LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS WITH RICK HOLT
YOUR LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS
ARKANSAS VIRUS UPDATE
May 29
Arkansas set a record for new cases of covid-19 in a single day with 261 testing positive on Thursday. Five more deaths from the virus were also reported in the state. (Democrat-Gazette)
No new cases were reported at correctional facilities in the state, and only eight were in nursing homes, meaning the vast majority of newly infected people are in the general population.
The five additional deaths bring the death toll statewide to 125.
Department of Health Secretary Dr. Nate Smith said that more than 40% of the new cases are from Benton and Washington counties. Until recently, Northwest Arkansas saw relatively few cases.
Since the outbreak began, Arkansas has seen 6,538 cases; 1,830 of those remain active.
Smith said of the total cases so far, about half reported no symptoms at the time they tested positive.
FC ARSON FIRE
May 29
Forrest City Fire and Police are investigating an arson fire at a local apartment complex.
Police officers were dispatched to Grobmeyer Circle Apartments around 3 o’clock this (Friday) morning to check out reports of smoke coming from one of the buildings.
The first officer on the scene discovered a small fire on an exterior wall on one of the buildings. He was able to remove the burning materials and stomp out the fire.
Fire investigators later determined that someone had placed a shirt inside an air vent and set it on fire.
Photos of the scene were taken for evidence. The investigation is ongoing.
FC VEHICLES VANDALIZED
May 29
Forrest City Police are investigating two separate incidents in which vandals removed the catalytic converters from vehicles.
The first incident was reported Tuesday morning (5/26) at the Frito Lay location on Hwy 1 North in Forrest City. An employee at the company told police that someone had stolen the catalytic converters from six work trucks. Repair costs were estimated at around 39,000.
The second incident was reported Thursday (5/28) at the St. Francis Area Developmental Center on South Washington in Forrest City. Police say that converters were stolen from three vans on the property. Police were set to review surveillance footage from the property in an attempt to ID possible suspects in the case.
The investigation is ongoing.
SENATOR INGRAM REPORT
May 29
In his radio address this week, State Senator Keith Ingram talks how the coronavirus pandemic may affect this year’s General Election in November.
Senator Ingram says that keeping voters and poll workers safe is the top priority:
Thanks Senator Ingram.
EACC APPLICATION DEADLINE
May 29
East Arkansas Community College reminds you that the Allied Health application deadlines are approaching next week! If you considered going into the medical field, now is your time to take the next step.
For more information, contact Lori Hutcherson at 870-633-4480, ext. 408 or email lhutcherson@eacc.edu.
VIRUS TESTING EVENTS
May 29
Free Covid-19 testing will be held Saturday (5/30) in West Memphis.
State Senator Keith Ingram has more details:
Also, the Community Health Centers of Arkansas will conduct a free Covid-19 drive-thru/walk-up testing event on Saturday, June 6th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Forrest City Civic Center.
Testing will be available to everyone with or without symptoms. No physician referral is needed.
Call 833-508-0774 for more information.
FC LIBRARY OPENING
May 29
The Forrest City Public Library will have a “soft opening” starting Tuesday, June 2nd.
Library hours will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will do curbside service from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Library services will be limited to faxing, copying and check-outs only at this time. Computers will not be available to the public.
Those entering the library must wear a mask, no exceptions.
No browsing will be allowed at this time, so please go to the library’s website at forrestcitypl.library.site and either bring in a list of the items you would like or e-mail them to fcpl@forrestcitylibrary.org.
Call the library at 870-633-5646 for more information.
OBITUARIES
May 29
--Graveside service for Mrs. Georgia Lee Sparkmon, 70, of Forrest City will be Saturday (5/30) at 11 a.m. at Forrest City Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 3-5 p.m. at Miles Mortuary. Miles J. Kimble Mortuary and Cremation of Forrest City is in charge of arrangements.
--Graveside funeral services for Bobby Lawson of Forrest City will be at 11 Saturday morning May 30th at Forrest Park Cemetery. Stevens Funeral Home of Forrest City is in charge of arrangements.
--Funeral service for Antonio “Duke” Carr, 31, of Nebraska, formerly of Forrest City will be Saturday (5/30) at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Miles Mortuary. Burial will follow at Casteel Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home. Miles J. Kimble Mortuary and Cremation of Forrest City is in charge of arrangements.
--Funeral service for Danny Lee Brown, 61, of Augusta will be Saturday (5/30) at 11 a.m. at New Holly Grove MB Church in Augusta. Burial will follow at New Quiet Cemetery-North in Augusta. Branscumb, Johnson and Gilchrest Funeral Home of Brinkley is in charge of arrangements.