Lake Monticello Produces 10-Pound Lunker Bass

By Jim Harris, Managing Editor, Arkansas Wildlife MagazineMONTICELLO — A bass angling friend told Rod Martinez late last week that the fish were biting really well at Lake Monticello, so he headed that way Saturday, anxious to see what he might land.“I thought I might go catch a big fish,” he said.

Pat Berry Sworn in as District 6 Justice of the Peace

Pat Berry (right) of the Calmer community was sworn in as the new District 6 Justice of Peace  last Friday, Feb. 27, by Cleveland County Clerk Brandy Herring (left). Berry was appointed by Gov. Sarah Sanders to fill the unexpired term of the late Justice Owen Rushing, who passed away in January.

Youth Alive Night Set for March 9 at Rison School

RISON - The Rison Fellowship of Christian Students will host a Youth Alive Night Monday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the school gym.The event will include games, giveaways, worship and testimonies from students Ashleigh Johnson and Clate Socia.Guest speaker is Terrence Talley.

Farm Safety Day Set March 18 for Students

RISON - The Cleveland County Cattleman’s Association will host a Farm Safety Day for students Wednesday, March 18 at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds.Home school students in fourth-sixth grades are invited to attend at 9 a.m. alongside Woodlawn students or at 12 noon alongside Rison students.

Nancy Anne Lawson Kicks Off 4th Annual Handicap Barbie Drive for Arkansas Children's Hospital

Local Queen and Former Miss Elementary America Kindergarten Nancy Anne Lawson, is launching the Fourth Annual Handicap Barbie Drive alongside Stacy Walz, in honor of her niece Cali Walz.

Cleveland County Library Faces Funding Crisis Amid State Aid Delay

RISON - The future of local library services in Cleveland County hangs in the balance as the Arkansas State Library Board continues to withhold more than $1 million in state aid.

Great South Arkansas Junk Hunt Returns This March

RISON - The spring run of the Great South Arkansas Junk Hunt takes place later this month, March 26-29.The Junk Hunt is the merged route of two smaller hunts, the former Historic Hwy. 35 Junk Hunt and the Hwy. 79-63 Junk Hunt Loop, both of which Cleveland County served as the epicenter.

Pioneer Village To Host Pioneer Crafts Festival April 10-11

RISON - The Pioneer Village at Rison will host the 2026 Pioneer Crafts Festival April 10 and 11, featuring crafts, gardening, homesteading and more old time ways!The two-day event will feature a Beans and Green Supper with live music Friday, April 10 beginning at 5 p.m.

Primary Election To Be Held Tuesday

RISON - Cleveland County voters will head to the polls this Tuesday, March 3, to elect a new county judge and a new sheriff.Polling sites across the county will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Meanwhile, early voting continues from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kingsland Mayoral Candidates Provide Insight on City Issues

RISON - Voters in the City of Kingsland will be deciding between Samantha Johnson and Karen Wiscaver for mayor of Kingsland in Tuesday’s Republican primary election.The winner will be unopposed in the November general election since no candidates have filed.