Local and Regional News 041725

 

Silver Alert Issued

 

The West Memphis Police Department is asking locals to be on the lookout for a missing 78-year-old man who is diagnosed with dementia and suffers from high blood pressure. (Channel 5, Memphis)

 

The BOLO was upgraded to a statewide Silver Alert Wednesday (4/16), just two hours after the PD’s announcement.

 

Police say Jessie Lee was last seen sitting on the front porch of his home on North 8th Street last Thursday, April 10.

 

Lee is described as a black male, 5′8″, 158 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. His photo can currently be seen on the Action News 5 website.

 

He was last seen wearing a gray short-sleeved shirt, gray sweatpants, a black ball cap and brown shoes.

 

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call West Memphis Police at 870-732-7554.

 

 

SFC Quorum Court News

 

The elevator at the St. Francis County Courthouse has been in disrepair for the past several weeks.

 

The Quorum Court took action Tuesday night (4/15) to remedy the situation.

 

County Judge Craig Jones has more details:

                (click here to listen)

 

Judge Jones also gave JP’s an update on the status of county roads after recent flooding in the region:

                (click here to listen)

 

Jones commented that the flooding could’ve been much worse if not for previous steps taken to improve drainage around the county:

                (click here to listen)

 

That’s St. Francis County Judge Craig Jones.

 

 

Boil Order Remains in Effect

 

The Cross County Rural Water System says that a precautionary boil water notice remains in place after a water line break nearly two weeks ago. (Wynne Progress)

 

The notice was issued for Rural Water customers along Highway 49 north of Highway 64, west of Highway 193 North, and south of Highway 42.

 

The system said Tuesday (4/15) that water is being restored to the Hess tank and water pressure for the affected customers should be returning to normal over the next several days.

 

The system said it is waiting on water sample results from the Arkansas Department of Health and will notify customers when the boil notice can be lifted.

 

Any customers who are still without water due to this issue are asked to call Cross County Rural Water at 870-697-2971.

 

 

Ark Grocery Tax Update

 

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Wednesday (4/16) signed a bill to eliminate the state's 0.125% sales tax on groceries, starting on Jan. 1, 2026. (DG)

 

Governor Sanders said in a statement that the action will “return $10.9 million to the people of Arkansas."

 

She said, "that's on top of the 20% cut to the state income tax [her administration] delivered in two years since taking this office."

 

Sanders also expressed her appreciation to lawmakers for their work to pass the legislation.

 

 

FC Library Tax Preparation Extended

 

Free tax preparation and filing services at the Forrest City Public Library have been extended through July 31st.

 

The extension is for Arkansas residents only and is based on a recent disaster tax relief deadline established by the IRS.

 

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.

 

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

 

 

UAEACC News

 

The University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College (UA-EACC) and the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) are forming a new bachelor’s degree partnership.

 

The official announcement was set to be made during UA-EACC’s Concurrent Credit Convocation event today (Thursday) on the campus in Forrest City.

 

UA-EACC and UAM will collaborate to bring a Bachelor of Arts in K-6 elementary education degree to eastern Arkansas beginning this fall.  

 

The innovative partnership will give UA-EACC students an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree on UA-EACC’s campus.

 

 

FC Health Fair Planned

 

The City of Forrest City will host a Community Health Fair on July 12th at the Larry S. Bryant Multipurpose Center and they’re looking for vendors, health professionals, and wellness organizations to help make this event a success.

 

Th event would be a good fit for vendors who offer health screenings, fitness tips, healthy food options or wellness products.

 

The city is also looking for passionate and energetic volunteers to lead Yoga, Chair Pilates, and Line Dance sessions during the Health Fair.

 

If you or someone you know is certified or experienced in teaching these activities, contact City Hall at 870-633-1315. 

 

 

FC Spring Cleaning

 

This time of year, many area residents are diving into some much-needed spring cleaning.

 

The City of Forrest City encourages residents to bring unwanted items to the City Shop at 377 Farr Street between the hours of 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.

 

Items that cannot be accepted include flammable liquids, paints, chemicals, bricks or stones.

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

The city would also like to remind residents to please place yard waste like grass and leaves on the curb, not in the street.

 

Officials say putting it in the road can clog storm drains and cause flooding.

 

 

Events

 

--The Forrest City School Board will meet Thursday (4/17) at 5:30 p.m. at the Jr. High School Library.

 

--The Democratic Party of St. Francis County will meet Thursday (4/17) at 6 p.m. at the St. Francis County Courthouse in Forrest City. All Democratic Party members are encouraged to attend.

 

--The PLUM Foundation will host a Community-Wide Youth Drug Prevention Easter Egg Hunt, Friday (4/18) from 12-2 p.m. at Nineveh Temple Church of God in Christ at 208 W. Broadway in Forrest City. The event will include games, prizes, food and a bouncy house. There will also be a potato sack race. The winner will receive a $50 gift card. You must register to participate in the race as spots are limited. To register, call 888-215-4513.

 

--Women in Transition to Glory Services and Solid Rock Outreach Ministries will be hosting a free community event, Resurrection Festival on Saturday, April 19th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Marianna at the City Park. Speakers will include Lafaye Broadway, Chief Rodney Perry, and pastors from local churches. For more information, please contact Campaign Coordinator, Leneki Jones @ 870.270.8180.

 

--An Easter sunrise service will be held Sunday (4/20) at 7 a.m. on the Square in downtown Marianna. In the case of rain, the service will be held in the First Baptist Church gym on West Main Street. Rev. Steven Price will deliver the message.

 

--The Saints Temple Youth Department will hold a BBQ Fundraiser, Saturday, April 26th from 12-5 p.m. Pulled pork plates are $15, rib plates are $20. Call 870-317-7705 or 870-317-4030 to place your order. Tickets will be sold until April 19th.

 

--Lane Chapell CME Church at 821 West Scott St. in Forrest City will celebrate their annual Women’s Day Program, Sunday, April 27th at 10 a.m. Guest speaker will be Rev. Lamont Swanigan.

 

 

Obits

 

--Funeral service for Gladys Mae Logan, 81, of Forrest City, will be held on Saturday (4/19) at 10:00 a.m. at the Forrest City Civic Center - Ferguson Room. Burial will follow at Paradise Garden Cemetery in Edmondson. Visitation will take place on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of the arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Walter Franklin, 76, of Forrest City, will be held on Saturday (4/19) at 11:00 a.m. at the Cornerstone M.B. Church. Burial will follow at Scott Bond Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of the arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Ethel Driver, 88, of Forrest City, will be held on Saturday (4/19) at 1:00 p.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church. Burial will follow at Casteel Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at the church. Miles Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Mary Cathrine “Cathy” Walls, 73, of Colt will be Saturday (4/19) at 1 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Forrest Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 12-noon until the time of the service at Stevens Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

--A memorial service for Gene Scott, 75, of Marianna will be Monday (4/21) at 2 p.m. at Marianna Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Sports

 

--High School Sports--

 

SCORES FROM WEDNESDAY (4/16):

 

Sr. High baseball:

--DES ARC 13, BARTON 0

--CROSS COUNTY 10, RECTOR 9

 

Jr. High baseball:

--McCrory 7, Palestine-Wheatley 3 (Game 1)

--Palestine-Wheatley 9, McCrory 6 (Game 2)

 

SOFTBALL:  NONE

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

TODAYS GAMES:

 

Baseball: 

--FORREST CITY AT WYNNE 4:30

--CLARENDON AT BRINKLEY 4:30

--LEE ACADEMY AT DELTA 4:00 DOUBLEHEADER

 

Softball: 

--BRINKLEY AT CLARENDON 4:30

--WEST MEMPHIS AT PALESTINE WHEATLEY 4:30

 

--Britt Commits to Conners State--

 

Forrest City Mustang Marcus Britt Jr. has committed to play basketball at Conners State College in Warner, OK.

 

Britt will have his signing ceremony April 30th at 2:30 p.m. in the Dwight Lofton Mustang Arena.

 

All of Mustang Nation is invited to attend the ceremony and help celebrate this accomplishment.

 

--Arkansas Baseball--

 

A previously injured Gage Wood will return to the No. 2 Arkansas baseball team’s starting rotation this week when the Razorbacks welcome Texas A&M to Baum-Walker Stadium for a three-game series. (DG)

 

A right shoulder injury sidelined Wood seven games into the season. The junior last pitched on Feb. 23 and will start Game 2 on Friday night.

 

His first start back comes against a Texas A&M squad that’s on its hottest streak of the season. The Aggies have won five consecutive SEC games since dropping nine of their first 10.

 

Here’s the series schedule:

--Game 1:  Thursday at 7 p.m.

--Game 2:  Friday at 6:30 p.m.

--Game 3:  Saturday at 4 p.m.

 

We’ll have all the action on your Razorback baseball station, KXJK, AM-950 and 106.5 FM.

​

 

Concealed Carry Course Schedule

 

An Arkansas Concealed Carry Course will be held Saturday (4/19) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UA-EACC campus in Forrest City. The fee for the course is $75 for a new permit or $55 for renewal.

 

Also, an Arkansas Enhanced Concealed Carry Course will be held Saturday (4/19) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the college. The fee is $100.

 

Both classes will be held in Classroom Building 1-107 and will be taught by certified handgun safety instructor, Buck Morris.

 

Participants must be 21 years of age, and an Arkansas resident.

 

Both courses meet state requirements. Call 870-633-4480, ext. 333 to register.

 

 

SFC Holiday Schedule

 

The St. Francis County Courthouse will be closed Friday (4/18) in observance of Good Friday.

 

County Judge Craig Jones says however that crews with the Solid Waste Department will be working Friday and trash will be picked up on the regular schedule all this week.

 

 

Ark Sobriety Enforcement

 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is teaming up with Arkansas law enforcement to urge drivers to stay sober behind the wheel.

 

This Sunday, April 20th, marks the unofficial marijuana “holiday,” and officials say there will likely be an increase in marijuana use.

 

Marijuana laws are changing constantly across the country, but one thing remains constant: Impaired driving is illegal and deadly.

 

Officials say it has been proven that marijuana can slow reaction times, impair cognitive performance, and make it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.

 

Whether the drug is legally obtained or not, drug-impaired driving poses a threat to everyone on the road.

 

Residents are asked to please share the lifesaving message: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DWI.

 

 

UA-EACC Open House

 

The University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College will host a Community Open House Thursday (4/17) from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the EACC Fine Arts Center.  The public is invited to attend.

 

 Open House attendees will have the opportunity to learn about UA-EACC’s transfer, technical, vocational, allied health, workforce training, and community education programs, receive information from financial aid and assistance with completing the 2024-25 FAFSA, meet with admissions and academic advisors, learn about student life activities and organizations, and register for summer and fall classes.

 

UA-EACC representatives from various programs, student services, admissions, financial aid, and other areas will be available to assist attendees and answer questions. 

 

 The event will also provide an opportunity for attendees to learn about opportunities through the college’s new affiliation with the University of Arkansas including the UA-Fayetteville transfer scholarship, upcoming bachelor’s degrees, 2+2 transfer agreements, and more.

 

 Priority registration for Summer and Fall classes is open and the complete list of classes is available online at EACC.edu.

 

 

Ark Storm Cleanup Hotline

 

A severe weather cleanup hotline is available for residents in Eastern Arkansas who may need assistance with cleanup from last week’s storms. (Wynne Progress)

 

All services will be provided for free but cannot be guaranteed due to overwhelming need.

 

The Arkansas Severe Weather Cleanup Hotline will remain open through Friday, April 25, and will connect callers with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able to provide assistance.

 

The hotline can be reached at 501-214-0422, or for more information, visit www.CrisisCleanup.org.

 

 

SFC MASH Camp

 

The St. Francis County Mini MASH camp will take place the week of June 9th-13th from 9:00am-3:00pm at Forrest City Medical Center. 

 

This is a 5-day summer enrichment camp for high school students interested in exploring health careers through hands on activities.

 

Some activities include Nursing skills, Dissection, CPR training, Medical Terminology, Nutrition, and much more.

 

The deadline to turn in applications is Thursday, April 29th.

 

Interested students should ask their school counselor for an application or contact Bailee Busby at Forrest City Medical Center at 870-752-6006 or Holly Loewer at Farm Bureau at 870-633-4112 Ext. 117.

 

MASH Camp is sponsored by St. Francis County Farm Bureau, UAMS and Forrest City Medical Center.

 

 

Ark Drug Take Back Day

 

The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership has set this year’s Arkansas Drug Take Back Day for April 26. (Channel 4, Little Rock)

 

Take back day is the opportunity to clean out the medicine cabinet by turning in expired, unused or unwanted drugs in a secure location without complications.

 

Users can find their nearest collection site using their zip code on the Arkansas Take Back website or the ReviveAR smartphone app.

 

Officials said Arkansans turned in 23,307 pounds of medication in fall 2024 and have contributed to the destruction of 314 tons of unneeded medicines since 2010.

 

Take back day will be marked by more than 200 law enforcement agencies coordinating efforts to collect unused medicines at over 300 permanent drop boxes across the state.

 

For more information or to find collection sites near you, visit ARDrugTakeBack.org.

 

 

FC School Announcements

 

The Forrest City School District announces the following activities:

 

--The Forrest City High School Class of 2025 Decision Day celebration will be held Tuesday, April 22nd from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Dwight Lofton Arena. Parents, family members and the community are invited to come out to recognize our Seniors for their hard work as they announce their college plans and career decisions.

 

 

SFC Extension Report

 

Health experts say that developing a healthy lifestyle is key when it comes to keeping your heart in good shape.

 

St. Francis County Extension Agent Marla Lane has more in her educational report for the month of April:   

                (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Ms. Marla.

 

 

Delta Cultural Center Exhibit

 

The Delta Cultural Center will host the grand opening of their latest exhibit, titled Delta Visionaries, on Friday, April 18, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

 

This new exhibition will focus on Delta artists, such as Dewitt Jordan, Henri Linton, Edward Wade and many more. It will be displayed at the DCC Visitor Center from April 18 through June 28, 2025.

 

In addition to guest speakers, the free event will feature music and food for everyone to enjoy.

 

For more details, contact the Delta Cultural Center at 870-338-4350 or email them at info@deltaculturalcenter.com.

 

 

​​Special Olympics Fundraiser

 

Arkansas Special Olympics Area 8 has set the date for their 21st annual Ride the Ridge poker run. (Wynne Progress)

 

The event will be held on Saturday, April 19, starting at the Stage parking lot in Forrest City and will conclude at the Delta Regional Airport in Colt. (Wynne Progress)

 

Organizers say the first bike out will be at 10 a.m., with the last bike out at 12-noon and the last bike in at 3 p.m.

 

The cost to pre-register is $25 and rider $20, which includes the poker run, a guaranteed size T-shirt and a door prize ticket.

 

The event will include jambalaya, barbecue and refreshments, a $100 best hand 50/50 drawing, door prizes and a live auction.

 

Proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Arkansas and the St. Francis Area Developmental Center.

 

For more information, call Joey Astin at 870-270-7573 or email sfadc@icloud.

 

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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.

 

 

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