Vershal Hogan

United States

Managing Editor at Ashley News Observer

Daily Editor and Contributing Writer at Faith on View

Articles

Schools discuss anticipated changes to federal funding

1 week ago | ashleynewsobserver.com | Vershal Hogan

Hamburg School District officials said federal efforts to restructure or otherwise do away with the U.S. Department of Education means that at the local level districts still have a lot of questions. “There is a lot of speculation, (but) I would like to speak to facts — and only facts — because I am not the government,” HSD PLC Coordinator Lesley Nelms told the school board April 14. The continuing resolution that Congress adopted March 14 reauthorized the Department of Education through Sept.
Justices formally approve GP incentive package

1 week ago | ashleynewsobserver.com | Vershal Hogan

The Ashley County Quorum Court approved last week a tax incentive package connected to Georgia-Pacific’s December announcement that it would expand its operations in Crossett and add approximately 50 jobs. The April 8 vote was largely procedural, a formal adoption of the necessary resolution to put the incentive package in place.
Crossett School Board adopts calendar for next academic year

1 week ago | ashleynewsobserver.com | Vershal Hogan

The Crossett School District’s Board of Education adopted last week a calendar for next school year that includes starting classes for students on Aug. 12 and ending them by the last week of May. The calendar adopted April 8 was one of two options available, though the two were substantially similar. During the 2025-2026 school year, students will have at least one day off each month, including Labor Day in September; a fall break on Oct.
Temple takes first in high, long and triple jumps at McGehee

1 week ago | ashleynewsobserver.com | Vershal Hogan

When the Crossett Eagles completed in the McGehee High School Senior Owl Relays on April 10, Lady Eagle Jordin Temple dominated the meet’s jumping events. A junior, Temple is already the defending state champion for the triple jump, and her first place triple jump mark of 35-10 at the McGehee meet was more than a foot beyond the second place finisher. When she approached the high jump, Temple cleared the bar to take first in the event, leaping to a mark of 5-0.
Former pastor sentenced to three years prison for sexual assault

2 weeks ago | ashleynewsobserver.com | Vershal Hogan

A man who at one time had been his victim’s pastor was sentenced to three years in prison for second-degree sexual assault last week. Judge Crews Puryear sentenced Billy Sherrer to 36 months in the Arkansas Department of Corrections with an additional 36 months suspended imposition of sentence on April 1 after Sherrer pleaded guilty to sexual assault in the second degree, a Class B felony. Sherrer, 74, of Parkdale, was charged in connection to the July 17, 2024 incident in August.
Deadline to register to vote in special election approaching

3 weeks ago | ashleynewsobserver.com | Vershal Hogan

The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming special tax election in Hamburg is April 14. While the vote will not levy a new tax – and its failure will not remove an existing tax – it will determine how certain taxes can be used. The Hamburg City Council called the election – which is open only to voters who live within Hamburg city limits – to seek permission to widen the use of a dedicated sales tax that voters have previously adopted.
Hamburg school board names next superintendent

3 weeks ago | ashleynewsobserver.com | Vershal Hogan

The Hamburg School District has officially hired its next superintendent. The board voted Monday, March 31, to offer a contract to Nathan Sullivan, who is currently the principal at White Hall High School. HSD Board President James Hartshorn said Sullivan was one of three candidates interviewed in person for the job, and that his “passion and his heart for kids and education” were what impressed the board.
Possible new industry has acquired key permit, mayor says

2 months ago | ashleynewsobserver.com | Vershal Hogan

An unnamed company has secured a key permit necessary to locate operations in Crossett. Mayor Crystal Marshall made the announcement about the as-yet-unidentified industry on Feb. 24 during her State of the City address. The mayor told the city council and those present that Crossett Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Mike Smith had worked with the company to secure an air permit it needed for a Crossett location.
Council adopts updated water rates to comply with state law

2 months ago | ashleynewsobserver.com | Vershal Hogan

The Crossett City Council adopted Feb. 24 an ordinance that will increase water rates effective April 1. While the Crossett Water Commission had requested a rate increase in recent months, the rates the city council adopted Monday were based not on that request but on a rate study by the Arkansas Rural Water Association — a study that recommended an increase beyond what the CWC requested.
CSD announces temporary 10-minute addition to school day

2 months ago | ashleynewsobserver.com | Vershal Hogan

Crossett schools will temporarily lengthen their school days by 10 minutes during the first half of March. Crossett School District administrators contacted parents through the district’s automated telephone and messaging systems on Feb. 24 to inform them of the decision to add 10 minutes onto the end of each school day. The reason for the addition is rooted in the district’s alternative calendar, which does not count the number of days students are in class but the number of minutes.