Local and Regional News 082826

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SHERIFFS RACE FORUM

08/28/2026

 

Candidates for St. Francis County Sheriff and Collector met Thursday evening at the Forrest City Civic Center during a community political forum sponsored by the Forrest City Times-Herald.

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The race features incumbent Sheriff Bobby May, Lieutenant Tommy Hampton, and Gil Brazeale.

Sheriff May focused heavily on experience, telling voters that he has spent decades in law enforcement and has extensive training through the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, the FBI National Academy, and the National Sheriffs’ Institute.

May also emphasized his experience managing all three major areas of the office: law enforcement, the detention facility, and tax collection.

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Lieutenant Hampton highlighted more than 20 years of law enforcement experience and his current leadership role with the Forrest City Police Department. He focused on community policing, officer accountability, patrol coverage, employee pay, and strengthening relationships with residents throughout St. Francis County.

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Brazeale presented the strongest change message of the night. He emphasized rural crime, farm thefts, accessibility, and increasing law enforcement presence across the county. Brazeale also said he plans to overhaul the department beginning on day one if elected, making it clear that he believes significant changes are needed in how the Sheriff’s Office operates.

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One of the major topics of the evening was the Interstate 40 enforcement team.

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May strongly defended the program, saying it provides an important law enforcement presence and generates revenue that helps support approximately nine deputy positions.

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Hampton also voiced support for the interstate team and said county deputies have often assisted Forrest City officers during pursuits and other incidents.

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Brazeale said he believes more resources should first be directed toward farm thefts and crimes affecting rural residents. He also indicated that the interstate operation itself would be among the areas he would review and overhaul if elected.

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The candidates were also questioned about jail operations, employee pay, county budgeting, tax collection, public accessibility, and how controversial incidents involving deputies should be handled.

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All three candidates said serious incidents involving law enforcement officers should be investigated by an outside agency to help maintain transparency and public trust.

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May presented himself as the candidate of experience and continuity. Hampton emphasized leadership, accountability, and community engagement. Brazeale drew the sharpest contrast with the current administration, promising major changes and an overhaul of the department beginning on his first day in office.

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The forum gave St. Francis County voters an opportunity to hear three distinctly different approaches to leadership of the Sheriff and Collector’s Office

 

Submitted by Miles J. Kimble/ KXJK News

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SFC County Clerk Forum

08/28/2026

Candidates for St. Francis County Clerk met Thursday evening at the Forrest City Civic Center during a community political forum sponsored by the Forrest City Times-Herald.

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Incumbent County Clerk Brandi Holley McCoy and challenger Evetta Whitby both used the forum to explain why they believe they are best qualified to serve the county.

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McCoy emphasized her direct experience in the County Clerk’s Office, saying she has worked in the office for about 10 years and has continued her training and education through the Arkansas Association of County Clerks. She also pointed to her experience working with the public and other county employees.

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Whitby highlighted more than 25 years of office management experience and described herself as community-oriented. She said accountability, efficiency, integrity, dignity, and character would be important parts of how she would lead the office.

Throughout the discussion, both candidates focused on qualifications, customer service, professionalism, and the importance of serving the public effectively.

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McCoy’s message centered on experience and continuity, while Whitby presented herself as a candidate who would bring outside management experience and a strong focus on accountability and community service.

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The forum gave St. Francis County voters an opportunity to compare the two candidates and hear directly from them ahead of the upcoming election.

 

Submitted by Miles J. Kimble/ KXJK News

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ASP LOCATES MISSING CHILDREN

08/26/2026

 

Arkansas State Police said they were involved in helping locate eight of 10 missing and endangered children across the state.

ASP officials said Operation Hope began on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Specials agents said three Arkansas children in foster care were safely found on the first day of the operation.

 

Of the eight children that were found, ASP officials said seven were in the care of Arkansas’ Division of Children and Family Services. Two children were foster children missing from Colorado.

Special agents said two Arkansas children in foster care remain missing.

 

During the four-day effort, state troopers said investigators also responded to an additional six missing or endangered child cases in the state.

 

According to ASP officials the cases in Operation Hope included children missing from foster and residential placements, an alleged child abduction and cases involving indicators of possible human trafficking.

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WYNNE MAN SENTENCED-ADG

08/25/26

 

A Cross County man who pleaded guilty in December to possession of a machine gun was sentenced Monday to time served in federal custody for the offense.

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Marquis Quin'Tee Mays, 20, of Wynne, appeared before U.S. District Judge D. Price Marshall Jr. in federal court in Jonesboro for sentencing.

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Mays, who has been held in federal custody since his arrest by the FBI in March 2025, was indicted Feb. 6, 2025, by a federal grand jury in Little Rock on one count each of possession of a machine gun, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm in a school zone.

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According to court records, on Oct. 10, 2024, Mays was arrested by Wynne police after officers responded to a report of a Black male wearing a black ski mask riding an all-terrain vehicle at a high rate of speed across the Wynne Junior High School campus. After spotting the ATV, Wynne police conducted a traffic stop at an intersection across from the school property.

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Mays was searched by officers after he made nervous movements and pulled away from police after refusing several times to get off the ATV. A search of Mays' person turned up a Glock Model 20 10 millimeter handgun equipped with a "Glock switch," which enabled it to fire automatically. Records said the firearm had been reported stolen.

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According to Cross County Circuit Court records, Mays is still facing prosecution in Cross County on felony charges of theft by receiving and possession of a firearm on public or private school property related to his federal prosecution and felony charges of commission of a terroristic act and aggravated assault in connection to an incident that occurred on Aug. 10, 2024, in which he is accused of being one of three men who fired shots at another man near E.U. DeShay Park in Wynne.

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NEW STATE FIRE MARSHALL

08/25/26

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The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management has named its newest state

Fire marshal. (Democrat Gazette)

 

The agency announced Monday that Director AJ Gary had named John Hogue to the position.

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Hogue enters the role with 32 years of experience in fire, explosion and hazardous materials investigations, according to a news release.

Hogue has taken part in more than 1,500 fire and explosive investigations across the county, according to the release.

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"John's depth of experience and proven leadership in complex fire and explosive investigations make him an outstanding choice for State Fire Marshal," Gary said in the news release. "His commitment to public safety, professionalism, and inter-agency coordination reflects exactly what this role requires to best serve Arkansans."

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According to its website, the State Fire Marshal's Office is responsible for enforcing, revising and updating the state's fire prevention code.

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Hogue takes over the role previously held by Dennis Free, who retired in July.

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He is certified with the International Association of Arson Investigators, the International Association of Arson Investigators and the FBI.

Hogue's career has included teaching courses for the Arkansas Fire Academy and local EMT associations, according to the news release.

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Fatal Hit-and-Run Victim ID’ed

 

Forrest City Police have identified the victim who was killed in a hit and run incident in Forrest City early Friday (8/21).

 

Police identified the victim as 28-year-old Keirra Calvin of Forrest City, who was hit by a pick-up truck as she was walking on Newcastle Road just after midnight Friday.

 

She was transported to Forrest City Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

 

Police were able to track the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run to 411 Tennessee Street by an On-Star Alert device on the vehicle.

 

At the residence, officers found the driver, 28-year-old Isacc Sanders, and questioned him about the incident.

 

Sanders told police that he was driving on Newcastle Road toward Arkansas Street when he hit what he thought was a deer.

 

He was taken into custody and transported to the county jail where he was booked on a charge of negligent homicide. He’s currently free on a $100,000 bond.

 

 

FC Shooting Victim ID’ed

 

Forrest City Police have released the name of the clerk who was shot during an attempted robbery at a local convenience store early Friday (8/21) morning.

 

Forrest City Police detectives report that the incident happened around 2 a.m. Friday at the Flash Market on Deadrick Road.

 

The store clerk, ID’ed as 25-year old Tanner Hendrix of rural Forrest City, told police that he was working behind the counter, which is covered by a plexiglass shield, when an unidentified male subject, walked in, pulled a gun from a garbage bag and ordered him to open the glass.

 

Hendrix said that when he refused to comply, the suspect began shooting. Police say there were three bullet holes in the plexiglass where Hendrix had been standing.

 

Hendrix was taken to Forrest City Medical Center, then transported to Regional One in Memphis for treatment of two gunshot wounds to the back, just below his shoulder blades. His current condition is unknown at this time.

 

Police say no suspects have been identified in the case.

 

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Forrest City Crime Stoppers at 870-261-1499 or call the Forrest City Police CID unit at 870-633-3434.

 

 

Lee Co Teen Shot

 

A Lee County teenager was injured in a shooting outside a Forrest City residence over the weekend.

 

Forrest City Police officers were dispatched to 1153 Spring Street just before 6 p.m. Saturday where they found the 16-year-old victim from Marianna lying on the ground with a gunshot wound.

 

Police say the bullet entered through the top of the buttocks area and exited through the stomach. The victim was transported to Forrest City Medical Center for treatment.

 

Witness statements indicated that three gunshots were fired, but no shell casings were recovered at the scene.

 

Police have the name of a possible suspect in the case. The investigation is ongoing.

 

 

FC Fire Report

 

A Forrest City residence was destroyed in a fire late Sunday night (8/23).

 

The Forrest City Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 11:51 p.m. Sunday at 222 South Water Street.

 

Fire Chief Jeremy Sharp reports that the vacant house was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived just before midnight.

 

Firemen battled the blaze for about two hours, clearing the scene just before 2 o’clock this (Monday) morning.

 

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

 

 

FC Woman Charged

 

A Forrest City woman faces misdemeanor battery charges following an altercation with police outside her residence Saturday afternoon (8/22).

 

Patrol officers were dispatched to 1138 Dawson Road around 2 p.m. Saturday in response to a domestic disturbance in progress.

 

At the scene, officers came into contact with the resident, 38-year-old Quinshonda Ware, who was complaining about disrespectful kids who were reportedly fighting her and tearing up her house.

 

Police say the routine call quickly became a bit dicey as officers had to deal with two unrestrained pit bulls, one of which tried to bite an officer, and with Ms. Ware, who was reportedly uncooperative, refusing to show officers her ID.

 

Officers reported that the dogs were eventually placed inside the residence, but Ms. Ware continued to refuse to follow police orders. Eventually, officers informed Ware that she was under arrest, but she continued to resist and would not allow officers to handcuff her.

 

Police say that during the struggle, Ms. Ware tried to flee, then bit one officer on the right index finger and kicked a second officer in the groin.

 

Ware continued to resist officers and was eventually tased, at which point she was placed into custody and taken to the county jail.

 

She is currently being held on two counts of 3rd degree battery, resisting arrest, fleeing on foot and 1st degree criminal mischief.

 

 

FCPD Theft Reports

 

Forrest City Police are investigating a stolen vehicle report.

 

Patrol officers were dispatched to 1021 Robinson Street Thursday (8/20) morning where they spoke with the owner, Alfred Robinson.

 

Mr. Robinson stated that he went outside Thursday morning to find that his 2006 GMC box truck was missing from his driveway.

 

About an hour later, police were informed that the stolen truck had been recovered by St. Francis County deputies out on SFC Road 244.

 

No suspects have been identified in the case. The investigation is ongoing.

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In other news:

 

Forrest City Police are on the lookout for a stolen four-wheeler.

 

Mr. Larry Tubbs contacted police Thursday (8/20) afternoon to report that his ATV had been stolen while parked under his carport at his residence at 517 North Washington Street.

 

Police say that the stolen four wheeler is a red ‘98 Yamaha Big Bear with big racks on the front and back.

 

The value of the ATV was estimated at around $2,000.

 

Police are investigating.

 

 

FCPD Burglary Reports

 

Forrest City Police are investigating several burglary reports.

 

--A patrol officer responded to a break-in Thursday (8/20) afternoon at a commercial structure at 3340 North Washington Street. Police say the glass door on the south side of the building had been broken out and entry had been made. An inventory was pending to determine what had been stolen.

 

--Mr. Johnnie Jones of North Little Rock told Forrest City PD Thursday (8/20) that his rent house at 814 South Izard Street had been broken into. Police say the intruder kicked open the back door of the house to gain entry. A quick check of the residence determined that a gas stove and a front window were missing.

 

--A break-in was reported Saturday (8/22) at an apartment at 22 Merrill Circle. Police say the intruder kicked open the back door to gain entry, causing damage to the door frame and locking mechanism. The resident said that food items from the refrigerator, freezer and kitchen cabinets were stolen. A complete inventory was pending.

 

Police are investigating.

 

 

HWH Council Approves Purchase

 

After two meetings and lengthy debate over the city’s finances, Helena-West Helena will purchase three new police vehicles. (Helena World)

 

The City Council unanimously approved the purchase during a special called meeting Thursday afternoon (8/20), just two days after tabling a proposal for five new units.

 

The possibility of adding more vehicles — including used units — remains on the table.

 

You can read the full story in this week’s Helena World.

 

 

Ark Storm Outages

 

More than 26,000 homes were without power in Arkansas on Saturday night (8/22) as thunderstorms moved across the state. (DG)

 

Saline County was the most affected, with more than 11,000 powerless customers as of about 8:45 p.m., according to PowerOutage.us.

 

The National Weather Service says that the outages were likely caused by high winds from thunderstorms that started around 5 p.m.

 

Saline County was hit with a succession of brief but consecutive thunderstorms that brought winds up to 60 mph.

 

Phillips County, which followed Saline County in outages with more than 2,000 customers without power, was also hit by several thunderstorms with high winds.

 

Entergy Arkansas customers accounted for roughly half the outages across the state.

 

 

White Co Judge Update

 

The White County Quorum Court voted unanimously Thursday night to appoint George Brown to serve the remainder of his wife's term as county judge, until the end of the year. (DG)

 

Lisa Brown, who was elected county judge in 2022, died on Aug. 12 at the age of 59. She had been battling cancer.

 

Lisa Brown was running unopposed for reelection. After her death, the White County Republican Committee appointed Heather Bryant to replace her on the Nov. 3 election ballot.

 

That means that Bryant, who worked under Lisa Brown as an administrative assistant, is running unopposed for county judge and will take office Jan. 1.

 

Committee Chairman Roger Pearson said that by law,+ Bryant couldn't be elected county judge if she had been appointed to fill the remainder of Lisa Brown's term in office.

 

 

Ark Election Law Overturned

 

A federal judge Friday (8/21) ruled that several Arkansas laws that opponents claim make it almost impossible for citizens to get measures on the ballot are unconstitutional and issued a permanent injunction against their enforcement. (DG)

 

A lawsuit brought against the state by the League of Women Voters of Arkansas, which is also sponsoring a constitutional amendment, argued two laws would make it nearly impossible for the group’s measure to make the ballot.

 

Protect AR Rights and For AR Kids — groups sponsoring their own constitutional amendments — later joined the lawsuit as intervenors. Cole Jester is the named as the defendant in the lawsuit in his capacity as Arkansas Secretary of State.

 

At issue in U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks’ order and opinion issued Friday were state laws that included requiring all canvassers for ballot measures to be Arkansas residents and paid canvassers to be domiciled in the state and another law banning canvassers from being paid per signature they collect.

 

The claims were argued before Brooks during a two-day bench trial July 28 and 29.

 

Brooks declared the laws unconstitutional in violation of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

 

 

Food Recall

 

Whole Foods Market grocery stores in several states, including Arkansas, have recalled several salsas and guacamoles due to potential salmonella contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (DG)

 

The recalled products include jalapeños sourced from Coast Citrus Distributors, a distributor linked to a multi-state salmonella outbreak under investigation, the FDA said Wednesday in a news release.

 

The following products with best before dates of Aug. 7 to Aug. 16 have been recalled by Whole Foods in Arkansas locations.

 

Customers who purchased any of the products listed should not consume them, the release said. No illnesses had been reported in connection with the recalled products as of Wednesday.

 

The CDC says that most people affected with salmonella experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps and recover without treatment in four to seven days.

 

A Whole Foods Market spokesperson said that all the recalled products have been pulled from shelves.

 

Customers who purchased any of these products should throw them away and contact the company for a refund.

 

 

Product Recall

 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recalled nearly 40,000 bottles of Clear Eyes sold nationwide over contamination concerns. (Gray News)

 

Prestige Consumer Healthcare said the recall involves Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief due to a lack of assurance of sterility.

 

The eye drops are sold over the counter at pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens and other retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Dollar General and Target.

 

The recall applies to 15-milliliter bottles with an expiration date of Sept. 30, 2027.

 

Customers are urged not to use the eye drops and to return them to the store for a refund.

 

 

UA-EACC Late Registration

 

Late registration for the Fall semester at the University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College is this week.

 

Late registration will continue through Friday, August 28th for on-campus, in- person classes and through Friday, September 4th for online classes.

 

Fall classes begin today (Monday).

 

The Fall semester’s schedule of classes is available online at UAEACC.edu, just click on the Course Schedule link. Students will have the options of on-campus, online, and blended classes for the Fall semester.

 

Advising and testing for new students are available on campus and virtually. Call 870-633-4480, ext. 200.

 

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

 

For more information, contact the Admissions Office at 870-633-4480.

 

 

Events

 

--The Forrest City Mustang Booster Club will meet Monday (8/24) at 6 p.m. at the Forrest City High School Library.

 

--For area high school students in need of community service hours, the St. Francis County 4-H Program can help. Whether you’re already involved in 4-H or not, you’re welcome to participate in the their community service projects. For more information, contact the St. Francis County Extension Office at 870-261-1730 or email, dtinzie@uada.edu.

 

 

Obits

 

--A graveside memorial service for Ms. Nola Jane Stain-Chandler, 82, formerly of Forrest City, will be Friday, September 4th, at 10 a.m. at Forrest Park Cemetery in Forrest City. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Sports

 

--High School Football--

 

A couple area football teams in the MAIS private school league were in action Friday night (8/21);

 

--Calhoun Academy defeated Desoto, 40-14

--Delta Academy defeated Marvell Academy, 30-26

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In high school football action coming up this Friday (8/28):

 

--Clinton at Forrest City (KXJK)

--Palestine-Wheatley at Des Arc (KBFC)

--Marianna at Bald Knob

--Helena-West Helena at Little Rock-Southwest

--Star City at Barton

--Clarendon at Episcopal Collegiate

--Marion at Wynne

--Harrisburg at Cross County

--West Memphis at Valley View

--Lee Academy at Delta Streets Academy

--Calhoun Academy at Marvell Academy

--Desoto at Delta Academy

--West Memphis Christian at North Delta School

 

All games kick-off at 7 p.m.

 

--Razorbacks Name Starting QB--

 

KJ Jackson has been named Arkansas football's starting quarterback for the season opener Sept. 5th against North Alabama.

 

The program announced the decision shortly after the conclusion of Sunday’s late afternoon workout.

 

The move capped a long battle for the job between the junior Jackson and the sophomore AJ Hill, which began in January after Hill transferred from the Memphis roster led by coach Ryan Silverfield.

 

Jackson, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound left-hander from Montgomery, Alabama, completed 33 of 54 passes (61.1%) for 441 yards, with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions while playing in five games last season behind starter Taylen Green.

 

AJ Hill, a former 4-star prospect from Warner Robins, Georgia, was one of the highest-rated signees in the history of Memphis football prior to the 2025 season.

 

Silverfield said Jackson’s grasp on “situational football” might have been the deciding factor and will give the Razorbacks “the best opportunity to have success moving forward”.

 

Coach says it’s likely that Jackson and Hill will both see playing time in the game against North Alabama at Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

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FC HOF Inductees Announced

 

The Forrest City Athletic Hall of Fame (HOF) Steering Committee and HOF Members have announced the Forrest City Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees for 2026.

 

The inductees include:

 

Lincoln Era:

--Alfred Scott (Deceased) and Eugene Smith

 

Pre-1970 Forrest City High School Era:

--Jack D’earcy and Van Gore Compton

 

1970 – Current Era Inductees:

--Ethan Adams; Christopher Barrett; Kellen Blanchett; Seccer Cole; Joewaan Mitchell; Justin Ross; Coach Stan Siler; Joseph Tripp, Jr. and Tyra Williams

 

Meritorious Inductee

--Michael Boles and Donesha Williams-Boyd

 

The Hall of Fame game and golf event are scheduled for Friday, September 18th and Saturday, September 19th.

 

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Drive Sober Campaign

 

State and local law enforcement agencies across Arkansas are joining the U.S. Department of Transportation’s nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” high-visibility enforcement campaign. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

The campaign began Friday (8/21) and aims to prevent impaired driving crashes and save lives during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year: Labor Day weekend.

 

According to the Arkansas Highway Safety Office, planning ahead is the easiest way to prevent an impaired driving crash. If your celebration includes alcohol:

 

--Designate a sober driver before you leave.

--Use a taxi or rideshare service.

--Stay where you are if you have been drinking.

--Never let a friend drive impaired — take their keys and help them find a safe ride home.

 

For more information on impaired driving, visit nhtsa.gov or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at 501-618-8136.

 

 

UA-EACC Fall Schedule

 

The Community Education and Workforce Training programs at the University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College announce the Fall Schedule of classes for students of all ages.

 

--The Personal Interest and Senior Sage (students aged 50+) classes for adults include: Introduction to Computers, Microsoft Excel, Conditioning, Yoga, Water Aerobics, Pottery, Painting I, Mixed Media, Applied Piano, Beginning Sign Language, AR Concealed Carry course, AR Enhanced Concealed Carry course, Ballroom Dancing, Pottery and Play, and more.

 

--Travelers will enjoy a tour to the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith. Set on the banks of the Arkansas River, the museum tells the story of our nation’s Marshals. The day tour, scheduled for Friday, September 25th, will feature the museum’s exhibits, lunch, and transportation. The deadline for registration is Friday, September 4th.

 

--The schedule for Professional Development classes includes ServSafe Food Manager Certification as well as workforce training courses which can be customized for a business or employer’s needs including Forklift Training, Lockout/Tagout Safety, Heartsaver First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER Training, A.I. Training, Workplace Fire Safety, and others.

 

--The Kids on Campus classes include: Gymnastics (Ages 3+), Slammin’ Jammin’ Music Lessons, Junior Paint on Canvas, and a Pumpkin Decorating class.

 

The complete schedule of Community Education and Workforce Training fall classes is available at UAEACC.edu. Pre-registration is required for all classes and events.

 

For more information about classes, fees, and locations, please call 870-633-4480 ext. 333. Tuition waivers are available for credit classes for students aged 50 and over.

 

 

​Red Cross Blood Appeal

 

The American Red Cross continues to urge donors of all blood types to act now and make an appointment to give blood amid the ongoing national blood crisis.

 

Officials say that just three additional donors at every blood drive could help further stabilize the blood supply and ensure patients continue receiving lifesaving care.

 

Since issuing only the second blood crisis in Red Cross history in late July, thousands of generous donors have stepped up to help save lives. At the same time, the blood supply remains under severe pressure, just as many communities transition to back-to-school schedules and people enjoy final summer plans.

 

When fewer donors are available to give, the impact on available lifesaving blood products can be significant — especially when the blood supply is already facing a four-year summer low.

 

Book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

 

Upcoming blood donation opportunities this month include:

 

--Aug 28 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 47 West Main Street in Marianna

 

--Aug 31 from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the McCrory Civic Center

 

As a thank-you, all who come to give this month will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/August. 

 

 

​SFC Extension Report

 

As the new school year gets underway, parents are advised to teach and more importantly to “model” respectful behavior to their children, which will carry over into the classroom and beyond.

 

In her educational report for the month of August, St. Francis County Extension Agent Marla Lane talks about how showing the proper respect can improve life in the home, the classroom and in the community:

        (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Ms. Marla.

 

 

FC Chamber Banquet Awards

 

The Forrest City Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for recognition at the Annual Banquet, coming up September 10th at the UA-EACC Fine Arts Center.

 

Officials invite submissions in the following categories:

 

--Business of the Year

--Citizen of the Year

 

The awards recognize individuals and businesses that make a lasting impact on the community.

 

To nominate someone, give their name, along with a brief explanation of why you believe they deserve this honor.

 

Nominations can be mailed to the Chamber office at 203 North Izard Street in Forrest City or emailed to meghan@forrestcitychamber.com.

 

Nominations must be received by September 1st.

 

Call the Chamber at 870-633-1651 for more information.

 

 

​Single Parent Scholarship Info

 

For the third consecutive year, the Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation has invested in the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF), awarding a $25,000 grant to help single parents in the Arkansas Delta complete college and workforce training.

 

For single parent families across the Delta, earning a degree or certification can mean the difference between surviving paycheck to paycheck and building long-term financial stability.

 

This grant will provide scholarships and wraparound support that help parents stay enrolled, finish their education, and enter careers that strengthen both their families and the communities they call home.

 

The funding will support eligible students in 19 counties, including St. Francis, Lee, Phillips, Monroe, Cross and Crittenden counties.

 

ASPSF will accept applications for Fall 2026 scholarships through Sept. 1. Single parents pursuing college degrees or workforce training are encouraged to apply at aspsf.org/scholarships.

 

For more information, contact Program Manager Angela Thomas at 870-527-4070.

 

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