Local and Regional News 112124

 

FC Armed Robbery Arrest

 

A Forrest City man has been arrested in connection with the armed robbery of a local convenience store.

 

The robbery happened around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6th at the Super Mart at 107 West Cook Street in Forrest City.

 

After a thorough investigation, the Forrest City PD’s Criminal Investigation Division identified 20-year-old Dealo McLaurin of Forrest City as a suspect in the case.

 

McLaurin was arrested Monday (11/20) and is currently being held at the St. Francis County Jail on charges of Aggravated Robbery, Committing a Terroristic Act, Kidnapping and Theft of Property.

 

 

FC Residence Hit by Gunfire

 

A residence in south Forrest City was hit by gunfire Wednesday night (10/20).

 

The Forrest City PD’s Shot Spotter system indicated that multiple gunshots were fired around 10:40 p.m. Wednesday in the 800 block of Sherwood Drive.

 

Officers responded to the area and found that a residence at 820 Sherwood Dr. had been shot up. Police found that bullets hit the front door, along with several windows and interior walls.

 

Police say one of the residents sustained a minor cut from all the broken glass.

 

Officers located 23 spent shell casings on the street that were all fired from a rifle.

 

No suspects have been identified in the case. Police are investigating.

 

 

Missing FC Girl Found Safe

 

A Forrest City girl who was reported missing earlier this week has been found.

 

Forrest City Police initially reported early Tuesday (11/19) that 16-year-old Lakyria Kiyumbi had been reported missing, having not been seen since around 10 o’clock the night before.

 

Forrest City PD later posted on Facebook that the teenager had been located and was safe and sound.

 

 

Marianna Warrant Program

 

The Marianna Police Department initiated their “Warrant Wednesday” program this week and are enlisting the public’s help in locating wanted fugitives.

 

Each Wednesday, the Marianna PD will be shining a spotlight on individuals who are wanted by the city.

 

This week, Marianna Police need your help locating the following individuals:

 

--Terrye Ann Manasco:  Wanted for: Terroristic Threatening (Felony) and Intimidating a Witness (Felony)

--Chistopher Thomas:  Wanted for: Criminal Mischief

--Darryl Keith Freeman:  Wanted for: Battery 3rd Degree and Harassment

--Kevin White: Wanted for: Domestic Battery 3rd Degree and Harassment

 

If you have any information on the whereabouts of these fugitives, please contact Marianna Police immediately. Your tips could make a difference.

 

Call: (870) 295-2508 or Email: chief.perry@cityofmariannapd.com

 

Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the PD’s Facebook page as well.

 

 

EACC Adds Credentials

 

East Arkansas Community College continues to find ways to ensure that students receive credentials in whichever educational pathway they choose.

 

The EACC Board of Trustees approved a plan Tuesday night (11/19) which will add or modify credentials in a number of areas of study.

 

EACC President Dr. Cathie Cline has more details:

                (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Dr. Cline.

 

 

EACC Projects Update

 

The long-awaited Connectivity Trail at East Arkansas Community College is nearing completion.

 

EACC President Dr. Cathie Cline gave the Board of Trustees an update on this and other projects at their meeting Tuesday night (11/19):

                (click here to listen)

 

In other business, the Board approved a resolution in connection with a regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

 

Dr. Cline says the plan outlines the college’s role in the community in the event of a disaster:

                (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Dr. Cline.

 

 

Ark Water Projects Funded

 

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has announced an additional $204 million in financial assistance for water and wastewater projects for 45 entities. The projects serve more than 198,627 Arkansans in 28 counties. (Channel 5, Memphis)

 

Of the new funding, just over $145 million will be provided through loans, while over $59.1 million will be offered as grants and loans with principal forgiveness.

 

The following funding was announced:

 

--Helena-West Helena in Phillips County is receiving a $3.25 million loan and a $9.75 million loan.  The funds will be used for system-wide improvements.

 

--Clarendon in Monroe County is receiving a $540,000 loan and a $1.6 million loan.  The funds will be used for water treatment plant rehabilitation.

 

--Holly Grove in Monroe County is receiving a $2.5 million loan and $1.6 million loan. The funds will be used to replace water mains and install automatic read meters.

 

Each of these loans includes a provision allowing for principal forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

 

Under Governor Sanders’ leadership, the State of Arkansas has administered more than $2.5 billion for water development projects in all 75 counties using state and federal funds.

 

 

Ark Respiratory Disease Numbers

 

Each week, the Arkansas Department of Health tracks viral respiratory diseases, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Channel 8, Jonesboro)

 

On Wednesday (11/20), the ADH reported “minimal” flu-like illness activity.

 

For the week ending Saturday, Nov. 16, there were no new flu-related hospitalizations and 28 new COVID-19-related hospital admissions.

 

According to the report, no one died of the flu in the last week. There has only been one flu death since Sept. 29.

 

The ADH reported 40 deaths in the past week due to pneumonia and no new COVID-19-related deaths for the week.

 

The weekly report also provided a list of counties and the percentage of students absent due to the flu for the week ending Nov. 9. That included:

 

--St. Francis     5.4%

--Crittenden     7.78%

--Cross            6.54%

 

According to the ADH flu website, flu shots are available at each local health unit around the state.

 

There is no out-of-pocket expense at the health units, but people are encouraged to bring their insurance cards.

 

 

Whooping Cough Numbers

 

More than 200 cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, have been reported in Arkansas so far this year, which is more than five times as high as the number reported last year. (DG)

 

The state Department of Health reported Wednesday (11/20) that so far this year, 215 cases have been reported compared to only 38 last year.

 

The last time the state saw over 200 cases of whooping cough was 2017 when 229 cases were reported.

 

The Health Department said pertussis cases have also increased nationwide and that most of Arkansas' recent cases have occurred in school-aged children and teenagers.

 

A state health officials said that one contributing factor to the high number of cases is a rise in the number of children receiving exemptions from requirements to receive vaccinations against pertussis.

 

Arkansas law requires children in childcare facilities or public or private schools to meet state immunization requirements, but exemptions can be granted on medical, religious or philosophical grounds.

 

During the 2023-24 school year, 13,315 exemptions were granted from the vaccine requirements, up from nearly 11,000 the previous year.

 

Over 30 counties in Arkansas have reported at least one case of whooping cough this year.

 

 

Entergy Rate Increase

 

Arkansans are in line for another utility-bill increase as Entergy Arkansas seeks an $83.2 million rate hike that would begin in January.

 

Entergy officials say that the average monthly bills would rise $5.33.

 

The Arkansas Public Service Commission has until Dec. 13 to rule on the 4.25% increase that would be Entergy's fourth consecutive annual rate increase -- all in the 4% range -- since 2021.

 

The company has been approved for rate increases of about $239.5 million from 2021-23 under a state law that allows utilities to increase charges by 4% annually without filing a formal rate case.

 

Attorney General Tim Griffin has objected to Entergy's proposal, calling the proposed rate increase "artificially inflated" and contending Entergy has regularly relied on the Formula Rate Plan process "as a yearly automatic 4% rate increase" with little incentive to control costs.

 

Entergy, the state's largest utility with 730,000 customers, says the increase is critical to cover shortfalls that were created by continued investments and upgrades to its statewide infrastructure, including technology enhancements.

 

 

Events

 

--The Forrest City School Board will meet Thursday (11/21) at 5:30 p.m. in the Jr. High School Library.

 

--The Democratic Party of St. Francis County will meet Thursday (11/21) at 6 p.m. in the upstairs room at the St. Francis County Courthouse. Refreshments will be served in celebration of newly elected State Representative Lincoln E. Barnett. All Democratic Party members are encouraged to attend.

 

--Lane Chapel CME Church at 821 West Scott Street in Forrest City will have its annual Men’s Day program, Sunday (11/24) at 10 a.m. Guest speaker will be Rev. Donnie Willis. Host Pastor is Rev. Ronald Williams.

 

--Trinity All-Nations Church in Memphis will hold its Men’s Day program, Sunday (11/24) at 10:30 a.m. Guest speaker will be Pastor Barry Phillips from Redeeming Christian Spiritual Church #1 in Forrest City. Host Pastor is Bishop-Elect Theodis Cochran Jr.

 

 

Obits

 

--Funeral service for Gregory LaMont Williams, 54, of England (Allport Community) will be Saturday (11/23) at 10 a.m. at East Macedonia Baptist Church in England. Burial will be private. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at C.J. Williams Funeral Directors Chapel in Stuttgart. C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremation of Stuttgart is in charge of arrangements.

 

--Funeral service for Rosetta Braxton Cook, 72, of Forrest City will be Saturday (11/23) at 11 a.m. at New Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Casteel Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. at Miles Mortuary, which is in charge of arrangements.

​​

----Funeral service for Daries Jean Martin, 73, of San Antonio, Tx formerly of Palestine will be Saturday (11/23) at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Miles Mortuary which is in charge of arrangements.

​

--Funeral service for Clara V. Noble, 107, of Forrest City will be Saturday (11/30) at 11 a.m. at Beth Salem Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Stanley Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday 3-5PM at Miles Mortuary which is in charge of arrangements. 

​

ASP Seatbelt Campaign

 

This Thanksgiving holiday, Arkansas law enforcement is teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the State’s Highway Safety Office on a high-visibility Click It or Ticket seat belt awareness and enforcement campaign.

 

From Nov. 25 through Dec. 1, Arkansas State Police Troopers, sheriff’s deputies and local police officers will be working together to reduce the number of fatalities that occur when motor vehicle passengers fail to buckle up by enforcing the state’s safety belt laws.

 

During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2022, there were 326 passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes across the nation, and 43% (141) were unrestrained.

 

Officials say these deaths represent needless tragedies for families across America and may have been prevented with the simple click of a seat belt.

 

This Thanksgiving, and every day of the year, remember: Click It or Ticket.”

 

 

Reward Offered in FC Homicide

 

A reward is 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 now 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.

 

 

SFC Extension Report

 

The potential for online scams becomes even more prevalent during the holiday shopping season.

 

In her educational report for the month of November, St. Francis County Extension Agent Marla Lane has some tips for navigating the online marketplace safely:  

                (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Ms. Marla.

 

 

Concealed Handgun Course

 

An Arkansas Concealed Carry Course will be held Saturday, November 23rd from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Classroom Building 1-107 at East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City. The fee for the course is $55.

 

An “Enhanced” Concealed Carry Course will be held Saturday, November 23rd from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the same location. The fee is $100.

 

The course will be taught by certified instructor Buck Morris, and offers a safe, friendly environment for Arkansas residents to qualify to conceal a handgun with a permit (license).

 

Participants must be 21 years of age and a resident of the State of Arkansas.

 

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

 

 

Ark Library Sweater Drive

 

The Forrest City Public Library is joining with Arkansas PBS and local libraries across the state for the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive to collect winter clothing for those in need.

 

The libraries will be collecting new or “gently used” sweaters of all sizes through the end of November.

 

The items collected will be donated to the Salvation Army or other local charity groups that provide clothing and other assistance to members of the various communities.

 

The program has more than 75 libraries participating statewide, according to the Arkansas PBS website.

 

 

​​SFC Elves Project Underway

 

The SFC Elves, Inc., 2024 Toy Project is now underway.

 

The SFC Elves Toy Project is locally operated, and all toys are distributed to local children.  

 

Last year, toys were provided to over 650 needy children from the Forrest City/St. Francis County area.  Many of these children would not have had toys for Christmas if not for this project.

 

SFC Elves asks local residents to keep this campaign in mind as we enter the holiday season.

 

Toys may be delivered to the following locations in Forrest City:

 

1.      Southern Furniture, 4000 North Washington

2.      Beavers & Cline, 523 East Broadway

3.      St. Francis County Museum, 603 Front Street

4.      Forrest City Public Library, 421 S. Washington St.

5.      First National Bank of Eastern Arkansas - North Washington Branch. 

 

Toys do not have to be new but should be clean and in good working order.

 

Monetary donations will also be accepted and can be taken to any of the above-mentioned locations.

 

For more information, contact Kirk Billingsley at (901) 218-3955 or Justin Reeves at (870) 630-7486.

 

 

​FC After School Meals

 

The Forrest City School District has opened its 2024-25 After School Meals Program.

 

Meals will be served at Central Elementary School, Stewart Elementary School, and Forrest City Junior High School on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 2025.

 

Forrest City High School will serve meals Monday through Wednesday through May 2025.

 

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲:

--𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 - 𝟯:𝟰𝟱 𝘁𝗼 𝟰:𝟭𝟱 𝗽.𝗺.

--𝗦𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 - 𝟯:𝟯𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝟰:𝟭𝟱 𝗽.𝗺.

--𝗙𝗖𝗝𝗛𝗦 - 𝟯:𝟯𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝟰 𝗽.𝗺.

--𝗙𝗖𝗛𝗦 - 𝟯:𝟯𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝟰:𝟭𝟱 𝗽.𝗺.

 

All meals will be served at the school cafeteria on each campus and must be eaten on site.

 

 

​​

 

​

 

​

 

​

​​​

 

​