Arkansas
Area Arkansas Troopers Awarded for Excellence – Ozark Radio News
BENTON, Ark. — Arkansas State Police Troopers were honored at the 2024 Officer of the Year Awards luncheon held yesterday at the Benton Events Center. The event, now in its 22nd year, celebrates outstanding law enforcement professionals from across the state.
ASP Corporal Marcus Simpson was named Northeast Regional Officer of the Year, and Trooper First Class Austin Duncan was honored as the Central Regional Officer of the Year.
The ceremony, hosted by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, also recognized 31 Troopers from 29 counties with county-level Law Enforcement Officer of the Year awards. This annual event highlights the dedication and exceptional service of Arkansas’ law enforcement officers in safeguarding their communities.
Troopers who received County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year:
Bradley County
Trooper First Class TreVaughn Moore
Chicot County
Trooper David Menotti Jr.
Clay County
Trooper Christian Underwood
Columbia County
Trooper Justin Cherry
Craighead County
Special Agent Heath Gurley
Crittenden County
Trooper Dairren Evans
Trooper Dylan Evans
Corporal Billy Martin
Cross County
Trooper First Class Kristopher McCrea
Dallas County
Trooper Jimmy Plyler Jr.
Franklin County
Trooper Dalton Lewis
Fulton County
Sergeant Justin Nowlin
Garland County
Trooper Justin Parker
Hempstead County
Trooper First Class Trevor Dew
Jackson County | NORTHEAST REGION WINNER
Corporal Marcus Simpson
Jefferson County
Trooper James Harrell
Lee County
Special Agent James Collins
Little River County
Trooper First Class Ian Nelson
Logan County
Corporal Jed Bolyard
Lonoke County
Trooper Ana Escamilla
Monroe County
Trooper Gavin Taylor
Phillips County
Trooper Dairren Evans
Prairie County
Trooper Rand Lace
Pulaski County
Special Agent Travis May
St. Francis County
Trooper Blake Irvin
Saline County | CENTRAL REGION WINNER
Trooper First Class Austin Duncan
Scott County
Trooper Justin Shackleford
Sebastian County
Trooper Tucker Phelps
Stone County
Special Agent Drew Widner
Van Buren County
Special Agent Kevin Brown
Washington County
Special Agent Heath Gurley
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — A bee swarm attack in Texas sent three people, including a firefighter, to the hospital this week, while Arkansas medical experts said most bee stings are not dangerous but can become life-threatening in certain cases.
Authorities in San Antonio said the three victims were hospitalized after being swarmed and stung by aggressive bees. Officials have not released details on what triggered the attack or the species involved.
Doctors in Arkansas said the biggest risk from a bee sting is not the sting itself, but a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
“The concern when you have a bee sting is if you develop a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis,” said Dr. Garrett Lewis, chief medical officer at St. Vincent Infirmary.
Lewis said warning signs include throat swelling, difficulty breathing and feeling faint, which require immediate medical attention.
“If you’re experiencing any throat swelling or severe shortness of breath, you need to seek medical care immediately,” Lewis said.
He added that people who are stung multiple times may also be at risk even without a known allergy, because each sting introduces additional venom into the body.
In the event of a swarm, Lewis said the priority should be escaping the area as quickly as possible and removing any stingers once safe.
“Seek water, seek indoor,” Lewis said. “Once you’re away from the swarm, you want to make sure that you are removing any stingers that might still be in your skin.”
Lewis also said symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and widespread hives can indicate a serious reaction.
While the Texas incident resulted in hospitalizations, a recent swarm outside a Little Rock business ended without injuries after bees briefly gathered on a tree limb before being safely removed by a beekeeper.
Lewis said the best prevention is awareness of surroundings and understanding when medical care is needed after a sting.
CORNING, Ark. (KATV) — Regulatory Enforcement Agents with the Department of Finance and Administration, along with local police, seized a significant amount of illegal THC products from Pacific Green in Corning on Tuesday.
According to the DFA, more than a dozen agents joined the City of Corning Police in the day-long operation that resulted in two arrests.
DFA agents seized more than 25 pounds of illegal products consisting of flower, vapes, and edibles.
Owner Ben Bennett and employee Sharia Shipman were arrested and both charged with the following:
- Delivery of a Schedule VI controlled substance (Class D Felony)
- Possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with the purpose to deliver (Class B Felony)
- Controlled substances – Offenses relating to records, maintaining premises (Class C Felony)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class D Felony)
- Unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate certain crimes (Class C Felony)
Bennett’s bond was set at $150,000, while Shipman’s bond was set at $100,000.
“In addition to selling illegal products, investigators confirmed violations involving underage access at this location,” said David Potter, Director of the Regulatory Enforcement Division. “This retailer, which was located within 1,000 feet of a school, presented significant public health and safety concerns. We are proud to partner with the Corning Police Department in addressing these violations. We seized a substantial quantity of illegal products, including flower, vapes, edibles, and other items, during the operation. We appreciate the cooperation of local law enforcement and information received from the community that led to yesterday’s operation and stopped this blatant disregard of the law.”
Note: All suspects accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.
The Department of Finance and Administration said Arkansans can use Apple Wallet to present their license or ID in person, online and in apps at select organizations, including at more than 250 Transportation Security
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