Local and Regional News 021926

 

FCSD Names Interim Sup

 

The Forrest City School District named Deputy Superintendent Dr. Zrano Bowles as interim superintendent during Wednesday night’s (2/18) School Board meeting.

 

The move comes after Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Hardrick announced her resignation during a board meeting on January 22nd, effective March 23rd.

 

Dr. Bowles brings a wealth of experience in Arkansas education to the position. He previously served as superintendent of the Lee County School District in Marianna, has worked with the Arkansas Department of Education, and has held district-level leadership in the Forrest City School District earlier in his career.

 

In 2021, he was selected as superintendent of the Blytheville School District, a move that highlighted his reputation as a relationship builder and problem solver in school leadership; however, he later declined to accept the position.

 

Officials say the overlap between Dr. Hardrick and Dr. Bowles is designed to provide stability for students, staff, and the Forrest City community while ensuring a smooth and effective transfer of leadership.

 

 

Primary Early Vote Info

 

The two-week early voting period for the March 3rd preferential primary, non-partisan general election, and the annual school election is underway.

 

The two-day early vote total at the end of the day Wednesday (2/18) was 98 at the St. Francis County Courthouse in Forrest City.

 

Early voting hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early voting will end at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 2nd.

 

If needed, a runoff will be held on Tuesday, March 31. This year’s general election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 3.

 

 

Traffic Fatality

 

Arkansas State Police have released the name of the victim in last Friday’s fatal crash in Phillips County.

 

The victim has been identified as 68-year-old James Early of Marvell.

 

The accident happened around 9:30 p.m. Friday (2/13) on U.S. Hwy 49 in the Poplar Grove area.

 

Police say Mr. Early was traveling south in the northbound lane when his Hyundai Elantra collided with a northbound SUV driven by 37-year-old Vincent Boyd of Marvell.

 

Boyd was transported to Regional One in Memphis for treatment. His current medical condition has not been released.

 

The accident report noted that the weather was clear and road conditions were dry at the time of the crash.

 

 

SFC Quorum Court

 

The St. Francis County Quorum Court met for their monthly meeting Tuesday night (2/17).

 

JP’s passed several ordinances during the meeting dealing with personnel.

County Judge Craig Jones has more details:

       (click to listen)

 

The Quorum Court also passed a couple of ordinances in an effort to keep viable road graders in the county’s Road Department.

 

Again, here’s Judge Craig Jones:

       (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Judge Jones.

 

 

Wynne Shooting Injures One

 

One person was injured in a shooting Tuesday afternoon (2/17) in Wynne. (Wynne Progress)

 

The Wynne Police Department reports that the shooting happened around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 900 block of C Street.

 

The male victim was shot in the leg and transported to an area hospital for treatment.

 

Police say one of their officers was in the area at the time of the incident, and was able to respond to the scene quickly and apprehend a suspect within minutes of the shooting.

 

The names of the victim and the suspect have not yet been released.

 

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Wynne Police Department at 870-238-8718.

 

 

Ark Flu Report

 

Four flu deaths have been reported in Arkansas over the past week as flu activity levels remained "high" for the third consecutive week, according to the state Department of Health. (DG)

 

An online flu dashboard updated by the department Wednesday (2/18) shows 48 flu deaths have been reported in Arkansas during the current flu season, up from 44 as of Feb. 11. The website listed 37 deaths as being of residents at least 65 years old.

 

Over the past seven days, 162 Arkansans have been hospitalized with the flu, bringing the seasonal total up to 1,290 residents.

 

The report noted that the absenteeism rate in public schools due to the flu rose from 7.3% to 7.8% over the past week.

 

So far, the Health Department has announced 29 influenza outbreaks from nursing homes or other congregate-setting institutions, including three since the previous report was released.

 

Flu season generally runs from October through May. Cases usually peak between December and February, according to the CDC.

 

 

Ark Gas Prices

 

A recent study by GasBuddy, shows that Sunday is cheapest day to buy gas in Arkansas. (Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

According to its latest study, Sunday is consistently the most affordable day of the week to fill up in Arkansas. The same cannot be said of Wednesday, which GasBuddy’s analysis found to be the most expensive day for gasoline.

 

The study found that buying on the lowest-priced day instead of the most expensive one can save drivers four to nine cents a gallon.

 

While prices fluctuate with oil markets and seasonal demand, GasBuddy said prices gradually rise through the week before easing into the weekend in most states.

 

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, commented that “gas prices don’t just move based on global oil markets — they also follow a weekly rhythm.”

 

 

SFC Scholarship Offer

 

The St. Francis County Master Gardners organization is offering a scholarship to assist a St. Francis County resident in pursuing a four -year degree in agriculture or agriculture related fields.

 

Applicants must have a 2.5 grade point average. The deadline to apply is April 1st.

 

High school seniors are awarded $1,000 a year. Repeat scholarship winners may receive up to $2000 for their sophomore, junior and senior years of study.

 

Scholarships are rewarded based on money raised by St. Francis County Master Gardeners. The total dollar amount awarded may vary from year to year.

 

 

Events

 

--USDA Drive-thru Food Distribution will be held Thursday (2/19) at two locations in St. Francis County: Larry Bryant Center in Forrest City from 8-10 a.m. and at Palestine City Hall from 9-11 a.m.

 

--The 2nd Annual Chili Cook-off will be held Sunday (2/22) 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.

 

--Ms. Desteni Tinzie. the new St. Francis County 4-H/ Agriculture Agent, announces that a 4-H interest meeting for the youth in St. Francis County ages 5-18 will be held Feb. 24th from 5-6 p.m. at the Extension Office in Forrest City. Call 870-261-1730 for more information.

 

--A Men’s Wild Game Dinner will be held Friday, Feb. 27th at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church at 47 W. Main St. in Marianna. The event is free and will feature door prizes. Guest Speaker will be Mark Dance, avid outdoorsman and Executive Director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Contact the church office at 870-295-9131 for more information.

 

--The Nineveh Temple Church Family is pleased to offer free snacks and lunch for school-age children every Sunday at 208 W. Broadway in Forrest City. Participants should arrive by 10 a.m. For more information, call 888-215-4513.

 

 

Obits

 

--Funeral service for Mrs. Kimberly Rachelle Hodges Sparkman, 53, of Forrest City, will be Saturday (2/21) at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Miles Mortuary. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Miles Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Joyce Marie Dampeer-Skillern, 79, of Jacksonville, formerly of Los Angeles, will be Saturday (2/21) at 11 a.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Brinkley. Burial will follow at Garrett Grove Cemetery in Moro. C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Stevie Brown, 65, of Augusta, will be Saturday (2/21) at 11 a.m. at Ward Chapel Church in Augusta. Burial will follow at New Quiet Cemetery-North in Augusta. C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Miss Shamirka “Shay-Shay” Stackhouse, 27, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, formerly of Helena-West Helena, will be Saturday (2/21) at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Living God, on the Memphis Street Campus. Burial will follow at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Marvell. Visitation will be Friday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church. Miles Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

 

--A memorial service for Mr. Richard Hughes, 69, of Madison, will be Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church. Miles Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Robert Mills, 70, of Marianna will be Saturday (2/21) at 2 p.m. at Spring Lake Missionary Baptist Church in Lexa. Burial will follow at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Oak Forest. Visitation will be Friday from 2-4 p.m. at Marianna Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Dorothy Jean Stidum, 70, of Forrest City, formerly of Palestine, will be Saturday (2/21) at 2:30 p.m. at C.J. Williams Chapel in Brinkley. Burial will follow at Forrest Park Cemetery in Forrest City. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. at C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations in Brinkley, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Ms. Aretha Brown, 58, of Madison, will be Sunday (2/22) at 1:00 p.m. at the Forrest City Civic Center, with burial to follow at Casteel Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Miles Mortuary. Miles Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Sports

 

--High School Basketball--

 

In high school basketball action:

 

2A-6 District Tournament at Des Arc:

 

Wednesday

Sr. Boys

--Palestine-Wheatley over McCrory, 43-42

--Marianna defeated Hazen (no score available)

 

Thursday

Sr. Girls

--Barton vs Carlisle, 4 p.m.

--England vs McCrory, 7 p.m.

 

Sr. Boys

--England vs Palestine-Wheatley, 5:30 p.m.

--Barton vs Marianna, 8:30 p.m.

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

1A-3 District Tournament at Hillcrest

 

Thursday

Sr. Girls

--Earle vs Crowley’s Ridge, 4 p.m.

 

Sr. Boys

--Earle vs Hillcrest, 5:15 p.m.

--Crowley’s Ridge vs Marked Tree, 7:45 p.m.

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

1A-6 District Tournament at Dermott

 

Thursday

Sr. Girls

--Clarendon vs Brinkley, 4 p.m.

--Dermott vs Marvell-Elaine, 6 p.m.

 

Sr. Boys

--Clarendon vs Scott Charter, 5:15 p.m.

--Dermott vs Brinkley, 7:45 p.m.

 

--Arkansas Basketball--

 

No. 25 Alabama outlasted the No. 20 Arkansas men’s basketball team 117-115 in a double-overtime thriller Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (DG)

 

The Crimson Tide (19-7, 9-4 SEC) erased a 14-point second-half deficit and held off the Razorbacks on a night Darius Acuff scored 49 points.

 

Arkansas (19-7, 9-4) was put on the back of its frosh sensation, who sent the game to overtime with a game-tying 3-pointer with 12 seconds remaining in regulation. It was one of six 3-pointers he made as part of a program freshman scoring record.

 

Acuff’s 49 points were the second-most scored in a game in program history regardless of class, two points shy of Rotnei Clarke’s 51 against Alcorn State in November 2009. Acuff played all 50 minutes.

 

It was the most points scored by a freshman against an AP-ranked opponent in college basketball history.

 

Up next, Arkansas is scheduled to host Missouri at 3 p.m. Saturday (2/21) with all the action on 93.5 FM, KBFC.

​

 

Primary Election Races

 

The two-week early voting period for the March 3rd preferential primary, non-partisan general election, and the annual school election is underway.

 

Here’s a list of the contested primary races in eastern Arkansas:

 

Arkansas Senate District 10

--Senator Ronald Caldwell-Republican

--Trey Bodirt Bohannan-Republican

 

St. Francis County

 

Quorum Court

JP District 4

--Justice David Coleman-Republican

--Richard Blaylock-Republican

**Winner will face Angela Wilburn-Democrat in November

 

JP District 10

--DaVida Pegues-Winfrey---Democrat

--Russell Courtney-Democrat

 

Forrest City School Board

Zone 1:

--Evette Boyd

--Sadie Carter Blackwell--Incumbent

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

 

Lee County

 

Sheriff & Collector

--Corey D. Wilson (Incumbent)-Democrat

--Ocie Lee Banks-Democrat

 

Circuit Clerk

--Millie Hill (Incumbent)-Democrat

--Diane Bowman-Democrat

 

Quorum Court

JP District 1

--Clinton Hansberry-Democrat

--Rusty Crump (Incumbent)-Democrat

 

JP District 4

--Jed Anderson (Incumbent)-Democrat

--Willie Coleman-Democrat

 

JP District 8

--Lafayette Smith-Democrat

--Bill Gerrard (Incumbent)-Democrat

 

Lee Co. School District: seeking 12.5 mill increase (raises millage rate to 40.8)

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

Phillips County

 

County Judge

--Anthony T. Stayton-Democrat

--Brian Stoner-Democrat

 

--County Clerk

--Shakira Winfield (Incumbent)-Democrat

--Lita Moore-Johnson-Democrat

 

Helena-West Helena School Board

Zone 1:

--Loistyne Burrell (Incumbent)

--William Gant

-Jewel Hamilton

 

Zone 3:

--Sandra Bagley (Incumbent)

--Willard Brooks

 

Zone 4:

--Drew Smith (Incumbent)

--James Valley

 

Zone 5:

--Rhonda Reed (Incumbent)

--Lisa Avance

 

Zone 6 (At-Large):

--Janice Williams (Incumbent)

--Douglas Bielemeier

 

Zone 7 (At-Large)

--Michael Richmond (Incumbent)

--Edward Joshaway

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

Cross County

 

County Judge

--Rick May-Republican

--Mike Curtner-Republican

**Winner will face Jack Caubble-Independent in November

 

Quorum Court

 

JP District 4

--Glenda Vance (Incumbent)-Republican

--Chase Calvert-Republican

 

JP District 9

--Scott May (Incumbent)-Republican

--Bobby Johnson-Republican

**Winner will face Charles Atkins-Democrat in November

 

Tax Assessor

--Heather Vanlandingham-Republican

--Dina Hess Milton-Republican

 

Wynne School Board

Zone 1

--Robert D. Huddleston

--Leslie Alsup

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

Monroe County

 

Brinkley School Board

Zone 1:

--Cathy Shelton (Incumbent)

--Tameka Casey

 

Zone 2:

--Tim Harvey (Incumbent)

--Danielle Norment

 

Early voting hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday’s from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early voting will end at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 2nd.

 

If a runoff is needed, that will be held on Tuesday, March 31. This year’s general election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 3.

 

 

Polar Plunge Rescheduled

 

The 2026 Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Arkansas Area 8 has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21 at Village Creek State Park.

 

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.

​

​

FC Pet in Contest

 

A dog from the St. Francis County area is a quarter-finalist in an America’s Favorite Pet contest.

 

Owners Dennis and Karen Colvin from Forrest City are asking the public to vote for her three-year-old Chi-Weenie named A.J. Jr.

​

You can go to americasfavpet.com/2026/aj-96ee to cast your vote. Free or donated votes for A.J. can be made once per day.

​

The winner of the contest will be featured on the cover of Modern Dog Magazine and take home $10,000.

​

​

FC Gardening Workshop

 

A workshop to teach area residents how to grow a garden will be held Monday, February 23rd at 5:30 p.m. at the Larry S. Bryant Wellness Center in Forrest City.

 

Participants will learn how to grow a metal raised garden or a tiny “in ground” garden in a space up to 3 x 12 feet. Mr. Van Banks, Marla Lane and others will be presenting at the workshop.

 

Materials used to start a garden including seeds, compost, fertilizer, and other items will be given away along with a chance to win 8- metal raised gardens.

 

Again, the workshop will be held February 23rd at 5:30p at the Larry S. Bryant Wellness Center located at 2510 South Washington in Forrest City.

 

The workshop is being sponsored by the City of Forrest City, in Conjunction with the Arkansas Cancer Coalition and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

 

 

FC Job Opening

 

The City of Forrest City is currently seeking a qualified and dependable Heavy Equipment Operator to join their Street Department team.

 

Duties include: operating heavy equipment such as bulldozers, dump trucks, backhoes, road graders, and other equipment used in the construction and maintenance of city streets and drainage systems.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Valid Arkansas Class A CDL (required and must be maintained)

• Experience operating heavy equipment

• Experience with equipment repair and maintenance

 

The position may require working outdoors in various weather conditions, operating heavy equipment and working after hours or weekends.

 

Applications can be submitted at Arkansas Workforce.

 

 

UA-EACC Tour Scheduled

 

The Department of Community Education at the University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College will offer an African American Heritage tour through the Mississippi Delta on Friday, February 27th.

 

The tour includes a visit to the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi, located at the historic crossroad of Highways 61 and 49.

 

The tour will also visit the Emmett Till Interpretive Center in Sumner, Mississippi, located across from the Tallahatchie County Courthouse, the site of the 1955 Emmett Till murder trial.

 

The day tour will include admission and guided tours for the historical sites, lunch at Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, and transportation.

 

Pre-registration for the tour is required, and the deadline for registration is Friday, February 20th.

 

For more information or to register, call 870-633-4480, ext. 333.

 

 

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.

 

 

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%.

 

 

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%.

 

 

​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.

 

​​