Local and Regional News 042925

 

SFC Power Outage

 

A power outage early this (Tuesday) morning affected nearly 3,000 Entergy customers in St. Francis County.

 

The outage occurred around 3:30 this morning and affected approximately 2,962 Entergy customers in the area.

 

The majority of the outages appeared to be in the Forrest City area, with some stretching east into Madison, Widener and northeast up to SFC road 443.

 

The Entergy outage website showed that as of around 7:45 a.m., power had been restored to all customers in the St. Francis County area.

 

 

FCPD Theft Investigation

 

Another attempted vehicle theft involving a Kia brand vehicle was reported in Forrest City early this (Tuesday) morning.

 

A Forrest City patrol officer was dispatched to 135 West Sharpe Street around 1:30 this morning where he spoke with the owner of the vehicle, Mr. Alfred Person.

 

Mr. Person stated that someone broke out the passenger side window of his 2017 Kia Sportage and damaged the steering wheel column in an apparent attempt to steal the vehicle.

 

No suspects have been identified in the case as that investigation continues.

 

As we reported last week, Forrest City Police are investigating a recent rash of vehicle break-ins and vehicle thefts, all targeting Kia brand vehicles.

 

Including the most recent case, a total of seven incidents involving Kia vehicles have been reported to Forrest City Police over the month of April, mirroring a trend being seen around the country.

 

Some law enforcement officials blame TikTok videos, which demonstrate how to essentially hot wire these type vehicles.

 

Police are recommending that Kia owners park their vehicles in well-lit areas and install anti-theft devices.

 

 

Cross Co Arrest

 

A Cherry Valley woman has been arrested by the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office for allegedly attempting to bribe a witness in an ongoing court case. (Wynne Progress)

 

Police records show that 51-year-old Kellye Faulkner was arrested Thursday on suspicion of witness bribery in the case of Eric Kelton Costner and Mason Costner, both 33, of Harrisburg.

 

The Costners face a number of charges including suspicion of aggravated robbery, aggravated residential burglary and first-degree battery following their arrests earlier this month in connection with a reported robbery and shooting.

 

Faulkner was arrested after a parole officer reportedly told police that she had offered a witness $20,000 to drop the charges.

 

Faulkner was being held in the Poinsett County Detention Center on a $10,000 cash-only bond.

 

 

Ark Weather Discussion

 

Forecasters say there is a chance of severe storms with damaging winds and hail that could hit the northern half of Arkansas today (Tuesday) and again on Wednesday. (DG)

 

The National Weather Service says that  today’s storms could bring hail as big as golf balls and winds of up to 60 mph. Officials say the chance for tornadoes is “very, very low.”

 

Northern parts of Arkansas, including Fayetteville, Mountain Home, Jonesboro, Fort Smith and Conway, are at a slight risk of severe weather today. A slight risk is defined by the weather service as scattered severe storms being possible.

 

Some parts of Central Arkansas, including Little Rock, Hot Springs and Mena, are at a marginal risk of severe weather. A marginal risk of severe weather means isolated, severe thunderstorms are possible.

 

Other parts of northern Arkansas could see storms late this afternoon, while the Little Rock metro area could see them late in the evening.

 

On Wednesday, parts of the western half of the state, including Fayetteville, Mena, Hot Springs and Texarkana, are at a slight risk of severe weather. The rest of the state is at a marginal risk.

 

 

Apple Juice Recall

 

Martinelli’s has recalled more than 7,000 cases of its apple juice, citing concerns over toxic substance contamination. (CNN)

 

The affected apple juice was sold in stores in 10-ounce round glass bottles with a white metal screw top lid. It has a best by date of December 5, 2026.

 

According to the Food and Drug Administration, the impacted cases might be contaminated with patulin, a poisonous substance produced by certain molds which are often found in rotting apples.

 

The symptoms from consuming patulin include nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances and vomiting.

 

In total, just over 173,000 bottles have been recalled. They were distributed in 28 states, including Arkansas.

 

 

Ark Water Improvements

 

A new Arkansas law provides state funding for water and sewer treatment facility improvements. (Channel 4, Little Rock)

 

Act 812 was passed with bipartisan support by the 95th General Assembly. It authorizes the state to establish a Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant Program to be administered by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.

 

The law does not establish the amount funded but instructs the state treasurer, auditor and chief fiscal officer to develop the fund consisting of “any revenues authorized by law.”

 

Municipalities will apply to the fund for improvements in their district, and 80% of the fund will be awarded to “shovel-ready projects” in first and second-class cities, with 20% for cities and rural areas with less than 1,200 population.

 

First-class Arkansas cities are classified as having a population above 2,500, with second-class cities at 500 to 2,499 in population.

 

The act includes an emergency clause, meaning it went into effect the day it was signed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who signed it on April 17th.

 

 

Ark Gas Prices

 

Average gasoline prices rose a few pennies in the last week. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

GasBuddy.com reported Monday that the average price of regular unleaded in Arkansas rose 4.1 cents last week to $2.78 a gallon.

 

Despite the increase, average prices are still 4.5 cents lower than a month ago and 38.7 cents lower than last year.

 

The national average remained unchanged.

 

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said average gasoline prices in the U.S. have been “volatile.”

 

He expects the national average to bounce around in the $3.10 to $3.20 per gallon range over the coming week.

 

He said that about half of the states may see prices inch lower, while the other half could experience increases.

 

 

Cross Co Drug Take Back Numbers

 

The Cross County Sheriff’s Office participated in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday (4/26).

 

Cross County Sheriff David West said the office collected a total of 30.2 pounds of pills, 54 pounds of other medications, and five pounds of needles/sharps during the event.

 

The drugs collected will now be sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s office in Little Rock for proper disposal.

 

As a reminder, the Cross County Sheriff’s Office is also a 24/7 drug disposal location. A secure drop box is located in the lobby of the sheriff’s office on S. Falls Boulevard, allowing residents to dispose of their medications year-round.

 

 

HWH Downtown Revitalization

 

Changes are planned for downtown Helena-West Helena, including revitalization of the city's Cherry and Walnut Street storefronts into new retail space and community venues. (DG)

 

But that's all dependent on the implementation and success of Helena-West Helena-based nonprofit Delta Magic's redevelopment efforts in the city, which it showcased at a community summit in the city on Saturday.

 

At the event, the nonprofit debuted its own downtown real estate plan and announced plans for a new grocery store co-operative that aims to alleviate Phillips County's food insecurity issues.

 

Delta Magic executive director Joseph Whitfield stated that the goal is to increase transportation, dining options and sales tax revenue while attracting young people to the city.

 

The study looked at 15 properties on Cherry and Ohio streets, all of which were not currently in use and were at varying levels of disrepair. The report didn't include the total cost to revitalize all of the properties.

 

Delta Magic, in partnership with Southern Bancorp Community Partners, is also working to revitalize the historic Cleburne Hotel in Helena-West Helena into student housing.

 

Although the plan hasn't been formally adopted by the city, Whitfield said Delta Magic is working on getting a resolution through the Helena-West Helena City Council that would incorporate a commitment from the city.

 

 

UA-EACC Paramedic Program

 

University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College is now accepting applications for the Paramedic Program.

 

The training program is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to serve on the frontline of emergency care and offers:

 

--Cutting-edge curriculum

--Hands-on training

--Career opportunities across the state

 

No entrance exam is required. Applications are available at the Allied Health Building on the UA-EACC campus in Forrest City.

 

The application deadline is Friday, July 11th at 12-noon. The program starts August 18th.

 

For more information, email ybrown@eacc.edu or call (870)-633-4480, ext. 408.

 

 

Helm Honored

 

A Phillips County legend will be honored in Boston with a special exhibit. (Wynne Progress)

 

Work is currently underway on the “This Wheel’s Still on Fire: The Legacy of Levon Helm” exhibit, which is scheduled to open in August at the Folk American Roots Hall of Fame in Boston.

 

The Museum Collective is a consortium of music museum professionals dedicated to crafting special exhibitions and programs for museums and cultural institutions across the United States.

 

Helm grew up in Turkey Scratch, Ark., which is an unincorporated area in northern Phillips County near the Lee County line in the Marvell area.

 

Helm was the drummer for the group The Band and it’s his vocals in The Band’s classic rock song “The Weight.”

 

 

Events

 

--The regular quarterly meeting of the St. Francis County Indigent Care Board will be Wednesday (4/30) at 11 a.m. at Forrest City Medical Center.

 

--A prayer service will be held Thursday (5/1) at 12-noon on the south lawn of the St Francis County Courthouse in observance of the National Day of Prayer. Everyone is invited.

 

--St. Paul MB Church at 260 SFC 808 will have their 118th Church Anniversary on Sunday, May 4th at 1:30pm. Special Guest will be Rev. Derrick Powell and the Union MB Church of Haynes, AR.

 

--The Forrest City School District is seeking college students or recent graduates to work in the summer school STEAM program. Applications can be found on the district’s Facebook page. Submit completed applications to donesha.boyd@fcsd.grsc.k12.ar.us. The deadline to apply is May 8th at 4p.m.

 

 

Obits

 

--A memorial service for Donnie Eugene “Bonz” Scott, 60, of Hughes will be Friday (5/2) at 2 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be Friday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at Stevens Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Sports

 

--High School Sports--

 

HERE’S A FEW SCORES FROM MONDAY (4/28):

 

SOFTBALL:

--PALESTINE WHEATLEY 16 BARTON 0-GAME 1

--PALESTINE WHEATLEY 17 BARTON 0-GAME 2

**SENIOR SARA KATE ANDERSON PITCHED HER SECOND NO HITTER OF THE SEASON

 

JR GIRLS SOFTBALL:

--PALESTINE WHEATLEY 15 BARTON 0-8TH GRADE

--PALESTINE WHEATLEY 10 BARTON 7-7TH GRADE

-----------------------------------------------

TODAYS (TUESDAY) SCHEDULE:

 

BASEBALL:

--TRUMANN AT FORREST CITY -4:00

--WYNNE AT STUTTGART 4:30

 

SOFTBALL:

--TRUMANN AT FORREST CITY 4:30

 

--Arkansas Baseball--

 

Tonight’s (Tuesday) baseball game between fifth-ranked Arkansas and Missouri State has been canceled due to heavy rains in the forecast for Springfield, Mo. (DG)

 

The game will not be made up. The Razorbacks (37-9) will be left with a 55-game regular-season schedule that concludes with SEC series in May against top-ranked Texas, second-ranked LSU and sixth-ranked Tennessee.

 

The Razorbacks are scheduled to host the SEC-leading Longhorns (37-5, 19-2) beginning Thursday at 6 p.m.

 

With a 14-7 SEC record, Arkansas is currently tied with LSU for second in the SEC, 5 games behind Texas.

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SFC Election Reminders

 

St. Francis County Judge Craig Jones is urging local citizens to go out and vote for the 1/2 cent county sales tax in the May 13th election.

 

Judge Jones explains that the tax will actually be 1/8 cent less than you’re paying now.

 

He says that if passed, the millage rate in the county will drop by one mil next year, thereby decreasing real and personal property taxes.

 

Absentee ballot applications can now be picked up at the County Clerk’s office. The deadline for the Clerk’s office to receive absentee ballot applications by mail, fax or by electronic means is May 6th.

 

The deadline for county-to-county transfers of registered voters is also May 6th.

 

The deadline for the voter or designated bearer or administrator to personally deliver absentee ballots back to the County Clerk’s office is close of business, on May 9th.

 

The one-week early voting period for the May 13th election will start Tuesday, May 6th and will continue weekdays from 8:00 to 4:30 through Monday, May 12th.

 

Local polling sites will be open on Election Day from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

 

Rep Hollowell Report

 

The Arkansas House of Representatives passed several laws during the 2025 regular session that were designed to strengthen the agriculture industry in the state.

 

State Representative Steve Hollowell has more details:

                (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Rep. Hollowell.

 

 

UA Health Program

 

Enrollment for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program is underway.

 

The program is designed to provide you with a pathway to better health by building a healthier plate to possibly prevent diseases later in life.

 

This free program is available to anyone 19-years and older in St. Francis and Lee counties, along with the communities of Lexa, Barton, Poplar Grove and Marvell in Phillips County.

 

Enrollment will be Monday through Wednesday (Apr. 28-30) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.at the Forrest City Public Library, with classes set to start in May at the library.

 

Contact Louvenia Harris at the U of A Division of Ag at 870-295-7720 for more information.

 

 

Child Care Training

 

The U of A Division of Ag Family & Consumer Sciences will hold their annual “Best Care” Training, May 3rd starting at 8 a.m. at the Fine Arts Center (Black Box Theater) at UA-EACC in Forrest City.

 

This is for child-care providers in St. Francis, Cross and Crittenden counties and will give attendees 10 free hours of face-to-face training, which will go toward their education credit.

 

Pre-registration is required by April 30th.

 

For more information, call Marla Lane at 870-261-1730.

 

 

​FC Health Fair Planned

 

The City of Forrest City will host a Community Health Fair on July 12th at the Larry S. Bryant Multipurpose Center and they’re looking for vendors, health professionals, and wellness organizations to help make this event a success.

 

Th event would be a good fit for vendors who offer health screenings, fitness tips, healthy food options or wellness products.

 

The city is also looking for passionate and energetic volunteers to lead Yoga, Chair Pilates, and Line Dance sessions during the Health Fair.

 

If you or someone you know is certified or experienced in teaching these activities, contact City Hall at 870-633-1315. 

 

 

FC Spring Cleaning

 

This time of year, many area residents are diving into some much-needed spring cleaning.

 

The City of Forrest City encourages residents to bring unwanted items to the City Shop at 377 Farr Street between the hours of 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.

 

Items that cannot be accepted include flammable liquids, paints, chemicals, bricks or stones.

----------------------------------

The city would also like to remind residents to please place yard waste like grass and leaves on the curb, not in the street.

 

Officials say putting it in the road can clog storm drains and cause flooding.

 

 

SFC MASH Camp

 

The St. Francis County Mini MASH camp will take place the week of June 9th-13th from 9:00am-3:00pm at Forrest City Medical Center. 

 

This is a 5-day summer enrichment camp for high school students interested in exploring health careers through hands on activities.

 

Some activities include Nursing skills, Dissection, CPR training, Medical Terminology, Nutrition, and much more.

 

The deadline to turn in applications is Thursday, April 29th.

 

Interested students should ask their school counselor for an application or contact Bailee Busby at Forrest City Medical Center at 870-752-6006 or Holly Loewer at Farm Bureau at 870-633-4112 Ext. 117.

 

MASH Camp is sponsored by St. Francis County Farm Bureau, UAMS and Forrest City Medical Center.

 

 

SFC Extension Report

 

Health experts say that developing a healthy lifestyle is key when it comes to keeping your heart in good shape.

 

St. Francis County Extension Agent Marla Lane has more in her educational report for the month of April:   

                (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Ms. Marla.

 

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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.

 

 

​​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.

 

 

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