LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — The South Conway County School District has announced the passing of a Morrilton High School student According to Morrilton Devil Dog Hoops "MBB mourns the loss of one of our own to grace/bless us with CJ’S infectious smile and grit that exemplifies who we want kids to be Forever in our hearts," the team's X account said "Our hearts go out to the student's family and all those affected by this tragic loss," the district said the district and Morrilton High School are offering support to students and staff Counseling services will be available on campus for anyone in need The district encourages students to reach out to a trusted teacher or administrator if they require assistance The community is asked to keep the student's family in their thoughts and prayers The Arkansas Department of Public Safety has released new details on a car crash that claimed the lives of a mother and her two children in Franklin County Authorities have identified the mother as 44-year-old Conway native Tyeasha Deshun Green were both identified by their school districts Clemons was a student and basketball player at Morrilton High School Green was a second grader at Southwest Christian Academy authorities say that the family's vehicle was traveling west on Interstate 40 near the 31 mile marker when it exited the roadway and entered the west median then crashed into a creek bed on the south side of the roadway The cause of the crash has yet to be revealed but a late surge in the third continued in the final frame as the Comets won their third state championship since 2020 with a 56-51 triumph over Morrilton (25-9) Friday afternoon at Bank OZK Arena Mills senior guard Zaylin Rowland was named the 4A state tournament's Most Valuable Player and finished the afternoon with 10 points while Anthony Hester nearly compiled a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds Morrilton junior Isaiah Templeton had 19 points and seven rebounds for the Devil Dogs while Ty Wright added 12 and Zay Hill had 10 but had the momentum heading into the fourth then outscored the Devil Dogs 20-14 that frame Mills finished the day shooting 43% of the field to Morrilton's 34% and outscored the Devil Dogs 34-20 in the paint Only the 1A game features two boys teams with more combined state final appearances than Mills and Morrilton Mills is in the final round for the 10th time and Morrilton is right behind the Comets with their ninth Mills coach Raymond Cooper led the Comets to championship wins in 2017 and 2021 and the Comets split with Magnolia during the 2020 COVID-outbreak season Cooper has finished runner-up three times at Mills Morrilton's Keith Zackery led the Devil Dogs to the title game in 2021 save for the one blemish at the hands of Class 5A finalist Benton back in November Some of the victories include 6A finalist Bryant Little Rock Central and Conway as well as 5A's Catholic and Sylvan Hills Additional triumphs include ones over 3A finalist Melbourne a couple of weeks ago in the 4A-3 Regional Tournament Championship game The Comets have hardly been challenged since that victory as they won their three state tournament contests by no fewer than 18 points Part of the reason for Mills' consistency is the amount of experience it brought back starting with senior leader Anthony Hester (14 ppg 1.8 apg) are additional double-digit scorers who provide plenty in other areas It took Morrilton (25-8) some time to get going but the Devil Dogs benefited from plenty of lessons learned while playing against a host of higher-classification teams during the nonconference slate Around mid-January is when everything started to click and a win streak began tragedy struck the team when junior CJ Clemons was killed in a car accident in early February the Devil Dogs have won 16 of their past 17 contests the lone loss to Mills in the aforementioned 4A-3 Regional Championship game as have classmates Jamarcus Sandidge (10ppg Templeton has received an offer from the University of Central Arkansas and Sandidge and Wright also have received college interest (Updates will appear here after the game starts.) Mills wins its fifth state championship in school history Walls and Templeton led all scorers with 19 points Darian Toneygay commits the intentional foul on Hester Hester hits one of two crucial free throws to give Mills a two possession advantage but Walls was right under the basket to clean it up then Mills Coach Raymond Cooper calls time Hester connects on a three from the right wing then Templeton returns the favor and Morrilton calls time Hill is back at the line and hits both free throws Zay Hill is fouled on the fast break layup attempt it was deemed intentional and Hill hits both free throws to cut the Mills lead to three Mills made some defensive adjustments and it is giving Morrilton issues as the Comets have increased the lead to two possessions Hester gets the lead back for Mills on a three-pointer from the right wing Morrilton calls time on its next possession and will inbound the ball from their side when we return but Mills has the momentum heading into the final frame following consecutive layups by Walls The Comet faithful are feeling it and Bank OZK is shaking Back-to-back steals and fast break buckets by Mills cut the Morrilton lead to three a technical foul on Rowland puts Templeton at the line and he hits both Quick break in the action after a scary fall by Anthony Hester on an attempted dunk Morrilton strings together a 4-0 run powered by two free throws via Zaylin Rowland Jamarcus Sandidge scores to get Morrilton the double-digit advantage back then Walls responds with a fast break layup Mills' Marshall Walls attempts a three from the top of the key at the horn The Comets are shooting just 29% from the field and are 0 of 8 from three The Devil Dogs are connecting on 42% of their shots from the field Vance Cunningham rejects a Templeton shot in the paint with authority Both of Templeton's free throw attempts are successful Mills is on a 4-0 run following a layup from Anthony Hester Ty Wright gives Morrilton an even bigger cushion with a three from the right wing then Wright gets fouled on the ensuing possession Both free throws are good and it is a 10-point Devil Dog advantage The Devil Dogs hold the advantage after one but Maziyah Curry's successful jumper at the horn halts Morrilton's run The Devil Dogs are shooting 50% from the field Vance Cunningham cuts the Devil Dog lead to a possession and we've reached the first media timeout The Devil Dogs jump on the Comets and have a quick fove-point lead Isaiah Templeton has five of the seven points To get live updates on your phone — as well as follow your favorite teams and top games — you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App | Download Android App KYLE SUTHERLAND, SBLIVE SPORTSKyle Sutherland is a prep sports journalist and broadcaster his work has been featured in outlets including the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Hooten's Arkansas Football and The Natural State Sports Network He is also the color commentator for 103.7 The Buzz's high school football Game of the Week © 2025 ABG-SI LLC - SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only Betting and gambling content is intended for individuals 21+ and is based on individual commentators' opinions and not that of Sports Illustrated or its affiliates All picks and predictions are suggestions only and not a guarantee of success or profit If you or someone you know has a gambling problem crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER KARK – People in Morrilton lifted each other during a balloon release as they mourned the loss of a family killed in a car accident last weekend The Morrilton High School football field was filled with family and friends as they smiled hugged and cried while remembering the lives of Tyeasha Deshun Green and her two children Arkansas State Police said the family was killed in a car crash on Saturday ASP officials said the family’s car was found Monday Clemons was a varsity basketball player at Morrilton High School and Nel’ Taiyah Green was a second-grader at Southwest Christian Academy and a cheerleader Many loved ones have shared their memories including Clemons’ football coach and Green’s cheer coach ASP officials said the weather was clear and road conditions were dry at the time of the crash The cause of the crash has not been released Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" 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 take advantage of these freebies and deals (KATV) — Many in the Central Arkansas community are mourning the loss of three members that lost their lives in a car accident early Saturday morning in Franklin County Reggie Swinton said the news was heartbreaking "Just angry because this was a great family.” Coach Swinton has known Corey "CJ" Clemons and his family since CJ was nine years old "CJ had a bright future," said Swinton "He was awesome at basketball and football All of the trips that he rode with me on and flew with me on We took a lot of trips together and played a lot of games OFFICIALS RELEASE DETAILS ON CRASH THAT KILLED MOTHER & TWO CHILDREN IN FRANKLIN COUNTY Clemson, his sister Nel'Taiyah Green and their mother Tyeasha Green were gone they were traveling on I-40 when their car hit a bridge Nel’ Taiyan was a second grader at Southwest Christian Academy and Tyeasha was described as a mother who would do anything for her kids "She was such a disciplinary mother but a loving mother and the little girl was sweet and quiet," said Swinton That personality impacting his team at Morrilton High School where CJ wore number three on the basketball court "They are devastated this year," said Coach Keith Zackery His personality was so pleasing and so respectful so it is a big hurt.” the team decided to play their game Tuesday night for CJ they took home a win against Pulaski Academy with a score of 57-55 "That is the same type of basketball game that it was last night," said Zackery "It just exemplified who he was to come out on top.” Swinton said he believes CJ was watching over his teammates “I would like to think that was Cj just coming back and letting everybody know that I am okay.” Zackery said the community has come out to show love for them in their time of need He said the amount of Morrilton fans made it look like they were home – High school basketball teams are leaving it all on the court this week for the state playoffs But for Morrilton High School it’s about more than just fighting for a championship it’s also about honoring one of their teammates who passed away last month Family and friends say Corey “CJ” Clemons died in a car accident along with his mother Tyeasha Green and sister Nel’Taiyah Green According to a report from ASP in February Green was driving on Interstate 40 in Franklin County when she later hit a bridge wall Corey played basketball at Morrilton as number three and since his death his coach Keith Zackery says his team has been aiming to carry on his legacy we try to honor him in our work and in our approach,” Zackery said Zackery said there’s no reason their team should feel defeated after losing to Mills High 56 to 51 during the 4A State Championship because they played their hearts out “Down the stretch they made some bigger plays than we did but I thought my kids were resilient throughout it,” Zackery said During an interview one of the players said “CJ’s energy was unmatched so I felt his presence.” Zackery and the supporters say no matter the outcome honoring CJ which team would win “He had never made it to state before so they did that and they accomplished everything he couldn’t,” Mechele Zackery said Phil McCarther was in the crowd for Morrilton “CJ was was really one of the ones that kept the team together.” During the team’s warm up they wore CJ’s number and nickname on the back of their shirts Michelle Redmon’s son plays on the team with CJ she says they were like brothers “Zay has a whole memorial on his wall to honor CJ with all the pictures,” Redmon said I feel like he is somewhere smiling at us right now,” Zackery said.  – Morrilton High School is mourning the loss of a student-athlete who was killed in a car crash According to South Conway County School District Superintendent Shawn Halbrook Clemons was a junior at Morrilton High School and played varsity basketball with the Devil Dogs A post on social media remembers Clemons for his infectious smile and grit adding that he exemplified who kids wanted to be Halbrook said the district is committed to supporting the students and staff as they process the loss Halbrooks also said counseling services will be available on campus with students encouraged to reach out to trusted teachers Rain: 7am to 7am: .00  Month: 1.51 Year: 25.00 Recorded temps:  High: 71 Low: 47 Photo courtesy of Arkansas Activities Association Morrilton led for most of the Class 4A boys’ state championship game Friday at Bank OZK Arena but once Mills took the advantage in the final period The Comets got past the Devil Dogs by a final of 56-51 Zaylin Rowland was named the most valuable player of the game as he scored 10 points for Mills The Comets were led by Marshall Walls with 19 points Isaiah Templeton finished with 19 points for Morrilton GREEN BAY — Green Bay Packaging Inc. on Wednesday announced a multi-year investment to modernize its 59-year-old pulp and containerboard mill about 40 miles northwest of Little Rock The company in a media release said the "substantial investment" will enhance infrastructure at the Kraft mill in Morrilton, Arkansas, on the banks of the Arkansas River and improve the sustainability of Green Bay Packaging's operations in the state "To uphold our commitment to innovation and excellence we recognize the importance of investing in future technology," said Matt Szymanski "These investments only happen because of our hard-working and loyal workforce and a supportive community in Morrilton The company declined to provide details on how much it will spend on the expansion Arkansas is the latest in a series of expansions and upgrades the company has undertaken since 2018 when it announced plans to build a new paper mill in Green Bay at a cost in excess of $500 million Here's what we know about the expansion plans and Green Bay Packaging's recent investments in the Green Bay area and beyond The modernization effort will upgrade the mill's existing recovery boiler and biomass boiler infrastructure Green Bay Packaging also plans to install an electric turbine generator which will substantially reduce the mill's greenhouse gas emissions More: Green Bay Packaging has grown, but remains true to its Wisconsin roots 90 years later The modernization and expansion efforts also will see the company acquire another 300 acres of land near the paper mill The company also owns more than 250,000 acres of forest land in Arkansas plans to purchase another 300 acres of land near the mill to accommodate future expansions Will this investment create new jobs at the Arkansas mill?The Arkansas mill currently employs 412 people Green Bay Packaging declined to say whether the investments would create any new jobs But the company said the investment "reflects the company's ongoing dedication and commitment to our workforce and Arkansas," said Bryan Hollenbach Green Bay Packaging's executive vice president "By updating the facility and investing in new technologies GBP aims to foster innovation while ensuring a sustainable operation for years," Hollenbach said in the media release "We will be working closely with the state of Arkansas to make this happen." announced the company would build a multimillion dollar pulp and paper mill near Morrilton according to that day's Green Bay Press-Gazette George Kress said the site was chosen for its proximity to two national forests to supply southern pine access to Interstate 40 and strong local labor supply The company didn't disclose the cost at the time but Kraft paper mills built at the time have cost up to $20 million Kress said the mill would not take work away from Green Bay operations our operation (in Green Bay) will be strengthened and the southern mill will more than likely stimulate its further growth," Kress said in the Press-Gazette Investments at the Arkansas paper mill continues the company's recent wave of large-scale investments to modernize its operations at several of its 40 facilities spread across 16 states Contact business reporter Jeff Bollier at (920) 431-8387 or jbollier@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JeffBollier Copyright © 2025, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — The Farmington Cardinals beat the Morrilton Devil Dogs 78-75. READ MOREVilonia wins close one against Morrilton VILONIA (KATV) — The Vilonia Eagles overcame a 20-13 deficit to defeat the Morrilton Devil Dogs in Eagle Territory – A video of a 15-year-old boy being saved at Lewisburg Mobile Home Park surfaced after he almost drowned As the water continued to rise, the owner of a mobile home tried to comfort the teen telling him he was going to survive this Larry Miller is a pastor in the Morrilton area he says it was the most traumatic rescue the town has seen “For them to be able to keep him calm I can’t imagine what he was experiencing,” Miller said.  Miller says it started when two friends approached the flooded area One stepped into the suction from a submerged drainage pipe “The pressure from the water flowing had–had him literally trapped,” Miller said He says first responders and the fire department all worked closely together pumping water out and cutting holes into the pipe to release the pressure from the teen’s leg “You can only imagine what would’ve happened if they hadn’t been able to do that,” Miller said.   and that things could’ve easily taken a turn but with the community working together as fast as they did the boy now has a story he’ll remember for a lifetime The family of the teen says that he is ok and was taken to the Conway Regional Hospital The Morrilton Devil Dogs traveled to Valley View as they took on the Blazers in 5A Football Playoff Football VALLEY VIEW (KATV) — The Morrilton Devil Dogs traveled to Valley View as they took on the Blazers in 5A Football Playoff Football as the Blazers needed a little extra time to ensure they took home the 49-42 victory who is wanted in connection to multiple homicides is known to have purchased camping gear and all indications are he is still in the Morrilton area Arkansas State Police urges the public to exercise caution as Drake is believed to be armed and dangerous Anyone who sees Drake should not approach him and should call 911 immediately ASP and other local law enforcement agencies have been working to apprehend Drake since last night Drake is wanted in connection with homicides and carjackings in Oklahoma and is wanted on other felony warrants from multiple jurisdictions Drake is a white male with brown hair and eyes Drake’s last known address was in Birmingham Additional information will be released as it becomes available Arkansas State Police and other local law enforcement agencies are working to apprehend a Birmingham was last seen on foot outside a motel in Morrilton and is believed to be armed and dangerous Drake is wanted in connection with three homicides in Oklahoma Drake is separately wanted on multiple felony warrants from multiple jurisdictions Severe Weather: Donate to the Arkansas Disaster Relief Program – The chief deputy of the Perry County Sheriff’s Office has resigned and could be facing charges following a weekend arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated Officials with the Morrilton Police Department confirmed to KARK 4 News that 54-year-old Edwin Johnson was arrested during a traffic stop Friday around 11:45 p.m A report detailing the stop states that officers saw the truck being driven by Johnson crossing the fog line then crossing the center line before jerking back to cross the fog line again The officer reported pulling the truck over and noted that there was an opened beer can in one cupholder in the front seat on the driver’s side as well as a second unopened can in the cupholder near the passenger side The officer said when he asked Johnson about the open can Johnson said he was using it to spit in it When questioned by the officer if he had been drinking The officer then had Johnson take a field sobriety test The report noted that Johnson declined to take a breathalyzer test Chief Sonny Stover with the Morrilton Police Department said Johnson is the chief deputy with the Perry County Sheriff’s Office The chief deputy of Perry County Sheriff’s Office Edwin Johnson was arrested for DWI this weekend according to Morrilton Police. Chief Sonny Stover confirmed this and that Sheriff Ricky Don Jones was in the car with him. We are working to obtain a police report and confirm that… pic.twitter.com/oemE8yMkoo Stover also confirmed that Perry County Sheriff Ricky Don Jones was also in the vehicle with Johnson at the time of the traffic stop there are no records filed in the Arkansas court system regarding formal charges filed against Johnson Officials with the Conway County Detention Center also confirmed that there were no records of Edwin Johnson being booked into the jail over the weekend A staff member at the Perry County Sheriff’s Office told KARK 4 News that Johnson resigned from his position with the agency Monday Shortly after the original publishing of this story the Perry County Sheriff’s Office sent out a release regarding Johnson’s arrest and confirming his resignation On 10/11/24 Perry County Chief Deputy Edwin Johnson while off duty and in his personal vehicle was stopped by the Morrilton Police Department The traffic stop ended with Chief Deputy Johnson being arrested for suspicion of DWI.Chief Deputy Johnson has resigned from his position with the Perry County Sheriff’s Office Nowhere in the statement was there any mention of Jones being in the vehicle with Johnson at the time of the arrest Your request has been blocked by our security system due to potential security concerns Please contact us for assistance HOT SPRINGS -- A scary moment took a turn for the better for Mills on Friday afternoon Anthony Hester rebounded from a horrible-looking fall in the third quarter to lead a pivotal rally in the fourth to power the Comets to a 56-51 victory over Morrilton in the Class 4A.. Erick Taylor is the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's high school sports coordinator and lead reporter for Division II He has been involved in sports journalism for 25 years This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC El material de Associated Press es Copyright © 2025 derechos reservados Associated Press y no puede ser publicado audio y/o video de Associated Press no será publicado reescrito para su transmisión o publicación ni redistribuido directa o indirectamente en ningún medio Ni estos materiales de AP ni ninguna parte de los mismos pueden almacenarse en una computadora errores u omisiones de los mismos o de la transmisión o entrega de la totalidad o parte de los mismos o de cualquier daño que surja de cualquiera de los anteriores