South Arkansas Reckoning

01/05/2026

Update: Probable Cause Found; Bond Set In Liquor Store Assault and R**e Case; Jefferson County, Arkansas - January 5, 2026 - The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) is providing an update to previously released information regarding the Attempted R**e and Aggravated Assault of a female clerk at J & B Liquor, 8425 U.S. Highway 63, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, which occurred on January 2, 2026.

On January 5, 2026, during a Probable Cause Hearing, Jefferson County Division 2 District Court Judge, the Honorable Judge John Kearney, found probable cause to hold Sherman Johnson, 28, on charges of Attempted R**e and Aggravated Assault in connection with the aforementioned incident.

Judge Kearney set Johnson's bond at $500,000.00 cash. Additionally, a "no contact" order was issued by Judge Kearney, ordering Johnson to have no further contact with the victim, whose identity is not being released pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated § 16-90-1104 and applicable victims' rights laws.

Johnson will remain in custody at the W.C. "Dub" Brassell Adult Detention Center until a bond is successfully posted or satisfied.

01/04/2026

UPDATE: From the Grant County situation on Grant 69.

Justin Blake Siler, 39, booked into Sheridan Detention Center on

1. Charge Name Domestic Battery 3rd
Charge Count 1
Charge Level Misdemeanor

2 Charge Name Aggravated Assault
on Officer- Correctio
Charge Count 7
Charge Level Felony

01/04/2026

BREAKING from Grant County Sheriff Pete Roberts

On January 3, 2026, the Grant County Sheriff's Office responded to an address on Grant 69 for a
domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, they were met by an armed suspect.

During attempted negotiations with the suspect, the suspect retreated into the home and began firing rounds at law enforcement on scene, At this time, the Arkansas State Police SWAT/CNT (Crisis Negotiation Team) team has responded and taken over the scene.

01/04/2026

UPDATE AT 1:49 a.m. from Grant County Sheriff Pete Roberts

On January 3, 2026, the Grant County Sheriff's Office responded to an address on Grant 69 for a
domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, they were met by an armed suspect.

During attempted negotiations with the suspect, the suspect retreated into the home and began firing rounds at law enforcement on scene, At this time, the Arkansas State Police SWAT/CNT (Crisis Negotiation Team) team has responded and taken over the scene.

***

Situation in Grant County with multiple law enforcement on the scene.

We do not report rumors until we get official information from law enforcement.

01/04/2026

UPDATE at 1:49 a.m. from Grant County Sheriff Pete Roberts

On January 3, 2026, the Grant County Sheriff's Office responded to an address on Grant 69 fora
domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, they were met by an armed suspect.

During attempted negotiations with the suspect, the suspect retreated into the home and began firing rounds at law enforcement on scene, At this time, the Arkansas State Police SWAT/CNT (Crisis Negotiation Team) team has responded and taken over the scene.

***

Situation off Highway 167, Grant 69 involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

01/03/2026

Technology getting highly sophisticated.

01/01/2026

01/01/2026

Governor Sanders Announces Appointments

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced the following appointments:

Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinating Council

Jill Weinischke, El Dorado, to the Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinating Council. Term to expire July 1, 2028. Reappointment.

Norman Kemper, Austin, to the Arkansas Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coordinating Council. Term to expire July 1, 2028. Reappointment.


Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers

Kerry Shuffield, Hot Springs, to the Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers. Term to expire July 31, 2027. Reappointment.

Vicki Howard, Clarksville, to the Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers. Term to expire July 31, 2027. Reappointment.

Philip Powell, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers. Term to expire July 31, 2028. Reappointment.


Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine

Dr. Laurel Tait, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine. Term to expire August 31, 2028. Reappointment.

Keri Cody, Ashdown, to the Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine. Term to expire August 31, 2028. Reappointment.


Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board

William Galloway, Augusta, to the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board. Term to expire July 1, 2026. Reappointment.

Matt Smith, Blytheville, to the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board. Term to expire July 1, 2027. Reappointment.

Jason Felton, Marianna, to the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board. Term to expire July 1, 2026. Reappointment.

Matt Gammill, Tyronza, to the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Promotion Board. Term to expire July 1, 2027. Reappointment.


Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board

April Broderick, Sherwood, to the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board. Term to expire April 1, 2028. Reappointment.


Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council

Bobbi Shepherd, El Dorado, to the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council. Term to expire July 1, 2027. Reappointment.

Mitchell Allen, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council. Term to expire July 1, 2027. Reappointment.


Arkansas Rice Research & Promotion Board

David Gairhan, Jonesboro, to the Arkansas Rice Research & Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2027. Reappointment.

Charles Williams, Crawfordsville, to the Arkansas Rice Research & Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2027. Reappointment.


Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan & Scholarship Board

Dr. Steven Webber, Little Rock, to the Arkansas Rural Medical Practice Student Loan & Scholarship Board. Term to expire January 14, 2028. Reappointment.


Arkansas Sentencing Commission

Carol Crews, Conway, to the Arkansas Sentencing Commission. Term to expire May 15, 2030. Reappointment.

Nathan Smith, Bentonville, to the Arkansas Sentencing Commission. Term to expire May 15, 2030. Reappointment.


Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board

BJ Rogers, Ward, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2027. Reappointment.

Joshua Cureton, Cash, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2027. Reappointment.

Donald Morton, Des Arc, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2027. Reappointment.

Brad Doyle, Weiner, to the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Term to expire June 30, 2027. Reappointment.


Arkansas State Board of Nursing

Veronica Harmon, Perryville, to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Term to expire October 1, 2029. Reappointment.

Tabitha Lancaster, Arkadelphia, to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Term to expire October 1, 2029. Reappointment.

Phillip Petty, Hot Springs, to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Term to expire October 1, 2029. Reappointment.

Barbara Hillman, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Term to expire October 1, 2028. Reappointment.

Allie Barker, Paron, to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Term to expire October 1, 2028. Reappointment.

Lakisha Young, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Term to expire October 1, 2028. Reappointment.


Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy

Brian Jolly, Beebe, to the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. Term to expire June 30, 2031. Reappointment.


Arkansas State Board of Sanitarians

Joel Adams, Benton, to the Arkansas State Board of Sanitarians. Term to expire June 30, 2029. Reappointment.


Arkansas State Medical Board

Mark Camp, Little Rock, to the Arkansas State Medical Board. Term to expire December 31, 2031. Reappointment.


Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council

Teri Cox-Meadows, Sherwood, to the Arkansas State Rehabilitation Council. Term to expire February 1, 2027. Replaces Kelley Sharp.


Arkansas Wine Producers Council

Michael Post, Altus, to the Arkansas Wine Producers Council. Term to expire March 1, 2028. Reappointment.

Andrew Post, Altus, to the Arkansas Wine Producers Council. Term to expire March 1, 2028. Reappointment.


Arkansas Workforce Development Board

Randy Henderson, Blytheville, to the Arkansas Workforce Development Board. Term to expire May 1, 2029. Reappointment.


Board of Corrections

Jamie Barker, Paron, to the Board of Corrections. Term to expire December 31, 2032. Replaces Benny Magness.

Nathan Lee, Little Rock, to the Board of Corrections. Term to expire December 31, 2030. Previously vacant position.


Board of Directors of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority

Carey Smith, Little Rock, to the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority. Term to expire January 14, 2029. Reappointment.


Board of Directors of Northwest Technical Institute

Jason Coyle, Centerton, to the Board of Directors of Northwest Technical Institute. Term to expire June 30, 2029. Previously vacant position.

Derek Gibson, Springdale, to the Board of Directors of Northwest Technical Institute. Term to expire June 30, 2028. Reappointment.


Board of Trustees of the State Police Retirement System

Chris Gosnell, Magnolia, to the Board of Trustees of the State Police Retirement System. Term to expire July 1, 2032. Previously vacant position.


Elevator Safety Board

Heath Shearon, Maumelle, to the Elevator Safety Board. Term to expire July 1, 2026. Reappointment.


HVACR Licensing Board

Everett Dean, Camden, to the HVACR Licensing Board. Term to expire June 30, 2029. Reappointment.


Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board

Andrea Tharp, Heber Springs, to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board. Term to expire January 14, 2030. Reappointment.

Terry McCallie, Carlisle, to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board. Term to expire January 14, 2029. Reappointment.


Mississippi River Parkway Commission of Arkansas

Tyler Dunegan, Osceola, to the Mississippi River Parkway Commission of Arkansas. Term to expire June 8, 2027. Reappointment.

Joe St. Columbia, Helena, to the Mississippi River Parkway Commission of Arkansas. Term to expire June 8, 2027. Reappointment.


Oil and Gas Commission

Jerry Langley, Smackover, to the Oil and Gas Commission. Term to expire February 20, 2031. Reappointment.

Robert Liner, Fort Smith, to the Oil and Gas Commission. Term to expire February 20, 2031. Reappointment.


Post-Prison Transfer Board

Boyce Hamlet, Conway, to the Post-Prison Transfer Board. Term to expire January 14, 2032. Previously vacant position. And designated as Chair of the Post-Prison Transfer Board. To serve at the will of the Governor.


State Board of Election Commissioners

Jamie Clemmer, Benton, to the State Board of Election Commissioners. Term to expire May 28, 2029. Reappointment.

Sharon Brooks, Fort Smith, to the State Board of Election Commissioners. Term to expire May 28, 2029. Reappointment.


State Board of Health

Jim Terry, Little Rock, to the State Board of Health. Term to expire December 31, 2029. Reappointment.

Dr. Chris Cathey, North Little Rock, to the State Board of Health. Term to expire December 31, 2029. Reappointment.


State Plant Board

Matthew Miles, McGehee, to the State Plant Board. Term to expire October 1, 2028. Reappointment.

01/01/2026

I-530 HIT-AND-RUN VEHICLE AND DRIVER IDENTIFIED

UPDATE from Arkansas State Police
January 2, 2026
PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division (CID) have located the commercial vehicle and identified the driver involved in the hit-and-run crash that occurred on Interstate 530 South near the 34-mile marker at approximately 11:30 a.m. on December 30, 2025.
The crash occurred when a Peterbilt truck struck an orange Dodge Charger, forcing it off the roadway into the median, before going back across the southbound lanes where it overturned, and came to rest in the trees.

Through continued investigative efforts, the truck was located, and the driver has been positively identified. The investigation remains ongoing.
The Arkansas State Police appreciates the assistance of witnesses and the public in providing information in this investigation.

ASP SEEKING PUBLIC HELP IN HIT-AND-RUN CRASH ON I-530

December 31, 2025

PINE BLUFF, AR – Arkansas State Police (ASP) is investigating a hit-and-run crash that occurred on Interstate 530 South near the 34-mile marker at approximately 11:30 a.m. on December 30, 2025.
An ASP Trooper responded to a crash involving an orange Dodge Charger and a red Peterbilt truck pulling a silver hopper-bottom grain trailer. The Dodge Charger was pushed into the median, crossed back across both lanes of traffic, slid off the right side of the roadway, overturned, and came to rest in the trees. The driver of the Charger sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized.

The commercial truck continued traveling southbound after the crash.

Anyone with information regarding this crash or the vehicle involved is urged to contact ASP Troop E Headquarters at (870) 247-1483.

Photo from Arkansas State Police

12/31/2025

UPDATE FROM ARKANSAS STATE POLICE

December 31, 2025
FORDYCE, AR – At the request of the Dallas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO), Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in Fordyce.

At 10:38 this morning, deputies with the DCSO and officers with the Fordyce Police Department were attempting to serve a warrant on a wanted 35-year-old suspect at his home in the 2000 block of Parkwood Lane. During the incident, officers fired on and struck the suspect, who was holding a firearm.

The suspect was flown to UAMS in Little Rock, where he is listed in stable condition.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

CID agents will prepare and present a case file to the Dallas County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether the use of lethal force was consistent with Arkansas law.
The investigation is ongoing.

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The Reckoning does not report rumors until we verify with law enforcement. Reporting rumors without law enforcement confirmation leads to panic and dispatchers are often overrun with calls about the rumors.

Here's confirmation from Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl about today's situation.

12/31/2025

Sheridan City Council meets Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Here's the agenda.

12/31/2025

New South Arkansas Reckoning investigation

Collecting Data: Roofing And Solar From Sheridan To Ohio

Why did a Sheridan School Board member email Superintendent Chad Pitts for advice about a roofing contract in Ohio?

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