Deadline to vote in Best of the Best contest is May 31
Each May, arkadelphian.com’s readers are treated to a month-long chance to cast their vote for a variety of their favorite local restaurants, businesses and more
Arkansas Advocate: Panel adopts rules for law aiding formerly consolidated school districts
The Arkansas State Board of Education approved Thursday an emergency rule to implement new legislation governing the creation of newly formed smaller school districts
The Class of ’26 and the Class of ’87
The Class of ’26 had a different school experience than my Class of ’87
History Minute: The soda wars of Arkansas
While many companies set up operations across Arkansas, one of the most famous Arkansas brands was Grapette, founded by Benjamin Tyndle Fooks
New A-State System scholarship targets nontraditional students in Arkansas
Scholarship funds are available for use at any ASU System institution, including Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, ASU-Beebe, ASU-Mountain Home, ASU-Newport, ASU Mid-South in West Memphis and ASU Three Rivers in Malvern
Jett: Arkansas needs a ‘stress test’
Large banks must perform “stress tests” to ensure they would be OK if the economy took a severe downturn. Should Arkansas’ state government do the same?
Local scholars earn top honors at SNHU
The following Clark County students were named to the SNHU President’s List
Clark County Jail Bookings: May 4-10, 2026
The following people have recently been booked into the Clark County Detention Center on Crittenden Street in Arkadelphia
Democratic Women gift flag and stand to Arkadelphia CFEC
The Community Family Enrichment Center provides numerous services for families and children in Clark County
Arkansas Advocate: After near-split with Girls State over deadline issue, legislators to host alternative
What riled up lawmakers was the prospect that dozens of high school girls would be unable to participate in a civic tradition that dates back to World War II
Longtime APD lawman Elendel Buck celebrates 94th birthday
Elendel Buck, who served 33 years at the Arkadelphia Police Department, celebrated his 94th birthday Tuesday, May 12, 2026
How short-form videos may aid teaching small engine maintenance
Small engine maintenance and repair is a topic many agricultural educators are expected to teach. Yet, it remains one of the least emphasized subjects at the post-secondary level.
Dispatch Desk: Peake teachers get crossways in the hallways
The following incidents were gathered from reports filed May 4-10, 2026, at the Arkadelphia Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office
Arkansas Advocate: Proposal links library funding to limiting access to ‘sexually explicit materials’
Arkansans have until June 7 to provide feedback on the proposed rules
Andrew DeMillo: Republicans say Arkansas tax cuts won’t cause chaos. The next year will put that to the test.
Arkansas Republicans pushing for tax cuts in recent years have portrayed Democrats as the Capitol’s version of Chicken Little, warning that the budgetary sky is falling any time there’s a reduction in revenue
States Newsroom: Big changes arrive July 1 for student borrowers, including in loan repayments
The federal student loan system is set to see a dramatic overhaul beginning this summer, and critics warn it likely will make loans more expensive and difficult to obtain for borrowers — driving them to private lenders or altering their plans for higher education
White, Beene and Clark receive top honors at Ouachita’s Academic Awards Ceremony
Ouachita Baptist University recognized student achievement in the classroom and beyond at its annual Academic Awards Ceremony in Jones Performing Arts Center
Arkansas net farm income forecast to drop
Weighed down by low commodity prices, heavy fuel and fertilizer outlays and the costs of war, disease and weather, Arkansas’ net farm income is expected to fall for the fourth straight year, with farmers enduring on government support
AGFC Hawg Troughs become breeding ground for future trophies
Eighteen largemouth weighing more than 10 pounds each are sitting in the newly renovated hatch house of the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery, thanks to anglers participating in the inaugural year of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Arkansas Legacy Lunker program
Oliva’s accelerated mindset: More 18-year-olds with degrees
Secretary of Education Dr. Jacob Oliva wants more Arkansas high school seniors graduating with two-year associate’s degrees. Some could even leave high school as four-year college graduates.
Arkansas Advocate: State launches ad campaign promoting state-run clinics for prenatal care
An advertising campaign went live Wednesday directing pregnant Arkansans to state-run clinics for prenatal health care
Arkadelphia’s Sarah Durand graduating from University of Georgia
Sarah Jennifer Durand is one of over 9,400 candidates to be recognized in the University of Georgia’s Class of 2026 spring Commencement ceremonies held this week
Arkansas elk hunting permit applications open through May
Fifteen permits (Five either sex and 10 antlerless) will be available for public draw through online applications this season
Arkansas Advocate: Tax cut plan sails through legislative committees as special session begins
Arkansas lawmakers advanced what would be the state’s fourth income tax cut in four years Monday despite critics’ warnings that reducing revenue could jeopardize social services
Soybean planting sprints along at fastest pace since 1988
Dry weather at the start of the row crop growing season has sped planting of the state’s five major crops, with soybeans going in the ground at the fastest pace since 1988
Steve Brawner: Entergy CEO says Arkansas could get ‘new nuclear’
Could new nuclear reactors be in Arkansas’ future? They could if money is available.
History Minute: The deadliest tornadoes recorded in Arkansas
Did you know the South Arkansas town of Strong gets its name from the community’s spirit following a deadly tornado?
Angie Schleiff named OBU’s Support Staff Member of the Year
The award is presented annually to a campus support staff member who demonstrates excellence in work responsibilities, support for the university’s mission and positive engagement with students, coworkers and members of the public
HSU faculty recognized for excellence, years of service
Henderson State University presented Faculty Excellence Awards and recognized faculty members for their years of service to the university during a reception on April 28
Clark County Jail Bookings: April 27 – May 3, 2026
The following people have recently been booked into the Clark County Detention Center on Crittenden Street in Arkadelphia
National Day of Prayer to be observed locally May 7
The event will take place at Third Street Baptist Church
Clark County inmates held in the Arkansas prison system in May 2026
As of May 1, 2026, there were 346 people listed as Clark County inmates by the Arkansas Department of Corrections website
States Newsroom: Gas prices jump again as Trump turns to new plan for Strait of Hormuz
Americans saw prices at the pump sharply rise in recent days as the nationwide average cost for a gallon of regular gas shot up 38 cents over the past week
AGFC: Leave ‘abandoned’ wildlife where you find it
Moving baby critters that seem to be abandoned can cause more harm than good
Arkansas AG announces settlement with Walmart
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced a settlement with Walmart in light of a lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission and 11 other states for deceptive trade practices
Letter to the Editor: A Thank You to Those Who Serve
Even with mixed feelings about a data center, a reader says we should remember the good faith of public servants
Letter to the Editor: The Great Arkadelphia Divide
A reader ponders different perspectives on the perception of a community’s divide
Stateline: Americans’ air conditioning costs expected to rise again this summer
After facing costly heating bills this winter, consumers shouldn’t expect relief for the summer months, according to new projections for household utility costs
Arkansas farmers could see more than $150M in disaster relief
Arkansas farmers being squeezed hard by higher fuel and input prices this year could see more than $150 million in total disaster relief with a second round of Supplemental Disaster Relief Program payments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Real Estate: Amity brewpub changes ownership
Clark County real estate transactions recorded April 2-23, 2026, having a value of $100,000 or greater
Felony Friday: Felon goes on stealing spree after self-inflicted gunshot
This is a roundup of felony charges filed May 1-15, 2026, by the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office
Arkansas education secretary visits Arkadelphia elementary school
Arkansas Education Secretary Jacob Oliva joined Forward Arkansas for a visit this week at Peake Elementary School in Arkadelphia
Bobby Kuhn
Bobby enjoyed fishing, cracking jokes and most of all hanging out with his kids
Joe Louis Quinones
Joe worked at Corning Glassworks for a quarter-century before ending his career at Dassault Falcon Jet
Recent rain welcome on Arkansas farms, but more rain is needed to erase drought
The state still has a long way to go to make up for drought that has dragged on since last summer