The new Sulphur Creek Trail is officially open in Heber Springs that goes around parts of Greers Ferry Lake a ribbon cutting and grand opening of the trail will take place at 11:30 at the ASU Heber Springs Campus Pavilion This trail has been an idea since the late 60's The Greers Ferry Lake Trails Council formed in 2009 and have started the process to get the trail completed Attendees can see how they can get involved in upkeep of the Sulphur Creek Trail and for future trail plans There will also be a Game and Fish booklets that identify watchable that can be seen on the trail will be available For more information, click here a large flock of trumpeter swans has migrated from the Great Lakes region to a man-made reservoir near Heber Springs called Magness Lake Dozens of swans call Magness Lake home from November to February drawing bird watchers from all over the region to experience their beauty and hear their honking cries When Ozarks at Large’s Jack Travis visited Magness Lake this weekend more than a few ring-neck ducks and even a few seagulls paddling about in the water he captured the haunting sound of the winter visitors Visit Arkansas Tourism's website to learn more about the trumpeter swans and their wintertime home Some swan facts: Trumpeter swans weigh in at 35 pounds and have 8-foot wingspans making them the largest native waterfowl in North America and the largest swans in the world Trumpeters are so big that they require a 100-yard runway for takeoff when attempting flight According to the U.S. Forest Service we almost hunted the species to extinction in the early 1900s with numbers dwindling to fewer than 70 known swans surviving at Yellowstone National Park in 1932 Their population has since been rehabilitated and estimates now show that about 16,000 trumpeter swans reside in North America WILBURN -- A small crowd has gathered on a cold overcast Monday morning in the gravel parking lot of a little lake on Hiram Road in Cleburne County Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans. Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism. Sean Clancy is a features reporter who also writes the weekly column "Paper Trails." A native of Helena he's been with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette since 1999 This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Material from the Associated Press is Copyright © 2025 audio and/or video material shall not be published rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use The AP will not be held liable for any delays errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing AR – The United States Postal Service is focused on building a more stable and empowered workforce and is seeking motivated individuals to fill Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) positions A postal job offers employees the ability to work where they live lifelong benefits and career advancement opportunities throughout the entire agency.  Postal officials are hosting a Job Fair tomorrow to answer questions about employment opportunities and to assist with the application process Rural Carrier Associate (RCA) - At $20.38 per hour an RCA serves families and businesses in rural and suburban areas An RCA is responsible for the delivery and collection of mail working when regular carriers have scheduled days off or vacation days An applicant must have a valid state driver's license and demonstrate and maintain a safe driving record Becoming an RCA could be the first step to becoming a full-time Those unable to attend the job fair may apply at www.usps.com/careers The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America restore long-term financial sustainability dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage products and services to fund its operations Copyright© 2025 United States Postal Service A drug task force operation in Heber Springs resulted in the seizure of 1.3 pounds of methamphetamine and the arrest of a suspect on multiple felony charges The 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force in coordination with the Heber Springs Police Department at a residence as part of an ongoing investigation into local drug trafficking according to Task Force Commander Johnny Byler officers arrested Anthony Gene Riddle (pictured) who was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine and multiple firearms Authorities described the operation as part of a broader effort to disrupt drug distribution networks in the area Prosecutors are expected to formally charge Riddle with trafficking methamphetamine in excess of 200 grams along with simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms Additional charges include possession of a firearm by a felon Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store Catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA by Payton Dhooge I Kaelin Clay I Isley Gooden a group of majestic trumpeter swans has been making a splash at a lake in Heber Springs turning the area into a winter wonderland for bird enthusiasts from across the United States LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — A full road closure is slated for Monday emergency services along with law enforcement agencies will coordinate the closure call the Greers Ferry Project Office at (501) 362-2416 LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — The Heber Springs Panthers met the Central Arkansas Christian Mustangs in Friday Night football The Panthers came out on top with the close win The Outlaw is back on Arkansas radio waves Longtime Little Rock DJ Tommy Smith is stepping out of retirement from the Buzz 103.7 to anchor the afternoon slot on KSUG Smith’s show will run starting at 2 p.m. every weekday afternoon. KSUG announced the hire Thursday via Facebook “I could not be more excited for Tommy to join our team at The Lake This is a great fit and we are ready to crank up the fun in the afternoons with one of the biggest radio legends in Arkansas,” said Ali King Sugg owner and general manager of Red River Radio Smith retired in 2021 after a radio career spanning more than four decades most of them in central Arkansas with KMJX “I am thrilled and excited about joining the Lake,” Smith said “I grew weary and wanted to get away but Ali and The Lake sounded nice and relaxed… too good to be true People ask me if I’m still the ‘Outlaw.’ Tune in and find out.” Copyright © 2025 Arkansas Money and Politics Rain: 7am to 7am: .00  Month: 1.51 Year: 25.00 Recorded temps:  High: 68 Low: 46 Mountain Home was among the area schools competing in the Heber Springs Seventh Grade Relays on Monday Both Seventh Grade Bombers teams came away with third place finishes Ella Morris took second place in the 300-meter hurdles Sonya Kruegar finished second in the high jump Blair Beyen was third in the 1600-meter run and Grace Rosenlof ended up third in the long jump Farrah Coleman and Gassama took third place in the 4×800-meter relay; and Beyen Rosenlof and Gassama finished third in the 4×400-meter relay Calico Rock had two top-three finishes in the girls’ results Rosalynne Cantrell was third in the high jump and Scarlett Stowers ended up third in the discus throw and Bates King was third in the 100-meter dash Zakk Leach and King ended up second in the 4×400-meter relay; and Speer Edens and King took second place in the 4×100-meter relay KARK Army Corps of Engineers is planning a road closure in Heber Springs An announcement from the agency said Highway 25 across the Greers Ferry Dam would be closed from 6 p.m Officials said they have coordinated the closure with emergency services and law enforcement Corp officials said they regret any inconvenience and ask for the public’s cooperation until the work is complete Corps-managed recreation facilities information is at SWL.USACE.Army.mil or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LittleRockUSACE. Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. According to Babycenter, these are the actual most popular baby names so far in 2025. Whether it’s a short vacation or they’re jetting off to begin their career, show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift. National Teacher Appreciation Week begins May 5. If you’re a teacher, take advantage of these freebies and deals! highly curated editorial content brings attention to hidden gems but her passion for writing is the only thing that fuels her soul she writes because it's her freedom...it brings her joy She has 4 years of professional writing experience and when she's not crafting articles for OnlyInYourState she is writing and editing for her online publication on Medium.com Share LinkThe Small Historic Town In Arkansas That Comes Alive During The Winter SeasonHeber Springs making it a charming destination during the colder months it’s guaranteed that Heber Springs Arkansas will be warm and inviting Let’s explore all that this winter town in our state has to offer during the cozier months Welcome to the gorgeous town of Heber Springs Arkansas Red Apple Inn & Country Club/FacebookNestled on the banks of Greers Ferry Lake at the foothills of the Ozarks Originally founded in the mid-19th century as a destination for its healing mineral springs Heber Springs has since become a highly sought-after tourist destination Genette Langston/GoogleThe historic downtown features Spring Park where you can sample water from the "healing" springs as well as a 75-year-old vintage theater where you can get cozy and catch a movie City of Heber Springs, Arkansas/FacebookYou can also warm up with a cup of freshly brewed locally roasted coffee or gourmet espresso from the Jitterbug Coffee House Salvador Ruiz ibarra/GoogleYou’ll fall in love with this adorable coffee shop that serves baked goods And if you believe that ice cream should be enjoyed year-round If you would like something heartier to warm your soul Brothers BBQ-Heber Springs, AR/FacebookYou can’t go wrong with any of the local eateries in the town. It’s a country store located on top of a mountain overlooking Greers Ferry Lake Ozark Country Market/FacebookIf you’re in search of locally made goods you’ll find it at this adorable country store No winter season is complete without a stay at a cozy resort or cabin enjoy a game of golf or venture out on the serene hiking and mountain biking trails For more outdoor fun during the winter season be sure to hike to one of the spectacular waterfalls City of Heber Springs, Arkansas/FacebookIf you’re lucky and there while it’s extremely cold, you’ll witness the ice crystals form around the cascades. During the colder months, Heber Springs is also a paradise for bird watchers. Over 100 majestic Trumpeter Swans descend upon Magness Lake during that time of year. Watch this YouTube video by Riverhideawayhebersprings for a quick drone tour of Heber Springs Arkansas https://youtu.be/zTfVBYYfYZ8?si=FEG81TJdoZDyGmm1 So, did you know that this winter town in Arkansas comes alive in this way? Or have you spent time in Heber Springs during the colder months Share your experience in the comments below Choose your stateAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasNorthern CaliforniaSouthern CaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingSubscribe... Ready to take a long drive to see old growth forests in California's national parks? It's possible to see equally majestic trees at the Jedediah Smith Redwoods, a stunning Northern Californian state park. Thanks for subscribing. We’ll see you in your inbox! Legendary Arkansas radio personality Tommy Smith The Ag Aviation Golf Tournament will return in 2024 Tee time will be via shotgun start at 9 AM on Saturday The event costs $175 per person and includes two rounds of golf and dinner at the Red Apple Inn on Saturday the 19th at 7 PM This year's donation for the event will go to the William Austin Scroggin Agricultural Aviation Scholarship at Delta State University and the Scott Rainey Memorial Scholarship For those interested in a room at the Red Apple Inn please contact Lathan Busby on 870-734-73278 ot Bryant Otto on 501-327-7714 The Ozarks is a broad region in the United States that stretches across parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas a combination that draws in both tourists and retirees alike the Ozarks also offer a peaceful and affordable lifestyle that makes it a great place to spend your golden years From the Victorian-era streets of Eureka Springs to the sweeping mountain views in Branson these cities are some of the best retirement options in the region This list ranks seven of the top retirement towns in the Ozarks Retiring in Eureka Springs feels like stepping into an art gallery inside the forest. Located in the northwestern corner of the Ozark Mountains this Victorian-style town is known for its natural beauty With a median home value of around $485,000 it offers an upscale yet tranquil retirement setting where many residents enjoy a deep sense of ownership whether it is a stroll through the Historic Downtown District lined with quirky shops and colorful galleries or a peaceful hike around Black Bass Lake or Lake Leatherwood City Park Eureka Springs thrives on creative and cultural expression hosting annual events like the May Festival of the Arts and Opera in the Ozarks that keep retirees engaged and inspired a breathtaking wood-and-glass structure in the woods Eureka Springs Hospital is available to meet local healthcare needs Near the heart of the Lake of the Ozarks and surrounded by gentle hills Camdenton is a scenic town where retirees can enjoy the outdoors at their own pace With a median home value of around $379,000 it offers lakeside living without the high cost making it a practical and peaceful choice for those looking to settle down near the water Nature lovers will appreciate nearby Ha Ha Tonka State Park, home to winding trails and dramatic views, while the park’s castle ruins, modeled after 16th-century European architecture The Camdenton Senior Center hosts programs for those aged 60 and over offering everything from social events to wellness services Heber Springs is a peaceful lakeside borough in north-central Arkansas known for its natural beauty and relaxed pace with Sugarloaf Mountain providing a stunning backdrop to daily life The median home value sits around $329,000 making it an affordable option for seniors looking for space Walking and hiking trails such as Bridal Veil Falls and Collins Creek Trail weave through forested areas and offer quiet moments in nature the Ruland Junction Train Museum offers a fun and nostalgic trip through railroad history with running model trains and engaging exhibits Heber Springs also stands out for its safety and neighborly atmosphere The Cleburne County Senior Center provides regular activities and resources Known as the “Folk Music Capital of the World,” it has a laid-back rhythm that appeals to retirees who enjoy music and nature it’s also one of the most affordable retirement spots in the Ozarks The town square often comes alive with local musicians playing folk tunes on porches and street corners turning a quiet afternoon into an impromptu concert The Ozark Folk Center State Park is a highlight preserving the region’s rich cultural traditions through live music the Mountain View Senior Center offers a lively Whether you are tapping your foot to live bluegrass or enjoying the peaceful surroundings Mountain View offers a retirement experience full of heart and heritage Siloam Springs is a picturesque community near the Oklahoma border offering retirees a relaxed lifestyle and affordable living With a sparse suburban atmosphere and a median home value of around $312,000 it’s considered one of the best places to live in Arkansas especially for those looking to stretch their retirement dollars Locals enjoy kayaking at the City of Siloam Springs Kayak Park or exploring local history at the Siloam Springs Museum both framed by scenic views that make every visit photo-worthy The Dogwood Springs Walking Trail is perfect for morning strolls or light exercise while the Siloam Springs Farmers Market is a great area to meet friendly faces and enjoy local produce Access to healthcare is covered by Siloam Springs Regional Hospital and the people are welcoming and supportive Siloam Springs offers comfort and connection in equal measure If you are dreaming of a retirement surrounded by beautiful lakes and mild weather, Mountain Home deserves a spot on your radar. Located between Norfork and Bull Shoals Lakes this municipality offers opportunities for fishing With a median home price of around $274,000 it is a smart and serene choice for retirees Mountain Home also has a vibrant cultural side The Baxter County Library and the Vada Sheid Community Development Center located on the Arkansas State University Mountain Home campus and performances that keep things lively throughout the year with Baxter Regional Medical Center providing comprehensive services and peace of mind Whether you're enjoying a quiet nature trail Mountain Home blends affordability with quality living Branson is a great place to retire and enjoy life with a little extra flair Branson is famous for its live entertainment and mountain views With a median home price of around $261,000 and Missouri’s senior-friendly tax policies retirees can stretch their budgets while still enjoying a vibrant lifestyle Popular attractions like the Titanic Museum complete with a mirror maze and tropical butterfly aviary Its many live music shows offer nightly entertainment and keep the energy high for retirees who enjoy staying active and social with Cox Medical Center offering a wide range of services for older residents and the natural beauty of the Ozarks all around Branson proves that retirement means living more fully than ever These seven towns reflect the diverse beauty and lifestyle options the Ozarks are known for From the peaceful lakeside living in Heber Springs to the musical heartbeat of Branson and the historic charm of Camdenton there is something here for every kind of retiree Whether it is quiet mornings by the water or lively evenings filled with local culture retirement in the Ozarks means enjoying every day with ease photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com Three people died and at least 32 others were injured when tornadoes tore through north central and northeast Arkansas on Friday night All three fatalities were on Claxton Loop south of Cushman Sheriff Shawn Stephens said the fatalities were associated with two houses some distance apart on Claxton Loop a 5 1/2-mile road that connects with Arkansas 69 in two places Stephens said at least 30 houses were destroyed in Independence County Other houses were destroyed in the communities of Sandtown and Coon Creek Crabtree said two people died at the scene on Claxton Loop and the third died after being transported to a hospital Names of the victims weren't released Saturday pending notification of next of kin the National Weather Service said a tornado with 165-mile-per-hour winds hit Cave City which is about 14 miles northeast of Batesville "This is the very top of the EF3 scale," the weather service said in a post on X straddles the line between Independence and Sharp counties Radar also confirmed a tornado at Black Rock in Lawrence County a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in North Little Rock Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency Saturday morning and directed $250,000 from the governor's disaster response and recovery fund be used to assist communities with storm recovery In a post on X at about 2 p.m Sanders wrote that she had just gotten off the phone with President Donald Trump "He said to tell the people of Arkansas he loves them and he and his administration are here to help with whatever we need following last night's tornadoes," wrote Sanders She traveled to Cave City on Saturday afternoon and was scheduled to tour storm damage in Paragould later the Arkansas National Guard announced that Sanders had mobilized 70 guardsmen to help with crowd control and security in Sharp and Jackson counties teams of five guardsmen each were to begin helping local authorities on highways and intersections affected by the storms The 39th Infantry Brigade will send six teams to Cave City and the 87th Troop Command will send two teams to Cave City and five to Jackson County Additionally 10 guardsmen were ordered to active duty to provide "command and control and liaison duties," the guard said in the release About 11,000 Arkansas homes were still without electricity late Saturday afternoon according to poweroutage.us/area/state/arkansas Most of those outages were in northeast Arkansas with Sharp County being the hardest hit with 5,040 outages Saturday morning About 1,200 Sharp County customers had their power restored by Saturday night In a Facebook post at 2:30 a.m Cave City Mayor Jonas Anderson said five people had been injured including three who were taken to a hospital Both Anderson and Stephens said a "dusk-to-dawn" curfew was in effect for the tornado-damaged areas the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management said Saturday morning a hog operation located on the north side of Black Rock a group of people were on hand Saturday after working through the night to help out after the facility was heavily damaged had arrived Saturday morning to take stock of the situation had worked with several friends and neighbors getting the 283 hogs housed in the facility which has a capacity of between 500 and 600 hogs loaded onto trucks and taken to another shelter and we got them all relocated," said Green and he and several neighbors worked through the night getting the hogs freed and loaded onto trucks "We came out right after it stopped raining," said Morgan McCarroll Mondy said a few hogs had to be extricated from the rearmost area of the facility after a wall fell in He said it was the second time the facility had been damaged by a tornado I think it was five or six years ago," he said but it didn't do anything close to this damage." with the roof of one peeled off and laid out between the two buildings Sheets of tin were wrapped around the topmost branches of nearby trees Mondy said he didn't know when the facility might reopen several homes were heavily damaged along Arkansas 117 said he was standing at his front door "when all of a sudden it came a humming sound," at which time he said he and his girlfriend took shelter in the hallway but a carport secured with mobile home tie-downs was uprooted and shifted about a foot damaging Blackburn's Yamaha touring motorcycle "It pulled the (carport) anchors right out of the ground," Blackburn said Several other storage buildings were also damaged and trees were toppled all around the property Black Rock Police Chief Bryan Archer said a woman had to be extricated from her home after it was damaged by storm winds but he said no one was seriously injured in the town "A lot of the damage was right here on 117," Archer said some sheds damaged and a lot of big trees were taken down." Archer said it will likely take several days to get power restored to the affected areas it will probably be three or four days," he said who live in the Silo Ridge subdivision where several homes were heavily damaged were cleaning up around a neighbor's home Saturday afternoon but the middle section of the neighbor's home had been lifted up and set back down and a two-by-four could be seen sticking out through the roof Bucky Beasley said many residents had gone to Hot Springs to watch the Greene County Tech girls' basketball team play storm coverage from KAIT-8 in Jonesboro gave people plenty of warning "We were here watching TV," Bucky Beasley said We turned on Ryan Vaughn and he was saying "That's the reason there's nobody dead here," he said "Everybody who was here was watching him and was ready when it came." he went around to his neighbors' homes to shut off electricity "Around here everybody sticks together," he said "Everybody's coming around offering drinks Laurie Sims sat on the front porch of her home with her niece with most of the roof gone and much of the interior at the mercy of the elements was heavily damaged along the driver's side "We don't know what hit it," Laurie Sims said Laurie Sims said it took eight months to complete the home which she and her husband moved into eight months ago on May 25 -- one day before a tornado hit almost in the very same area "We moved in the day before the tornado hit," she said the tornado missed them by about 200 yards Much of the debris had been cleaned up by Saturday afternoon but more work remained to clear the damage Boards and debris were blasted all over the yard and a large board from a privacy fence stuck out one side of the house Pieces of paper appeared to be stuck into cracks in the brick supports of the rear deck where the structure had shifted and we got to live in it for eight months," Laurie Sims said "I've got friends who are dealing with cancer I feel like God's always going to give us challenges it's an easy one compared to what others are going through You can throw money at something and rebuild it another meteorologist with the weather service in North Little Rock said one team was sent to survey the damage in Cave City and Cushman on Saturday The Weather Service posted a message on X late Saturday with a graphic explaining why the surveys can take several days "Many people have been commenting or in some cases complaining that the NWS has forgotten about their communities and storm surveys," according to the post Goudsward said the severe weather exited the state by late Saturday afternoon Hood said there were six main debris corridors that will be surveyed for tornado damage over the coming days * Northern Cleburne County to Clay County -- from north of Greers Ferry to Cave City to Black Rock to Palatka * Northern Baxter County -- from north of Mountain Home to Gamaliel to Bakersfield * South of Marshall to Fifty-Six and Ash Flat potentially to northern Randolph County near Warm Springs This path was just north of Melbourne and south of Calico Rock then into northwest Craighead County near the Egypt area then continuing northeast to just north of Weiner in Poinsett County * Northwest of Walnut Ridge in Lawrence County and continuing across portions of Clay County to McDougal "Those are the main ones we are focused on as far as likelihood of tornado tracks," said Hood "We know about damage in some other places but those are the ones that are kind of top of our list for getting surveyed in the coming days." Hood said those surveys will determine how many tornadoes touched the ground Friday night He said much of the damage was to trees in rural areas Forest Service reported that Blanchard Springs Caverns and Blanchard Springs Recreation Area were closed because of the storms Information for this article was contributed by Remington Miller of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette People work through the debris of the Cave City Auto Parts store Saturday 2025 after it was destroyed by a tornado Friday night .(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff) Dustin Halcom of the Cord Fire Department helps salvage what’s left of the Walling Drug store Saturday 2025 after it was destroyed by a tornado that ripped through Cave City late Friday night More photos at arkansasonline.com/315cavecity/..(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff) 2025 after it was destroyed by a tornado that ripped through Cave City late Friday night..(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff) Tony Jewett of Cave City sorts through what’s left of his family’s storage unit Saturday People look out at the damage caused by a tornado after it tore through Cave City late Friday night..(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff) helps his family clear debris from the former Cave City Auto Parts store Saturday An ATV drives through a neighborhood that was destroyed by a tornado that ripped through Cave City late Friday night..(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff) 2025 in front of the Fore Family Practice building that was heavily damaged by a tornado in Cave City..(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff) Tornado damage can be seen across Cave City on Saturday 2025..(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff) 2025 after a tornado damaged the Crystal River Tourist Camp and Cave property in Cave City..(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff) helps organize canned foods at the volunteer station set up in the middle school Saturday 2025 after a tornado hit Cave City late Friday night..(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff) People gather in the Sharp County Mobile Command Center set up at Cave City Middle School on Saturday 2025 after a tornado tore through the town late Friday night..(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff) cleans insulation out a fence around the church Saturday 2025 after a tornado ripped through Cave City late Friday night..(Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Staci Vandagriff) 2025 in Cave City following an overnight EF3 tornado Sarah Huckabee Sanders gets a briefing and surveys storm damage Saturday March 15 2025 in Cave City following an overnight EF3 tornado that struck the city Bill Bowden covers a variety of news for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette He has worked at the newspaper for 16 years and previously worked for both the Arkansas Democrat and Arkansas Gazette Dale Ellis covers the federal courthouse beat for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reporting on criminal and civil matters that impact Arkansans working from the Pine Bluff bureau before taking up his current beat in January 2021 Dale started in news in 1998 at the Heber Springs Sun-Times where he was a reporter and columnist He has also worked at the Searcy Daily Citizen as managing editor and at the Wynne Progress as managing editor at the dedication of the Greers Ferry Dam near Heber Springs he stressed the importance of investing for the future Sheila Yount is a features editor for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette An Arkansas native and communications professional with 42 years of experience she edits and writes for the Style sections with a primary focus on the Saturday home and garden section and the Monday style section which includes content on outdoor recreation This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC We use cookies to analyze user behavior in order to constantly improve the website for you. Learn more 2024) - Ozark Foundation's second annual Arkansas Graveler a five-day bike journey across county and forest backroads from Ouachita National Forest in western Arkansas to scenic Greers Ferry Lake in north central Arkansas The event will begin in Mena on June 3 and finish in Heber Springs on June 8 Approximately 400 touring and recreational cyclists from across the country are expected to participate in the ride which will include four stops in host communities along the route "Arkansas Graveler will showcase and celebrate the best of Arkansas – its natural beauty and hospitality – in a most unique and magnificent way," said Scotti Moody Director of Events and Development for Ozark Foundation "While this route will present an incredibly epic challenge for cyclists from around the world we hope they return home having felt that the Arkansas Graveler is so much more than a ride." attracted 265 touring and recreational cyclists from 35 states Approximately 25% of the participants were female which is higher than the average cycling event Ozark Foundation learned lessons from the first event that Moody believes will make the 2025 event even more successful this year's Arkansas Graveler will happen a few weeks earlier so as to attempt to avoid the stifling heat and humidity of Arkansas summers," she said "We are also shortening the event by a day and offering a flex day for rest and relaxation at the midway point." host communities will benefit greatly from the economic impact of cyclists seeking food and unique experiences within each community the Arkansas Graveler giveback program donated bikes to rural communities through the non-profit organization Graveler participants also helped pack more than 15,000 meals for residents in Searcy County Arkansas has approximately 69,000 miles of unpaved roads according to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Gravel is one of cycling's fastest-growing sectors Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks says Arkansas is well-positioned to become a leading destination "We are proud to be a partner in this event because cycling presents an outstanding way to grow the tourism and outdoor economy in some of Arkansas' more rural counties," said Lewis "Each county in our state has a system of gravel roads that can become tourist attractions and offer a one-of-a-kind view of the outdoor beauty and small-town charm that makes Arkansas special." Growing Arkansas' outdoor economy is a priority for Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and she established the Natural State Initiative to help coordinate public and private resources to enhance the outdoor recreation sector Those efforts have resulted in further development of the Trails at Mena project with more than 100 miles of trails on and around Rich Mountain and the near completion of the Delta Heritage Trail in east Arkansas Moody said a common theme from 2024 participants was the friendliness of the people in Arkansas "I've personally ridden through each community on the 2025 Bigfoot Route and can attest to the unmatched hospitality of the people," she said "I'm excited to reveal how amazing our gravel is and to showcase the Arkansas outdoor experience to the world." Registration for the Arkansas Graveler event will begin on January 1, 2025, at https://www.bikereg.com/arkansas-graveler Committed partners with Ozark Foundation for the 2025 event include Arkansas Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Arkansas Graveler To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11040/230900_arkansasgravelerimage.jpg Participants ride through a gravel road in the Ozarks during the inaugural Arkansas Graveler event in 2024 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11040/230900_edac4627344c1ae4_002full.jpg Participants in the 2024 Arkansas Graveler event line up at the starting line on the campus of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville The 2024 event took riders across the northern half of The Natural State from the Ozarks to the Delta To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11040/230900_edac4627344c1ae4_003full.jpg Media Kit For More Information:Scotti MoodyOzark Foundation501-519-7556smoody@ozarkfoundation.org To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/230900 SOURCE: Ozark Foundation Sign Up Company Profile Leisure/Travel/Hotels national media company America's Best Restaurants will be live and on location at the El Vallarta Grill in Heber Springs as part of its roadshow series The latest installment will feature popular dishes and an interview with owner Saul Arechiga about the restaurant's impact on the community The best in Arkansas!" says Paula Rose a customer who nominated El Vallarta Grill to make it on the Roadshow Restaurants receive a placement on the Roadshow based on its customer review The brick-and-mortar restaurant first opened for operation in June 2023 at the Heber Historic Inn A wide selection of Mexican specialties includes quesadillas vegetarian dishes and unique housing specialties and the Malecon Special: a butterflied shrimp in a 'secret marinade' and served with rice The restaurant's finished episode premiere date will be announced on their Facebook page and will also be on America's Best Restaurants' website.