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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Regional News
Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart Hospitalized Following Cardiac Arrest

BATON ROUGE, La. – Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, one of the most recognized figures in Christian broadcasting and Pentecostal evangelism, is in intensive care after suffering a cardiac arrest on Sunday morning.
Swaggart, 90, was discovered by family members shortly after 8 a.m. unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. During a special prayer service broadcast Sunday night over the SonLife Radio Network, his son Donnie Swaggart provided a somber update on his father’s condition.
“Right now he is in ICU,” Donnie Swaggart said. “Without a miracle, his time will be short. But we believe God. We’re not giving up.”
Jimmy Swaggart, a native of Ferriday, Louisiana, rose to national prominence in the 1970s and 1980s through his fiery preaching style and weekly television program, which at its peak aired on more than 3,000 stations worldwide. A cousin to rock-and-roll legends Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley, Swaggart carved out a distinct place in American religious life, founding the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries and launching the SonLife Broadcasting Network.
Despite controversy and scandal that erupted in the 1980’s, Swaggart continued preaching and built his own independent network of churches, media, and theological training through Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge. He also owns his own network of radio and television stations across the country which have furthered his ministry to millions.
In recent years, he remained active in his ministry, appearing regularly on broadcasts and sermons alongside his son and grandson, Gabriel.
No further details on Swaggart’s medical condition were released Sunday night.
Regional News
Storm Chaser Reed Timmer To Speak At Two Arkansas Events

NORMAN, OK – Renowned storm chaser and extreme weather researcher Reed Timmer is bringing his 2025 Fall Speaking Tour to Arkansas this September and October, delivering powerful presentations on the art and science of tornado intercepts.
Timmer, known for his daring pursuit of violent storms and the deployment of his armored vehicle, the Dominator 3, will make two stops in Arkansas as part of a nationwide tour. On September 23, he will appear at Arkansas State University in Mountain Home. A few weeks later, on October 11, he will take the stage at Temple Live in Fort Smith.
The tour, which spans dozens of venues across Tornado Alley and Dixie Alley, highlights some of the most intense tornado intercepts of Timmer’s career. Audience members will get an inside look at the raw power of tornadoes through firsthand accounts, video footage, and scientific data collected from within the storms themselves.
In addition to sharing personal stories and storm footage, Timmer will discuss forecasting techniques and the latest advancements in storm intercept technology. Several stops on the tour, including the Arkansas appearances, may also feature the Dominator 3—a customized vehicle designed to withstand the strongest tornadoes.
Both Arkansas events are open to the public and are expected to draw large crowds of weather enthusiasts, students, and emergency preparedness professionals.
Regional News
Escapee Grant Hardin Captured Near Prison

CALICO ROCK — Grant Matthew Hardin, an Arkansas prison escapee with a violent criminal history, was captured Friday afternoon roughly 1.5 miles north-northwest of the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, authorities confirmed.
The Izard County Sheriff’s Office reported that Hardin’s identity was verified through fingerprint analysis before releasing the information to the public.
Hardin, 56, escaped from the Arkansas Department of Corrections facility on May 25, prompting a statewide manhunt involving local, state, and federal agencies. He was previously serving a 30-year sentence for the 2017 murder of James Appleton in Benton County. In 2019, he received an additional 50-year sentence after DNA evidence linked him to a 1997 rape case in Rogers.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections, along with the Izard County Sheriff’s Office, coordinated the effort to locate and apprehend Hardin. No further details were immediately available regarding the circumstances of his capture or whether any additional charges will be filed in connection to his escape.
In a brief statement, the Izard County Sheriff’s Office said, “We sincerely appreciate the continued support of the community for all law enforcement and Department of Corrections personnel involved in this operation.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
Regional News
45 Structures Damaged In Crawford County Tornado

VAN BUREN — A tornado touched down just before 8:00 a.m. Friday morning, causing significant damage as it moved through parts of western Arkansas. The tornado originated on the north side of Fort Smith and tracked into the Van Buren Industrial Park, then moved east of the Eastgate Plaza Shopping Center before continuing into the Alma area.
Officials report that at least 45 structures were damaged, with homes and an apartment complex among those affected. The most severe damage was reported near the 19th Street and Mulberry Circle area of Van Buren. Several homes lost roofs, walls were torn away, and debris was scattered across multiple neighborhoods. A gas leak was also reported following the storm, prompting emergency response.
Residents described a brief but violent storm, with heavy rain and wind gusts strong enough to uproot trees and damage vehicles. Fortunately, there were no reports of serious injuries as of Friday morning.
In addition to the tornado that moved through Van Buren, another tornado was reported by storm spotters north of Interstate 40 near the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line. Authorities continue to assess the damage across the region as more reports come in.
The National Weather Service had issued tornado warnings for several counties in the area prior to the storm’s arrival. Emergency officials are urging residents to remain alert, as more severe weather is possible over the weekend.
Cleanup efforts are underway, and local authorities are coordinating with utility crews and emergency services to restore power and secure damaged areas.
Regional News
Unlicensed Teen, Adult Relative Charged With Manslaughter In 150 MPH Fatal Crash

MORRISON BLUFF — A high-speed crash on the Morrison Bluff Bridge late Friday night claimed the lives of two people and led to manslaughter charges against both a teenage driver and an adult who allegedly furnished him the vehicle, according to KARV Radio in Russellville.
Arkansas State Police say the collision happened around 11:15 p.m. on May 30 along State Highway 109 in Logan County. Investigators determined that a 16-year-old boy from Scranton was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro southbound at speeds exceeding 150 miles per hour when he rear-ended a Toyota RAV4.
The impact forced the RAV4 into the northbound lane, where it was struck head-on by a semi-truck. The driver of the RAV4, 20-year-old Mackenzie Arthur of Scranton, and her 17-year-old female passenger were both killed in the crash.
The juvenile driver of the Camaro has been charged with two counts of manslaughter and is being held at the Yell County Juvenile Detention Center.
State police also charged Martha Jane Phillips, 71, of Scranton, with two counts of manslaughter for allegedly providing the Camaro to the teenager, who did not have a driver’s license. She was booked into the Logan County Detention Center.
The crash remains under investigation by Arkansas State Police.
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