Local and Regional News 061126

 

SFC Sheriff Defends Rehire

 

St. Francis County Sheriff Bobby May held a news conference Wednesday morning at the St. Francis County Courthouse to explain his decision to rehire former deputy Alvin “Trey” Bynum and to address public concerns surrounding the death of 15-year-old Tripp Brazeale.

 

The news conference drew a large crowd of supporters, critics, and members of the Brazeale family, many of whom questioned the sheriff about the events leading up to Tripp’s death in November 2024.

 

Sheriff May said the incident began during the early morning hours after midnight when law enforcement officers were responding to reports involving missing juveniles. During that response, deputies encountered several young people riding four-wheelers on county roads and state highways in St. Francis County.

 

May said deputies attempted to stop the riders because operating four-wheelers on public roadways presents a safety risk to both the riders and motorists traveling those roads.

 

According to May, Tripp Brazeale fled on a four-wheeler before abandoning it and running on foot.

 

The sheriff stated during the conference that investigators later determined the four-wheeler had been reported stolen out of Texas.

 

A major focus of the news conference involved allegations that Deputy Bynum chased Brazeale into the woods before his death. Sheriff May strongly disputed those claims, stating that “the whole purpose of this news conference was to show that this young man was not chased through the woods by Deputy Bynum.”

 

Both Bynum and civilian ride-along Preston Cox spoke during the conference and stated that neither of them pursued Brazeale into the woods after he fled on foot. Cox told attendees that they remained near the location where the four-wheeler was recovered.

 

The conference became heated at times as residents questioned May about body camera footage, ride-along policies, pursuit procedures, evidence handling, and other aspects of the investigation. Several attendees expressed opposition to Bynum’s return to the Sheriff’s Office and pledged to continue voicing their concerns.

 

According to an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission incident report, authorities requested assistance at approximately 5:12 a.m. on November 3, 2024, after a juvenile reportedly ran from deputies on St. Francis County Road 409 shortly after midnight. The report states that local law enforcement agencies, Arkansas State Police, firefighters, Game and Fish officers, K-9 teams, drone operators, and volunteers participated in an extensive search effort. Investigators documented the discovery of boots, a wallet, a phone charger, a hoodie, and footprints before Brazeale’s body was located on November 4, 2024, at approximately 4:05 p.m. near Interstate 40. The scene was then turned over to Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division for processing.

 

Following the news conference, Sheriff May spoke with KXJK News and expressed sympathy for the Brazeale family stating that “any time a child loses his life, it is a tragedy,” adding that “my thoughts and prayers remain with the Brazeale family. Nothing about this situation changes the fact that a family lost a son.”

 

May said he believes some details of the case have been overlooked in public discussions.

 

“We were dealing with a 15-year-old child who should have been at home during the early morning hours,” May said. “Instead, he was riding a four-wheeler on county roads and state highways. My deputy attempted to stop him, and he ran. Tragically, the situation did not end well, but the evidence shows it was not at the hands of my deputy.”

 

May also defended his decision to bring Bynum back to the Sheriff’s Office, saying that “Arkansas State Police investigated this case, and Deputy Bynum was never charged with any wrongdoing.” He added that “I will not allow someone who has been cleared by investigators to be persecuted based on rumors, accusations, or misinformation.”

 

Sheriff May announced that Bynum will return to duty today (6/11) and will primarily be assigned to interstate patrol responsibilities.

 

Brazeale’s death was initially ruled a suicide. However, family members and supporters continue to question aspects of the investigation and have called for additional answers regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

 

Gill Brazeale, Tripp Brazeale’s father, is one of two candidates challenging Sheriff Bobby May in the November General Election.

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**News story contributed by Miles J. Kimble, KXJK News.

 

 

Barton Names Interim Sup

 

The Barton School Board has named an interim superintendent to take over for Dr. Bruce Guthrie, who resigned earlier this week. (Helena World)

 

After more than four and a half hours of meetings Wednesday evening (6/10), the board voted 4-2 to name Barton High School principal Megan Guthrie as interim superintendent for the 2026-27 school year.

 

Dr. Bruce Guthrie actually submitted his resignation back on June 1st, but the board declined to accept it and voted to table the matter.

 

The board then officially voted to accept Dr. Guthrie’s resignation at its regularly scheduled meeting this past Monday night (6/8).

 

Dr. Guthrie resigned after accepting the superintendent’s position at the Lonoke School District.

 

 

Ark Black HOF

 

The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame announced its 2026 class ahead of its induction ceremony set for this fall. (Channel 4, Little Rock)

 

The latest class will feature six Arkansans recognized for their work, achievements and contributions to business, education, public service and more. The professions of the inductees range from NBA legends to physicians to educators.

 

This year’s honorees are Rebecca “Becky” Finney and Darrell Finney, Dr. Frank A. James, Joe Marcus Johnson, Dr. Raymond P. Miller, Dr. Hazell Reed and Dr. Shirley N. Weber

 

The induction ceremony will be held Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Robinson Center Music Hall.

 

For more information on the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, visit ARBlackHallofFame.org.

 

 

Ark Farm Family Competition

 

The 79th annual Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program has announced its eight district farm families, highlighting the diverse sectors that make up the state’s largest industry, agriculture.

 

The District Farm Families of the Year include from the Northeast Central District: the East family of Clarkedale in Crittenden County.

 

Michael and Jodi East have been farming for 18 years. On 5,400 acres, they grow rice, soybeans, cotton and corn. They have two children, Mary Elizabeth and Goldie.

 

Judges will visit the winning district farms to determine the Arkansas Farm Family of the year, which will be announced Dec. 11.

 

 

Wynne Downtown Project

 

An empty lot in downtown Wynne will soon become home to pickleball courts and a food truck area as the city moves forward with its newest parks project. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

The area will have four pickleball courts, a shade structure, seating, a food truck area, and a turf section for children.

 

The project was made possible through a land donation from First Financial Bank. Two donors provided over $200,000, and the city will finance a portion of the project.

 

The bids for the project closed out on Tuesday (6/9). The city plans to award a bidder in the next couple of days with the project starting construction within a month.

 

 

Events

 

--The Roebuck Project Blessing Box and the Church of God will conduct a Community Give-a-Way, Saturday (6/13) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Church of God location at 201 North Division St. in Forrest City. The event will feature free food and clothing on a first-come, first served basis.

 

--Women in Transition to Glory Services, Inc., will host their Annual Men’s and Women’s Workshop/Luncheon, Saturday (6/13) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Woodruff Electric in Forrest City. There is no registration fee, but donations are welcome. Call Director Ivy Graham at 870-261-5411 or visit their Facebook page for more information. Ms. Graham is scheduled to be our guest on the Morning Show interview Friday, June 12th, at 7:32 a.m.

 

--Redeeming Christian Spiritual Church #24 of Widener will have a Ministerial Appreciation Program for Elder Sylvia Childes and Missonary Rose Ballard, Sunday (6/14) at 1 p.m. Guest speaker will be Pastor Nicola Vincent of Greater Compassion Ministries Inc. of Nashville, TN. Everyone is invited to attend.

 

--Salem M.B. Church in Forrest City will hold Vacation Bible School, June 15-19, each day from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 

--The Jolly Elders of Ridgewood Baptist will meet Tuesday (6/16) starting at 12 p.m. with a chicken and dumpling lunch. The program will be presented by Ken and Lisa Siler. Everyone is invited to attend.

 

--The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas will host food distributions on Thursday, June 18th at two locations St. Francis County, the Larry S. Bryant Wellness Center in Forrest City and at Palestine City Hall. Foods are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

--A community blood drive as part of the “Marianna Battle of the Badges” will be held Friday, June 26th, from 12-4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center at 47 West Main Street in Marianna. Call 1-800-RED-Cross or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “Marianna” to schedule an appointment.

 

--The ABC Preschool at Lincoln in Forrest City is currently accepting applications for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. Parents and guardians looking to enroll their children can pick up and submit application packets Monday through Friday at the preschool, located at 149 North Water Street. For more information, contact the ABC Preschool at 870-261-1807.

 

--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.

 

 

Obits

 

--Funeral service for Tracie Ann Rice, 56, of Caldwell, will be Friday (6/12) at 11 a.m. at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Forrest Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Mother Lillie Mae Lane, 77, of Forrest City, will be Saturday (6/13) at 10:00 a.m. at Greater Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Stanley Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Willis Temple Church of God in Christ, with Miles Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Mr. Sean Monte’ "Stick" Brady, 57, of Forrest City, will be Saturday (6/13) at 11:00 a.m. at Salem Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will be Monday (6/15) at 1:00 p.m. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Mr. Steve C. Dukes, 71, of Forrest City, will be Saturday (6/13) at 1:00 p.m. at New Light Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Miss Jennifer Sheree Pimelton, 40, of Forrest City, will be Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church at 507 North Rosser Street in Forrest City. Burial will follow at Scott Bond Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Eugene Jackson, 75, of Marianna, will be Saturday (6/13) at 2 p.m. at St. John M.B. Church in Marianna. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 3-5 p.m. at the Marianna Funeral Home Chapel. Marianna Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for William Edward Adkins, 49, of Wrightsville, will be Saturday (6/13) at 2:30 p.m. at C.J. Williams Chapel in Brinkley. Burial will be private. C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley is in charge of arrangements.

​

 

FC Council

 

The City Council of Forrest City met for their regular monthly meeting Tuesday night (6/9) at City Hall.

 

Mayor Larry Bryant talked to KXJK News about some of the topics discussed during the meeting:

        (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Mayor Bryant.

 

 

WM Super Project

 

Clint O'Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, said Tuesday that West Memphis is still in the running for a "super project" manufacturer that would bring as many as 6,000 jobs. (DG)

 

In April, the state Legislature allocated $300 million of its budget for economic incentives and infrastructure work to help land the project. State officials have described it as an advanced manufacturing facility with 4,000 initial jobs and a potential 2,000 more to come.

 

Speaking Tuesday to the Rotary Club of Little Rock, O'Neal could not say what type of facility it would be or name the company behind the project, but he said the commission is continuing to negotiate and the West Memphis site remains a candidate.

 

He said the company has not identified the other locations being considered for the project and that he hopes a decision will come sometime this summer.

 

The 1,300-acre industrial megasite at West Memphis, the state's largest, was developed by the city to attract a large manufacturing client.

 

O'Neal said the commission works strategically with businesses and communities to bring in new projects and said Arkansas' business climate has made the state a much more attractive place for companies.

 

 

Hot Car Death Prevention

 

Twenty Arkansas children have died of vehicular heatstroke since 1998, and each of those deaths was preventable, according to a new AAA analysis. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

Across the U.S., more than 1,047 children have died after temperatures soared inside a vehicle. In 2025 alone, 31 children died in hot cars nationally. Five have already died in 2026.

 

The AAA analysis of data compiled by NoHeatStroke.org found that 70% of Arkansas hot car deaths involved a child either accidentally or purposely left in the vehicle by a caregiver. Another 30% occurred because a child gained unsupervised access to an unlocked vehicle.

 

Arkansas ranks sixth highest in the nation for child hot car deaths per capita — with 34.9 deaths per million children age 14 and under.

 

AAA recommends never leaving a child in a vehicle unattended for any length of time. They say that rolling down windows or parking in the shade does little to reduce interior temperatures.

 

Officials say that pets face the same life-threatening risk in hot cars and that cracking a window provides virtually no relief. The American Kennel Club’s guidance is to never leave a dog alone in a parked car.

 

 

Postal Rate Increase

 

The U.S. Postal Service plans to once again increase the price of stamps next month.

 

The price of a First-Class Forever Stamp will go up by another four cents, from 78 cents to 82 cents, effective July 12th.

 

The cost for domestic postcards will increase from 61 cents to 65 cents, while international postcards and letters will go from $1.70 to $1.75. The price for domestic metered mail will also rise from 74 cents to 78 cents.

 

Those changes amount to an increase of about five percent – lower than the 12 to 17 cents price hike suggested by the U.S. Postal Service earlier this year.

 

 

Sultana Museum Opening

 

The Sultana Disaster Museum in Marion has set the grand opening date for its new state-of-the-art museum for Saturday, Nov. 14.

The Sultana Historical Preservation Society began work on the old Marion High School gym about five years ago.

The original goal was to open the new museum on April 27 of last year, which was the 160th anniversary of the sinking of the Sultana. That was delayed due to repairs needed to the building and a delay in materials.

The Sultana Disaster Museum tells the story of the deadliest maritime disaster in U.S. history. Around 1,200 people were killed when the steamboat exploded and sank in the Mississippi River near Memphis.

 

Scholarship Deadline

 

The deadline for students to apply for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, funded by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL), is July 1. (Wynne Progress)

 

The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship is available to Arkansas residents attending two-year or four-year in-state colleges and universities. Both traditional and non-traditional students are eligible.

 

Since 2009, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has funded more than 873,000 scholarships for Arkansas students with over $1.6 billion in proceeds from lottery ticket sales.

 

In addition to the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, ASL also funds the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship.

 

Students must apply for the Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship at least 30 days prior to enrollment in an eligible workforce training program.

 

To apply for or to learn more about these lottery-funded scholarships, visit sams.adhe.edu or contact the Arkansas Department of Higher Education at 501-371-2000.

 

 

Amateur Radio Event

 

The Helena Amateur Radio Club invites the public to visit and learn about amateur radio during their annual ARRL Field Day, coming up June 27-28 at the pavilion at Storm Creek Lake in the St. Francis National Forest near Helena-West Helena in Phillips County.

 

Field Day is amateur radio's largest annual event and emergency preparedness exercise. Sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the event brings together tens of thousands of amateur radio operators across North America to demonstrate the capabilities of wireless communications under simulated emergency conditions.

 

During the event, the Helena Amateur Radio Club will establish temporary operating stations powered by batteries, generators, and solar power to demonstrate how amateur radio operators can maintain communications when commercial power and traditional communication systems are unavailable.

 

Club members will operate on HF and VHF radio bands, attempting to contact as many stations as possible throughout the U.S. and beyond.

 

Visitors are also invited to enjoy a fish fry beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27.

 

Admission is free and visitors of all ages are welcome. Tax-deductible donations are encouraged to help support the club's activities.

 

 

FC Fireworks Show

 

The public is invited to Forrest City’s 8th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Show in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

 

Bring your family and friends for an evening full of fun, food, music and fireworks, Thursday, July 2nd, from 6-9 p.m. at the Forrest City Sports Complex.

 

The event will feature lots of fun activities for the kids including rockwalls, a rope course, the power wheel ride and more.

 

Free food and drinks will be provided. Your DJ for the night will be Mr. Bobby Teal. And don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs.

 

Again, the 8th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Show is coming up Thursday, July 2nd from 6-9 p.m. at the Forrest City Sports Complex.

 

The event is sponsored by the Forrest City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Forrest City Advertising & Promotion Commission.

 

 

Ark Free Fishing Weekend

 

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has declared June 12-14 as Free Fishing Weekend in Arkansas.

 

The proclamation declares that anyone may fish in Arkansas without a fishing license or trout stamp from noon, Friday, June 12, through midnight Sunday night, June 14.

 

An annual tradition sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and approved by Gov. Sanders, Free Fishing Weekend gives many people the opportunity to enjoy the amazing angling The Natural State has to offer.

 

AGFC Deputy Director Ben Batten said many families plan reunions and fishing trips with out-of-state guests around Free Fishing Weekend.

 

Some resident anglers also use the weekend as an opportunity to try trout fishing on one of Arkansas’s world-famous trout tailwaters, as the additional trout stamp permit is not required during these three days.

 

All other regulations, including daily creel limits and length restrictions, remain in effect during the weekend and areas with special conditions for access remain restricted to anglers who don’t meet their normal requirements.

 

For more details, go to agfc.com.

 

 

City of FC Job Openings

 

The City of Forrest City has several job openings.

 

The city is now hiring for the following full-time positions:

 

--District Court Deputy Clerk

--Assistant Code Enforcement Officer

--CDL Driver

--Public Works Laborer

 

Employment applications can be picked up at Arkansas Workforce, located on the UA-EACC campus in Forrest City.

 

 

​​​EBT Reset

 

The Arkansas Department of Human Services announced Saturday (5/31) that recipients of a low-income federal child nutrition program must reset their personal identification numbers following reports of stolen benefits. (DG)

 

Officials say families enrolled in the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program must reset their PINs in order to reactivate their cards, a measure intended to "prevent additional fraudulent activity."

 

The department said it was unsure about the scale or method of the reported thefts but noted that officials were working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate reports.

 

Officials say the department is conducting an in-depth internal investigation and have reached out to the vendor that creates and issues the EBT cards and asked for assurance that there is no compromise in their process or system.

 

Eligible families can reset their PINs online or via the EBT call line at (800) 997-9999.

 

 

Ark Military Traffic Increase

 

Arkansas motorists traveling on interstates and state highways should expect to see an increase in military vehicle traffic now through June 15, as National Guard troops head to annual training exercises. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

According to information released through EMSA St. Francis County, National Guard troops will be traveling from armories across the state to the Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center in Barling.

 

Officials say the convoys will consist of large tactical military vehicles traveling at slower speeds than normal highway traffic. Drivers may experience temporary traffic slowdowns, especially near the rear of convoys where passing traffic could create congestion.

 

Motorists are encouraged to use caution, remain patient, and allow extra travel time when traveling Arkansas highways during the training period.

 

Again, increased military convoy traffic is expected statewide now through June 15 as National Guard units travel to and from annual training at Fort Chaffee.

 

 

K-POP Show to FC

 

The exciting live show K-POP WARRIORS is coming to the Forrest City Civic Center on June 18 with showtimes at 4:30 & 7:00 p.m.

 

Bring the family out for an action-packed experience filled with high-energy performances, music, dancing, and nonstop entertainment inspired by the world of K-Pop.

 

Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com.

 

 

SFC Extension Report

 

Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is observed every June to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, promote brain health and support the fight to end dementia.

 

In her educational report for the month of June, St. Francis County Extension Agent Marla Lane talks about the importance of developing “healthy habits” to help reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s:

        (click here to listen) 

 

Thanks Ms. Marla.

 

 

UA-EACC Summer Programs 

​

University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College’s Career and Technical Education programs will provide summer services on Tuesdays during the month of June.

 

Tech Tuesdays will provide community members with the opportunity to access affordable services delivered by students enrolled in the Automotive Service Technology, Cosmetology, Residential Heat and Air, Major Appliance, and Welding programs under the supervision of experienced instructors. Available services will include:

 

--Automotive Service Technology

Vehicle check-ups, including fluid checks and tire pressure checks.

Fee: No charge

 

--Cosmetology

Beauty services including nails, lashes, brows

Fee: $10 per service

 

--Residential Heat and Air (HVAC)

Air conditioner window unit cleaning service

Fee: $10

 

--Major Appliance

DIY (Do It Yourself) sessions on general maintenance of household appliances.

Fee: Free of charge

 

--Welding

Minor repairs on chairs, tables, decorative items - no grills or smokers.

Fee: Basic repairs are free of charge. Additional materials may require a fee.

 

UA-EACC’s Tech Tuesday hands-on learning summer services will begin June 2 and run through June 23.

 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 870-633-4480, ext. 450 or 365.

 

 

FC City Pride Program

 

The City of Forrest City is now accepting applications for the City Pride Summer Youth Program.

 

The program will offer daily activities for children age 5 through college age, with activities each weekday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. starting June 8th and continuing through July 6th.

 

Participants will enjoy games, crafts and activities while learning conflict resolution, proper etiquette and basic life skills.

 

Applications may be picked up at City Hall, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

 

 

FCSD Summer Meals Program

 

The Forrest City School District Summer Meals Program is underway.

 

Meals will be served at the Forrest City High School Cafeteria on the following dates:

--now through July 7th (Monday-Friday)

​

Meals will be served at the Central Elementary School Cafeteria, now through July 13th (Monday-Friday)

 

Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at both locations.

 

Both sites will be closed Friday, July 3rd in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

 

Contact the Forrest City School District Child Nutrition Department at 870-633-5668 for more information.

 

 

​​​​​​FC Community Events

 

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.

​

​

​​​​​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.​​​​​​