Monthly Archives: April 2011

After a 12-hour search effort involving mounted riders, all-terrain vehicles, officers from multiple agencies, canine teams and an Arkansas State Police helicopter, Christopher David Garrett and Tobias Draper Jones are now in custody. Christopher and Jones escaped from the Columbia … Continue reading →

Tobias Draper Jones, who escaped this morning from the Columbia County Detention Facility was captured about 20 minutes ago in a wooded area just off Burnt Bridge Road. Jones was heard telling Columbia County Sheriff Mike Loe that after a … Continue reading →

If you haven’t made the connection yet, Christopher David Garrett, 25, of Chidester and originally of Magnolia, was arrested recently after leading local authorities on a three-county chase after he walked away from a work release program in Louisiana. Garrett was … Continue reading →

Last updated 1:20 p.m., Saturday, April 23 Two inmates—Christoper David Garrett and Tobias Draper Jones—escaped the Columbia County Justice and Detention Facility Saturday morning. Garrett, a white male, and Jones, a black male, jumped the fence at the jail at … Continue reading →

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Arkansas State Police investigators are currently working the scene of a multiple fatality traffic accident at the intersection of 79/98 right now. CCSO Deputy Mike McWilliams advised us at the scene a few moments … Continue reading →

Today’s Banner-News will fill you in on action taken in Columbia County Circuit Court yesterday, including the sentencing of the Louisiana fugitive who was tracked by local authorities through three counties before being captured last weekend. You’ll also enjoy finding … Continue reading →

FROM THE ARKANSAS GAME AND FISH COMMISSION: “Commissioners from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission today formally approved regulation changes as part of the 2011-12 hunting season-setting process. One major change increases the statewide deer bag limit from five deer … Continue reading →

A slow-moving storm system dumped several inches of rain this morning over Magnolia, leading to flooding in several low-lying areas around Magnolia. Mayor Parnell Vann said the Dudney Road-East Main intersection, South Pine Street in front of Columbia County Ambulance … Continue reading →

The Columbia County Republican Committee hosted its annual Reagan-Lincoln Dinner last night at Southern Arkansas University. Above, guests write down bids on silent auction items as they wait for the evening’s line-up of guest speakers, which included U.S. Rep. Tim … Continue reading →

The Banner-News Blog is proud to share the following note and the above photo from Christine Snider, Emerson High School Class of 1963. We love the “girls’” tale of how their friendship remains strong more than 40 years after its … Continue reading →