CAMDEN – Two young men were killed in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning on State Highway 57 in rural Ouachita County, according to a report from the Arkansas State Police.

The crash occurred around 2:50 a.m. on April 6. Authorities say a 2001 Honda was traveling southbound when the vehicle left the roadway and struck two trees. Weather conditions were reported as clear, but the road surface was wet at the time of the crash.

The driver, identified as 19-year-old Kade Hurst of Chidester, was pronounced dead at the scene. A male passenger, identified only as a minor, was also killed. Their bodies were transported to the Ouachita County Morgue.

No other injuries were reported, and no additional vehicles were involved.

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The crash remains under investigation by the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office. Next of kin have been notified.

HAMPTON – A Hampton woman was arrested Sunday, April 7, after leading officers on a high-speed pursuit that began in Calhoun County and ended in Union County, according to a press release from the Hampton Police Department.

Lt. McMahen with the Hampton Police Department was conducting traffic enforcement under the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) when he observed a white Dodge Ram pickup traveling south on U.S. Highway 167. The vehicle passed Lt. McMahen and then abruptly moved in front of his patrol unit. At that point, the officer noticed the truck crossing the white line and the highway shoulder.

Lt. McMahen attempted to initiate a traffic stop, activating his emergency lights and siren. The driver refused to pull over, prompting a pursuit. Speeds during the chase reportedly reached 108 miles per hour as the vehicle crossed into Union County.

The Arkansas State Police and Union County authorities were contacted for assistance. As the suspect approached North Tate Road from the south, Arkansas State Police took the lead in the pursuit. Troopers then executed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) maneuver, causing the vehicle to spin out into a ditch.

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Officers apprehended the driver, later identified as Kaite McMahan of Hampton. She was arrested on multiple charges, including:

• Fleeing by conveyance of a vehicle

• Battery in the 2nd Degree

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

• Terroristic Threatening

McMahan also received citations for additional traffic violations. No injuries were reported during the incident.

HAMPTON – The 2025 Hogskin Holidays Festival will be in full swing starting Thursday, April 10, offering a weekend packed with hometown charm, family-friendly activities, and lively entertainment in downtown Hampton and surrounding venues.

The fun kicks off Thursday with the Piggy Bank Contest at Generations Bank and the popular Lion’s Club Jail & Bail fundraiser at the Calhoun County Courthouse beginning at 9 a.m. Festival-goers can grab a BBQ lunch at the Fair Barn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., sponsored by Hogskin Holidays. That evening at 6:30, the laughs will continue during the “Newlywed vs. Oldlywed” game show at the Fair Barn.

On Friday, April 11, the action continues with a Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Courthouse Square. The streets of Hampton will come alive at 2 p.m. with the annual Hogskin Parade, followed by the opening of the carnival at the fairgrounds. The evening closes with one of the most anticipated events of the weekend — the Calco Rodeo at 7:30 p.m. in the Hogskin Arena.

Saturday, April 12, brings a full day of activities for all ages. The day begins at 9 a.m. with the Horseshoe Tournament at the fairgrounds and the Little Miss Pigtails pageant at the Fair Barn. Simultaneously, the classic Car Show and Marble Run will take place at Courthouse Square. Festival staples like the Log Loading contest at the County Shop and the Baggo Tournament at the fairgrounds start at 10:30 a.m., with the carnival continuing throughout the day.

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Live entertainment on the “Hammin’ It Up” stage will run from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring performances by Lucas Vines and Brody McKinney. Visitors can also enjoy an array of all-day attractions at the fairgrounds, including the Hogskin BBQ Cook-off, food vendors, arts and crafts, class reunions, an exotic petting zoo, an agri-puppets show, a rock wall, and more.

The weekend will wrap up Saturday evening with another round of the Calco Rodeo at 7:30 p.m. in the Hogskin Arena.

With activities ranging from rodeos and pageants to BBQ cook-offs and carnival rides, Hogskin Holidays continues its tradition of celebrating Calhoun County with something for everyone.

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EL DORADO – South Arkansas College has expanded its Advanced Manufacturing Training Center with the help of a $733,000 investment from the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP), addressing a critical regional and national need for skilled welders.

The funding allowed the college to increase capacity in both its credit and non-credit welding programs, opening new opportunities for students and strengthening the local workforce pipeline. With an estimated shortage of 130,000 welding positions across southern Arkansas alone—and national projections forecasting a gap of 400,000 welders by 2024—the expansion comes at a pivotal time for industry and education in the region.

The enhanced training center now offers expanded classroom and lab space, additional equipment, and more hands-on learning opportunities. The upgrades make it possible for the college to train more students each year and respond more quickly to workforce needs from area employers.

The grant was awarded through the DRA’s SEDAP program, which targets key priorities in workforce development, infrastructure, and business growth across the eight-state Delta region. Created by Congress in 2000, the Delta Regional Authority serves 252 counties and parishes in parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Through SEDAP, the DRA partners with local communities and institutions to provide direct investments that spur job creation, improve quality of life, and build long-term economic resilience.

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For more information on South Arkansas College’s welding programs or to enroll, visit www.southark.edu.

EL DORADO – The 4th grade GT BETA Club from the El Dorado School District is stepping up in a big way — by asking the community to clean out their closets and donate gently worn, used, and new shoes to support their journey to the BETA Club National Convention this June.

The student-led fundraiser aims to collect shoes that will be repurposed through a global microenterprise program, giving them a second life and supporting small businesses in developing countries.

Donations can be dropped off at the Retta Brown GT Center, located at 505 Dixie Street in El Dorado, from March 17–21 and on weekdays throughout April. Those who can’t make it to the drop-off site can schedule a pick-up by contacting teacher sponsor Katie King at Katie.king@esd-15.org.

Organizers encourage community members to spread the word and invite friends, neighbors, and co-workers to donate as well. Each pair of shoes not only helps reduce waste but also supports the students’ efforts to compete at the national level.

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“It’s a win-win,” the club noted in its outreach. “The shoes help fund our trip, and they also help others in need through #microenterprise.”

The effort highlights the creativity and initiative of El Dorado’s young leaders as they prepare to represent their school and community on a national stage.