Local and Regional News 061925

 

FC Murder Arrests

 

A Forrest City man and his mother have been arrested in connection with a recent homicide in the city.

 

Forrest City Police report that 33-year-old Damien McGuffie and his mother, 50-year-old Christie McGuffie, were arrested Monday (6/16) in connection with the shooting death of 51-year-old Altovise (al-TOE-vee-us) Swift.

 

Forrest City Police officers were dispatched to Mr. Swift’s residence at 302 Oak Ave. around 4:30 p.m. Monday where they found him lying in the street with a single gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was transported to Regional One in Memphis where he later died.

 

Damien McGuffie faces a charge of 1st Degree Murder and is currently being held at the St. Francis County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond.

 

Christie McGuffie is charged with being an Accomplice to First Degree Murder and is being held at the county jail on a $100,000 bond.

 

 

UA-EACC Business Summit

 

The Eastern Arkansas Business & Industry Regional Summit was held Tuesday (6/17) at University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City.

 

UA-EACC President Dr. Cathie Cline says that over 100 people were in attendance, representing small business, industry, education and various government entities:

     (click here to listen)

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Dr. Cline commented on the benefits of having all these elements in the same room, all focused on improving business and the economy in the region:

     (click here to listen)

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As Dr. Cline mentioned, the conference also featured a “Partner Panel”, made up of leaders from area business & industry, that are already seeing the benefits of partnering with local community colleges. Again, here’s Dr. Cline:

     (click here to listen)

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Dr. Cline also talked about another unique feature of this conference, a presentation by Woodruff Electric President & CEO, Michael Swan:

     (click here to listen)

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That’s UA-EACC President Dr. Cathie Cline.

 

 

HWH Training Center

 

The city of Helena-West Helena is set to get a workforce training center. (DG)

 

Officials say that Phillips Community College will create a workforce training center in Helena-West Helena to offer training "aligned with industry needs," including instruction in construction, welding, health sciences and artificial intelligence.

 

According to a Monday news release, the proposed center will also serve as a "meeting space for industry partners."

 

Details about the size or cost of the center were not disclosed in the announcement. "Projected outcomes" of the center include a 30% increase in student enrollment and a 15% improvement in job placement.

 

The new center will be located on Sebastian Street in Helena-West Helena at the site of a former grocery store, according to a Facebook post from the city's economic development organization.

 

The center is meant to "address the challenges" present in the county's workforce, including low labor participation rates and limited job prospects.

 

In 2022, Phillips County had a 48% labor force participation rate, the 14th lowest in the state.

 

 

HWH Solar Project

 

A Tennessee-based solar company is building a $4.75 million, 116 acre utility-scale solar project near Helena-West Helena that is expected to generate 4.75 megawatts of electricity. (DG)

 

Nashville-based Silicon Ranch announced plans at the Phillips County Quorum Court's meeting last week.

 

The facility will be completed by the end of 2026 and hire one to two local maintenance workers.

 

The project will be located on farmland at U.S. 49 and Phillips County Road 307, just outside of West Helena.

 

A spokesperson for the company did not disclose the projected economic impact of the project, but did say that the roughly $5 million capital investment will require no local government financing.

 

The spokesperson said that the project will generate "new tax revenues (that) can support infrastructure" in the county.

 

The solar panels will generate enough electricity to power 800 Arkansan homes and will "interconnect into Entergy Arkansas' local distribution network”.

 

 

Cross Co School Recognized

 

The Cross County Elementary Technology Academy in Cherry Valley, which has operated under a charter school model since 2012, is one of 10 finalists for an international award presented by digital platform T4 Education. (DG)

 

Distributed to five schools across the globe each year as part of the platform’s World’s Best School prizes, institutions are recognized for their strength in community collaboration, environmental action, innovation, supporting healthy lives and — in the case of the Cross County school — for overcoming adversity.

 

The five prizes were crafted based on research, evidence and consultation with teachers and education experts, and are designed to reflect key strategies that can encourage other schools to implement different strategies to strengthen their schools and communities.

 

Superintendent Nathan Morris said Wednesday that the school is “being recognized on an international level for beating the odds.”

 

He said that 70% of the school’s students come from low socio-economic backgrounds, adding that the district has made a commitment to not let that fact define their level of success.

 

 

Food Recall

 

Some ready-to-eat packages sold at Kroger and Walmart locations nationwide are being recalled due to a possible listeria contamination. (Gray News)

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Tuesday that FreshRealm voluntarily recalled packages of chicken fettuccine alfredo portions.

 

The recalled items were produced before June 17 and include:

 

--32.8-ounce packages of Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo Fettuccine

--12.3-ounce packages of Marketside Grilled Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine

--12.5-ounce packages of Home Chef Heat & Eat Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

 

At least four people who bought the recalled affected products reported illnesses.

 

Symptoms of an infection from the listeria bacteria can include aches, convulsions and diarrhea. Serious infections can be fatal, especially for people in higher-risk categories.

 

Anyone who purchased the items should throw the food away or return the product to the place of purchase.

 

 

AARP Grants Announced

 

AARP announced this week that six cities and organizations throughout Arkansas will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults.

 

The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas.

 

The grants will fund projects in two cities here in east-central Arkansas:

 

--City of Earle - This project will enhance Earle’s community center into an accessible facility for older adults, featuring mobility-friendly equipment, digital literacy resources, and an expanded food pantry, benefiting residents of Earle and Parkin. 

 

--City of Elaine - This project will transform an unused pocket park in downtown Elaine into an ADA-compliant Rest and Recharge Station with solar charging stations, seating, and amenities. It will benefit cyclists, pedestrians, and especially residents age 50 and older by promoting accessibility and community engagement. 

 

An AARP spokesperson commented that the organization is “proud to support communities nationwide”, and is “particularly proud to invest in projects benefiting often overlooked rural areas.”

 

 

Product Recall

 

A children’s cough syrup has been recalled due to possible bacterial contamination. (Gray News)

 

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Medtech Products Inc. is recalling lots of its Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup after it learned it could be contaminated with a bacterium that can cause food-borne illnesses.

 

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea starting between one and 16 hours after exposure to a contaminated product.

 

The recall involves 4-ounce bottles of the cough syrup that were distributed nationwide between December 2022 and June 2025 through retail stores and online.

 

Officials said the cough syrup is intended for use by children 1 year and older.

 

The recall does not include any other Little Remedies products and the company reports that serious adverse events have not been reported to date.

 

Consumers who have the recalled product have been urged to stop using it immediately. Medtech said it is offering reimbursement for consumers who have purchased the recalled item.

 

The company can be contacted at 800-754-8853.

 

 

Vehicle Recall

 

A nationwide recall has been issued and involves thousands of Honda and Acura vehicles. (CNN)

 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the recall is for more than 250,000 vehicles because of an issue with the brake pedal.

 

According to Honda, the brake pedal pivot pin may not be secured, potentially causing the pedal to shift out of position, making it hard for drivers to slow or stop the vehicle.

 

The recall includes the Acura TLX model years 2021 to 2025, the Acura MDX model years 2023 to 2025 and the Honda Pilot model years 2023 to 2025.

 

The automaker says dealerships will repair the brake pedal issue for free.

 

 

Events

 

--The East Arkansas Planning & Development District is conducting a survey to hear from the Forrest City community to learn what challenges they may be facing and what potential opportunities exist for improving and growing the local economy. To participate, you can access the link at CityofForrestCity.AR.com.

 

--The Palestine-Wheatley School Board will meet Monday (6/23) at 7:00 p.m. in the High School Library.

 

--A crochet classes will be held June 23rd starting at 4 p.m. at the Forrest City Public Library. The class is for beginners to experts and will allow participants to work at their own pace. Call the library at 870-633-5646 for more information.

 

--The St. Francis County branch of the NAACP will host the M.C. Jeffers Annual Roundtable Community Forum in honor of the Juneteenth holiday, Monday (6/23) at 6:30 pm. at Max Mo's Event Center, located at 526 E. Broadway in Forrest City.

 

--The St. Francis County Quorum Court meeting set for June 24th has been cancelled.

 

--Trinity All Nations Church and Bishop Theodis Cochran Jr. will host Vacation Bible School, June 24-26, each evening from 6-8 p.m. at the church located at 2383 Norman Ave. in Memphis.

 

--A benefit program for First Lady Sheila Lewellen will be held Sunday, June 29th at 3 p.m. at Stanley Grove MB Church at 528 SFC 265 in Colt. Guest speaker will be Pastor Terrance Burgess from Riverside MB Church.

 

--Trinity All Nations Church in Memphis will hold several programs honoring Bishop Theodis Cochran Jr. for his 26th Pastoral Anniversary. A Pre-Pastoral Anniversary program will be Sunday, June 29th at 3:30 p.m. at the church. An Anniversary Musical will be July 6th at 6:30 p.m. Admission is a $20 donation; $10 for kids under 12. The actual anniversary service will be July 13th at 12 p.m. at Trinity All Nations.

 

--A grand opening and ribbon cutting will be held July 14th at 11 a.m. at Refining Touch Behavioral Health & Recovery at 220 North 6th Street, Suite A, in West Memphis. The new facility focuses on metal health and substance abuse recovery.

 

 

Obits

 

--Funeral service for Bonner Trent McCollum, 92, of Forrest City will be Thursday (6/19) at 11 a.m., at Stevens Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Rosie Marie Mays, 76, of Forrest City will be Friday (6/20) at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Miles Mortuary. Burial will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 3-5 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of the arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Willie Stidum, 70, of Osceola, formerly of Forrest City will be Friday (6/20) at 1:00 p.m. at Victory Temple Church of God in Christ on Whitaker Street in Forrest City. Burial will follow at Goodwin Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 3-5 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of the arrangements.

 

--Graveside service for Martha Faye Buirts, 66, of Augusta will be Saturday (6/21) at 10 a.m. at New Quiet Cemetery-North in Augusta. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. at Northside Church of Christ in Augusta. C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for James Rodney "J.R." Walker, 44, of Forrest City, will be Saturday (06/21) at 11:00 a.m. at Miles Mortuary. Visitation will be on Friday (06/20) from 4-6 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of the arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Delrita Jean Bracy, 61, of Forrest City, will be Saturday (06/21) at 1:00 p.m. at Miles Mortuary with the burial following at Clark Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday (06/20) from 12-2 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of the arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Jasmin J. Spencer, 36, of Forrest City, will be Saturday (06/21) at 3:30 p.m. at the Larry S. Bryant Multipurpose Center with burial following at Shady Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday (06/20) from 4-6 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of the arrangements.

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​FC Health Fair

 

The City of Forrest City will host a Community Health Fair on July 12th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Larry S. Bryant Multipurpose Center.

 

The event will focus on health, wellness and community connection and will feature:

 

--Free health screenings

--Local health and wellness vendors

--Fitness demonstrations

--Kids' activities

--Giveaways & more

 

The Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation will also offer free prostate cancer screenings, along with education materials and resources.

 

The city is still looking for vendors, health professionals and wellness organizations to help make this event a success.

 

Contact City Hall at 870-633-1315 for more information.

 

 

UA-EACC Theater Camp

 

The Missoula Children’s Theater Camp is schedule for the week of June 23-27 at UA-EACC in Forrest City.

 

Kids in grades 1st to 12th will work all week to prepare for a live performance of “The Princess and The Pea” that will be held Friday, June 27th at 6:00 p.m. at the UA-EACC Fine Arts Center.

 

To register for the camp, call 870-633-4480, ext. 333.

 

 

FEMA Reminders

 

FEMA has a few reminders for area residents who are applying for disaster assistance.

 

After residents apply for assistance, FEMA may call to schedule an inspection of the damaged home or for more information to process the application. These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers.

 

Officials say its’ important to answer the call. A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, functional and accessible. If an inspection cannot be scheduled, that may cause a delay in FEMA’s review of a homeowner’s or renter’s application.

 

Be advised, there is no charge for an inspection. The inspector will have a FEMA photo ID and your application number.

 

Also, FEMA representatives never ask for money. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a FEMA representative, but you aren’t sure, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify the caller’s identity.

 

Area residents in St. Francis and Crittenden counties who suffered losses from serve storms in April can apply for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance.

 

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance for the April storms is Tuesday, July 22.

 

There are several ways to apply. Go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

 

Lines are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

 

 

Summer Feeding Program

 

The Olly Neal Community Health Center in Marianna will be distributing free summer food boxes every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through July 22nd.

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This is a drive-thru pickup located behind the clinic.

 

The Summer Feeding Program is open to households with school-age children, helping provide breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

No boxes will be available on Tuesday, July 1st due to the Independence Day Holiday.

 

The program is sponsored by the Arkansas Food Bank.

 

 

​Yard Sales

 

A yard sale will be held in June to benefit the Spring Creek Cemetery and the Aubrey Volunteer Fire Department

 

Yard sale dates are:

 

--Friday, June 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

--Saturday, June 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (items 50% off from 4-5 p.m.)

 

--Friday, June 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

--Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (items 75% off from 4-5 p.m.)

 

New items will be added between the sales.

 

The yard sale will be held at the Aubrey City Hall & Community Center at 106 Trailby in Aubrey. That’s the big yellow brick building that’s set back off the road by Bennetts Tractor Supply.

 

 

​EARYEI Projects 

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The East Arkansas Regional Youth Employment Initiative (EARYEI) invites local municipalities, organizations, and community leaders in Lee, Monroe, Phillips, and St. Francis counties to recommend project sites as part of the second year of the Pathways to the Future Urban Community Forestry Program.

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This initiative provides youth participants with paid summer work opportunities focused on improving community and environmental health through urban forestry. Worksite partners play a critical role by offering safe, impactful and educational projects.

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Eligible Project Activities Include:

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- Trail construction and maintenance

- Tree planting and removal

- Corridor clearing

- Invasive species removal

- Cultural and commemorative resource preservation

- Habitat restoration

- Enhancing green space usability and food access

- General conservation management

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For additional questions or collaboration inquiries, please email EARYEI24@gmail.com or call 870-667-1758.

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​Youth Employment Initiative

 

Applications are now being accepted for a youth summer employment program in eastern Arkansas.

 

The East Arkansas Regional Youth Employment Initiative (EARYEI) announces the second year of the Pathways to the Future Urban Community Forestry Program in St. Francis, Lee, Phillips and Monroe counties.

 

The program is a dynamic, hands-on summer program offering high school youth the opportunity to gain practical skills in urban forestry and environmental conservation

 

Applicants must be 16-18 years old and reside in St. Francis, Lee, Phillips or Monroe counties.

 

The pay is $15 per hour for up to 26 hours per week.

 

Call 870-667-1758 or email, earyei24@gmail.com for more information.

 

The program is being conducted in collaboration with the Arkansas Human Development Corporation and the Great Rivers Education Service Cooperative.

 

 

SFC Extension Report

 

As we celebrate Father’s Day in the month of June, it’s a good time for a discussion on men’s health.

 

In her educational report this month, St. Francis County Extension Agent Marla Lane has a few tips for men for developing a healthy lifestyle:

          (click here to listen)

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Thanks Ms. Marla.

 

 

​FCSD Summer Meals Program

 

The Forrest City School District’s 2025 Summer Meals Program is underway, providing FREE Breakfast & Lunch for all children, age 18 and under.

 

The meal sites & dates are as follows:

 

Forrest City High School Cafeteria

May 27 – July 3, 2025 | Monday–Thursday

**Enter through the Graham Street gate by the Band Hall

 

Central Elementary Cafeteria

June 2 – July 11, 2025 | Monday–Friday

 

Forrest City Jr. High Cafeteria

June 9 – July 9, 2025 | Monday–Friday

 

Meal times at all locations are:

--Breakfast: 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

--Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

 

All meals must be eaten on-site

 

For more information, contact the Child Nutrition Department at 870-633-5668.

 

 

FCA Juneteenth Activities

 

The FCA Juneteenth Community & Heritage Festival presents the following activities for the month of June:

 

--June 19: Juneteenth Proclamation. Participants will line-up for a parade at the Forrest City Chamber at 5:30 p.m. and end at the St. Francis County Museum on Izard Street.

 

--June 21: CommUnity & Heritage Festival at 10 a.m. at the Larry Bryant Center.

 

For more information, contact Angela Wilburn at (870) 494-5784.

 

 

UA-EACC Summer Schedule

 

The Community Education and Workforce Training programs at the University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College have announced the Summer Schedule of classes for students of all ages.

 

The schedule offers a wide variety of unique Kids on Campus programs and camps including: Children’s Theater Camp, Babysitting Basics, Animal Safari Adventures, Music & Movement, Ultimate Disc Golf, Pickleball, Junior Golf, Youth Olympics Games, Creative Writing and many more.

 

Students in grades 4th – 8th will build and program their own robots in the Delta Dragon Innovation Engineers hands-on robotics camp for young innovators.

 

Children entering Kindergarten – 2nd grades will become stewards of the earth through engaging activities that focus on nature conservation and sustainability in the Environmental Heroes camp.

 

Preschool children ages 3 and 4 will explore their creativity with hands-on projects and pretend play as they create mini structures and “fix” things in the Construction Zone camp.

 

The Personal Interests classes for adults include Yoga, Water Aerobics, Conditioning, Applied Piano and Applied Guitar.

 

The schedule for Professional Development classes includes Healthcare Provider CPR intended for participants who provide healthcare to patients in a variety of settings.

 

The complete schedule of Summer classes is available online at EACC.edu. Pre-registration is required for all classes and events.

 

For more information about classes, fees, and locations, call 870-633-4480 ext. 333. Tuition waivers are available for credit classes for students aged 50+ and discounts are available for children who register for 3 or more classes.

 

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​FCPD Offers Reward

 

Forrest City Police are continuing to investigate a “smash and grab” incident that occurred at a local pawn shop in December 2024. A reward is now being offered for information in the case.

 

Police investigators have determined that four juveniles were involved in the attempted robbery that occurred in the early morning hours on Saturday, December 7th at the EZ Cash Pawn Shop at 2301 North Washington Street in Forrest City.

 

A $1,000 cash reward is now being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case. The vehicle used in the break in can currently be seen on the Forrest City PD’s Facebook page.

 

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call detectives at Forrest City PD at 870-633-3434 or call Crime Stoppers at 870-261-1499.

 

 

​​Reward Offered in FC Homicide

 

A reward is still being offered for information on the person who shot and killed a gas station clerk during a robbery in Forrest City back in May of last year.

 

The Forrest City Police Department reports that a $7,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the murder of 29-year-old Malek Wabin.

 

Wabin was shot multiple times while working behind the counter at the Pure Gas Station on South Washington Street in Forrest City back on May 11, 2024.

 

A photo of the suspect was captured on the store’s security camera and can currently be seen on the Forrest City PD’s Facebook page.

 

If you recognize the suspect or have any information that can help police, contact detectives at the Forrest City Police Department at 870-633-3434 or call Crime Stoppers at (870) 261-1499.

 

 

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