Feature Archives

Dezarae Manson charged in Illinois with falsely reporting a sexual assault to police

Dezarae Manson, the youngest of the three Marion County defendants charged in the March rape of an 18-year-old woman, is facing a felony charge in Illinois for telling police there that she was sexually assaulted about eight years ago, according to McHenry County court records obtained by the Observer. Manson, 20, is charged with disorderly…

ByChris Fulton19 hours ago

Elections Events Feature Government News People

Affordability, healthcare, accountability center of heated race for central Arkansas US House seat

Running for a seventh term, Republican U.S. Rep. French Hill is focusing on what he’s done for his central Arkansas district in the past 12 years. But his Democratic opponent, Chris Jones, is emphasizing what Hill hasn’t done and what Jones would do for the district if he wins in November. One thing Jones would…

ByTess Vrbin, Arkansas Advocate2 days ago

Business Events Feature News

NATCO marks 75 years with Oct. 22 celebration in Flippin

Northern Arkansas Telephone Co. started in 1951 with a hand-operated switchboard, a Willys Jeep panel truck and 42 customers sharing party lines. Seventy-five years later, the Flippin company known as NATCO is inviting the public to see how far it has come. NATCO will hold its 75th anniversary celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.…

ByChris Fulton3 days ago

Business Crime Events Feature Government News Outdoors

Bank OZK pays back $2.66 million as courts end eight-year fight over NABORS landfill fee

Bank OZK has turned over $2,660,982.87 in disputed landfill fees, and property owners across six north Arkansas counties are getting $12.10 back for every $18 they paid. The money left the bank this summer under agreed court orders in Baxter, Searcy and Newton counties. The orders followed three Arkansas Court of Appeals rulings on May…

ByChris Fulton4 days ago

Business Events Feature Health News

45th annual Health Fair and Expo brings free screenings to Mountain Home on Oct. 7

Twin Lakes area residents can get free health screenings, lab test vouchers and time with local providers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, when the Health Fair and Expo returns for its 45th year. Baxter Health and KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot present the fair, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the gymnasium…

ByChris Fulton4 days ago

Elections Events Feature Government News People

Frame resigns from Mountain Home City Council for job in another city

Mountain Home City Council member Philip Frame has resigned his Ward 3, Position 1 seat after less than two years in office, and the council plans to name his replacement at its Oct. 15 meeting. Frame's resignation took effect Sept. 30. In a letter to Mayor Hillrey Adams filed with the city clerk's office that…

ByChris Fulton5 days ago

Crime Feature Government News

Arkansas lawmakers told helping inmates return to society will ease prison overcrowding

Arkansas lawmakers and criminal justice reform advocates agreed Wednesday that improving the systems that help inmates return to society after incarceration will alleviate the state’s prison overcrowding problem. State correctional facilities have 15,362 beds and 16,804 inmates as of Sept. 1, and county jails are often tasked with holding inmates waiting for state prison beds. …

ByTess Vrbin, Arkansas AdvocateOctober 2, 2026

Events Faith Feature News People

Reach Center to cut ribbon Oct. 15 after nearly two years of construction delays

The Reach Center will hold a ribbon cutting at noon Thursday, Oct. 15, at 2335 E. Arkansas Ave., marking the reopening of the only homeless shelter in Baxter County that takes in children and full families. The ceremony will be followed by an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. for anyone who wants to…

ByChris FultonOctober 1, 2026

Events Feature Media News People

Sherlock Holmes takes the case of Scrooge’s death in Playhouse season closer

Sherlock Holmes has lost his nemesis, his purpose and his nerve. Then a grown-up Tiny Tim walks through the door and asks him to find out who killed Ebenezer Scrooge. That is the setup for "A Sherlock Carol," the final show of Twin Lakes Playhouse's 2026 season. It opens Nov. 6 and runs through Nov.…

ByChris FultonSeptember 30, 2026

Business Events Feature Government News

City property tax stays at 2 mills as council takes up annexation, fee questions Thursday

Mountain Home property owners will pay the city the same 2 mills next year that they have paid for years, if the City Council approves a routine levy resolution at its meeting Thursday. The council meets at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 720 Hickory St. Along with the levy, members will consider a…

ByChris FultonSeptember 29, 2026