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Governor Includes South Arkansas Residents Among New Appointees to State Boards and Commissions

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LITTLE ROCK – Gov. Sarah Sanders announced her latest appointments to State Boards and Commissions on Wednesday (Jan. 15). Among those appointments are residents of South Arkansas, including Mary White of Smackover, Todd Smith of Magnolia and Thomas McWilliams of Magnolia.

The following is the entire appointment list:

Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine
Keri Cody, Ashdown, to the Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine. Term to expire August 31, 2025. Previously vacant position.

 

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Dr. Naval Patel, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine. Term to expire August 31, 2027. Replaces Mark Reiner.

Dr. Laurel Tait, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine. Term to expire August 31, 2025. Previously vacant position.

Arkansas Early Childhood Commission
Tyra Greenwood, Sherwood, to the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission. Term expires June 30, 2027. Reappointment.

Lorrie McClure, Batesville, to the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Replaces Mark Taylor.

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Haley Sisson, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Early Childhood Commission. Term to expire June 30, 2027. Replaces Tiffany Sharp.

Arkansas Natural Resources Commission
David Gilbert, Mena, to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2029. Previously vacant position.

Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission
Thomas McWilliams, Magnolia, to the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission. Term to expire March 29, 2025. Replaces Douglas Melton.

Arkansas Rural Development Commission
Andrea Allen, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas Rural Development Commission. Term to expire December 31, 2027. Replaces Brent Keener.

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Jonathan Baugh, Greenbrier, to the Arkansas Rural Development Commission. Term to expire December 31, 2027. Replaces Martha McCaskill.

Wendell Grubb, Charleston, to the Arkansas Rural Development Commission. Term to expire December 31, 2029. Replaces James Myatt.

Jimmie Donald “Dondie” Guess, Des Arc, to the Arkansas Rural Development Commission. Term to expire December 31, 2027. Replaces John Prunty.

Arkansas Tobacco Control Board
Dr. Mark Wren, Texarkana, to the Arkansas Tobacco Control Board. Term to expire July 1, 2029. Replaces Shabbir Dharamsey.

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Arkansas Workforce Development Board
Len Blaylock, Warren, to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board. Term to expire May 1, 2027. Reappointment.

Mayor Ray Bowman, Southside, to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board, Chief Elected Official nominated by the Arkansas Municipal League. Term to expire May 1, 2028.

Judge Brandon Ellison, Mena, to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board, Chief Elected Official nominated by the Association of Arkansas Counties. Term to expire May 1, 2028.

Ken Warden, Ozark, to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board. Term to expire May 1, 2027. Replaces Maria Markham.

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Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Dr. Gregory Ungerank, Wynne, to the Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Term to expire June 9, 2029. Reappointment.

Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy
Walter Lyn Fruchey, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. Term to expire June 30, 2030. Replaces Khalil Crouse.

Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy
Don Pierce, Hot Springs, to the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. Term to expire July 1, 2027. Reappointment.

Rachel Schaefer, Sheridan, to the Arkansas State Board of Physical Therapy. Term to expire July 1, 2026. Replaces Robert Jordan.

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Arkansas State Medical Board
Mark Camp, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Medical Board. Term to expire December 31, 2025. Replaces Betty Guhman.

Blytheville-Gosnell Airport Authority
Donald Houseworth, Blytheville, to the Blytheville-Gosnell Airport Authority. Term to expire November 1, 2030. Reappointment.

Board of Corrections
Grant Hodges, Bentonville, to the Board of Corrections. Term expiring December 31, 2031. Replaces Tyrone Broomfield.

Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas
Robert Craine, Hindsville, to the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas. Term to expire June 15, 2028. Previously vacant position.

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Brent Staley, Little Rock, to the Board of Electrical Examiners of the State of Arkansas. Term to expire June 15, 2027. Replaces Charles Carrington.

Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology
Rebecca Rusnak, Sherwood, to the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Term to expire June 30, 2027. Reappointment.

Mary White, Smackover, to the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Term to expire June 30, 2026. Replaces Aimee Cloud.

Hope Wofford, Benton, to the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Term to expire June 30, 2027. Replaces Jennifer Simpson.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Commission
Roderick Rogers, Fordyce, to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission. Term to expire September 1, 2026. Replaces Nicole Yarbrough.

Medical Marijuana Commission
Kevin Case, Little Rock, to the Medical Marijuana Commission. Term to expire December 31, 2028. Reappointment.

State Banking Board
Todd Smith, Magnolia, to the State Banking Board. Term to expire December 31, 2029. Reappointment.

State Library Board
Sydney McKenzie, Rogers, to the State Library Board. Term to expire October 18, 2031. Replaces Anna Smith.

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State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission
Clint Gaston, Lakeview, to the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2031. New Position.

Gordon Mitchell Allen, Little Rock, to the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2031. New Position.

Jordan Wright, Fayetteville, to the State Parks, Recreation, and Travel Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2031. New Position.

Michael Ney, Rogers, to the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission. Term to expire January 14, 2031. Previously vacant position.

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Regional News

Beloved Arkansas Meteorologist Dies At 59

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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.

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Regional News

One Dead In Hot Springs Village Accident

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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.

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Regional News

22-year-Old Driver Identified In Deadly I-30 Crash

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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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Arkansas Secretary of State Announces Campaign For Different Office

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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 Hosts Arkansas Pie Festival This Weekend

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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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