"Stars
the
Saturday,
Kids and adults enjoyed the large water slide down the hill and the dunking booth. Other activities included pony rides, petting zoo, mechanical bull, bungee jump, and other activities. Lots of food, craft, and other vendors were
on
A large crowd turned out for the Tyler Kinch concert and the great fireworks over the river. (Pictures
I-40 ramp closures scheduled this week
Temporary overnight ramp closures along Interstate 40 are expected to occur intermittently from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly on the following dates:
Tuesday night, July 8
Wednesday night, July 9
Thursday night, July 10
Weather permitting, crews will close the offramps listed below in two-hour intervals to test wrong-way detection systems.
Wrong-way detection systems include vehicle sensors, closed-circuit television cameras, illuminators, hardware controllers, warning devices, and communications equipment that notify motorists if they are traveling in the wrong direction. If the sensors detect a motorist traveling in the wrong direction, LED lights will flash to notify the motorist of their mistake. In addition to this, there is an alarm
that will be sent to the Arkansas Department of Transportation Traffic Management Center so crews can report and track the motorist.
Only one ramp will be closed at a time, with plans to complete three to four ramps per night. Emergency responders will be allowed to access the ramps at all times. All others will be required to use an alternate exit.
Interstate 40:
Eastbound, Exit 148
Westbound, Exit 148 Westbound, Exit 193
Eastbound, Exit 199
(White River Rest Area)
Westbound, Exit 199
(White River Rest Area)
Eastbound, Exit 202 Westbound, Exit 202
Traffic will be controlled by Highway Police with the use of barrels, message boards, and signage. Additional travel information can be found at IDriveArkansas.com or ARDOT.gov.
Two weeks left to apply for storm assistance
If you’re a homeowner, renter or student and had damage from the March 14th and 15th storms and tornadoes, you have until July 14th to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA can help with basic home repair costs,
FD helps with Lonoke festival...
Captain Taylor Thrift and Caleb Swears participated in the
on the Prairie Festival Parade on Friday, June 27th. The
Department drove two fire apparatus vehicles in the parade in addition to 7 other emergency response organizations from Lonoke County. The Carlisle Fire Department also remained on standby with the Lonoke Fire Department for the fireworks celebration that evening.
temporary housing, the repair or replacement your damaged vehicle and more.
To apply, go to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-6213362. That’s 800-621FEMA.
Patricia G. Eldridge
Patricia G. Eldridge, age 58, of Des Arc, Arkansas, passed from this life on July 2, 2025, at her home. Patricia was born on May 1, 1967, in Lake Village, Arkansas, to her mother Eva Warren and her late father, L.C. Treadwell.
Patricia, known lovingly as Tricia, dedicated her life to nurturing children, both her own and those of her community. For over 20 years, she owned and operated Tricia's Day Care, providing a loving environment for countless children. Her days were filled with joy, laughter, and the pitter-patter of little feet, which was music to her ears.
In addition to her professional commitment to children, Tricia was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She married her husband, Gary Eldridge, Sr., on August 13, 1983, in Des Arc. Their love story is one for the ages, marked by Gary's weekly 2 1/2 hour drive every Friday after a full day of work on the farm, just to spend a few precious hours with Tricia. Their bond was unbreakable, and their love story was a testament to their commitment and dedication to each other.
Tricia loved anything that involved her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed ball games,
shopping, camping, and riding the side by side. She found peace in working in her flower beds, with a particular fondness for yellow roses, which reflected her warm personality. She was a member of Lakeside Missionary Baptist Church of Des Arc.
Tricia was preceded in death by her father and her two stepbrothers, Glen Clark and Steve Clark. She is survived by her husband, Gary Eldridge, Sr., son Gary Eldridge, Jr. (Freida) of Des Arc, daughter Priscilla Coffey (Mike) of Searcy, mother Eva Warren, and sister Chassity Clark (Lyndal) and step brother Dale Warren (Lynn). She leaves behind five grandchildren, Chance, Cami, Cole, Zoey, and Kendal, and four bonus grandchildren, Caden, Luke, Tyler, and Ethan, with one great-grandchild on the way.
Tricia's life was a beacon of love, compassion, and selflessness. She touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to inspire and guide those who knew her.
Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has provided support, love, and comfort during this difficult time. Trisha will be deeply missed, but her spirit, love, and warmth will forever remain in our hearts.
Pamela Jean (Griffith)
Patton
beyond words. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Miles Patton; daughters, Tracy Burnett Blaylock (Derek) and Marsha Burnett (Sabrina); grandsons, Greer and Henry Blaylock and sisters, Rita Mitchell (Scott), Lorie McFarlin, Sandy DeVore and Betty Jo Huffstickler. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends.
Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Thelma (Babb) Griffith and her grandparents.
La Doska
Jane Donahue
Scribner
McClenny
La Doska Jane Donahue Scribner
Bond area then sent to IPB#1 as Electrical Supervisor.
In 1984 she was sent to lead a crew on the Boeing flight line to work electrical modifications on Piedmont Airline planes and was awarded Supervisor of the Year. Janie broke the "glass ceiling" in management as one of the first women to become a Second Level Supervisor for The Boeing Company. She developed a reputation through her leadership skills of meeting and exceeding quality standards of work while completing the job by or prior to deadlines.
No services or memorials will be conducted. Donations in her memory may be sent directly to the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 North Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219. Her remains will be interred at the family plot located at Hazen Cemetery, Arkansas. To view Legancy of life video, go to wwwcozine.com/obituary/La Doska-McClenny
Wayne Lloyd Snider
and his heart is once again whole.
Wayne is the father of Jerry Snider and Brenda Snider, who already miss him dearly. His love for his children was never shaken or wavered no matter of any wrong turn taken. He was stern but also tender and loving when we stumbled. (Dad- we love you and thank you for loving us unconditionally.)
The family of Pamela Jean (Griffith) Patton is saddened to announce her passing on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at St Vincent’s Hospital in Little Rock at the age of 67. Pam was a lifelong resident of the Crossroads Community near Des Arc and a beloved member of the Prairie County community.
Born October 4, 1957, Pam was a member of the 1976 Class of Des Arc High School. She spent many years as a trusted medical assistant at Schumann’s Clinic in Des Arc, where her gentle touch and skillful care earned her the admiration of countless patients of whom praised her famously “easy shots.” Following Dr. Schumann's retirement, Pam continued her dedication to public service by working for the City of Des Arc and later for Prairie County Judges Butch Calhoun and Mike Skarda until her own retirement in 2008.
Pam was a longtime supporter and active member of the Prairie County Fair Board Association and could often be found helping behind the scenes to make the fair a special event for all.
On March 6, 1982, she married Miles Patton, and they made their home in the Crossroads community.
Pam found joy in life’s small wonders - especially in hunting for four leaf clovers, a favorite pastime she turned into a sweet tradition. Her humor, kindness and devotion to her family will be missed
McClenny died on July 3, 2025 at the age of 94. She was proceeded in death by her first husband Herbert L. Scribner (married 1948-1966), second husband Donald McClenny (married 1983-2002), her parents Lynn Donahue and Miller Donahue of Des Arc, Arkansas, her older sister Imogene Griffin Sisna, niece Alicia Jane Wyss, and older brother John (Buddy) Donahue. She is survived by her brother Gary Lynn Donahue of Bebe, Arkansas and twin daughters Denise Scribner of Wichita, KS and Deann Scribner Fleming of San Antonio, TX.
Growing up in rural Arkansas was full of challenges as money and jobs were scarce. The Donahue family did anything to get by from sharecropping, moving to Louisiana for Janie's father to work at a saw mill, then traveling to Mississippi for work at the shipyards before returning to Des Arc.
The family harvested fish from the White River for the town's market and river oysters to make buttons at the local button factory. They also took in laundry, worked in the local cafe and her father traveled to work at the California shipyards, sending money back home to the family.
Janie would walk along the railroad track from the family's sharecropping farm a mile outside of town to attend school. Much later the family moved into town and life became a little easier. Money was always tight and her brother John sent $50 home from his CCC job to pay for Janie's school books. She completed high school in a three year accelerated program to graduate high school at the age of 16.
After her marriage to Herbert in 1948, they traveled to Ohio and Illinois looking for work.
Janie and Herb came to Kansas in 1950 with Herb working as a mechanical engineer at The Boeing Company.
Janie began her career with Boeing in 1951. She gave birth to twin daughters Deann and Denise in 1954, returning immediately after maternity leave to work in electrical/electronics.
After 24 years with Boeing she was promoted to First Line Supervisor in the Metal
Janie led crews as Second Level Manager working on the Air Force One planes, the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) for NASA that ultimately went to the moon, Bell Helicopters, and electrical wiring for Saudi Arabian airplanes to name a few. She worked for The Boeing Company until retirement in 1992 after 41 years of service. With her second husband Donald, they celebrated retirement by traveling the world. In 2000 they purchased the 1912 National Register of Historic Places home locally as the Bethel House to settle down in Des Arc. However after Donald's death in 2022, Janie sold the historic home and returned to Wichita, KS becoming active with the Retiree Clubs.
Janie enjoyed doing yard work, traveling to see her twin daughters and going on trips with them to see several National Parks, Walt Disney World and cruises on the Disney Cruise Line. During the last three years of her life she dealt with several health issues beating melanoma cancer twice and congestive heart failure prior to entering hospice care in 2025.
Wayne Lloyd Snider, 83, of Hazen, Arkansas, peacefully took the Lord’s hand on July 2nd, 2025 as he walked through the pearly gates into Heaven’s jubilee. Wayne was born April 8, 1942, to the late Lloyd and Alta Snider. He was the second born of their 5 children.
Wayne accepted the Lord in his late thirties and not long after that he surrendered to preach. He spent many years spreading God’s word, His fire for the Lord led him to witness to anyone who would listen and sometimes even to some who didn’t want to listen. Wayne just wanted everyone to accept the Lord as their Savior so they could spend eternity with him in that big mansion in the sky, as he often called it. Many souls, even the ones who didn’t want to listen but did, are forever grateful for Bro. Wayne’s witness and dedication.
Wayne married his beautiful bride, Dora Snider, July 22, 1967; not only was she his love, but his comfort, support, and best friend. When she passed away in 2014, he lost a piece of his heart; he has now been reunited with her
Before becoming a preacher, Wayne drove a diesel delivery truck for Prairie Farmers Association (Hazen). He then spent many years as a full time pastor at Morris Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and later at Hickory Plains Missionary Baptist Church. His last employment was at Lennox Industries (Stuttgart) from which he retired.
Wayne is survived by his son, Jerry (Becky) Snider; Daughter, Brenda Snider; Grandsons, Jeremy and Cody Snider; Sister, Marie (Gary) McGaughey; Brother, Danny Snider and many nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd E. Snider and Alta M. Snider; Wife, Dora Dean Snider; Brother, Troy Snider and Sister, Linda Sue Weaver. Funeral services for Wayne were held on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in Hazen, beginning with a visitation at 1:00PM until 2:00PM, a funeral service follow ed beginning at 2:00PM. Interment was held in the Carlisle Cemetery in Carlisle, Arkansas Wayne touched many lives while here on this earth and was loved by many. I know without a doubt he had the same love for you. It only seems fitting to end this in his words: “See ya”…
By Mark Buffalo Sports Editor
Carlisle Bison receiver
Kaidon Clingmon was selected as all-star for 2025 after the stellar season.
“It’s a huge honor to be selected as an all-star football player,” Clingmon said. “It proved that all the hard work and dedication paid off, and it is a blessing to be recognized with some of the best
talent in the state.”
Clingmon, a basketball and track star, did not start playing football until his junior year at Carlisle High School.
“Even though I only played for two years of high school football, it meant the world to be a part of that team and make unforgettable memories with my teammates.”
Clingmon was all-state in football, basketball and track during the
2024-25 school year.
Clingmon will continue his football career at the University of Arkansas at Monticello this coming school year.
“Being a Bison is the biggest honor,” he said.
“The Bison culture runs deep and will continue to because of the amazing coaches and support throughout the community. Being able to wear the Bison jersey will always be an honor.”
This week, the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, and Legislative Affairs met jointly with the Senate Children and Youth Committee to review important reports focused on child safety and well-being in Arkansas. These committees are charged with addressing issues related to children, youth, adoption, custody, and the challenges facing our aging population. Regular updates and data help lawmakers shape policies that better serve Arkansas families.
One of the featured reports came from the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas (CACar). CACar operates 32 centers statewide, supporting 64 multidisciplinary teams
that respond to child abuse cases. In 2024, CACar provided advocacy and crisis services to over 11,000 children and families, completed more than 6,800 forensic interviews, and conducted nearly 1,000 specialized medical evaluations. The organization also reached over 59,000 people through community education and prevention programs aimed at keeping children safe. The committee also reviewed findings from the state’s Infant and Child Death Review (ICDR) Program at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The panel examined 172 child deaths from 2022 involving unnatural or unexpected causes. Leading causes included drownings, firearm incidents, overdoses, and
unsafe sleep environments. Many of these deaths were determined to be preventable, and the panel recommended stronger public education efforts around safe sleep, seatbelt use, and firearm safety. Finally, the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division (CACD) shared its latest data. From January through March of this year, the child abuse hotline received 16,480 calls, with 9,042 accepted for investigation. Of those cases, 1,593 were handled by CACD and 7,449 by the Department of Human Services.
These reports highlight the continued need for collaboration, prevention, and early intervention to protect children across Arkansas.
