Here’s a look at some of the stories making headlines across the state.
Arkansas man killed in crash while being pursued by trooper
JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) — Police say an Arkansas man was killed when the motorcycle he was riding crashed into the rear of a sport utility vehicle while he was being pursued by a state trooper.
Jonesboro police say 36-year-old Nicholes Koegel died in the crash Monday on Highway 141 in north Jonesboro. Police say the driver of the SUV was not injured.
Police spokesman Paul Holmes says the chase began when Koegel drove past the trooper at a high rate of speed and the trooper tried to stop him.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
A state police report says Koegel drifted from the inside lane of the highway to the outside lane and crashed into the rear of the SUV.
Jonesboro police are investigating the crash.
Invasive beetle confirmed in 3 more Arkansas counties
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — An invasive beetle known for destroying ash trees has been discovered in three more Arkansas counties.
The Arkansas State Plant Board said Tuesday that the emerald ash borer has been discovered in Garland, Montgomery, and Pike counties in southwest Arkansas. The beetle has now been confirmed in 17 Arkansas counties and the board has established a quarantine in those counties and 16 counties adjacent to them that prohibits the movement of ash items including nursery stock and firewood in hopes of preventing the spread of the beetle.
The quarantine includes counties in northeastern and southwestern Arkansas. It has also been found in Delaware County in northeast Oklahoma, bordering northwest Arkansas.
The emerald ash borer is native to Asia and feeds on and kills ash trees.
Arkansas VA home earns certification
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas State Veterans Home in North Little Rock can now accept residents on Medicare and Medicaid.
The home, which opened at the end of January, was only accepting residents who could afford to pay for care out of pocket. The certification now allows the home to bill Medicare and Medicaid for care dating to April 27.
The certification came after a survey conducted by the Arkansas Office of Long Term Care found “no deficiencies.” The certification is the home’s next step in filling the $24 million facility.
State VA Director Nate Todd said the certification validated the work of the home’s highly professional staff.
“It certifies the quality and level of care from an external entity,” Todd said.
Todd said he hopes to next apply for certification to receive residents on veterans’ benefits.
The Arkansas State Veterans Home in North Little Rock was created to fill a need by the aging population of about 250,000 veterans in the state. It was built with a concept that emphasizes a homelike environment.
At the home, certified nursing assistants are assigned to individual cottages where they clean, cook and administer direct care. Nurses are also assigned to the cottages.
The agency also owns a veterans home in Fayetteville.
In 2012, the Little Rock Veterans Home closed due to mismanagement, deplorable living conditions and lack of funding.
Man accused in road-rage killing of child to be committed
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A man accused of fatally shooting a 3-year-old boy in a road-rage attack in Little Rock is being committed for observation by doctors who are assessing his mental health.
The doctors assigned to determine if 33-year-old Gary Eugene Holmes is fit to stand trial have requested that he be interned indefinitely at the Arkansas State Hospital.
The doctors told Pulaski County Circuit Judge Barry Sims that getting Holmes to cooperate with testing efforts has been difficult. Sims ordered the transfer at a hearing Monday.
Holmes faces charges of first-degree murder and committing a terroristic act in the Dec. 17 killing of Acen (AY’-sin) King.
Holmes pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in February. His next court appearance is scheduled for July.
Arkansas man drowns while kayaking on Little Red River
HEBER SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) — Authorities say a man has drowned while kayaking on the Little Red River in northern Arkansas.
Cleburne County Sheriff Chris Brown says 54-year-old Lendon Brewer disappeared Friday while kayaking on the river. Brown says rescue crews from nearby agencies responded along with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
Brown says crews recovered Brewer’s body shortly after he was reported missing Friday night. The sheriff says the death is under investigation but it appears to be accidental.
Authorities say Brewer was from Scott.