Local and Regional News 111925

 

FC Council News

 

The City Council of Forrest City voted Tuesday night (11/18) to give all city employees and elected officials a Christmas bonus this year.

 

Mayor Larry Bryant explains that the city was able to afford bonuses this year in part because of savings generated by the city employees’ safety record over the past year:

       (click here to listen)

 

The council also heard bids on the I-40 lighting project and for city uniforms, and received a copy of the 2026 city budget for their consideration.

 

Again, here’s Mayor Bryant:

        (click here to listen) 

 

That’s Forrest City Mayor Larry Bryant.

 

 

Lee Co Special Election 

 

Voters in the Lee County School District narrowly defeated a millage increase request in a special election on Tuesday (11/18).

 

Voters were asked to approve a property tax rate of 44 mills, an increase of 15.7 mills, along with a $35.8 million bond issue.

 

The bond issue was to pay for building and equipping a new K-12 campus.

 

The unofficial tally was:

--For: 888

--Against: 889

 

Dr. Michael Stone, Superintendent of Lee County Schools, has filed a request for a recount with the Lee County Clerk’s Office.

 

The recount is scheduled for Friday (11/21) at 10:30 a.m. in the large courtroom at the Lee County Courthouse in Marianna.

 

State election officials will be on hand to supervise the recount.

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FCPD Burglary Investigation

 

Forrest City Police are investigating a break-in at a local elementary school.

 

The PD’s School Resource Officer was informed Tuesday (11/18) that a break-in had occurred sometime over this past weekend at Stewart Elementary School on Dawson Road.

 

Surveillance footage from Stewart showed that an unidentified male subject forced open a window and entered the school building around 9:45 p.m. Saturday.

 

He reportedly took snack cakes out of one classroom and some jackets out of another. A full inventory was pending to determine what else was missing.

 

Police are investigating.

 

 

ASP Drug Seizure

 

A traffic stop in Lonoke County this week turned into a drug seizure by Arkansas State Police.

 

State Troopers stopped a tractor-trailer rig on Interstate 40 in Lonoke County on Monday (11/17) on a routine traffic violation.

 

A search of the trailer uncovered four pallets with boxes holding 960 pounds of marijuana, 1,000 pounds of THC products and 27 pounds of synthetic marijuana.

 

A firearm was also found in the truck’s cab.

 

The driver, a 37-year-old Virginia man, was taken to the Lonoke County Detention Center and was set to appear in court this (Wednesday) morning on various felony drug and weapon related charges.

 

 

Cross Co Tax Break

 

Cross County residents will receive a bit of a tax break on two fronts beginning in 2026. (Wynne Progress)

 

Cross County Judge Lynn Blake said the county’s overall millage rate will decrease from 4.9 mills to 4.7 mills – or two-tenths of a percentage – starting on Jan. 1, 2026.

 

Blake said that the county was “pretty much under budget” and had carryover money that allowed them to “lower the burden on the taxpayers of Cross County.”

 

In addition, Blake said the county sales tax will also decrease some with the beginning of the new year.

 

He said that seven-eighths of a cent will come off the sales tax since the county jail was paid off.

 

Judge Blake explained that it was projected to take 13 years to pay off the jail, but Cross County did it in less than seven years.

 

 

Additional Troops to Memphis

 

The Secretary of War is prepared to send up to 1,000 Tennessee National Guard troops to Memphis through September of next year. (Channel 3, Memphis)

 

In an unclassified memo in September, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth proposed sending the troops to Memphis and allowing them to engage in law enforcement operations under the authority of agencies that request the Guard.

 

According to the memo, the deployment of the Guard could cost up to $226 million a year, depending on the number of troops and duration.

 

Hegseth stated that Tennessee, particularly Memphis, faces a convergence of public safety threats that exceeds the capacity of local law enforcement agencies.

 

On Monday night, a Tennessee judge blocked the use of the National Guard in Memphis, but also put the order on hold, giving the government five days to appeal.

 

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s office announced Tuesday that it plans to appeal the ruling on blocking the use of the National Guard in Memphis.

 

 

Interstate Ramp Closures

 

The Arkansas Department of Transportation announced Tuesday (11/18) that it will temporarily close ramps on Interstate 40 in St. Francis and Crittenden counties this week. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

The closures began last (Tuesday) night and are scheduled intermittently from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the following dates:

 

--Wednesday, Nov. 19, to Thursday, Nov. 20

--Thursday, Nov. 20, to Friday, Nov. 21

 

Crews will close the following off-ramps in two-hour intervals to test ARDOT’s wrong-way detection systems:

 

St. Francis County

--Interstate 40 westbound, Exit 243 (Rest Area), east of Forrest City

 

Crittenden County

--Interstate 40 westbound, Exit 275

--Interstate 40 eastbound, Exit 279A

--Interstate 40 westbound, Exit 279A

--Interstate 40 westbound, Exit 5

--Interstate 40 eastbound, Exit 280

--Interstate 40 westbound, Exit 280

 

According to Tuesday’s news release, only one ramp will be closed at a time, with plans to complete three to four ramps per night.

 

More information can be found at IdriveArkansas.com.

 

 

Holiday Travel Projections

 

Fewer Americans plan to hit the road this Thanksgiving, despite gas prices hovering at their lowest holiday levels since the pandemic. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

GasBuddy.com reported Tuesday that its Thanksgiving Travel Survey indicates 60% of Americans plan to take a road trip, a sharp decline from last year’s 72%.

 

GasBuddy expects a national average price of regular unleaded gasoline of $3.02 a gallon on Thanksgiving Day, matching last year’s price and making it one of the cheapest holiday averages since 2021.

 

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, commented that “gas prices are cooperating this Thanksgiving, but that’s not translating into more travelers.”

 

Of those surveyed, 74% said gas prices have no effect on their Thanksgiving travel plans.

 

Of those who do plan to travel, 56% said they will cross at least one state line, while 66% said they will travel more than 100 miles.

 

 

Auto Recall

 

(AP) — Honda is recalling more than 256,600 of its Accord Hybrid vehicles across the U.S., due to a software error that may result in sudden loss of drive power.

 

According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall covers certain Honda Accord Hybrids between the 2023 and 2025 model years. The error may cause part of these cars’ internal software to reset while driving, increasing the risk of crash or injury.

 

To address the error, Honda dealers will reprogram the software free of charge. The administration’s recall report noted that owner notification letters are scheduled to go out on Jan. 5.

 

As of Nov. 6, Honda had received 832 warranty claims — but no reports of related injuries.

 

 

Spearmon Benefit Program

 

A benefit program honoring Forrest City native and community leader Derrick Spearmon will be held Friday (11/21) at 6:30 p.m. at the Forrest City Civic Center.

 

Derrick is currently facing some serious health challenges, which has forced him to leave the career that he loved and was so passionate about.

 

While employed with the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, Derrick helped individuals in St. Francis, Lee, Phillips, Monroe, Cross, Crittenden and Craighead counties obtain gainful employment and get financial stability.

 

Organizers are asking anyone who benefited from this young man’s diligence in the community or who just wants to support a person who was selfless in helping others, to bring a card of thanks and a donation to help support Derrick in his fight for life.

 

Again, the benefit program for Mr. Derrick Spearmon will be Friday (11/21) at 6:30 p.m. in the Ferguson Room at the Forrest City Civic Center.

 

 

FC Chili Day

 

The City of Forrest City Recreational Department will host a Chili Day this Saturday (11/22) at the Larry Bryant Multipurpose Center.

 

The event is free and will start at 12 p.m. and continue until the food supply runs out.

 

The department is also collecting gently used or new coats, jackets and hoodies to help those in need this season. You can also support by donating or purchasing hats or gloves. Officials say every contribution makes a difference.

 

For more information, contact Jarvis Palmer at the Multipurpose Center at 870-633-3667.

 

 

Christmas Activities

 

The City of Forrest City will be hosting its Cocoa Bar again this year.

 

City officials say that the Cocoa Bar will be set up at City Hall during the Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for Friday, December 5th staring at 7 p.m.

 

Everyone’s invited to stop by and warm up with a delicious cup of hot cocoa, topped with marshmallows, whipped cream and plenty of holiday cheer.

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The Palestine Advertising & Promotion Commission encourages all area vendors and small businesses who are interested in setting up a booth at this year’s Downtown Christmas Festival to let them know.

 

The festivities will begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6th with the Palestine Parade set for 7 o’clock.

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The Marianna Christmas Parade will be held Friday, December 12th starting at 7:00 p.m.

 

Anyone wanting to be part of the parade can contact one of the following organizers for details:

 

--Nancy Blount – 870-295-4440

--Barry Williams – 870-662-1604

--Adrian Smith – 870-821-2329

 

 

Events

 

--Victory Temple Church of God in Christ at 1009 Whitaker Street in Forrest City will be passing out food boxes Wednesday (11/19) from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

 

--The Forrest City School Board will meet Thursday (11/20) at 5:30 p.m. at the Stewart Elementary School Library.

 

--The members of the First Baptist Church-James Addition in Cotton Plant invite everyone to the installation service of Pastor-elect Clifford D. Small Sr., Sunday, November 30th at 3 p.m. at the Brinkley Convention Center. The keynote speaker will be Pastor Dr. William L. Robinson of First Baptist Church in North Little Rock.

 

--The Olly Neal Community Center will host Senior Exercise Classes each Tuesday and Thursday starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Salem Family Life Center at 109 Haven Street in Forrest City.

 

--Free mulch is available on the first Saturday of each month at the Forrest City landfill from 8 a.m. until noon.

 

 

Obits

 

--Funeral service for Mauricio Dewayne Dixon, 37, of Wynne and long time member of Fresh Anointing Ministries, will be Saturday (11/22) at 10 a.m. at Greater Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Caldwell. Burial will follow at Warren Cemetery in Vanndale. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. in Woodard Chapel.

 

--Funeral service for Donnie Ray Byars Jr., 39, of Little Rock, will be Saturday (11/22) at 11 a.m. at the Lee High School Auditorium in Marianna. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Moro. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service in the auditorium. Miles Mortuary of Forrest City is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Ethan Gabriel Martin, 20, of Marianna will be Saturday (11/22) at 2 p.m. at Springfield M.B. Church in Moro. Burial will follow at Springfield Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 3-5 p.m. at Marianna Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Sports

 

--High School Sports--

 

In high school basketball action Tuesday night (11/18):

 

Sr. Girls

--DeWitt over Palestine-Wheatley, 42-24

--Clarendon over England, 53-52

--Carlisle over Brinkley, 63-39

--Nemo Vista over Augusta, 44-41

--Quitman over Bald Knob, 51-43

--Vilonia over Marion, 71-26

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The Forrest City Mustangs are playing in the Ft. Smith Classic this week, with games scheduled through Thursday (11/20).

 

The Forrest City Lady Mustangs will be on the road at Gosnell Thursday night (11/20). Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

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High School Football playoff action resumes Friday night (11/21) with a couple of area teams in action.

 

--The MAIS Championship game will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Jackson Academy in Jackson, MS, featuring #4 seed Desoto against #6 seed Tallulah Academy

 

--In the 2A state semi-finals, Cross County will play at Junction City. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.

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Concerts Scheduled in NLR

 

Music legends Earth, Wind & Fire will perform in North Little Rock next year with a newly announced show. (Channel 4, Little Rock)

 

The band will perform live May 10, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Simmons Bank Arena.

The band previously brought shows to the arena in 2022 and 2024.

 

Tickets are scheduled to go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21. For more information on tickets, visit SimmonsBankArena.com.

 

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“Weird Al” Yankovic is bigger and weirder than ever, and he’s coming to Arkansas. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

Simmons Bank Arena announced Monday that the best-selling comedy recording artist’s “Bigger & Weirder Tour” will make a stop Saturday, June 20, in North Little Rock.

 

Yankovic, who is best known for his parodies of the biggest musical artists over the last 40 years, will be joined by special guest Puddles Pity Party.

 

Tickets to the show go on sale at ticketmaster.com at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21.

 

 

ASP Click it or Ticket

 

This Thanksgiving holiday, Arkansas law enforcement is teaming up with the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office (AHSO) to remind drivers – and everyone in the car – to buckle up.

 

The high-visibility Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement campaign, which runs from November 24-30, focuses on reducing the number of fatalities that occur when vehicle occupants fail to buckle up.

 

During the Thanksgiving holiday period in 2023, there were 309 passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes across the nation, and 44% (135) were unrestrained.

 

Not wearing a seat belt proved to be deadly at any time of the day during the holiday, but especially at night when nearly half of those killed in crashes were unbuckled.

 

In Arkansas, the adult seat belt law requires drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts at all times, and violations are punishable by a fine of up to $45 (which includes a $25 state fine and any applicable local fines).

 

The child passenger protection law requires all children under 15 years of age to be in a seat belt or car seat regardless of seating position and violations are punishable by a fine not to exceed $100.

 

This Thanksgiving, and every day of the year, remember: Click It or Ticket.”

 

 

​​​EACC Spring Registration

 

Priority registration for the spring semester at the University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College is open.

 

Returning students are advised to log on to their myEACC portal to register.

 

For more information or assistance, call 870-633-4480, ext. 200 or email advising@eacc.edu.

 

Classes begin January 19th.

 

 

SFC USDA Food Distribution

 

A USDA Food Distribution will be held Thursday, Nov. 20th at two locations in St. Francis County.

 

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

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

 

To receive USDA Foods, attendees must live in the county of distribution and meet income guidelines based on household size.

 

For more information, contact the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas at 870-932-3663.

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SFC Elves Project Underway

 

The SFC Elves, Inc., 2025 Toy Project is now underway.

 

The SFC Elves, Inc., Toy Project is locally operated, and all toys are distributed to local children.

 

Last year toys were provided to over 500 needy children from the Forrest City/St. Francis County area. Many of these children would not have had toys for Christmas if not for this project.

 

SFC Elves, Inc. would ask local residents to keep this campaign in mind as we enter the holiday season and begin this busy time of year.

 

Toys may be delivered to the following locations:

 

1. Southern Furniture, 4000 North Washington, Forrest City.

2. Beavers & Cline, 523 East Broadway, Forrest City.

3. St. Francis County Museum, 603 Front Street, Forrest City.

4. Forrest City Public Library, 421 S. Washington St., Forrest City.

5. First National Bank of Eastern Arkansas - North Washington Branch.

6. Forrest City Chamber of Commerce- 203 N. Izard St., Forrest City.

 

It is not necessary that the toys contributed to be new. They should be in working order and in clean condition. Children served by this project are thrilled to receive any toy.

 

Of course, new toys and monetary donations will also be welcomed. Money donations may be taken to any of the above locations.

 

For more information, contact Kirk Billingsley at (901) 218-3955 or Justin Reeves at (870) 630-7486.

 

 

SFC Extension Report

 

November is National Diabetes Month, dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes, its impact, and the importance of prevention and management.

 

In her educational report for the month of November, St. Francis County Extension Agent Marla Lane has some tips for managing the disease:

       (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Ms. Marla.

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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.

 

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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.

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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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