News

Family and friends of Sharon Simkins are invited to a birthday celebration honoring Simkins and “her 80 years of Life, Love, and Laughter.” The celebration will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at the Green Forest Cowboy Church. Submitted photos

As triple-digit temperatures and weeks without rain suck the life out of pastures and hay meadows, Arkansas’ cattle producers are having to sell part or all of their herds. Kevin Lawson, who directs extension activities in the 25-county Ozark District, an area heavy in cattle, doesn’t mince words about what he has seen.

The sign at Berryville’s Church on the Hill displays the temperature just after 3 p.m. Friday, July 15. The National Weather Service reported a high of 99 degrees that afternoon, but even warmer temperatures are expected this week. The NWS forecast calls for daily highs of near 103 degrees Tuesday, July 19, and near 102 degrees Wednesday, July 20. Scott Loftis / Carroll County News

State Sen. Bob Ballinger’s campaign paid a past-due debt for advertising in the Agriculture Appreciation Days program on May 20, according to a financial report — more than a week after his campaign said the debt had been paid.

Four people were transported by helicopter to area hospitals Saturday morning after exhibiting symptoms of possible carbon monoxide poisoning at a Eureka Springs hotel. Gary Inman, assistant chief for Eureka Springs Fire & EMS, said a total of 24 patients were treated after the incident at Stonegate Lodge on East Van Buren Avenue.

A former Green Forest resident who is now serving time in a Texas prison after being convicted of promoting child pornography was scheduled to be arraigned Monday, July 18, in Carroll County Circuit Court on multiple charges including rape involving an alleged child victim.

Much-needed renovations and improvements to Basin Spring Park had the Eureka Springs City Council’s full attention at its regular meeting Monday, July 11. Parks director Scott Miskiel shared with the council the needs for the popular park in downtown Eureka Springs and the frustration that comes with trying to figure out how to pay for all the needed work.

The Eureka Springs Historic District Commission has approved the refurbishing of one of the city’s oldest landmarks. The stone retaining wall at Crescent Spring Park, located on Spring Street near Carnegie Library, needs repair and improvements, according to Eureka Springs parks director Scott Miskiel.

The number of active cases of COVID-19 in Carroll County and across the state continue to climb, according to a report issued by the Arkansas Department of Health on Friday, July 15. On July 8, the ADH reported 112 active cases of COVID-19 in Carroll County, the first time in months the number of active cases had topped 100.

A former Eureka Springs city employee filed a civil lawsuit last month against Mayor Butch Berry, finance director Lonnie Clark and human resources coordinator Jerry King, alleging that she was subjected to a hostile and abusive work environment.