Local and Regional News 042524

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FCHS New Mustang Football Coach

The Forrest City School Board hired a new Mustang Football Coach last (Thursday) night. He is Reggie Swinton a former standout player at Little Rock Central and Murray State. He also played wide receiver and return specialist for the Dallas Cowboys , Detroit Lions, and spent time with the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL. Reggie Swinton has headed up the Arkansas Lions AAU Youth Program the past 11 years.

Swinton takes over a Mustang football program that has struggled winning games in recent years. He replaces Ronald Lewis who announced his resignation several months ago. The Mustangs will open the 2024 season at Batesville Southside on August 30th, then travel to Wynne on September 6th.

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Ark Weather Outlook

 

The National Weather Service reports that much of Arkansas could see severe weather and storms on Friday and Sunday (DG).

 

A hazardous weather briefing issued on Wednesday stated that “all modes of severe weather will be possible from large hail, damaging wind gusts, and a few tornadoes.”

 

The northwestern half of Arkansas, including Fayetteville, Conway and Hot Springs, is at a slight risk of severe weather. A slight risk means that “isolated to scattered severe storms are expected.”

 

Parts of eastern and Central Arkansas, including Jonesboro and Pine Bluff, are at a marginal risk for severe weather. A marginal risk means that isolated severe storms are possible.

 

The weather service is also monitoring the risk of excessive rainfall, which will present the risk for flash flooding, especially in vulnerable locations, as early as Thursday through Friday night.

 

Little Rock is set to see up to three inches of rain through Sunday, and other parts of the state might see four inches.

 

Arkansans are advised to stay weather aware and check for updates as Friday approaches.

 

 

ATV Crash Kills Two

 

A Cross County woman was one of two people killed in an ATV accident in Brinkley before dawn Wednesday (4/23).

 

Arkansas State Police identified the victims as 42-year-old Alexis Wallin of Wynne and 43-year-old Lacesha Morman of Little Rock.

 

Police say the two were killed around 4:34 a.m. Wednesday after their Kawasaki ATV crashed into a tree after veering off Grand Avenue in Brinkley.

 

The accident report stated that investigators were unable to  determine who was driving the ATV.

 

Police say the weather was clear and the road conditions were dry at the time of the accident.

 

 

SFC Felony Arrests

 

The St. Francis County Sheriff’s Department made two arrests while executing warrants at a Forrest City residence Wednesday (4/24).

 

Sheriff’s deputies went to 327 Fussell St. in Forrest City Wednesday in an attempt to arrest 43-year-old Laloni Hudson of Forrest City. Hudson was wanted on multiple felony warrants resulting from a burglary investigation back in March. 

 

Hudson was located hiding in the attic at the residence and was taken into custody without incident. 

 

Investigators say 48-year-old Christopher Osborn, who is on parole for a 2021 conviction for Possession of a Defaced Firearm, currently lives at residence and was allowing Hudson, his girlfriend, to live there. 

 

Osborn was arrested for Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution, a Class D Felony. 

 

Both suspects were booked into the SFC Detention Center and were set to be arraigned in District Court today (Thursday), at which time bond would be set in each case. 

 

 

Ark Senate Bills Pass

 

The state Senate approved two amended bills Wednesday meant to place stronger regulations on crypto mining in Arkansas.

 

Changes to crypto mining operations include the restoration of some control to local governments, the adoption of noise reduction standards, and the requirement that all such businesses acquire permits from the state.

 

The bills also would prevent certain "prohibited foreign parties," such as China and other entities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, from owning crypto mines in Arkansas.

 

Because of the emergency clauses attached to both bills, the pair would become effective after approval in the House and being signed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

 

The current law, known as the Arkansas Data Centers Act of 2023, restricted the ability of cities and counties to regulate cryptocurrency mines.

 

After the Arkansas Data Centers Act passed, roughly 50 counties, including St. Francis County, hurried to pass emergency ordinances allowing them to regulate noise and other issues before the law took effect.

 

 

Ark Sports Betting Big

 

Officials are expecting sports betting to be big for Arkansas in 2024. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

The numbers show that $50.3 million was wagered on sports this past March alone. That’s about $13 million more than the same month in 2023.

 

According to Scott Hardin with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, in just the first three months of 2024, an average of $1.5 million was bet on sports per day, and the state could reach a record of over $500 million in bets for the year.

 

He further explained that $3.9 million was bet at casinos, and $46 million was through casino apps, netting the state $510,000 in tax revenue.

 

 

Obits

 

--Mr. Steven Ray Farmer, 80, of Caldwell, died Wednesday, April 24th.  Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, April 26th in the Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home Chapel in Wynne. Interment will follow in McElroy Cemetery near Wynne. Friends may visit the funeral home from 1:00 pm to service time. Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home of Wynne in charge of arrangements.  

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--Funeral service for Pearline “Doll” Whitfield-Lowery, 91, of North Little Rock, formerly of Poplar Grove will be Saturday (4/27) at 10 a.m. at Mount Shelby Missionary Baptist Church in Marvell. Burial will follow at Mount Olive Cemetery in Marvell. C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley is in charge of arrangements.

 

--A Family and Friends Gathering for Mr. Clarence Edward Wright, Jr., 79 of Forrest City will be Saturday (4/27) from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the chapel of Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Lovie Ingram, 82, of Colt will be Saturday (4/27) at 12 p.m. at the Stanley Grove M.B. Church. Burial will follow in Stanley Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service starting at 11 a.m. at the church. Miles Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Clarence Williams, 30, of Forrest City will be Saturday (4/27) at 1 p.m. at the Larry S. Bryant Multipurpose Center. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Mary “Jean” Alice Jordan, 68, of Rochester, New York, formerly of Wheatley will be Saturday (4/27) at 2:30 p.m. at the Brinkley Convention Center. Burial will follow at Pilgrim Rest Cemetery in Wheatley. C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Lorraine Flowers, 60, of West Memphis will be Saturday (4/27) at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Larry Sloan, 70, of Pine Bluff, formerly of Cotton Plant will be Sunday (4/28) at 1:30 p.m. at the Brinkley Convention Center. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery in Cotton Plant. Visitation will be Saturday from 6-8 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home Chapel in Pine Bluff. C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

 

Sports

 

--FC Boys Track Results--

 

The Forrest City boys track team, led by Coach Donnie Willis and Assistant Coach Draylon Willis, ran away from the competition to take the conference title at Tuesday's 4A-3 Conference Track Meet.

 

The Mustangs took the title by a 93-point margin, defeating second place Pocahontas, 234 to 141.

 

The Mustangs swept the 200 Meter Dash, and had first place finishes in the 400 Meter Dash, the 110 Meter and 300 Meter Hurdles, the 4x100 Meter Relay, 4x200 Meter, 4x400 Meter, and 4x800 Meter Dash and the Triple Jump.

 

They had second place finishes in the 100 Meter and 200 Meter Dash, the 1600 and 3200 Meter Run, the 110 Meter Hurdles and the Long Jump.

 

They also had third place finishes in the 100 Meter and 200 Meter Dash, the 300 Meter Hurdles, the High Jump, and the Triple Jump.

 

Mustangs finishing in the top three included:

--100 Meter Dash - Jacori Buchanan (2nd), and Nehemiah Stone (3rd)

--200 Meter Dash - Monsieur Gaines (1st), Kyman Lee (2nd), and Kevin Young (3rd)

--400 Meter Dash - Monsieur Gaines (1st)

--1600 Meter Run - Derrick Burton (2nd)

--3200 Meter Run - Derrick Burton (2nd)

--110 Meter Hurdles - Kylin Williams (1st) and Kyman Lee (2nd)

--300 Meter Hurdles - Kylie Williams (1st) and Kyman Lee (3rd)

--4x100 Meter Relay - Nehemiah Stone, Kevin Young, Jacori Buchanan, and Jayvein Edwards (1st)

--4x200 Meter Relay - Nehemiah Stone, Kyman Lee, Kevin Young, and Monsieur Gaines (1st)

--4x400 Meter Relay - Darian Jordan, Monsieur Gaines, Jacori Buchanan, and Jordan Ware (1st)

--4x800 Meter Relay - Derrick Burton, Deandre Taggart, Zamarion Patton, and O'neal Winfrey.

--High Jump - Kyman Lee (3rd)

--Long Jump - Kevin Young (2nd)

--Triple Jump - Kyman Lee (1st) and Keelan Brisber (3rd)

 

--FC Girls Track Results--

 

Make it a three-peat for the Forrest City Lady Mustangs, after they took home a close 1-point victory at Tuesday's 4A-3 Conference Track Meet.

 

The Lady Mustangs outlasted the Brookland Lady Bearcats with a 173 to 172 victory in Pocahontas.

 

The Lady Mustangs swept the 100 Meter, 200 Meter, and 400 Meter Dash and took home first place finishes in the 4x100 Meter Relay, and the High Jump.

 

They had second place finishes in the 1600 Meter Run, the 4x200 Meter Relay, the 4x800 Meter Relay, and the Long Jump.

 

They also had a third-place finish in the 4x400 Meter Relay.

 

Lady Mustangs finishing in the top three included:

--100 Meter Dash - Mariah Barnett (1st), Chandon Hester (2nd), and Nia Williams (3rd)

--200 Meter Dash - Chandon Hester (1st), Nia Williams (2nd), and Alanah Burkes (3rd)

--400 Meter Dash - Daziyah Mays (1st), Chandon Hester (2nd), and Nia Williams (3rd)

--1600 Meter Run - Charnelle Hoof (2nd)

--4x100 Meter Relay - Alanah Burkes, Chandon Hester, Mariah Barnett, and Nia Williams (1st)

--4x200 Meter Relay - Avienne Applewhite, Tamier Burrow, Courtney Bean, and Kemora Jefferson (1st)

--4x400 Meter Relay - Avienne Applewhite, Daziyah Mays, Francesca Colebert, and Tamier Burrow (3rd)

--4x800 Meter Relay - Kimiya Wilson, Daziyah Mays, Adrianna Carter, and Charnelle Hoof (2nd)

--High Jump - Charnelle Hoof (1st)

--Long Jump - Mariah Barnett (2nd)

 

 

--Marianna Track News--

 

The Lee County High School track teams are headed for the state track meet in Quitman, Arkansas next Tuesday (4/30).

 

The Trojans will be competing in several events, including:

--4x100 (boys & girls)

--4x200 relay (boys & girls)

--4x400 relay (boys)

--200-meter dash (boys)

--High jump (boys)

 

Team members include: Alysia Sims, Camille Valdez, Gabrielle Hightower, Anastasia Jones, Cierra Gates, Meheli Williams, Taylor Holyfield, Jamari Anthony, DeMarcus Wilson, Randy Coney, Mardarius Redd, Willie Barnes, Dekylon Arnold, Courtland Harden, Janario  Winford and Sean Gamble.

 

 

--Ark NFL Draft Prospects--

 

A streak of 28 years of having at least one player taken in the NFL Draft is on the line for the University of Arkansas this weekend in Detroit.

 

Whether Arkansas will continue the streak and who might be the first Razorback chosen will be determined in the next three days.

 

The first round of the NFL Draft will be held tonight (Thursday) at 7 o’clock Central, followed by rounds 2 and 3 on Friday starting at 6 p.m., and rounds 4-7 on Saturday starting at 11 a.m.

 

An interesting collection of would-be pros is on tap for the Razorbacks with ostensibly no offensive skill players in that mix.

 

Various draft projections have different Razorbacks -- interior offensive lineman Beaux Limmer, cornerback Dwight McGlothern and placekicker Cam Little -- in line to be the first Arkansas player taken to continue the streak.

 

The Razorbacks have had 80 players drafted in the past 28 years, at least one every season since 1995, including third-round picks Drew Sanders and Ricky Stromberg last year.

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School News

 

The Forrest City School District is looking for college students with 60 credit hours or above or individuals with 60+ college credit hours to work in their 2024 Freedom School Program as a Summer School Intern.

 

Interested applicants should send their resume and unofficial transcript to Forrest City Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Hardrick at tiffany.hardrick@fcmustangs.net.

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Central Elementary School's Father-Daughter Dance is scheduled for Friday, May 10, from 6 to 8 p.m.

 

The event is for students in Pre-Kindergarten through the 5th grade and will include refreshments, photo opportunities and entertainment.

 

Tickets are $30 per couple and $10 for an extra person.

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Lee High School in Marianna has been presented with an amazing opportunity for their Class of 2025 scholars who are interested in the medical field to participate in a six-week camp this summer at UAPB.

 

Selected scholars can earn $375 a week. Weekly transportation will be provided. Scholars will participate in activities throughout their senior year and earn a $2,500 scholarship towards college upon completion.

 

Call Lee High School at 870-295-7130 for more information.

 

 

Events

 

--Madison Light Missionary Baptist Church will hold its Spring Revival, Tuesday through Thursday, (April 23-25) at 7 o’clock nightly. Pastor Fredrick Clay will be the guest evangelist. Everyone is welcome.

 

--The St. Francis County Circuit Clerk’s Office announces that Jury Orientation will be held Friday, April 26th at 1:30 p.m. in the upstairs courtroom.

 

--A drug take back event will be held Saturday (4/27) from 10 a.m. to  2 p.m. at the Palestine Police Department at 101 Higgins St. in Palestine. This is an opportunity for the public to properly dispose of all unused and/or expired prescription medications.

 

--The St. Francis Extension Homemakers Council’s information/recruitment session scheduled for this Saturday, April 27th at 2 p.m. at Woodruff Electric in Forrest City has been postponed. For more information, call Marla Lane at the St. Francis County Extension Office at 870-261-1730.

 

--Ridgecrest Golf Club in Forrest City will host a Four Ball golf tournament, June 1-2. The event will feature 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. tee times, with Calcutta & dinner. First place:  $1,200, Second place:  $800 and Third Place:  $400. For more information, contact Jackie McKennon at 870-866-5823 or Tony Downey at 870-270-0361.

 

 

Lee Co Gospel Program

 

A huge Lee County Gospel Explosion will be held Sunday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marianna Civic Center.

 

The event be supported by all area singing unions and gospel groups in the area. Everyone is invited to attend.

 

The event is absolutely free. Vendors are welcome.

 

Call Marianna Funeral Home at 870.295.4440 for more information.

 

 

Ark Water Meetings

 

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture will hold five public meetings in May seeking stakeholder input about the Arkansas Water Plan update.

 

Morning sessions will start at 10 a.m. and will include a general overview of the current water plan and discussion on potential updates; afternoon sessions will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and will include discussions on location-specific water supply discussions.

 

--Meeting 1:  May 6 at the Fowler Center in Jonesboro

--Meeting 2:  May 7 at the Fort Smith Convention Center

--Meeting 3:  May 8 at the Donald W. Reynolds Campus and Community Center in Magnolia

--Meeting 4:  May 9 at the Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart

--Meeting 5:  May 10 at the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Office in Little Rock. A virtual option will be available at agriculture.arkansas.gov.

 

Participants can attend all or parts of each of the meetings but are being asked to arrive 15 minutes early to register.

 

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued an executive order in August 2023 calling for a comprehensive analysis of the state's water needs; the Arkansas Water Plan was last completed in 2014.

 

 

FC Library Autism Event

 

The Forrest City Public Library is hosting a workshop on Autism with Renee Holmes, RN, who serves as Director of Autism Services of Partners for Inclusive Communities.

 

The workshop is coming up Saturday, April 27th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and will cover several topics, including:

 

--What is Autism

-- Support for individuals with Autism and Sensory Differences

--Autism Waiver and the Arkansas Autism Resource and Outreach Center

 

Breakfast and daycare will be provided. Those who are planning to attend must RSVP by April 23rd.

 

Call the library at 870-633-5646 for more information.

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FC Job Openings

 

 The City of Forrest City is seeking talented and dedicated individuals to fill several full-time positions.

 

Current openings include:

--Animal Control Officer

--Finance Clerk

--Code Enforcement Officer

--Assistant Code Enforcement Officer

--Firefighter

--Assistant Diesel Mechanic

--CDL Drivers

--General Laborers

--Heavy Equipment Operator

 

Forrest City Water Utility also has openings for:

--Service Technician

--Water Treatment Operator

--Collections Supervisor

--Collections Operator

 

Forrest City offers a competitive benefits package and the opportunity to make a real difference in our local community.

 

Applications are now being accepted at the Arkansas Workforce Center located inside the EACC Learning Resource Center.

 

 

FC Students Artwork Displayed

 

The artwork of several Forrest City High School students is on display this month at the East Arkansas Community College Fine Arts Center.

 

The exhibit showcases the artwork of students from across the region as part of the annual East Arkansas Art Educators Student Art Show and will be on display through April 28.

 

Congratulations to the following Forrest City High School students for having their artwork selected for the exhibit:

 

--Adreionna Patton and Derick Hilliard (9th Grade)

--Trevon Boyd and Morgan McNutt (10th Grade)

--Mia Ellis, Ma'kyliah Douglas, Kaylah Adams, Emma Howard and Alice Radford (11th Grade)

--Caylan McKissick (12th Grade)

 

The East Arkansas Art Educators will hold their Eastern Regional Art Show Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 25, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the EACC Fine Arts Center. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for viewing.

 

The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information or to schedule a group tour, please contact the Arts Center Manager at 870-633-4480, ext. 352. There is no charge for admission to the Gallery.

 

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Lee Co Cooperative Clinic Events

 

The Lee County Cooperative Clinic is pleased to announce that they are now accepting appointments for DOT Physicals.

 

Call 870-295-5225 for more information and to make an appointment.

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The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is coming up Saturday, April 27th.

 

This is a chance for area residents to turn in their unused or expired medications for disposal.

 

The goal of the effort is to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

 

In Lee County, the collection site will be at the Lee County Cooperative Clinic at 530 West Atkins Blvd in Marianna.

 

Drop off times are Saturday, April 27th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

 

ASP Troop School News

 

Arkansas State Police is now taking applications for their next Troop School.

 

Preparations are underway for Troop School 2024-B, scheduled to begin October 13, 2024.  Arkansas State Police is currently accepting certified and non-certified applicants.

 

Please note that the ASP policy has been updated to allow arm tattoos.

 

No tattoos can be visible on an applicant’s neck, hands, head or face, but arm tattoos are allowed.

 

Visit the ASP Recruitment Page for details on the application process.

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The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on April 30th.

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SFC Extension Report

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In her educational report for the month of April, St. Francis County Family and Consumer Science Agent Marla Lane talks about activities surrounding National Gardening month: 

                (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Ms. Lane.

 

 

Red Cross Blood Appeal

 

The American Red Cross has seen an encouraging increase in the blood supply in recent weeks, but blood and platelet donation appointments remain vital this month.

 

People of all blood types – especially those with type O blood – are critical to ensuring hospital shelves can be replenished as soon as possible.

 

All who come to give April 8-28 will get a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,000 gift cards.

 

To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

 

 

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