Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Fire Destroys Home

Fire destroyed a home on Sycamore Street early Wednesday, Feb. 17.

Members of the Gurdon Fire Department were called to the blaze around 6:45 Wednesday morning, and found the structure engulfed in flame.

According to Gurdon Fire Chief Jake McBride, the fire apparently began in a bathroom, and could have been caused by a space heater.

Firemen battled the flames until about 8:30 a.m., only to be called back around 10:30 a.m. when the fire rekindled. Firefighters fought the blaze another two hours before getting it completely extinguished.

McBride said the fire could have been trapped between the ceiling and roof, causing the second flare up.

The home, owned by 99-year-old Ella Campbell, was completely destroyed. Campbell was able to get out safely and was taken to Baptist Medical Center in Arkadelphia for mild smoke exhaustion. She was treated and released.

The house was a wood, frame home with wooden shingles on the roof.

DRUG ARREST

A 39-year-old Gurdon man was arrested on drug charges by the Gurdon Police Department Thursday, Feb. 12.

According to Gurdon City Marshal David Childres, Randy Huston was served with the arrest warrant at his home.

Officers recovered three bags of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, along with seven syringes and a quantity of a white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine.

The evidence has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for identification.

Huston has been charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Childres said additional charges could be filed.