By Andrew Bagley Publisher In her push to get a state prison at a controversial site in Franklin County, Governor Sanders worked hard to defeat incumbent State Senators Ronald Caldwell (R-Wynne), who is seeking  to be the Pro Tempore in the Senate, and Bryan King (R-Green Forest) while defending Senator Blake Johnson, her choice to be the Pro Tempore in the next General Assembly, from a challenge from Rep. Jeremy Wooldridge (R-Paragould). She lost all three.  These weren’t ju

Terri Ann Hall CONTRIBUTING WRITER Local music fans will have a special opportunity to hear a rising young talent next weekend as American Idol contestant Michael Garner performs live at Southern Outdoors. The free community event will take place Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 1–3 p.m. at Southern Outdoors, located at 73 Highway 1 North, Lexa (Barton intersection). Garner, a 16-year-old singer from Forrest City, Arkansas, has recently gained national attention as a contestant o

By Andrew Bagley Publisher Despite the video evidence showing that England players sucker punched one Barton player and adult England fans escalated the situation into a full-blown melee, the Arkansas Activities Association has made the decision to disqualify five Barton players for the state title game. No names were released publicly by the Arkansas Activities Association..  School officials were summoned to the office of the Arkansas Activities Association on Monday where