Arkansas Code Title 16. Practice, Procedure, and Courts § 16-13-210. Circuit judge may hear and adjudicate causes pending in the circuit

(a)(1) Any circuit judge of this state, at any time while mentally and physically competent and physically present in the geographical area of the judicial circuit which he or she serves as judge, may hear, adjudicate, or render any appropriate order with respect to any cause or matter pending in any circuit court over which he or she presides, subject to such notice of the time, place, and nature of the hearing being given as may be required by law or by rule or order of the court.

(2) However, no contested case may be tried outside the county of the venue of the case, except upon the agreement of the parties interested.