PHOTO: Today’s THV

LITTLE ROCK  — Longtime THV11 meteorologist Ed Buckner, a familiar and trusted face to Arkansans for nearly 25 years, has died at the age of 59 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Buckner, born June 17, 1965, in Houston, Texas, joined the THV11 weather team in 1996 and quickly became a pillar of the station’s severe weather coverage. Known for his calm demeanor and deep knowledge, Buckner served as chief meteorologist for much of his time at the station, earning the trust and admiration of viewers across the state.

One of his most memorable moments came during the January 21, 1999, tornado outbreak, when Buckner and the THV11 team covered 56 tornadoes across Arkansas, including a devastating F3 that struck Little Rock. His steady presence during that crisis was later featured in the Tornado Alley Theater exhibit at the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock, where visitors could experience a seven-minute recreation of the harrowing day, anchored by footage of Buckner’s live coverage.

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“He was truly Arkansas’s Weatherman,” said longtime colleague Tom Brannon. “He had this calm urgency when tracking severe weather and I know fellow Arkansans felt safe and comfortable with him leading the way. He will be missed.”

Fellow THV11 veteran Craig O’Neill described Buckner as a man of integrity and compassion. “There’s a word that sums up his career, his life, his legacy: trust,” O’Neill said. “Our trust in Ed never wavered and is why our memory will never die.”

Outside the newsroom, Buckner shared his love for music with the same enthusiasm he brought to meteorology. In 2001, he released an album titled Weather Songs for Kids, featuring educational tracks like “Puffy the Cumulus Cloud” and “Roy G. Biv.”

In early 2020, Buckner stepped away from broadcasting due to complications related to Tourette Syndrome, a condition he had lived with since adolescence but wasn’t officially diagnosed with until his 30s. Despite the personal challenges, his commitment to public safety never wavered.

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Buckner is survived by his wife, Carolyn Buckner, his children Brooke Buckner, Morgan Buckner, Grant Lewis, Kristan Hendricks, and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Ashton Eakin, who also passed away from cancer in 2019.

Those who knew him best say Ed Buckner will be remembered not just for his meteorological talent, but for the kindness, humor, and trust he brought to every forecast.

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — A 61-year-old man from Hot Springs Village was killed Thursday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash on West Glazypeau Road, according to a preliminary report from the Arkansas State Police.

Randell Weaver was driving a 2005 Hyundai westbound on Glazypeau Road around 2:05 p.m. when his vehicle left the roadway to the left, struck a ditch, and overturned. After overturning, the vehicle hit a gate and then a power pole before coming to a stop.

Weaver, who was the only occupant in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

Weather conditions were clear and the roadway was dry at the time of the crash. The incident is being investigated by Trooper Mason Robinson of the Arkansas State Police.

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Weaver’s body is being held at the Garland County Coroner’s Office. Next of kin has been notified.

CADDO VALLEY, Ark. – A fatal collision occurred late Saturday evening on Interstate 30 in Clark County, claiming the life of a 22-year-old Gurdon resident, according to a preliminary report from the Arkansas State Police.

The crash was reported at approximately 9:54 p.m. on April 26, 2025, in the westbound lanes of I-30 near mile marker 80, just outside of Caddo Valley. The incident involved a 2021 Ford Explorer and a 2019 Freightliner, both traveling in the same direction under rainy and wet roadway conditions.

According to the Arkansas State Police’s initial investigation, the Ford Explorer, operated by Leonte Poppvici, 22, of Gurdon, collided with the rear of the Freightliner. Poppvici, who was the sole occupant of the Explorer, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

The body has been transferred to the Clark County Coroner’s Office, and notification of next of kin has been confirmed. No occupants of the Freightliner were reported injured, and no additional vehicles were involved.

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Trooper Kemp Smith of the Arkansas State Police is leading the investigation into the fatal crash. Authorities note that rain and wet pavement likely contributed to the collision. This incident marks the 142nd fatality on Arkansas roadways in 2025, underscoring persistent concerns around adverse weather driving conditions and rear-end collision dynamics on high-speed interstates.

Motorists are reminded that wet roads dramatically reduce traction and extend stopping distances, increasing the potential for serious or fatal crashes. The Arkansas Department of Transportation and State Police urge all drivers to exercise heightened caution during inclement weather, including maintaining longer following distances and reducing speed, especially when operating near commercial vehicles.

Further details may be released pending completion of the investigation.

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LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester announced this week that he will run for Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands in the 2026 election, shifting his political focus as his current role reaches its conclusion.

Jester, a Republican from Benton, was appointed Secretary of State last year by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders following the departure of John Thurston, who won a special election to become State Treasurer. Due to the nature of his appointment, Jester is ineligible to seek re-election to the Secretary of State’s office.

In a public statement, Jester expressed his enthusiasm for the new campaign and outlined key priorities.

“After prayerful consideration, I am excited to announce my campaign for Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands,” Jester said. “We will further Arkansas’s energy economy, investigate foreign influence, and keep our tax dollars where they belong.”

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Jester also thanked supporters and invoked faith as a guiding principle in his campaign.

“I am thankful to my family and my Lord. Please continue to pray! If you can, share. Arkansas is the best state in the country, and, together, we can make it even better.”

Jester joins what is shaping up to be a busy political cycle in 2026. State Senator Kim Hammer, also of Benton, has already announced his candidacy for Secretary of State — the position Jester will be vacating.

As Commissioner of State Lands, Jester would be responsible for managing public land transactions, overseeing tax-delinquent property sales, and playing a role in conservation and economic development across the state. The current Commissioner, Tommy Land, is term-limited and cannot run again.

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CHEROKEE VILLAGE – Get ready to grab a slice of sweet Southern tradition as the 5th Annual Arkansas Pie Festival rolls into Cherokee Village this Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by FNBC, the beloved event brings together bakers, foodies, families, and fun-seekers from across the state to celebrate all things pie.

The festival kicks off early with the Pie Day 5K race registration at 8 a.m., followed by the race at 9. At 10 a.m., the main festival gates open, unveiling a full lineup of activities: pie tastings, a bustling pie shop and silent auction, live music, local food trucks, and a vibrant Kids Zone packed with inflatables, art, and face painting hosted by the Arts Center of North Arkansas.

The FNBC Center Stage will feature a full slate of live entertainment throughout the day, including performances by Garrett Duncan (10 a.m.), Gus Holmstrom (11:15 a.m.), Craig Estes (12:30 p.m.), and Jon Jones (1:45 p.m.).

A staple of the event, pie judging begins at 11 a.m., followed by the crowd-favorite “Cutie Pie Pet Parade” at noon and the high-stakes Pie Eating Contest at 1 p.m. The silent auction wraps up at 2:30, just before the Awards Ceremony at 2:45. The festival officially ends at 3 p.m.

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Created as a way to bring the community together while honoring Arkansas’s baking heritage, the Arkansas Pie Festival has grown into a major draw for the Spring River region. Proceeds from the event benefit local nonprofits, including scholarships and arts initiatives.

For a full schedule or to learn more, visit arpiefestival.com. Whether you’re a competitive baker, a pie connoisseur, or just looking for a sweet way to spend the day, the Arkansas Pie Festival is sure to deliver.

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