FORDYCE – A Hot Springs woman was killed and a Camden man injured Monday morning in a crash along State Highway 9 in rural Dallas County, according to the Arkansas State Police.

The accident occurred at 11:04 a.m. on April 21, when a northbound 2012 Dodge Ram left the roadway and struck the rear of an unoccupied tractor-trailer parked on the northbound shoulder of Highway 9.

Sandra L. Cline, 42, of Hot Springs, was a passenger in the Dodge Ram and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was taken to Benton Funeral Home.

The driver, 41-year-old Thomas Clay Gresham of Camden, was injured and transported to St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs. His condition was not released.

Advertisement

Authorities said the parked 2008 Peterbilt truck was properly positioned on the shoulder and not occupied at the time of the crash. Weather was reported clear and road conditions were dry when the accident occurred.

Corporal Greg Rowland of the Arkansas State Police is leading the investigation. Next of kin for the deceased has been notified.

EL DORADO – The El Dorado High School Drama Department and Troupe 42 are inviting the public to a special two-night performance that highlights the talents of student directors and performers in their final production of the school year, “A Night of One Acts.”

Guided by Drama Director Hannah Faith Davis and Musical Theatre Director Ruth Griffin, students are not only acting but also leading behind the scenes in directing roles—bringing their own vision and voice to the stage.

The showcase features two one-act plays:

The first is a fast-paced adaptation of the classic Oscar Wilde comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest: 30 Minute Edition,” directed by junior Jazmin Wong with senior Preston Huitt as assistant director. “I’ve learned that I have to trust my team… I am so grateful to this diverse cast as they bring my vision for the show to life,” Wong said.

Advertisement

The second performance, “Always Bella” by Kendra Thomas, is directed by senior Georgia Blackmon with senior Kailey Gardner assisting. “This play highlights resilience and kindness… it really makes you think about how we treat others,” said Blackmon.

Performances are set for Wednesday and Thursday, April 24 and 25, at 7 p.m. in the EHS Auditorium. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults, available by cash or check at the door. Concessions will also be offered in the lobby.

The event promises a night of laughter, heart, and powerful storytelling as these rising young artists take center stage—both in the spotlight and behind it.

Advertisement

CHIDESTER – Longtime public servant Jarrod Purifoy has officially announced his candidacy for Ouachita County Sheriff, bringing more than two decades of experience in law enforcement and emergency services to the race.

A lifelong resident of Chidester, Purifoy has served in multiple public safety roles, including firefighter, sheriff’s deputy, and police officer. His commitment to community service began in 1997 when he joined the Chidester Volunteer Fire Department.

“Helping my neighbors is what I love to do,” Purifoy said. “Ouachita County is rural, and in communities like ours, everyone has to work together—law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, utilities, and more. As sheriff, I will work hard to keep that collaboration strong and effective.”

Purifoy emphasized his goal to be a visible and accessible sheriff, focused on fiscal responsibility and community outreach. He pledged to ensure deputies are equipped with the tools they need, advocate for competitive pay across all divisions, and maintain a high standard of operation within the county jail.

Advertisement

“I will be a sheriff who is present and involved,” he said. “Through community town halls and an open-door policy, I’ll stay connected to the concerns and needs of residents across all areas of our county.”

Purifoy began his law enforcement career through the federal COPS program, focused on community-oriented policing, which shaped his approach to building strong public relationships.

He is a graduate of Camden Fairview High School and Southern Arkansas University, and has completed training with the Arkansas Fire Academy and the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. Purifoy is also a trustee at Rushing Memorial Methodist Church in Chidester.

“I want to be your sheriff, and I will work hard to earn your vote,” he said.

Advertisement

EL DORADO – The latest eight-day outlook from the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center shows multiple rounds of potential severe weather across the central United States, with South Arkansas on alert early next week.

According to the forecast issued early Thursday morning, South Arkansas may be impacted by severe storms beginning Monday, April 28, when the region is included in an “Enhanced Risk” area. This designation — a Level 3 out of 5 — signals the potential for numerous severe storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and possibly tornadoes.

On Tuesday, April 29, the threat shifts slightly east but continues to encompass portions of Arkansas, where the area falls under a “Slight Risk” (Level 2). These forecasts suggest a continued chance for scattered strong storms, though coverage and intensity may be slightly lower than Monday’s potential outbreak.

Leading into the weekend, the outlooks for Thursday (April 24) through Saturday (April 26) show marginal to slight risks in other parts of the central U.S., with little direct impact expected in South Arkansas. Sunday, April 27, shows no organized severe risk across the nation, and Wednesday and Thursday of next week (April 30 and May 1) are currently labeled as “Predictability Too Low.”

Advertisement

Meteorologists emphasize that the outlook for Monday and Tuesday is still subject to change as more data becomes available. Residents across Union, Ouachita, and surrounding counties are encouraged to stay weather-aware and review severe weather safety plans now.

The National Weather Service in Little Rock will continue to provide updates through the weekend as the forecast becomes more refined.

For the latest information follow South Arkansas Now for updates.

Advertisement

CAMDEN – The U.S. Army and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems officially opened a new Load, Assemble, and Pack (LAP) facility for 155 mm high explosive artillery projectiles on April 22 in Camden, marking a major step in modernizing the nation’s munitions production capabilities.

The new facility features two advanced LAP lines designed to produce up to 50,000 completed artillery projectiles per month when fully operational. This effort is part of the Army’s broader initiative to increase monthly production of 155 mm rounds to 100,000 and restore the strength of the U.S. defense industrial base.

Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll emphasized the importance of the facility during the opening. “The Army must transform and get war-winning capabilities into the hands of Soldiers now,” Driscoll said. “This facility is one of several investments to reinforce our industrial base and deliver relevant munitions at speed and scale.”

LAP facilities are the final step in artillery production, where metal shells are filled with explosives, assembled with fuzes and components, and packed for shipment. The Camden site is equipped with digital quality control systems, advanced automation, and a next-generation air-cooling process that reduces water consumption compared to traditional methods.

Advertisement

Army leaders said the opening reflects a coordinated push to meet global munitions demand, driven in part by lessons from recent conflicts and increased readiness efforts.

“Today is the result of a robust partnership between industry and government at all levels,” said Pat Mason, senior Army acquisition official. “We moved quickly to make this happen.”

The Camden plant stands as a key asset in the Army’s 21st-century strategy to support national defense and allied operations through sustained investment in advanced manufacturing.

Advertisement