The Sentinel-Record
New Miss Arkansas turns crown into call for seat belt safety
Ava Weeks said her first thought after hearing her name called as Miss Arkansas 2026 was disbelief. “Oh my gosh, did they really just say Ava?” she said laughing, wondering if she had heard right. Weeks, a 21-year-old Conway native who represented...
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Shelby named UAMS distinguished alumnus
Garland County Health Officer Dr. Gene Shelby was recently awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Service Award from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine. Shelby, who earned his medical degree from UAMS in 1977, has had a...
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Harrington: AI threat could renew in-person trust
Artificial intelligence may soon make it impossible to trust what people see online, but Ted Harrington told educators and technology leaders Tuesday that the unsettling reality could come with an unexpected upside. Harrington, a prominent...
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Elaine Jones, former city director and A&P commissioner, dies at 81
Between her time on the Hot Springs Board of Directors or her more than four decades of work at Kroger, Elaine Jones was a familiar face to nearly everyone in the city. Jones, who served six terms on the city board, died Sunday, two days after her...
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Burch named new HSFD assistant chief
Hot Springs Fire Department has selected its second assistant chief, filling the role that Tom Braughton left when he retired on May 22. Nearly two years ago, Casey Burch made history when she became the department’s first female captain, but she has...
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Panel touts local control in push for economic development amendment
Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot said Thursday that Issue 3 would give cities and counties tools they say the state needs to compete for jobs, housing and commercial development. Attorney General Tim Griffin,...
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‘We need the people who care for these places’: Kevin Costner among witnesses discussing deteriorating infrastructure at national parks
Much of the testimony in front of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources dealt with the deteriorating infrastructure the country’s park service and other entities are facing. The congressional field hearing, which was held...
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ONF ‘a good example’ of what national forests should be
Ouachita National Forest is “setting a good example” for the other 153 national forests and 20 national grasslands, the undersecretary of agriculture for natural resources and environment said last week while doing maintenance work on the Charlton...
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Warrants issued for suspect linked to three slayings from December 2020
A former Hot Springs man has reportedly been linked to three homicides which occurred within a week of each other in December 2020, including that of a male teen and a woman and her 5-year-old son. Three charges of capital murder, each punishable by...
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Local author earns indie nod, revisits Hot Springs past
A Lake Hamilton High School alumna has been named a finalist in one of the country’s largest awards programs for independent authors. “Emma: Knightley’s Version,” written by Hailey Jones, was named a finalist in the General Fiction/Novel over 100,000...
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Undersecretary, congressman work on Charlton Trail, recognize volunteers
Local volunteers received some physical assistance from Washington, D.C., on Charlton Trail. U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-District 4, and Michael Boren, the undersecretary for natural resources and environment, joined U.S. Forest Service employees and...
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20th Running of the Tubs
The 20th Stueart Pennington World Championship Running of the Tubs held Saturday on Bathhouse Row saw a first-time win for one newcomer, and a repeat of the Garland County Sheriff’s Battle of the Badge win. Three racing titles were awarded at the end...
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Rucker Farm named Garland County Farm Family of the Year
PEARCY — The Rucker family of Pearcy was recently named Farm Family of the Year for Garland County by Arkansas Farm Bureau. Arkansas Farm Bureau annually recognizes one family in each Arkansas county as Farm Family of the Year. The Ruckers were...
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Girls State students reflect on lessons, controversy
Three Hot Springs World Class High School rising juniors said the recent American Legion Auxiliary Arkansas Girls State gave them new friendships, a deeper understanding of government and a closer look at leadership, even as controversy surrounding the...
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Rockets, drones and clay NPC summer camps return
National Park College will kick off its annual summer camp series next week, offering students entering grades 3-10 hands-on camps ranging from rockets and robotics to pottery, cooking, filmmaking and sports. Costs range from $115 to $150 for most...
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Library expresses intent to build new main branch at Majestic site
Plans are in motion for the Garland County Library to build its new main branch on the former site of the Majestic Hotel. While the construction for the main branch is dependent on the passage of a millage increase, the library’s board of trustees...
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Lakeside valedictorian earns NPC degree before heading to Harvard
A recent Lakeside High School graduate is heading to Harvard University this fall after earning her associate degree from National Park College before receiving her high school diploma. Mary Lopez Furlong, Lakeside’s 2026 valedictorian, completed the...
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Chapmond discusses return as HSPD chief, plans to continue progress of the department
A call to duty from the governor may have pulled then Hot Springs Police Chief Chris Chapmond away in January 2023, but he found his way back to the job he affectionately refers to as “home” two weeks ago. “I’ve never been so happy in my life,”...
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Garland County schools work to beat summer slump
As students leave classrooms for the summer, Garland County school districts are sending books, learning packets and extra reading support home with them in an effort to prevent students from falling behind before the next school year. The work has...
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Garvan Woodland Gardens expands nature programs for homeschoolers
Garvan Woodland Gardens is expanding its nature-based programming for homeschool families by offering hands-on activities designed to connect more students with the outdoors. Paige Scoggins, nature education specialist at Garvan Woodland Gardens, said...
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Good character earns students a party
Hot Springs School District students recognized for good character, hard work and improvement in the classroom got a celebration of their own Wednesday as the Greater Hot Springs Kiwanis Club hosted its first Terrific Kids Party at Majestic...
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NPMC to open new behavioral health unit Monday
When Levi Hospital closed its doors on Aug. 1, 2025, not only did it bring the hospital’s 110-year history to a close, but it also left Garland County in a desert for inpatient mental health services. National Park Medical Center hopes to change that...
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ACC leader outlines trends reshaping community colleges
A surge in high school students earning college credit is creating both opportunity and financial pressure for Arkansas’ community colleges, Arkansas Community Colleges Executive Director Collin Callaway said. Callaway, who spoke at the National Park...
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Annual Memorial Day observance calls for unity and reflection
The Garland County Veterans Memorial Committee honored fallen Garland County servicemen and servicewomen Monday during its annual Memorial Day observance at Garland County Veterans Memorial and Military Park. The Hot Springs World Class High School...
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First suspect in Cypress shooting pleads not guilty
The first juvenile suspect in the May 13 shooting near Cypress Street, where two young girls were injured, pleaded not guilty to charges May 18 while a second juvenile suspect, 14, is set to appear June 8 in Garland County Circuit Court. The first...
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Memorial Day Observation planned at GC Veterans Memorial and Military Park
The Garland County Veterans Memorial Committee will host a Memorial Day Observation at 11 a.m. Monday at Garland County Veterans Memorial and Military Park, 118 Orange St. The program honors those who gave their lives in military service, and Garland...
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Law enforcement encourages awareness while boating
While the weather is not forecast to be ideal for being on the water this weekend, local officials are encouraging boaters to be vigilant this summer when they do take to any of the waterways in the area. “This is usually the kickoff to boating...
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Team USA announced for Bass Fishing World Championships on Lake Hamilton
Lake Hamilton will be flush with some of the best bass fishermen in the world Oct. 1-3 for the 20th Bass Fishing World Championship. “Names like Kevin VanDam and Scott Martin will represent the United States as world-class bass fishing champions from...
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Wooden toy playland returning to Spa City June 1
After the success of the Hanamaki Toy Museum’s visits to Hot Springs in 2024 and 2025, Moku Playland is returning to the Spa City on June 1. The month-long pop-up will be at 831 Central Ave. and will be open Thursday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4...
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HSPD carry torch for Special Olympics
A group of Hot Springs police officers made the 4.3-mile trek from the police station on Malvern Avenue to Lakeside Field House Tuesday morning for their leg of the Special Olympics’ Law Enforcement Torch Run. Sgt. Richard Nunez carried the torch for...
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Food costs strain feeding efforts as groups work to close summer meal gap
With schools letting out for the summer, area nonprofits are preparing for a seasonal increase in families seeking food assistance as children lose daily access to school meals and rising food costs continue to strain household budgets. Though some...
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City holds ribbon cutting for new fire station
The Hot Springs Fire Department held a ribbon cutting and grand opening Friday of the city’s first new fire station in three decades. Station No. 6, located at 131 First Security Way, is the first station south of the King Expressway and has been in...
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Cotton addresses high gas prices at RPGC benefit
With AAA reporting a $4.51 national average for a gallon of regular-grade gas Saturday, fuel prices are front of mind for many voters as the November general election approaches. U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., provided some context for the 11-week...
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LHFD tests new marine salvage equipment
Divers from Lake Hamilton Fire Department’s special operations team entered the water a few minutes before 11 a.m. Friday in search of a boat submerged about 20 feet as part of a training exercise. The 16-foot, flat-bottom aluminum boat had been...
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2026 Police Memorial Ceremony is held at sheriff’s office
Multiple law enforcement agencies that serve Garland County residents came together on Wednesday to observe the annual Police Memorial Ceremony outside the Garland County Sheriff’s Office. The ceremony honored 10 law enforcement officers who died in...
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EFA testing rules put homeschool accountability in focus
As more Arkansas families turn to Education Freedom Account funds for homeschooling, state testing requirements remain a key part of program participation. Brittnie Pascuzzi, a Garland County parent who homeschools her 12-year-old son and 9-year-old...
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JPs get first glimpse at mobile command vehicle
From aiding in the documentation of damage from natural disasters to providing law enforcement with an enhanced perspective at critical incidents, the mobile command vehicle the Garland County Department of Emergency Management debuted Monday has...
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Talented Two: Student artists put Garland County on congressional stage
Two Garland County students recently earned recognition in Arkansas’ Fourth Congressional District art competition. U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-District 4, announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Coley Rogers of the Arkansas...
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New fire station more than 30 years in the making
The first 48-hour shift at the Hot Springs Fire Department’s first new station in 30 years commenced Sunday, providing a presence in south Hot Springs the city said has been needed since 1989. That’s the year Chief Ed Davis joined the department....
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Drive helps foster children ditch trash bags
Steamatic of Arkansas delivered 200 bags to the Garland County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday as part of its second annual foster children’s bag drive, an effort aimed at making sure children entering foster care do not have to carry their belongings in...
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HSFD promotes new firefighters to the force
The Hot Springs Fire Department held a graduation ceremony for its recruit candidates and a promotion ceremony for several firefighters Friday. HSFD promoted 10 recruits to the rank of probationary firefighters and 12 members of the department were...
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Issue 3 supporters pitch economic development amendment
Supporters of Issue 3 told local leaders at a lunch and learn Thursday at Crystal Ridge Distillery that the proposed constitutional amendment would give Arkansas communities more tools to compete for development projects. The session was led by Issue...
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Searching for direction to leading homicide cases
Cpl. Tyler Ward said his path to a career in law enforcement and a sense of purpose began in the classrooms of his local community college. Ward, a detective with the Hot Springs Police Department and graduate of National Park College, said he moved...
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Oaklawn Foundation awards $371,000 in scholarships
More than 120 Garland County students received scholarships Tuesday as the Oaklawn Foundation awarded $371,000 during its annual scholarship ceremony at the Oaklawn Event Center. The foundation awarded 117 scholarships worth $3,000 each, along with...
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Local veteran honored at annual Garland County 4-H Banquet
One local veteran was honored at last week’s annual Garland County 4-H Banquet at the Garland County Fairgrounds EHC Building. Donald Chmura Jr., a Vietnam War veteran, was presented a Quilt of Valor from the Arkansas WINGS Quilts of Valor group at...
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HSWCHS Beta Club partners with Reynolds to establish Common Ground Community Garden
Hot Springs World Class High School’s Beta Club partnered with Reynolds Consumer Products and volunteers from around the district to build the Common Ground Community Garden at the district’s welcome center at 702 Main St. on Saturday. The project...
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New litter abatement program setting participants up for success
With the first week of the new Hope Works Litter Abatement Program completed, participants have banked their initial paychecks and are on their way to obtaining gainful employment, the program’s supervisor said. The city started the program in 2020,...
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Former Gardner School classmates reunite 60 years after first grade
Six decades after they first walked through the doors of Gardner School as first graders, a group of former classmates returned Friday to the old campus to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate a shared past. The reunion marked 60 years since the group...
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Steelman to host studio tour with Arts and the Park Saturday, Sunday
Bethannie Newsom Steelman will host a studio tour as part of Arts and the Park, which will feature live music, sweet treats and live painting by Steelman in her studio at 415 Park Ave. on Saturday and Sunday, starting at 11 a.m. both days. Steelman, a...
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Developer’s withdrawal leaves library as lone Majestic prospect
The developer who proposed a mixed-use concept, anchored by a crystal museum, for the Majestic Hotel site withdrew Tuesday in deference to the Garland County Library’s November referendum. Summit Properties principal Rick Williams told the Hot Springs...
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Students show gains ahead of ATLAS testing
Students across the Hot Springs School District are showing academic gains as they prepare for statewide testing, district officials reported at Tuesday’s monthly school board meeting, with improvements in literacy, math and science. Melissa Bratton,...
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Neighbors, faith leaders react to ‘appalling’ vandalism at Congregation House of Israel
Faith leaders and community members roundly condemned a recent act of vandalism taken against Congregation of House of Israel, a Reform synagogue on Quapaw Avenue, after a message was spray-painted on the exterior of the building. The act was “an...
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CMS seniors celebrate future plans at Signing Day
Cutter Morning Star High School seniors took center stage Thursday at Eagle Arena, where 48 students announced their post-graduation plans during the school’s fifth annual Signing Day ceremony. The event, which serves as a counterpart to traditional...
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Westerman, local leaders back child advocacy efforts at CAMCAC event
The Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center brought together community leaders, students and advocates Friday at National Park College Student Commons to raise awareness about child abuse prevention and healing efforts in Garland County. CAMCAC is...
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HSSD partners with Goodwill Arkansas to gather donations and distribute gift cards
Hot Springs School District began a partnership with Goodwill Industries of Arkansas on Friday, bringing a donation bin to the district’s welcome center at 702 Main St. Placement of the bin, which can accept clothing and shoes, will “make it easy and...
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‘Where the Wind Lives’ to open today for Arts in the Park
Garvan Woodland Gardens officially opens its newest art installation today, “Where the Wind Lives.” The kinetic art installation by Patrick Shearn and Poetic Kinetics consists of three pieces that are located above the Great Lawn, above the Children’s...
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Roboclovers look to add members for SeaPerch program
Several area youths were at the Hot Springs YMCA Friday afternoon demonstrating the SeaPerch program, an underwater robotics program they participate in through their 4-H club. Jennifer Blankenship, the leader of the Roboclovers 4-H club, said she had...
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Election official urges students to vote, warns of low youth turnout
JESSIEVILLE — Garland County Election Commission Chairman/Elections Coordinator Gene Haley told students Monday that low youth voter turnout is allowing older generations to dominate decisions on taxes and laws, and he urged them to become more engaged...
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FFA convention draws nearly 4,000, builds momentum toward centennial
Nearly 4,000 students, advisors and guests gathered at the Hot Springs Convention Center Monday to kick off the 99th annual Arkansas FFA State Convention and Expo, a three-day event focused on leadership, career development and the future of the...
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Civil rights leader honored with marker by Gateway Community Association
A historical marker honoring social psychologist, civil rights figure and Hot Springs native Mamie Phipps Clark was unveiled Friday by the Gateway Community Association. A gathering was held at Clark’s childhood home at 302 Garden St. to commemorate...
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Chamber to honor top students at 40th Academic Excellence Banquet
Garland County’s highest-achieving seniors will be recognized Wednesday as the Academic Excellence Banquet marks a milestone year and a new chapter. The 40th annual banquet will be held from 6-8 p.m. at Hot Springs Junior Academy, where students...
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HSPD raises more than $3,000 for Special Olympics Arkansas
The Hot Springs Police Department raised over $3,000 for Special Olympics Arkansas Tuesday night during the Tip-A-Cop event at Texas Roadhouse. While the HSPD has been participating in the Tip-A-Cop program for several years, this was the first year...
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HSNP activities set to celebrate 194th birthday
Monday marks the 194th anniversary of the signing of legislation by President Andrew Jackson to create Hot Springs Reservation, making it the first public land set aside by the federal government, and Hot Springs National Park starts its annual...
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Burrough touts city’s progress in 2025
With the city set to celebrate its sesquicentennial this year, Hot Springs City Manager Bill Burrough said there is 150 years of “rich history,” but leadership still needs to continue to look forward. Burrough, who has been city manager since 2018,...
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Arkansas students compete at SkillsUSA Conference
Students from across the state converged on the Hot Springs Convention Center Tuesday to compete at the Arkansas SkillsUSA State Conference. SkillsUSA is a workforce development program that aims to teach students how to become skilled professionals....
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‘You never outgrow your foundation’:
Years after graduating from National Park College, Cody Hobby says the foundation he built there still guides him daily as a local certified registered nurse anesthetist. Hobby, a CNRA at National Park Medical Center, recently returned to campus to...
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‘Expedition: Dinosaur’
Dinosaurs will return to Mid-America Science Museum starting April 25 with the exhibit “Expedition: Dinosaur.” The original, fully-interactive exhibit from Sacramento, California-based Stage 9 Exhibits goes through Aug. 16 and features dinosaur...
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HSSD secures $302K in opioid settlement funding for peer prevention effort
After applying earlier this year for continued support, the Hot Springs School District has officially secured $302,000 in opioid settlement funding to extend its peer-based prevention and recovery program for two more years. The funding, awarded...
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City celebrates final piece of Lake Ouachita project
The city of Hot Springs cut the ribbon Monday morning on the first water treatment plant the city has opened in close to 60 years. Located at 125 Randall Road, the red barn at the intersection of Amity and Little Mazarn roads may appear as another...
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Joey Godoy of Deli Restaurant Group talks new Mexican eatery at former DONS site
Joey Godoy, owner of the Deli Restaurant Group, which comprises a number of eateries in central Arkansas, including Capo’s Tacos and Rolando’s Nuevo Latino, announced that he will open a new, upscale Mexican restaurant in the former location of DONS...
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Sister City Program hosts annual Cherry Blossom Festival
The annual Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival returned to the Hot Springs Convention Center Saturday, celebrating Japanese culture and the longstanding sister city relationship between Hot Springs and Hanamaki, Japan. Hot Springs Sister City Program...
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Cherry Blossom Festival gets underway today
The Hot Springs Sister City Program is once again putting on the Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival at the Hot Springs Convention Center today. This free event showcases Japanese culture, particularly that in Hanamaki, Japan, which is the sister city of...
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