Forrest City Native to receive award

3-13-26

 

The Arkansas Bar Association and the Arkansas Bar Foundation have selected Attorney Tyler Benson as the 2026 Equal Justice Distinguished Service Award recipient. Benson will be recognized at the Arkansas Bar Foundation’s Annual Fellows’ Dinner in Little Rock on April 24th. Every year the award is presented to an Arkansas attorney to recognize volunteer work for improving equal justice for low-income residents and pro bono efforts. Benson is employed as Special Counsel at Hall Estill in Fayetteville and has been on Board of Directors of non-profit Peace at Home serving serves as President Elect. He has also provided many hours of volunteer work for this and others throughout the years.  

Tyler Benson is a 1999 graduate of Forrest City High School, where he was a four- year member of the Mock Trial Team, under the leadership of Judge Christopher Morledge and Attorney Brad Beavers. He is a 2003 graduate of Arkansas State University and a member of KA, along with many others from the delta, and received his law degree in 2011 from the University of Arkansas Law School. His parents are Richard and Janet Benson of Forrest City and Bonnie and Greg Taylor of Jonesboro.

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LEE COUNTY SCHOOL MILLAGE

03/13/2026

 

The proposed School millage tax increase for the Lee County School Distict has failed.  According to Lee County Election Coordinator Adam Crump the final total  vote was:

 

Against 1212

For 1196

 

This includes the provisional ballots that were counted following the election.

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STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS

03/13/2026

 

Three East Arkansas High School basketball teams returned from the first day of the State Finals Basketball tournament yesterday (Thursday)) in Hot Springs with State championships in tow.

 

The Earle girls team defeated defeated Westside-Greers Ferry 73-54 to bring home the Girls Class 1A title Thursday afternoon.

 

The Earle boys team, led by Coach Carl Miller, followed suit by defeating Clarendon 70-58 to bring home their 12th State championship in school history.

 

In the nightcap, the Barton boys team, led by Coach Chris Williams, dominated Mount Vernon- Enola 89-44 to bring the title to Barton. 

 

Congratulations to all of these teams for great seasons.

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Local and Regional News 031226

 

Former FCI-FC Officers Plead Guilty

 

Two former correctional officers from Federal Correctional Institution-Forrest City pleaded guilty Wednesday (3/11) to corruption charges in two unrelated cases that occurred in the same facility. (DG)

 

Court records show that 41-year-old Tejuana Dillard of Wynne, was indicted June 7, 2024, on one count each of bribery of public officials and making false statements after an investigation indicated she had brought tobacco into the prison then lied to investigators.

 

Prosecutors say that while working as a correctional officer at the Forrest City prison, Dillard introduced contraband, namely tobacco cigarettes, into the prison and sold them to two inmates.

 

In exchange, Dillard received monetary payments from the inmates’ relatives and friends. Throughout 2020, Dillard had received approximately $91,788, among other payments.

 

A second officer, 37-year-old Robert Cochran of Forrest City, was indicted Dec. 5, 2023, on one count of bribery after an investigation determined he had taken money over a five-month period to smuggle contraband into the federal prison.

 

Dillard faces maximum penalties of up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to three years on supervised release.

 

Cochran could face up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years on supervised release. A jointly recommended 2 ½ year prison term is currently under consideration.

 

 

Arkansas Flu Deaths

 

Five flu deaths were reported in Arkansas since last week as flu activity in the state rose back to a "high" level, according to the state Department of Health. (DG)

 

The level of flu activity, based on the proportion of visits to participating health care providers by patients with flu-like symptoms, had been listed as "medium" last week.

 

According to an online flu dashboard updated Wednesday, 66 influenza-related deaths have been reported in the state during the 2025-26 flu season. The website listed 49 of those deaths as being of residents at least 65 years old.

 

Over the past seven days, 87 Arkansans have been hospitalized with the flu, bringing the seasonal total to 1,658.

 

The absenteeism rate in public schools fell from 8.5% to 8.2% over the past week. Randolph's 11.4% rate was the highest in the state, while four other counties in the Arkansas Delta were also above 10%.

 

So far, the Health Department has announced 34 influenza outbreaks from nursing homes or other congregate-setting institutions, including one since the previous report was released.

 

Flu season generally runs from October through May, with cases typically peaking between December and February.

 

 

Courier Index Sold

 

The Courier-Index, owned by Johnson Media Group, has been sold to Helena World Chronicle, LLC, publisher Tamara Johnson has announced. (Wynne Progress)

 

Johnson Media Group also publishes the Times-Herald in Forrest City.

 

Instead of being distributed on Wednesday, the newspaper will now be distributed on Thursday, according to Andrew Bagley, co-owner and publisher for the Helena World Chronicle.

 

Bagley said he and his business partner, Chuck Davis, are “excited about the purchase of the Courier Index, which has been delivering the news to Marianna and the Lee County community since 1873.

 

He also thanked his friends Rob and Tamara Johnson for their efforts to preserve the Courier-Index and entrusting its future to the Helena World team.

 

Johnson commented that they have “enjoyed serving Marianna and Lee County throughout the years,” and “wish the new owners well in this endeavor.

 

 

Arkansas Tornado Damage

 

A tornado caused a two-vehicle crash and damaged houses and trees in Calhoun and Cleveland counties in south-central Arkansas Wednesday morning (3/11). (DG)

 

According to a news release from the National Weather Service, the tornado started around 6:57 a.m. east of U.S. 167, southwest of Fordyce and tracked northeast. It then reportedly crossed several county roads and highways, causing extensive damage to pine and hardwood trees.

 

Officials said the tornado caused damage to the roofs of some residences and several outbuildings. The tornado also knocked down several trees across Arkansas 97, which caused a two-vehicle crash in which there were no reported injuries.

 

The EF-1 tornado reached speeds of around 105 mph and covered 14.7 miles with a maximum width of 200 yards.

 

Officials say the storm also knocked out power for just over 2,400 residents in Cleveland and Dallas counties in south-central Arkansas.

 

 

Diesel Price Increase

 

Trucking companies in Arkansas are dealing with a jump in diesel fuel prices related to the U.S. war with Iran. (DG)

 

The national average price for a gallon of diesel jumped to $4.83 after the onset of the conflict, according to the American Automobile Association. The average is 31.61% higher than the $3.67 average a month ago.

 

The current average price per gallon in Arkansas was $4.39 on Wednesday, up 33.43% from the average of $3.29 from a month ago.

 

The highest recorded average price for a gallon of diesel in Arkansas was $5.40 in June 2022, according to AAA.

 

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in just a week consumers have seen prices surge at one of the fastest rates in years after a spike in oil prices.

 

De Haan said diesel prices could see increases of 35 cents to 75 cents per gallon in a week as global markets react.

 

 

Farmers to See Rebate

 

The Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation (ABWEF) board of directors has voted to authorize the distribution of a $1 per acre cash rebate to growers for assessments paid on the 2025 cotton acres verified with the Arkansas boll weevil eradication program. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

A total payout of approximately $487,000 will be returned to Arkansas cotton growers with delivery expected by end of April.

 

The Foundation verified just nearly 487,000 acres from Arkansas’s cotton producers for the 2025 season. The crop remains a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural economy, with Arkansas holding the third-highest cotton production ranking in the nation.

 

The Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation began eradication operations in Arkansas in 1997, making annual expansions that ultimately grew to include all cotton-producing areas in the state over time.

 

The organization successfully eradicated the boll weevil in Arkansas in 2008. Since then, they’ve continued to operate under a maintenance program monitoring the state for the presence of boll weevils, which is entirely a prevention effort.

 

Learn more about the organization and its mission to protect the Arkansas cotton industry, at ABWEP.org.

 

 

Cross Co Arrests

 

A Wynne woman faces several felony charges after she reportedly became combative after being taken into custody. (Wynne Progress)

 

Police records show that 24-year-old Sierra Partain was arrested by Wynne officers Monday night (3/9) for criminal trespassing and obstructing governmental operations.

 

While Partain was being booked into the Cross County Detention Center, she became combative with the jailer. A Wynne officer and a jailer were injured during the altercation, and Partain also reportedly spat in another officer’s face.

 

She was also charged with two counts of second-degree battery and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

 

Wynne police also arrested 62-year-old Derek Williams and 44-year-old Rayfield Israel early Monday. Both are charged with maintaining a drug premise, possession of methamphetamine or cocaine with purpose to deliver, and distribution of controlled substance near certain facilities.

 

In a separate case on Tuesday (3/10), Cross County deputies arrested 34-year-old James Bell and 35-year-old Sara Pankey during a probation search in the 1000 block of Harrell Street.

 

Both are charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and possession of Schedule I or II controlled substance with purpose to deliver.

 

 

U of A Monticello Expands Offerings

 

The University of Arkansas at Monticello on Wednesday (3/11) announced its latest partner in its "campus-within-a-campus" initiative to bring four-year degree programs to two-year community colleges. (DG)

 

That partner is Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, which has campuses in Helena-West Helena, DeWitt and Stuttgart, and draws students from a Delta region that has struggled with economic headwinds.

 

PCC-UA students will now be able to complete a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education or a Bachelor of Business Administration from UA-Monticello on their "home" campus.

 

Both degrees are currently awaiting approval from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Higher Learning Commission, but the goal is to start offering the former in May and the latter in August.

 

UA-Monticello has similar partnerships with the University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College, National Park College, the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, and the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope-Texarkana.

 

More future bachelor's degree partnerships with UA-Monticello are also planned for PCC-UA, such as a Bachelor of Science in nursing as soon as fall 2027.

 

Students at all three PCC-UA campuses will have access to the bachelor's degrees, as well as a $3,000 per semester Ridge Runner Scholarship designed to make them affordable.

 

 

Ark Educational Program Open

 

Applications are now being accepted for the fourth year of Arkansas' Educational Freedom Account program. (DG)

 

This is the second year of universal K-12 eligibility for the program, which significantly expanded state taxpayer funding of student tuition and other costs related to private schools and some home school expenses.

 

Families new to the program can apply through the Arkansas Department of Education's website, while returning applicants can renew through ClassWallet, the vendor that runs the program's online platform.

 

Parents must apply or renew each year for each participating student. The last day to apply for or renew an account is June 1.

 

The accounts program, created with the passage of the LEARNS Act in 2023, became open to all K-12 students in Arkansas in 2025-26. More than 44,000 students received an Educational Freedom Account this school year.

 

Total state funding for the program in 2025-26 is $309.4 million, though the cost to taxpayers is expected to rise further in coming years.

 

 

FC Community Events

 

The City of Forrest City will conduct their annual Community Clean-Up event on April 25th and is inviting community members to come out and help keep the city clean and beautiful.

 

Area high school or college students who are interested in earning volunteer service hours are encouraged to participate.

 

For more information or to sign up, please contact Sharren Henderson at (870) 633-1315 or email, shenderson@cityofforrestcityar.gov.

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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.

 

 

Events

 

--Jack’s restaurant, which is set to open in Forrest City later this year, is now hiring for general manager and assistant manager positions. A hiring event is going on today (Thursday) until 4 p.m. at the Arkansas Workforce Center located on the UA-EACC campus in Forrest City.

 

--Spring Revival 2026 is continuing through Friday at Redeeming Christian Spiritual Church #24 in Widener with services at 7 o’clock nightly. Revival speakers are: Pastor Mildred Hill (March 12) and Bishop Connie Moore (March 13). The church is located at 124 Jackson St. in Widener. Elder Clarence James is host Pastor.

 

--The Wheatley City Council will meet Thursday (3/12) at 6 p.m. at Wheatley City Hall.

 

--Fresh Anointing Ministries at 1701 Indian Hills Road in Forrest City will hold their Family & Friends Day Program, Sunday (3/15) at 3 p.m. The speaker will be Elder Deandra Warren of New Mt. Zion M.B.Church of Jonesboro. Area churches and community members from Forrest City and surrounding areas are invited to attend. Host Pastor is Dr. Florine Bingham Milligan.

 

--The Forrest City School Board will hold a special called meeting, Monday, March 16, at 5:30 p.m. in the Stewart Elementary School Library. The meeting will focus on personnel matters and will be held in executive session.

 

--The Forrest City Mustang Booster Club will meet Monday (3/16) at 6 p.m. at the Forrest City High School Library. The public is invited to attend.

 

--A representative from Legal Aid of Arkansas will be at the Forrest City Public Library, Tuesday (3/17) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call the library at 870-633-5646 to make an appointment.

 

--Jolly Elders of Ridgewood Baptist will meet Tuesday (3/17) at 12 p.m. featuring a pot luck lunch of "Taters and Toppings”. The special guests will be Ken and Lisa Siler.

 

--The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture along with the 4-H Foundation is sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day Fund Drive to fund 4-H programs and activities. Money can be donated at Arkansas4HFoundaton.org. The date for the drive is Tuesday, March 17th. The minimum that can be donated is $10.

 

--A USDA drive-thru food distribution will be held Thursday, March 19th at two locations in St. Francis County: Larry Bryant Wellness Center in Forrest City from 8-10 a.m. and at Palestine City Hall from 9-11 a.m.

 

--New Mt. Sinai Baptist Church will hold their quarterly Saturday outreach service March 21st at 10 a.m. in the event room at the Thomas Wellness Center in Forrest City. The Mt. Sinai Pastor and members joyfully invite everyone to come out and experience spirit-filled teaching, fellowship and worship. Their regular weekly services at the church site in Caldwell will continue each Sunday with Sunday school at 9:30, and worship services at 10:30.

 

--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.

 

 

Sports

 

--State Tournaments Basketball Finals--

 

Several area high school basketball teams will be playing for state championships in Hot Springs this week.

 

5A Finals

Sr. Boys

--Marion vs Parkview, Sat. (3/14) at 1:45 p.m.

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2A Finals

Sr. Boys

--Barton vs Mt. Vernon-Enola, Thursday (3/12) at 7:45 p.m.

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1A Finals

Sr. Boys

--Clarendon vs Earle, Thursday (3/12) at 1:45 p.m.

 

Sr. Girls

--Earle vs West Side-Greers Ferry, Thursday (3/12) at 12 p.m.

 

All championship games will be played at the Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs.

​

 

Obits

 

--Funeral services for mother and son, Kanedra Monique White, 35, and Ayden Emeka Ezeagwu, age 1, of Texas, formerly of Forrest City, will be Saturday (3/14) at 11:00 a.m. at Day’s Temple Church of God in Christ. Burial will follow at Casteel Cemetery. Miles Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Miss Forest “Flora” Jean Russell, 62, of Forrest City will be Saturday (3/14) at 2:00 p.m. at Prosperity Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Forrest City Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Drunk Driving Campaign

 

State, county and city police officers will be out in full force March 13-17 as part of the St. Patrick’s Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign.

 

Every year, dozens of people are killed when they choose to drive drunk during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 38% of the traffic fatalities that occurred during the St. Patrick’s Day holidays between 2019-2023 involved drunk drivers.

 

In 2023 alone, there were 63 fatalities in drunk-driving crashes during the holiday, of which 44 involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or higher.

 

Local authorities are urging everyone to celebrate the holiday safely by making a plan before the festivities begin. The most important step is arranging for a sober ride in advance.

 

Community members are also encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers to local law enforcement.

 

For more information on impaired driving, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov.

 

 

SFC Public Meeting

 

St. Francis County will host a public meeting on Wednesday, March 25, regarding a plan by a solar panel company to build a $210 million battery storage facility on privately-owned land south of Wheatley. (Wynne Progress)

 

St. Francis County Judge Craig Jones said the purpose of the meeting is to explain the function of the facility, and for the company to request a tax abatement from the county.

 

Jones said he has proposed an administration fee of $150,000 annually for 30 years to consider that abatement. That money would go into the county’s general fund.

 

The St. Francis County Quorum Court will ultimately decide whether to approve the abatement. That vote is scheduled for the quorum court’s April meeting.

 

The meeting will be held Wednesday, March 25, starting at 6 p.m. in the upstairs courtroom of the St. Francis County Courthouse in Forrest City.

 

The meeting is open to the public.

 

 

​SFC Extension Report

 

Experts say the best way to teach kids how to live a healthy lifestyle is to show them by example.

 

In her educational report for the month of March, St. Francis County Extension Agent Marla Lane has some practical ways to help accomplish this goal:

       (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Ms. Marla.

 

 

​UA-EACC Benefit Concert

 

University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College, in partnership with Greenway Equipment and Jason Aldean, will host a benefit concert on Saturday, April 18th at the UA‑EACC Fine Arts Center in Forrest City.

 

The concert will serve as Greenway’s 8th annual food bank fundraiser and aims to raise funds for three regional organizations dedicated to combating hunger: the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, the Southeast Missouri Food Bank, and the Arkansas Food Bank.

 

Proceeds from the event will be donated directly to these food banks, helping provide meals for children and families facing food insecurity across Arkansas and southeast Missouri.

 

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, March 11 at 10:00 a.m. and will be available to purchase online at EACC.edu or by calling the UA-EACC Ticket Office at 870-633-4480, ext. 203. Learn more about the event at gogreenway.com.

 

In addition to standard ticket options, a select number of all access and premium ticket packages—offering the best seats at the front of the venue with the most exclusive concert experience— will be auctioned starting March 9 through March 11.

 

All access tickets offer fans an exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity with Jason Aldean plus Premium Ticket perks. Premium tickets offer prime seating, access to the pre-party, and a special edition hat. Auction packages will be available through the Arkansas Foodbank website. Access link can be found at gogreenway.com.

 

In addition to the concert, ticket holders will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to an exclusive pre‑party event hosted by Greenway Equipment and Anheuser‑Busch. Attendees will also have the opportunity to register for a raffle for a chance to win autographed memorabilia, with winners announced live during the concert.

 

**UA-EACC Chancellor Dr. Cathie Cline will be our guest on the Morning Show Thursday (3/5) at around 7:45 a.m. to talk more about the event.

 

 

​SFC Scholarship Offer

 

The St. Francis County Master Gardeners organization is offering a scholarship to assist a St. Francis County resident in pursuing a four -year degree in agriculture or agriculture related fields.

 

Applicants must have a 2.5 grade point average. The deadline to apply is April 1st.

 

High school seniors are awarded $1,000 a year. Repeat scholarship winners may receive up to $2000 for their sophomore, junior and senior years of study.

 

Scholarships are rewarded based on money raised by St. Francis County Master Gardeners. The total dollar amount awarded may vary from year to year.

 

 

​​​UA-EACC Concert Info

 

The University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College will present The War and Treaty in concert on Saturday, March 14th at 7:30 p.m. at the Fine Arts Center on the Forrest City campus.

 

Founded in 2014 by the husband-and-wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, The War And Treaty has emerged as one of the most electrifying new acts in American music. Their music brings together elements of soul, R&B, gospel, southern rock, and Americana.

 

The duo has steadily grown in popularity since the release of their first album, Healing Tide, in 2018.

 

They were nominated for the Best New Artist and Best American Roots Song at the 2024 GRAMMY Awards, and were also nominated for Duo of the Year at the CMA Awards two years in a row and for Vocal Duo of the Year at the ACM Awards.

 

Tickets for The War and Treaty are $39 and are available to purchase online at EACC.edu, by calling 870-633-4480, ext. 352, or in person at the Fine Arts Center Ticket Office.

 

Spring Series subscription packages are still available at a savings of 20%.

 

 

Lincoln Reunion Planned

 

The Maroon & Gold National Alumni Association, Inc., announces that the 2026 Lincoln School Reunion will held the weekend of June 5-7.

 

Reunion letters with complete information have been mailed out to all former Lincoln alumni.

 

For current information on the Lincoln Family, call Delores Morelon at 870-633-2676 or visit the Lincoln website at www.fclhstigers.ning.com.

 

 

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.

 

 

​FC Library Tax Services

 

The Forrest City Public Library is offering free tax preparation and filling services for area households with an Adjusted Gross Income of $69,000 or less.

 

Tax-related documents can be dropped off at the library, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Documents you’ll need to provide include a state-issued picture ID and Social Security cards for yourself and your spouse (if applicable), also all W-2’s & 1099’s, plus information on all other sources of income. A copy of your previous year tax return will also be helpful.

 

Your completed return will be ready within three days.

 

Call the library at 870-633-5646 for more information.

 

 

​Winter LIHEAP Program

 

The Crowley’s Ridge Development Council (CRDC) is now taking applications for the Winter LIHEAP utility assistance program.

 

Documentation required when submitting an application includes:

 

--proof of income for all household members, 18 years and older

--state or government issued ID

--Social Security Cards for all household members

--birthdates of every household member

--printed copy of all utility bills

 

No applications will be accepted unless all required documentation is presented at the time of interview.

 

In St. Francis County, applications for regular and crisis assistance are being accepted Tuesdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

 

The St. Francis County CRDC office is now located in the Workforce Center on the campus of the University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City.

 

 

​​​​​​​​​​​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.

 

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