Latest news with #NorthwestArkansas
CNN
3 days ago
- Climate
- CNN
Caves, barns, abandoned sheds: How the landscape of northern Arkansas might help an escaped convict
CrimeFacebookTweetLink Follow As the search for escaped prisoner Grant Hardin enters a fifth day, authorities pursuing the convicted murderer and rapist in northern Arkansas face various challenges from the landscape that could give Hardin an advantage in evading capture. Wearing 'a makeshift outfit designed to mimic law enforcement,' Hardin broke out of the North Central Unit prison in Calico Rock around 2:55 p.m. Sunday, a news release from the state's Department of Corrections said. Hundreds of law enforcement officials from federal, state and local agencies are working on finding Hardin, Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Corrections said Wednesday, but bad weather gave the fugitive a head start and rocky terrain, caves and old outbuildings give him ample places to hide. 'There's caves, there's barns, there's abandoned cars, there's abandoned sheds, there's residences … It's not a flat, open area,' Champion said. Authorities believe Hardin is still in the general area near the prison, according to Champion. 'He's not necessarily from this area, but he did grow up in Northwest Arkansas, which has some terrain similar to this … understanding that he may have that sort of familiarity provides a challenge,' said Champion. The area where police are searching is one of the most cave-dense in the state, according to a geology professor at the University of Arkansas. 'The most comprehensive database has about 1500 caves in northern Arkansas,' Matt Covington, an associate professor in the Department of Geosciences told CNN. 'There are also certainly many caves that have not yet been reported or even discovered.' In and around Calico Rock, where the prison is located, Covington said there are around 300 to 400 reported caves that could make ideal hiding places, if only temporarily. 'Most of the caves are small, 100 feet or less. However, there are some caves in the area that are more than a mile long,' Covington said. 'I can imagine that the entrance area of a cave could be a useful place to hide,' he added. 'There is often water present. There are boulders to hide under or small crawlways and side passages.' But it's not perfect according to Covington. The caves are cool – around 58 degrees Fahrenheit – and many of them are wet, Covington said. 'Hypothermia can quickly become a problem. You also need light, and most lights will only last a day or so before you need to recharge or replace batteries. You also will have to come out for food.' Plus most of the caves only have one entrance, he said, limiting one's ability to flee. 'So, the entrance of a cave might make a good temporary hideout or shelter from rain,' Covington said. 'However, you would probably basically be cornered. If tracking dogs figured out you were in there, you would be trapped.' In fact, the rain actually bought Hardin some time after his escape, according to Champion. 'With our track dogs, the rain can affect them being able to pick up that track. With the low clouds, it's hard to get the drones up as high as we need to. Helicopters are grounded with all that,' Champion said. 'We're hoping that the weather kind of turns a little bit and we can utilize more of those' assets. Nearly three inches of rain fell in Calico Rock from Saturday through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The rain tapered off Tuesday but as the week wore on, the region has been cool and overcast with some low clouds and foggy mist. It's not just the weather and the terrain that have been on Hardin's side dodging authorities. Hardin was previously the police chief for the small town of Gateway, Arkansas, near the Missouri border, and has worked various other law enforcement jobs throughout his career. Hardin was previously featured on the Investigation Discovery documentary, 'Devil in the Ozarks.' (Investigation Discovery, like CNN, is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.) 'Obviously, if you have a law enforcement background you've had specialized training, you've had a familiarity of the tactics that are going to be used,' Champion said. As of Thursday afternoon, Hardin remained on the loose, and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies continued to search for him. A reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to his arrest was announced by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 'What we would ask – in this area, especially – please be cognizant. Please be aware. Be alert of your surroundings,' Champion said. 'If something seems out of place, if something seems a little off, please let us know.'
CNN
3 days ago
- Climate
- CNN
Caves, barns, abandoned sheds: How the landscape of northern Arkansas might help an escaped convict
CrimeFacebookTweetLink Follow As the search for escaped prisoner Grant Hardin enters a fifth day, authorities pursuing the convicted murderer and rapist in northern Arkansas face various challenges from the landscape that could give Hardin an advantage in evading capture. Wearing 'a makeshift outfit designed to mimic law enforcement,' Hardin broke out of the North Central Unit prison in Calico Rock around 2:55 p.m. Sunday, a news release from the state's Department of Corrections said. Hundreds of law enforcement officials from federal, state and local agencies are working on finding Hardin, Rand Champion, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Corrections said Wednesday, but bad weather gave the fugitive a head start and rocky terrain, caves and old outbuildings give him ample places to hide. 'There's caves, there's barns, there's abandoned cars, there's abandoned sheds, there's residences … It's not a flat, open area,' Champion said. Authorities believe Hardin is still in the general area near the prison, according to Champion. 'He's not necessarily from this area, but he did grow up in Northwest Arkansas, which has some terrain similar to this … understanding that he may have that sort of familiarity provides a challenge,' said Champion. The area where police are searching is one of the most cave-dense in the state, according to a geology professor at the University of Arkansas. 'The most comprehensive database has about 1500 caves in northern Arkansas,' Matt Covington, an associate professor in the Department of Geosciences told CNN. 'There are also certainly many caves that have not yet been reported or even discovered.' In and around Calico Rock, where the prison is located, Covington said there are around 300 to 400 reported caves that could make ideal hiding places, if only temporarily. 'Most of the caves are small, 100 feet or less. However, there are some caves in the area that are more than a mile long,' Covington said. 'I can imagine that the entrance area of a cave could be a useful place to hide,' he added. 'There is often water present. There are boulders to hide under or small crawlways and side passages.' But it's not perfect according to Covington. The caves are cool – around 58 degrees Fahrenheit – and many of them are wet, Covington said. 'Hypothermia can quickly become a problem. You also need light, and most lights will only last a day or so before you need to recharge or replace batteries. You also will have to come out for food.' Plus most of the caves only have one entrance, he said, limiting one's ability to flee. 'So, the entrance of a cave might make a good temporary hideout or shelter from rain,' Covington said. 'However, you would probably basically be cornered. If tracking dogs figured out you were in there, you would be trapped.' In fact, the rain actually bought Hardin some time after his escape, according to Champion. 'With our track dogs, the rain can affect them being able to pick up that track. With the low clouds, it's hard to get the drones up as high as we need to. Helicopters are grounded with all that,' Champion said. 'We're hoping that the weather kind of turns a little bit and we can utilize more of those' assets. Nearly three inches of rain fell in Calico Rock from Saturday through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The rain tapered off Tuesday but as the week wore on, the region has been cool and overcast with some low clouds and foggy mist. It's not just the weather and the terrain that have been on Hardin's side dodging authorities. Hardin was previously the police chief for the small town of Gateway, Arkansas, near the Missouri border, and has worked various other law enforcement jobs throughout his career. Hardin was previously featured on the Investigation Discovery documentary, 'Devil in the Ozarks.' (Investigation Discovery, like CNN, is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.) 'Obviously, if you have a law enforcement background you've had specialized training, you've had a familiarity of the tactics that are going to be used,' Champion said. As of Thursday afternoon, Hardin remained on the loose, and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies continued to search for him. A reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to his arrest was announced by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 'What we would ask – in this area, especially – please be cognizant. Please be aware. Be alert of your surroundings,' Champion said. 'If something seems out of place, if something seems a little off, please let us know.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Cards, Naturals to open series
Hello everyone, I'm Dan Lucy on the Ozarks First digital desk. The Springfield Cardinals hope to open their home stand Wednesday night against Northwest Arkansas. In our Cardinals Nation update. Tuesday night's series opener was rained out, and the Cardinals and Naturals will play a double header on Friday to make up for the postponement. It's the fourth time this season that a game has been rained out at Hammons Field. Wednesday night's game will be the seventh of 24 games played between the Cardinals and Naturals. Northwest Arkansas won four of the first six games. Those were played at Hammons Field at the beginning of this month. Max Rajcic will get the start for Springfield. Rajcic has had bad luck, he won his first start in early April and has not won since. He's had three losses and his last three starts have been no decisions. Springfield hopes the rainout won't stop it's momentum. The Cardinals have won seven of their last eight games, and 13 of the last 19 played. For more sports watch Ozarks First news at nine and ten. And I'll see you then. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Globe and Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Instacash NWA Offers Hassle-Free Home Buying in Decatur, AR – Fast Cash for Sellers
Homeowners in Decatur now have a faster, stress-free way to sell their homes thanks to Instacash NWA. The Northwest Arkansas-based real estate investment company has expanded its home-buying services to Decatur, offering residents the option to sell their homes for cash without the delays and fees of the traditional market. Specializing in quick closings and as-is purchases, Instacash NWA helps homeowners avoid the hassle of showings, repairs, and realtor commissions. Whether facing foreclosure, relocating, dealing with inherited property, or simply wanting a fast sale, Decatur residents now have access to a trusted local solution. 'We're here to provide real solutions for homeowners who need a fast, reliable way to sell,' said Kate Gaffigan of Instacash NWA. 'People trust us because we make the process simple, respectful, and tailored to their needs—especially during stressful life transitions.' Instacash NWA is known for its streamlined three-step process: sellers request a free offer, receive a no-obligation cash proposal, and can close in as little as seven days. With deep roots in the region and an emphasis on client support, the company continues to gain recognition for its responsiveness and reliability. As part of its broader commitment to helping property owners sell their house fast in NWA, the team offers flexible options such as allowing sellers to rent the property back after closing or connecting them with trusted relocation professionals. 'Our mission goes beyond transactions,' Lane added. 'We're committed to supporting people during life transitions, and that includes offering compassion, clarity, and the flexibility they need.' To learn more about Instacash NWA or to request a free, no-pressure offer, visit Media Contact Company Name: InstaCash NWA Contact Person: Kate Gaffigan Email: Send Email Phone: 479-391-4153 Address: 3604 NW Frontage Rd City: Bentonville State: AR Country: United States Website:
Reuters
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Royals promote top prospect Jac Caglianone to Triple-A
May 19 - The Kansas City Royals promoted top prospect Jac Caglianone to Triple-A Omaha on Sunday after playing only 38 games at Double-A. Caglianone, the No. 6 overall pick out of Florida in 2024, hit .322 with nine home runs and 43 RBIs for Double-A Northwest Arkansas this season. Caglianone, 22, was a two-way star for the Gators but has focused exclusively on being a position player since being drafted. After batting .241 in 29 games for High-A Quad Cities following last year's draft and then .236 in 21 games in the Arizona Fall League, Caglianone was ranked No. 60 on Keith Law's preseason top 100 MLB prospects list ahead of the 2025 season and is the No. 10 prospect per MLB Pipeline. Playing primarily first base while also seeing time at the corner outfield spots, Caglianone is now one step closer to the major leagues as he is expected to make his Omaha debut on Tuesday. Kansas City's big-league team could stand an infusion of power, with the Royals entering Monday ranked last in home runs (30) and 27th in runs scored (159) through 48 games. Caglianone struck out 37 times in 175 plate appearances for Northwest Arkansas while walking 19 times. In addition to the nine homers, he also hit eight doubles. The Royals also promoted their No. 12 prospect Frank Mozzicato to Double-A after the left-handed pitcher posted a 1.24 ERA in seven starts with High-A Quad Cities. --Field Level Media
