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WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that the Joint Commission, the nation’s most trusted quality and safety accrediting body for health care systems, accredited every VA program it examined in calendar year 2025. The Joint Commission visited VA hospitals, behavioral health care and home care facilities, and ambulatory facilities last year. As a result of those visits, the standards body accredited all 176 VA programs that it assessed, a testament to VA’s commitment to providing safe and reliable care to the Veterans it serves. Programs assessed and approved by the Joint Commission included an advanced virtual reality treatment system that helps Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, and new research into how to make VA medical centers work better for Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors. The Joint Commission had fewer “requests for improvement” for VA compared to the national average and found VA programs made marked improvements from 2024 to 2025. “These results are yet another example of how VA is improving for Veterans under President Trump’s leadership,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “VA is putting Veterans first, and that means improved access to care and benefits for every Veteran, family member, caregiver and survivor who walks through our doors.” “Providing care to every individual, including those who have valiantly served our country, is a critically important responsibility and VA’s health system has consistently upheld high standards for patient safety and healthcare quality in the industry,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Commission Jonathan B. Perlin, MD, Ph.D. “We recognize and applaud VA employees’ ongoing dedication and commitment to providing exceptional healthcare for our nation’s veteran community.”

In communities like ours, a box of food is more than a helping hand — it’s an opportunity. Each month, through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), families receive staple items that can stretch budgets and fill tables. At the Yellville Area Food Closet (YAFC), we believe those items can do even more. With a little guidance and creativity, they can become quick, delicious meals that nourish both body and spirit.

By Robert Lyons On a letter from the Arkansas Ethics Commission, dated May 5, 2026, the Marion County Judge was notified that a complaint was filed the county judge by a citizen. The complaint contains two allegations.

MOUNTAIN HOME - The 25th annual ASU-Mountain Home Charity Golf Classic sponsored by Yelcot is slated for June 6 & 7, 2026. It will be held at Big Creek Country Club.

By Jason Stumph, Marion County Judge Treasurer’s office will be closed all day Friday, May 22 and Wednesday, May 27 noon-4:30 p.m. for training and meetings.

You don’t have to be enrolled in VA health care to access life-saving suicide prevention support. Emergency suicide care services covered by VA can help.