Local and Regional News 020526

 

Rice Farming Challenges Addressed

 

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders was at the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center in Harrisburg Wednesday (2/4) to address the Arkansas Rice Annual Meeting attended by industry leaders, legislators and farmers desperate for solutions.

 

Gov. Sanders commented that her team “has heard from farmers who have worked the same land for five or six generations, and are saying after this year, they may not continue.”

 

Officials say the last few years have been rough for Arkansas’ number one industry, farming, and more specifically, the rice industry.

 

Some of the issues facing producers include the rising costs of equipment, input prices and the product being harder to sell.

 

Gov. Sanders stated that she was aware that “the last year was one of the most difficult in recent memory for our entire ag industry”, adding that she was there to let producers know that they are “not forgotten.”

 

During the speech, Sanders spoke about the income tax exemption for farmer disaster relief payments approved in late 2025 in Arkansas, along with other national aid.

 

One farmer who traveled from Randolph County for the meeting commented that the only way the rice industry will survive is if “buyers and sellers join forces” to “advance the industry”.

 

The meeting concluded with one questioning remaining: with planting season just months away, will those generations of farmers plant again or close for good?

 

 

Pizza Hut Downsizing

 

Pizza Hut is closing 250 locations across the U.S. due to declining sales. (CNN)

 

Yum! Brands said in an earnings call Wednesday that it’s closing 250 Pizza Hut stores that have been underperforming.

 

That amounts to about 3% of the chain’s locations nationwide.

 

Pizza Hut has struggled lately, especially against its biggest rival, Domino’s.

 

Yum! Brands said in November it was considering various options for the chain, including a possible sale.

 

The store closures will happen in the first half of this year. Specific locations have not yet been announced.

 

 

Minute Maid Cans Frozen

 

(AP) - Minute Maid helped make orange juice a year-round morning staple in 1946, when it started shipping cans of frozen juice around the U.S.

 

But 80 years later, the brand’s parent company is halting sales of frozen juice concentrates in the U.S. and Canada, saying it wants to focus on the fresh juices that customers now prefer.

 

Parent company Coca-Cola said Wednesday that Minute Maid’s frozen juices – including several varieties of orange juice, lemonade and limeade – will be discontinued by April, with inventory available while supplies last.

 

In recent years, orange juice has struggled as other options, like energy drinks and protein smoothies, have flooded the market. Consumers also increasingly questioned the added sugar in juices.

 

U.S. sales of frozen beverages fell nearly 8% in the 52 weeks ending Jan. 24, according to the latest market research.

 

 

Super Tax Days

 

With tax season in full swing, Entergy is sponsoring “Super Tax Day” Events at several locations across the state of Arkansas.

 

This includes two events here in east-central Arkansas:

 

--Saturday, Feb. 7th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Forrest City Public Library

--Monday, Feb. 9th from 2-7 p.m. at the Hughes Community Center.

 

During the events, IRS-certified volunteers with Entergy Arkansas and several community partners will offer free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

 

These events are designed to help qualified taxpayers, including those with a 2025 income of less than $69,000, individuals with disabilities, and limited-English speaking households, maximize their tax refunds.

 

 

Events

 

--Nourish Mobile will be giving away fresh produce, Thursday (2/5) from 2-3 p.m. at Madison City Hall.

 

--The Lee County Cemetery Association will hold a Cemetery Workshop, Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 am at St. John M.B. Church in Marianna. The meeting is open to all LCCA members and the public. Membership registration will be available. Refreshments will be provided. For questions, contact Ms. Katie Jones at 870-494-5731.

 

--The 2nd Annual Chili Cook-off will be held Sunday, Feb. 22nd at 5 p.m. in the gym at First Baptist Church at 507 North Rosser St. in Forrest City. There will be delicious chili, fun for all ages, in addition to competitions and prizes. To sign-up, call the church office at 870-633-2382.

 

 

Obits

 

--Funeral service for Terry Wayne Hall, age 46, will be held Friday (2/6) at 10:00 a.m. at Fifteenth Street Church of God in Christ in West Memphis. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service. A graveside service will follow at Legate Cemetery in Maynard, Arkansas at 2:00 p.m. Miles Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Mrs. Betty Jean Cole, age 81, of Colt will be Friday (2/6) at 2 p.m. at the Forrest City Civic Center. Burial will follow Saturday at 11 a.m. at Jericho Cemetery in Gould, AR. Visitation will be Friday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at the Civic Center. Miles Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for James Franklin Finch, 82, of Forrest City will be Friday (2/6) at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Forrest City. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Ella Mae Johnson, 94, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, formerly of Marianna, will be Friday (2/6) at 2 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Marianna Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Charlene Kathryn Sanders Oswalt, 77, of Forrest City will be Saturday (2/7) at 10 a.m. at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Forrest Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Robert Lee “Bob” Palton, 82, of Biscoe will be Saturday (2/7) at 11 a.m. at the DeValls Bluff School Auditorium and Community Center. Burial will follow on Monday, Feb. 9th at 11 a.m. at White County Memorial Gardens in Searcy. C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley is in charge of arrangements.

 

--A memorial service for Mrs. Chaney M. Jeffers Murray, 75, of Forrest City, will be Saturday (2/6) at 12-noon at Lane Chapel CME Church. Omega Omega services will be presented by the Forrest City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Friday at 7 p.m. at the church, followed by a special presentation. Miles Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Mr. Marty D. Nash, 49, of Marianna will be Saturday (2/6) at 1 p.m. at the Lee High School Auditorium in Marianna. Burial will follow at Marianna Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 12 p.m. until the time of the service at the school. Miles Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Markcus Greer, 73, of Forrest City, will be Saturday (2/6) at 2 p.m. at United Christian Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will take place Monday at 1:00 p.m. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Birdeye. Miles Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Eddie Maruce Turner, 53, of Fayetteville, will be Saturday (2/7) at 2:30 p.m. at Kingdom Connections Church in Marianna. Burial will follow at Paradise #2 Cemetery in Rondo. Visitation will be Friday from 2-4 p.m. at Marianna Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

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--Funeral services for Helen Marie Reeves, 95, of Forrest City, will be held Saturday, February 7th at 4:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Church of God in Forrest City. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

 

Sports

 

--High School Basketball--

 

The Forrest City Lady Mustangs improved to 20-2 on the season Wednesday night (2/4) with a 66-29 victory over the Southside Lady Southerners.

 

The conference match-up at Dwight Lofton Mustang Arena was a make-up game from Jan. 23rd, when games were canceled due impending wintry weather.

 

Here’s your stat sheet for the game:

 

--JaRiyah Palmer: 18 pts, 6 rebs, 4 assists, 3 steals

--Kassidi Smith: 17 pts, 15 rebs, 1 assist, 1 steal

--Amiayah Dosty: 10 pts, 8 rebs, 3 steals

--Kylei Bailey: 6 pts, 6 rebs, 1 steal

--Mariya White: 6 pts, 2 rebs, 2 steals, 1 assist

--Daijah Bradley: 6 pts, 4 steals

--Avi Enne Applewhite: 2 pts, 5 rebs, 2 steals, 1 assist

--Anija Applewhite: 2 pts

--Ary’Anna Ford: 3 rebs

 

The Player of the Game for the Lady Mustangs was sophomore floor general JaRiyah Palmer. Co-Player of the Game honors went to sophomore forward Kassidi Smith and sophomore guard Amiayah Dosty.

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In other high school basketball action Wednesday night:

 

Sr. Girls

--Dumas over Helena-West Helena, 79-19

--Barton over Des Arc, 56-14

--Wynne over Trumann, 56-42

--Greene County Tech over Marion, 66-34

 

Sr. Boys

--Forrest City over Southside Batesville, 78-27

--Dumas over Helena-West Helena, 61-57

--Wynne over Trumann, 61-53

--Bay over Cross County, 75-36

--Marion over Greene County Tech, 61-32

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Ernestine Weaver Birthday Event

 

Mother Ernestine Weaver will celebrate her 88th birthday this year with a drive-thru food donation event.

 

The event will be held Friday, Feb. 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain or shine) at the Forrest City Civic Center and will benefit the St. Francis County Food Pantry.

 

Non-perishable food items are urgently needed. Plus, monetary donations will also be accepted and used to purchase food items.

 

For more information or for pick-up service, contact Mother Weaver at 870-633-7198.

 

 

Travis Tritt Concert Info

 

Country music star Travis Tritt is bringing his tour to Graceland this spring. (Channel 5, Memphis)

 

Travis Tritt will perform his 2026 tour at Graceland Live on Thursday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m.

 

Tickets for the show will go on sale Friday, February 6 at 10 a.m.

 

Fans can purchase their tickets by going to gracelandlive.com or by calling 877-777-0606.

 

 

Monroe Co Awareness Event

 

A Community Awareness event is scheduled for Feb. 28th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 630 Madison Street in Clarendon.

 

The event is designed to inform the Monroe County community about the resources available to them in the areas of medical & dental services, work placement and college opportunities.

 

The event will also provide information on human trafficking and provide resources for those dealing with sexual and domestic abuse.

 

Organizers are seeking vendors to provide awareness in these areas. There is no booth set-up fee, and tables and chairs will be provided.

 

The event will also feature door prizes, food and giveaways.

 

Contact Vanessa Brayboy at 870-636-2781 for more information.

 

 

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%.

 

 

UAPB Vesper Choir at UA-EACC

 

University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College will host a free performance by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Vesper Choir this Thursday (2/5) at 12:30 p.m. in the UA-EACC Fine Arts Center.

 

The UAPB Vesper Choir is nationally recognized among historically Black colleges and universities for its diverse repertoire and excellent performances.

 

The choir was founded in the 1940’s and has a rich choral tradition that includes numerous performances on radio and television, as well as performances across the U.S. and online.

 

For more information about the performance, call 870-633-4480 ext. 352.

 

 

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.

 

 

SFC Extension Report

 

February is recognized as American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and promoting heart health across the United States.

 

In her educational report for the month of February, St. Francis County Extension Agent Marla Lane has some tips for developing and maintaining healthy heart habits:

        (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Ms. Marla.

 

 

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.

 

 

Toto at UA-EACC

 

The University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College will present An Evening with Toto on Saturday, February 21st at 7:30 p.m. at the UA-EACC Fine Arts Center in Forrest City.

 

The past year has been one of the strongest in Toto’s 48 years of existence with more than a half a million fans coming out to see them perform, alongside over a billion streams.

 

Toto’s largest hit “Africa” has achieved the milestone of two billion plays at Spotify alone, while “Hold The Line” exceeds one billion streams.

 

In addition, “Africa” has been certified diamond with cumulative sales now approaching 11 million. Also, “Hold The Line” has been certified triple platinum, while “Rosanna” hit the milestone of double platinum for sales of two million copies.

 

Tickets for Toto’s performance are $59 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 available at a savings of 20%.

 

 

Polar Plunge Scheduled

 

Special Olympics Arkansas Area 8 will host the 2026 Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, at Village Creek State Park. (Wynne Progress)

 

This year’s theme is “It’s Giving… Glacial.”

 

There is a minimum donation of $50 per plunger, which includes an official Polar Plunge T-shirt. Raffle tickets will be earned with each dollar raised.

 

There will be a $250 instant winner at each plunge location, and a $1,500 grand prize winner at the end of plunge season.

 

Registration is now open online. There will also be on-site registration starting at 11 a.m. the day of the event with the plunge starting at noon.

 

For more information, contact Theresa Book at 870-598-4908 or email theresa@specialolympicsarkansas.org.

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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.

 

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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.

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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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