Regional News
Where is the cheapest gas in the state?
![](https://southarkansasnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gaspump-e1738005251276.png)
LITTLE ROCK – Gas prices across Arkansas are showing significant variation, with drivers in Desha County paying the highest average price in the state and Texarkana reporting the lowest prices, according to GasBuddy.com.
As of Monday, the average price for regular gasoline in Desha County is $3.00 per gallon, marking the state’s highest average. Meanwhile, the lowest price can be found at Murphy USA on Arkansas Boulevard in Texarkana, where drivers are paying just $2.48 per gallon.
In central Arkansas, gas prices are slightly below the national average of $3.13. Drivers in the Little Rock-North Little Rock area are paying an average of $2.75 per gallon. Nearby, drivers in Hot Springs are seeing an average of $2.72, while those in Pine Bluff are paying slightly less at $2.68 per gallon.
AAA officials noted that gas prices remain unpredictable due to fluctuating crude oil prices, which are influenced by changing supply and demand during colder weather. The organization advises drivers to monitor prices closely and take advantage of lower-cost options where available.
For the latest updates on gas prices in your area, visit GasBuddy.com.
Regional News
Legislators Go Back To Drawing Board On Sports Raffles
![](https://southarkansasnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/rjhawk.png)
LITTLE ROCK – A bill that would have allowed state colleges and universities to host 50/50 raffles for NIL has failed after being considered by a committee of the Arkansas state House of Representatives.
Arkansas House Bill 1044 (HB1044), known as the Arkansas Sports Raffle Act, was introduced to allow institutions of higher education and their affiliated nonprofit organizations to conduct raffles for educational, charitable, and philanthropic purposes. The bill sought to exempt these raffles from existing state regulations on charitable gaming and establish specific guidelines for their operation. However, the bill was ultimately defeated and did not become law.
The bill would have clarified that the Charitable Bingo and Raffles Enabling Act did not apply to raffles conducted by colleges, universities, or their affiliated nonprofit organizations. Funds raised through these raffles would have been used for various purposes, including student-athlete scholarships, stipends, and financial aid, supporting athletic teams and programs, funding for athletic facilities, equipment, and related expenses, and compensation for student-athletes for commercial use of their publicity rights in accordance with Arkansas’ NIL laws.
Bill sponsor Rep. RJ Hawk (R-Bryant) said Wednesday that he would continue to work with influencers like Saracen Casino’s Carlton Saffa on creative ideas to help collegiate athletic programs raise money for NIL initiatives.
“While today’s vote for HB1044 did not go our way, I stand committed to finding a way for universities in the state of Arkansas to raise money for NIL or other purposes,” Hawk said. “This should not be controversial. Whether it’s the University of Arkansas or John Brown university, I want every school to stay competitive with our neighboring states.”
Raffles would have been conducted via electronic devices, online platforms, or in-person and required association with an official collegiate sporting event. Only one raffle per game or event would have been permitted. The bill also outlined restrictions and compliance measures, including the prohibition of minors under 18 from purchasing raffle tickets. Additionally, casino licensees would not have been allowed to operate or administer these raffles. A cap of $250 per transaction would have applied when purchasing tickets with a credit card.
Any prize unclaimed after 120 days would have remained with the institution conducting the raffle. The bill included an emergency clause, stating that immediate enactment was necessary to help colleges and universities support student-athletes and athletic programs, which in turn would have boosted economic development, education, and commerce in Arkansas.
Regional News
Funeral services to be held Friday for legendary sports talk caller
![](https://southarkansasnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/DriveTime-Sports.png)
LITTLE ROCK – If you’ve listened to Arkansas’ statewide afternoon sports shows over the years, you’ve heard some legendary callers on a daily basis. Names like “Gentle Ben”, “Forrest City Joe”, and “Sterling from Center Ridge” have at times almost become as well known as the hosts themselves.
For nearly twenty years, we’ve heard Drive Time Sports’ Randy Rainwater take calls from “Jimmy Lee”, who during his calls was passionate about all things Arkansas Razorback, and also usually had a desire to talk directly to occasional host and Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Director Ray Tucker during his conversation.
This week, we find out that “Jimmy Lee”, who was actually Jimmy Lee Linder of Sherwood has died at the age of 84.
Linder was a native of Helena, who spent the second half of his life in Central Arkansas. His obituary proudly noted that “One of Jimmy Lee’s greatest life joys was reading, watching and talking about sports. He was especially fond of the Arkansas Razorbacks. From high school through his latter days, he networked and personally knew a variety of sports figures including Razorback football head coach, Razorback/NFL football player, Razorback/Olympic/NBA basketball player and numerous on-air TV and Radio sportscasters.”
Funeral services will be held Friday in North Little Rock.
Regional News
Southwest Arkansas school counselor jailed on child porn charges
![](https://southarkansasnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/arrest1.jpg)
HOPE – The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Justin James Mishler, 33, of Nashville, Arkansas, following a three-month investigation into multiple criminal offenses involving minors.
Mishler, a former counselor and interim principal at Blevins High School, resigned from his position in November 2024 after allegations of inappropriate conduct surfaced. The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Arkansas State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, launched an extensive inquiry, which included 15 search warrants for social media platforms and electronic devices linked to Mishler.
As a result of the investigation, Mishler was charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Promoting Obscene Materials
- Unlawful Computerized Communications
- Possession, Sale, or Distribution of Obscene Materials
- Producing, Directing, or Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child
- Pandering or Possessing Visual or Print Medium Depicting Sexually Explicit Conduct Involving a Child
- Engaging Children in Sexually Explicit Conduct for Use in Visual or Print Medium
- Endangering the Welfare of a Minor in the Second Degree
- Harassment
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
Mishler, accompanied by his attorney, surrendered to Hempstead County Investigator Sgt. Jeremy McBride on February 12, 2025. He later appeared before Circuit Judge Short, who set his bond at $100,000. After posting bond, Mishler was released pending a court date set for March 24, 2025.
“This case underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of our children,” said Hempstead County Sheriff James Singleton. “We appreciate the diligence of Sgt. Jeremy McBride and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in ensuring that justice is served.”
Authorities encourage anyone with additional information regarding this case to come forward. Individuals can contact Investigator Jeremy McBride at the Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office at 870-777-6727.
Regional News
Arkansas Buc-ee’s Groundbreaking Postponed; New Date Uncertain
![](https://southarkansasnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/bucees.jpg)
BENTON – The highly anticipated groundbreaking for Buc-ee’s in Benton has been postponed, with no new date announced.
Officials from the Texas-based convenience store chain cited wet conditions at the job site and an unfavorable weather forecast for the upcoming week as reasons for the delay.
Originally scheduled for February 19, the groundbreaking was set to take place at the northwest corner of Interstate 30 and Highway 229. However, plans are now on hold until conditions improve.
Despite the setback, Buc-ee’s remains committed to the project, which will bring a massive 75,000-square-foot store, over 100 gas pumps, and 225 job opportunities to the Benton area.
While an official opening date has yet to be confirmed, local excitement remains high for the arrival of the popular chain known for its wide selection of snacks, clean restrooms, and Texas-sized convenience.
Regional News
Meet the South Arkansas voice you just heard during the Big Game
![](https://southarkansasnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tvbars.webp)
EL DORADO – Most people know that more money is spent on Super Bowl commercials than any other television presentation during the year. What they may not know, is that sometimes a familiar voice featured in one of them is from right here in South Arkansas.
Kendra Raines is a native of Gurdon, and this year is celebrating 25 years in the radio business. She started as a salesperson and worked her way up to the position of General Manager at radio stations in Arkadelphia and Glenwood. From there it was on to KKYR 102.5 in Texarkana, then to Fort Smith and Fayetteville.
While positions like that for many would be the pinnacle of their career, Raines has gone on to become one of the most sought after voice talents in local radio. From her home in South Arkansas, “Kendra On The Radio” provides radio shows for radio stations across the country. In fact, for many years she was the midday talent in El Dorado on KIX 103.
In addition to the radio shows she hosts, she lends her voice to radio commercials worldwide. This year, producers of the Super Bowl ad for car accessory giant WeatherTech heard her work, and opted to include her as their signature voice during their commercials. Most predictions are that Raines’ commercial will be seen by some 120 Million people.
You can click on the video player above to watch.
-
News6 days ago
El Dorado man killed in single vehicle crash
-
Regional News5 days ago
Radio DJ known as “Roy D. Mercer” passes away Friday
-
News2 months ago
Junction City woman killed in Nevada County accident
-
Sports2 weeks ago
Hampton Bulldogs hire new head football coach
-
News2 months ago
One killed, one injured in Highway 167 crash
-
News1 month ago
ESD Board Votes Down Calendar Changes
-
Regional News1 week ago
Longtime Arkansas radio personality passes away
-
Obituaries3 weeks ago
Denver L. Thornton, El Dorado