News

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Arkansas topped 6,000 by Tuesday after Gov. Asa Hutchinson said the state was experiencing a “second peak” of infections, while Carroll County’s case count has tripled in a week’s time to 15.

The Eureka Springs Council spent much of its May 25 meeting discussing how to adjust the city budget to reflect the reduced sales tax caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Only minor injuries were sustained in a single-vehicle accident Monday morning on U.S. Highway 62 near Banks Ranch, the Inspiration Point Fire Department reported. The driver of the vehicle hydroplaned, overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle, causing it to roll over. ...

May 18 10:08 a.m. — A subject was arrested for public intoxication and open container. 10:22 a.m. — Animal control responded to a call about a loose dog. 10:30 a.m. — An officer responded to a private property accident report. 5:02 p.m. — An officer went to pick up an intoxicated person...

The Eureka Springs Parks and Recreation Commission is slowly re-opening its facilities. According to parks director Justin Huss, the commission began Phase 1 of the re-opening process on May 22.

With the help of the First United Methodist Church of Eureka Springs, Carroll County residents haven’t had to worry about where their next meal is coming from during the pandemic.

The Carroll County Health Unit in Berryville is offering COVID-19 testing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Testing is encouraged for all individuals who believe they have had contact with or been exposed to a positive case as well as anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough or shortness of breath. Tests will also be offered to anyone with or without symptoms who lives in or has traveled to an area experiencing active transmission...

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge will reopen to the public on June 1, after a 10-week closure in the midst of COVID-19. Because felines can contract the virus, TCWR is taking extra precautions as the doors open to the public. Masks will be required for everything on the premises age 3 and up. ...

Eureka Springs Hospital is currently sending all its COVID-19 test to a reference lab. A story in the May 21 edition inaccurately reported the testing process.

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly presented challenges for local nonprofits, but food banks in Eureka Springs are determined to keep feeding the hungry.

Public libraries in Carroll County have increased service hours and access as part of a phased reopening starting Tuesday, May 26.

The Physicians Clinic of Berryville, operated by North Arkansas Regional Medical Center, and Eureka Family Medical Center in Eureka Springs are among 113 clinics that will share in more than $2.4 million being awarded by Arkansas Blue Cross for their creative efforts to improve clinical effectiveness as part of the Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+) program, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced...

They came by foot, by car and by golf cart in a parade to celebrate the 101st birthday of Holiday Island resident Orvey Eklund on Tuesday, May 19. Eklund’s neighbors and friends at Holiday Island Presbyterian Church honored the WWII hero by singing to him and dropping off cards, cake, candy and toilet paper. Gov. Asa Hutchinson called to wish Eklund a happy birthday. Eklund called the birthday “one of the greatest days of my life.”...

The Eureka Springs Community Center is starting the reopening process by offering new outdoor classes and fitness center access by appointment. Beginning the week of June 1, class activity resumes with three socially distant outdoor fitness classes designed to keep you fit, happy and healthy as safely as possible while still allowing the opportunity to learn and grow with others...

The Eureka Springs Cemetery Commission is working on a few maintenance projects at the cemetery.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office will add a new deputy’s position while shrinking its command staff.

Vicki Shutters is this week’s Citizen of the Week. She was nominated by Scott Moore, community engagement coordinator with Good Shepherd Humane Society. Moore said Shutters has helped to refurbish the dog kennels at the shelter. “Not only has Vicki led the effort, she has accomplished most of the work herself!” Moore said. “She has painted, repaired and sealed concrete and helped keep us all in good spirits. Thanks, Vicki!”...

Teddy Joe is a sweet adorable kitty with beautiful eyes and a personality to match! He would love to have someone to snuggle with. He is a lovable tabby and a little over a year old. He is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. He would be the purr-fect addition to a loving home. He is available at Good Shepherd Humane Society on Highway 62 west of Eureka Springs. The shelter is open from noon to 5 p.m. every day but Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information, call 479-253-9188...

The mother of an Arkansas prison parolee who was arrested last week in Carroll County after reportedly testing positive for COVID-19 says her son was not tested before being released from prison.

May 11 11:20 a.m. - Officers took a report on a theft. 11:20 a.m. - An officer responded to a report of suspicious circumstances, but could not locate anything. 2:57 p.m. - Officers responded to referenced suspicious people, but everything was fine...

No one was injured in a fire at the former Forest Hill Restaurant on Wednesday, May 13.

By Samantha Jones Citizen.Editor.Eureka@gmail.com Eureka Springs Hospital can start receiving funds from Medicare now. On Monday night, Alliance Management Group representative Darrell Parke told the Eureka Springs Hospital Commission that the hospital’s Medicare transfer is complete. ...

The Eureka Springs Carnegie Public Library at 194 Spring St. is now lending Cognitive Care Kits. The kits are bags containing specially curated games, books, puzzles and other activities meant to help stimulate conversation, critical thinking and promote happiness among people experiencing memory loss, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers...

Harts and its employees are this week’s Citizens of the Week. They were nominated by Beverly Kepford, who thanked everyone for wearing masks to help protect shoppers. “They care about this community and immediately started wearing masks for our protection,” Kepford said. “I have been to stores where no employe is wearing a mask and I don’t feel respected or cared about.”...

Cinnamon is this week’s Pet of the Week. She came to Good Shepherd Humane Society with her siblings because the previous owner just felt they had too many dogs. She is a beautiful puppy approximately 5 months old. She will most likely be a medium-sized dog and appears to be mixed with shepherd. ...

Arkansas’ death toll from COVID-19 has reached triple digits.

The Great Passion Play will reopen to the public for Memorial Day weekend.

Navy veteran and Holiday Island resident Orvey Eklund turns 101 years old on Tuesday, May 19. In those 101 years, Orvey earned three major campaign ribbons and eight invasion stars for his service in the Pacific Theater. He was promoted seven times during his time in the Navy, eventually achieving the rating of Chief Petty Officer Yeoman...

Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Tuesday, May 5, that recreational travel from other states to Arkansas can resume with some exceptions, and the Eureka Springs tourism industry is preparing for incoming travelers.

May 4 3:41 p.m. — An officer went to assist a citizen. 4:23 p.m. — Officers talked to someone about a suspicious person. 7:38 p.m. — Officers responded to a report of threats and put the area on patrol. 11:05 p.m. — Officers responded to referenced suspicious circumstances but all was OK...

The city of Eureka Springs has received $44,188 from the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas. The foundation recently awarded seven additional grants in its Rapid-Response COVID-19 Relief program, which now has funded $1.7 million in grants to organizations in Arkansas working to prevent the spread of coronavirus or helping communities deal with its effects. ...

Eureka Springs High School seniors were honored for their academic achievements at a virtual scholarship ceremony on Friday, May 8. Counselor Rachal Hyatt announced that the seniors collectively earned $919,912 in scholarship money.

The Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission had three separate contracts with former executive director Lacey Ekberg, although only one agreement has ever been discussed in open session by the commission.

The Eureka Springs City Council voted Monday night to refinance its Series 2012 Bond.

The Clear Spring School received three grants in last fall to support classes offered by local professionals in their fields. The grant from the Arkansas Arts Council funded local artist Dawn Ward, whose project to create “Discovery Books” with Clear Spring students included teaching the students a variety of art techniques and processes that could be used to make books...

The Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission met for the first of several planned weekly budget workshops on Wednesday, May 6, where the commissioners got a taste of the budget cuts to come.

This is Dixie and she is the Pet of the Week. She’s very sweet and friendly. She loves to run and play and is great with kids and other animals. She would love to have a yard to frolic in! She is black and white with a splash of sassiness and a whole lot of love! She has been spayed, vaccinated and microchipped and is ready to go play in her forever home. For more information, call Good Shepherd Humane Society at 479-253-9188...

Morgan Crawford is this week’s Citizen of the Week. She was nominated by Pamela and Chris, who thanked Crawford for her hard work at Mercy Hospital as an RN in the neurology department. “She is in the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic and is staying safe and strong,” Chris said. ...

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Tuesday that the state’s total of confirmed cases of COVID-19 had increased by 121 from the previous day, to 4,164.

The Eureka Springs School Board agreed to start receiving bids on phase two of the elementary building remodel and renovations to the soccer and track complex at its meeting Monday, May 11.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Tuesday that recreational travel from other states to Arkansas can resume, with some exceptions.

April 27 11:18 a.m. – An officer responded to a complaint about a hotel guest that wouldn’t check out, but the subject was gone when the officer got there. 3:29 p.m. – An officer responded to a theft for a report. 10:50 p.m. – An officer responded to an alarm, but all was secure...

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the apparent theft of a Green Forest police rifle from an off-duty officer’s personal vehicle last summer.

The Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission planned to have five special meetings regarding employee and contract positions on Monday night.

The Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission violated the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act at its April 22 meeting, an attorney for the state press association says.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Tuesday that recreational travel from other states to Arkansas can resume, but Eureka Springs playgrounds and campgrounds will stay closed for a while longer.

Eureka Springs won’t have a permanent entertainment district unless voters approve it later this year.

The Eureka Springs High School Class of 2020 hasn’t had a traditional senior year, but the school is still intent on recognizing graduating students. Two of those students are valedictorian Ethan Weems and salutatorian Grant Arnold.

It’s tough for a nonprofit to raise money during a pandemic, so Good Shepherd Humane Society and Eureka Springs School of the Arts had to get creative.

The 1886 Crescent Hotel will start welcoming vacationing Arkansans on Friday, May 15, following the guidelines set by Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. The hotel temporarily suspended operations in April, giving the property time to spruce up for this unique reopening...