Experts offer car-prep tips for when the winter weather hits Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK – Experts are offering car-care tips as Arctic cold enters the Arkansas weather forecast.

The Arkansas Storm Team is forecasting cold weather in the Natural State beginning Monday, with highs in the mid-30s and lows in the 20s.

Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and AAA recommend a few fundamental steps to keep drivers and passengers safe during winter’s worst.

• Both agencies recommend checking tires before the weather arrives, making sure they are aired up and in good condition with suitable tread depth.

• AAA points out that an upside- down quarter in a tread groove is a quick check for tread wear. If the top of Washington’s head is exposed, it is time to replace tires.

• Windshield wipers are another area where drivers are encouraged to be ready by making sure they are in good shape, and the windshield washer tank is topped off.

• Check your car’s battery, as batteries get weaker in cold weather and cold engines are harder to start. Most places that sell batteries can run a quick health check, and generally do not charge to do so.

• AAA recommends running the car for 15-20 minutes a day during extreme cold even when not driving, in order to keep the battery charged up.

Some prefer to keep a tricklecharger on their battery when the car is idle.

• Check your lights, head, tail and turn, to make sure you are visible in winter’s darkness.

• AAA also recommends carrying an emergency kit in the car containing necessities such as jumper cables, ice scraper, basic tools and warm clothing.

• NHTSA also recommends checking car seats to make sure they are still sized properly for seating bundled-up children.

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Arkansas Supreme Court blocks Chief Justice from firing 10 staff members

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Supreme Court has blocked incoming Chief Justice Karen Baker from firing 10 staff members.

The Supreme Court order comes after a series of incidents that began on January 2, which outlined in the order says Baker confronted the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, The Director of Emergency Preparedness, and the Chief of Supreme Court Police about their handling of Freedom of Information Act requests involving her. According to the court's order, Baker had prepared termination letters for these directors and eight other employees:

• Director of Administrative Office of the Courts

• Director of Emergency Preparedness • Chief of Supreme Court Police J• uvenile Justice Division Director • Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs and Director of Judicial Education

• Director of Finance and Administration • Legal Services Division Director • Court Information Systems Division Director

• Court Information Systems Division Deputy Director

• District Court Staff Attorney

• Administrator of the Commission of Children, Youth, and Families The order states that Baker did not consult the rest of the court when attempting to fire any employee, and that she declined requests from fellow justices to discuss the issue.

Baker also did not give a specific reason for termination, with some employees having

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pending human-resource complaints against her.

The order then goes on the say, 'If carried out, those terminations would disrupt the administration of justice across the state of Arkansas.'

With the order in place, no Supreme Court of Arkansas employee will receive a termination letter, restricted access to physical space, restricted access to information technology services, be cut off from payroll, or otherwise restricted without the written approval of at least four members of the Court.

It concludes by saying no terminations made after January 1, 2025 will be in effect, and that failing to follow the order may result in a citation for contempt.

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Arkansas driver fatally strikes ARDOT worker in

Highway 13 work zone

LONOKE COUNTY. — According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, a crew member was fatally struck by a driver while filling potholes in the roadway behind a stopped ARDOT dump truck.

The worker was identified by ARDOT as 39-year-old Charles 'Tony' Glover,' as the department shared their condolences with Glover's family.

'We are devastated to shared that we lost a member of the ARDOT family this morning,' the Arkansas Dept. of Transportation said in an online statement. 'Our deepest condolences are with the family and loved ones of Mr.

Glover.'

According to ARDOT, Glover was a member of the Lonoke County Maintenance Crew and was part of an operation aimed at patching potholes in a work zone along Highway 13.

Following the deadly incident, Arkansas State Police launched an investigation into the death of Glover, who police said was struck by the driver of a 2025 Toyota Sequoia traveling southbound on State Highway 13 in Lonoke County.

Police said that the incident happened on Thursday morning as the driver of the vehicle failed to stop and fatally struck Glover as a result.

The investigation into this incident is underway and we will update this article as more information becomes available.

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Northeast Arkansas hospital welcomes “Baby

New Year 2025”

PARAGOULD — Arkansas Methodist Medical Center (AMMC) proudly announces the first recorded baby of the year born in Arkansas, Oliver Franklin Faxon, born on Jan.

1, 2025, at 2:41 a.m.

Oliver came into the world weighing 7 pounds 12 ounces and measuring 20 inches long, bringing joy to his proud parents, Paige Franklin and Jeremy Faxon.

Dr. Jodi Turano, OBGYN, delivered Oliver and ensured both mother and baby received exceptional care throughout the process.

'It is always a privilege to be part of such a momentous and joyful occasion,' said Dr. Turano.

To mark this special milestone, the AMMC Auxiliary generously donated a gift basket filled with baby essentials and goodies. AMMC states that the auxiliary's continuous commitment to supporting patients and their families adds an extra touch of kindness and community spirit to moments like these.

'This wonderful occasion reminds us all of the hope and promise a new year brings,' said Brad Bloemer, AMMC CEO. 'We are truly honored to provide care for families like Oliver, Paige and Jeremy, and look forward to continuing to serve our community with compassion and excellence.'

Arkansas Methodist Medical Center is a leading healthcare provider in Northeast Arkansas, committed to delivering high-quality care to patients and supporting a healthier community.

Paxton News Photo