News

Burn Ban for Marion County
Due to extremely dangerous and dry conditions in Marion County and weather and rapid drying conditions, it has become necessary to ban all outdoor burning in Marion County.
Read MoreBurn Ban for Marion CountyWhat the New Farm Bill Means for the Yellville Food Closet
By Tim Kelly Major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) became law on July 4, 2025 as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and their effects are already being felt in Marion County.
Read MoreWhat the New Farm Bill Means for the Yellville Food ClosetVA releases annual suicide report
VA recently released the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, which analyzes Veteran suicide from 2001 to 2023, the most recent year for which data is available.
Read MoreVA releases annual suicide report

Arkansas Tech celebrates opening of Ferguson Student Union
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.
Read MoreArkansas Tech celebrates opening of Ferguson Student Union
Forged by Hand and Heart: Pat Bergman
YELLVILLE — On Saturday mornings at the Yellville Farmers Market, nestled among fresh produce and homemade baked goods, one table catches the light in quiet flashes of brass, copper, and sterling silver. Textured surfaces shimmer beside deep green patinas. Rivets hold layers together in organic harmony.
Read MoreForged by Hand and Heart: Pat Bergman
Celebrating Women’s Military Service
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.
Read MoreCelebrating Women’s Military ServiceSummer@ASMSA applications open for free 2026 summer camps
HOT SPRINGS — The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts is accepting applications for 2026 Summer@ASMSA camps.
Read MoreSummer@ASMSA applications open for free 2026 summer camps
Questions Mount Over Tax Filings, Penalties, and Donor Secrecy
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.
Read MoreQuestions Mount Over Tax Filings, Penalties, and Donor Secrecy
