Bridge Reopened 101326

 

SFC Bridge Reopened

 

The No. 1 bridge on St. Francis County Road 774 has been reopened. (Wynne Progress)

 

St. Francis County Judge Craig Jones said the bridge had been closed for over a year because the access road east of the bridge had washed out.

 

The bridge is located off Hwy 38, south of Widener.

 

The St. Francis County Road Department worked with the St. Francis Levee District to create a new road east of the bridge that runs directly to the levee of St. Francis County Road 713.

 

The county has also opened a road west of 9 Mile Lake that gives residents access to the public lake.

 

 

Ark Uninsured Numbers

 

The percentage of babies ages 0-1 without health insurance grew faster in Arkansas than in all but one other state from 2018 to 2024, according to sample data from the U.S. Census American Community Survey. (DG)

 

In 2018, Arkansas' uninsured rate among children younger than 2 years old was just 2.2%. By 2024 -- the most recent year for which data is available -- it had risen to 7.6%, the eighth-highest in the U.S. Only Delaware saw a greater increase over the same six-year period.

 

The two states are outliers. Forty states saw rates of uninsured babies either go down, stay constant, or increase by less than 2% from 2018 to 2024. The national average in 2024 was 5%, an increase of 0.9% from 2018.

 

Infant mortality in Arkansas was the second-highest in the nation in 2024, according to the CDC.

 

A large body of research has established a link between infant mortality and insurance status, with uninsured infants facing significantly higher risk of death during their first year.

 

 

Ark Lineworkers Deploying

 

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas are deploying 200 lineworkers and other personnel to assist with blackouts caused by Hurricane Isaias. (DG)

 

According to a Monday news release, the crews routed to assist Wiregrass Electric in Dothan, Ala., will include Woodruff Electric in Forrest City.

 

AECI Utility Solutions, a division of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. of Little Rock, has dispatched lineworkers, right-of-way and construction crews requested by Alabama Power and Florida Power & Light.

 

The news release also said additional crews are on standby to aid electric utilities affected by the hurricane.

 

More than 136,000 homes and businesses in Florida were without power as of Monday afternoon as a result of Hurricane Isaias' Friday night landfall, according to data from PowerOutage.us.

 

 

Ark Linemen on Mission

 

On Tuesday, Dec. 1, linemen with the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas will embark on a mission to deliver electricity to rural Guatemalans.

 

Linemen from across the state have volunteered to participate in this nearly three-week mission project called “Operation Razorback” and are scheduled to return on Friday, Dec. 18.

 

Those volunteer linemen include Dalton Reynolds and Ronnie Byrd with Woodruff Electric of Forrest City.

 

This project will power around 80 homes, providing electricity to 250 to 500 villagers. Once installed, a local cooperative will maintain the electrical system.

 

Arkansas Electric Cooperatives President/CEO Vernon “Buddy” Hasten“ commented that service is at the heart of what electric cooperatives do.”

 

He stated that “these missions demonstrate our commitment to helping others while reminding us how fortunate we are to have access to safe, reliable electricity” adding that “for millions of people around the world, that is still not a reality.”

 

Since 2013, Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas linemen have shared their skills and expertise to bring electricity to more than 2,700 people in rural Bolivia and Guatemala.

 

 

Cross Co Scam Alert

 

The Cross County Clerk’s Office has issued a scam alert ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. (Wynne Progress)

 

The clerk’s office said one of the most common scams is a text message that attempts to scare individuals by telling them they are not registered to vote.

 

The text messages often include links designed to steal the voter’s personal information.

 

Cross County residents are asked to not click links in text messages they receive. Do not reply or provide personal information, and ignore and delete the message.

 

For questions, contact the Cross County Clerk’s Office at 870-238-5735, ext. 4.

 

 

Bread Recall

 

Flowers Foods has recalled certain Nature’s Own breads due to an undeclared milk allergen. (CNN)

 

The affected product is Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in single loaves and two packs.

 

So far, no one has reported getting sick, but people with a milk allergy or severe sensitivity should not eat it.

 

The recalled bread was sold in five states, including Arkansas.

 

The single loaves have a “best if used by” date of Oct. 8 through Oct. 18.

 

Flowers Foods said customers can return the bread for a full refund.

 

 

Mowers Recalled

 

Nearly 43,000 DR Power Equipment Pilot and Premier trimmer mowers have been recalled due to a fire risk. (CNN)

 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said grass and debris can accumulate in the mowers and ignite into flames.

 

The issue could lead to injury, burn hazards, and even death from a fire.

 

The recall affects eight models of trimmer mowers, which were sold at hardware stores nationwide and online from November 2022 through July of 2026.

 

There have been 19 reports of the product catching fire, with two reports of minor burn injuries.

 

Customers are urged to stop using the products.

 

The company is offering free repair kits or installations from an authorized dealer.

 

 

Product Recall

 

A popular pre-workout powder is being recalled because it contains an illegal ingredient that can raise blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular problems. (CNN)

 

During testing, Food and Drug Administration officials found that Rapture Pre-workout contained DMAA, a derivative of amphetamine.

 

Three flavors of Rapture Pre-workout are included in the voluntary recall: Rainbow Twist, Electric Lemonade and Berry Mojito.

 

The product was sold at retailers and online between January and May.

 

Consumers who have the product should stop using it immediately and return it for a full refund.

 

Manufacturer Leader Formulas LLC says there have been no reports of adverse reactions.

 

 

Halloween Spending Numbers

 

Halloween spending is expected to reach $13.5 billion this year, a nearly 4% increase from 2025, according to the National Retail Federation.

 

Despite higher prices, 74% of consumers say they plan to celebrate Halloween, about the same as last year.

 

Consumers are expected to spend an average of $115.14 per person, nearly unchanged from last year.

 

Candy remains the most popular Halloween purchase. Ninety-six percent of consumers are expected to buy sweets, accounting for about $4.1 billion in spending. Decorations are expected to bring in another $4.3 billion, while costumes are projected to account for $4.4 billion.

 

Candy prices, however, have climbed significantly in recent years, with the cost of Halloween candy increasing more than 78% between 2020 and 2025.

 

Halloween traditions remain a major part of the holiday, with 50% of adults planning to wear a costume this year. Forty-two percent plan to decorate their yards, while the same percentage plan to carve pumpkins and watch scary movies.

 

 

PWSD College Fair

 

The Palestine-Wheatley School District will host a College and Career Fair on Friday, October 16th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the high school parking lot.

 

The event offers local students the opportunity to connect with representatives from various universities, colleges, and businesses to explore future educational and career paths.

 

Call the high school office at 870-581-2425 for more information.

 

 

Aubrey Yard Sale Details

 

A yard sale (fundraiser) for Spring Creek Cemetery will be held Nov. 11-14 at Aubrey City Hall at 106 Trailby Street. That’s the yellow brick building right beside Bennett Tractor Parts.

 

Dates and times for the sale will be:

 

--November 11 from 10-2

--November 12 from 10-3

--November 13 from 10-4

--November 14 from 10-4 — from 2-4 p.m. only, everything will be 50% off.

 

Donated items that you no longer need or want can be dropped off at Aubrey City Hall Nov. 8-10 from 10-4.

 

Anyone who can’t make it on these drop off days can call or text Jessica at 870-344-3026 to arrange for pick up starting October 26th.

 

 

Events

 

--The St. Francis County branch of the NAACP is offering assistance to help restore voting rights for individuals who may have lost them due to a criminal record or conviction. For assistance, call 870-514-4954.

 

--Forrest City Girl Scout Troop 3607 continues to seek new members. The date for the next meeting will be announced soon. For more information, contact Patricia Ford at (870) 317-6352.

 

--The City Council of Forrest City will meet Tuesday (10/13) at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

 

--Calvary Christian School’s annual Fall Fish Fry Festival has been reschuled for Thursday (10/15) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the high school campus on Newcastle Road. All previously purchased tickets will be honored.

 

--The Forrest City School Board will meet Thursday (10/15) at 5:30 p.m. at the Stewart Elementary School Library.

 

--Everyone is invited to participate in the MS Walk in honor of Michelle T. Pendleton, Saturday (10/17) at 10 a.m. at the Forrest City Sports Complex. For more information, contact Gwen Pendleton at 870-317-7278 or Lydia Pendleton at 870-270-9712.

 

--The annual Levon Helm Jubilee returns to Marvell this Saturday (10/17) and this year’s headliner is The Helm Family Ramble Band with Amy Helm — plus surprise guests. The event will feature live music, food, family fun and it’s FREE. Read all about what’s planned for this year’s Jubilee in this week’s edition of the Helena World.

 

 

Sports

 

--Volleyball Tournament Set--

 

The 2A-6 Sr. High district volleyball tournament is underway at Barton High School.

 

No. 1 seed Palestine-Wheatley will play today (Tuesday) at 5 p.m. against the winner of Monday’s match between England and Delta Prep.

 

No. 2 seed Barton will play today (Tuesday) at 6:30 p.m. against the winner of Monday’s match between No. 3 seed Lee County and No. 6 Jacksonville Lighthouse.

 

The Championship match is set for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

 

--Football Schedule--

 

In Jr. High football action Thursday night (10/15):

 

--Trumann at Forrest City

**7th grade game at 4:30 p.m., followed by Jr. High game at 6:45 p.m.

 

--Rivercrest at Palestine-Wheatley

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In high school football action Friday night (10/16):

 

--Forrest City at Trumann (KXJK & KBFC)

--Palestine-Wheatley at Rivercrest

--Cross County at Marianna

--Lee Academy at Tunica Academy

--Dumas at Helena-West Helena

--Barton at Corning

--Batesville at Wynne

--Lafayette Co. at Marvell-Elaine

--Marvell Academy at Desoto

--Clarendon at Earle

--Brinkley at Cedar Ridge

--Marked Tree at McCrory

--Bald Knob at Bauxite

--Marion at Jonesboro

--Sylvan Hills at West Memphis

**West Memphis Christian—Open Date

 

All games kick-off at 7 p.m.

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Curne Drops Out

 

D’mari Curne, a candidate for Forrest City mayor, has dropped out of the race due to health concerns. (Wynne Progress)

 

In a statement issued last week, Curne said that he had a health scare in September due to sickle cell disease, which caused him to be hospitalized for eight days.

 

Curne said the decision to drop out of the race was difficult, but is the right thing to do for now.

 

That leaves three candidates in the running to become the next Forrest City mayor: Lowry Astin, Kendall Pettus and former mayor Cedric Williams.

 

Incumbent mayor Larry Bryant is not seeking re-election.

 

 

Landlord Meeting Scheduled

 

The Wynne Housing Authority will host a landlord meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 20th at 5 p.m. at their Community Center located at 151 Solidad St. in Wynne.

 

Current and potential landlords are invited to come out for a community conversation about the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and to discuss how partnering with WHA benefits both landlords and families.

 

Attendees will also learn how the program works, the advantages of guaranteed rent, inspection basics and practical tips for successful tenancy.

 

Again, the landlord meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 20th at 5 p.m. at the Wynne Housing Authority Community Center at 151 Solidad St. in Wynne.

 

 

​SFC Scam Warning

 

The St. Francis County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam targeting family members of inmates.

 

Authorities say individuals have been contacting families and claiming they can guarantee the release of an inmate from jail in exchange for money sent through Cash App or other money-transfer services.

 

Sheriff Bobby May says residents should be extremely cautious, adding that “no private individual can guarantee the release of someone from jail in exchange for a payment.” He said that if anyone contacts you making that claim, do not send them money and contact the sheriff’s office immediately.

 

The Sheriff’s Office says anyone receiving one of these calls, text messages, or social-media messages should save the phone number, messages, payment information, and any other evidence connected to the attempted scam.

 

Detective Travis Hill says that information could help investigators identify those responsible, adding that “if you receive one of these messages or calls, save everything you can. Screenshots, phone numbers, Cash App information, and social-media accounts can all be important to the investigation.”

 

The St. Francis County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the reports and reminds the public that anyone with questions about an inmate should contact the jail or the Sheriff’s Office directly before sending money to anyone.

 

Anyone who believes they have been contacted as part of this scam is encouraged to report it immediately to the St. Francis County Sheriff’s Office.

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**News story submitted by Miles J. Kimble, KXJK News.

 

 

Ark Farmers Safety Net Program

 

Arkansas farmers are set to see as much as $1 billion in Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage program payments starting this month. (DG)

 

The USDA reports that the federal safety net programs will pay out approximately $13.8 billion to the nation's eligible farmers for the 2025 crop year.

 

It will be the largest annual payout since the programs were established in the 2014 farm bill.

 

The Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs are farm safety net programs and payments are made annually based on market conditions.

 

Arkansas farmers were projected to receive $31 million in agriculture risk coverage and price loss coverage payments last year for the 2024 crop.

 

Officials say that "this year, across those two programs, farmers in Arkansas will probably be getting closer to $840 million”.

 

He said that all told, about $1 billion will flow to Arkansas farmers, which includes ARC, PLC and some ad hoc economic assistance that was paid out this year under the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program."

 

Officials say these are direct payments to producers that will be administered by the Farm Service Agency.

 

The USDA will release finalized numbers for program payments by crop beginning later this month.

 

 

Ark College Application Portal Open

 

The Arkansas Department of Education announced Thursday that Arkansas' statewide college application portal has opened to students. (DG)

 

The ACCESS portal enables the state's high school seniors to use a single form to apply to any number of the state's participating colleges and universities. The first five applications are free.

 

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' ACCESS Act of 2025 required the creation of a single college application and a web portal for high school seniors starting with the 2026-27 graduating class.

 

The portal can be accessed at ArAccessPortal.adhe.edu. A list of participating higher education institutions is available at ArAccessPortal.adhe.edu/colleges.

 

The state Education Department has also launched the Arkansas Applied Campaign, which will run through Dec. 19th.

 

The campaign will provide resources to help students "complete applications to higher education institutions, technical programs, employers, and the military, ensuring more students take the next step toward their future."

 

The ACCESS portal will automatically populate with students' transcripts and test scores.

 

Nearly all of the state's two- and four-year public higher education institutions and roughly half of its private institutions participate in the portal.

 

 

Flu Shot Advisory

 

Experts say the month of October is an ideal time to get your flu shots.

 

Medical experts urge getting a flu vaccination soon, before influenza starts spreading widely — and to get up to date on protection against other fall respiratory viruses, too.

 

Updated COVID-19 shots are available now, plus shots for people especially vulnerable to another winter risk called RSV.

 

Experts say that just about everyone should get vaccinated against flu, starting at age 6 months.

 

But flu is particularly dangerous for people 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and people of any age who have chronic health problems.

 

The last two flu seasons brought unusually high numbers of child deaths, the vast majority of them in un-vaccinated kids.

 

 

SFC Extension Report

 

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

 

In her educational report for the month of October, St. Francis County Extension Agent Marla Lane talks about the importance of increased awareness and early detection in combating the disease:

        (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Ms. Marla.

 

 

Arkansas Ballot Measures

 

Among the ballot measures Arkansas voters will consider next month are ones seeking to ensure non-citizens can’t vote in state and local elections and that citizens’ right to bear arms for a variety of purposes won’t be infringed upon.

 

Issue 1 would replace the words “any person may vote in an election in this state” with “to vote in an election in this state a person shall be,” while keeping the same qualifications such as U.S. citizenship, Arkansas residency and age.

 

The bill’s original sponsor explained that the purpose of Issue 1 is to prevent any local government body from granting voting eligibility to non-citizens.

 

He said no counties or cities in Arkansas have tried to legalize non-citizen voting, calling his resolution a “preventative vote.”

 

Issue 2 would amend the state constitution, which says, “The citizens of this State shall have the right to keep and bear arms, for their common defense.”

 

The amendment would add “lawful hunting and recreational use and any other lawful purpose” to the list of reasons for which citizens have a right to bear arms.

 

The amendment would also clarify that the right extends to ammunition, firearm accessories and firearm components.

 

The third proposed amendment is Issue 3, which would allow local governments to create economic development districts with the ability to issue bonds, make loans and award grants of public money.

 

The constitution allows the Legislature to refer up to three constitutional amendments each session.

 

 

USDA Food Distributions

 

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas will host USDA food distributions on Thursday, October 15th at three locations in St. Francis County.

 

--Larry S. Bryant Wellness Center in Forrest City, 8-10 a.m.

--Palestine City Hall, 9-11 a.m.

--Wheatley City Hall, 9-11 a.m.

 

Households are eligible to receive USDA foods once per month. Recipients must reside in St. Francis County and must meet income guidelines.

 

USDA foods are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

 

Campaign Sign Restrictions

 

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) reminds candidates for political office and their supporters that it is unlawful to place campaign signs on highway right of way in Arkansas.

 

State laws permit only official directional, informational, and regulatory highway signs on state-owned highway property.

 

ARDOT Director Jared Wiley said that “it is important to keep highway right of ways clear for the safety of both drivers and road workers.”

 

ARDOT personnel will remove any yard signs placed on the right of way and will contact owners of large billboard signs to remove them.

 

Owners can pick up the signs during normal business hours at the nearest ARDOT Area Maintenance Office.

 

 

FC Cleanup Campaign

 

The City of Forrest City is calling on the community to come together and help keep Forrest City clean, beautiful and welcoming.

 

The clean-up effort will be Saturday, October 24th from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m., with participants instructed to meet up at City Hall at 225 North Washington St.

 

Churches, civic groups, schools, students, organizations, and community members are encouraged to participate. Students needing community service hours are welcome to attend

 

Cleanup supplies will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Safety vests will also be available in limited quantities.

 

City officials say that every helping hand makes a difference, and encourage citizens to enlist the help of family, friends, classmates, church members, or organizations in the clean-up campaign.

 

 

​FC Trash Reminders

 

The City of Forrest City would like to remind residents of important guidelines regarding residential garbage and bulky item pickup.

 

--Have your garbage bin at the curb by 5:00 a.m. on pickup day and bring your trash bin in by sundown.

 

--Bulky items are only picked up three times a year, during clean-up drives in the Spring, Fall and during the New Year’s campaign.

 

--Bulky items should be placed at the curb away from your bin, mailbox and overhead power lines.

 

--Bulky items can also be taken to the city’s Public Works Department at 377 Farr Street weekdays from 8-3.

 

For questions regarding disposal or pickup, contact the Public Works Department at 870-261-1418.

 

If you’re working on a large project or remodeling and need to rent a dumpster, call 870-633-2921.

 

Residents needing new bins can also call 870-633-2921.

 

 

​Tax Deadline Looms

 

The deadline for Arkansas property owners to pay their taxes is quickly approaching.

 

The deadline is Thursday, October 15th.

 

Taxes can be paid online, in person at the county courthouse or by mail.

 

Failure to pay property taxes by the deadline will result in a penalty and additional fees.

 

To check the amount owed, state residents can visit the Arkansas property tax website, which includes links to online portals to make a payment by county.

 

St. Francis County Chief Deputy Tax Collector Tiva Amos says that if paying in person, having the tax statement will speed up the process and lessen the confusion on what property is being paid.

 

She also reminds citizens that the Collector’s office dos NOT accept payments over the phone.

 

 

​UA-EACC Concert Info

 

The University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College will present country music legend Lorrie Morgan in concert, Saturday, November 7th at 7:30 p.m. at the UA-EACC Fine Arts Center.

 

Tickets are now on sale. 

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Lorrie Morgan is among the top female country stars of the 1990s and was the first woman in her genre to begin her career with three consecutive Platinum albums.

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Tickets for Lorrie Morgan’s performance are $59 and are available online at UAEACC.edu, by calling 870-633-4480, ext. 352, or in person at the Fine Arts Center Ticket Office.

 

Season subscription packages are available at a savings of 20%.

 

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​Ark Agriculture HOF

 

The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame is seeking nominations from the public for its next class of inductees.

 

The Agriculture Hall of Fame recognizes Arkansans who have contributed significantly to the state’s largest industry and it's economic development. Since its first class selected in 1987, 204 men and women have been inducted.

 

Debbie Moreland, chair of the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame, says that anyone can nominate a person believed worthy of the honor.

 

She explains that “the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame was created to honor men and women who have played roles in strengthening agriculture across the Natural State.”

 

The nomination form is available at ArkansasAgHallofFame.org. Forms can also be requested at 501-228-1609.

 

The deadline to submit nominations is November 1st.

 

 

UA-EACC Gallery Exhibit

 

The Gallery at the University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City presents Absence Presence, an exhibition by artist Alex Jumper of Palestine.

 

Ms. Jumper’s interest in art began at the age of eight while taking art lessons in Texarkana, Texas. The lessons provided an early introduction to techniques and creative expression, establishing a foundation for her practice and appreciation for the arts.

 

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in Graphic Design and a minor in Communications from the University of Arkansas Fayetteville.

 

Jumper currently works as a self-employed graphic designer, and artist, balancing her fine art practice with a career in visual communication.

 

The exhibit will run through October 29th.

 

Daily hours for the Gallery are Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., or as scheduled for special group tours. There is no charge for admission.

 

For more information, call 870-633-4480, ext. 352 or visit the website at www.uaeacc.edu.

 

 

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