Local and Regional News 041525

 

SFC Road Closures

 

St. Francis County Judge Craig Jones posted Monday (4/14) that as flood water continues to recede, it’s exposing damages to county roads in some areas.

 

Judge Jones advises motorists to avoid the following county roads that are currently closed due to either water being across them or structural damage:

 

SFC 253, SFC 415, SFC 711, SFC 736 and SFC 740.

 

Judge Jones said that work crews will be out checking the roads again today (Tuesday) and making repairs where needed.

 

 

Ark Grocery Tax

 

The Arkansas Senate on Monday (4/14) approved a bill that would eliminate the state's sales tax on groceries, starting on Jan. 1, 2026. (DG)

 

The Senate voted 35-0 to send House Bill 1685 to the House to consider two Senate amendments to the bill.

 

If enacted into law, it would create the Grocery Tax Relief Act. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders supports the bill.

 

Under current law, food and food ingredients are taxed at a state sales tax rate of 0.125%, which is levied under Amendment 75 to the Arkansas Constitution.

 

The bill provides that local sales and use taxes would continue to be levied on sales of food and food ingredients.

 

The state Finance Department projects the bill would reduce the state's sales-and-use taxes by about $4.4 million in fiscal 2026 and by $10.9 million in fiscal 2027.

 

 

Ark Athletics Law

 

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed a bill changing how high school transfers affect athletics in Arkansas. (Wynne Progress)

 

The bill regarding transfers was approved by both the House and Senate last Thursday and then signed into law by the governor on Friday.

 

The new law will require those who transfer after June 1 in their sophomore to senior years to sit out a year of athletics for any sport. It includes both private and public schools.

 

Anyone below the 10th grade can transfer and be eligible that year.

 

The law will go into effect with the 2025-2026 school year.

 

 

Ark Locker Room Bill

 

The Arkansas legislature has approved a bill that would require public schools and open-enrollment charter schools to install “an audio recording device in each locker room and changing room.” (DG)

 

Supporters of the bill say that the legislation is needed as a safety mechanism for students that would alert school administrators or teachers to severe cases of bullying, physical harassment or acts of violence.

 

They say the legislation is not intended to be used to listen in on conversations among students within a locker room.

 

School districts would be required to keep the audio recordings saved for at least 90 days but no longer than 12 months, “unless there has been an allegation of wrongdoing for which the audio recording may be used as evidence.”

 

Under the bill, schools would be required to put an audio recording device “in a conspicuous place in each locker room” and post “a sign that notifies individuals of the presence of an audio recording device.”

 

The proposed legislation now goes to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ desk for further action.

 

 

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.

 

 

Sen Murdock Report

 

This is the final week of the 2025 legislative session, with lawmakers set to finish up business on Wednesday (4/16).

 

State Senator Reginald Murdock talks about some of Monday’s activities in the Arkansas Senate:

                (click here to listen)

 

Thanks Senator Murdock.

 

 

Events

 

--The Jolly Elders of Ridgewood Baptist Church will meet Tuesday (4/15) at 12-noon for potluck lunch. Soup will be provided; bring sandwiches and desserts. There will be no special guest, but an "Open Mic" will be available for anyone wishing to perform.

 

--The St. Francis County Quorum Court’s Budget Committee will meet Tuesday (4/15) at 4 p.m. in the Quorum Courtroom at the Courthouse. That’ll be followed by a meeting of the full Quorum Court at 5 p.m.

 

--The City Council of Forrest City will meet Tuesday (4/15) at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

 

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

 

--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.

 

--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 Audrey D. Campbell, 89, of Brinkley will be Wednesday (4/16) at 2 p.m. at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Brinkley. Burial will follow at Pumpkin Bend Cemetery in McCrory. C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Sports

 

--High School Scores--

 

In high school sports on Monday (4/14):

 

BASEBALL:

--PALESTINE WHEATLEY 5 PANGBURN 1

--RIVERSIDE 10 CROSS COUNTY 0

 

SOFTBALL:

--RIVERSIDE 17 CROSS COUNTY 3

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GAMES SCHEDULED FOR TODAY (TUESDAY):

 

BASEBALL:

--WYNNE AT FORREST CITY 4:30

--MARVELL ACADEMY AT LEE ACADEMY 4:00 DOUBLEHEADER

 

--Arkansas Baseball--

 

Arkansas (32-5) will host Arkansas-Pine Bluff (8-26) tonight (Tuesday) at 6 o’clock at Baum-Walker Stadium. (DG)

 

The Razorbacks dropped from the top spot in the rankings to No. 2 on Monday (4/14) after Georgia snapped Arkansas’ record 12-game SEC winning streak this past weekend.

 

Texas moved to the No. 1 spot.

 

In tonight’s game, sophomore right-hander Tate McGuire will make his third straight midweek start for Arkansas. He last pitched on April 8, giving up 2 runs on 5 hits in 3 innings during a 7-3 victory over Arkansas State.

 

Tonight’s game will be broadcast on your Razorback baseball station, KXJK…AM-950 and 106.5 FM.

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Tax Deadline Extended

 

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Saturday (4/12) that she had extended the deadline for filing state income tax returns until the end of July for Arkansans in 63 counties affected by severe storms that brought tornadoes and flooding.

 

Sanders' order pushed the income tax deadline for Arkansans who live or own businesses in the affected counties to July 31, including quarterly estimated income tax payments.

 

It also waived the requirement for those Arkansans to file a written request for a tax extension until the end of July.

 

It also waives until July 31 fees typically charged to create duplicate driver's licenses, permits or identification cards and penalties for failing to register a vehicle or renew vehicle registrations for affected residents.

 

The only county in the local area not included in the order is Monroe County.  (DG)

 

 

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.

 

 

FC Scam Advisory

 

Forrest City residents are being advised that with the recent storm damages in the area, there are an abundance of contractors, specifically roofing contractors, that have come to town.

 

Forrest City Code Enforcement Officer Kendall Pettus urges residents to do their due diligence in vetting these companies.

 

He says be sure that they are licensed, insured and legit.

 

Mr. Pettus also wants residents to be aware that there are price gouging rules in effect for your protection.

 

He says that prohibitions on price gouging are now in effect following Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders's declaration of a state of emergency on April 2nd.

 

 

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:

 

--A Mustangs Cowboy Campout will be held Wednesday, April 16th starting at 5 p.m. at Sam Smith Stadium. This Family & Community night will feature a reading rodeo, free food, door prizes, family fun, boot scootin’ and a line dance party.

 

--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.

 

 

SFC Food Distributions

 

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas will host USDA Food Distributions in St. Francis County this month.

 

The distributions will be at the following locations and times on Thursday, April 17th:

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

For more information, call the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas at 870-932-3663.

 

 

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.

 

 

​​​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.​

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