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2 teens accused of trying to escape detention center

BATESVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Authorities say two teenagers at a juvenile detention center in Batesville will face additional charges after they tried to escape the facility.

Sheriff Steve Jeffery says the two boys will face charges of attempted escape and aggravated assault. Bond was set for each youth at $100,000.

The sheriff tells the Batesville Guard (http://is.gd/Yxq9DB ) that the 17-year-old and 15-year-old allegedly tried to escape the facility last week. The sheriff says the two used a wooden shank to attack three prison guards.

Jeffery says the guards used pepper spray and a Taser to subdue the juveniles.

Authorities say the 17-year-old is being held at the facility on a murder charge. The younger teen is being held on charges of attempted murder.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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More than 200 to be laid off at Batesville plant

BATESVILLE, Ark. (AP/KTHV) - ConAgra Foods Inc. is laying off as many as 250 people at its Batesville frozen food plant.

Lyon College revives Edwards Commons

Lyon College revives Edwards Commons

BATESVILLE — Lyon College is reviving Eds.

Its new 44,000-square-foot campus center under construction will bear the name of the Lyon College landmark that served students for decades — Edwards Commons.

Lyon College President Dr. Donald Weatherman said the campus isn’t the same without the place that was affectionately known as simply “Eds.”

“I believe the Board of Trustee’s decision to keep the Edwards name on the campus center is very fitting,” he said. “John Edwards and his family were very strong supporters of the College and I am pleased their name will still be featured on this prominent building on campus.”

A fire destroyed the original Edwards Commons in October 2010. The building had been a staple of the Lyon College community since the late 1970s, but the dining hall portion of Eds was completed in 1983. Dr. Weatherman said he ate one of the first meals served in Eds and one of the last meals the day of the fire.

Brighter Side: Win an energy efficiency makeover

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) --  Too often we report the negative news, but great things are happening in your community each day.

Here's a look at the Brighter Side....

Win a $50,000 Energy Efficiency makeover 
The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas will sponsor the fifth $50,000 Energy Efficiency Home Makeover Contest for electric cooperative members.

"The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas are committed to helping our members manage energy consumption," said Doug White, vice president of systems services for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. "Our goal is to educate members about energy efficiency components and measures that can help them save energy, live comfortably and reduce their electricity bills."

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AARP joins food drive to 'Stamp Out Hunger'

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AARP Press Release) - To tackle the serious issue of hunger faced by millions of older adults, AARP and AARP Foundation announced that on Sat., May 12, they are joining the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and the U.S. Postal Service's 20th annual food drive to help "Stamp Out Hunger."

On the second Saturday in May each year, in America's largest single day food drive, known officially as Stamp Out Hunger, letter carriers across the country pick up bags of non-perishable food products left for them by households on their usual routes-and deliver those donations to local food banks and pantries, such as the Arkansas Foodbank in central Arkansas and other member food banks of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. To encourage food donations, AARP and AARP Foundation donated food collection bags for distribution in Arkansas.

New car seat safety guidelines announced

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (NHTSA/AAP) - Everything you thought you knew about car seats may be wrong.

The National Highway and Transportation Administration, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics recently announced new guidelines that parents are recommended to follow before strapping their kids into a car.

Betsy Mowery, a car safety seat speciality with UAMS, stopped by 'Today's THV This Morning' to break down everything parents need to know.

THV Extra: Buffalo National River celebrates 40 years

SEARCY COUNTY, Ark. (KTHV) -- One of Arkansas' treasures, tourist destination and piece of history, the Buffalo National River is celebrating 40 years as the nation's first national river.

"A stream is a living thing. It moves, dances and shimmers in the sun." These are the words of Harold Alexander, a man who fought for the free-flowing Buffalo River, and its future to remain free.

It's a treasure to many. For years, millions of visitors have enjoyed the Buffalo National River in north central Arkansas. But 40 years ago, its future was on the rocks.

Park interpreter Caven Clark says the controversy began between staunch landowners and the Army Corps of Engineers which wanted to build dams.

Governor Orval Faubus led the Ozark Society with other strong-willed supporters of the river, to secure its future.