Our readers will not find much news from Northwest Arkansas on this website, because one needn’t look far to find what the Little Rock stations report; besides, our priorities lie in providing local and regional information. However, news of the double slaying at a Devil’s Den State Park walking trail got us to thinking, “Should we have brought this story closer to home?” Frankly, we’re torn on the idea. On one hand, we’ve got a state park in our own back yard, complete with several miles of walking trails. Devil’s Den is 3.5 hours away from DeGray. A suspect was apprehended after a nearly five-day manhunt, caught mid-haircut in Springdale, about 30 minutes away from the park. Police still haven’t released a motive, or whether it was a targeted or random attack. In the meantime, we could have localized the story by talking to visitors at our nearby state park, getting a feel for their fears; by noting any heightened police or park ranger presence; by interviewing local law enforcement and local state park officials (except that a current state policy prohibits them from talking to the media). On the other hand, localizing a story like this could have raised unwarranted alarm among local citizens and/or visitors to our local state park. We’re relieved that the alleged killer was captured in that region of the state, and that no other evil played out while he was on the lam. Still, we feel obligated to remind our readers that no one is 100% safe anywhere. If you walk on a trail — even Feaster Trail — take all the precautions necessary to return home safely. Travel with a group. Be vigilant. Never assume any stranger you meet has your best interest at heart. As much as it irks us to say it, you might as well carry a weapon and be prepared to use it. Enjoy the outdoors, but stay safe out there.
We took the recommendation of our friend Mike McNeill at magnoliareporter.com and watched “One Night in Idaho: The College Murders”, the documentary about a 2022 quadruple homicide in a quiet college town. Aside from the chilling tale and the police force’s deer-in-the-headlights approach to communicating details to the public, what we found interesting is how social media sleuths have tarnished the noble act of gathering and reporting facts for disbursement to the public. You really shouldn’t be relying on TikTokers and/or YouTubers to deliver factual information. Leave it instead to those trained and educated in the ways of mass communication. For what it’s worth, we have a bachelor’s degree in mass media (with an emphasis in print journalism) from Henderson State University, with a decade of experience working at a newspaper.
Slightly cooler temperatures are in the forecast this weekend…