Local and Regional News 081126

 

Weather Advisory

 

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the mid-south region, in effect from 11 o’clock this (Tuesday) thru 8 o’clock tonight.

 

Heat index values up to 109 are expected in some areas.

 

Weather experts advise that hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.

 

Residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

 

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in

shaded or air conditioned environments.

 

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Remember, heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

 

This advisory is for portions of East Arkansas, North Mississippi, Southeast Missouri, and West Tennessee.

 

 

FC Man Arrested

 

A Forrest City man was arrested on a felony theft charge Monday after trying to cash a stolen check at a local bank.

 

Forrest City Police officers were dispatched to First Financial Bank on North Washington just before 4 p.m. Monday where bank officials stated that a man had tried to cash a stolen check in the amount of $2,500.

 

The bank had been contacted by the account holder earlier in the day, informing them that a book of checks had been stolen from his residence.

 

The suspect, 42-year-old Adam Stapler of Forrest City, was still on the bank property when police arrived and was taken into custody without incident.

 

He was later booked at the county jail on charges of forgery and theft by receiving.

 

 

FC Man Charged

 

A Forrest City man was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge following a domestic disturbance at a local residence Monday afternoon (8/10).

 

Forrest City patrol officers responded to a domestic dispute at a Kittle Road apartment around 3 p.m. Monday and spoke with the female occupant.

 

She stated that her boyfriend, 38-year-old Charlie Angotti, had gotten mad and struck her in the face with his fist and then starting hitting her in the rib area.

 

Angotti was taken into custody and later booked at the police department on a charge of 3rd degree domestic battery.

 

 

FCPD Theft Arrest

 

A Forrest City man who has been banned from the local Walmart for stealing was arrested Monday afternoon (8/10) after allegedly shoplifting from the store.

 

A local officer who was working security at Walmart Monday afternoon, spotted 57-year-old Rodney White concealing items in his backpack and leaving the store without paying.

 

Police say White exited the store through the pharmacy side doors, crossed the parking lot on foot and was apprehended over near the Murphy gas station.

 

Officers checked the backpack and found three pairs of pants and a pair of shoes.

 

White was transported to the St. Francis County Detention Center where he was booked on charges of theft of property and criminal trespassing. Police say he also has a parole hold.

 

 

Crittenden Co Man Pleads Guilty

 

A Crittenden County man faces a minimum of 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty Monday (8/10) to being the source of fentanyl that killed another West Memphis man in 2023. (DG)

 

Court records show that 31-year-old Quinton "Rampage" Lytle pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death in connection with the death of an unidentified West Memphis man on Dec 2, 2023.

 

Lytle was indicted along with three other people: 32-year-old Christopher Clark, 28-year-old Toni Hobson, both also of West Memphis, and 31-year-old Jacquel Jackson of Jonesboro.

 

All four were indicted by a federal grand jury in Little Rock on Nov. 14, 2024, on one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

 

According to court records, on Dec. 3, 2023, police were called to an apartment at 109 W. Danner Ave. in West Memphis in response to a reported overdose. A woman at the apartment told police that the victim had purchased five round, blue pills from Lytle, thinking they were Percocet, but the pills instead contained acetaminophen and a lethal amount of fentanyl.

 

On Dec. 14, 2025, Lytle pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky but his plea was rejected after the evidence failed to line up with the facts to which Lytle had agreed to plead.

 

During court proceedings Monday, the U.S. Attorney outlined the terms of Lytle's new plea agreement, in which she agreed to move for dismissal of the conspiracy and possession counts in exchange for Lytle's plea to the distribution resulting in death count, which carries a penalty ranging from 20 years to life in prison.

 

Lytle will be returned for sentencing following completion of a pre-sentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office in Little Rock.

 

 

Food Recall

 

Taylor Farms products made with jalapeño peppers have been recalled in grocery stores across Arkansas, as well as other states, due to concerns about salmonella. (DG)

 

Several Taylor Farms products made with jalapeño peppers were recalled including their spicy roast beef sandwich, chipotle chicken wrap, premade beef barbacoa, chile lime rice and pork chile verde bowls.

 

Customers who have purchased any recalled product should discard it immediately and not consume it.

 

The Food and Drug Administration is investigating the multi-state outbreak of salmonella, reportedly finding cases in 27 states.

 

As of Aug. 5, there had been 36 hospitalizations across the country and zero deaths reported. Arkansas had fewer than five cases.

 

According to the CDC, most people affected with salmonella experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps and recover without treatment in four to seven days.

 

The CDC advises businesses not to sell or serve recalled jalapeño peppers and to wash surfaces that may have come in contact with the peppers.

 

 

Red Cross Blood Appeal

 

The American Red Cross continues to urge donors of all blood types to act now and make an appointment to give blood amid the ongoing national blood crisis.

 

Officials say that just three additional donors at every blood drive could help further stabilize the blood supply and ensure patients continue receiving lifesaving care.

 

Since issuing only the second blood crisis in Red Cross history in late July, thousands of generous donors have stepped up to help save lives. At the same time, the blood supply remains under severe pressure, just as many communities transition to back-to-school schedules and people enjoy final summer plans.

 

When fewer donors are available to give, the impact on available lifesaving blood products can be significant — especially when the blood supply is already facing a four-year summer low.

 

Book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities this month include:

 

--Aug 18 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Cross Community Church, 999 S. Falls Blvd in Wynne

 

--Aug 28 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 47 West Main Street in Marianna

 

--Aug 31 from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the McCrory Civic Center

 

As a thank-you, all who come to give this month will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/August. 

 

 

Elvis Week Activities

 

Elvis Week 2026 is underway at Graceland, bringing fans from across the country and around the world to Memphis for 10 days celebrating the life, music and legacy of Elvis Presley. (Channel 3, Memphis)

 

Nearly five decades after Elvis’ death, fans continue to return to his Memphis home each August.

 

Officials say fans making their annual pilgrimage to Graceland this year may have to navigate some additional obstacles along the way.

 

Ongoing construction in the area could create disruptions and require visitors to watch their step while making their way toward the mansion.

 

Elvis Week continues through Aug. 16, with concerts, conversations, competitions and other special events scheduled throughout the week at Graceland.

 

One of the scheduled events is the Candlelight Vigil on Saturday (8/15), during which fans will gather at Graceland’s front gate before making their way up the driveway to the Meditation Garden.

 

The anniversary of Elvis’ death is Sunday, Aug. 16, marking 49 years since Presley died at Graceland.

 

Elvis Week events continue through Sunday, Aug. 16.

 

 

Events

 

--The City Council of Forrest City will meet Tuesday (8/11) at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

 

--Order of Eastern Star Boyd Chapter #106 will host a “Grandparents & Me, Royal Tea & Fashion Show Affair, Saturday (8/15) at 12 p.m. at the Forrest City Civic Center. Grandparents will have the opportunity to model in two categories with their grandchildren: casual/sports wear or Sunday’s best/formal. Tickets are $5. For more information, contact Doris Randle at 870-945-5895 or LaShia Hawkins at 870-630-7003.

 

--The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas will host USDA Food Distributors on Thursday, August 20th at two locations in St. Francis County: the Larry Bryant Wellness Center & Sports Complex from 8-10 a.m. and at Palestine City Hall from 9-11 a.m. USDA foods are distributed on a first come, first served basis. Recipients must meet income guidelines and must reside in St. Francis County.

 

 

Obits

 

--A Family and Friends Gathering and Visitation for Miss Lillie Mae Green, 73, of Forrest City, will be Wednesday (8/12) from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of the arrangements

 

--Funeral service for Mr. Clarence Williamson, 55, of Forrest City, will be Saturday (8/15) at 2:00 P.M. at Saints Temple Church of God in Christ. Burial will follow at Forrest City Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of the arrangements.

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SFC Extension Report

 

As the new school year gets underway, parents are advised to teach and more importantly to “model” respectful behavior to their children, which will carry over into the classroom and beyond.

 

In her educational report for the month of August, St. Francis County Extension Agent Marla Lane talks about how showing the proper respect can improve life in the home, the classroom and in the community:

        (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Ms. Marla.

 

 

UA-EACC Student Orientation

 

Fall registration is open at the University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City.

 

Future students are advised to stop by the Welcome Center, call 870-633-4480 ext. 200, or email advising@uaeacc.edu for assistance. Returning students may register anytime through the myUAEACC portal.

 

First-time students are required to attend the 2026 New Student Orientation scheduled for August 11th at 9:00 a.m. at the Forrest City campus.

 

Hours for Orientation will be from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with check-in beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the UA-EACC Fine Arts Center.

 

Students will have the opportunity to meet UA-EACC instructors, personnel, and learn more about college resources, programs, and services.

 

New students should register for Orientation online by visiting UAEACC.edu - Click on myUAEACC link at the top of the website and then select the “New Student Orientation” image to complete the online form.

 

Advising and registration services for students will be available before and after the Orientation session. Parents and/or guardians are invited to attend with new students.

 

Fall classes begin August 24th.

 

For more information, visit UAEACC.edu, call 870-633-4480, ext. 200 or email jstegall@eacc.edu.

 

 

FC Chamber Banquet Awards

 

The Forrest City Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for recognition at the Annual Banquet, coming up September 10th at the UA-EACC Fine Arts Center.

 

Officials invite submissions in the following categories:

 

--Business of the Year

--Citizen of the Year

 

The awards recognize individuals and businesses that make a lasting impact on the community.

 

To nominate someone, give their name, along with a brief explanation of why you believe they deserve this honor.

 

Nominations can be mailed to the Chamber office at 203 North Izard Street in Forrest City or emailed to meghan@forrestcitychamber.com.

 

Nominations must be received by September 1st.

 

Call the Chamber at 870-633-1651 for more information.

 

 

​Ark Great Treasure Hunt

 

Nearly one in four Arkansans has unclaimed money or property waiting in the Great Arkansas Treasure Hunt.

 

The property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, unpaid wages, stocks, bonds, utility deposits, insurance proceeds, cashier's checks, money orders and the contents of safe deposit boxes.

 

State Auditor Dennis Milligan, who is the caretaker of the Great Arkansas Treasure Hunt, says his favorite part of the job is returning money to the rightful owners.

 

The auditor's office has handled claims ranging from just over $1.4 million to less than $1. In that case, Milligan gave the owner a dollar bill from his own pocket and told the man to keep the change.

 

The state currently holds about $400 million in unclaimed property, which includes the contents of long-forgotten safe deposit boxes at banks. Each year, the contents from about 20 safe deposit boxes are sent to the auditor's office for safekeeping.

 

The bulk of what is in the bank vaults is cold hard cash. This year alone, more than $90 million in unclaimed money has been turned over to the state. Also this year, the state has returned about $41 million in unclaimed property.

 

If you think you might have unclaimed property, go to ClaimItAR.gov to find out.

 

 

SFC Jury Summons

 

St. Francis County residents who have recently received a jury questionnaire are urged to return it to the Circuit Clerk’s office at the courthouse as soon as possible.

 

Orientation for the new panel of jurors will be held on Friday, August 14th at 1:30 p.m. at the courthouse.

 

Completed questionnaires can be taken in person to the Circuit Clerk’s office up to and including the day of the orientation on August 14th.

 

 

UA-EACC Scholarship Established

 

The Hughes High School class of 1987 has established a scholarship through the University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College Foundation in memory of Anitshenette S. Golatt.

 

Ann Golatt was lifelong resident of St. Francis County. She was born in Hughes and graduated from Hughes High School in 1987. Her classmates and friends have established the scholarship in her memory.

 

The Anitshenette S. Golatt Memorial Scholarship is dedicated to assisting a full-time UA-EACC student who graduated from a high school in St. Francis County.

 

The award is $500 per semester, based on availability of funds, to cover expenses of tuition, fees, books, and supplies.

 

The applicant must be an enrolled as a full-time student at UA-EACC and a graduate of a St. Francis County high school having earned and maintained a cumulative minimum 3.0 GPA.

 

The applicant must also show financial need and present two letters of recommendation from instructors. The applicant must also submit a one-page personal letter explaining why he/she feels qualified to receive the scholarship.

 

Scholarship applications are currently available for the Fall semester, and the deadline to apply for the scholarship is August 24th.

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Applications are available online at UA-EACC.edu/scholarships and additional information is available through UA-EACC’s Financial Aid Office located in the Welcome Center.

 

Call 870-633-4480, ext. 224 or email financialaid@uaeacc.edu for more information.

 

 

Single Parent Scholarship Info

 

For the third consecutive year, the Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation has invested in the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF), awarding a $25,000 grant to help single parents in the Arkansas Delta complete college and workforce training.

 

For single parent families across the Delta, earning a degree or certification can mean the difference between surviving paycheck to paycheck and building long-term financial stability.

 

This grant will provide scholarships and wraparound support that help parents stay enrolled, finish their education, and enter careers that strengthen both their families and the communities they call home.

 

The funding will support eligible students in 19 counties, including St. Francis, Lee, Phillips, Monroe, Cross and Crittenden counties.

 

ASPSF will accept applications for Fall 2026 scholarships through Sept. 1. Single parents pursuing college degrees or workforce training are encouraged to apply at aspsf.org/scholarships.

 

For more information, contact Program Manager Angela Thomas at 870-527-4070.

 

 

​School Fresh Food Program

 

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications from state elementary schools for the 2026-27 USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

Beginning Oct. 1, the department will administer just over $3.3 million in program funding for schools to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables to serve free to students in grades K-6. At least 162 schools are expected to participate.

 

Schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program are eligible to apply. Complete eligibility requirements, application instructions and program guidelines are available on the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s website.

 

The deadline to apply is Aug. 28.

 

 

LIHEAP Summer Program

 

Applications to help Arkansas residents pay their electric bills this summer are officially open.

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The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is operated by a network of community-based organizations that cover all 75 counties in the Natural State.

 

The following items are required when applying for LIHEAP benefits:

 

--A photo ID

--Social Security card (household members age 18 or older)

--Social Security numbers (household minors)

--Copies of your most recent utility bills

--Proof of income

--Proof of residency (current utility bill)

 

Applications for both regular and crisis benefits are being accepted.

 

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and should be sent to the community-based organization covering your county, not the Arkansas Energy Office.

 

An interactive map showing which organization covers your county and an income eligibility chart can be found on the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s website, ee.arkansas.gov.

 

In St. Francis County, call the CRDC office in Forrest City at 870-630-0193 for more information.

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