts remaining closed as recovery efforts continue. Multiple state, county and city...
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As Officials Assess Damage, County Judge Declares State of Emergency From Winter Storm on Monday
the county is actively gathering damage reports from residents, businesses, and road crews in an effort to determine whether state or federal disaster assistance may be available. Thornton confirmed that so far, early damage reports have included the...
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Malvern Sweeps Arkansas Beta Convention Awards
achievement and character. The week’s events included the 17th Annual Elementary/junior Beta Convention, held Jan. 20–21, and the 83rd Annual Senior Beta Convention, held Jan. 22–23, both at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Malvern Elementary...
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Governor Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Weekend Winter Storm
bring the Natural State to a standstill this weekend. The declaration directs $250,000 from the Governor’s Disaster Response and Recovery Fund to be used to defray program and administrative costs at the discretion of the Director of the Arkansas...
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With freezing temperatures and winter precipitation expected to significantly impact Arkansas from late Friday into early Sunday morning, area school districts are keeping an eye on forecasts and preparing for the possibility of potential closures in...
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Benton Teen Arrested After Alleged Battery Sends Victim to the Hospital
The Hot Springs Police Department released information on Tuesday morning regarding an incident that sent one man to the hospital with serious injuries last Saturday. According to a press release issued by the Hot Springs Police Department Tuesday...
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Brian Coston Announces Re-election Bid for Dist. 2 Justice of the Peace
Incumbent Hot Spring County Justice of the Peace Brian Coston has announced his candidacy for reelection to his current District 2 seat. Coston brings real experience and a wealth of knowledge to the role, drawing from decades of commercial banking...
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Sheriff Details Reforms, Future Plans for HSCSO at Quorum Court Committee Night
updated policies, the department's renewed partnership with Group 6 Drug Task Force, and the reduction of unnecessary spending during his time in office. Although struggles persist with staffing due to competitive pay offered in nearby jurisdictions,...
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Beardens Selected As National Young Farmer Finalists
Outstanding Farmers of America ( OFA) announced that John and Rachel Bearden of Arkadelphia, Arkansas have been named finalists for the 2026 National Outstanding Young Farmer of America (NOYF) Award. The 2026 finalists are: Mitchell and Rebecca...
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Mac Glover Leadership Scholarship
The Hot Spring County Leadership Forum is now taking applications for the Mac Glover Servant Leader Scholarship, which awards deserving Hot Spring County high school seniors for the 2025-2026 school year with $750 scholarships toward any accredited...
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Elect Diana Harrist For ElectHot Spring Diana County Harrist TreasurerFor Hot Spring County Treasurer
Trust. Transparency. Stability. That’s What Trust. atransparency.countytreasurer Stability.shouldthat’sdeliver.what a County Treasurer Should Deliver. Every family in our county knows how important it is Every familytomanageinourcountymoney wisely....
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The 2025 Mammoth Crossword Puzzle Solution on Page 3 >>> 2026 Malvern MLK Events Begin Jan. 10
The Malvern Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association has announced its 2026 calendar of activities set to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King. The theme of this year's celebrations is "From Dream to Action: Building Unity in Our...
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HSC Historical Society Returns Veteran's Military Memorabilia to Family with Local Roots
Items belonging to a late Hot Spring County veteran made their way home to his family at the end of 2025, thanks to assistance from the Hot Spring County Historical Society. On New Year's Eve, the society's president, Kinney Black, met with a couple...
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Arkansas Reports Highest Number of Whooping Cough Cases In Fifteen Year Collection History
Arkansas has reported more than 500 cases of pertussis in 2025. Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, has reached its highest level in the state since the Arkansas Department of Health began routinely collecting this data 15 years ago. Pertussis...
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MDR'S Year in Review: Our Top Stories of 2025
January: HSC Homeless Coalition Reflects on Jan. 9 Winter Storm Hot Spring County received significant snowfall -- up to a foot in some areas -- as a winter storm blew through the state on Jan. 9. In response, organizers and volunteers at the Hot...
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Community Christmas Meal 2025
As I write this, my memory harkens back to the joy and anticipation I had as a child, waking up on Christmas morning before anyone else in my house, and running into the living room to see what Santa had deposited under our Christmas tree, and knowing...
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Lifenet Expands Ambulance Service to Bismarck Beginning January 1
Beginning January 1, Lifenet will begin providing ambulance services in Bismarck, Ark., expanding emergency medical coverage across Hot Spring County. A 24-hour Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance will be stationed at the Bismarck Fire Station to...
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The Malvern/hot Spring County Chamber of Commerce has announced three out of four weekly winners of this year's Support Local/shop Small Gift Card Giveaway. Petra Wilson (pictured at right with the chamber's Ravonna Nichols) claimed the first week's...
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Chufrcirhstwuenlcitoemdemscetohmodmisut nity for Christmas Day Meal
For those seeking the warmth of fellowship and a shared meal over the holiday, one local church is preparing to open its doors on Christmas Day and invite all who would come to the table. From noon to 2 p.m. on Dec. 25, Malvern’s First United...
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New Troaoprkerasnjsaosin S Ttahtee Proalnickes
Forty-nine recruits became Arkansas State Troopers tonight during a graduation ceremony held at the Benton Event Center. Following months of testing and interviews, the new Troopers were selected from a pool of 430 applicants to join the 2025-A...
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Wilson Intermediate Beta Club Catch the Spirit service project
Special to the MDR By Brenda Rush Malvern School District Gifted and Talented Coordinator The WIS Elementary Beta Club recently spent the morning spreading the Aloha spirit as part of their Catch the Wave service project. Students performed a special...
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Compliance Check by Sheriff’s Office Results in Sex Offender Arrest
A Level 3 sex offender who relocated to Hot Spring County earlier this year appeared for plea and arraignment yesterday after the sheriff’s office said he failed to comply with registration and reporting requirements. Sean Daniel Bosley, 43, whose...
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State Police Release Details in Fatal Dec. 11 Highway 67 Crash
The Arkansas State Police have released official preliminary details regarding a crash that occurred in Hot Spring County last Thursday, resulting in the death of a local man. According to the ASP fatal crash summary, the wreck which occurred at...
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ASU System Board of Trustees Names Interim President, Approves $23.7 Million in Capital Projects at A-state
The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees today named Dr. Robin Myers, the retired ASU-MOUNtain Home chancellor who served as interim system president in 2024, to serve again as interim system president effective immediately. Myers...
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Do you want to paint a snowman?
Like their counterparts at the North Pole, Bismarck High agriculture instructor and FFA advisor John Crangle 's students have been hard at work on something extra special for tonight's local Christmas festivities. His students have spent the early...
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Quorum Court Weighs Action on Moto Track Complaints, Approves Budget Measures on Committee Night
A contingent of Diamond State Moto neighbors filled the courtroom gallery during the Hot Spring County Quorum Court's committee meetings on Monday night to share what many called their "life-altering" experiences with the motocross track operating near...
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SWA Opts to Discontinue Plastics Recycling, Cardboard Pickup at Businesses Due to Market Downturn
Citing a downturn in the market for recyclable materials and a desire to protect local taxpayer dollars, the Hot Spring County Solid Waste Authority will end curbside cardboard pickup for businesses and discontinue plastic recycling altogether,...
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Entergy Donates to Revive Community Outreach
Entergy customer service manager Blake Haynie and administrative assistant Ashley Selph present Revive Health & Wellness owner Courtney Mckinney, APRN, FNP-C with a check for $500 in support of Revive Community Outreach, which provides access to a food...
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