LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — With dangerous heat settling across Arkansas this week, officials are asking parents, caregivers and all drivers to make one simple habit part of their daily routine: check the back seat before locking the car.

The reminder comes as much of Arkansas faces heat index values topping 100 degrees, creating conditions where the temperature inside a parked vehicle can become deadly in a matter of minutes.

According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, even when the outside temperature is 90 degrees, the inside of a closed vehicle can reach 97 degrees in just five minutes, 103 degrees in 10 minutes, 119 degrees in 30 minutes, and 137 degrees within an hour. When outside temperatures climb into the upper 90s and low 100s—as they’re expected to this week—the interior of a vehicle can become even hotter.

Officials say children are especially vulnerable because their bodies heat up much faster than adults, making them more susceptible to life-threatening heatstroke.

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To help prevent tragedies, officials recommend always checking the back seat before leaving your vehicle, even if you don’t normally travel with a child. One tip is to place an item you’ll need when you reach your destination—such as a purse, briefcase, cellphone or employee badge—in the back seat as a reminder to look before locking the doors.

Drivers are also encouraged to keep vehicles locked when parked at home. Curious children or pets can sometimes climb inside an unlocked vehicle and become trapped.

If you see a child alone in a parked vehicle, officials urge you to call 911 immediately. Every minute matters when temperatures inside a vehicle are rising rapidly.

The National Weather Service also reminds Arkansans to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and check on family members, neighbors and others who may be especially vulnerable to the extreme heat.

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Officials say taking a few extra seconds to check the back seat could save a life

HOLLY SPRINGS, Ark. — Arkansas State Police have arrested a Hot Springs man accused of impersonating a law enforcement officer after investigators say he was driving an SUV equipped with blue lights, radios and other sheriff’s equipment while claiming to work for the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Arkansas State Police, the investigation began around 1 p.m. Friday, June 26, when a Criminal Investigation Division special agent, driving an unmarked vehicle on U.S. Highway 79 in Ouachita County, observed a black Chevrolet Tahoe approaching at a high rate of speed with blue emergency lights activated.

The agent initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as Dennis Truelove, 66, of Hot Springs. Authorities said Truelove told the agent he was employed by the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office.

Because of the vehicle’s position in the roadway, the agent ended the initial encounter and continued north on Highway 79. The agent then contacted the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office and was informed that no deputy matching Truelove’s description or operating a black Chevrolet Tahoe was assigned to the department.

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A short time later, the same vehicle was spotted traveling north on Arkansas Highway 9 just north of Holly Springs in Dallas County. The special agent conducted a second traffic stop, during which investigators say Truelove presented an Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office badge and identification card.

During the stop, the agent observed multiple pieces of law enforcement equipment inside the SUV, including an in-car radio broadcasting on the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office frequency, a handheld radio programmed to the same frequency, a bulletproof vest marked “Sheriff,” and additional law enforcement-related gear.

Truelove was arrested and transported to the Ouachita County Detention Center.

He is charged with first-degree criminal impersonation, unlawful use of blue lights, and multiple traffic violations.

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On Monday, June 29, Truelove appeared in Ouachita County Circuit Court, where a judge set his bond at $10,000.

Following the court appearance, Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division agents executed a search warrant on the Chevrolet Tahoe, recovering several blue lights, a siren and multiple law enforcement radios from the vehicle.

State police are asking anyone who may have encountered Truelove or the black Chevrolet Tahoe to contact Arkansas State Police Troop F at (870) 226-3713.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information has been released.

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EL DORADO, Ark. — Golfers from across South Arkansas are invited to hit the links later this month while supporting the El Dorado Wildcats football program during the 2026 Wildcat Football Golf Scramble.

The tournament is scheduled for Friday, July 17, at Mystic Creek Golf Club, located at 191 Club House Drive in El Dorado.

Organizers are encouraging golfers of all skill levels to participate, whether they’re experienced players or simply looking to enjoy a day on one of Arkansas’ premier golf courses while giving back to Wildcat football.

The four-person scramble is $600 per team and includes a lunch buffet, a casino hole challenge, door prizes and a complimentary $100 practice round at Mystic Creek, valid July 10-16.

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The fundraiser helps support the El Dorado Wildcat football program and gives community members, local businesses, coworkers, friends and families an opportunity to come together in support of the team.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register, as spots are expected to fill quickly. Additional information is available through the Mystic Creek Golf Club Pro Shop.

Organizers say the event promises a fun day of golf, friendly competition and community support while helping provide resources for the Wildcat football program.

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EL DORADO, Ark. — Entergy Arkansas and the Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) will host an energy assistance event in El Dorado next week to help customers with utility bills, energy-saving resources and applications for financial assistance.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lobby of the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, located at 100 W. Eighth St.

Representatives from Entergy and CADC will be available to answer billing questions, provide information on ways to reduce energy usage and assist eligible customers with applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Residents planning to apply for LIHEAP assistance should bring a valid photo ID or driver’s license, a Social Security card or Social Security number, proof of all household income, copies of their most recent electric bills and a lease agreement if they live in subsidized housing or if utilities are included in their rent.

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Organizers say the event is an opportunity for customers to receive one-on-one assistance, learn about programs that may help lower energy costs and determine whether they qualify for financial assistance with their electric bills.

Community members who know someone struggling with energy costs are encouraged to share information about the event so those in need can take advantage of the available resources.