RAPIST CAUGHT

07/09/2025-WREG

 

 An accused child rapist was caught with public help, the sheriff  of Crittenden County said Tuesday. Joshua Antonio Rogers, 34, of Sunset, was wanted for the alleged rape of a minor under 14, Sheriff Mike Allen said. Warrants were issued for his arrest, and Allen put out a public call for tips on his Facebook page. By 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, Allen reported that Rogers was in custody. He is listed in  

the Crittenden County Jail roster with a charge of Rape/Intercourse/Deviate Activity.

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OFFICERS DECERTIFIED

07/09/25

Members of the state's police standards board voted unanimously Tuesday to strip three former Helena-West Helena police officers of their law enforcement certification for failing to adequately report force used during a December 2023 arrest that is now the subject of a civil suit against the city. 

 

Three decisions by the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training separately decertified Charles Byrd, Elmer Gant Jr. and Kuyler Holmes-Stanton on Tuesday because of their actions during and after the December 19, 2023, arrest

 of Tyler Orr, which came to the attention of department officials the following January.

 

A fourth officer, Roosevelt Eaton, has a decertification hearing set for September.

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Local and Regional News 070825

 

Ark Weather Discussion

 

Scattered storms are in the forecast for the northern half of Arkansas this (Tuesday) afternoon and into the evening hours. (DG)

 

The National Weather Service says that the storms could produce hail as big as a quarter and winds as strong as 60 mph. Damaging wind gusts are the main severe weather threat.

 

The northern portion of the state, including Conway, Batesville, Fayetteville, Jonesboro and Mena, is at a marginal risk of severe weather.

 

A marginal risk is a level one out of five for storm severity.

 

Officials say the tornado threat for today is very low, though isolated pockets of flash flooding are possible.

 

 

Wynne Police Arrests

 

The Wynne Police Department arrested three suspects on various drug-related charges over the 4th of July holiday. (Wynne Progress)

 

Two of the suspects, 31-year-old Sabrina Holt and 36-year-old Torrance Wilson, were arrested by officers Friday evening (7/4) during a probation search.

 

Capt. Daniel Getchell of the Wynne Police Department said an unspecified amount of methamphetamine was seized during that search.

 

Both suspects are being held in the Cross County Detention Center on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

 

During a separate probation search on Sunday (7/6), 37-year-old Xzavier Nelson was arrested after being found in possession of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana.

 

Nelson is charged with two counts of possession of meth/cocaine with the purpose to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, failure to appear and failure to pay fines.

 

 

Ark Disaster Funding

 

The Delta Regional Authority is making approximately $9.7 million in funding available through its new Supplemental Disaster Recovery Funding Program. (Wynne Progress)

 

The program will make targeted infrastructure investments in communities across the DRA’s coverage area affected by federally declared disasters occurring between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2024.

 

Wynne was declared as a federal disaster after the March 31, 2023, tornado.

 

Awards will range from $500,000 to $2 million to support programs that include basic infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and flood control projects.

 

Applicants must meet the standard eligibility criteria of the community infrastructure fund and be located in communities that received a federal disaster declaration between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2024.

 

The deadline for applications is August 2.

 

The Wynne tornado damaged or destroyed over 600 structures in Wynne, including Wynne High School, the Wynne wastewater treatment plant and several churches.

 

Four people were killed and around 30 people were injured.

 

 

Ark Speeding Enforcement

 

Law enforcement officers across Arkansas will be participating in a high-visibility enforcement campaign this month.

 

The campaign, Speeding Slows You Down, will be conducted July 9 – 31, during which State Police Troopers, sheriff’s deputies and city police officers will provide high-visibility patrols and issue speeding citations to drivers breaking the law.

 

Communities across America are affected every year by fatalities that occur in speeding-related crashes. In 2023, there were 11,775 traffic fatalities that involved speeding, accounting for 29% of that year’s traffic fatalities.

 

In Arkansas for 2023, one of five traffic fatalities were speeding related.

 

Officials say speeding is an aggressive and deadly behavior, which reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object, or an unexpected curve.

 

Safety experts also say that local roads are more dangerous than highways for speeders, adding that it's a common misconception that speeding is an interstate-related issue.

 

In fact, in 2023, 88% of all speeding-related traffic fatalities in the U.S. occurred on routes other than interstates.

 

Consequently, Arkansas law enforcement officers will be concentrating their efforts in neighborhoods, school zones or secondary roads.

 

The Speeding Slows You Down campaign is being conducted by the Arkansas Highway Safety Office along with Arkansas law enforcement and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

 

WFD Ups EMT Positions

 

Due to a recent rise in medical calls, the Wynne Fire Department is partnering with UA-EACC to train more EMTs. (Wynne Progress)

 

The Wynne Fire Department is averaging about 80 calls per month with around three-fourths of those being medical calls.

 

Wynne Fire Chief Kory Ward said that this is the trend, not just in Wynne but nationwide.

 

Ward said ambulance services have dwindled in recent years throughout the nation and fire departments have had to step up their response to medical calls.

 

Ward said the Wynne Fire Department is working with the University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College to complete their goal of getting as many firefighters certified as Emergency Medical Technicians as possible.

 

He said that “it’s a very low-cost program” for his firemen, with low- to zero cost depending on the qualifications.

 

Chief Ward said he’s already had four firemen go through the EMT program at UA-EACC with two more scheduled for classes this fall.

 

He said the goal is to have a total of eight EMTs and one paramedic by the end of the year.

 

 

Ark Childcare Website

 

The Arkansas Department of Education has launched a new, user-friendly childcare website that enables families to find licensed childcare providers in their areas. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

The Childcare Arkansas website, located at childcareAR.com, gives families the opportunity to search for a childcare provider by city, ZIP code, and county.

 

Families can also search for a provider based on the star level, which is a quality rating system used for Better Beginnings programs.

 

The site also allows users to search for specific criteria, such as a facility’s name, hours of operation, and ages of children accepted at the facility.

 

For more information about the department’s early learning program, visit dese.ade.arkansas.gov.

 

 

FC Library Position Open

 

The Forrest City Public Library has a part-time “Library Shelver” position open.

 

The job pays $12.50 per hour and applicants must be at least 16-years of age.

 

The position is for a maximum of 19 hours per week, with the shift starting at 1:00 to 1:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, plus Saturdays if needed.

 

The primary duties include shelving all library materials and working the circulation desk.

 

Other duties include checking materials in/out, assisting library users with public computers, answering simple reference questions, copying and faxing.

 

Applicants must have excellent communication and public service skills, plus a basic knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Word is required.

 

Applications are being accepted at the library or at Arkansas Workforce in Forrest City through July 18th at 4 p.m.

 

 

Events

 

--The St. Francis County Food Pantry will remain closed today (Tuesday) and is set to reopen Wednesday (7/9) at 8 a.m.

 

--A grand opening and ribbon cutting will be held July 14th at 11 a.m. at Refining Touch Behavioral Health & Recovery at 220 North 6th Street, Suite A, in West Memphis. The new facility focuses on metal health and substance abuse recovery.

 

--A free babysitting class will be held Tuesday, July 15th at 6 p.m. at the Rock Center at 1825 East Broadway in Forrest City. Guest speaker will be Carla Busby, owner of Teach and Tend Daycare in Forrest City. The event is hosted by the Success Program.

 

--A Financial Management for Youth event will be held Thursday, July 17th at 5:30 p.m. at the Rock Center at 1825 East Broadway in Forrest City. Guest speaker will be Greg Gibson, Market President/Director of Agriculture at Armor Bank. Attendees will learn the tools needed to build a better financial future, along with fun, practical tips on saving, budgeting and making smart money moves. The event is free and open to all area youth and will be hosted by the Success Program.

 

--The Lee County School District will hold a Back-to-School Registration Day, Saturday, July 19th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lee High School in Marianna. Free school supplies will be available courtesy of St. Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock. School Physicals will be available on site from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Kids can enjoy a fun-filled day with bouncy houses and slides, plus refreshments courtesy of Men of Action.

 

--Pastor Dr. Florine T. Milligan and the members of Fresh Anointing Ministries will host their 26th Annual Appreciation services on July 19th and 20th. Guest speakers will be Pastor Bruce Evans and the New Birth Ministries Church of West Memphis on Saturday July 19th at 7pm, Minister Shonnon Sims and the Cornerstone M.B. Church on Sunday July 20th at 11am and Apostle Johnathon Davis and the Kingdom Seekers International Ministry of Arts on Sunday July 20th at 3pm. The church is located at 1701 Indians Road Rd. in Forrest City.

 

 

Obits

 

--Funeral services for Dianne Vinson, 70, of Crown Point, Indiana will be Saturday (7/12) at 10 a.m. in the chapel of Miles Mortuary. Burial will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Vedia Vernice Maggett, 64, of Jonesboro, formerly of Forrest City will be Saturday (7/12) at 11 a.m. at Beth Salem M.B. Church. Visitation will be Friday (7/11) from 4-6 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of the arrangements.

 

--A Celebration of Life service for Geneva Taylor-Murphy, 76, of Memphis, formerly of Forrest City will be Saturday (7/12) at 12 p.m. at Trinity All Nations Church in Memphis. Burial will follow at Paradise Garden Cemetery in Edmondson, Ar. Visitation will be Friday from 4-6 p.m. at Redeeming Christian Spiritual Church #1 in Forrest City. Superior Funeral Home of Memphis and Miles Mortuary of Forrest City are handling the arrangements.

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--Funeral service for Geneva Taylor Murphy, 76, of Memphis, formerly of  Forrest City will be Saturday, July 12th at Noon at Trinity All Nations Church in Memphis. Burial will follow at Paradise Garden. Visitation will be Friday, July 13th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Redeeming Christian Spiritual Church #1, with a special service beginning at 5:00 pm. Miles Mortuary & Superior of Memphis is in charge of arrangements.

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--Funeral services for DeMarcus Flenoy, 43, of Columbus, Ohio formerly of Marianna, will Saturday at 10:00 at the Lee Senior High School Auditorium. Burial will follow at Mound City Cemetery.  Miles Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

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--Funeral services for Fannie Mills, 75, of Forrest City will be Saturday at noon in the Chapel of Miles Mortuary.  Burial will follow at Castell Cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday from 3:00 to 5:00pm at Miles Mortuary.  Miles Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

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--Funeral services for Mr. David O. Killian 91 of Forrest City will be held Graveside at 11 A.M. Saturday July 14th at Forrest Park Cemetery. Stevens Funeral Home of Forrest City is in charge of arrangements.

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FEMA Office in FC

 

The State of Arkansas, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will open a new office over a three-day period in Forrest City later this month. (Wynne Progress)

 

The office will be available to help homeowners and renters affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding on March 14-15 and during the month of April.

 

The office will be located inside the St. Francis County Courthouse in Forrest City and will be open from July 14-16.

 

Hours of operation will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

 

 

UA-EACC Fall Registration

 

Registration for the Fall semester at University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College is continuing.

 

The schedule of classes is available online at EACC.edu, click on the Course Schedule link. Students will have the options of on campus, online, and blended classes for the summer and fall semesters.

 

Students are encouraged to register early. Advising and testing for new students are available in the Welcome Center and virtually by appointment.

 

Call 870-633-4480, ext. 200 or email advising@eacc.edu to schedule an appointment for testing or to meet with an advisor.

 

Current students can register for classes online through the myEACC portal.

 

New students must submit the following:

 

--A completed "Application for Admission" form

--High school, GED, or college transcripts

--Proof of immunization

--Placement test scores

 

Financial aid opportunities and assistance completing the FAFSA are available by contacting the Financial Aid office at 870-633-4480, ext. 224 or email financialaid@eacc.edu.

 

Financial arrangements must be made with the UA-EACC Business Office before registration is completed.

 

 

​SFC Extension Report

 

The summer season is heating up, and so are BBQ grills around the area.

 

In her educational report for the month of July, St. Francis County Extension Agent Marla Lane talks about the benefits of cooking outdoors and even includes a tasty recipe for the grill:

 

          (click here to listen)          

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Thanks Ms. Marla.

 

 

FC News Items

 

Multiple positions are available at Chubby’s Travel Center, the new truck center being constructed on the Hwy 1 Bypass off I-40 in Forrest City.

 

For more information and to apply, email fctc72335@gmail.com or text 407-921-4613.

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The 42nd Annual Mighty Mite Triathlon is set for Saturday, July 12th starting at 8 a.m. at UA-EACC located at 1700 Newcastle Road in Forrest City.

 

For details and registration, go to mightymitetri.raceroster.com.

 

Also, after the race, don’t forget to swing by the Larry Bryant Multipurpose Center from 10-2 for the Forrest City Community Health Fair.

 

The event will feature free health screenings, wellness resources and fun for the whole family.

 

 

FCPD Fundraiser

 

The Forrest City Police Department is conducting a fundraiser and will be giving away an Exmark 50” Zero Turn mower.

 

Tickets are $20 each and are available at the Police Department, Western Auto and at EZ Cash in Forrest City.

 

The winner will be announced August 1st and the winner does not have to be present to win.

 

The giveaway is sponsored by Western Auto in Forrest City.

 

 

​​​​UA-EACC Program

 

UA-EACC’s Phlebotomy Program will be held August 25th through December 8th at the college’s Wynne Center.

 

Classes will be held Monday-Thursday from 5-7 p.m.

 

Interested persons must:

--fill out an admissions application

--Pass a criminal background check and drug screen

--have a high school diploma or GED

--take any program prerequisite courses

 

Program applications are available in the Allied Health Office building.

 

For more information, call Cassie Franklin at 870-633-4480, ext. 238 or email cfranklin@eacc.edu.

 

 

FCSD Summer Meals Program

 

The Forrest City School District’s 2025 Summer Meals Program is underway, providing FREE Breakfast & Lunch for all children, age 18 and under.

 

The meal sites & dates are as follows:

 

Central Elementary Cafeteria

--continues through July 11, 2025 | Monday–Friday

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Forrest City Jr. High Cafeteria

--continues through July 9, 2025 | Monday–Friday

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Meal times at all locations are:

--Breakfast: 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

--Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

 

All meals must be eaten on-site

 

For more information, contact the Child Nutrition Department at 870-633-5668.

 

 

​FC Health Fair

 

The City of Forrest City will host a Community Health Fair on July 12th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Larry S. Bryant Multipurpose Center.

 

The event will focus on health, wellness and community connection and will feature:

 

--Free health screenings

--Local health and wellness vendors

--Fitness demonstrations

--Kids' activities

--Giveaways & more

 

The Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation will also offer free prostate cancer screenings, along with education materials and resources.

 

The city is still looking for vendors, health professionals and wellness organizations to help make this event a success.

 

Contact City Hall at 870-633-1315 for more information.

 

 

FEMA Reminders

 

FEMA has a few reminders for area residents who are applying for disaster assistance.

 

After residents apply for assistance, FEMA may call to schedule an inspection of the damaged home or for more information to process the application. These calls may come from unfamiliar area codes or phone numbers.

 

Officials say its’ important to answer the call. A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, functional and accessible. If an inspection cannot be scheduled, that may cause a delay in FEMA’s review of a homeowner’s or renter’s application.

 

Be advised, there is no charge for an inspection. The inspector will have a FEMA photo ID and your application number.

 

Also, FEMA representatives never ask for money. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a FEMA representative, but you aren’t sure, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify the caller’s identity.

 

Area residents in St. Francis and Crittenden counties who suffered losses from serve storms in April can apply for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance.

 

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance for the April storms is Tuesday, July 22.

 

There are several ways to apply. Go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

 

Lines are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

 

 

Summer Feeding Program

 

The Olly Neal Community Health Center in Marianna will be distributing free summer food boxes every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through July 22nd.

​

This is a drive-thru pickup located behind the clinic.

 

The Summer Feeding Program is open to households with school-age children, helping provide breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

The program is sponsored by the Arkansas Food Bank.

 

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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.

 

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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