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LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS WITH RICK HOLT

Local and Regional News 021125

 

FC Criminal Mischief

 

Forrest City Police are working to identify four suspects who were reportedly trying to break into vehicles outside a local motel early this (Tuesday) morning.

 

Police officers were called to the Hampton Inn on Holiday Drive around 1:30 this morning where they were informed that four male subjects were spotted trying to break into vehicles out in the motel parking lot.

 

Officers checked the property and found that the suspects had broken out the back passenger side window of a white GMC Sierra and had made entry into the vehicle.

 

Police were unable to talk to the owner of the truck, a Mississippi man, who’s currently out of town working.

 

The clerk at the Hampton Inn told officers that all four subjects were wearing hoodies and were last seen running toward the nearby Days Inn property.

 

Police are investigating.

 

 

Crittenden Co Man Sentenced

 

A Crittenden County man with numerous arrests and convictions for violent behavior was recently sentenced to 17 years in prison, more than two years above his maximum guideline sentence. (DG)

 

U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky sentenced 36-year-old Xavier Murry of Marion following his conviction for distribution of methamphetamine.

 

The judge said that Murry’s past was a strong indication that “one day someone is going to end up dead.” The judge added that it was “his job to stop that”.

 

Murry was indicted March 7, 2023, by a federal grand jury in Little Rock on charges of possession of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana with intent to deliver, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a felon.

 

On Sept. 4, 2024, he pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.

 

 

Farm Funding Remains Frozen

 

U.S. farmers say they’re missing millions of dollars of funding they were promised by the U.S. Agriculture Department.

 

On his first day in office, President Trump ordered the Agriculture Department to freeze funds for several programs designated by President Biden’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

 

The freeze paused some funding for the department’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which helps farmers address natural resource concerns, and the Rural Energy for America Program, which provides financial assistance for farmers to improve their infrastructure.

 

Farmers who signed contracts with the Agriculture Department under those programs paid up front to build fencing, plant new crops and install renewable energy systems with guarantees that the federal government would issue grants and loan guarantees to cover at least part of their costs. Now, with that money frozen, they’re on the hook.

 

Ag officials say, “pulling the rug out from these recipients runs counter to the mission of the USDA and will quickly and significantly cripple economic development in rural America.”

 

U.S. Senator John Boozman, who now serves as chair of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, commented that “farmers signed a contract in good faith and certainly USDA should honor this obligation.”

 

The White House reportedly rescinded the pause after a federal judge temporarily halted its implementation.

 

But over the weekend, farmers reported that their funding remained frozen. 

 

 

Gun Suppressor Legislation

 

Republican Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton of Arkansas have joined with Sen. Mike Crap of Indiana in introducing legislation to ease access to gun suppressors.

 

Under the Hearing Protection Act, suppressors would be treated as traditional firearms in regulations. Officials said the legislation would preserve hearing and safety for gun owners.

 

Experts say that suppressors typically reduce the sound of a gunshot by 20-35 decibels.

 

Sen. Boozman commented that “law-abiding, responsible gun owners should not have to fight burdensome regulations to enjoy their hobbies safely and with the accessories that can protect their hearing.”

 

The bill has 25 Republican co-sponsors in the Senate.

 

 

Ark Pharmacy Bill

 

The Arkansas House of Representatives has approved legislation to allow non-profit, tax-exempt and government-funded hospitals to hold a retail pharmacy license.

 

Senate Bill 58, sponsored by State Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, passed the House in a 95-0 vote Monday (2/10) and now heads to the governor for further action.

 

The bill would mean expanded care for patients, making it easier for hospitals to administer specialty medications in rural areas.

 

Officials say that it’s especially worth noting that the new law will allow for IV infusion meds in local rural areas, which non-profit, county-owned hospitals currently can't do.

 

Arkansas is the only state in the country that bars nonprofit hospitals from being allowed to have a pharmacy license, a prohibition that dates back to a 1975 state law.

 

Last week, SB58 sailed through the Senate, passing in a 34-0 vote in the chamber.

 

 

Vehicle Recall

 

Toyota has issued two safety recalls that involve more than 140,000 vehicles. (CNN)

 

The first recall applies to 2024 to 2025 Toyota Tacomas. Toyota officials say the rear brake hoses can be damaged over time and cause a brake fluid leak, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

The other recall is for 2025 Toyota Camrys, the Lexus NX and some 2024 to 2025 Lexus RX models. Officials say those cars may have damaged seat belts that may not meet certain strength requirements. This could increase the risk of injury during a crash.

 

Toyota and Lexus dealers will make repairs to the recalled cars free of charge.

 

To see if either recall applies to your car, visit Toyota’s website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website and enter your car’s VIN number.

 

Customers will otherwise be notified that their cars have been recalled by early April.

 

 

Ark Gas Prices

 

Arkansas motorists are spending a little more this week to fill their tanks. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

According to GasBuddy’s survey of 1,826 stations, average gasoline prices in the Natural State rose 6.9 cents last week to $2.78 a gallon.

 

That’s 11 cents more than a month ago and 2.3 cents a gallon higher than last year.

 

The national average price of regular unleaded rose 4.8 cents a gallon last week to $3.09.

 

GasBuddy spokesman Patrick De Haan stated that “for now, the overall direction of gas prices remains typical for this time of year”, but that they “remain on watch for potential policy changes that could impact fuel prices.”

 

 

Events

 

--The St. Francis County Quorum Court’s Budget Committee meeting scheduled for today (Tuesday) has been cancelled and rescheduled for Tuesday, February 18th at 4 p.m. That’ll be followed by a meeting of the full Quorum Court at 5 o’clock.

 

--The Forrest City School District will hold district-wide Parent-Teacher Conferences, Wednesday (2/12) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

 

--The UA-EACC Board of Visitors will meet Thursday (2/13) at 6 p.m. in the boardroom.

 

--Day's Temple Church of God in Christ in Forrest City will be having a Black History program Sunday (2/16) at 11 a.m. The guest speaker will be Rosie Beard. For more information, contact Chairperson Dorothy Norment. Dinner will be served.

 

--Pastor Dr. Florine T. Milligan and the members of Fresh Anointing Ministries in Forrest City will have their Annual Black History Program, Sunday (2/16) at 3 p.m. Guest speaker will be Pastor Stevie Nelson and the New Beginnings Faith Church of Wynne. For more information, call 870-362-4639.

 

--A representative from Legal Aid of Arkansas will be at the Forrest City Public Library, Tuesday, February 18th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call the library at 870-633-5646 to make an appointment.

 

--Help Mother Earnestine Weaver celebrate her 87th birthday by participating in her annual drive-thru food donation event to benefit the St. Francis County Food Pantry. Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted Friday, February 21st from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For pick-up service or for more information, contact Mother Weaver at 870-633-7198.

 

--The 2nd Pastoral Anniversary service for Pastor Clarence & Lady Antionette James of Redeeming Christian Spiritual Church #24 in Widener has been rescheduled for February 22-23. Service times will be 7 p.m. for the Saturday service and 1 p.m. on Sunday.

 

--The Palestine Wheatley School District will host an Informative School Choice Night, Monday, February 24th at 6 p.m. at the High School Cafeteria.

 

 

Obits

 

--Funeral service for Guy Elvin Allen Jr., 83, formerly of Lee County will be Tuesday (2/11) at 11 a.m. at King Solomon Baptist Church in North Little Rock. Burial will follow Wednesday (2/12) at 11 a.m. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Faye Payne, 92, of Hernando, Mississippi, formerly of Heth, will be Friday (2/14) at 2 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Forrest Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at Stevens Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Mrs. Joy Thompson Lannum of West Memphis passed away February 6th at the age of 90. No local funeral service will be held. The online registry can be found at stevensfuneralhome.net. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Okeymaw F. Newborn Nalls, 38, of Forrest City, will be Saturday (2/15) at 11 a.m. at Stanley Grove M.B. Church with burial following in Clark Cemetery. Miles Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. **Please note that the bridge located on Arkansas Highway 261 on the L’Anguille River is closed so in order to make it to the church you must travel through Palestine and NOT Caldwell.

 

--Funeral service for Benjamin Blunt, 64, of Forrest City, will be Saturday (2/15) at 1 p.m. at the Forrest City Civic Center with burial following in Scott Bond Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

--A memorial graveside service for Timothy Damon Rowlett, 82, of Forrest City will be Thursday, February 20th, at 11 a.m. at Loughridge Cemetery. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Sports

 

--High School Basketball Schedule--

 

In high school basketball action tonight (Tuesday):

 

Sr. Boys/Sr. Girls

--Wynne at Forrest City

--Rison at Helena-West Helena

--KIPP Delta at McCrory

--Clarendon at Marked Tree

--Des Arc at Brinkley

--Carlisle at Cross County

--Concord at Bald Knob

--England at Augusta

--Batesville at West Memphis

--Marion at Nettleton

 

--FC Player Nominated--

 

Forrest City Lady Mustang standout Kassidi Smith has been nominated for the SB Live Girls basketball Player of the Week.

 

Players across the state are nominated each week by coaches, fans and readers.

 

Smith, a freshman, was nominated after compiling a highly impressive double-double, with 24 points, 30 rebounds and two blocked shots in Forrest City's 79-33 win over Southside (Batesville) Friday night (2/7).

 

To cast your vote for Kassidi Smith, go to Mustang Coach Caronica Williams’ Facebook page to access the SB Live link.

 

Remember, you can vote multiple times.

 

Voting will conclude Sunday, Feb. 16, at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be announced the following day.

 

--Wynne Cheerleaders Compete--

 

The Wynne High School varsity cheerleaders ended their season Sunday (2/9) in the semifinals of the National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Fla. (Wynne Progress)

 

The Wynne cheerleaders placed fourth in the preliminary round on Saturday, advancing to Sunday’s semifinals.

 

Wynne cheer coach Karen McLendon said the girls left their hearts and souls on the mat in the competition and hit their best routine ever.

 

This was only the second year of active competition for the program, and their first time to compete at nationals.

 

Tax Day Events

 

IRS-certified volunteers with Entergy Arkansas and several community partners will offer free tax preparation services at Super Tax Day events across the state this month in an effort to help customers maximize their tax refund.

 

Qualified taxpayers include those with a 2024 income of less than $67,000, those with disabilities, and limited-English speaking households.

 

Customers will have access to essential information about qualifying tax credits and deductions, including the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.

 

The events are open to the public and will be held at the following locations:

 

--Hughes Community Center, Saturday, Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

--Southern Bancorp, 425 E. Plaza in West Helena, Saturday, Feb.15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

--Forrest City Civic Center, Saturday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Participants need to bring their government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, along with all wage and earning statements.

 

Those who are unable to attend an event in their area can still receive free, in-person tax preparation services by scheduling an appointment at one of the Entergy-sponsored VITA sites through April 15 or by using the no-cost, online counseling services at www.entergy.com/freetaxhelp.

 

 

Rep Hollowell Report

 

State Representative Steve Hollowell issued the following report detailing some of last week’s activities during the ongoing legislative session in Little Rock:

                (click here to listen)

 

That’s State Rep. Steve Hollowell.

 

 

FCSD Math Tutoring Available

 

Forrest City High School is excited to present the Math Learning Institute, an opportunity for students to enhance their math skills in Algebra I and Geometry.

 

The goal is to make math engaging and accessible for everyone while providing the support students need to succeed.

 

Tutoring sessions led by the district’s dedicated teachers will be held every Monday and Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. 

 

An afternoon meal will be provided for all attendees.

 

For more information, call 870-633-1464 or email Donesha.Boyd@fcsd.grsc.k12.ar.us.

 

 

FCSD Valentine’s Day Guidelines

 

The Forrest City School District has issued gift delivery guidelines for the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday.

 

District officials say the following guidelines have been put in place to ensure a smooth and safe day for all students and staff:

 

--all gifts must be delivered by a florist or gift shop

--deliveries will be dropped off at a location determined by the principal

--campus officials will determine when those items may be picked up

 

Order deadlines for area businesses include:

 

--Pretty Flowers & More:  Feb. 12th by 12-noon

--Debbie’s Flowers:  Feb. 12th by end of business day

--Antique Rose:  Feb. 13th by 12-noon

 

Plus, large items will not be allowed on a school bus if they impede a bus driver’s view or take up a seat on the bus. This includes Valentine’s baskets, balloons and other oversized items.

 

 

SFC Extension Report

 

Experts say that “showing” your love to your child is a crucial element in their development and overall well-being.

 

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

                (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Ms. Marla.

 

 

FC Library Tax Preparation

 

The Forrest City Public Library is offering free tax preparation and filling services for area households with an Adjusted Gross Income of $67,000 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.

 

 

EACC Concert Info

 

University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College will present the GRAMMY® award-winning group Kool & the Gang on Saturday, March 15th at 7:30 p.m. at the EACC Fine Arts Center. 

 

Tickets are $49 and are on sale now. 

 

Kool & the Gang has influenced the music of three generations, earning the group two GRAMMY® Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits and 31 gold and platinum albums.

 

Tickets for Kool & the Gang’s performance are available online at EACC.edu, by calling 870-633-4480, ext. 352, or in person at the Fine Arts Center Ticket Office. 

 

 

Lee Co Production Meetings

 

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service has released the schedule of Production Meetings & Pesticide Applicator Training Sessions for the 2025 program year.

 

Here’s the schedule:

 

--Corn & Cotton Production Meeting, February 20th at 8:30 a.m.

--Rice & Soybean Production Meeting, February 28th at 8:30 a.m.

--Pesticide Applicator Training, February 12th at 9:00 a.m.

--Pesticide Applicator Training, March 12th at 9:00 a.m.

 

Meetings and training sessions will be held at the Lon Mann Cotton Research Station at 3121 Hwy. 1 South in Marianna.

 

Also, a Rice & Soybean Production Meeting will be held March 6th at 8:30 a.m. at Brinkley First Baptist Church.

 

For more information, call the Lee County Extension Service at 870-295-7720.

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

Private Pesticide Applicator Training Sessions will be held March 11th at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Francis County Museum in Forrest City. This is for private applicator licenses only.

The cost is $20.

 

Call the St. Francis County Extension Service at 870-261-1730 for more information.

 

 

--FC Basketball League Sign-up--

 

Registration for the Forrest City Recreation Basketball League is underway.

 

The city basketball league is for boys and girls ages 7-16. The registration deadline is February 13th. The cost to sign-up is $20.

 

For more information or to register, contact Jarvis Palmer or Seccer Cole at 870-633-3667.

 

LIHEAP Underway

Applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP), which covers all 75 counties in Arkansas, are now being accepted. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

Anyone wanting to apply must provide the following items:

--A photo ID

--Social Security card (household members aged 18 or older)

--Social Security numbers (household members younger than age 18)

--Copies of your most recent utility bills

--Proof of income

--Proof of residency

 

The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment says LIHEAP only applies to residential applicants, not businesses.

 

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, April 30.

 

For questions about the application process, contact your county’s organization.

 

In St. Francis County, call the Crowley’s Ridge Development Council in Forrest City at 870-630-0193.

 

 

​​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.

 

 

FC After School Meals

 

The Forrest City School District has opened its 2024-25 After School Meals Program.

 

Meals will be served at Central Elementary School, Stewart Elementary School, and Forrest City Junior High School on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 2025.

 

Forrest City High School will serve meals Monday through Wednesday through May 2025.

 

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲:

--𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 - 𝟯:𝟰𝟱 𝘁𝗼 𝟰:𝟭𝟱 𝗽.𝗺.

--𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 - 𝟯:𝟯𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝟰:𝟭𝟱 𝗽.𝗺.

--𝗙𝗖𝗝𝗛𝗦 - 𝟯:𝟯𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝟰 𝗽.𝗺.

--𝗙𝗖𝗛𝗦 - 𝟯:𝟯𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝟰:𝟭𝟱 𝗽.𝗺.

 

All meals will be served at the school cafeteria on each campus and must be eaten on site.

 

 

 

 

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