Local and Regional News 012125

 

Weather related closings

 

Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Hardrick reports that out of an abundance of caution, the Forrest City School District will be closed today (Tuesday) due to inclement weather and potentially unsafe roads.

 

The Palestine-Wheatley School District will also be closed today due to potentially hazardous road conditions caused by the snowfall overnight.

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Palestine-Wheatley School Districts basketball game at KIPP Delta has been canceled.  They will post on the district FACEBOOK page when a rescheduled date has been confirmed.

 

Other weather-related closings include:

--No classes at UA-EACC today. The Forrest City campus will be open with limited operations.

--Lee County Courthouse

--Lee County Public Library

--Lee County Health Unit in Marianna

--St. Howard’s Academy in Forrest City

--Lee County School District

--Lee Academy

--Barton School District

--Clarendon School District

--Brinkley School District

--Hazen School District

--Teach & Tend Daycare-FC

 

Openings

--FNBEA locations in Forrest City, Palestine and Marianna will open at 9:30 a.m. This same schedule will also apply to their bank locations in other towns where the schools are closed today.

 

--St Francis Developmental Day programs will be open

 

 

Weather Advisory

 

A Cold Weather Advisory (aka, Wind Chill Advisory) will be in effect for the mid-south region from 9 o’clock tonight (Tuesday) through 9 a.m. Wednesday (1/22).

 

The National Weather Service says that very cold wind chill readings of 0 to 10 degrees are expected.

 

Weather experts say that very cold temperatures along with low wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure.

 

Residents are advised to use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat and gloves. Plus, Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

 

Also, make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.

 

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

 

 

FC Man Shot

 

A Forrest City man was shot in the leg following an altercation at a local apartment complex Monday morning (1/20).

 

A Forrest City patrol officer was dispatched to Merrill Circle apartments just after 11 a.m. Monday to investigate a disturbance.

 

At the scene, the officer talked to the office manager who stated that 40-year-old Richard Newborn Jr. had come into the main office, was being loud and throwing things around.

 

Less than an hour later, police were called to the local ER, where they found that Newborn was being treated for a gunshot wound to the leg.

 

Newborn told police that he’d gone into the Merrill Circle to pay the rent and had gotten into a verbal altercation with the manager.

 

Police say that the manager had texted her husband about the situation and that he went to the apartment complex where he confronted Mr. Newborn.

 

During the altercation, the man reportedly pulled out a small caliber handgun and shot Newborn in the leg.

 

No arrests have been made in the case as police continue to investigate.

 

 

FC Man Sentenced

 

A Forrest City man who shot a store clerk in Madison nearly two years ago has been sentenced to 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC). (Times Hearld)

 

Thirty-two-year-old Clyde White was sentenced to the ADC on a first-degree battery charge in connection with a shooting back on Jan.20 of last year at Madison Kwik Shop.

 

White was convicted of shooting 30-year-old Ricky Hoard soon after Hoard arrived for work.

 

Court records show that on the day of the shooting, White was sitting in a vehicle outside the store when Hoard arrived for work. Video footage shows that he followed Hoard into the store, emptied the cash register, stole money from the office and attempted to destroy the surveillance equipment.

 

White fled to his home state of Michigan after the shooting and was extradited back to Arkansas in February of 2023 to face local charges.

 

 

Ark School News

 

A total of 57 school districts statewide have qualified for release from state intervention in regard to reading instruction.

 

The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education has recently notified the districts that the achievement of their students on last spring's Arkansas Teaching and Learning Assessment system tests was such that the districts will no longer be required to confer quarterly with the state on literacy instruction.

 

Those school districts released from state intervention include Barton, KIPP Delta, Brinkley and Marion in eastern Arkansas.

 

While nearly 60 districts received notices of their release from the mandate for quarterly check-ins with the state, there are 23 school systems that will continue to be required to report to the state.

 

Those districts include, from the local area:  Forrest City, Lee County, Helena-West Helena, Marvell-Elaine, West Memphis, Earle and Augusta.

 

 

Wynne Receives Grant

 

The City of Wynne is set to receive a grant to rebuild its wastewater treatment plant. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced Friday that they were awarding the City of Wynne $2.6 million to rebuild its wastewater treatment plant, which was destroyed in the 2023 EF3 tornado.

 

DRA federal co-chairman Dr. Corey Wiggins commented that “the Delta Regional Authority’s ongoing partnership with the EDA allows opportunities that will impact communities across the Delta region.”

 

He added that “as a result of this partnership, a significant investment has been made toward projects that aim to bolster economic development, workforce development and business development opportunities.”

 

 

West Memphis Dog Issues

 

Some West Memphis residents have been informed by the U.S. Postal Service that direct-to-door mail service in their neighborhoods has been suspended due to loose dogs. (Channel 5, Memphis)

 

The affected residents are now required to install a curbside mailbox or pay for a P.O. Box.

 

Postal officials say the undelivered mail is currently being held at the West Memphis Post Office.

 

Officials warn that if you own a dog and it’s loose, you and your neighbors' mail will not be delivered, your dog may be impounded, and you could be fined.

 

It also reads if your dog attacks a carrier, the dog owner may be liable for medical expenses and suffering. The dog could also be quarantined and/or “destroyed.”

 

Mayor Marco McClendon said he is aware of the incidents, commenting that “this is a matter of public safety and community responsibility”, and asks “all pet owners to be mindful of their pets’ whereabouts.”

 

The USPS’ letter said if dogs are not properly secured and neighbors' mailboxes are not moved curbside by January 25, all mail will be returned to the sender.

 

 

Ark Gas Prices

 

Gas prices rose in Arkansas over the last week. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

GasBuddy.com reported Monday (1/20) that average gasoline prices in Arkansas rose 3 cents in the last week to $2.69 a gallon.

 

That’s 5.4 cents higher than a month ago and 9.6 cents higher than last year.

 

The national average rose 6.5 cents a gallon last week to $3.09.

 

Patrick De Haan, GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis, stated that “it was only a matter of time before the national average began to rise, with oil prices last week reaching their highest level since July.”

 

 

Events

 

--The St. Francis County Quorum Court’s Budget Committee will meet Tuesday (1/21) at 4 p.m., followed by a meeting of the full Quorum Court at 5 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Quorum Courtroom at the Courthouse in Forrest City.

 

--The City Council of Forrest City will meet Tuesday (1/21) at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

 

--The 2nd Pastoral Anniversary service for Pastor Clarence & Lady Antionette James of Redeeming Christian Spiritual Church #24 in Widener has been rescheduled for February 21-23. Services times will be 7 o’clock nightly for the Friday and Saturday services and at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

 

--The PLUM Foundation is preparing for their After School Feeding and Enrichment Program. Interested students must register by calling 888-215-4513 (option 3). Spots are limited.

 

 

Obits

 

--Funeral service for Sherry Steward Stringfellow, 63 of Forrest City will be Saturday (1/25) at 11 a.m. at Stanley Grove M.B. Church with burial following in Casteel Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 2-4 PM at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Mother Ruthie Mae Ivory Anderson, 94 of Forrest City will be Saturday (1/25) at 1 p.m. at Day Temple Church of God in Christ. Burial will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4-6 PM at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for La'Corey Bogard, 25 of Forrest City will be Saturday (1/25) at 2 p.m. at the Larry S. Bryant Multipurpose Center. Visitation will be Friday from 4-6 PM at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

EACC Online Registration

 

Registration for online classes at UA-EACC for the Spring semester continues this week.

 

Registration for online classes will continue through Friday, January 24th.

 

The Spring semester’s schedule of classes is available online at EACC.edu, just click on the Course Schedule link. 

 

Financial aid opportunities are available by contacting the Financial Aid office at 870-633-4480, ext. 224 or email financialaid@eacc.edu. 

 

All financial arrangements must be made with the EACC Business Office before registration is completed.

 

 

Lee Co Production Meetings

 

The Lee County Cooperative Extension Service has released the schedule of Production Meetings & Pesticide Applicator Training Sessions for the 2025 program year.

 

Here’s the schedule:

 

--Corn & Cotton Production Meeting, February 20th at 8:30 a.m.

--Rice & Soybean Production Meeting, February 28th at 8:30 a.m.

--Pesticide Applicator Training, February 12th at 9:00 a.m.

--Pesticide Applicator Training, March 12th at 9:00 a.m.

 

All meetings and training sessions will be held at the Lon Mann Cotton Research Station at 3121 Hwy. 1 South in Marianna.

 

For more information, call 870-295-7720.

 

 

--FC Basketball League Sign-up--

 

Registration for the Forrest City Recreation Basketball League is underway.

 

The city basketball league is for boys and girls ages 7-16. The registration deadline is February 13th. The cost to sign-up is $20.

 

For more information or to register, contact Jarvis Palmer or Seccer Cole at 870-633-3667.

 

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VA Virtual Clinic

 

The Little Rock VA will hold a Virtual Claims Clinic for Arkansas Veterans on Thursday, January 23rd from 4-6 p.m.

 

During the clinic, Veterans may speak one-on-one with staff of the Little Rock VA Regional Office who are ready to assist with specific questions regarding claims for VA benefits.

 

To reserve a time slot, Veterans are asked to call 501-370-3829 by close of business on Wednesday, January 22nd.

 

VA Regional Offices provide financial and other forms of assistance to Veterans and their dependents.

 

This includes disability compensation, survivor’s benefits, pension and fiduciary service, education and training, vocational rehabilitation and employment assistance, life insurance coverage, and home loan guaranties.

 

For more information about VA benefits, visit www.va.gov.

 

 

​Red Cross Blood Appeal

 

January is National Blood Donor Month, and the Red Cross is urging Arkansans to give during what is typically a slow time of year for donations.

 

American Red Cross Executive Director Michael Sullivan says that during the winter season, most blood shortages occur due to poor weather and increases in illnesses can reduce the amount of donations.

 

Sullivan said that every two seconds someone needs a blood transfusion in the U.S.

 

He commented that “the start of the new year is a great time to make a resolution to give and help save lives.”

 

He added that “it’s so important that donors make appointments to give life-saving blood in order to keep the supply up.”

 

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LIHEAP Underway

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Applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP), which covers all 75 counties in Arkansas, are now being accepted. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

Anyone wanting to apply must provide the following items:

--A photo ID

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

--Social Security numbers (household members younger than age 18)

--Copies of your most recent utility bills

--Proof of income

--Proof of residency

 

The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment says LIHEAP only applies to residential applicants, not businesses.

 

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, April 30.

 

For questions about the application process, contact your county’s organization.

 

In St. Francis County, call the Crowley’s Ridge Development Council in Forrest City at 870-630-0193.

 

 

​SFC Extension Report

 

Keeping a New Year’s resolution is always a challenge.

 

In her educational report for the month of January, St. Francis County Extension Agent Marla Lane has some tips for achieving your goals for 2025: 

                (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Ms. Marla.

 

 

Baby Resource Event

 

An Open Hearts and Open Arms Community Baby Shower resource event will be held February 7th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marianna Civic Center.

 

All expecting parents and new parents with babies up to 3 months old are welcome.

 

The event will feature door prizes, free baby essentials, gifts, drawings, as well as helpful information and resources. Refreshments will be served.

 

The event is sponsored by Save the Children, the Purple Butterfly Shelter and Families in Transition.

 

For more information, contact Vanessa Brayboy at 870-636 2781 or email, StopViolence67@gmail.com.

 

 

​​FCPD Offers Reward

 

Forrest City Police are continuing to investigate a “smash and grab” incident that occurred at a local pawn shop earlier this month. 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.

 

 

​EACC Concert Info

 

East Arkansas Community College will present the award-winning band Lonestar on Saturday, January 25th at 7:30 p.m. at the EACC Fine Arts Center. Tickets are now on sale. 

 

Lonestar is no stranger to chart-topping hits. Over the course of their 30 plus years together, the band has sold more than 10.5 million records and scored 10 No. 1 singles including "Amazed," - spending eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Chart, becoming a huge crossover hit, and climbing to No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100.

 

Tickets for Lonestar’s performance are $49 and are available online at EACC.edu, by calling 870-633-4480, ext. 352, or in person at the Fine Arts Center Ticket Office. 

 

Pick 3 season subscription packages are available at a savings of 20%.

 

 

​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 this 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 11th.

 

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.

 

 

​​​FC After School Meals

 

The Forrest City School District has opened its 2024-25 After School Meals Program.

 

Meals will be served at Central Elementary School, Stewart Elementary School, and Forrest City Junior High School on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 2025.

 

Forrest City High School will serve meals Monday through Wednesday through May 2025.

 

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲:

--𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 - 𝟯:𝟰𝟱 𝘁𝗼 𝟰:𝟭𝟱 𝗽.𝗺.

--𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 - 𝟯:𝟯𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝟰:𝟭𝟱 𝗽.𝗺.

--𝗙𝗖𝗝𝗛𝗦 - 𝟯:𝟯𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝟰 𝗽.𝗺.

--𝗙𝗖𝗛𝗦 - 𝟯:𝟯𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝟰:𝟭𝟱 𝗽.𝗺.

 

All meals will be served at the school cafeteria on each campus and must be eaten on site.​

 

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