Arkansas*
Rural roads’ 55 mph limit to be studied
posted: 02/09/2012 5:04 a.m. Discuss
The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department will look at whether speed limits should be modified on rural four- and fivelane undivided highways, with an eye toward raising the speed limit beyond the 55 mph they are set at now.
Way found to rehire 15 forestry workers
posted: 02/09/2012 5:03 a.m. Discuss
State officials say they have found a way to provide money to the Forestry Commission to put 15 firefighters on the job and stay within the state’s projected budget, likely resolving one potential bone of contention in the fiscal session that starts Monday.
La Nina has state basking this winter
posted: 02/09/2012 5:03 a.m. Discuss
Daffodils are beginning to bloom, and winged pests have already been buzzing in the state thanks to an unseasonably warm winter.
Assistant PB chief: Spat led to leave
posted: 02/09/2012 5:03 a.m. Discuss
Assistant Police Chief Ivan Whitfield said in a letter circulated to Pine Bluff leaders this week that he believes he was put on administrative leave because of a spat with Police Chief Brenda Davis-Jones involving her “boyfriend.” The letter said the discussion with Davis-Jones happened after Whitfield was told by Deputy Chief Kevin Sargeant that someone was arrested with one of Whitfield’s service weapons.
Law offers exit from FEMA tab
posted: 02/09/2012 5:02 a.m. Discuss
Thousands of people being dunned by a federal agency for money improperly paid out for disaster relief will get a chance to have their debts forgiven under a new federal law.
Evidence too light in bombing case, judges told at UA
posted: 02/09/2012 5:02 a.m. Discuss
Attorneys for a former Russellville doctor convicted in a 2009 bombing that partially blinded the chairman of the Arkansas State Medical Board argued Wednesday that a jury relied on insufficient evidence in finding him guilty.
LR street, drain work to start in March
posted: 02/09/2012 5 a.m. Discuss
Little Rock will start on drainage and street repaving projects for 2012 as soon as funds from the recently increased city sales tax start hitting the city’s coffers in March.
Powerball
posted: 02/09/2012 4:56 a.m. Discuss
The winning numbers drawn Wednesday night in Powerball: 17-28-38-39-51 Powerball: 33 Estimated jackpot: $250 million.
Museum scores $250,000 donor
posted: 02/09/2012 4:55 a.m. Discuss
The Oaklawn Foundation donated $250,000 to the Mid-America Science Museum on Tuesday, pushing the museum over the halfway point of the $1.6 million match it needs to receive a $7.8 million capital grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.
Aunt declared insane in attempt to drown 3-year-old
posted: 02/09/2012 4:53 a.m. Discuss
A 23-year-old Little Rock woman who tried to drown her 3-year-old niece has been declared insane, acquitted of wrongdoing and committed to the State Hospital, where she will be held indefinitely. Pulaski County Circuit Judge Herb Wright on Monday ordered the commitment for Vianca Condrea Hudson after state doctors diagnosed her as psychotic at the time of the episode, deputy prosecutor Scott Duncan said.
Deputy’s shopping trip nets an arrest
posted: 02/09/2012 4:53 a.m. Discuss
Pulaski County sheriff’s Deputy Adam Baker went into a store to buy some “baby stuff” Tuesday night and ended up making a robbery arrest.
State’s top youth volunteers named for ’12
posted: 02/09/2012 4:51 a.m. Discuss
Alexandria Hunter of Arkadelphia and Joseph McCollum of McGehee were named Arkansas’ top two youth volunteers for 2012 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, which honors students for volunteerism.
Homeowner held, accused of threats
posted: 02/09/2012 4:51 a.m. Discuss
A Pulaski County man faces felony charges after sheriff ’s deputies said he threatened Tuesday to shoot contractors repairing a sewer line on his property.
Teen faces adult trial in assault
posted: 02/09/2012 4:49 a.m. Discuss
An 18-year-old Little Rock man accused at age 17 of trying to run over a police officer with a stolen car must stand trial as an adult, a Pulaski County circuit judge ruled Tuesday, because the teen is too old to be prosecuted under laws that allow underage defendants who can’t be rehabilitated to face adult penalties.
Leaky court basement putting records in peril
posted: 02/09/2012 4:48 a.m. Discuss
Rainwater leaking into the basement of the Garland County Courts Building is endangering court records, District Court Administrator Jason Lawrence said Monday.
