LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Arkansas leaders are set to take the stage at the State Capitol Wednesday afternoon for an announcement already drawing statewide attention.

At 1 p.m., Sarah Huckabee Sanders will appear alongside Erika Kirk, the chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA, at the Arkansas State Capitol.

While officials with the governor’s office have not yet released details about the announcement, the joint appearance is expected to draw significant attention from political leaders and supporters across the state.

The moment also brings renewed focus to the legacy of Erika Kirk’s late husband, Charlie Kirk, a nationally recognized conservative activist who built one of the country’s largest student political organizations aimed at mobilizing young voters on college campuses.

In 2025, Kirk was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University. Authorities say the gunfire erupted during a gathering connected to student political programming, sending attendees scrambling for safety.

Kirk was rushed from the scene but later died from his injuries, sparking shock and an outpouring of reaction from political leaders, students, and supporters across the country.

In the weeks that followed, memorials and tributes appeared nationwide. In Arkansas, supporters and lawmakers honored Kirk’s life and work with a memorial exhibit displayed inside the Arkansas State Capitol, recognizing the influence he had on conservative youth activism and campus politics.

Following his death, Erika Kirk stepped into a leadership role at Turning Point USA, pledging to continue the organization’s mission and expand its outreach to students across the nation.

On Wednesday, Kirk will again be at the Arkansas State Capitol, this time standing beside Governor Sanders for a joint announcement, as leaders gather and the state waits to learn what the two will unveil.

FAYETTEVILLE — The ninth-ranked Arkansas baseball offense was tamed Sunday by Stetson junior right-hander Trace Hartman. 

Hartman allowed a run in the first inning but held down the Razorbacks for the rest of his 6 2/3-inning start, and the Hatters won 4-1 at Baum-Walker Stadium. Arkansas (12-4) had a five-game winning streak snapped. 

The Razorbacks had chances against Hartman. They put the leadoff batter on base against him in the first, second, third, fifth and seventh innings, but they could not come through with the big hit. Arkansas finished the game 1 for 16 with runners on base and 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position. 

“Hartman just kept finding a way,” Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn said. “He’d get behind in the count and he’d come back — 3-2, 3-1 and he’d get you out. He just pitched. Give credit to him. He did a good job.” 

Stetson (6-10) snapped its three-game losing streak and gave itself a chance to split the series with a win in Monday’s series finale. First pitch is scheduled for noon. 

Hartman, a former NCAA Division II standout at University of Charleston (W. Va.) who entered the game with a 1.29 ERA and 0.71 WHIP, scattered 5 hits and 4 walks, and struck out 3 during his 101-pitch outing. 

“I was getting the fastball across the plate,” Hartman said, “really just challenging the hitters and making them get themselves out.” 

MORE FROM WHOLEHOGSPORTS: Notes, observations from 4-1 loss to Stetson

Stetson homered twice against Arkansas starting pitcher Colin Fisher in the fourth inning to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 lead. Left fielder Foster Apple led off the inning with a home run to left field to tie the game 1-1. 

After a throwing error by Arkansas shortstop Carson Brumbaugh and a 1-out double by Stetson shortstop Landon Russell, right fielder Jayden Hylton hit a 3-run homer to left to give the Hatters the lead for good. 

It was the third home run of the season for the 6-foot-5, 225-pound Hylton, who Stetson coach Steve Trimper said before the series was likely the team’s best pro prospect. 

“When Jayden gets hot he can be really good,” Trimper said. “He’s had kind of a roller coaster start to this [season]. He’s one of our better players and he just hung a breaking ball to him on that. 

“Foster, he just hit a good pitch. That was a ball that the pitcher was doing a great job and he just got his hands inside the ball and was able to turn on it enough to where the wind — the only place the wind was out today, I think, was kind of down that left-field line.” 

Three of the runs were earned against Fisher, who had not allowed an earned run in 22 innings prior to the fourth. It was the second-longest stretch without an earned run during Van Horn’s 24-year tenure. Barrett Astin threw 22 2/3 innings without an earned run to begin the 2012 season during the dead-bat era. 

Van Horn said Fisher was not as sharp as his recent outings. He gave up leadoff singles to Juan De La Cruz in the first inning and Paul Napolitano in the third, but he worked out of the jams. 

Fisher struck out Yohann Dessureault with three consecutive curveballs in the first inning, and Renzo Gonzalez hit into an inning-ending double play in the third. 

“You could kind of tell early that he was either going to have to get better [and] he was going to have to recover,” Van Horn said. “We were hoping after maybe the second inning he would like make a jump and start pitching better, but it really just kind of stayed the same.” 

Fisher allowed 4 runs (3 earned) and 6 hits and struck out 4 during his 4-inning, 69-pitch start. 

The Razorbacks plated a run quickly against Hartman in the first inning when Damian Ruiz led off with a double and scored on Camden Kozeal’s 1-out double. 

But there was little pressure on Hartman from that time until he left the game with runners on the corners in the seventh. Right-hander Andrew Lepine replaced Hartman and got Ruiz to ground into a force play at second base to end the seventh. 

    Arkansas second baseman Camden Kozeal (8) flips to shortstop Carson Brumbaugh to start a double play during a game against Stetson on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Fayetteville. (Hank Layton/WholeHogSports)
  

Kozeal said the Razorbacks should have been more aggressive offensively. 

“Maybe guys [were] taking it off a little bit 1 through 9,” Kozeal said. “We’ve got to have an aggressive lineup 1 through 9, trying to hit the ball hard.” 

Lepine worked around a leadoff walk by Ryder Helfrick in the eighth and a 2-out walk by Carter Rutenbar in the ninth. His 2 1/3 innings of scoreless work Sunday followed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Razorbacks on Friday. 

Trimper called Lepine “a really tricky guy” and a true submariner. 

“We got our little sinker baller, sidearmer to come in and get ground balls,” Trimper said. 

Stetson out-hit Arkansas 7-5. De La Cruz and Russell both had 2 hits for the Hatters, and Ruiz and Maika Niu both had 2 hits for the Razorbacks. 

Cole Gibler did not allow a hit and worked around 2 walks and Brumbaugh’s second throwing error in 3 scoreless innings. Ethan McElvain pitched scoreless eighth and ninth innings.

Box Score

Stetson 4, Arkansas 1.pdf

Highlights

The Ozark Mountains, with their beautiful forested hills and winding rivers, create a charming setting for some of the region’s most darling small towns. Eureka Springs’ artsy, colorful downtown and historic Basin Park Hotel give it a whimsical atmosphere that feels unlike anywhere else in the Ozarks. Hermann, set along the Missouri River Valley, is home to historic wineries like Hermannhof Winery, which highlights the town’s long German winemaking heritage. And Mountain View, with its live folk music and traditional crafts at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, is another star destination.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs, a charming gem in the Ozarks, warmly welcomes visitors with its whimsical charm. This vibrant Arkansas town is a hub of artistic expression and community spirit, nestled among breathtaking mountains. It’s easy to see why—packed with outdoor adventures and beautiful viewpoints along Lake Leatherwood City Park, this city offers a ‘eureka!’ moment at every turn! The historic Basin Park Hotel, loved since 1905, features a delightful mix of shops and galleries that showcase local artists. Plus, the stunning Thorncrown Chapel is a true masterpiece of architecture, reflecting Eureka Springs’ innovative spirit. With its perfect blend of natural beauty and creative energy, Eureka Springs invites everyone to discover its wonderful surprises and inspiring atmosphere.

Hermann, Missouri

Located in the beautiful rolling hills of the Missouri River Valley, Hermann, Missouri, is a charming spot surrounded by lush vineyards and breathtaking views that have welcomed visitors for centuries. This historic village, with its deep German roots, is lovingly nicknamed the “Napa Valley of the Midwest” thanks to its famous wineries and wine-making tradition dating all the way back to the 1800s. One lovely example among over 100 wineries is Hermannhof Winery, which has been honing its craft since 1852, offering welcoming tastings and guided tours that share the region’s rich winemaking story. The Deutschheim State Historic Site, home to two beautifully restored houses that showcase 19th-century life’s simplicity, offers even more glimpses into Hermann’s German heritage. Life in Hermann moves at a gentle pace, and the welcoming, old-world spirit of hospitality makes this quaint town a truly special place — a charming destination that continues to delight visitors to this small Ozark community.

Mountain View, Arkansas

In Mountain View, the luxurious Ozark landscape surrounds a town that embraces its heritage warmly. The nearby Blanchard Springs Caverns, a captivating natural wonder, invite explorers to discover its expansive underground chambers, which feature towering stalactites and stalagmites, delicate flowstones, and sparkling streams that shimmer in gentle light. As visitors wander through the caverns’ winding passages, they may encounter hidden pools, ancient formations, and even rare underground plants. Skilled artisans and folk musicians can be found crafting traditional goods and performing heritage music amidst the peaceful beauty of the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Tourists can also gain deeper insights into Mountain View’s history at the Stone County Courthouse, built in 1922, which serves as a center for community events and local government. Visitors to Mountain View will experience the pure beauty of the Ozarks within the spirit of a tight-knit community.

Branson, Missouri

Where the Ozark Mountains meet the sky, a shimmering hidden gem named Branson, Missouri stands out as a treasured destination for those seeking an authentic American experience. Branson is home to several landmarks, quite literally the biggest being Table Rock Lake, a massive reservoir hailed as a beloved spot for aquatic adventures, its shining waters inviting all to revel in its loveliness. At Table Rock Lake, vacationers can enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing. Another popular family attraction in Branson is Silver Dollar City, a renowned theme park where large numbers of travelers are whisked away on a journey through Ozark-themed attractions, plenty of live entertainment, and artisanal demonstrations. For a glimpse into the past, The Titanic Museum stands as a poignant tribute, with its half-scale replica of the iconic ship offering an immersive encounter equal parts educational and captivating. A charming community full of activity amidst the breathtaking scenery and miles of trails and waterways, Branson is the perfect base camp for an unforgettable adventure.

Camden, Arkansas

With the Ouachita Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop for outdoor enjoyment, Camden, Arkansas, and its surrounding area contains a lush ecosystem surrounded by a fascinating past evidenced by the many well-preserved homes and museums the town has on display. The White Oak Lake State Park, which includes many areas along the Ouachita Mountains, remains a haven for nature enthusiasts, inviting exploration of its diverse landscapes with plenty of opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and hiking. Stepping into the historic McCollum-Chidester House, visitors enjoy the grandeur of an antiquated era, gaining insight into the lives of a prominent 19th-century family. A reminder of the South’s complex past, Fort Southerland Park displays interpretive exhibits and guided tours that bring the Civil War era to life. As a result, Camden offers an enriching adventure, a distinctive pristine ambiance shaped by the town’s welcoming nature and the enduring legacy of its storied past.

Hardy, Arkansas

The Spring River flows through the town of Hardy, Arkansas, nourishing its creative spirit and infusing its surroundings with a sense of both serene reverence and excitement for adventure. This 57-mile-long river flows through the states of Arkansas and Missouri, with the South Fork of the Spring River making its way through the area. As the river winds its way through the green landscape, it invites those to discover its allure, from canoeing and kayaking to trout fishing and beyond. Hardy’s artistic heart beats strong on Main Street, where local crafts, antiques, and gifts reflect the city’s artistic community throughout its variety of boutique shops. Nearby, the Old Hardy Town Jail, dating back to the early 1900s, serves as a small but significant piece of its past, its weathered walls echoing stories long past. Adventurers can also explore the Hardy History Museum, browse the shelves at the quaint Library Park Bookstore, or take in a show at the historic Ritz Theater. A true treasure of the Ozarks, Hardy combines artistic flair, thriving beauty, and historic significance all waiting to be discovered.

Russellville, Arkansas

The majestic Lake Dardanelle reservoir reigns supreme in Russellville, Arkansas, its waters teeming with glittering fish. Russellville’s blue skies are likewise speckled with birds, and the town offers endless exploration opportunities for nature lovers and travelers seeking a relaxing retreat. With the Arkansas River winding its way gently through the landscape, it sets the stage for a charming district that seamlessly blends lasting legacy with reverence for the elegant nature that abounds in this beloved region. Downtown Russellville pulsates with warm energy, its local shops, mouthwatering restaurants, and historic Missouri-Pacific Railroad Depot—now a thriving community center—showcasing the town’s renowned hospitality. The Old Post Road Recreation Area stands as a poignant reminder of the area’s significant past, its roots in the Trail of Tears route inviting contemplation, reflection, and respect for the lives lost during this tragic event. In Russellville, visitors discover a home away from home, where a welcoming spirit is always abundant.

The Ozarks leave a lasting impression, with their warmth and heritage lingering long after you leave. Eureka Springs, famous for its historic Basin Park Hotel, and Hermann, known for its centuries-old winemaking traditions, showcase this region’s respect for its natural and historical legacy while embracing the future. Like a skilled storyteller, each place weaves a story that strikes a chord—filled with scenic beauty, cultural richness, and entrepreneurial spirit. The region’s timeless charm is enhanced by the unique character of each small town—a mix of history and modern life that makes these destinations both familiar and pleasantly surprising.