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School report cards show mostly gains

Three Huntsville schools and Kingston Elementary School improved their state letter grades this year, while St. Paul High School’s grade declined, according to school report cards released by the Arkansas Department of Education.

County begins work on 2027 budget

Madison County revenue is coming in below expectations, County Clerk Austin Boatright told the county budget committee Sept. 21 as it began reviewing requests for the 2027 budget.

Infrastructure committee reviews focus group feedback

The Huntsville Infrastructure Committee reviewed proposed goals for the city’s Comprehensive Plan during its Sept. 22 meeting. The goals were drawn from focus group feedback and cover five areas: character, community health, economic development, infrastructure and transportation.

ARDOT expects Highway 23 bridge work to resume soon

The Arkansas Department of Transportation expects work to resume soon on a bridge project on State Highway 23 near Withrow Springs, where construction has been stalled for more than a year.

Cruz’n the Square marks 20 years of helping local families

What began as a fundraiser organized by Jason and Mary Yates in 2006 has grown into a Huntsville tradition. This Saturday, Cruz’n the Square will mark its 20th anniversary.

Planning Commission reviews ARDOT sign permit

The Huntsville Planning Commission reviewed an April 2025 sign permit application from the Arkansas Department of Transportation at an ad hoc meeting Sept. 23.
Sports
MADISON COUNTY SPORTS NEWS

Eagles lose conference opener 32-7 at Berryville

Berryville celebrated its Homecoming with a 32-7 conference victory over Huntsville on Friday, Sept. 25, at Bobcat Stadium.
More Local Sports
A week after giving up 52 points in a loss to Mansfield, Elkins rebounded with a 41-0 shutout of Gentry in the 4A-1 Conference opener for both teams Friday.
The Huntsville boys’ golf team narrowly missed qualifying for state at the District 4A-1 Tournament at Harrison Country Club on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The Eagles finished third with a team score of 255, one stroke behind second-place Gravette at 254.
Huntsville split two volleyball matches last week, defeating Gentry 3-1 in 4A-1 Conference play at home Tuesday, Sept. 22, before losing 3-2 in a nonconference match at Elkins on Thursday, Sept. 24.
Local Obituaries
Obituaries
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. 
Sanford Lee “Sonny” Varnell
Sanford Lee “Sonny” Varnell Jr., 87, died at 2:40 p.m. Sept. 21, 2026, peacefully of natural causes at home surrounded by his family.
Barbara Frances “Frankie” Lockamy Summerall
Barbara Frances “Frankie” Lockamy Summerall died, Sept. 20, 2026.
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

Wedding photography keeps you on your toes

A wedding photographer has to be everywhere and nowhere at once: close enough to get the shot, but far enough away to stay out of the ceremony.

Letters to the Editor, Oct. 1, 2026

Headstones stand out Dear editor:   In the Boston Mountains of Southern Madison County, there is a cemetery. It is not the headstones that stand out to me, but the military markers at …
Opinion

Alzheimer’s and Dementia data

Research into Alzheimer’s disease and dementia has advanced significantly in recent years. We know more about reducing risk, detecting cognitive decline earlier and treating the disease than we did when Arkansas developed its previous state plan.

Broad improvement shown in academic performance

The Arkansas Department of Education has released the 2025–2026 letter grades for schools and districts across the state, marking the second year that districts have received overall ratings.

Farm Bill 2.0 one step closer to becoming law

For years, Arkansas farmers, ranchers and producers have been calling for a modernized Farm Bill. Economic conditions have changed dramatically since the last bill was signed into law in 2018. 
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