Latest news with #ArkansasDepartmentofParks
Daily Mirror
28-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Manhunt after couple 'murdered' while hiking with daughters on Devil's Den trail
The bodies of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, have been found at Devil's Den State Park in Arkansas, where they were hiking last Saturday with their young daughters An urgent manhunt is underway after a couple were killed while hiking with their young daughters at a beauty spot. Police have launched a murder investigation following the deaths of Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, who had two children aged seven and nine. They family visited Devil's Den State Park, Arkansas, US, on Saturday. They were on a hiking trail when they were "attacked", with the bodies of the couple found and police alerted at around 2.40pm. The two children were not injured and are now safe with other family members. The family had only recently moved to Prairie Grove from another state. Police are appealing for information from people who were at the park on Saturday and especially from those who may have footage while the area is cordoned off. Arkansas police stated: "Investigators are asking those who visited the park on Saturday to check cellphone photos and videos or GoPro camera footage for images of the suspect. "They are also asking residents of the area surrounding the park to notify ASP if they have access to security and game camera footage. The area of the park where the incident occurred remains cordoned off and secured by law enforcement. The park is located in a remote and rural area, where the terrain is rugged, vegetation is thick and there is no cellphone service." Updated information has been released by the police of the suspect who is described as a white male with a medium build. He was seen driving to the park exit in a Mazda which had its licence plate covered. Police said: "After receiving additional information, investigators now believe he was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, with sleeves rolled up, rather than a tank top as originally reported. "The suspect is an unknown white male with a medium build. He was wearing dark pants, a dark ballcap and sunglasses. The suspect had a black backpack and was wearing fingerless gloves. He was seen driving toward a park exit in a black, four-door sedan. "The suspect's vehicle may be a Mazda with a license plate covered by electrical or duct tape. It may have been traveling on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the park. "Anyone with images of the suspect, information about the suspect or his whereabouts should contact ASP Troop L at (479) 751-6663. Investigators urge anyone with photos or video to not post footage on social media, as this may inadvertently jeopardize the investigation." Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, issued a statement saying, 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred at Devil's Den State Park. Our hearts are with the victims' loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The safety of our visitors and staff is our highest priority, and we are working closely with Arkansas State Police and various law enforcement officials as the investigation continues. "We have increased law enforcement presence in our state parks. Our Park Rangers are fully commissioned law enforcement officers, and they are actively engaged in ensuring the safety and security of our park guests. We remain committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and to maintaining Arkansas State Parks as safe, welcoming places for all.'
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Cleanup underway after straight-line winds cause damage to trees, cabin at Devil's Den State Park
WEST FORK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Cleanup is underway at Devil's Den State Park after straight-line winds damaged parts of the park over the weekend, according to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. A spokesperson for the department said in a statement on Thursday that more than 100 trees were downed due to the winds. 'Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with approximately 80% of debris expected to be removed by [Friday],' the spokesperson said. Hot rotisserie chicken not yet approved in Arkansas SNAP waiver Cabins 1 through 10 at the park are closed because of ongoing renovations by a professional contractor and will remain off-market until renovations are complete. No word was given if those cabins suffered damage. The spokesperson said Cabins 11 through 20 were in use during the storm. After closing and inspecting those cabins, Cabin 12 will be closed due to storm damage. The park temporarily lost water after the storm, but service is expected to be restored by Thursday evening, according to the spokesperson. Park Superintendent Jay Schneider said all camping areas and restrooms are open. The pool, park store and café remained closed on Thursday and are expected to reopen on Friday, Schneider said. Five of the park's 11 trails are currently open: Yellow Rock Trail Devil's Den Trail CCC Trail Lake Trail Yellow Horse Trail No details were given on when the other trails will 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Yahoo
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission announce new outdoor education pilot program
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced a new pilot program focused on education and outdoor recreation. On Wednesday, Gov. Sanders held a press conference at the Witt Stephens Jr. Nature Center in Little Rock to announce the Arkansas Outdoor Education Pilot Program. The governor said the pilot will be a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and is intended to equip students for a future career in outdoor recreation such as becoming an ecologist or researcher. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders grants over $460,000 for outdoor recreation Districts across the Natural State can apply to be one of 30 schools that implement new curriculum centered around outdoor education into classrooms that meet core and elective requirements, the governor said. 'If this program is successful in our first 30 pilot schools, which I know it will be, we have the opportunity to bring it to schools all across our state and establish a model for the whole country to follow,' Sanders said. Gov. Sanders said one of her priorities is to expand the state's outdoor economy. Sanders launched the Natural State Initiative, which is under the leadership of First Gentleman Bryan Sanders. The pilot program is one of this initiative's key objective, according to the governor. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Chief of Education Mary Beth Hatch, Arkansas Secretary Jacob Oliva, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and Director of State Parks Shea Lewis, and Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Doug Schoenrock also spoke at the press conference in support of the new pilot 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Arkansas parks department awards recreation grants to counties around the state
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials with the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism announced Thursday $3.85 million in Outdoor Recreation Grants will be going to counties across the state. Parks department officials said in a release that it is awarding $3.85 million in FY2025 Outdoor Recreation Grants to projects within 20 counties across the state. The grants fall into two categories: Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods Park grants and matching grants. 'The Outdoor Recreation Grants Program (ORGP) has provided $55.47 million in matching grants since 1988 and $17.4 million in FUN Park grants since 1991,' Secretary Shea Lewis said. 'These funds have undoubtedly enriched the quality of life for Arkansans statewide, fostering greater access to outdoor recreation and bolstering the vitality of local economies.' Arkansas awarding more than $4 million in FUN grants for outdoor recreation projects Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that the money awarded will stretch across the state and across outdoor activities. 'I want Arkansas to be the best state in America to live, to work, and raise a family. But in order to do that, we have to make big improvements to things like our schools, our state parks, and public safety,' the governor said. 'We are proud to announce that $3.85 million we're distributing will stretch across Arkansas and across outdoor activities.' Katherine Andrews, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, said that the grants program supports the cities awarded in their efforts to developing facilities that encourage active lifestyles and enhance quality of life. 'The Outdoor Recreation Grants Program plays a vital role in expanding access to quality outdoor spaces across Arkansas,' Andrews said. 'We are proud to support these 23 cities in their efforts to develop parks and recreational facilities that encourage active lifestyles, strengthen local economies and enhance quality of life.' Arkansas to get more than $32 million in federal grant to improve roads, Little Rock awarded $25 million Some grant recipients include $774,662.38 for Benton to create the Cherry Demuth Campground/River Access and $100,000 for Hot Spring County to create the Bismarck community's first community recreational site. To see the full list of grant recipients, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
