Local and Regional News 041326

 

FC Man Injured

 

A Forrest City man was injured in a shooting incident outside a local residence Sunday afternoon (4/12).

 

Forrest City patrol officers were dispatched to 502 John Scott Cove around 1:30 p.m. Sunday to investigate a shooting incident with injury.

 

While en route, dispatch advised that the victim in the shooting was being transported to the local ER by private vehicle.

 

An officer responded to Forrest City Medical Center where he spoke with the victim, ID’ed as 47-year-old Arthur Lee Dale of Forrest City.

 

Mr. Dale stated that he’d just exited the residence on John Scott Cove when a male subject wearing a ski mask jumped out of an orange Dodge Challenger and started shooting at him.

 

Police say Dale was hit once in the right shoulder and was later airlifted to Methodist Hospital in Memphis for additional treatment.

 

No suspects have been identified in the case. Police are investigating.

 

 

FC Shots Fired

 

Forrest City Police report that one person was injured in a drive-by shooting in the North Izard Street area Thursday night (4/9).

 

The PD’s Shot Spotter system alerted officers around 10 p.m. Thursday that multiple gunshots had been fired in the 1300 block of North Izard.

 

Witnesses told police that the driver of a blue Dodge Charger had fired the shots as he drove down Izard toward Washington Street.

 

Officers located a total of 22 .9mm and .40 caliber shell casings in the roadway in the area of 1315 North Izard.

 

A short time later, dispatch advised that a gunshot victim was being treated at the local ER. Officers responded to the hospital where they spoke with the victim, ID’ed as 24-year-old Joshua Randle of rural St. Francis County.

 

Randle told police that he was walking down the street +in the area of the shooting when he heard multiple gunshots. The police report did not specify the extent of Mr. Randle’s injuries.

 

Further investigation also revealed that a vehicle that was parked at 1326 North Izard was hit three times by gunfire during the incident.

 

No suspects have been identified in the case. Police are investigating.

 

 

FC Drive By Shooting

 

Forrest City Police are investigating reports of a drive-by shooting in the Washington Heights area late Thursday night (3/09).

 

A patrol officer responded to the 300 block of Yorktown Drive around 10:30 p.m. Thursday where she was informed that several gunshots had been fired from a vehicle occupied by three men.

 

Police located five .40 caliber shell casings on the ground near the driveway entrance to Calvert Road.

 

No injuries or property damage were reported.

 

 

FCPD Felony Arrest

 

Forrest City Police arrested a convicted felon on a gun-related charge outside a local nightclub early Saturday (4/11).

 

A Street Crimes detective was patrolling on East Broadway near West Street around 1:45 a.m. Saturday when he noticed a small crowd gathering outside the Coconut Lounge.

 

The officer stopped to see what was going on, at which point a male subject started walking toward the back of the club.

 

When the officer exited his patrol unit, the man took off running and tossed some type of object on the ground as he fled.

 

The man, later ID’ed as 31-year-old Ravel Moore of Forrest City, was quickly apprehended and taken in to custody.

 

The object he discarded, turned out to be a .9mm handgun loaded with 21 live rounds and one in the chamber.

 

A background check identified Moore as a convicted felon. He was arrested at the scene and later booked at the county jail on a charge of possession of a firearm by a certain person.

 

 

Cross Co Arrest

 

A Cross County man faces multiple charges following an early morning traffic stop last week by the Cross County Sheriff’s Office. (Wynne Progress)

 

Bradley Wilson, 41, was booked into the Cross County Detention Center in Wynne around 2 a.m. Thursday (4/9).

 

Wilson is being held on charges of possession of a controlled substance Schedule I or II – excluding meth or cocaine (less than two grams); possession of a controlled substance Schedule VI (less than four oz.); possession of drug paraphernalia, possessing an instrument of crime and no seat belt.

 

 

Ark Flu Update

 

The Arkansas Department of Health stated Thursday (4/9) that there was one influenza-related death reported in the state over the previous week. (DG)

 

According to an online flu dashboard last updated Wednesday, 81 flu deaths have been reported in Arkansas during the 2025-26 flu season. The site lists 58 of those deaths as being of residents at least 65 years old and indicates that at least one death was of a child.

 

Overall, the state's flu activity remained "minimal," according to state health officials.

 

So far, the Health Department has announced 35 influenza outbreaks from nursing homes or other congregate-setting institutions this flu season, with none occurring in the past week.

 

Flu season generally runs from October through May, with cases usually peaking between December and February, according to the CDC.

 

 

Ark Burn Bans

 

High winds and dry conditions have led some counties to reissue burn bans as the state faces a wildfire risk. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

The following counties have reissued burn bans:

 

--Independence County

--White County

--Woodruff County

--Crittenden County

 

Phillips County also remains under a burn ban.

 

According to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, all of Arkansas is at a moderate risk for wildfires.

 

 

Basketball Game Arrests

 

Officials with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office report that they have made arrests and filed charges in relation to a March 7 fight at a Poyen, Arkansas, basketball game. (Channel 4, Little Rock)

 

Officials said 19-year-old Aden Scribner and 18-year-old Landon Woods were both arrested on charges relating to the fight. A third man, 18-year-old Charles Chaten, is also being charged in connection with the fight.

 

Specific charges were not released by the sheriff’s office and have not yet been entered into public court records. All three attend England High School and are listed as members of the school’s basketball team.

 

Officials continued that additional arrests and charges are pending “for both adults and juveniles believed to be involved in this incident.”

 

The fight took place at the end of a 2A Boys State Basketball Championship semi-final game after the Barton High School boys’ team defeated England 52-51. Videos from the event showed both teams storming the court as a large fight broke out.

 

An investigation by the Arkansas Activities Association resulted in five Barton and seven England players being ejected for their roles in the fight.

 

Sheriff’s officials said two days after the fight that it was launching a criminal investigation and would pursue criminal charges against the parties involved.

 

 

SBA Loans Available

 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced on Friday (4/10) that small businesses and private nonprofit organizations can apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought. (Channel 4, Little Rock)

 

The declaration covers numerous counties in Arkansas including: St. Francis, Lee, Phillips, Monroe, Crittenden, Cross, White and Woodruff counties.

 

The SBA said under the declaration, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and Private Non-Profits (PNP’s) — including faith-based organizations — with financial losses directly related to the disaster.

 

Disaster loans cannot be provided to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

 

The SBA said loan amounts can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNP’s with terms up to 30 years.

 

Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until one year after the date of the first loan disbursement.

 

To apply for a loan, visit the SBA website. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

 

Applications can be submitted until Dec. 7th.

 

 

Tax Filing Deadline

 

The deadline to file federal income tax returns is this Wednesday, April 15th.

 

Taxpayers who need more time to file, should request an extension by the filing due date. An extension gives people until October 15 to file without penalties.

 

It’s important to know that the extension is only for filing a return and not for extra time to pay, if taxes are owed.

 

Taxpayers are still obligated to pay taxes due on April 15, 2026, to avoid penalties and interest.

 

At this late date, there remain only two ways to request an extension:

 

--Pay online and select extension.

--Use IRS Free File.

 

On a local note, Tuesday, April 14th is the last day for the Forrest City Public Library to prepare your taxes. Call 870-633-5646 for more information.

 

 

Ark Tornado Hot Spots

 

A new study has placed the city of Wynne among the state’s tornado warning hot spots (Wynne Progress)

 

The study shows that Northeast Arkansas has received the most tornado warnings in the state since 2016, with the City of Jonesboro having the most warned storms with 33. The City of Paragould is second with 31 tornado warnings with Monette third with 30 warned storms.

 

The City of Wynne has seen 21 tornado warnings over the past 10 years. These numbers do not represent the number of confirmed tornadoes.

 

Officials said that communities that experience frequent warnings may become desensitized over time while places that rarely receive warnings may take them more seriously or may feel less prepared when one does happen.

 

The primary tornado season in Arkansas runs from March through May.

 

 

Military Draft Eligibility

 

Eligible men in the U.S. will be automatically registered for the military draft starting in December. (CNN)

 

Right now, eligible male U.S. citizens ages 18 to 26 are required to register online with the Selective Service System.

 

However, a new automatic registration process was approved by Congress under the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026.

 

President Donald Trump signed the act into law in December, months before the current war with Iran.

 

The move was made to streamline the previous process and save money.

 

The automatic draft rule is under review by the Regulatory Affairs Office and is awaiting finalization before it takes effect in December.

 

The rule applies to all male U.S. citizens and “every other male person” in the country between the ages of 18 and 26. That includes green card holders, refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented men.

 

 

Vehicle Recall

 

(AP) -General Motors is recalling more than 270,000 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles in the U.S. because the rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.

 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a letter that a rearview image that doesn’t display properly reduces the driver’s view behind the vehicle, which increases the risk of a crash.

 

The recall includes Chevrolet Malibu vehicles with model years 2023 through 2025.

 

GM said that it is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the recall issue.

 

Dealers will replace the rearview camera for free.

 

Owner notification letters are anticipated to start being mailed out on May 18. Individuals can go to nhtsa.gov for more information.

 

 

Events

 

--The Madison City Council will meet Monday (4/13) at 6 p.m. at the Madison Community Center.

 

--The City Council of Forrest City will meet Tuesday (4/14) at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

 

--”Speak Lord” Revival will be held April 15-17 at 7 o’clock nightly at Walnut Grove Way of Holiness Church at 130 Wilson Street in Hughes. Guest Revivalist will be Bishop Theodis Cochran Jr. from Memphis. Hosted by Pastor Vaughn & Prophetess Linda Sanders.

 

--The Forrest City School Board will meet Thursday (4/16) at 5:30 p.m. at the Stewart Elementary School Library.

 

--The Democratic Party of St. Francis County will convene for their County Convention, Thursday, April 16th at 6 p.m. at the St. Francis County Courthouse in Forrest City.

 

--The Nineveh Temple Church Family is pleased to offer free snacks and lunch for school-age children every Sunday at 208 W. Broadway in Forrest City. Participants should arrive by 10 a.m. For more information, call 888-215-4513.

 

 

Sports

 

--Arkansas Baseball--

 

At the midway point of the SEC season, the 22nd-ranked Arkansas baseball team appears to have turned a corner. (DG)

 

The Razorbacks rallied from another 2-run deficit to win 3-2 at ninth-ranked Alabama on Sunday (4/12).

 

Arkansas, which trailed 3-1 both Friday and Saturday before winning by scores of 7-5 and 15-6, swept the series at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

 

The Razorbacks (24-13, 8-7 SEC) won an SEC series for the first time since March 20-22 at South Carolina and are above .500 in conference play for the first time since March 28.

 

Up next, Arkansas is scheduled to play Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock on Tuesday (4/14), then returns to SEC play with a home series against fourth-ranked Georgia that begins Thursday (4/16) at Baum-Walker Stadium.

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SFC Food Distribution

 

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas will host multiple USDA food distributions in St. Francis County on Thursday, April 16th at the following locations:

 

--Larry S. Bryant Wellness Center in Forrest City from 8-10 a.m.

--Palestine City Hall from 9-11 a.m.

--Wheatley City Hall from 9-11 a.m.

 

Households are eligible to receive USDA foods once per month, must reside in St. Francis County and must meet income guidelines.

 

USDA foods are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

 

​SFC Extension Report

 

In her educational report for the month of April, St. Francis County Extension Agent Marla Lane has a few tips for developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle:

        (click here to listen)

​

Thanks Ms. Marla.

 

 

Sediver Hiring Notice

 

The Sediver company in West Memphis currently has an opening for a weekend shift “Assembler” position.

 

The position pays $20 per hour for 12-hour shifts on the Friday-Sunday weekend schedule.

 

Applicants must be available for 1st shift training before transitioning to the weekend schedule.

 

Interested parties are instructed to go to apply.sediver.com to apply.

 

Sediver manufactures toughened glass insulators for high voltage transmission lines.

 

 

​​UA-EACC Concert

 

The University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College will present The Marshall Tucker Band with Jefferson Starship on Saturday, May 2nd at 7:30 p.m. at the UA-EACC Fine Arts Center in Forrest City.

 

The two iconic bands have a history dating back to the 1970s and they are coming together for a historic show.

 

The legendary, multi-platinum selling Southern rock group, The Marshall Tucker Band, is known for timeless classics including "Can't You See," "Heard It in a Love Song," "Fire on the Mountain, "Ramblin," and others.

 

Jefferson Starship is one of the most successful arena rock bands of the '70s and '80s, earning 3 platinum and 8 gold records, as well as numerous Top 40 Billboard singles including "Miracles," "Count on Me," "Runaway," "Find Your Way Back," "Jane," "Winds of Change," and many more.

 

Tickets for The Marshall Tucker Band with Jefferson Starship are $59 and will be available to purchase online at EACC.edu, by calling 870-633-4480, ext. 352, or in person at the Fine Arts Center Ticket Office.

 

 

​FC Community Events

 

The City of Forrest City will conduct their annual Community Clean-Up event on April 25th and is inviting community members to come out and help keep the city clean and beautiful.

 

Area high school or college students who are interested in earning volunteer service hours are encouraged to participate.

 

For more information or to sign up, please contact Sharren Henderson at (870) 633-1315 or email, shenderson@cityofforrestcityar.gov.

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The City of Forrest City will host its 3rd Annual Health Fair on August 6th and is looking for healthcare vendors to participate.

 

The event is a great opportunity for healthcare providers, wellness organizations, and community resources to connect with residents, share important health information, and offer services that promote healthier living.

 

Any healthcare vendor that’s interested in participating should call City Hall at 870-633-1315 for more information on how to secure a spot.

 

 

​​UA-EACC Benefit Concert

 

University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College, in partnership with Greenway Equipment and Jason Aldean, will host a benefit concert on Saturday, April 18th at the UA‑EACC Fine Arts Center in Forrest City.

 

The concert will serve as Greenway’s 8th annual food bank fundraiser and aims to raise funds for three regional organizations dedicated to combating hunger: the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, the Southeast Missouri Food Bank, and the Arkansas Food Bank.

 

Proceeds from the event will be donated directly to these food banks, helping provide meals for children and families facing food insecurity across Arkansas and southeast Missouri.

 

Tickets are available to purchase online at EACC.edu or by calling the UA-EACC Ticket Office at 870-633-4480, ext. 203. Learn more about the event at gogreenway.com.

 

In addition to standard ticket options, a select number of all access and premium ticket packages—offering the best seats at the front of the venue with the most exclusive concert experience— will be auctioned starting March 9 through March 11.

 

All access tickets offer fans an exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity with Jason Aldean plus Premium Ticket perks. Premium tickets offer prime seating, access to the pre-party, and a special edition hat. Auction packages will be available through the Arkansas Foodbank website. Access link can be found at gogreenway.com.

 

In addition to the concert, ticket holders will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to an exclusive pre‑party event hosted by Greenway Equipment and Anheuser‑Busch. Attendees will also have the opportunity to register for a raffle for a chance to win autographed memorabilia, with winners announced live during the concert.

 

​

​​Lincoln Reunion Planned

 

The Maroon & Gold National Alumni Association, Inc., announces that the 2026 Lincoln School Reunion will held the weekend of June 5-7.

 

Reunion letters with complete information have been mailed out to all former Lincoln alumni.

 

For current information on the Lincoln Family, call Delores Morelon at 870-633-2676 or visit the Lincoln website at www.fclhstigers.ning.com.

 

 

Jacks Hiring for FC Location

 

The Jack’s restaurant chain is now hiring for all positions for their new location in Forrest City.

 

Interested parties can apply online at WorkAtJacks.com.

 

The Forrest City Jack’s location is set to open in July 2026.

 

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​FCSD Supper Program

​

The Forrest City School District’s “At-Risk After School Supper Program” is underway.

 

Meals will be provided to children 18 years old and younger without charge at the following sites and times:

 

• Forrest City High School 3:20-4:00 p.m.

• Forrest City Jr. High School 3:30-4:00 p.m.

• Stewart Elementary School 3:30-4:00 p.m.

• Central Elementary School 3:30-4:00 p.m.

 

Forrest City High School will serve meals each Monday-Wednesday through

May 2026.

 

Central Elementary, Forrest City Jr. High and Stewart Elementary will serve meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through May 2026.

 

All meals must be eaten on site.

 

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