Michael Hibblen

Inside Union Pacific's North Little Rock Rail Yard

Michael Hibblen — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:14:55 +0000

Railroads have long been a key industry for Arkansas, with North Little Rock today being the home of one of the largest rail yards for Union Pacific.

The sprawling grounds are busy 24 hours a day with arriving and departing freight trains.

It’s a complicated process, sorting rail cars that arrive from all over the country, changing crews and servicing the equipment.

Directing the action from the top of a tower in the center of the yard is General Yard Master Robby Robelot. He says the biggest challenge is coordination and timing.

US Attorney: State Treasurer's Alleged Actions Erode Public Trust

Nathan Vandiver and Michael Hibblen — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:54:46 +0000

US Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas Chris Thyer said Monday that allegations against state Treasurer Martha Shoffner are grave.

He spoke to reporters after Shoffner made her initial court appearance on charges she accepted money from a broker in return for investing state money with that broker.

State Treasurer Martha Shoffer To Have Hearing On Extortion Charges

Michael Hibblen — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:37:35 +0000

Arkansas Treasurer Martha Shoffner is to go before a federal judge Monday, after being arrested over the weekend on charges of extortion.

FBI spokeswoman Kimberly Brunell says agents arrested Shoffner Saturday at her home in Newport.

The Democrat serving her second term has been under scrutiny because of how her office has handled state investments.

Legislative auditors say that in 2011, 11 bonds were sold from the state’s investment portfolio before they had matured, resulting in a net loss of more than $434,000 worth of earnings.

Rep. Griffin Ready To Ask Tough Questions Of IRS Official

Michael Hibblen — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:13:08 +0000

Congressman Tim Griffin of Arkansas will be among lawmakers with key questions Friday for the top Internal Revenue Service official who resigned this week amid a scandal over heightened scrutiny of conservative groups.

Former acting Commissioner Steven Miller is to testify before the House Ways and Means Committee. Griffin, a Republican from Little Rock, is a member of the committee.

KUAR Wins Seven Awards In Arkansas SPJ Contest

Michael Hibblen — Tue, 14 May 2013 23:42:30 +0000

KUAR won seven awards for its news and arts coverage at the 2013 Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists contest.

During an awards banquet Monday evening, the station learned four were first place winners, two won second place and one was a third place winner.

SPJ is one of the oldest organizations representing journalists in the U.S. Part of its mission is to encourage high standards and ethical behavior in journalism, while promoting and supporting diversity in the industry.

Little Rock Included In National Train Day

Michael Hibblen — Sat, 11 May 2013 21:00:42 +0000

National Train Day was expanded this year to include Little Rock, with an event Saturday at the city's Union Station.

Families lined up on the platform to tour an Amtrak train that was on display.

Jerry Driscoll and his family from Beebe had never been onboard an Amtrak train, only riding short tourist lines in recent years, and decided to see what cross country rail travel could be like.

Arkansas AG: Health Issues A Concern After Oil Spill

Michael Hibblen — Tue, 07 May 2013 23:41:13 +0000

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel says he's concerned about the lingering health implications from the Mayflower oil spill.

It has been about five weeks since the Pegasus pipeline ruptured, spilling hundreds of thousands of gallons of raw crude, but McDaniel says people near the site are still feeling the effects.

“As we met with residents and groups that represent them, like Remember Mayflower, I heard time and time again about their health, especially the health of their children,” McDaniel said at an afternoon news conference.

AG To Give Update On Investigation Into Oil Spill

Michael Hibblen — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:41:31 +0000

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel will have an announcement Tuesday at 3 pm regarding the Mayflower Oil Spill.

His office has been conducting an extensive investigation into the rupture of a pipeline owned by ExxonMobil.

McDaniel has said the investigation is a precursor to litigation. There’s no more specifics on what he will discuss.

More than 200,000 gallons of raw crude spilled on March 29th. Since then the oil giant has had a small army of workers cleaning up the affected areas.

Top Political Leaders Debate Best Ways To Help The Delta

Michael Hibblen — Fri, 03 May 2013 04:53:50 +0000

Many of the state’s top political leaders – and those aspiring for office – are taking part in a conference considering the best ways to revive the poverty-stricken Delta region.

The two-day Delta Grassroots Caucus started Thursday night with participants hearing from the Republican candidates for Arkansas governor, a freshman congressman and former President Bill Clinton.

“For the first time, literally in a generation, the larger demographic and other forces that are working on the world will help the Delta region,” Clinton said.

KUAR Wins Five AP Broadcast Awards

Michael Hibblen — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 01:38:42 +0000

KUAR is proud to have won five awards at the Arkansas Associated Press Broadcasters Association's 2012 contest. The awards for radio and TV stations were presented Saturday in Little Rock.