RUSSELLVILLE - Perseverance has long been a defining characteristic of Arkansas Tech University and its people. As of Wednesday, March 18, a visible and lasting testament to that quality --- one made of brick, steel, glass and 12 years of dreams --- is now open in the center of campus. Ferguson Student Union was celebrated by ATU students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters during a dedication and grand opening on Wednesday. It was the culmination of a process that began in 2014, survived a global pandemic and became a 69,990-square foot facility that will be the focal point of campus life at Arkansas Tech for generations to come. “Ferguson Student Union is a place where Arkansas Tech students will grow into the best version of themselves,” said Stephanie Duffield of Russellville, ATU alumna and chair of the ATU Board of Trustees. “As a result of this increase in connectedness, Arkansas Tech students will feel a greater sense of affection for and loyalty to their alma mater far beyond graduation day. Ferguson Student Union is a transformative building for Arkansas Tech. I look forward to everything that our professional staff in student affairs and our student leadership will do to maximize this exciting new resource. ATU students, welcome to your new home: Ferguson Student Union.” Ferguson Student Union provides student meeting spaces, lounge spaces for students to enjoy during their free time, fast casual dining, an e-sports gaming lab, basketball courts, a location to check out outdoor recreation gear and workout areas for cardiovascular and strength fitness training.
THE WEEKLY DEVOTION
Michael Wayne Tetrick, 74, of Flippin Arkansas, was welcomed into his Heavenly home on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Mountain Home, Arkansas.
By Hollie Scoma, President Military Service Sisters was founded in Mountain Home, Arkansas, in 2017 to serve the over 20,000 female veterans living in Arkansas, many of whom live in the Baxter County area. The organization, created by and for women veterans, now has several chapters statewide and has developed a strong working relationship with the Arkansas Department of Veteran Affairs to share resources with women veterans more effectively.
Crazy Arkansas weather strikes again! We do not know whether to get ready for floating the river or building a snowman!
Betty Ann Dobrinsky, 82, of Omaha, passed away on March 8, 2026, at her home. She was born on July 31, 1943, in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, to Floyd Teichmiller and Ruth Potter Teichmiller.
From left to right: Steven L. Manson, Steven M. Manson, Dezerae S. Manson.
Barbara Ann (Hoyle) Wood was born September 20, 1952, in Gassville, Arkansas, entered glory March 9, 2026, peacefully in her home.
By Gregg L. Alexander, Marion County Sheriff Marion County Sheriff Gregg Alexander reports the arrest of Steven M. Manson (35 YOM), Steven L. Manson (56 YOM), and Dezerae S. Manson (19 YOF), all of Yellville, on charges of Rape, a Class “Y” Felony, Incest, a Class “C” Felony, Sexual Assault 2nd Degree, a Class “B” Felony, Conduct Constituting Conspiracy, a Class “A” Felony, Coercion, a Class “A” Misdemeanor, and being an Habitual Offender.
BULL SHOALS — The Mountain Echo identified new public records and recent statements by city officials have raised significant questions about Bull Shoals’ handling of federal and state payroll tax filings, late penalties, and the city’s refusal to identify a private donor who paid more than $4,300 in IRS penalties on the city’s behalf.
