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Cruz’n the Square raises nearly $50,000, sets record

A record-setting live auction helped the 20th annual Cruz’n the Square car show and fundraiser raise nearly $50,000 to help local families with medical expenses.

Watkins convicted of drug trafficking, sentenced to 15 years

A Madison County jury convicted Sharina Rae Watkins, 46, of Berryville of trafficking a controlled substance on Tuesday, Sept. 29, and sentenced her to 15 years in prison.

County EMS to host second annual first responder appreciation dinner

Madison County Emergency Medical Services will host its second annual appreciation dinner for first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, dispatchers and EMS personnel, on Oct. 10.

Community workshop addresses stigma surrounding recovery

About 30 Madison County residents participated in a community conversation workshop focused on reducing the stigma associated with seeking help and supporting people in recovery.

Arvest Foundation gives $9,500 for fire department gas detectors

The Arvest Foundation presented a $9,500 grant Thursday, Oct. 1, to help purchase carbon monoxide monitors and combustible gas detectors for rural volunteer fire departments serving Madison County.

Officials: FEMA funding cuts stall updated floodplain map

Reduced federal funding has stalled work on an updated floodplain map for Huntsville, city officials told the Huntsville Planning Commission during its ad hoc meeting Wednesday, Sept. 30.
Sports
MADISON COUNTY SPORTS NEWS

Eagles lose early lead, fall to Tigers 41-20

Huntsville scored on three of its first four possessions and led 20-14 in the second quarter but couldn’t sustain the momentum, losing 41-20 to Prairie Grove in 4A-1 Conference football action Friday at Eagle Stadium.
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The Huntsville boys cross country team finished second and the girls placed seventh at the Huntsville Invitational on Sept. 29. Elkins, Kingston and St. Paul also competed.
Elkins routed Berryville 61-7 on Friday to improve to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the 4A-1 Conference behind senior quarterback Austin Born.
Huntsville split its volleyball matches last week, sweeping Pea Ridge in 4A-1 Conference play on Sept. 29 at home on Pink Out Day before losing a nonconference match at Siloam Springs on Thursday, Oct. 1.
Local Obituaries
Obituaries
Betty Frances Collins
Betty Frances Collins, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed from this life on Sept. 28, 2026, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Ark., after a lengthy illness. 
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Billy Shane Thomas
Billy Shane Thomas, 56, of Huntsville; passed away Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, in Eureka Springs. 
LaVern James Heisler
LaVern James Heisler, 90, of Hindsville; went home to be with the Lord, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at Meadowview Healthcare and Rehab, Huntsville. 
William “Bill” Lee Litterell
William “Bill” Lee Litterell, 81, of Huntsville; died Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, at Countryside Assisted Living, in Huntsville. 
Baylen James Cotton
Baylen James Cotton, 3 months and 23 days old, of Wesley; gained his angel wings Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Tex. 
Opinion
Opinion

County fairs offer a snapshot of Americana

County fairs offer a snapshot of Americana, showcasing the hard work and skills of the people in their communities.
Opinion

October is Breast Cancer Month

For many Arkansas families, breast cancer is more than a statistic.

Legislative Audit a key State function

The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee has been a fixture of Arkansas government since 1953, when the General Assembly created it to strengthen financial oversight across state and local agencies.

Every Child deserves a place to call home

Every child deserves to grow up surrounded by people who care for them, support them and help them build a brighter future. Across Arkansas, countless individuals and families are stepping up to do just that. 
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