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Beaver Dam risk workshops set
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District will have two drop-in public workshops to discuss Beaver Dam interim risk reduction measures.
The first will be Monday at the Jacksonport State Park Visitor Center, 111 Avenue St. in Newport, with the second Tuesday at the Arkansas State University Mountain Home Vada Sheid Community Development Center, 1600 S. College St. Both are set for 5-8 p.m.
NEA Baptist kicks off Black History Month
NEA Baptist in Jonesboro will host a virtual Black History Month Prayer Kickoff at 2 p.m. Tuesday through Facebook Live.
The event will include Curtis Wilson, pastor of First Baptist Church; the Rev. Dr. Greg Ota of New Empowerment Ministries; Matthew Lloyd Jr., pastor of Fisher Street Church of God in Christ; Steve Tipton, director of Pastoral Care at NEA Baptist; and Sam Lynd, CEO of NEA Baptist.
BRTC Foundation plans Spring Fling
The Black River Technical College Foundation will host a virtual auction and president’s reception as the spring fundraiser for students and academic programs.
An online auction will open March 1 and close March 12. Anyone interested in participating in the auction should visit bit.ly/3raUZss for instructions on how to sign up.
A small, in-person president’s reception will be held to celebrate the close of the auction. Tickets for the event will go on sale Tuesday. To purchase tickets visit bit.ly/3raUZss.
BRTC Board to meet
The next meeting of the Black River Technical College Board of Trustees is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Thursday in room TC 105 at 1 Black River Drive on the Paragould campus.
Prior to the meeting, two committee meetings will take place in the same location. The personnel committee will meet at 10:30 a.m.and the finance/facilities committee meeting will follow.
No action will be taken during the committee meetings.
Visitors may access the board meeting via Zoom at bit.ly/3BMvscb.
Carrell to perform
The Williams Baptist University Department of Music will host a free concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, in Manley Chapel on the WBU campus, 56 McClellan Drive in Walnut Ridge, featuring Scott Carrell, pianist and professor of music at Harding University.
Carrell has performed in the U.S., France, Germany, Italy and China. He co-founded and performed in the Searcy Chamber Music Series as well as 242 Strings, a faculty piano quartet at Harding University. Other chamber music recitals have been performed with members of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and the Austin Symphony Orchestra.
Wynonna Judd to perform
Wynonna Judd and Big Noise will perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Coulter Performing Arts Center, 1600 S. College St. in Mountain Home.
Tickets are $35 for adults and $17.50 for students and can be purchased online at www.itickets.com/events.
MoSH to feature new shows
The Museum of Science and History, 3050 Central Ave. in Memphis, will premiere “Laser Motown” at 7 p.m. Friday in the AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium.
The 46-minute program is the newest addition to MoSH’s ongoing Fab Friday Laser Shows lineup.
The museum will also offer “Into America’s Wild 3D” beginning at 11 a.m. Feb. 12 in its giant-screen theater.
For more information or to plan a visit, go to moshmemphis.com.
‘Torch Song’ to open Friday
The regional premiere of “Torch Song” by Harvey Firestein is scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday at Circuit Playhouse, 51 Cooper St. in Memphis.
Special opening weekend tickets are $27 and a pay-what-you-can performance is set for Feb. 10,
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. playhouseonthesquare.org. Tickets are also available by calling the box office at 901-726-4656.
NEA Tea Party to meet
The NEA Tea Party will meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 7 at Golden Corral, 2405 E. Highland Drive in Jonesboro.
The meeting will feature State Sen. Jason Rapert, a discussion of potential candidates for the upcoming primary and a PowerPoint presentation about local, state, and national issues.
For more information, contact Iris Stevens at 870-219-1917.
Hits Deep Tour hits JonesboroTobyMac and his DiverseCity Band will headline the opening of the Hits Deep Tour at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at First National Bank Arena, 217 Olympic Drive in Jonesboro.
The show will also include Crowder, Cochren & Co., CAIN and Terrian.
To offset food insecurity in the United States, a representative from each local Salvation Army chapter on the tour will be presented a check to be used in their community.
Tickets are on sale now and available through the arena website, www. fnbarena.com. | 2022-01-29T06:41:31Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Events | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/events/article_fe5d92e5-d7e1-5289-a265-8c3261c5eded.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/events/article_fe5d92e5-d7e1-5289-a265-8c3261c5eded.html |
Support available for farmers markets
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture and Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas are now taking applications for the annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion program.
Grants from this program can be used to fund signage listing names, seasons, times of operation and location details; local traditional advertising; and social media campaigns to build community and regional awareness for a specific farmers market.
Applications are due by April 29 or until funds are no longer available.
Reusable paper shopping bags are also available through the Arkansas Farmers Market Bag program. These bags can be purchased by farmers markets or vendors at greatly reduced rates as a convenience for their customers.
Grant applications and additional information on these programs can be found at bit.ly/32w9ltP. | 2022-01-29T06:41:49Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Support available for farmers markets | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/support-available-for-farmers-markets/article_a5e8bb1e-a53b-580f-b587-7507a3a77baa.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/support-available-for-farmers-markets/article_a5e8bb1e-a53b-580f-b587-7507a3a77baa.html |
‘We Strive, We Thrive’ theme for A-State Black History events
JONESBORO — The 2022 Black History Month observance at Arkansas State University will get underway Tuesday with a slate of educational opportunities on the schedule, which has been announced by the A-State Multicultural Center, part of the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement.
“We are excited to celebrate Black History Month this year around the central theme ‘We Strive, We Thrive,’ focusing on Black families’ health and wellness,” stated Nora Bouzihay, assistant director of the Multicultural Center.
“Several of the Multicultural Center’s events this year bring attention to health and wellness within the Black community.”
Events will kick off at 11 a.m Tuesday in the center court area on the first floor of the Carl R. Reng Student Union and wrap up Feb. 26 with the Evolve Fashion Show and Talent Showcase.
Events scheduled on campus include:
Panel discussion on Black families and mental health, 6-8 p.m. Thursday in Centennial Hall of the Student Union.
Screening of “Sankofa,” an Ethiopian-produced film from 1993 about the Atlantic slave trade, 6-9 p.m. Feb. 10, Multicultural Center of the Union.
Black Student Association “Staff Appreciation Mixer” to recognize minority staff on campus and create an opportunity for staff and students to mingle and network, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 21, Multicultural Center of the Union.
Black History Month lecture by clinical psychologist Dr. Patricia Griffen, 6-8 p.m. Feb. 24, Centennial Hall of the Union.
Living Legends reception highlighting former students, staff, faculty and others with connections to the A-State community, beginning at 10 a.m. Feb. 26, auditorium of the Student Union.
Evolve Fashion Show and Talent Showcase highlighting Black American culture throughout the ages, through art, music and dance. The theme will be love throughout the decades, 6-11 p.m. Feb. 26, Centennial Hall of the Union.
Student organization-sponsored events scheduled are:
Kappa Alpha Psi’s Pretty Wednesday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, first floor of Student Union;
Kappa Alpha Psi and Delta Sigma Theta couples games social media contest, Jan. 31- Feb. 2, followed by the games at 7:13 p.m. Feb. 11, Student Union auditorium;
NAACP sponsored No Cap discussion of social injustice, 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 8, Mockingbird Room of the Union;
Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity sponsored Ice Cold Connections speed dating event, 6-9 p.m. Feb. 14, Mockingbird Room;
Omega Psi Phi’s Roots of Our Qulture, 7:11 p.m. Feb. 17, Mockingbird Room;
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Soul Food Sunday, 1 p.m., Feb. 20, at the Pavilion;
BSA Black Excellence Showcase, 6-8 p.m. Feb. 22, Student Union auditorium;
Phi Beta Sigma poetry slam, Poetic Justice, 6:14 p.m., Feb. 23, Student Union auditorium;
BSA party, 10 p.m. Feb. 25, ASU Pavilion.
For more details, visit astate.edu/bhm, or contact Multicultural Affairs, Room 3003 of the Reng Student Union, 870-680-4052 or astatemc@astate.edu. | 2022-01-29T06:41:55Z | www.jonesborosun.com | ‘We Strive, We Thrive’ theme for A-State Black History events | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/we-strive-we-thrive-theme-for-a-state-black-history-events/article_80fa7571-346d-575e-81cd-c12c0d4dd6a0.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/we-strive-we-thrive-theme-for-a-state-black-history-events/article_80fa7571-346d-575e-81cd-c12c0d4dd6a0.html |
JONESBORO — Special Judge Ralph Wilson gave a $101,500 bond to a Brookland man after he found probable cause to charge him with possession of meth or cocaine with the purpose to deliver and possession of marijuana.
Rickey Allen Brown, 51, of the 9500 block of U.S. 49B, was arrested Wednesday afternoon. Police seized more than 4 ounces of suspected meth, valued at $10,000 and more than a half ounce of marijuana. They also seized $2,037 in cash.
Joshua Cooper, 31, of Jonesboro, with Internet stalking of a child, felony probation violation and parole violation; $50,000 cash-only bond.
Kenneth Anderson, 29, of Jonesboro, with felony probation violation; $2,500 bond.
Brandon Dawson, 39, of Leachville, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams, parole violation and felony failure to appear; $7,500 bond.
Ty Welch, 62, of Jonesboro, with felony failure to appear; $5,000 bond.
Justin Turner, 36, homeless, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a Schedule IV or V drug less than 28 grams, possession of marijuana and criminal contempt; $5,000 bond.
Salvadore Cerrillos, 31, of Jonesboro, with arson, first-degree criminal mischief, second-degree assault on a family or household member and second-degree terroristic threatening; $7,500 bond.
Angel Blakley, 25, of Jonesboro, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams; $2,500 bond.
Jacob Haney, 31, of Paragould, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving on a suspended license; $5,000 bond.
Michael McGinty, 34, of Jonesboro, with possession of meth or cocaine greater than 2 grams but less than 10 grams; $5,000 bond.
Randal Scott, 28, of Jonesboro, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams; $10,000 bond.
Christopher Boren, 33, of Harrisburg, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams and two misdemeanor failures to appear; $20,000 bond. | 2022-01-29T06:42:07Z | www.jonesborosun.com | 4 ounces of meth nets man $101,500 bond | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/4-ounces-of-meth-nets-man-101-500-bond/article_fb187cfc-0324-55d7-a7d0-3f0c4640566a.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/4-ounces-of-meth-nets-man-101-500-bond/article_fb187cfc-0324-55d7-a7d0-3f0c4640566a.html |
JONESBORO — The number of active cases of COVID-19 in the state declined again on Friday, dropping to 74,988, a decrease of 4,698 from Thursday’s total, according to the Arkansas Department of Health.
The ADH website reported Friday afternoon that 5,660 new cases were added across the state, bringing the total case count since the pandemic began to 768,061. After seeing several days with more than 10,000 new cases last week, this week’s numbers have trended lower with 7,943 on Tuesday, 6,561 on Wednesday and 6,016 on Thursday.
Hospitalizations saw a decrease at the state level and in Northeast Arkansas on Friday. The ADH reported 1,720 COVID-positive patients were hospitalized, down 68 from Thursday’s numbers. In addition, the statewide number for patients on a ventilator also declined from 247 to 241.
In Northeast Arkansas, hospitalizations also decreased from 256 on Thursday to 245 on Friday. The number of patients on a ventilator saw a slight increase in NEA, though, increasing by two to 24.
Twenty new COVID-related deaths were reported in Arkansas on Friday, with one of those being in Poinsett County.
In Craighead County, the active case count dropped by 114 to 2,604, but the county reported 219 new cases for the day.
Locally, other counties reporting the largest increases in new cases are Greene County with 114 and Mississippi County with 109.
Friday’s Northeast Arkansas COVID-19 case numbers by county:
Greene County – 114 new cases; 1,412 active.
Mississippi County – 109 new cases; 782 active.
Jackson County – 27 new cases, 340 active. | 2022-01-29T06:42:19Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Case numbers declining | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/case-numbers-declining/article_279d5c1b-eb0a-5c6c-a08d-976c38ca3023.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/case-numbers-declining/article_279d5c1b-eb0a-5c6c-a08d-976c38ca3023.html |
JONESBORO — A judge found probable cause Friday to charge an 18-year-old woman who sent a photo of herself pointing a handgun at her five-month-old baby boy with her finger on the gun’s trigger.
Special Judge Ralph Wilson charged Alexis Clements of Lake City with aggravated assault on a family or household member.
According to Jonesboro police, on Tuesday Clements’ boyfriend went to the police department to report that she was threatening to kill herself and the baby.
At about 11:53 a.m. Tuesday, according to a probable cause affidavit by Detective Chris Pigg, “Clements had picked the child up from the father. Whenever the father went inside the house she sent a text stating ‘good, cause he finna die to.’ The father attempted to get the child back from Clements but she left the parking lot with the child. At 12:54 Clements sent a picture to the father of the child sitting in a car seat. A gun was pointed at his head and a finger was on the trigger.”
On Wednesday, police took Clements into custody.
During the hearing Friday, Clements’ attorney Michael Lilly told the judge he had arranged for Clements to turn herself in, but she was arrested before the scheduled time.
Lilly said his client suffers from post-partum depression and has no criminal history.
Wilson set Clements’ bond at $5,000. | 2022-01-29T06:42:38Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Pointing gun at baby gets woman $5,000 bond | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/pointing-gun-at-baby-gets-woman-5-000-bond/article_1a9c8e18-edc7-5e32-a066-07e3528f760a.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/pointing-gun-at-baby-gets-woman-5-000-bond/article_1a9c8e18-edc7-5e32-a066-07e3528f760a.html |
Jonesboro's Jesse Washington drives between Marion's Donnie Cheers (11) and Ryan Forrest during the first half of Friday's game. Washington scored 17 points in the Hurricane's 56-35 victory over the Patriots.
JONESBORO — Jonesboro didn't disappoint Friday night's overflow crowd at Don Riggs Hurricane Gym, at least not the home fans.
A first-place showdown with 5A-East conference rival Marion became another showcase for the Hurricane, the state's No. 2 team overall according to the Arkansas Sports Media poll. Jonesboro pulled away in the second quarter and went on to rout the Patriots 56-35.
Marion stayed close until Jonesboro (17-3, 7-0 conference) closed the second quarter on a 15-2 run for a 32-17 halftime lead. The Patriots never threatened in the second half as the Hurricane led by as many as 25 points.
Jonesboro coach Wes Swift was pleased with his team's defensive effort against Marion (16-6, 6-1 conference), but thought the Hurricane could have been better on the other end of the court.
"Defensively we played well. Offensively we played too fast, just couldn't slow down. We wanted to score so fast," Swift said. "A lot of missed opportunities in break situations, again, just playing fast. They're going to see on film how many opportunities that a little bit slower pace or a pass here or there would have opened up."
Marion trailed only 17-15 in the second quarter when Jonesboro's decisive run began with a basket from Jesse Washington, who led the Hurricane with 17 points.
Quion Williams, who added 11 points, scored Jonesboro's next four points on a breakaway dunk and a putback. Marion's Donnie Cheers scored to briefly stem the tide before the Hurricane scored the last nine points of the half.
Washington scored off the glass with 2:41 left in the half, giving Jonesboro a 25-17 lead. Williams scored and then set up the next basket, blocking a shot and driving the ball into the frontcourt before dishing to Kavon Pointer for a layup with 55 seconds to go.
A deflection by Deion Buford-Wesson helped lead to Washington's three-point play that set the 32-17 halftime score.
"I thought our depth kind of started wearing on them. Obviously, Jayden Forrest didn't play tonight (for Marion)," said Swift, whose team opened on a 11-2 run and led 14-9 at the end of the first quarter. "We already thought we could wear on them a little bit and we had a big run there, and I thought a lot of it was fatigue."
Williams, Washington and Buford-Wesson sank 3-pointers in the third quarter, which ended with Jonesboro enjoying a 44-25 lead. The Hurricane pushed its lead to 54-29 in the final period before clearing the bench.
Washington sank three of Jonesboro's seven 3-pointers. Buford-Wesson connected twice outside the arc to finish with eight points for the Hurricane, which has won 33 consecutive games against in-state opponents.
Cheers led Marion with 16 points. Ryan Forrest added 13 for the Patriots, who will host Jonesboro in the regular-season finale Feb. 25.
The Hurricane is off Tuesday before starting the second half of 5A-East play Friday at Batesville. | 2022-01-29T10:28:04Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Jonesboro routs Marion in 5A-East showdown | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/jonesboro-routs-marion-in-5a-east-showdown/article_09fda65a-1ab1-5eaf-823b-4f56fe6767b1.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/jonesboro-routs-marion-in-5a-east-showdown/article_09fda65a-1ab1-5eaf-823b-4f56fe6767b1.html |
Jonesboro's Destiny Thomas looks to shoot during the first half of Friday's game. Thomas scored 13 points in the Lady Hurricane's 54-47 victory over Marion.
JONESBORO — A dominant first half Friday night helped the Jonesboro Lady Hurricane finish the first half of 5A-East conference play with the league lead.
Jonesboro roared to a 22-point halftime lead over Marion in front of a packed house at Don Riggs Hurricane Gym. The Lady Hurricane led by as many as 25 points in the third quarter before withstanding a Lady Patriot rally in the final period for a 54-47 victory.
With its fifth consecutive victory, Jonesboro (12-6, 6-1 conference) moved a game ahead of Marion (15-7, 5-2) and West Memphis at the midway point of a crowded league race.
"We played a tremendous first half. Our shots were falling, and we played some great defense," Jonesboro coach Jodi Christenberry said. "Destiny Thomas was a monster inside defensively for us, which we hadn't seen that in a long time from her. I thought she did an amazing job just keeping everything out of the paint.
"Then we hit the second half and we kind of fell flat. I probably should have subbed way more than what I did. I think we probably ran out of gas toward the end, and we were just kind of holding on."
Ereauna Hardaway led the Lady Hurricane with 18 points. Thomas scored 13 points and Allannah Orsby hit three 3-pointers to add 11 points.
The Lady Hurricane came out firing, sinking four of its five 3-pointers in the first quarter to take a 19-5 lead. Hardaway scored seven points and Orsby drilled two 3s in the first quarter.
Jonesboro's onslaught continued in the second quarter. The Lady Hurricane scored the last seven points of the half, including Hardaway's basket in the final seconds to lead 34-12 at halftime.
While the Lady Hurricane scored almost at will in the first half, the Lady Patriots were unable to solve Jonesboro's zone defense.
"We feel like their inside presence, it's a lot stronger than maybe their perimeter presence," Christenberry said. "Not saying that they can't shoot ... they've got people who can hit, but they're so, so dangerous inside that we felt like packing it in was much more important than the perimeter shots. We just didn't move in the second half like we were in the first half."
Thomas' basket with 5:10 left in the third quarter gave Jonesboro its largest lead, 40-15. The lead was still 24 late in the period before Marion began to make a push, putting up five points before Thomas scored at the buzzer to give Jonesboro a 48-27 lead.
Daedrianna Cail scored eight of her 17 points in the fourth quarter as Marion cut into the deficit. The Lady Patriots scored the game's final five points, including Mykayla Banks' 3 in the final minute that cut Jonesboro's lead to single digits for the first time since the first quarter.
Marion defeated Jonesboro 46-40 in December when the teams met at a tournament in Duncanville, Texas, but Orsby didn't play in that game and Christenberry said the Lady Hurricane didn't move as well defensively.
"The game in Texas was a December game for us and we weren't ourselves, and we didn't have Allannah," Christenberry said. "We were shorthanded, and our rotations were messed up."
Jonesboro is off Tuesday before starting the second half of conference play next Friday at Batesville. | 2022-01-29T10:28:10Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Lady Hurricane claims 5A-East lead | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/lady-hurricane-claims-5a-east-lead/article_e289cea5-1b6f-557e-8818-8c38753337cc.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/lady-hurricane-claims-5a-east-lead/article_e289cea5-1b6f-557e-8818-8c38753337cc.html |
NEA Sings entry deadline coming up
JONESBORO — The deadline to enter the 2022 NEA Sings contest sponsored by United Way of Northeast Arkansas is Feb. 7.
The virtual singing competition and fundraiser is for local bands and musicians with affiliation in the following counties of Clay, Craighead, Cross, Greene, Jackson, Lawrence, Poinsett, Randolph and South Mississippi.
Musicians can enter online at www.uwnea.org/neasings.
To qualify for entry, at least one member of the band or the solo artist must be at least 14 years old on or before Dec. 31, 2022, and must be from, live in, go to school, or perform/have performed in Northeast Arkansas.
All submissions must be family friendly with no profanity or nudity.
Winners agree to use or schedule prize winnings within three months of the end of NEA Sings competition.
Money raised during the voting period of the contest will be used to benefit communities in Northeast Arkansas.
Votes are made with $1 donations. | 2022-02-01T09:51:52Z | www.jonesborosun.com | NEA Sings entry deadline coming up | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/nea-sings-entry-deadline-coming-up/article_79f29d95-66a0-5fe4-a34d-01d4f0a53d2c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/nea-sings-entry-deadline-coming-up/article_79f29d95-66a0-5fe4-a34d-01d4f0a53d2c.html |
JONESBORO — A Jonesboro man had a $25,000 bond placed on him Monday after being accused of aggravated assault on a family or household member, third-degree domestic battery and fleeing.
District Judge David Boling found probable cause to charge Andre Isabell, 43, of the 700 block of West Oak Avenue, with the crimes.
According to a police report, Isabell threatened a 43-year-old woman with a knife and struck her in the face, breaking her nose and leaving a contusion on her right eye.
Kendrick King, 38, of Jonesboro, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams; $500 bond.
Kourtney Anchor, 31, of Jonesboro, with possession of meth or cocaine greater than 2 grams but less than 10 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia; $3,500 bond.
Scotty Brooks, 41, of Paragould, with breaking or entering; $5,000 bond.
Kevin Williams, 34, of Pocahontas, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams; $3,500 bond.
Brent Rogers, 48, of Jonesboro, with failure to register, possession of meth or cocaine greater than 10 grams but less that 200 grams, second-degree forgery, felony failure to appear and theft of property; total bond of $780,000. | 2022-02-01T09:52:10Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Assault charge leads to $25,000 bond | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/assault-charge-leads-to-25-000-bond/article_507e25aa-6ae8-529a-8c8e-e005348a24b5.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/assault-charge-leads-to-25-000-bond/article_507e25aa-6ae8-529a-8c8e-e005348a24b5.html |
JONESBORO — Local students will enjoy getting their hands dirty as five local schools in Northeast Arkansas have received grants to fund their gardens.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture announced in a press release last Thursday that a total of 88 grants have been approved for a total of $37,500 through the Arkansas School Garden Grant Program and the Arkansas Taste Test Grant Program.
Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward said in the press release that school gardens and taste tests have proven to be valuable tools in teaching children about agriculture, nutrition and a variety of skills. He said that the lessons learned through these programs can have a lasting impact on children, their families, and entire communities.
The Arkansas School Garden Grant Program was established to help schools start or expand gardens on school grounds and the department awarded $500 grants to the schools to purchase soil, specialty crop seeds and plants and gardening equipment.
The ADA recognized the following five local schools for the grant program:
Health Wellness and Environmental Studies Magnet Elementary School and Nettleton Junior High School in Jonesboro, Armorel High School in Armorel, Hoxie School District in Hoxie and Manila Elementary School in Manila.
Melinda Smith, counselor at the Health Wellness and Environmental Studies Magnet Elementary School, said the school was very excited to receive the grant, noting they would be using it largely on soil and pots.
“We have an indoor courtyard garden and we can’t just have a truckload delivered so we have to use bags of soil,” Smith said. “This grant will really help purchase the soil we need.”
Two of these schools also received $250 grants as part of the Arkansas Taste Test Grant Program. This program was established to help schools lead cafeteria taste tests of locally grown, specialty crops, as defined by the USDA, which are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops.
The department awarded the grants to Armorel High School and Manila Elementary School to purchase kitchen equipment and utensils, serving materials and specialty crop seeds and plants.
“The grant programs were developed using funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to increase production and consumption of specialty crops in schools,” according to the release. | 2022-02-01T09:52:16Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Local schools receive grants for garden projects | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/local-schools-receive-grants-for-garden-projects/article_32864ab4-7d1e-5d5a-b45a-8144af8c043b.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/local-schools-receive-grants-for-garden-projects/article_32864ab4-7d1e-5d5a-b45a-8144af8c043b.html |
A mix of clouds and sun in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 62F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph..
Periods of rain. Low 51F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
‘What do we mean by the Revolution? The war? That was no part of the revolution; it was only an effect and consequence of it. The revolution was in the minds of the people.”
“A republic if you can keep it,” said Ben Franklin to the lady who had asked what kind of government they had created for the already existing nation, when he emerged from that constitutional convention.
What, then, are our elites bewailing when they say that populists, rightists and Trumpists have put “our democracy” at risk?
“Providence has been pleased to give this one connected country to one united people – a people descended from the same ancestors, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government, very similar in their manners and customs ... “
“This country and this people seem to have been made for each other, and it appears as if it was the design of Providence, that an inheritance so proper and convenient for a band of brethren, united to each other by the strongest ties, should never be split into a number of unsocial, jealous, and alien sovereignties.”
“One united people?” “A band of brethren?” “A common ancestry, common religion, common language, common customs and manners?”
That may describe the America of 1789. Does it describe the America of 2022? Or does Jay’s phrase, “a number of unsocial, jealous and alien sovereignties,” better describe the America of today?
Hillary Clinton once wrote off half of Trump’s supporters, nearly one-fourth of the nation, as “a basket of deplorables ... racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamaphobic ... bigots,” who are “irredeemable.”
Assume our elites agree with her.
If the progressives’ enemies are “Nazis” and “fascists,” why would progressives not rise in resistance and reject their rule, rather than cooperate with them in the governance of the country?
Why would good people not battle to overturn an election that produced a majority for such “deplorables?”
Ultimately, the logic of our situation must lead us to consider something like this. Western Maryland’s attempt to secede and join West Virginia and Eastern Oregon’s attempt to secede and join Idaho may be harbingers of what is to come. | 2022-02-01T09:53:23Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Is Democracy dying or America disintegrating? | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/is-democracy-dying-or-america-disintegrating/article_43f88b6f-e343-5a14-919e-9a2a6e57d1f4.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/is-democracy-dying-or-america-disintegrating/article_43f88b6f-e343-5a14-919e-9a2a6e57d1f4.html |
Phillips promoted to lead Regions’ branch teams
LITTLE ROCK — Regions Bank recently announced that Lisa Phillips has been elevated to serve as consumer banking executive for the company’s realigned Arkansas-Louisiana territory In this role, Phillips and her teams will lead approximately 145 branches across Arkansas and Louisiana, as well as locations in Springfield, Mo., and Texarkana, Texas.
Phillips, a 25-year financial services veteran, is relocating to Little Rock from the Tampa Bay region of Florida, where she served as a consumer banking manager with Regions for the last 15 years.
Phillips began her Regions career as a Tampa branch manager in 2000 She is a five-time Regions Chairman’s Club Award recipient, an honor recognizing top bank performers.
“Every day, Regions Bank is committed to exceeding our customers’ expectations and serving as their premier source for financial advice, guidance, and solutions,” Steve Nivet, Consumer banking regional executive for Regions Bank said in a press release.
“Lisa consistently delivers exceptional service to our customers, and she coaches her teams to deliver that same level of quality and attention to detail Arkansas, Louisiana, Southwest Missouri, and Texarkana are all important markets where we have a proud legacy of supporting our customers, and Lisa’s proven success in our Tampa Bay market makes her ideally suited for this leadership role.”
Phillips succeeds Roger Weldon, who retired earlier this month following a 25-year career with Regions. Weldon most recently served as consumer banking executive for the bank’s previous Arkansas, North Texas and North Louisiana district. | 2022-02-02T16:32:38Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Phillips promoted to lead Regions’ branch teams | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/phillips-promoted-to-lead-regions-branch-teams/article_07266a88-1a65-5910-9c46-a807ab80abbd.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/phillips-promoted-to-lead-regions-branch-teams/article_07266a88-1a65-5910-9c46-a807ab80abbd.html |
Matthew Kalousek, maintenance mechanic for Craighead Electric Cooperative in Jonesboro, double checks fluid levels in a truck on Tuesday morning in preparation for the upcoming winter storm.
JONESBORO — With icy weather in the forecast overnight tonight and into tomorrow, maintenance crews are getting prepared throughout Jonesboro and Craighead County to battle the severe winter weather.
According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, the rain will transition to a wintry mix and then change to sleet and snow. The best sleet and snow chances will be across the north and in the west central sections, where several inches are possible. Jonesboro is predicted to get up to an inch of snow.
The NWS predicted that the highest confidence areas for ice accumulation are across north-central, central, east and Northeast Arkansas with up to 0.5 inches expected for the Jonesboro area.
As the Arctic air moves into the state from the northwest, temperatures will plummet Thursday morning. By Friday morning, colder air will be in place as temperatures fall into the teens and 20s with wind chill values in the singe digits across the north part of the state.
The NWS stated in the brief that significant disruptions to travel and infrastructure are possible where the highest accumulations of sleet, snow or ice occur. The weather service also noted that dangerous cold is also likely, and impact of the cold weather may be worsened by power outages.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Tuesday he has ordered eight National Guard units to pre-position across the state in advance of anticipated ice and snow storms later this week.
“It will involve about 88 of our National Guard,” Hutchinson said during his weekly news conference. “They’ve done a tremendous job in a previous ice event that we’ve had, and I think it’s smart to have those pre-deployed for response capability.”
The governor also commended electric utilities, which have already begun preparations for potential damage to power lines.
Dave Parker, spokesman for the Arkansas Department of Transportation, said crews had already prepared their trucks to treat highways across the state.
“This system is still very unpredictable,” Parker said. “It has the potential for significant ice. We are asking that during that period roughly from late Wednesday night into Friday morning that you stay home. Stay safe, stay warm. Stay off the roadways, let us to get out there and do the job that you hired us to do.”
Parker said the primary weapon ArDOT will use to fight the ice will be rock salt.
“That seems to be the better method with this system coming in,” Parker said, adding that “just a little bit of ice can cause a lot of problems.”
Bill Campbell, director of communications for the City of Jonesboro, said in an email on Tuesday that the Jonesboro Streets Department has been preparing this week for potential icy conditions.
“Deicer is soluble in water so they have been stockpiling sand and gravel and preparing equipment,” he said, “including chainsaws, for response to standing ice or snow.”
“As of today, they have gone to 12-hour rotations,” Campbell noted, “meaning some staff were sent home in order to work the night shift.”
Marti Hook, communications coordinator at Craighead Electric Cooperative, said on Tuesday that they had already met with their team and that they have the materials, trucks and staff prepared should the inclement weather arise.
“We are preparing for the worst,” Hook said, “but we are hoping for the best.” She noted the cooperative’s members should be prepared too, just in case.
“If it does get bad,” Hook added, “We will start with damage assessment as soon as it it safe enough for employees.”
To report an outage to Craighead Electric, call 888-771-7772.
Brandi Hinkle, communications manager for Entergy of Arkansas also said in a press release on Tuesday that they were prepping for severe winter weather operations and urged customers to prepare by winterizing, preparing emergency kits and charging cell phones.
According to the release, “Entergy has already begun staging crews, equipment and supplies in areas of the state likely to be the hardest hit later this week based on a forecast for bitter cold, sustained winds, sleet, freezing rain, snow and ice accumulations.”
Hinkle also warned in the release that extra weight on the power lines, which could be caused by snow and ice, can cause the lines to fall or stretch, possibly causing power interruptions, however in the event of power outages, their crews will also begin assessing damages and repairing equipment to restore power as quickly as possible.
“It’s important to be prepared at your home or business for freezing weather and possible power outages with a basic emergency supply kit, along with a family emergency plan.” Hinkle said, adding that customers should winterize their home or business by insulating water pipes, sealing around doors and windows, and checking their fire extinguishers.
“Stay away from downed lines,” Hinkle noted, “Remember, one-half inch of ice can add 500 pounds of weight on power lines, as well as tree limbs which could then fall onto power lines and people. It’s safest to avoid the area near ice-laden power lines and tree limbs.”
To report an outage or down lines to Entergy, call 1-800-9OUTAGE.
Slade Mitchell, energy marketing administrator at City Water & Light, said they have begun preparing for winter weather, as well.
“CWL is in focused preparation for the potential storm weather that is forecasted for the latter part of this week,” Mitchell said, “All departments are reviewing their winter storm processes and procedures. Additionally, we have supplemental electrical crews and tree trimming crews on notice to be here if needed. We have also checked and fueled up the generators we will need to keep our water and wastewater systems running in the event of power loss. If needed, we have a substantial amount of equipment and supplies on hand to support a restoration effort.”
“We are hopeful that the upgrades we have made to our system and the addition of an outage management system will help mitigate the effects of harsh weather and aid in our response to any damage.” He said noting that over the last several years they have upgraded significant portions of their transmission lines to steel poles and increased tree trimming efforts.
“With the addition of our outage management system, customers will be able to access outage information on the CWL website,” Slade said.
“In the event of power outage, the safety of the crews working on restoration is of the utmost importance,” Slade noted, “CWL would like to ask customers who plan to use generators to power their homes to make sure that those generators are disconnected from the CWL system. Generators that are connected to the CWL system could back feed onto CWL lines and put workers in danger. CWL recommends homeowners use a licensed electrician when connecting a generator to their home.”
Outages can be reported by calling 870-930-3300 or texting “OUT” to 800-933-3672 from the mobile phone listed as primary number on the CWL account.
Sun Staff Writer Keith Inman contributed to this report. | 2022-02-02T16:32:45Z | www.jonesborosun.com | NEA prepares for severe winter weather | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/nea-prepares-for-severe-winter-weather/article_515d4989-e989-5425-891b-036be1da7547.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/nea-prepares-for-severe-winter-weather/article_515d4989-e989-5425-891b-036be1da7547.html |
Jonesboro police officers direct traffic on Red Wolf Boulevard on Monday afternoon following a road rage shooting.
Joe Schratz / The Sun
JONESBORO — A road rage incident on Monday afternoon led to gunshots being fired on Red Wolf Boulevard, Jonesboro police said.
A vehicle was hit by gunfire at about 2:55 p.m. near the intersection of Red Wolf and Highland Drive. No one was injured, and police later arrested Xavier Brown, 30, of the 500 block of North Caraway Road. Police said Brown is being held at the Craighead County Detention Center on suspicion of aggravated assault, committing a terroristic act and first-degree criminal mischief.
He is awaiting a probable cause hearing today.
Police said Brown fired multiple shots at the victim’s Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Officer Joshua Beasley wrote in his report, “I assisted officers at 500 N. Caraway with the traffic stop. Officer (Joseph) Harris had followed the subject into the parking lot and performed a traffic stop. We ordered the subject out of his car and he surrendered without incident. Sgt. (Brian) Arnold with (Criminal Investigation Division) wanted the subject brought to the police department for questioning and the car was towed to the police department. I transported the subject to the police department.” | 2022-02-02T16:32:55Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Road rage incident ends in gunfire | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/road-rage-incident-ends-in-gunfire/article_2de1181e-0ab7-5bfa-a067-1e50147158da.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/road-rage-incident-ends-in-gunfire/article_2de1181e-0ab7-5bfa-a067-1e50147158da.html |
JONESBORO — Charlie Ray Partain Jr. decided last week he wasn’t ready to go to prison.
Partain, 19, of Forrest City skipped his sentencing hearing before Circuit Judge Cindy Thyer on Jan. 25 after pleading guilty in October 2021 to residential burglary, theft by receiving and theft of property.
Thyer issued an arrest warrant for Partain on Monday.
According to a sentencing report, Partain was facing eight and a half years in prison and three years of a suspended sentence on the charges.
An arrest warrant was also issued on Tuesday in Cross County Circuit Court where Partain faces charges of breaking or entering, theft of property, criminal attempt and fraudulent use of a credit or debit card after an arrest on Jan. 5.
Partain was looking at 15 years in prison for his past misdeeds, as well as even more time if he’s convicted of new charges, which Boling said were 31 counts. | 2022-02-02T16:33:07Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Suspect skips sentencing; arrest warrant issued | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/suspect-skips-sentencing-arrest-warrant-issued/article_ae5ff0bb-ea2c-5984-926d-8d79488767d5.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/suspect-skips-sentencing-arrest-warrant-issued/article_ae5ff0bb-ea2c-5984-926d-8d79488767d5.html |
Lastly, my car is often my sanctuary ... the quiet I need at the beginning of a day or the peace I need after a hectic one. I have listened to the Bible on tape, a gift from one of my ASU professors when I graduated college, and later on CD when cassettes became a thing of the past.
Gretchen Hunt can be reached at ghunt@thetd.com. | 2022-02-02T16:34:32Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Don't judge me | Times Dispatch | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/dont-judge-me/article_06e4ed3f-099d-5cb1-ba69-613f49709309.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/dont-judge-me/article_06e4ed3f-099d-5cb1-ba69-613f49709309.html |
Jackie Brian Richey
Jackie Brian Richey, 61, of Powhatan, passed from this life on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, at his residence.
He was born Jan. 23, 1961, in Walnut Ridge, to Loyd and Catherine Stewart Richey. He worked as a truck driver and mechanic during his life.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Elmer and Alice Richey; and maternal grandparents, Cleo and Mary Stewart.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Richey of the home; parents, Loyd and Catherine Richey of Powhatan; children, Brian Richey (Casey) of Stanford, Rhandi Lomax (John) of Paragould, Corey Richey (Courtney) of Batesville, Katelyn Richey (Travis) of Midway, and Jake Richey (Sydney) of Powhatan; brothers, Johnnie Richey (Mary) and Alan Richey (Debbie), both of Powhatan; grandchildren, Makynli and Brian Lomax, Cooper and Addie Richey, Remington, Nate and Colt Richey; one soon to be granddaughter, Kaydence; and many other family members.
A memorial service for Jackie will be held Saturday, Feb. 5, from 2-4 p.m. in the Cox Funeral Home Chapel in Walnut Ridge. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge. | 2022-02-02T16:34:57Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Jackie Brian Richey | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/jackie-brian-richey/article_48b6d7e7-8cf3-5a63-afe0-8b1b6f2a27db.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/jackie-brian-richey/article_48b6d7e7-8cf3-5a63-afe0-8b1b6f2a27db.html |
Terry Lynn Cox Sr., 60, of Imboden, passed from this life on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.
He was born on Aug. 1, 1961, in Walnut Ridge, to Robert Esco and Martha Haney Cox. He was united in marriage to Patty Hughes on March 8, 1997, in Imboden. He worked as an equipment operator during his life. Terry enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports and watching his grandbabies.
He was preceded in death by his father; and one brother, Scott Bennett.
He is survived by his wife, Patty, of the home; mother, Martha Cox of Annieville; children, Terry Cox Jr. (Kendra) of Annieville, Mandy Blackburn (Justin) of Lynn, and Natalie Cox of Imboden; brothers, Rob Cox (Sue) of Dalton and Chester Cox (Carlene) of Ravenden Springs; sisters, Judy Spears of Annieville, Janie Bennett and Linda Branscum (Joe), both of Ravenden Springs; grandchildren, Layla Nunally, Tripp Blackburn, Claire Blackburn, Sonny Cox, Lynnley Collins and Annadail Collins; and a special friend, Joe Collins.
Visitation was Friday, Jan. 28, from 11 a.m. until noon in the Cox Funeral Home chapel in Walnut Ridge, with the funeral following immediately at noon. Burial was in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Annieville, with Jerry Clements officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge.
Honored to serve as pallbearers were Terry Cox Jr., Justin Blackburn, Joe Collins, Dexter Simpson, Tripp Blackburn, Paul Dale Vaulner and Chris Bennett. Honorary pallbearers were Chris Willfond, Jordan Spears, Rob Cox and Chester Cox. | 2022-02-02T16:35:09Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Terry Lynn Cox Sr. | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/terry-lynn-cox-sr/article_85e6e4c1-f2a3-596c-a8fe-00a9e59604af.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/terry-lynn-cox-sr/article_85e6e4c1-f2a3-596c-a8fe-00a9e59604af.html |
Taylor Fisher was crowned queen on Friday night during Hoxie High School’s basketball homecoming festivities. She is the daughter of Shelly Fisher.
Sarah Saffell has been chosen as Hillcrest High School’s female winner of the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. Saffell has earned a 4.0 grade point average and is the co-valedictorian of the Hillcrest Class of 2012. In high school, she has played basketball for six years and softball for four years.
Walnut Ridge High School students Dannie Vaughn and Alex Long recently participated in the Region V All-District band auditions in Jonesboro. Both students ranked first band in percussion. Long’s score ranked him high enough for All-State band auditions to be held on Saturday.
Abigail Shackelford, 16, took second place at the Stoa Arkansas Diamond Tournament with her dramatic interpretation of “Miss Potter.” The tournament, held at Geyer Springs Baptist Church in Little Rock, hosted 200 students from five different states with 140 community judges. Stoa is a national high school and junior high speech and debate organization serving the needs of Christian homeschooling families. Shackelford is the daughter of Dr. Bobby and Karen Shackelford of Walnut Ridge.
Charles Petty has joined the staff of Farm Bureau in Walnut Ridge as an agent. Petty has worked for Farm Bureau for 13 years. He joins three other agents in Walnut Ridge, Bill Edmondson, Mike Spain and Greg Evans.
Hoxie senior cheerleaders placed second in their division at the 2002 Regional Cheerleading Competition Jan. 26 at Valley View High School in Jonesboro. The girls qualified for the state cheerleading competition set for Feb. 16 at Conway. Squad members include Lyndsey Coats, Krystal Smith, Jenine Privett, Jodi Kopp, Beth Graham, Jenny Williams, Lisa Spargo, Kim Burnside, Shannon Burnside, Jill Tate, Crystal Chappel and Staci Barker.
Samantha Mitchell of Imboden and Stephanie Richey of Black Rock participated in the Conversation on Youth Development on Jan. 19 in Ferndale at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center. Also attending were Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell and volunteer 4-H leader Mary Richey.
Kelli Ramthun, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Ramthun, was crowned Miss Mustang 1992 Saturday evening at the Walnut Ridge Community Center.
The Lawrence County Military Support Council and the Veterans Administration recently purchased a monument in honor of those who served in the Persian Gulf War.
Tera Walker, a sophomore and daughter of Danny Walker and Vickie Walker, has been named the Strawberry High School annual queen.
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Cole have purchased ownership of Moore Furniture Co. in Walnut Ridge from Mr. and Mrs. Truman Moore.
Jesse Woody has been re-elected president of the Lawrence County Saddle Club. Other officers elected include Donald Cavenaugh, vice president, and Bill Edmondson, secretary.
Airman First Class Timothy L. Taylor of Hoxie has been chosen Airman of the Year in the Memphis-based Tennessee Air National Guard. He is an aircraft electrician with the 164th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in Memphis.
Paul Stovall, athletic director and football coach at WRHS for the past three years, notified Supt. Van Ellis last week of his intention to resign at the end of the current school year. He will return to Corning for the 1972-73 term as high school principal.
Harold Moore, Walnut Ridge High School history instructor, took a leave of absence, which was effective with the end of the first semester, according to Supt. Ellis. Marcella Y. Langley was elected by the board to replace Mr. Moore.
Danny and Sharon Andrews of Walnut Ridge are the parents of a daughter born last Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 18, at St. Bernards Hospital. The baby has been named Camellia Cheyenne.
Jackie and Pauline Letsinger are the parents of a son, born Jan. 16 at St. Bernards Hospital. The youngster has been named David Ray. The Letsingers also have a daughter, Raelyne, who is three and a half.
Two new public facilities in Hoxie will be on display Sunday afternoon at open house. One is the new high school building and the other is the new Hoxie Fire Department building and adjoining City Hall.
Rev. and Mrs. D. Blake Westmoreland Jr. and children reached Walnut Ridge yesterday and are occupying the parsonage of the First Baptist Church. He recently resigned the pastorate of the church at Warren to return to this city.
Lynn – Those making perfect scores in spelling in the second grade were Howard Rainwater, George Glenn, Bryan Glenn, Gary and Dewey Gay, Jane Goodwin, Sue Simpson, Loretta and Ginger Johnson, Betty Stewart, Jerry Wayne Bristow, Linda Morgan and Rita Jo Webb.
Robert H. Smith was in Little Rock the first of the week to attend a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Farm Bureau.
Joe A. Spades, war veteran and recently inaugurated sheriff, will direct the Red Cross effort in the county for 1947.
Mrs. Verna L. Connor, age 39, was instantly killed Monday afternoon when she was struck by a falling tree. The accident occurred near the Fender Hall Community. Mrs. Connor was helping her husband fell timber to be used as posts on their newly acquired farm when the wind caught the top of the tree and threw it toward Mrs. Conner.
The local girl’s independent basketball team won over Pocahontas last night, 27-26. Members of the team are Marvelle Long, Sig Spikes, Mary Ona, Audra Floyd, Ava Pierce, Fay Glenn, Ivern Lawson, Mary Lee Bench, Louise Hathcoat, Bonnie Turnbow, Jean Kincade, Gene Whaley, Sara Aldridge, Fern Hart, Irene Schmidt, Captola Smith, Mrs. Gladys McPike, Fay Bennett, Velma Robert and Mickey Flippo.
Jane Glenn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.G. Glenn, has been employed by the government on Guam, Midway Islands.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Higginbotham announced the birth of a daughter Monday afternoon. The baby has been named Robbie.
A.W. Rainwater, superintendent of the Walnut Ridge Schools, was re-elected secretary-treasurer of District Three, Arkansas Athletic Association at a meeting at Newport last Saturday.
Harris Gilliam and Bud Smith took an examination Jan. 12 to enter the Air Corps. Both of them passed the exam and left Wednesday morning for Little Rock. Bud was enrolled this year as a sophomore and Harris as a senior at Walnut Ridge High School.
First news of Gilbert Spurlock since he left Canada on Nov. 26 has been received here. After a trip across the Atlantic, which took six weeks, he was placed on duty as a radio operator with the Royal Air Force.
Sgt. G.E. Henry Jr., recently assigned to Camp Robinson as an instructor, spent the weekend here.
Dr. J.C. Land missed the Boy Scout meeting Tuesday night, explaining that he presided at the 2,190th birth at which he has been an attending physician.
Stanford Kelley, as a reserve, has been called back by the U.S. Army and went to Camp Robinson this week. | 2022-02-02T16:35:15Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Yesteryears | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_1a5e7d6c-433b-5f06-bc3f-0da69b6478a8.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_1a5e7d6c-433b-5f06-bc3f-0da69b6478a8.html |
Cade Grisham scored 30 points and grabbed 14 rebounds Wednesday to lead Sloan-Hendrix to a 62-45 victory over Tuckerman in 2A-2 conference senior boys’ basketball on Jan. 26 at Imboden.
Braden Cox and Ethan Lee each added 10 points for the Greyhounds.
Sloan-Hendrix remained unbeaten in conference play at 6-0.
Tuckerman defeated Sloan-Hendrix 58-32 in senior girls action.
The Lady Bulldogs jumped out to a 17-3 lead in the first quarter and continued to pull away.
Makayla Gosha scored 16 points for the Lady Greyhounds.
The Sloan-Hendrix junior boys defeated Tuckerman 39-30. Braxton Wall scored 21 points and had 12 rebounds for the junior Hounds.
The Sloan-Hendrix senior boys defeated Cedar Ridge 78-52 on Jan. 25 at Imboden.
The Greyhounds led 20-11 at the end of the first quarter, 31-19 at halftime and 58-32 after three periods.
Harper Rorex and Braden Cox each scored 21 points to lead the Greyhounds. Rorex’s total included five three-pointers. Grisham added 14 points, and Ethan Lee recorded a double double with 10 points and 14 rebounds.
Sloan-Hendrix won the junior boys’ game 47-30. Wall led Sloan-Hendrix with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Hudson Rorex scored 14 points, and Karson Roark added 10 points.
Cedar Ridge won the senior girls game, 50-36. | 2022-02-02T16:35:27Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Greyhounds beat Tuckerman, Cedar Ridge | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/greyhounds-beat-tuckerman-cedar-ridge/article_a7339e1a-9ba1-587d-8f83-6109916a6101.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/greyhounds-beat-tuckerman-cedar-ridge/article_a7339e1a-9ba1-587d-8f83-6109916a6101.html |
The Hoxie Lady Mustangs outlasted Corning, 45-39, in 3A-3 senior girls basketball action on Jan. 26 at Corning.
The game was tied 21-21 at the intermission, and Hoxie held a slim 28-27 advantage at the end of the third quarter. The Lady Mustangs outscored Corning 17-12 in the final period to secure the win.
Jaecie Brown scored 28 points, and Ellery Gillham added 10 points for the Lady Mustangs, who improved to 9-2 in the conference and 12-5 overall.
Corning won the junior girls game, 34-20.
Hoxie boys
Hoxie’s senior boys fell to Manila, 64-37, Friday night at Manila.
The Mustangs stayed close in the first half, trailing just 17-13 at the end of the first quarter and 28-24 at halftime.
The Lions pulled away in the second half, outscoring Hoxie 18-8 in the third quarter and 18-5 in the final period.
Cade Forrester led Hoxie with nine points.
Manila won the junior boys game 60-26. Corey Sullens led Hoxie with 11 points.
The Hoxie senior boys defeated Piggott 59-43 on Jan. 25. | 2022-02-02T16:35:33Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Lady Mustangs defeat Corning | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/lady-mustangs-defeat-corning/article_088d5caf-7a75-514d-a5a3-0200fa5afd6f.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/lady-mustangs-defeat-corning/article_088d5caf-7a75-514d-a5a3-0200fa5afd6f.html |
The Manila Lions defeated Walnut Ridge, 50-44, in 3A-3 senior boys basketball on Jan. 25 at Manila.
Manila led 25-22 at halftime and 35-30 after three quarters.
Ty Flippo led Walnut Ridge with 14 points, while Jayden Hollister added 11 for the Bobcats.
The loss left Walnut Ridge with a 7-2 record in conference play and a 12-3 overall mark.
Manila won the junior boys game 37-33
WR girls
The Walnut Ridge senior girls fell to the Manila Lady Lions, 47-34, on Jan. 24 at Walnut Ridge. Taylor Forrester led the Lady Bobcats with 14 points.
Manila won the junior girls game, 41-12. | 2022-02-02T16:35:39Z | www.jonesborosun.com | WR teams drop games to Manila | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/wr-teams-drop-games-to-manila/article_cf94c98a-a505-57e2-a9a3-fd9fc5b4e8f0.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/wr-teams-drop-games-to-manila/article_cf94c98a-a505-57e2-a9a3-fd9fc5b4e8f0.html |
Disaster Recovery Center hours affected by weather
LITTLE ROCK — The joint State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Newport, Monette and Trumann will modify hours of operation due to the incoming winter weather.
The Disaster Recovery Center in Jackson County at the Diaz City Hall in Newport, originally scheduled to close permanently on Friday instead closed permanently Wednesday.
The two remaining DRCs in Monette and Trumann will be closed all day today, Feb. 3, and will have a delayed start on Friday with hours to be announced.
The Craighead County location at the First Baptist Church of Monette, 18847 Arkansas 18 is still scheduled to close permanently at 6 p.m. Saturday.
The Poinsett County location is at Parkview Missionary Baptist Church, 104 N. Parkview Drive in Trumann. | 2022-02-03T14:21:03Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Disaster Recovery Center hours affected by weather | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/disaster-recovery-center-hours-affected-by-weather/article_daf42aa3-f32e-5d14-9554-f1dea7f85c68.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/disaster-recovery-center-hours-affected-by-weather/article_daf42aa3-f32e-5d14-9554-f1dea7f85c68.html |
Lastly, my car is often my sanctuary ... the quiet I need at the beginning of a day or the peace I need after a hectic one. I have listened to the Bible on tape, a gift from one of my ASU professors when I graduated college, and later on CD when cassettes became a thing if the past. | 2022-02-03T14:21:15Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Don't judge me | Newport | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/dont-judge-me/article_fb44cfd4-b29f-5a2b-b6d1-d4eae0993318.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/dont-judge-me/article_fb44cfd4-b29f-5a2b-b6d1-d4eae0993318.html |
JONESBORO — A St. Louis man has been charged in the Sunday morning death of a Jonesboro man at an apartment in the 1600 block of Links Circle.
Lloyd Austin, 41, of the 8900 block of Trefore Avenue, St. Louis, surrendered to police at about 8 p.m. Tuesday in the death of Christopher French, 38, of the 600 block of Gladiolus Drive,
According to a police report, “Suspect went into the residence and physically assaulted the victim
On Wednesday, District Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause to charge Austin with second-degree murder/purpose to cause serious injury, causes death.
Fowler set bond at $1 million.
Police were called to the residence shortly after 10 a.m. Sunday about an unresponsive person.
According to a probable cause affidavit by Detective Bill Brown, Austin’s wife, Yalantra Austin, lives at the scene of the murder. She said she and Austin have been separated since April 2020.
“Yalantra Austin stated that she woke up a little after (8 a.m.) to use the restroom and while she was in the restroom she heard her bedroom door open and it startled her because her son never comes in her room when the door is shut,” according to the affidavit. “Yalantra Austin stated that she saw Lloyd Austin walk in her bedroom and she yelled at him then he confronted French. Yalantra Austin stated that she then ran out of the room due to past abuse from Lloyd and grabbed some clothes off the dryer and left.”
Her 15-year-old son, who was at the residence, called his mother later and told her French was injured.
The teen told detectives that while in the shower he heard banging going on. He said when he got out of the shower Lloyd Austin told him to call his mother. The teen went into his mother’s room and found French on the floor with blood coming from his mouth. | 2022-02-03T14:22:16Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Judge sets $1 million bond in murder | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/judge-sets-1-million-bond-in-murder/article_121e76bd-e7cc-5156-a886-dff7152b38df.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/judge-sets-1-million-bond-in-murder/article_121e76bd-e7cc-5156-a886-dff7152b38df.html |
Blytheville clinches 4A-3 championship
BLYTHEVILLE — Blytheville wrapped up the 4A-3 conference regular-season title in senior boys’ basketball Tuesday with a 64-36 rout of Pocahontas.
Rashaud Marshall scored 18 of his 30 points in the first half to lead the Chickasaws (21-3, 12-0 conference). Travis Anderson added 13 points and Jeremiah Wells eight for Blytheville.
Blytheville led 16-8 after the first quarter, 31-18 at halftime and 55-30 after the third quarter.
Mason Baltz scored 19 points and Ely Baltz added eight for Pocahontas.
Valley View 56, Southside 53
SOUTHSIDE – Connor Tinsley scored the last of his 25 points on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer in overtime Tuesday that gave Valley View a 56-53 victory over Southside in 4A-3 conference senior boys’ basketball.
The Blazers (9-10, 8-4 conference) inbounded the ball to Tinsley in their backcourt in the final seconds of overtime. He dribbled to the right wing before launching the game-winning shot.
Trey Mitchell added 13 points and Parker St. Pierre eight for Valley View. Jonathan Calhoun scored 18 points and Ayden Cuzzort added 11 for Southside.
Valley View led 16-11 after the first quarter and Southside came back to lead 28-26 at halftime. The teams were tied at 35 to end the third quarter and at 48 to end regulation.
Valley View (18-3, 12-0 conference) wrapped up the 4A-3 title in junior boys’ basketball with a 42-23 victory.
Brookland 39, Westside 35
BROOKLAND – Brookland edged Westside 39-35 Tuesday night to earn a regular-season sweep in 4A-3 conference senior boys’ basketball.
Westside (12-9, 4-7 conference) drilled three 3-pointers in the first quarter to take a 16-9 lead, only to see Brookland (11-9, 7-4 conference) rally in the second quarter for a 22-21 halftime lead. The Bearcats pushed their lead to four points, 33-29, at the end of the third quarter.
Aidan Roberson scored 13 points and Masen Woodall added nine to pace Brookland. Spencer Honeycutt scored 11 points and Lukas Kaffka seven to lead Westside.
Brookland won the junior boys’ game 37-26 as Lane Webster scored 12 points, Toby Burns 11 and Hayden Elder 10. J.J. Slater scored a game-high 13 points for Westside.
CORNING – Corning outscored Rivercrest 19-9 in the fourth quarter Tuesday to rally for a 60-54 victory in 3A-3 conference senior boys’ basketball.
Jayce Couch scored 19 points to lead Corning, followed by Parker Davis with 14 and Luke Blanchard with nine as the Bobcats moved to 5-8 in conference play. Clay Burks scored 17 points for Rivercrest, with Braylon Diggs adding 13 and Carmelo Vasquez 10.
The teams were tied at 27 at halftime. Rivercrest (9-3 conference) led 45-41 after the third quarter.
Osceola 76, Hoxie 42
OSCEOLA – Six Osceola players scored between eight and 11 points Tuesday as the Seminoles cruised past Hoxie 76-42 in 3A-3 conference senior boys’ basketball.
Cassie Bullard scored 11 points to lead Osceola (15-4, 9-2 conference). Keenan Jackson, Richard High, Jerry Long and Terrance Nimmers finished with nine points each, while Torian Bell added eight. Bell also led the Seminoles in rebounding with eight.
Osceola led 20-10 after the first quarter, 37-17 at halftime and 55-31 at the end of the third quarter.
Walnut Ridge 82, Piggott 42
WALNUT RIDGE – Kel Slusser scored 26 points Tuesday to lead Walnut Ridge to an 82-42 rout of Piggott in 3A-3 conference senior boys’ basketball.
Jayden Hollister added 20 points and Ty Flippo finished with 13 in the fourth consecutive victory for the Bobcats (16-3, 10-2 conference).
Shaun-Hudson Seegraves led Piggott with 19 points.
IMBODEN – Sloan-Hendrix outscored Melbourne 20-9 in the fourth quarter Tuesday to earn a 61-51 victory in 2A-2 conference senior boys’ basketball.
Braden Cox scored nine points and Ethan Lee seven in the final period for the Greyhounds (21-5, 9-0 conference). Sloan-Hendrix trailed after each of the first three quarters as Melbourne led 16-9 after one, 33-27 at halftime and 42-41 after the third quarter.
Cox scored 24 points to lead Sloan-Hendrix. Cade Grisham had a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Lee also finished with a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Caden Griffin scored 24 points for Melbourne (15-8, 9-2).
Sloan-Hendrix won the junior boys’ game 34-33 on Karson Roark’s last-second layup. Roark finished with 12 points and Braxton Wall 10 for Sloan-Hendrix (20-1).
Tuckerman 62, WCC 44
TUCKERMAN – David Platt sank all seven free throws he attempted Tuesday to lead all scorers with 21 points in Tuckerman’s 62-44 victory over White County Central.
Carson Miller added 15 points and Amare Neal 11 for the Bulldogs (14-10, 8-4 2A-2 conference). Tuckerman led 19-7 after the first quarter, 34-17 at halftime and 46-29 after the third quarter.
DeKian Stevens led White County Central with 12 points.
EPC 60, Riverside 55
LEPANTO – Tyrus Reel scored 32 points Tuesday night to lead East Poinsett County to a 60-55 victory over Riverside in 2A-3 conference senior boys’ basketball.
The Warriors led 26-16 at halftime and 40-32 at the end of the third quarter. Easton Hatch scored 15 points to lead Riverside (10-20, 4-9 conference), with Grayson Taylor adding 13 points and Harrison McAnally 12.
Riverside (25-1, 10-0) won the junior boys’ game 71-49. Thatcher Durham scored 28 points and Brayeson Timms added 19 for Riverside.
Ridgefield Christian 72, Armorel 43
JONESBORO – Ridgefield Christian rolled past Armorel 72-43 Tuesday in 1A-3 conference senior boys’ basketball.
The Warriors (14-13, 9-3 conference) opened a 19-10 lead in the first quarter and extended their advantage to 35-22 at halftime. They scored 30 points in the third quarter, boosting their lead to 65-36.
Noah Stracener scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Ridgefield. Wil Archer sank three 3-pointers to add 19 points, while Michael Carl scored 10 points.
Skyler Van Dyke scored 14 points and Caleb Brown finished with 12 for Armorel.
LYNN – Four Mammoth Spring players scored in double figures Tuesday as the Bears cruised past Hillcrest 55-27 in 1A-3 conference senior boys’ basketball.
Nate Rogers scored 13 points to lead Mammoth Spring (16-12, 10-2 conference). Gavin Boddie, Blake Rogers and Andrew Jones added 10 points each. | 2022-02-03T14:23:05Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Blytheville clinches 4A-3 championship | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/blytheville-clinches-4a-3-championship/article_03788897-e843-5679-93b5-0a7b6474cfb8.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/blytheville-clinches-4a-3-championship/article_03788897-e843-5679-93b5-0a7b6474cfb8.html |
Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers will be among the performers at the 20th annual Spring Bluegrass Festival scheduled for March 10-12 at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View.
MOUNTAIN VIEW — The Mountain View Bluegrass Association plans to host its 20th annual Spring Bluegrass Festival at the Ozark Folk Center from March 10-12 at the Ozark Highlands Theater.
The festival will feature a Thursday evening all-gospel traditional bluegrass show and matinee and evening shows on Friday and Saturday.
The line-up includes Junior Sisk, Monroe Crossing, The Purple Hulls, Catahoula Drive, Spring Street Bluegrass Band, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, The Redmond Keisler Band and Joe Mullins.
Thursday tickets are for an evening show only and are $20 general admission or $25 for premium seating in the first five rows.
Friday and Saturday tickets are good for all shows that day, from noon until 10 p.m. General admission seats are $25 and premium seating are $35.
Reserved seating is currently available online at www. mountainviewbluegrass.com. | 2022-02-05T09:09:51Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Bluegrass Festival returns to Mountain View | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/bluegrass-festival-returns-to-mountain-view/article_62499e3a-c6c7-5ed1-9323-971dcf569016.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/bluegrass-festival-returns-to-mountain-view/article_62499e3a-c6c7-5ed1-9323-971dcf569016.html |
JONESBORO — Residents of five Northeast Arkansas counties were among the 43 coronavirus deaths reported Thursday by the Arkansas Department of Health.
Greene County recorded two deaths, while Clay, Craighead, Cross and Jackson counties had one death each. The deaths may have occurred days or weeks earlier, but only reached the state’s reporting data base this week.
Thursday’s report showed 4,213 new cases, based on the results of about 9,000 tests.
The number of active cases dropped by 3,947 to a total of 49,674 statewide. Active cases in each NEA county also declined.
Hospitalizations across the state also declined by 70 to 1,605. Of those, 230 patients were on ventilators, which was a reduction of 16 statewide.
Thursday’s winter storm likely reduced testing and discovery of many new cases on Friday. Updated data for Friday wasn’t available before The Sun’s early weather-related deadline.
Craighead – 133 new cases; 1,589 active cases. | 2022-02-05T09:11:28Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Virus deaths rise | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/virus-deaths-rise/article_380e519d-36a7-539d-ae41-0233fa3dde69.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/virus-deaths-rise/article_380e519d-36a7-539d-ae41-0233fa3dde69.html |
Keep the coal fires burning
I'm submitting this on Tuesday, February 1, before the coming storm on Thursday. About a year ago, I wrote to thank City, Water, and Light (CWL), Entergy Arkansas and CentergyPoint Gas for each company's stellar performance through the Texas power outage that spread virally across state lines last February. I'm confident that each utility will outperform last year by not shutting down the industrial park this time around to manage the load.
Why? The people in countries throughout Europe who embraced "green renewable energy" are suffering this winter from poor heating services and many in America and in Northeast Arkansas are feeling the pinch from higher utility bills ... from last winter. By refusing to manage the load, CWL and the others can demonstrate the strengthening of the utility systems over the last year, the viability of our multiple energy sources and, perhaps, executives will slow the unnecessary spread of unreliable, yet "green," solar and wind.
Also, thanks to CWL for updating its online history after 2014. While the information is more vague than the history prior, I appreciate the update. Now, let's keep those coal fires burning ... I meant "home" fires.
Howard L. Weinstock | 2022-02-05T09:12:11Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Keep the coal fires burning | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/keep-the-coal-fires-burning/article_c91e86b0-2882-500d-953c-0f3fc9b02b96.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/keep-the-coal-fires-burning/article_c91e86b0-2882-500d-953c-0f3fc9b02b96.html |
JONESBORO — A case in Jonesboro proves that the pen is indeed mightier than the gun.
On Saturday at about 5:20 a.m. Jonesboro police were called to a domestic dispute in the 3700 block of Kristi Lake Drive. Three people – Larry C. Bean, 35, of the 3100 block of Mead Drive; Emily Jones, 31, of the 800 block of Jeanette, Harrisburg; and Montana Jones, 21, also of the 800 block of Jeanette – were found to have been in an altercation.
According to a police report, Bean was found to be suffering a bloody mouth and a stab wound to his left arm. Montana Jones had a bloody nose and swelling to the nose and right side of her face. Emily Jones wasn’t injured.
According to a probable cause affidavit by Detective Chad Hogard, “When they arrived they observed Montana Jones outside and when she saw the officers she ran back in. Officers then heard an altercation with several people.
“After the parties were separated it was discovered that Larry Bean had been in a fight with his girlfriend Emily Jones. Montana Jones then stepped in to attempt to break it up. Montana Jones said she stepped outside to calm down and that is when she saw the officers. When she went back in, Larry Bean put a gun to her head, and punched her in the face. Officers did find the gun described by Jones involved in the incident.”
Montana Jones stabbed Bean with a Bic ink pen in his left arm after he put a gun to her head, police said.
After the dust had settled, Bean was held on suspicion of aggravated assault and third-degree domestic battery. On Monday District Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause to charge Bean with those charges. His bond was set at $35,000.
Emily Jones was charged Monday with third-degree domestic violence by Fowler and given a $3,500 bond. She was released from the Craighead County Detention Center on Monday afternoon.
Montana Jones was originally charged with aggravated assault. Investigators later determined that she acted in self-defense, and she was released Monday morning without charges, according to police.
jschratz@jonesborosun.com | 2022-02-08T12:09:39Z | www.jonesborosun.com | 2 charged, 1 released in domestic situation | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/2-charged-1-released-in-domestic-situation/article_c46c5286-6aea-5179-ae37-d8676f74ac5f.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/2-charged-1-released-in-domestic-situation/article_c46c5286-6aea-5179-ae37-d8676f74ac5f.html |
The staff at Dairy King in Portia includes (from left) Dana Hamilton of Shannon, Crystal Williams of Powhatan, Renee Madden of Hoxie, owner Gina Rorex of Portia and Lori Kisling of Walnut Ridge.
Dairy King owner Gina Rorex stirs a pot of beans, which Dairy King is known for, before the lunch crowd hits. Dairy King is also known for its ice cream, catfish and burgers.
One local restaurant has much cause for celebration as it has been named to the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.
Dairy King in Portia, located at 103 East Front Street, was one of three Arkansas restaurants to be named to the prestigious 2022 list, joining the Colonial Steakhouse in Pine Bluff and Neal’s Café in Springdale.
“I’m overwhelmed. We are extremely honored. It’s a huge honor for me and my family and especially my father’s legacy,” Gina said. “I’m extremely grateful for my crew and loyal customers.”
Each year, three honorees are inducted into the distinguished Arkansas Food Hall of Fame. Officials said this year, more than 2,000 submissions were received from all 75 counties in the state. From the 2,000 submissions, Dairy King was one of 15 finalists, alongside well-known Arkansas restaurants such as Stoby’s Restaurant in Conway and the Dixie Pig in Blytheville. | 2022-02-09T13:44:03Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Dairy King inducted into Arkansas Food Hall of Fame | Times Dispatch | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/dairy-king-inducted-into-arkansas-food-hall-of-fame/article_015b535c-13de-593b-9466-f725b2ead820.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/dairy-king-inducted-into-arkansas-food-hall-of-fame/article_015b535c-13de-593b-9466-f725b2ead820.html |
The number of active COVID-19 cases in Lawrence County was cut nearly in half this past week as the Arkansas Department of Health reports 186 current active cases among residents of the county.
The new case count is a decline of 145 from last week’s active case count of 331, according to figures reported on the ADH website.
The number of new cases reported in the county also continues to decline with only 115 new cases reported in the past seven days. The new cumulative case count is 4,845, compared to 4,730 last Tuesday.
The 115 new cases reported during the past week are less than half of the 263 new cases reported the previous week.
Recoveries continue to outpace new cases with 258 added to the recovered list for Lawrence County. The new total for recoveries, as of Tuesday is 4,592, up from 4,334 a week ago.
The ADH did report two additional COVID-related deaths among Lawrence County residents during the past week, bringing that total to 67. | 2022-02-09T13:44:07Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Covid cases continue to decline | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/news/covid-cases-continue-to-decline/article_4099d52f-01ad-5f72-b018-b5e25e4a4b5d.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/news/covid-cases-continue-to-decline/article_4099d52f-01ad-5f72-b018-b5e25e4a4b5d.html |
Zakary Lee Bratcher
Zakary Lee Bratcher, 27, was born at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., on March 4, 1994. He passed away at home in Strawberry, on Feb. 6, 2022.
Zak was the beloved son to USAF Retired MSgt Bobby and Denise Bratcher, the beloved brother to sister Dakota and her husband Justin Mangrum, and the cherished uncle to Jason and Dean Mangrum.
Zakary’s life was far from normal. At the age of 18 months, he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a degenerative neuromuscular disease that causes the muscle in the body to atrophy until a person loses all physical abilities. Though Duchenne had a hold on his life, Zakary never let it define him as a person. He will always be remembered by those who knew him as a man of incredible strength and perseverance. He was a fanatic of all things penguins, firefighting and war history. He was an inquisitive person who could talk your ear off for hours on anything history related. His greatest joy came 15 months ago when he became an uncle. He always looked forward to visits, phone video calls or pictures.
In his youth, Zakary was a Goodwill Ambassador for the MS Gulf Coast and an advocate for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). For many years, Zak and his family were a staple of the WLOX (MS Gulf Coast) and Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, raising awareness and funds to support research for DMD and other neuromuscular diseases.
Zakary is survived by parents, Bobby and Denise (Massia) Bratcher of Strawberry; sister, Dakota (Justin) Mangrum of Bono; nephews, Jason and Dean Mangrum of Bono; grandmother, Janice (Durham) Bratcher of Strawberry; aunt, Regina (Bratcher) Bell of Saffell; great-aunt, Deanna (Stanley) Wrenn; extended family: godparents, Wayne and Pam (Fortenberry) Freer; aunt, Pamela (Massey) Cook of El Dorado; uncle, Alex Moore of Ohio; cousins, Taylon (Cook) and Daniel Steele and their children Sutton and Gabe of El Dorado, Jared Cook and his daughter Eva of El Dorado; Tracey Moore of North Caroline; Crystal (Otto) Rajtora of Peoria, Ill.; Terra (Kirk) Patton and Chris Massia of Kansas City, Kan.; Trèka (Ethan) Clark of Paragould; and Wade (Sarah) Freer of Lafe.
Zakary was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Charles Bratcher; maternal grandparents, Woodrow and Corabell Whalen, uncles, Tom Massia, Rick Cook and Jimmy Bell; aunts, Jeri Shay and Sharon Whalen; and cousin, Justin Bell.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jared Cook, Daniel Steele, Ryan Ward, Landon Davis, Wade Freer, Ethan Clark, Thomas Polston and Blake Massey.
The Bratcher family wishes to express our gratitude to the many friends and family that have helped us through our journey. We would like to say thank you to his incredible caregivers who always went above and beyond to care for his many needs over the last few years: Holly Lamberth, Sheila Calfas and Linda Durham Johnson.
A graveside memorial service will be held at the Little Cemetery on Thursday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting all donations be made in his name to any of the many local cemeteries of Northeast Arkansas. | 2022-02-09T13:44:35Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Zakary Lee Bratcher | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/zakary-lee-bratcher/article_c37ed45a-a8ec-55fc-8b2c-e637e099ec2e.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/zakary-lee-bratcher/article_c37ed45a-a8ec-55fc-8b2c-e637e099ec2e.html |
Kari Shanks, manager of the local Walmart, has been elected to serve as chairman of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Board. Other members of the executive committee are Mike Montgomery, past chairman; Ashley Burris, vice chairman; Dr. Brett Cooper, chairman-elect; and Debbie Smith, member-at-large.
Former Lawrence County Sheriff and County Judge D.S. “Rosie” Foley died Monday at Lawrence Memorial Hospital at the age of 90. Foley served as Lawrence County Sheriff from 1951 to 1960 and then became county judge in 1979, serving in that position until 1982.
Many Lawrence County and Northeast Arkansas residents watched with excitement Thursday night when one of its own, Lauren Gray, age 23, appeared on the hit television show “American Idol.” Lauren sang “One and Only” by Adele before celebrity judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson. The judges, especially Lopez, reacted quite favorably on the show to her performance. Gray’s father, Michael Gray, is a 1970 graduate of Walnut Ridge High School, and Lauren is a 2007 graduate of Pocahontas High School.
Two Hoxie High School football players signed letters of intent to play for William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, during a National Signing Day ceremony on Feb. 1. Quarterback Sebastian Irvin and offensive lineman Ricky Adams committed to play for the Statesmen in front of a crowd of family, coaches and fellow players.
Firemen were called to the Dairy King in Portia at approximately 3:45 Saturday morning. A fire destroyed the restaurant, and owner Don Rorex and family said they plan to bulldoze the structure and rebuild.
Sonic of Walnut Ridge was named one of the top 10 restaurants in the country after they competed last week at the 2001 Dr. Pepper Sonic games in Las Vegas. Employees who competed were Terry and Sherry Burnside, Jody Woodard, Brian Romine, Sheila Woodson, Craig Bass and Amber Martin.
Lynn senior high homecoming court members include Jill Mize, Emily Richmond, Jama Corder, Shania Richmond and Melissa Troup. The junior high homecoming court includes Whitney Penn, Angel Carley, Lana Richey, Lindsey Deeter and Mari-Lyn Carter.
Winning teams in the 2002 Lawrence County Basketball Tournament included: senior girls, Sloan-Hendrix; senior boys, River Valley; junior girls, River Valley; and junior boys, Sloan-Hendrix.
An assembly was held on Jan. 18 at River Valley School to introduce the annual queen and court. Lacy Mitchell, a senior, is the 2002 Ranger annual queen. April Durham, a sophomore, is first runner-up and senior Mandy Keefer is second runner-up.
The annual Lawrence County 4-H Achievement Banquet was held Jan. 19 at the Powhatan Community Center. Trophies, plaques and certificates were given for outstanding performance during the 2001 4-H year. Senior 4-H winners were: Bridgette Whitlow, Elizabeth Swartzlander, Sonya Willfond, Alicia Halfacre, Krystal Hendon, Josh Dement, Stephanie Richey and Samantha Mitchell. Junior winners include: Kevin Rorex, Michelle Teague, Kyle Bristow, Nicole Powers, Leah Carlson, Robert Jones, Shantel Blankenship, Brian Dement, Alysia Coles, Lauren Rhodes, Karen Rorex, Logan Coles and Adam Carlson. Gail and Scott Rorex were named leaders of the year.
Rebecca Startup, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Startup, will reign as queen during Walnut Ridge High School basketball homecoming on Tuesday night.
Lawrence County Tournament champions are: Strawberry senior boys, Sloan-Hendrix senior girls, Sloan-Hendrix junior boys and Hoxie junior girls.
Celebrating 50th wedding anniversaries are Mr. and Mrs. Raymond King of Hoxie, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Jarrett of Walnut Ridge and Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Craig of Powhatan.
So far in the winter of 1981-82, this area has had 9 1/2 inches of snow. Snow fell an inch an hour Sunday morning, causing many churches to cancel services. A four-inch snow fell here Jan. 12, followed by a three and one-half inch snow last Sunday. Another two inches of snow had fallen here on Wednesday.
Randy Smith Week is Jan. 30-Feb. 4 in Walnut Ridge. He remains a patient in the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Casey Pickney and Wanda Allison are heading the drive.
Twelve members of the Walnut Ridge High School Band won positions in the All-Region Band tryouts held recently. They include: Kay Lynn Brand, Terri Moody, Carla Cate, Cindy Wheeless, Vonda Davis, Mark Clark, Tim Segraves, Joe Tillman, Randy Pinkston, David Corbett, Mike Slayton and Jayme Caspall.
Burning natural gas from a broken line endangered the huge cotton compress here Friday night for 2 1/2 hours before the broken gas main could be recapped.
Robin Vance of Walnut Ridge was elected chief of the newly organized Order of the Arrow chapter for the Ozark District of Boy Scouts.
Edward and Winnie Lou Tedder are announcing the arrival of their first child, a daughter born Sunday morning at 9:21 in St. Bernards Hospital. Weighing seven pounds, six ounces, the little lady has been named Rhonda Gay. Mrs. Tedder is commercial teacher in WRHS.
Otho Odom has retired after 20 years of service with Ark-Mo Power Company. Mr. Odom will continue to serve the company as a consultant in electric heating.
The home economics instructor at Hoxie High School, Miss Viola Callahan, has been invited to represent the home economics teachers of 12 southern states at New Orleans during the week of Feb. 11-15.
Everette Campbell was re-elected president of the Strawberry School and Community Improvement Club Monday night. Other officers elected were Homer Segraves, Mrs. M.B. Williams and Mrs. H.H. Blanchard Jr.
Jim Bland, Jr., editor of The Times Dispatch in Walnut Ridge, was one of seven new directors elected to membership on the Board of the Arkansas Economic Council-State Chamber of Commerce at the annual meeting in Little Rock last Friday.
Members of the cast of Dixie Frolics, hometown show sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary are: Robert Moore, Ed Summers, Marlin Wilcoxson, Andrew Ponder, Henry Rainwater, Buddy Tolson, Gilbert Rainey, Alvin Wilcoxson, Buddy Byars, Gardner Long, Jack Rainey, Otho Odom, Eddie Auldridge, Jack Gipson, Billy Drew Henry, Addison Rainwater, W.T. Altman, Chub Byars, Harry Hilburn, Percy Cunningham and Glover Rice.
W.E. Baker of Alicia has opened a real estate office in Walnut Ridge.
Theodore Penn, 68, member of a prominent Strawberry family, died at the old Penn homestead Sunday.
Mrs. A.T. Craig, aged 73, died suddenly here yesterday morning. She was a native of Strawberry and mother of a large family.
Wendell Jones, husky center for the Clover Bend Eagles, led his team to a 37-32 win over Ash Flat. Jones scored 29 points. Sloan Bennett played an excellent defensive game.
Seniors at WRHS making the honor roll were: Devoe Foley, Claude Howerton, Billy LaCoss, Jay Meyer, R.C. Rankin, Edgar Riddick, H.B. Starnes, Nathan Sturch, Louise Bailey, Ruth Jean Bench, Fredia Haulum, Flossie Mayfield, Earnestine McCall, Ava Lee Meadows, Vesta Montgomery, Nancy Ponder, Milly Bland and Dorothy Zalaker.
Brooks Penn is at Camp Robinson and learned he has been assigned to the Air Corps.
Friday night’s Hoxie Mustang games with Swifton were the last ones under Coach McWilliams, who has gone to the Air Corps.
Rev. R.E.L. Bearden Jr., Annie Rose Rainwater, Emily Dugger and Kenneth Kirkpatrick attended the Methodist Youth Retreat at Jonesboro.
W.A. Bratcher, well-known citizen and for many years owner and operator of a blacksmith shop in Walnut Ridge, will move to his farm near Imboden in February. The shop will be operated by Homer Kell, who has one-half interest in the business. | 2022-02-09T13:44:41Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Yesteryears | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_8f5045ed-2cae-5ed1-8be1-81e040597641.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_8f5045ed-2cae-5ed1-8be1-81e040597641.html |
The Walnut Ridge Bobcats routed Piggott 82-45 in 3A-3 senior boys basketball on Feb. 1 at Terry Belcher Gymnasium in Walnut Ridge.
Kel Slusser scored 26 points to lead the Bobcats. Jayden Hollister added 20 points, and Ty Flippo finished with 13.
Walnut Ridge improved to 10-2 in the conference and 16-3 overall.
The Walnut Ridge senior girls edged the Lady Mohawks 45-43 on Jan. 31.
Gosnell
Walnut Ridge’s senior boys had an easy time with Gosnell, defeating the Pirates 79-48 on Jan. 31 at Walnut Ridge.
Hollister scored 26 points to lead the Bobcats, while Flippo added 17 points. | 2022-02-09T13:44:47Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Bobcats earn wins over Piggott, Gosnell | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/bobcats-earn-wins-over-piggott-gosnell/article_196cff58-6920-5c02-b687-eb0a75b615e4.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/bobcats-earn-wins-over-piggott-gosnell/article_196cff58-6920-5c02-b687-eb0a75b615e4.html |
Mary Ratliffe
Mary Ella Donaldson Ratliffe of Newport went to meet her Lord and Savior on Feb. 1, 2022.
She was born in Diaz on May 28, 1933, to the late Ruth and Hillmon Donaldson.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert C. Ratliffe; her two sisters, Lucy Corley and Ruth Calvin; and one brother, Hillmon Donaldson, Jr.
She is survived by six children: three sons, Charles and Robert Donaldson and Derrick Ratliffe; three daughters, Laurine Hayes, Ada Ratliffe-Butler, and Sharon Martin; one sister, Emma Jean Young; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Walk-through visitation was Monday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. until noon at
5th Street Church of Christ, 5th and Hazel Street in Newport. Graveside services were at 1 p.m. at New Hope Cemetery, 311 Kaye Street in Tuckerman.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Donaldson Family Endowed Scholarship Fund at Philander Smith College, 900 Daisy Gaston Bates Drive, Little Rock, AR 72202.
Taylor and Kimbrough Funeral Home of Newport had charge of arrangements. | 2022-02-10T03:27:50Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Mary Ratliffe | | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/mary-ratliffe/article_8d334f09-ba96-5b44-b072-7e5ad117e9bf.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/mary-ratliffe/article_8d334f09-ba96-5b44-b072-7e5ad117e9bf.html |
Tenaris boosts production
HOUSTON — Tenaris is boosting production at its welded mill in Hickman amid the company’s ongoing manufacturing growth across the U.S. that began in early 2021.
The mill is increasing manufacturing activity, producing a range of welded oil country tubular goods, including proprietary Wedge Series 400TM connections, to support growing customer demand in the States.
“Hot-rolled coil prices have begun to drop following massive gains last year and customer demand continues to grow for domestically made pipe. These conditions make it the right time for a meaningful restart of welded production, part of the ramp-up across the United States that began late 2020,” said Luca Zanotti, Tenaris U.S. President
Activity at the Hickman plant had been maintained throughout 2020 and 2021 albeit at lower levels due to the market downturn. During this period, employees in Hickman underwent cross-training, enhancing skill sets in different areas of operations.
Following improvements incorporated in the latter half of 2021 for a more efficient flow of the manufacturing processes, the mill will be steadily adding capacity and volumes in the coming months.
Tenaris is looking to hire an additional 250 for the Hickman facility.
“These are interesting times for our sector with more favorable movements in the market, though pressures persist, in supply chains and with the pandemic. We remain uniquely positioned, leading a dynamic and fast-paced scale-up of our domestic operations, now with welded production contributing on a greater level to our integrated US network of mills and service centers,” Zanotti said.
Since October 2020 when Tenaris began its industrial expansion plan, it has grown its U.S. team by 1,200 employees, which will continue throughout 2022. | 2022-02-10T10:22:20Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Tenaris boosts production | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/tenaris-boosts-production/article_0c000f74-7e7d-5bbf-865a-7d3ec871ac4c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/tenaris-boosts-production/article_0c000f74-7e7d-5bbf-865a-7d3ec871ac4c.html |
Virus cases recede further
JONESBORO — The Arkansas Department of Health reported another decline in new coronavirus infections Wednesday. Most counties in Northeast Arkansas also showed a decline from Tuesday and from the previous Wednesday.
The statewide total was 2,337 new cases based on the results of 7,207 tests.
The statewide death toll rose by 32 to 9,927, including two Craighead County residents and one person each in Greene and Mississippi counties.
Hospitalizations statewide dropped by 36 to 1,323. Of those, 191 were on ventilators, a reduction of five. In Northeast Arkansas, COVID hospitalizations increased by two to 179, but those on ventilators declined by four from Tuesday.
Wednesday’s report showed two of the state’s most populous counties – Pulaski and Washington – also had the most new cases. Pulaski had 242, while Washington County recorded 171. White County (Searcy) was third at 141. | 2022-02-10T10:23:03Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Virus cases recede further | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/virus-cases-recede-further/article_b2cdb78e-c53e-5a76-8002-a29ce3e8496c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/virus-cases-recede-further/article_b2cdb78e-c53e-5a76-8002-a29ce3e8496c.html |
Jonesboro’s Jesse Washington scores over Paragould’s Isaac Jiles (33) during the first half of Tuesday’s game. Washington scored his 1,000th career point as the Hurricane defeated the Rams 70-36.
Jonesboro’s Kylen Kelly finishes a dunk during the fourth quarter of the Hurricane’s 70-36 victory over Paragould on Tuesday.
Jonesboro cruises past Paragould, extends win streak
JONESBORO — Jonesboro’s pace is tough to match.
Paragould kept up with the second-ranked Hurricane for most of the first half Tuesday night, but the game started slipping away from the Rams late in the second quarter as Jonesboro won 70-36 to extend its winning streak to 10 games in senior boys’ basketball.
Jonesboro (19-3, 9-0 5A-East) scored the last 11 points of the first half to take a 36-23 lead to the locker room at halftime. Up 50-31 after three quarters, the Hurricane started the fourth quarter on a 14-2 run that put the mercy rule into effect.
Jonesboro coach Wes Swift said his team’s depth made a difference agains the Rams (10-11, 1-7 conference).
“This has got to be the best 10-10 team in the state in Paragould. The fact that they have only one win in our conference, they’ve been really unlucky,” Swift said. “They’ve been in practically every game. We talked about the last time we played them at their place, them getting off to such a strong start and leading us at the end of one quarter. They kind of did the same thing tonight.
“The reason we were picking them up full-court man-to-man wasn’t to turn them over, it was just to keep the pace where we wanted it and eventually wear them down. I think as you got late in the second quarter, that’s when we had our run, I think fatigue had set in and when you got into the third and fourth quarter, I think you started seeing some tired legs. I was proud that we kept our composure early when things weren’t going our way and just kept playing.”
Senior Quion Williams led the Hurricane with 18 points. Senior guard Jesse Washington reached a career milestone of 1,000 points while scoring 16 in Tuesday’s game. Senior Kavon Pointer was also in double figures with 10 points.
Swift said Washington is the sixth player to score 1,000 career points during his tenure as the Hurricane’s head coach.
“It’s not easy to do here. It’s tough to play as a sophomore, first of all, so a lot of times you only get two years. Jesse did play as a sophomore and those are the guys who have been eclipsing it,” Swift said. “We don’t have 25, 35-point per game scorers like some people do. You have to do it within our concepts and he did it, and that’s pretty impressive.”
Jonesboro played without senior point guard Amarion Wilson. Swift said Wilson is dealing with plantar fasciitis and was also sick Tuesday.
Isaiah Jackson scored 14 points to lead Paragould.
Jonesboro 48, Paragould 44
The Lady Hurricane avenged its lone 5A-East loss, holding off the Lady Rams to remain a game in front of both Marion and West Memphis in the conference standings.
Jonesboro (14-6, 8-1 conference) led by 13 points early in the fourth quarter, only to see Paragould (12-7, 4-4) narrow the gap to one possession inside the final minute on Mikayla Lambert’s fourth 3-pointer of the game.
Ereauna Hardaway made two free throws with 37.7 seconds remaining to give the Lady Hurricane a 48-44 lead. Jonesboro’s defense frustrated the Lady Rams into a jump shot that sailed out of bounds with 8.5 seconds to play.
Jonesboro coach Jodi Christenberry said effort was the difference in her team’s play Tuesday and its 50-43 loss last month at Paragould. She credited the Lady Rams for their rally that forced the Lady Hurricane to hang on at the finish.
“Hats off to them,” Christenberry said. “They really stuck with it and trusted what they do, and they came back on us.”
Senior post Destiny Thomas scored 18 points to lead the Lady Hurricane to its seventh consecutive victory. Hardaway added 14 points, including 7-of-8 from the free-throw line, and Bramyia Johnson finished with eight points.
Keimauri Brown scored 13 points and Lambert added 12 for Paragould. Jonesboro focused its defense on guard Carson DeFries, who finished with five points.
“Our plan was to shut down DeFries. I thought we did really good at that, but then the rest of them picked it up and they got it done,” Christenberry said. “That’s the thing, you can’t always stop everything, so when everybody else starts hitting shots, all we could do was just try to hold on, get rebounds when they did miss and take care of the basketball.
“We missed about five layups. We made great cuts, we made the right decisions and then we just didn’t finish, and that’s what made it get so close.”
Jonesboro led 18-13 after the first quarter and 27-20 at halftime. Paragould closed within 32-28 in the third quarter before the Lady Hurricane finished the period on a 5-0 run to lead 37-28.
Four different players scored from the 3-point line in Paragould’s fourth-quarter rally.
Hadlee DeFries drilled a 3 to pull the Lady Rams within 43-38 with 2:38 to go and Shakira Brown’s 3 cut Paragould’s deficit to 45-41 at the 1:59 mark. Lambert’s 3 brought the Lady Rams within two points, 46-44, with 41 seconds to go.
Jonesboro travels to Greene County Tech on Friday, while Paragould hosts Batesville. | 2022-02-10T10:23:58Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Jonesboro cruises past Paragould, extends win streak | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/jonesboro-cruises-past-paragould-extends-win-streak/article_29bd12bc-e3d7-5865-b3b2-074b05e18f79.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/jonesboro-cruises-past-paragould-extends-win-streak/article_29bd12bc-e3d7-5865-b3b2-074b05e18f79.html |
By Independent Staff
The city of Newport reports that a Municipal League Property Insurance adjuster has surveyed the damage sustained at George Kell Park during high winds and a possible tornado in December, and will be getting back with Newport Mayor David Stewart.
On Dec. 10, the weather caused extensive damage at the park. Ballpark lights were damaged, shingles were blown off the concession stand building, the tops of the dugouts were blown off, large trees were uprooted, and fences and the batting cage were destroyed.
Also in January, the city council approved relocation of a monument from the National Guard Armory to Front Street Veterans Park. The monument lists the names of National Guard members who served in Iraq and Egypt. | 2022-02-10T16:10:58Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Park damage surveyed, monument relocation approved | Newport | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/park-damage-surveyed-monument-relocation-approved/article_062cffcb-8cee-52bc-b526-9015cadc2a96.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/park-damage-surveyed-monument-relocation-approved/article_062cffcb-8cee-52bc-b526-9015cadc2a96.html |
Kale among King Kennedy Awards honorees
LITTLE ROCK — In celebration of Black History Month, the Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus will honor nine Arkansans who have positively impacted the state at the 18th Annual King Kennedy Awards at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Venue at Windsong, 7318 Windsong Drive in North Little Rock.
LaGanzie Kale, founder and general manager of KLEK 102.5 F.M. in Jonesboro will receive the Annie Abrams Community Service Award.
Other awards and their recipients include the Irma Hunter Brown Women’s Leadership Award to Dametrice FranSha Anderson of Little Rock.
The Thomas E. Patterson Education Award to Dr. Janice Warren of Little Rock.
The Jerry Jewel Government Leadership Award Joni Alexander of Pine Bluff.
The Calvin King Economic Development Award to Darrell Anthony of Marion.
President’s Awards went to:
Kwami Abdul-Bey of Little Rock
Keidra Phillips-Burrell of Pine Bluff
Dr. Michelle R. Smith of North Little Rock.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to retired Col. Erica Ingram of the Arkansas Army National Guard.
The King Kennedy Awards were established in 2005 to honor and recognize outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and the state.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to provide two scholarships to students at the four Arkansas historically black colleges or universities. | 2022-02-11T15:33:57Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Kale among King Kennedy Awards honorees | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/kale-among-king-kennedy-awards-honorees/article_75f93f3a-4bae-584d-a319-b4c0bab899fd.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/kale-among-king-kennedy-awards-honorees/article_75f93f3a-4bae-584d-a319-b4c0bab899fd.html |
PARAGOULD — Berkli Benefield’s volleyball career will continue after her graduation from Paragould High School.
Benefield, a right-side hitter and middle blocker for the Lady Rams, signed a letter of intent Wednesday with Mineral Area College. She moves on to junior college volleyball after becoming a two-year starter at Paragould, helping her team reach the second round of the Class 5A state tournament as a senior.
“I’m really excited,” Benefield said after signing her letter of intent. “I hope when I move on that I can continue to keep growing and just better myself and help others who are there too.”
Benefield, a 6-0 left-hander, earned playing time as a sophomore on Paragould’s Class 5A state semifinal team. She started as a junior and senior, compiling 175 kills, 45 blocks and 39 digs last fall.
Paragould coach Reed Fogleman said Benefield made a difference with her leadership ability as well as her skills.
“She’s a great blocker. She has great block timing, probably one of the best we have on our team,” Fogleman said. “She has a contagiously good attitude, just a leader on the floor, a good attitude, excitement, energy. You knew when she was on the floor because there was always some excitement happening.”
Fogleman said Benefield has put in extra time and work to develop as a player, earning everything she’s achieved.
Watching a former Lady Ram when she was younger gave Benefield motivation to work hard.
“I saw Sydney Layrock playing when she was like my age and it really inspired me,” Benefield said. “I thought it was cool that she was that good, and I wanted to be like her.”
Benefield considered other options before solidifying her commitment to Mineral Area, which is located in Park Hills, Mo. She talked to Webster University and Fontbonne University in St. Louis, both of which play NCAA Division III volleyball and do not offer scholarships.
A solid career at Mineral Area could lead to other options involving four-year schools.
“I hope I can go there and go where I want to go afterwards,” Benefield said. | 2022-02-11T15:35:23Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Mineral Area signs Paragould's Benefield | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/mineral-area-signs-paragoulds-benefield/article_c0821e69-a8c2-53dd-9638-519f83435682.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/mineral-area-signs-paragoulds-benefield/article_c0821e69-a8c2-53dd-9638-519f83435682.html |
Cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later in the day. Much colder. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph..
Century Farm applications available
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2022 Arkansas Century Farm program. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years.
“Arkansas Century Farm families have persevered for at least 10 decades and have contributed greatly in making Arkansas agriculture the success story that it is today,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward in a press release.
The same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by Dec. 31, 2022. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings and nephews or nieces, including through marriage or adoption.
The farm must be at least 10 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.
Online and printable applications are available at bit.ly/3ouEPbi.
Applications must be received via email or postmarked on or before May 31 to be eligible for designation as a 2022 inductee. There is no cost to apply for the program.
Qualifying Arkansas farms will receive a personalized Arkansas Century Farm certificate and metal sign listing the farm name and year established.
Contact Beth Moore at beth.moore@agriculture.arkansas.gov or 501-539-4027 with questions. | 2022-02-12T08:20:17Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Century Farm applications available | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/century-farm-applications-available/article_985adbde-7f41-538a-bca7-33c826a88a95.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/century-farm-applications-available/article_985adbde-7f41-538a-bca7-33c826a88a95.html |
Recreation grants announced
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has announced more than $3.6 million in Outdoor Recreation Grants awarded to projects within 25 counties across the state. The grants are divided into two categories: Matching Grants and Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods (FUN) Park Grants.
Locations in Northeast Arkansas receiving Matching Grants for 2022 were:
Brookland, $225,000 to develop two new parks, Smith Street and East Ridge, with pavilions, park amenities, play areas, walking trails, basketball facilities, and access.
Cave City, $75,834.13 to construct a new playground with accessibility and fencing at Cave City Park.
Those receiving FUN Park Grants included:
Peach Orchard, $75,000 to construct a pavilion, install picnic tables and replace existing outdated playground equipment at Peach Orchard Park.
Sidney, $75,000 to replace play equipment, improve access and install benches, grills and impact surfacing at Sidney Park.
Swifton, $75,000 to install new play equipment, benches and access improvements at Swifton City Park.
Tuckerman, $75,000 to replace outdated playground equipment and associated fall-zone material, and to provide barrier-free parking and access to the playground, restroom and pavilion at Tuckerman City Park. | 2022-02-12T08:21:00Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Recreation grants announced | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/recreation-grants-announced/article_a0063db6-b71a-5b15-8a88-29583d83427a.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/recreation-grants-announced/article_a0063db6-b71a-5b15-8a88-29583d83427a.html |
Work scheduled on Craighead 856
JONESBORO — The Craighead County Highway Department will close a portion of Craighead 856 beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday to replace a bridge panel.
The road should reopen by 4 p.m., weather permitting. It will be closed between Craighead 837 and 841.
Detour signs will be posted to alert the public and motorists are asked to use caution in the area. Commuters should allow for additional travel time. | 2022-02-12T08:21:12Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Work scheduled on Craighead 856 | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/work-scheduled-on-craighead-856/article_e1c66beb-fe64-53f9-baa1-bc7f16fd0e09.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/work-scheduled-on-craighead-856/article_e1c66beb-fe64-53f9-baa1-bc7f16fd0e09.html |
JONESBORO — From one two weeks ago, the number of applications for new private club alcohol permits on the agenda for the Jonesboro City Council has grown to three.
On Tuesday, the council is scheduled to hear the first of three required readings for proposed permits for XET Concepts, doing business as Unwind Cafe, and for Sunflower Social Club, doing business as Poppy’s Beach Grill & Event Center.
Unwind Cafe would be located at 2816 Creek Drive, off of Red Wolf Boulevard.
Poppy’s, at 2915 Kazi Drive, lists Ken Yarbrough as president and secretary of the board of directors. Jonathan Yarbrough is vice president and Zach Gartman is treasurer. The club lists a membership roster of 146.
Scheduled for a second reading is a proposed ordinance that would approve a permit for Umai Sushi and Grill, which would operate from Suite B of 1841 E. Highland Drive.
Zhen Zhou of Jonesboro is listed as president of that private club. Two other members of his household are listed as members of the club’s board of directors. It claims 160 members.
Two rezoning proposals are also scheduled for their second readings.
Caliarka Petro, LLC seeks to rezone 27.76 acres at 5712 C.W. Post Road from I-1 limited industrial to C-3 general commercial. The land which is at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
Caliarka seeks to develop a TA Express truck stop, according to the application.
In the other proposal, Mike Cameron seeks to rezone 2.35 acres at 1510 and 1604 Woodsprings Road from C-4 neighborhood commercial to PD-RS, planned residential.
Cameron proposes to build 11 townhomes on the property, which is located near Woodsprings Pharmacy.
In other business, the council will hear the first reading of proposed ordinances that would:
Waive competitive bidding and approve a $39,999 contract with Cox Implement Co. for the purchase of a pre-ownede 2021 Massey Ferguson 2860 EA tractor and accessories for use by the parks department.
Proposed resolutions would:
Schedule a public hearing on a request to abandon a drainage easement in the Hill Park commercial subdivision, Phase 1.
Approve change orders for contracts for the Craighead Technology Park Industrial Lead Rail expansion project.
Approve the sale of 3,400-square-feet of city-owned land at the corner of Main Street and East Johnson Avenue to Watson Ice Co.
The council’s public safety committee will meet at 5 p.m. | 2022-02-12T08:21:24Z | www.jonesborosun.com | 3 alcohol permits on council's agenda | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/3-alcohol-permits-on-councils-agenda/article_6cdebc6e-7ff3-5a8a-b2de-c852d974fe53.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/3-alcohol-permits-on-councils-agenda/article_6cdebc6e-7ff3-5a8a-b2de-c852d974fe53.html |
Dustin Hundley (from left), Ellen Hundley, and Native Brew Works co-owners Heath Gammill and Jackson Spencer, are presented with the coveted ladle trophy by Micheal Sullivan, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Jonesboro, at the award ceremony on Thursday for their “Creamy Mexican Street Corn and Bacon Chowder with Cornbread” inside Native Brew Works on South Gee Street in Jonesboro. “We will keep it safe until next Souper Sunday,” Gammill said of the trophy.
JONESBORO — Habitat for Humanity of Greater Jonesboro’s annual Souper Sunday fundraiser raised $21,500 this year with Native Brew Works winning the coveted ladle trophy.
Out of the 16 soups that were entered into the competition, the “Most Requested Soup” went to Native Brew Works for their Creamy Mexican Street Corn and Bacon Chowder with Cornbread.
At an award ceremony on Thursday, Micheal Sullivan, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Jonesboro, said, “The money raised will help finish construction on eight new Habitat homes in Jonesboro scheduled to be complete this year.”
These eight homes will complete the project for a housing development known as the Build Up for Phillip community that was started in 2017, according to a press release on Tuesday.
Habitat for Humanity’s annual Souper Sunday fundraiser looked a little different, but the impact from the funds raised remained the same.
The traditional Souper Sunday allowed participants to sample each donated soup and then vote for their favorite, however, this year participants picked up three 10-ounce soups to take home along with bread and other purchased baked goods. The restaurant that ran out of soup first was named the ‘Most Requested Soup’ winner.
“Canceling this fundraiser another year was not an option,” Sullivan said. “The need for affordable housing is in high demand and hosting fundraisers like Souper Sunday allows us to fulfill our mission of putting qualified families in a home they can call their own.”
This was the first-time that Native Brew Works had entered the competition, according to co-owner Heath Gammill, who said, “We were really surprised to win. It is such a great and meaningful event. We appreciate what Habitat for Humanity does for the community, and I was amazed at how much they raise.”
For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Greater Jonesboro, Souper Sunday, or the Build Up for Phillip project, visit www.JonesboroHabitat.com. | 2022-02-12T08:21:42Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Habitat for Humanity raises $21,500 | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/habitat-for-humanity-raises-21-500/article_bf30cec6-c75c-53b0-9e5b-5b5ebf9404ea.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/habitat-for-humanity-raises-21-500/article_bf30cec6-c75c-53b0-9e5b-5b5ebf9404ea.html |
Virus cases rise to 200 in Craighead
JONESBORO — While statewide coronavirus numbers went down again on Friday, Craighead County accounted for more than 10 percent of the total with 200 new infections reported.
The Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,947 new cases.
The statewide death toll rose by 40 to 9,977. Two Craighead County residents and one each from Greene and Poinsett counties were among the newly-disclosed COVID-related deaths.
Active cases declined by 2,659 to 21,515. Active case counts also declined in each county in Northeast Arkansas.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday that the seven-day moving average of daily new cases had decreased by 42.8 percent through Wednesday, compared with the previous seven-day moving average. A total of 77,179,255 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the United States as of Wednesday. Through Friday, Arkansas accounted for 804,745 of them.
Craighead County’s 200 new cases were the most among counties in the state. Faulkner County (Conway) had 165 and Pulaski County (Little Rock) had 163. | 2022-02-12T08:22:13Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Virus cases rise to 200 in Craighead | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/virus-cases-rise-to-200-in-craighead/article_1056d528-2ea8-58e3-b23e-638e619d471c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/virus-cases-rise-to-200-in-craighead/article_1056d528-2ea8-58e3-b23e-638e619d471c.html |
It looks like Republicans once again decided to write letters to the editor after their little tea party this week. Their usual talking points are as stale as they are inaccurate. I am curious, however, whether or not local Republicans are offering official endorsement to a recent edict from the Republican National Committee. The RNC declared the violence of January 6 to be "legitimate political discourse."
As a former career-service employee in Florida's state government, I am curious how interfering with with official governmental procedure can be cast as legal by the RNC. I would also appreciate discovering why threats to assassinate a vice president are now legal according to Republicans. Why is carrying weapons on federal property now seen as legitimate political discourse by the party. Is trespassing into offices of elected officials now legal as long as the perpetrators support elected officials backed by the Republican Party? Are Republicans now allowed to desecrate the nation's capital by smearing human waste on its floor and walls?
Without finding childish and inane ways to blame Democrats, I am also interested in why an organization -- that touts itself as the party of law and order -- has issued a statement in which the attacks on police officers now count as "legitimate political discourse." In the words of Republican Senator Lindsay Graham, it appears that the party has gone [expletive deleted] crazy.
Gregory Hansen | 2022-02-12T08:23:08Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Legitimate political discourse? | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/legitimate-political-discourse/article_64c02098-5d9f-5e65-bced-73317d01936c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/legitimate-political-discourse/article_64c02098-5d9f-5e65-bced-73317d01936c.html |
Revoked
Revoked! That's what the Driver Control Office did to my license when I self reported that I have epilepsy and needed a hardship license for my 14 year old daughter.
I have been in the car with her as she has been driving on a permit since passing her test, and she has done great. She has even driven my 3/4 ton truck through downtown Fayetteville during rush hour over the summer.
Now she can't drive me to the grocery store legally because I reported that I have epilepsy, and my license was revoked. I get it. People who have seizures shouldn't be driving. That is why I wanted her to get this hardship license in the first place.
I can't drive her to school, and since she attends Westside, not Valley View (our home district) she does not have bus transportation to and from school. Further, she participates in after school events that make scheduling her pick up next to impossible.
Before we applied, she and I could go anywhere together. Now, she can drive to and from school, but I am complete at the mercy of others to transport me.
She can turn out of our driveway headed to school alone and be perfectly legal, but if she turns the other direction with me in the car, she is breaking the law, all because my license was revoked. If I had any other disability, this would never have happened. It's a broken system.
Sam Kelley | 2022-02-12T08:23:20Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Revoked | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/revoked/article_7b4af63a-f5c9-5c8e-9637-45df5d1dfb8a.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/revoked/article_7b4af63a-f5c9-5c8e-9637-45df5d1dfb8a.html |
PARAGOULD — A 13-0 run that started late in the second quarter and continued into the third propelled Jonesboro to a 38-31 victory over Greene County Tech in 5A-East senior girls' basketball Friday night.
The Lady Hurricane scored the final three points of the second quarter and the first 10 of the third to take a 25-20 lead. Jonesboro led 28-23 at the end of the third quarter on the way to its eighth consecutive victory.
Ereauna Hardaway scored 13 points and Destiny Thomas added 10 for Jonesboro (15-6, 9-1 conference). The Lady Hurricane trailed 13-8 after the first quarter and 20-15 at halftime.
WEST MEMPHIS — Four players accounted for all of West Memphis' points Friday night as the Lady Devils defeated Nettleton 40-30 in 5A-East senior girls' basketball.
Aniya Price scored 13 points, Clemisha Prackett 12 and Tyra Taylor 10 for West Memphis, which improved to 7-2 in conference play. The Lady Devils led 11-8 after the first quarter, 18-14 at halftime and 29-18 after the third quarter.
D'maria Daniels and McKenzie Williams scored 10 points each for Nettleton (16-9, 4-6 conference).
BROOKLAND — Trumann outscored Brookland 15-6 in the fourth quarter Friday to rally for a 48-45 victory in 4A-3 senior girls' basketball.
Sonia Barnes scored seven points in the fourth quarter and Kaydence Jones added six in the final period for the Lady Wildcats (10-12, 8-6 conference). Jones led Trumann with 16 points, while Nygeria Jones added 15 and Barnes 10.
Kinsey Clark scored 14 points, Addy Vowell 12 and Stella Parker nine for Brookland (8-13, 5-9 conference). The Lady Bearcats led 14-11 after the first quarter, 29-22 at halftime and 39-33 after three quarters.
LITTLE ROCK — Wynne's winning ways continued in senior girls' basketball Friday as the Lady Yellowjackets routed 4A-5 conference foe eStem 63-41 for their 12th consecutive victory.
Zahryia Baker scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as Wynne (19-5, 11-0 conference) kept its hold on first place in the 4A-5. Shay Lewis produced 19 points, five steals and four assists, while Derriona Spencer scored 12 points.
Wynne led 18-14 after the first quarter and 32-23 at halftime.
Rector 68, Bay 45
RECTOR — Rector earned its 20th victory of the season in senior girls' basketball Friday by defeating Bay 68-45.
The Lady Cougars (20-6, 12-2 conference) built a 13-2 lead in the first quarter. After leading 25-18 at halftime, Rector opened a 47-21 advantage in the third quarter.
Ellie Ford and Morgan Garner scored 14 points each to lead Rector. Carly Rodden added 11 points and Cierra Rients 10 in a balanced effort for the Lady Cougars.
Keyana Dodson scored 12 points and Vidalia McIntire added 11 for Bay.
BRADFORD — Tuckerman routed Bradford 69-27 Friday night in senior girls' basketball.
The Lady Bulldogs (21-11) led 24-8 after the first quarter, 49-14 at halftime and 60-22 after the third quarter. Shanley Williams and Ansley Dawson scored 15 points each for Tuckerman. | 2022-02-12T08:23:38Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Lady Hurricane win streak reaches eight | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/lady-hurricane-extends-win-streak-to-eight/article_37ab1832-550f-598c-8c07-51edac4c2750.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/lady-hurricane-extends-win-streak-to-eight/article_37ab1832-550f-598c-8c07-51edac4c2750.html |
The deadline for residents of Craighead, Jackson, Mississippi, Poinsett and Woodruff counties to apply for FEMA assistance for damage from the December storms and tornadoes is fast approaching.
The final day is Feb. 22.
To apply for assistance, go to disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA app on your Smartphone.
Those eligible for help from FEMA and whose grants are approved and deposited into their bank accounts should spend the funds only on disaster-related expenses.
A letter or notification in their disasterassistance.gov account will confirm the amount deposited and explain what the money should be used for.
Disaster grants are not for regular living expenses.
It is necessary to keep receipts for all expenses for at least three years, as disaster funding may be subject to review. | 2022-02-16T14:46:38Z | www.jonesborosun.com | FEMA deadline approaching | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/fema-deadline-approaching/article_35bce052-1e92-5fc9-95a1-52721ed9859a.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/fema-deadline-approaching/article_35bce052-1e92-5fc9-95a1-52721ed9859a.html |
JONESBORO — The 2021-22 Arkansas Lions District 7-0 annual convention will take place Saturday in Jonesboro, at Forest Home Church of the Nazarene, 2403 Ritter Drive.
The session will run from 9:30 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m., and will provide updates and reports on club, district, state and national/international projects, and will elect next year’s district governor, and first and second vice district governors.
District 7-0 Gov. Roy Patterson of Jonesboro will lead the meetings.
All Lions, Leos and friends are eligible to attend.
Breakfast snacks and lunch will be available for in-person attendees. The luncheon speaker will be Arkansas state Representative and Lion Dwight Tosh.
Registration is free, but attendees are asked to register via their club’s secretary, to aid lunch planning.
Lions District 7-0 represents clubs in northeast and north-central Arkansas. | 2022-02-16T14:46:41Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Lions convention set for Saturday | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/lions-convention-set-for-saturday/article_73f73e26-7314-50e3-a604-5d51449e3d79.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/lions-convention-set-for-saturday/article_73f73e26-7314-50e3-a604-5d51449e3d79.html |
Robyne Richards of Beebe as Sara and Miraya Gerardo-Munguia of Searcy as Callie will play the lead roles in the Arkansas State University Department of Theatre’s production of “Stop Kiss” which will open a 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Simpson Theater of the Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive in Jonesboro.
Courtesy of A-State Department of Theatre
JONESBORO — Arkansas State University’s Department of Theatre will continue its 2021-22 season with “Stop Kiss” by Diana Son.
Performances will be 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Additional performances will be 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25-26.
Performances will take place in the Simpson Theater, off the Grand Hall of Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive, on the A-State campus.
“Stop Kiss” takes place after Callie meets Sara, and they unexpectedly fall in love. But unfortunately, their first kiss provokes a violent attack that transforms their lives in a way they could never anticipate. “Stop Kiss” was described by Variety as “A poignant and funny play about the way, both sudden and slow, that lives can change irrevocably.”
The cast includes theater majors Miraya Gerardo-Munguia of Searcy as Callie; Robyne Richards of Beebe as Sara; Norah Wilborn of Jonesboro as Detective Cole; Gavin Wilson of Berryville as George; Kaito Ito of Tokyo, Japan, as Peter; Kit Castellan of Poplar Bluff, Mo., as Mrs. Winsley/nurse; and Hayley Murry of Beebe as Mrs. Winsley/nurse.
The show is directed by DayDay Robinson, assistant professor of theater. Assistant directors include theater majors Tyler Jones of Beebe and Kori Denison of Batesville.
Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for seniors, children and A-State faculty and staff. A-State student tickets are free at the box office with a student ID.
They can be purchased from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays at the First National Bank Arena Box Office, 217 Olympic Drive, by calling 870-972-2781 or online at astate.edu/tickets. | 2022-02-16T14:46:41Z | www.jonesborosun.com | ‘Stop Kiss' to open Friday | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/stop-kiss-to-open-friday/article_085ce1af-6e6b-51b6-9f87-7e9b727de839.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/stop-kiss-to-open-friday/article_085ce1af-6e6b-51b6-9f87-7e9b727de839.html |
JONESBORO — A Jonesboro woman was arrested Monday night after riding her bicycle without lights in the 700 block of Creath Avenue.
Becky Denison, 35, of the 200 block of Craighead Road 456, is being held on suspicion of possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams and revocation of probation.
The manager of Asphalt Producers, 1712 Dan Ave., told police Monday morning that someone cut the lock and stole a truck from the parking lot. No value of the truck was listed on the police report.
Police arrested Aaron Matthew Jones, 28, of the 2700 block of Kristal Road, on Monday night in the 600 block of West Washington Ave., after police said he was driving a stolen 2020 Jeep Gladiator. Police said Jones was in possession of Promethazine DM syrup without a prescription.
A 63-year-old Jonesboro woman told police early Tuesday morning that someone broke into her residence in the 1000 block of Belt Street and stole items. Taken were two televisions valued at $1,200. Damage to a door was listed at $500.
A 32-year-old Jonesboro woman reported that someone broke into her vehicle Monday morning in the 1700 block of East Johnson Avenue. Stolen were wallets and credit cards. | 2022-02-16T14:46:58Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Biking woman charged with meth possession | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/biking-woman-charged-with-meth-possession/article_9c7859a1-0767-5379-81db-70f5bc2bf26f.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/biking-woman-charged-with-meth-possession/article_9c7859a1-0767-5379-81db-70f5bc2bf26f.html |
JONESBORO — By a 3-2 vote the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library rejected a proposal Monday to move a certain book from the children and teen’s section to the adult area.
New Library Director Vanessa Adams, on her first day on the job, said Tuesday she doesn’t believe the issue is resolved.
“It will keep popping up,” she said, adding that she planned to speak to board members individually and that the issue will probably be brought up at the board’s meeting in March.
The book being considered, “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson, will remain where it is currently located.
Voting for moving the book were board members Mark Nichols and Kailey Luster. Voting against were board vice chairman Mike Johnson and members Michael Watkins and Dr. Lily Zeng, Adams said. Board member Shalon Tate was absent.
Nichols and Luster said the book is too sexually explicit to be in the area it is in.
“People should be responsible for what their children or grandchildren look at,” board Chairwoman Janice Griffin said Tuesday. “I’m not for censuring books.”
Adams said the board would review its pandemic policy on a month-by-month basis. The board voted to keep the current policy, which requires library visitors to wear a face mask, in place.
During a public comment period, former board member Amanda Escue spoke out against the mask mandate. When she finished speaking she refused to put her face mask back on.
“I asked her nicely to put the mask back on,” Griffin said. “She refused.”
Escue, who sued the board for a violation of the state’s Freedom of Information Act last year, was escorted out of the library by Jonesboro police officers.
“After the mask mandate vote to keep the mask enforcement in place for one more month, an individual removed her mask and refused to leave when asked by their security officer,” according to Sally Smith, public information specialist with the Jonesboro police. “A JPD officer did walk over to the female subject and asked her to leave on behalf of the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library staff. She complied and left the meeting.”
The majority of the library board had been supportive of former Director David Eckert, twice voting in November to reject measures that Eckert opposed.
Nichols and Luster wanted the board to decide on sensitive materials additions to the library, instead of the existing policy of letting the library staff do so.
The vote Monday reaffirmed the existing policy.
Eckert resigned in November, effective Jan. 1. Assistant Director Tonya Ryals resigned in December. In her resignation letter she said, “Please know that I did not make this decision lightly and that it was based entirely on continued harassment and perceived threats to my physical, mental, and professional well-being.”
Her last day is next week.
Adams said she’s hopeful a compromise can be reached.
“I feel the board is very supportive of me, and I appreciate that,” she said.
Adams said she’s getting ready to post an ad to find a replacement for Ryals, and applicants must have a master’s degree in Library Science.
The board meeting drew a crowd of 73. | 2022-02-16T14:47:10Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Library board votes not to move book | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/library-board-votes-not-to-move-book/article_9aff7335-f7cc-53c2-85ce-803c5fa9b533.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/library-board-votes-not-to-move-book/article_9aff7335-f7cc-53c2-85ce-803c5fa9b533.html |
Lawrence County had more new cases of COVID-19 added this week than the previous week, according to Arkansas Department of Health reports, but recoveries continue to climb even faster, leading to a reduction in active cases yet again.
As of Tuesday morning, the ADH reported 93 active cases in the county, exactly half the total of 186 active cases reported the previous Tuesday and a reduction of more than 70 percent from the 331 reported the week prior to that.
This reduction of active cases comes despite 142 new cases being reported in the county, bringing the new cumulative case total to 4,987, up from 4,845 a week ago. The previous week only saw 115 new cases.
Recoveries continue to outpace new cases with 235 added to the recovered list for Lawrence County in the past seven days. The new total for recoveries, as of Tuesday is 4,827, up from 4,592 a week ago. This follows a week when 258 were added to the recovered list.
The number of COVID-related deaths among Lawrence County residents remained unchanged at 67. | 2022-02-16T14:49:18Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Active cases under 100 in county | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/news/active-cases-under-100-in-county/article_0aa751d6-9af6-525b-8f5b-5ac0855bc464.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/news/active-cases-under-100-in-county/article_0aa751d6-9af6-525b-8f5b-5ac0855bc464.html |
James “Buddy” Sexton, 77, of Alicia, passed from this life on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, at his home.
He was born on Dec. 6, 1944, in Powhatan, to Pinky and Lura Smith Sexton. Buddy was a farmer during his life. He was of the Christian belief.
In addition to his parents, Buddy was preceded in death by longtime girlfriend, Nancy Sexton; one brother, Bill Dunnivant; and three sisters, Martha Bentley, Wanda Gambrell and Juanita March.
He is survived by one daughter, Stacy Moss, of the home; one brother, Tony (Annie) Sexton of Bay; one sister, Glenda Wantland of Pocahontas; three grandsons, Jakob Chamlies, Nolyn Chamlies, Chance Chamlies; one granddaughter, Hailey Moss; and several great-grandchildren.
Visitation was Friday, Feb. 11, from noon until 2 p.m. The funeral followed at 2 p.m. at Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge. Interment was in Smithville Cemetery.
Honored to serve as pallbearers were Jakob Chamlies, Nolyn Chamlies, Chance Chamlies, Bryan Sexton and Greg Moss. Honorary pallbearer was Wink Phillips. | 2022-02-16T14:49:30Z | www.jonesborosun.com | James “Buddy” Sexton | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/james-buddy-sexton/article_b12a42d2-5a64-592a-9f75-86d74d048082.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/james-buddy-sexton/article_b12a42d2-5a64-592a-9f75-86d74d048082.html |
JONESBORO — Police arrested a 38-year-old Jonesboro woman Wednesday night after an employee of Walgreens, 1330 S. Caraway Road, called police about a shoplifter.
Helen J. Newsome, of the 300 block of Melrose Street, is being held in the Craighead County Detention Center on suspicion of possession of meth or cocaine greater than 2 grams but less than 10 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and shoplifting $1,000 or less.
A 29-year-old woman told police someone came to her residence in the 700 block of Brook Meadow at about 8:45 a.m. Thursday and robbed her at gunpoint. Stolen were $1,437 in cash and a money card.
Police arrested Anthony Welch, 35, of the 500 block of North Main Street, on Wednesday night at the intersection of Bradley and North Main streets. Welch is being held on suspicion of possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams.
Police arrested Benjamin Chairse, 34, of the 3800 block of Stevens Street, on Wednesday night after an officer saw he had a warrant out of Poinsett County. Chairse is being held on suspicion of possession of a Schedule I or II drug not meth or cocaine less than 2 grams.
Police arrested Michael Stegner, 38, of the 600 block of Warren Street, following a parole search of his residence. He is being held on suspicion of possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams, parole violation, felony and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.
An employee at Dollar General, 4117 E. Highland Drive, told police Wednesday morning that someone used a counterfeit $100 bill to make a purchase.
Police arrested Aaron Clark, 30, of the 3000 block of Fairview, on Wednesday morning after a probation search of his residence turned up drugs, police said. He is being held on suspicion of possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams.
Police arrested Nicholas Trevor Clements, 24, and Micaleah Clements, 43, both of of the 1700 block of Bernard Street, early Wednesday afternoon. Nicholas Clements is being held on a felony failure to appear warrant; Micaleah Clements is being held on suspicion of hindering apprehension, a felony.
A 68-year-old Jonesboro woman told police Wednesday morning she thinks her granddaughter stole checks from her in the 400 block of Brookstone Drive and cashed them. The 14 checks totaled $1,189.
A 59-year-old Jonesboro man reported Wednesday morning that someone broke into his vehicle in the 3100 block of Rosalee Drive and took his medications and tools. The value of the items is listed at $300.
A 27-year-old Jonesboro woman told police Wednesday afternoon that someone entered her unlocked vehicle in the 1700 block of West Matthews Avenue and stole a bank card and $150 in cash.
A 53-year-old Jonesboro woman reported Wednesday night that the driver of her vehicle made her get out of it at her residence in the 1600 block of North Culberhouse Street and stole the 2002 Dodge Ram. The suspect is a 27-year-old Corning woman. | 2022-02-18T15:21:09Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Police: Shoplifter had drugs, paraphernalia | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/police-shoplifter-had-drugs-paraphernalia/article_f30d036e-4193-5135-90b3-0e0f5a8c8f12.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/police-shoplifter-had-drugs-paraphernalia/article_f30d036e-4193-5135-90b3-0e0f5a8c8f12.html |
WALNUT RIDGE — Manila pulled away from Gosnell in the final period Wednesday for a 76-61 victory in the 3A-3 boys’ district tournament, earning a regional tournament berth and its 20th victory of the season.
The third-seeded Lions (20-8) moved on to play second-seeded Walnut Ridge in Thursday night’s 8:30 semifinal. The first semifinal Thursday matched top-seeded Osceola and fourth-seeded Rivercrest, a 68-65 winner over Corning on Wednesday.
In girls’ quarterfinals Wednesday, fourth-seeded Osceola defeated Walnut Ridge 37-20 and third-seeded Hoxie ousted Gosnell 39-24. Osceola and top-seeded Manila met in Thursday’s first semifinal, followed by second-seeded Corning and Hoxie.
Championship games in both divisions are this evening, starting with the girls’ contest at 6 p.m.
Brayden Nunnally scored 25 points to lead Manila, followed by Jake Baltimore with 17 points, Rex Farmer with 16 and Dax Davison with 13. The Lions led 22-14 after the first quarter, 40-32 at halftime and 53-48 after the third quarter.
Camron Williams scored 17 points, Taderian Partee 12, Daniel Sullivan 11 and Travis Reed 10 for Gosnell.
Carmelo Vasquez scored 27 points to lead Rivercrest past Corning. Braylon Diggs added 18 points, Clay Burks 10 and Lath Latham 10 for the Colts (16-9).
Clayton Vanpool finished with 20 points to lead Corning, with Jayce Couch and Eli Mason adding 13 each.
Jaecie Brown and Chloe Prater scored 11 points each in Hoxie’s quarterfinal victory over Gosnell in the girls’ tournament. | 2022-02-18T15:22:16Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Manila earns 20th victory, regional berth | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/manila-earns-20th-victory-regional-berth/article_d27f8c59-f3fc-577d-9328-129ad0d81dd8.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/manila-earns-20th-victory-regional-berth/article_d27f8c59-f3fc-577d-9328-129ad0d81dd8.html |
MEMPHIS — The Mid-South Mayors’ Council, of which Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver is a member, is creating what will be called the RegionSmart Tri-State Compact Initiative, whose sole purpose is to maximize regional competitiveness and determine regional priorities.
Fifteen mayors and other officials, both elected and representatives of business and governments, comprising seven counties in the tri-state area met at the FedEx Forum in Memphis to hear a presentation and panel discussion on the benefits of the alliance.
The goal is to create an interstate “compact,” which exists for many reasons in 200 places around the nation, most notably New York-New Jersey Port Authority compact, said RegionSmart Executive Director Anna McQuinston.
“It starts the conversation and it connects us with all the things we visualize as making better quality of place for Jonesboro,” Copenhaver said in a news release.
The room of about 80 leaders included some good friends and some meeting for the first time.
“In this area, we feel like the land of misfit toys,” Southaven, Mississippi Mayor Darren Musselwhite said, citing the disconnect of the region with its respective state capitals. “Northeast Arkansas doesn’t get all it needs from Little Rock. DeSoto County feels like Jackson, Mississippi, sort of thinks of it as Memphis, and Shelby, Fayette and Tipton counties feel a disconnect from Nashville.”
“Our lives are intertwined,” Tipton County Executive Director Jeff Huffman said.
In addition to Copenhaver, Jonesboro Grants Director Regina Burkett and Alan Pillow, director of the Northeast Arkansas Regional Transportation Planning Commission, as well as ArDOT director Lorie Tudor, state Highway Commissioner Alec Farmer of Jonesboro and state Sen. Dan Sullivan participated.
State Sen. Keith Ingram of West Memphis said a third bridge across the Mississippi River is an example of a priority project for this organization.
“We’ve done a poor job of collaborating to raise up our region,” Musselwhite said. “This can fix that.”
Other possible projects included recruitment of large employers, improving waste-water and sewer infrastructure, seeking funding for wider existing highways, and working with school systems to provide an educated candidate pool for regional employers. | 2022-02-19T18:12:11Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Copenhaver helps form tri-state coalition | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/copenhaver-helps-form-tri-state-coalition/article_ba950555-8953-514c-9946-b197eaf57053.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/copenhaver-helps-form-tri-state-coalition/article_ba950555-8953-514c-9946-b197eaf57053.html |
Craighead adds 4 deaths to virus toll
JONESBORO — The Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,279 new cases of the coronavirus on Friday, with Craighead County contributing 90 of those new infections. Pulaski County, with 131, had the highest number of new cases, followed by 114 in Garland County and 98 in Benton County.
The state disclosed 36 new COVID-connected deaths, including four Craighead County residents. Health officials blame 306 deaths in Craighead County on the virus since March of 2020.
Active cases declined by just 72 statewide to 12,412.
Hospitalizations due to COVID statewide stood at 865, down by 66 from Thursday. Of those, 138 were on ventilators, a reduction of four. Hospitalizations in Northeast Arkansas were unchanged, with 103 COVID patients. Nine remained on ventilators.
Jackson – 10 new cases; 73 active.
Mississippi – 8 new cases; 128 active. | 2022-02-19T18:12:17Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Craighead adds 4 deaths to virus toll | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/craighead-adds-4-deaths-to-virus-toll/article_b9be2b30-efaa-50e9-a530-025faf8c600c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/craighead-adds-4-deaths-to-virus-toll/article_b9be2b30-efaa-50e9-a530-025faf8c600c.html |
JHS student arrested after scuffle
JONESBORO — A 17-year-old student at Jonesboro High School was arrested Thursday afternoon after police responded to a report of a student who was fighting with students and teachers, according to a JPD report.
The school resource officer responded to a disturbance. Officer Rayonica Thomas found someone holding down the suspect on the floor. Thomas said the suspect was using profanity at the person holding him down.
The boy could face charges of second-degree battery, third-degree battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental operations.
A 33-year-old Jonesboro woman reported Thursday night that someone broke into her residence in the 1500 block of Dana Debbie Street. The victim told officers that she has a no-contact order with the 35-year-old male suspect. Nothing was listed as stolen.
A 40-year-old Jonesboro woman reported Thursday morning that someone stole a firearm from her residence in the 2400 block of Court Street. The 9 mm Glock handgun is valued at $549. | 2022-02-19T18:12:35Z | www.jonesborosun.com | JHS student arrested after scuffle | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/jhs-student-arrested-after-scuffle/article_c756f000-15aa-5fba-aaaa-aef736302d49.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/jhs-student-arrested-after-scuffle/article_c756f000-15aa-5fba-aaaa-aef736302d49.html |
JONESBORO — Jonesboro police released body camera footage from the Feb. 9 officer-involved shooting in which Patrolman Corey Obregon shot and killed Jayden J. Prunty after Prunty first shot and wounded Obregon.
The body cam shows Obregon pulling his police cruiser to the side of the road in the 100 block of Spruce Street at about 10:30 p.m. The video shows Prunty, of the 100 block of East Woodrow Street, standing on the side of the street.
Obregon approaches Prunty, saying he smells marijuana. Prunty starts walking in the opposite direction. Obregon tells Prunty several times to stop as Prunty continues walking away.
Prunty starts running, and Obregon begins to chase him, the video shows.
Obregon is shown tackling Prunty, whose hands are under him as he is held on his stomach by Obregon.
The officer is seen trying to secure Prunty’s hands, ordering him to comply. Obregon feels a gun in Prunty’s hand and tries to secure his hands.
As they struggle, Prunty fires the 9 mm handgun, striking Obregon in the calf on his leg.
Obregon falls to his side and unholsters his weapon, firing it twice and striking Prunty once in the head.
The video shows Obregon getting up and kicking Prunty’s weapon away from him. He then calls dispatch, saying both he and the suspect have been shot.
Obregon then goes to his police cruiser and retrieves a tourniquet, which he applies to his leg.
Minutes later other officers are seen arriving at the scene.
According to a police report, Prunty later died at St. Bernards Medical Center.
Obregon was treated for a gunshot wound and released.
Police Chief Rick Elliott said Friday that the Arkansas State Police investigation isn’t complete until it receives a toxicology report from the State Crime Lab, which could take weeks, he said.
Elliott said the department’s Internal Affairs Division conducted an investigation into the shooting and, according to a preliminary report, found no department policy violations in Obregon’s actions.
Elliott said he expects the 2nd Judicial District Prosecutor’s Office to issue a letter of clearance next week. Obregon would then be eligible to return to work. | 2022-02-19T18:12:47Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Police release video in deadly shooting by officer | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/police-release-video-in-deadly-shooting-by-officer/article_4b136bc2-e33f-5c77-b338-c5d326ae838f.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/police-release-video-in-deadly-shooting-by-officer/article_4b136bc2-e33f-5c77-b338-c5d326ae838f.html |
Illegal policies would cost taxpayers
At the Valentine's Day meeting of the Jonesboro Library Board, there was a controversial policy proposal on the agenda. The policy was submitted by Mark Nichols and proposed shifting books he believes are sexually explicit and inappropriate for kids and young adults to the adult section.
The courts have found, over and over, that this act is unconstitutional. It violates the First Amendment. A sitting board member in our community continues to support and propose policies that violate the law. Another board member, Kailey Luster, supports his work.
The policy failed thanks to votes by board members who, even if they agree with the ideas in the policy, recognize that the policy is illegal on its face. It opens the library and board members up to litigation. Taxpayers will foot the bill for defense of a policy that is not legal — and we'll lose.
Nichols and Luster violate their oath to serve on the library board regularly, because they know they won't be held accountable by the people who placed them there: Judge Marvin Day and the Craighead County Quorum Court. When it comes to legal adherence to constitutional principles, how long can the Quorum Court have confidence in board members determined to break it?
Renay Williams | 2022-02-19T18:13:30Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Illegal policies would cost taxpayers | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/illegal-policies-would-cost-taxpayers/article_26028f5d-23b2-5487-ae76-478b76ac4428.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/illegal-policies-would-cost-taxpayers/article_26028f5d-23b2-5487-ae76-478b76ac4428.html |
Immorality vote
Your Craighead County Regional Library Board is now on record supporting that it is okay for your children to read and view sexually explicit material in the kids section of the library. By a 3-2 vote, the board recently voted to not move this type of material to the adult section.
Every preacher, pastor, priest and other church leaders and congregants should go as a group to the local library and tell the new library director that her board is openly giving its approval to perversion and immorality. If we are truly a nation under God, library patrons should be fearful that this board's decision is not only a violation of community decency standards but an affront to the God who will judge them when they stand before him after this vapor of a life is over.
When I was a kid growing up in Jonesboro, the local library was a safe haven where you could go and spend some quality time with your friends while you read or viewed material that was carefully monitored by decent staff members. Are any of you old enough to remember Elizabeth Malone and her staff? They would be appalled at the actions of their successors.
I assume these so-called protectors of what our children see and read are also okay allowing our underage kids to watch R-rated movies and visit pornography sites on the internet. Now you don't have to go to Seductions or other mature venues for your porn. Just visit the Adult Book Store in the children's section of your local library.
Any library patron who supports decency and wholesomeness should refuse to use this local facility until sanity returns to its oversight. The old joke that the inmates are now in charge of the asylum seems to apply in our local community. | 2022-02-19T18:13:36Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Immorality vote | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/immorality-vote/article_b7aae408-ce44-54e2-98ea-2f0939173907.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/immorality-vote/article_b7aae408-ce44-54e2-98ea-2f0939173907.html |
Lions edge Bobcats in 3A-3 district semifinals
WALNUT RIDGE — Manila reached the 3A-3 district tournament final in both divisions with semifinal victories Thursday, including a last-second triumph to advance in the boys’ bracket.
Manila’s Dax Davison scored off a rebound with 10.5 seconds remaining and rebounded a Walnut Ridge miss in the final seconds to seal the Lions’ 53-51 victory over the Bobcats.
Third-seeded Manila met top-seeded Osceola in the boys’ championship game Friday night. The Seminoles cruised past rival Rivercrest 90-72 in the semifinals.
The top-seeded Manila girls reached Friday’s championship game with a 48-38 semifinal victory over Osceola. Third-seeded Hoxie also earned a berth in the final with a 49-41 victory over Corning.
Brayden Nunnally scored 18 points to lead Manila (21-8) past Walnut Ridge (20-5). Luke Kirk added 12 points and Davison 11 for the Lions, who led 19-16 after the first quarter, 30-24 at halftime and 42-35 after the third quarter.
Ty Flippo scored 19 points and Maddox Jean 14 for Walnut Ridge, the fourth-ranked team in Class 3A. The Bobcats scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter to tie the game.
Osceola (21-4) reached the boys’ championship game with its 11th consecutive victory. Daylen Love scored 22 points, including 16 in the first half, to lead the Seminoles, who are ranked third in Class 3A.
Terrance Nimmers added 16 points, Jerry Long 15 and Cassidy Bullard 13 for Osceola.
Madison Hitchcock scored 25 points as Manila (25-4) avenged last week’s home loss to Osceola (14-8) in the girls’ division. Sadie McDonald added 17 points for the Lady Lions, while Alyssa Summerville led Osceola with nine pionts.
Jaecie Brown scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Hoxie past Corning in the girls’ semifinals. Bailey Prater added 10 points and Ellery Gillham grabbed 12 rebounds for the Lady Mustangs (18-9).
Whitley Bolen scored 17 points and Makenna Lunsford added 12 on four 3-pointers for second-seeded Corning (19-5). The Lady Bobcats led 18-14 at halftime and 29-28 after the third quarter.
RECTOR – The top two seeds in both brackets advanced Thursday in the 2A-3 district basketball tournament.
Regular-season champion Buffalo Island Central held off Bay 40-33 in the boys’ semifinals. The Mustangs and third-seeded Earle, a 67-58 winner over Rector, met in Friday night’s championship game.
Marmaduke, the girls’ regular-season champion, rolled past BIC 75-45 in the semifinals. The Lady Greyhounds and second-seeded Rector, which rolled past Riverside 53-23, met in Friday’s championship game.
Jaron Burrow scored 14 points, eight in the fourth quarter, to help BIC (27-5) get past Bay. Jack Edwards and Caden Whitehead added seven points each for the Mustangs, who led 15-10 after the first quarter, 20-14 at halftime and 25-19 after the third quarter.
Justin Brannen scored 18 points and Tyler Fraley eight for Bay.
Earle rallied past Rector after trailing 50-44 at the end of the third quarter. Cooper Rabjohn scored 31 points for second-seeded Rector (20-9).
Marmaduke (33-3) scored 25 points in the first quarter and 30 in the third of its victory over BIC. Heidi Robinson scored 21 points, Makenzie Hampton 20 and Bean Hoffman 18 for the Lady Greyhounds.
Arabella Oliver led BIC with 18 points and Hallee Wells added 12.
Rector (21-6) led 17-7 after the first quarter, 29-15 at halftime and 43-18 after the third quarter in its victory over Riverside. Carly Rodden scored 15 points and Ellie Ford finished with 14 for the Lady Cougars.
Gracie Washington led Riverside with 11 points.
SALEM – Regular-season champion Sloan-Hendrix advanced to the boys’ championship game of the 2A-3 district tournament with a 57-46 victory over Salem on Thursday night.
The top-seeded Greyhounds (26-5) will play Melbourne in the finals tonight at 6:30. Melbourne, the No. 2 seed, edged Tuckerman 43-41 in the second semifinal game.
Braden Cox and Cade Grisham scored 13 points each to lead Sloan-Hendrix past Salem. Down 14-12 after the first quarter, Sloan-Hendrix came back to lead 31-18 at halftime and 41-31 after the third quarter.
Caden Griffin scored 19 points as Melbourne edged Tuckerman. David Platt led Tuckerman with 15 points and nine rebounds.
Melbourne led 10-4 after the first quarter. Tuckerman slipped in front 15-14 at halftime and Melbourne led 22-21 after the third quarter.
In the girls’ division, second-seeded Tuckerman opened a double-digit lead in the first quarter and went on to earn a 50-40 semifinal victory over Salem. The Lady Bulldogs (22-10) led 18-7 after the first quarter, 25-14 at halftime and 37-26 after three quarters.
Kenzie Soden scored 14 points, Shanley Williams 12 and Ansley Dawson 10 for Tuckerman. Madeline Keen led Salem (18-7) with 14 points.
Tuckerman will play No. 1 seed Melbourne, a 56-20 semifinal winner against Cedar Ridge, in the championship game today at 5 p.m.
LYNN – The top seeds in both brackets earned victories in the 1A-3 district tournament semifinals Thursday before a power outage forced the remaining semifinal games to be postponed until today.
Marked Tree (22-1) extended its winning streak to 22 games with a 66-35 victory over Maynard in the boys’ semifinals. Mammoth Spring eliminated Marked Tree 61-41 in the girls’ semifinals.
Semifinals that were rescheduled for Friday included Ridgefield Christian-Mammoth Spring in the boys’ division and Hillcrest-Maynard in the girls’ tournament. The championship games will be played today, starting at 1 p.m.
BJ Marshall scored 12 points and Itavious Nesbitt 10 for Marked Tree, the state’s top-ranked team in Class 1A.
Brynn Washam scored 16 points, Tay Davis 13 and Megyn Upton 11 to help Mammoth Spring (25-7), the No. 4-ranked team in 1A, reach the girls’ championship game. | 2022-02-19T18:14:06Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Lions edge Bobcats in 3A-3 district semifinals | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/lions-edge-bobcats-in-3a-3-district-semifinals/article_84aa6675-3584-57ef-a863-7a2f41fdd0c1.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/lions-edge-bobcats-in-3a-3-district-semifinals/article_84aa6675-3584-57ef-a863-7a2f41fdd0c1.html |
Nettleton's Jordan Pigram shoots over Batesville's Shane Dunlap during the first half of Friday's game at Raider Gym. Pigram scored 16 points in the Raiders' 72-43 victory.
JONESBORO — Nettleton's state tournament hopes remain alive as the Raiders start the final week of the season.
Friday's 72-43 rout of Batesville kept Nettleton in the 5A-East playoff picture with two games to play. The Raiders shot better than 65 percent from the field as they thrashed the conference's last-place team to pull into a tie with Searcy for fifth place, one game behind Greene County Tech.
Nettleton coach Bubba Deaton said his team played with a sense of urgency in its home finale.
"It helps when you make a couple of shots. This last week and a half, we haven't got off to good starts and it was 16-7 at the end of one quarter," Deaton said. "We didn't have a good second quarter, but in the third quarter I thought that was the first time all year, even when we had a full roster, that we played like we were winning. We slowed it down, played inside out, did a great job of giving our post guys some touches."
The Raiders (17-10, 5-7 conference) found success pounding the ball inside to junior Jordan Pigram and seniors Andre Davis and Antoine Edmond, who were a combined 14-of-18 from the field.
Pigram scored 16 points to lead Nettleton. Davis and Edmond scored eight points each, with Edmond grabbing 13 rebounds to control the boards and Davis grabbing three steals.
Senior guard J.T. Turner scored 13 points and kept the Raider offense moving with 10 assists. Senior guard Brandon Anderson added nine points.
Deaton was happy to see Nettleton's seniors enjoy a strong performance in the home finale.
"We have six seniors and five have been in the program since the seventh grade," Deaton said. "They haven't given us an ounce of trouble all year, they've been fun to be around, and it seems like every we get knocked down, we get right back off the mat. We didn't play very well Tuesday and we had great practices this week."
Turner scored eight points and Edmond six in the first quarter to help Nettleton start well. The Raiders led by as many as 14 points in the second quarter before the Pioneers (4-19, 0-12 conference) clawed within 26-19 at intermission.
Nettleton hammered the ball inside to Davis and Pigram while building its lead back into double digits in the third quarter. Perimeter shooting — the Pioneers made four 3-pointers in the third period — kept the game competitive for a time, but the Raiders held a 51-36 lead at the end of the quarter as sophomore Brandon Alexander hit a 3 off Turner's assist in the final seconds.
Nettleton scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter, pushing its lead to 22 points. Reserves took the floor in the last couple of minutes and the Raiders scored the last eight points.
"That was one we needed," Deaton said. "It was nice to see everybody get to play. We haven't had a game like that since December."
Logan McSpadden scored 13 points and Wes Lange added 10 for Batesville.
Nettleton played without season scoring leader DaVares Whitaker for the fourth straight game. The Raiders are 2-2 without Whitaker, who suffered an ankle injury in a double-overtime loss to Marion.
Sophomore post DeShun Jackson, who has a leg contusion, was also out Friday. Deaton hopes both Whitaker and Jackson will be available as the Raiders visit Jonesboro on Tuesday and Searcy on Thursday.
"We're going to have to slow the game down Tuesday, do some things we typically don't do," Deaton said, "but we'll get that rock ready and get that slingshot ready and see if we can hit them one time, and go from there." | 2022-02-19T18:14:19Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Raiders roll in home finale | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/raiders-roll-in-home-finale/article_e81a6b90-532d-5f85-99b2-54fed3c521e3.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/raiders-roll-in-home-finale/article_e81a6b90-532d-5f85-99b2-54fed3c521e3.html |
RECTOR — Heidi Robinson sank seven 3-pointers in scoring 33 points Friday night as top-seeded Marmaduke won the 2A-3 senior girls' district tournament championship with a 61-37 victory over second-seeded Rector.
Robinson scored 23 points in the first half as the Greyhounds (34-3) built a 41-20 halftime lead. She put up 12 points in the first quarter, which ended with Marmaduke leading 17-12, and added 11 more in the second.
Bean Hoffman added 16 points for Marmaduke. Ellie Ford scored 21 points to lead Rector (21-7) and Chloe Baugh added nine.
Top-seeded Buffalo Island Central (28-5) claimed the boys' championship with a 64-43 rout of third-seeded Earle.
WALNUT RIDGE — Manila eased past Hoxie 50-38 Friday night to win the 3A-3 girls' district tournament championship.
Sadie McDonald scored 16 points to lead the Lady Lions, with Madison Hitchcock and Olivia May adding 10 each. Manila (26-4) trailed 17-15 after the first quarter but used an 8-0 run to lead 23-17 at halftime.
Osceola defeated Manila 62-47 in the boys' championship game. The Seminoles (22-4) will carry a 12-game win streak into the regional tournament, while the Lions (21-9) will be a No. 2 seed.
WYNNE — Wynne routed Lonoke 60-37 Friday night in senior girls' basketball to earn a share of the 4A-5 conference championship.
The Lady Yellowjackets (21-6) and Pulaski Academy (19-8) finished in a tie atop the league at 13-1, with PA earning the league's top seed in the East Region tournament on a tiebreaker. Wynne will play Southside in the first round of the regional tournament on Thursday.
Zahryia Baker led Wynne with 17 points, nine rebounds and three steals. Shay Lewis finished with 12 points, four steals and five assists, while Derriona Spencer scored 11 points to go with six rebounds.
Wynne led 14-7 after the first quarter, 24-19 at halftime and 41-27 after the third quarter.
LYNN — Ridgefield Christian held off Mammoth Spring 51-46 Friday night in the 1A-3 boys' district tournament semifinals.
Noah Stracener scored 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the second-seeded Warriors (18-13) into this afternoon's championship game against No. 1 seed Marked Tree. Doss McDaniel added 11 points, Michael Carl nine and Wil Archer eight.
Gavin Boddie scored 16 points and Brayden Cray added 12 for Mammoth Spring (18-15).
Ridgefield opened a 14-3 lead in the first quarter, only to see Mammoth Spring rally within 21-20 at halftime. The Warriors pulled away again in the third quarter, outscoring the Bears 20-9 to take a 41-29 lead.
McDaniel scored seven points in Ridgefield's third-quarter surge. Archer made five free throws in the final period to help the Warriors fend off the Bears. | 2022-02-19T18:14:25Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Robinson leads Marmaduke to 2A-3 crown | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/robinson-leads-marmaduke-to-2a-3-crown/article_cb8e98cd-7d16-593e-ae72-bab3e9031f85.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/robinson-leads-marmaduke-to-2a-3-crown/article_cb8e98cd-7d16-593e-ae72-bab3e9031f85.html |
Hyslip leads Highland to 4A-3 crown
BROOKLAND — Highland closed with a 12-2 run Saturday to defeat Trumann 39-27 in the 4A-3 girls' district tournament championship game.
Emma Hyslip scored 16 points to lead the Lady Rebels, including six of her team's 12 points in the final period. Harlee Deloach added eight points for Highland, the tournament's No. 2 seed.
Highland (17-6) led 5-0 after the first quarter and 21-10 at halftime after holding Trumann (12-13) without a field goal until the 3:48 mark of the second quarter.
Down 25-14 in the third quarter, Trumann went on an 11-2 run that continued into the first minute of the final period. Rylee Bailey's 3-pointer pulled the Lady Wildcats within 27-25 with 7:28 left in the game.
Neither team scored again until Deloach ended Highland's drought with 4:49 left in the game. She scored again less than 30 seconds later, and Hyslip added six points during the game-clinching run.
Kayde Jones scored 10 points and Sonia Barnes eight for fourth-seeded Trumann, which upset top-seeded Southside in the semifinals.
Highland will open the East Region tournament on its home court with a game Wednesday against Forrest City. Trumann, as the No. 2 seed from the district, will play Lonoke on Thursday.
Other first-round games include Pulaski Academy-Valley View on Wednesday and Wynne-Southside on Thursday.
SALEM — Kenley McCarn scored 17 points Saturday to lead top-seeded Melbourne to a 47-37 victory over Tuckerman in the 2A-2 girls' district tournament championship game.
The Lady Bearkatz (27-0) led 19-16 after the first quarter, 26-20 at halftime and 33-29 after the third quarter.
Kenzie Soden scored 15 points for second-seeded Tuckerman (22-11).
Melbourne upset top-seeded Sloan-Hendrix 60-42 in the boys' championship game.
LYNN — Willie Marshall scored 32 points Saturday to lead top-seeded Marked Tree to an 83-54 victory over Ridgefield Christian in the 1A-3 boys' district tournament championship game.
Marshall scored 16 points in the first quarter as the Indians (23-1) opened a 24-7 lead. Marked Tree led 40-24 at halftime and 53-41 after the third quarter.
Itavious Nesbitt added 10 points, BJ Marshall nine and Donny Childs eight for Marked Tree. Doss McDaniel and Michael Carl scored 18 points each, followed by Noah Stracener with 15 for Ridgefield Christian (18-14).
Mammoth Spring defeated Hillcrest 63-37 in the girls' championship game. | 2022-02-20T18:12:20Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Hyslip leads Highland to 4A-3 crown | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/hyslip-leads-highland-to-4a-3-crown/article_871f512d-8003-5a8d-86c8-47fe7ec86ccd.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/hyslip-leads-highland-to-4a-3-crown/article_871f512d-8003-5a8d-86c8-47fe7ec86ccd.html |
JONESBORO — Prosecutors dropped aggravated robbery and first-degree battery charges against a man accused of shooting a Jonesboro man twice with a stolen gun in October 2019, according to court documents.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Michael McCline, then 17 years old, was at a residence in the 1600 block of French Street trying to talk to his girlfriend. A man at the house confronted McCline because McCline was trying the climb into the bedroom window.
The man then brought McCline to the front yard and the two began to argue, the affidavit said. The man struck McCline twice because he refused to leave.
McCline then left and went to a residence in the 200 block of Gilbert Street, where he asked the resident there for a ride home. He told the resident to get his gun because he was scared.
McCline then grabbed the gun away from the resident and pointed it at him, the affidavit said. McCline then took the man’s cell phone from him.
According to the affidavit, McCline returned to the French Street residence and confronted the man again. McCline shot the man in the right bicep and when the man turned to run, he was shot in the right hip area.
“McCline was located later on the same date, and gave a full confession to both offenses,” the affidavit said.
Ben Bristow, McCline’s public defender, said he thinks his client’s age at the time of the offense played a part in the charges being dismissed.
“He has shown that he has straightened up a bit since then,” Bristow said of McCline.
He said the prosecution also had “some timeline problems” with their case.
Attempts to get a response from prosecutors Tuesday were unsuccessful. | 2022-02-23T09:45:25Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Charges dropped in 2019 shooting | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/charges-dropped-in-2019-shooting/article_ffc74573-62a3-5cf1-86b5-8cf3532f00c4.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/charges-dropped-in-2019-shooting/article_ffc74573-62a3-5cf1-86b5-8cf3532f00c4.html |
JONESBORO — A Jonesboro man could be sitting at the Craighead County Detention Center for some time.
Special Judge Ralph Wilson Jr. found probable cause Tuesday to charge Joshua Campbell, 32, with simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a Schedule I or II drug not meth or cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and two misdemeanor failures to appear.
Wilson set Campbell’s bail for the felonies at $250,000 cash-only and a $5,000 bond for the misdemeanors.
In other cases, Wilson found probable cause to charge:
Thomas White, 52, of Bay, with second-degree domestic battery, resisting arrest, second-degree terroristic threatening and public intoxication; $3,500 bond.
Lance McGee, 43, of Brookland, with second-degree battery; recognizance bond.
Ashley Sharp, 21, of Trumann, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams; $1,500 bond.
Thomas Kenney, 30, of Jonesboro, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing and parole violation; $5,000 bond.
Orlando Smith, 33, of Vilonia, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams, tampering with physical evidence and fleeing; $5,000 bond.
Paul Ford, 33, of Jonesboro, with possession of a Schedule I or II drug not meth or cocaine less than 2 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia; $1,500 bond.
Donald Mayes, 65, of Jonesboro, with possession of drug paraphernalia; $1,500 bond.
Tanya Wilson, 44, of Jonesboro, with theft of property and parole violation; $7,500 bond.
Brashawn Henry, 35, of Jonesboro, first-degree criminal mischief; released on $10,000 bond. | 2022-02-23T09:45:44Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Judge gives defendant high bond | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/judge-gives-defendant-high-bond/article_ae436a72-7d04-5c4e-a714-98f3b27b1ca5.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/judge-gives-defendant-high-bond/article_ae436a72-7d04-5c4e-a714-98f3b27b1ca5.html |
JONESBORO — Students at Nettleton Virtual Academy will have the chance to participate in the school’s first virtual science fair on Friday.
NVA facilitator Courtney Speer said on Monday that Nettleton has taken the initiative this school year to have its own virtual school for students served by the district.
“We want the same experiences for them as on-site learners,” Speer said, “so our third through sixth math and science teacher, Madison Purtteman, championed providing the opportunity to compete in a science fair.”
Nettleton Virtual Academy’s inaugural hybrid science fair will be open to NVA students in grades kindergarten through sixth and in-person, recorded and live virtual projects will be displayed for viewing and judging on Friday at the Nettleton Virtual Academy Hub at 2305 Promise Lane in Jonesboro.
“All students in third through sixth grade receive a science grade for the various elements that form the science fair,” Speer said. “Multiple times each week, they have dedicated live class time to work on these projects and have discussions with their classmates and teacher.”
Speer also said that all students in kindergarten through second grade had the option to participate, and they have had several families take advantage of that opportunity.
“We have an incredible colleague, Patsey Rook, the district family engagement coordinator, who has provided necessary items for students to set up their experiments and create their project boards,” Speer said.
Students who want to participate remotely will have two options; they will record themselves presenting or tune into the live stream and present virtually, Speer said, adding that those who choose to come onsite are welcome to do so on Friday.
“In addition, all project boards will be onsite on Friday for the community members who have been invited as guest judges to review their projects and select winners from a rubric that was provided at the beginning of the unit,” Speer said. “This rubric presented by Mrs. Purtteman follows all the guidelines and rules to be able to compete at larger events such as Arkansas State University’s Regional Science Fair. She has had her students participate in the science fair for several years, and we love seeing what the students investigate.”
For more information, contact the school at 870-910-7830 or via email at virtaul@nettletonschools.net. | 2022-02-23T09:45:50Z | www.jonesborosun.com | NVA's inaugural hybrid science fair will be Friday | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/nvas-inaugural-hybrid-science-fair-will-be-friday/article_7f6ad7e9-bc04-58b2-9723-97edae8e7f8c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/nvas-inaugural-hybrid-science-fair-will-be-friday/article_7f6ad7e9-bc04-58b2-9723-97edae8e7f8c.html |
Larry R. Miller, 70, of Paragould, went to be with the Lord on Feb. 15, 2022.
Larry was born March 28, 1951, in Imboden, to Kenneth Ray Miller and Erlene Simon Miller.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Ray Miller and Erlene Simon Miller Beshires; maternal grandparents, John M. and Louise Simon; paternal grandparents, Charles and Edith Miller; a sister, Ann Miller; and a brother, Michael Miller.
Larry is survived by his wife, Wanda Miller, of the home; his son, Chad Miller of Paragould; granddaughter, Allison Miller and fiancé Mason York of Lowell; grandson, Brandon Miller of Springdale; a great-granddaughter, Aubree York; sisters, Mary Harp of Oak Grove, Pam McCoy and husband Paul of Mabelvale, Cathye Sexton of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Nancy Baxter of Paragould; sister-in-law, Phyllis Cantrell and husband Jerry of Pocahontas; brother-in-law, Don Coker and wife Shirley of Brookland; and several nephews and nieces.
He graduated from Sloan-Hendrix High School in 1969 and Foothills Vocational Technical School in Searcy in 1970 with an Auto Mechanic Certification. Larry was retired from Klansmeyer Construction after 48 years. His hobbies were listening to country music, deer hunting, working on cars, stock car racing and watching NASCAR.
Funeral service was Friday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. at Bryan Funeral Home with David Stallings officiating. Interment was in Parks Cemetery in Annieville. Visitation was Friday from 1 p.m. until the time of service.
Pallbearers were Ricky Malone, Kurt Holder, Thomas (Krow) Krumbach, Tyler Wally, Eugene Green, Daniel Bassett and Jay Anderson. | 2022-02-23T20:55:32Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Larry R. Miller | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/larry-r-miller/article_d275f948-388a-5803-a7cc-ebd33695c2a3.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/larry-r-miller/article_d275f948-388a-5803-a7cc-ebd33695c2a3.html |
David Snyder, longtime manager of Hays supermarket in Walnut Ridge, has been promoted. Snyder will now be district supervisor over the 13 Hays Stores. A native of Lake City, Snyder was named manager of the Big Star store in Walnut Ridge in December of 1985. Big Star became a Hays store in 2001.
The Walnut Ridge junior high quiz bowl team placed second at the Arkansas Governor’s Quiz Bowl Association’s regional tournament at Riverside High School in Lake City. Team members are Matt Woodson, Aubree Hughart, Damon Wallace, Austin Jared and Caleb Sherrill. Hughart was the team’s captain and was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Hoxie High School junior Austin Jordan and senior Emily Freer promoted Say Go College Week on KAIT Midday with Diana Davis on Feb. 13. Last week was designated to encourage students to learn about college opportunities and ask questions and address concerns about preparing for college.
Colton Rose, son of Shawn and Tonya Rose of Strawberry, won second place at the Elks Hoop Shoot State Competition in Hot Springs. Rose is a fourth-grade student at Hillcrest.
Shirley Cobble and Jewel Clements were elected Valentine’s Day Queen and King at the Lawrence Hall Nursing Center Valentine’s Day party on Feb. 14.
C.J. Tate was surprised at the promotional testing held at Wolf’s Taekwondo on Feb. 12 when he was presented certificates from the American Taekwondo Association naming him state champion for nine and 10 year old, second and third degree black belt boys.
The Walnut Ridge Junior Quiz Bowl team took first place for the second year in a row at the Arkansas Governor’s Quiz Bowl Association Junior Finals held on Saturday at Conway East High School. Team members are Tom Jackson, Ryan Sluder, Laura Freeman, Lauren Jones, Trey Holloway, Chance Weeks, Ben Engelken, Ryan Belcher, Jack Kent and Adam Hogan. Weeks was named MVP for the second year in a row and was also named to the All-Tournament Team. Nicole Covey is their sponsor.
Wanda McCormic is retiring from the Farm Service Trade Center in Hoxie after 24 years. She will be honored with a retirement reception on Friday afternoon from.
Chelsey Teel, a seventh grader at Hoxie School, was the overall champion in the Lawrence County Spelling Bee held at Black Rock School on Tuesday. Summer Taylor, a Hoxie sixth grader won second place overall, and Ashton Raney a seventh grader at Sloan-Hendrix, finished third overall.
The cast for “Lend Me a Tenor,” to be performed at Front Street Theatre, includes Johnny Stayton, Joyce Rose, Pam Allen, Kelly Kelley and Matthew Rhoads, all of Walnut Ridge, and Roger Winston, Michael Bowman and Deana Satterwhite, all of Jonesboro.
Numerous family and friends were here to attend the funeral of Rev. Lehman Rorex on Feb. 9.
A.W Rainwater, aged 86, of Walnut Ridge, for many years one of the state’s leading educators, died Wednesday at 2:35 p.m. at Lawrence Hall Nursing Home.
Tracy Hendrix and Carry Middlecoff were chosen to represent Hoxie FHA as the 1982 sweetheart and beau.
Hoxie High School students, Terri Oldham and John Dulaney, were selected to play in the All-Region Band.
The highlight of the FHA Sweetheart Dance at Hoxie High School was the crowning of Ruth Ann Reithemeyer, Hoxie FHA Queen of Hearts, and the naming of Rodger Sullivan as FHA beau.
Expansion of camping facilities at Lake Charles State Park and substantial improvement to existing facilities were announced this week by State Representative Leroy Blankenship.
Pat Clinton of Lynn has joined the Crittenden Soil Conservation Service as a soil conservationist.
Carl Duckworth was elected president of the Bobcat Booster Club at a meeting Friday night.
Larry and Dianne Sneed of Walnut Ridge are the parents of a daughter, born Sunday afternoon in Lawrence Memorial Hospital. The little lady has been named Karen Leigh. The Sneeds also have two other daughters, Sherry and Paula.
Jim and Sheila Jansen are the parents of a son, born yesterday morning at Baptist Hospital in Memphis. The baby weighed seven pounds, two ounces, and has been named Joseph Richard.
B.B. Vance of Sedgwick was admitted to St. Bernard’s Hospital in Jonesboro Monday afternoon for treatment for injuries received in an accident on Highway 63 north of Bono.
David Davis, who is home on furlough, and Richard Amos, who left Monday for induction into the armed forces, were honored Sunday at the Isom Amos home at a dinner.
Freddie Rorex of Egypt was the youngest seller at the Aberdeen Angus sale in Little Rock Tuesday. The youth, 14, sold his Eileenmere Blackcap, 16-month bull for $485. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rorex.
Corporal Frankie Wilcoxson is spending a furlough in Walnut Ridge with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wilcoxson. He has been stationed at Las Vegas, N.M., and will report on March 4 to the air base at Hondo, Texas, for cadet training.
Construction of a new educational building for First Baptist Church is expected to be carried out soon.
A red-hot issue is developing in Lawrence County. The Clover Bend School faculty has objected to the use of the school facilities by James (Uncle Mack) McKrell of Little Rock, who is fighting the school consolidation program.
The juvenile section of Mrs. Less’ music pupils was presented in recital, including Francine Pickens, Arvalene Cypret, Peggy Rainwater, Marsha Moseley, Anne Ponder, Carol Zalaker, Alice Sue Hilburn, Alice Jeanne Cunningham, Sylvia Hall, Julia Ann South, Patsy Wilcoxson, Carolyn Sue Glover, Gilbert Rainey Jr., George McLeod, Leroy Johnson, Billy Burns Fisher, Harry Madison Taylor, Tommy Hilburn and Randall Byars.
The new Lawrence County Library opens Monday.
E.A. Glass has been named Democratic fund chairman for Lawrence County.
Who’s Who in Walnut Ridge High – beautiful gir1, Patsy Looney; handsome boy, J.C. Childers; most popular, Milly Bland and Bascom Raney; best athletes, Joe Spotts and Nancy Ponder; biggest flirt, Pat Glass; Oomph girls of WRHS, Milly Bland, Patsy Looney and Martha Warner.
Company R, now stationed at Seward, Alaska, reports that ice cream costs $4.00 a gallon there; Sgt. Charlie Gray was seen with a girl in each arm Tuesday night; Sgt. Harry C. Conrey buys more groceries daily than an average merchant.
Pfc. R.L. “Bones” Schmidt has enlisted in the Army Medical Corps and at the present is stationed at Camp Robinson near Little Rock.
Miss Nama Moore of Black Rock received a very high honor a few days ago when she was elected president of an organization known as the “Sapphics” at Jonesboro Baptist College.
Arbor Grove won the county junior basketball tournament at Strawberry by defeating Sloan-Hendrix. It was the first country school to win the county tournament. Players for Arbor Grove were Oscar Watson. Ted Riggs, Ellis Milligan, Jewell Reynolds, Hershel Harbor, Herman Doyle, Winslow Harbor and Ray Diffey. Roy Doyle was the coach. | 2022-02-23T20:55:50Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Yesteryears | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_b5b47e44-f498-5251-9866-000dfab4a864.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_b5b47e44-f498-5251-9866-000dfab4a864.html |
The Lawrence County Quorum Court met on Monday, Feb. 14, and discussed naming a section of Hwy. 63, north of Sedgwick, as the Wesley Adams Memorial Mile, in memory of Sedgwick Volunteer Fire Chief Wesley Adams.
Adams passed away on Dec. 7, 2021, after being hit by a passing vehicle at the scene of a multi-vehicle accident on Hwy. 63. Lawrence County Judge John Thomison is in discussion with ARDot to get the section of Hwy. 63 renamed and will provide an update next month.
Justices were given an update on the Gerber insurance repayment and the Cache River Lawsuit. Gerber has been ordered to repay a portion of the money that the county spent for payments, which should have been covered by insurance. As Gerber is not paying in a timely manner, the attorney representing Lawrence County in the lawsuit is going to ask that the suit be dismissed. The attorney has been asked to attend next month’s meeting.
Hoxie Volunteer Fire Department Lieutenant Wilson Richey addressed the court concerning the placement of dues for rural customers on their county tax statements. The fire department is working on getting the proper number of signatures needed to pass a tax to help provide better equipment for the fire department to benefit everyone in Hoxie’s district. No action was needed at this time.
Two ordinances were discussed and approved during the meeting. Court members approved an ordinance to establish a County General Sub-Fund for ARPA Revenue Replacement Fund and approved an ordinance to allow Judge Thomison to enter into a contract with BancorpSouth for the lease of two road graders.
Also, Bryce Baldridge and Tori Copeland with the Lawrence County Extension Office presented a report of recent programs held in the past year.
Minutes from the previous meeting and a treasurer’s report were given prior to the meeting, and members discussed the financial reports to clarify everyone was reading them correctly.
The next Lawrence County Quorum Court meeting will be held March 14. | 2022-02-23T20:56:02Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Quorum Court discusses renaming section of Hwy. 63 | Times Dispatch | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/quorum-court-discusses-renaming-section-of-hwy-63/article_bed463f2-f3ef-5583-8bf8-f6d94b3da47e.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/quorum-court-discusses-renaming-section-of-hwy-63/article_bed463f2-f3ef-5583-8bf8-f6d94b3da47e.html |
Lawrence County’s high school basketball teams competed in their respective district tournaments last week.
3A-3 District at WR
Teams from Hoxie and Walnut Ridge competed in the 3A-3 District Tournament at Walnut Ridge’s Terry Belcher Gymnasium.
The Hoxie Lady Mustangs reached the title game before falling to Manila 50-38 on Friday night. The Lady Mustangs led 17-15 after the first quarter, but Manila went on an 8-0 run to take a 23-17 lead at halftime. The Lady Lions controlled the second half, outscoring Hoxie 27-11 after the intermission.
In boys action, the host Walnut Ridge Bobcats lost a heartbreaker to the Manila Lions, 53-51, in the semifinals on Thursday.
The Lions led 19-16 after the first quarter, 30-24 at halftime and 42-35 after the third quarter. The Bobcats scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter to tie the game, 42-42. The score was tied at 51-51 when Manila’s Dax Davison scored on a put-back with 10.5 seconds to play. The Bobcats’ final shot was no good and Manila grabbed the rebound as the game ended.
For Walnut Ridge, Ty Flippo scored 19 points, and Maddox Jean added 14.
Hoxie defeated Corning 49-41 in a girls semifinal game on Thursday.
Corning led 18-14 at halftime and 29-28 after three quarters, but the Lady Mustangs used a strong finish to pull ahead in the final period and claim the win.
Brown led Hoxie with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Bailey Prater scored 10 points, and Ellery Gillham had 12 rebounds.
Earlier in the tournament, the Hoxie boys fell to Gosnell, 65-52, on Feb. 15.
The Walnut Ridge Lady Bobcats defeated Harrisburg 42-32 on Feb. 15. The Lady Bobcats were eliminated by a 37-20 loss to Osceola on Wednesday.
2A-2 District at Salem
The Melbourne Bearkatz defeated the Sloan-Hendrix Greyhounds 60-42 in the boys championship game on Saturday.
Sloan-Hendrix reached the finals by defeating host Salem, 57-46, on Thursday.
Salem led 14-12 at the end of the first quarter, but Sloan-Hendrix stormed back to lead 31-18 at the intermission, and remained in control in the second half.
Braden Cox and Cade Grisham each had 13 points to lead Sloan-Hendrix.
The Salem Lady Greyhounds eliminated the Sloan-Hendrix girls, 67-35, in the quarterfinals on Feb. 15.
1A-3 District at Lynn
The host Hillcrest Lady Screamin’ Eagles reached the finals of the 1A-3 District Tournament before falling to Mammoth Spring, 63-37, on Saturday.
The Hillcrest girls advanced to the title game after defeating Maynard 60-31 in the semifinals on Friday.
In the boys tournament, Hillcrest defeated Armorel 52-44 on Feb. 14. The Screamin’ Eagles fell to Mammoth Spring, 50-31, in the quarterfinals on Feb. 15.
Four county teams, the Walnut Ridge and Sloan-Hendrix boys, along with the Hoxie and Hillcrest girls, advanced to regionals.
The Hoxie girls and Walnut Ridge boys will both play in the 3A Region 2 Tournament at Rose Bud. Walnut Ridge will face Cave City on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. The Lady Mustangs play Harding Academy on Thursday at 7 p.m.
The Sloan-Hendrix boys are headed to the 2A Central Tournament at Judsonia. The Greyhounds will meet Marshall on Thursday at 8:30 p.m.
Hillcrest is hosting the 1A Region 2 Tournament at Lynn. The Lady Screamin’ Eagles play Rural Special on Thursday at 4 p.m. | 2022-02-23T20:56:14Z | www.jonesborosun.com | County teams compete in district tournaments | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/county-teams-compete-in-district-tournaments/article_f78ffcee-06d5-5696-8b09-2af50b24d3bd.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/county-teams-compete-in-district-tournaments/article_f78ffcee-06d5-5696-8b09-2af50b24d3bd.html |
Signature Bank expands to Jonesboro
FAYETTEVILLE — Signature Bank of Arkansas is opened Tuesday in Jonesboro.
An initial location has been established at 111 E. Jackson Ave in the downtown area. Currently, operating hours are set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
“We recognize Jonesboro as a growing market in Arkansas in need of a bank dedicated to real community banking and leadership in the small business arena,” chief operating officer Brant Ward said in a press release.
“Our growth model is centered around empowering local market leadership to make the day-to-day decisions that impact their community. Local decision-making doesn’t mean calling into a corporate headquarters for approval on every question that arises. Our Jonesboro bankers know the unique needs of Northeast Arkansas business owners, and we’re eager as an organization to support them as they meet local needs,” Ward added.
Leading Signature’s expansion into Jonesboro as market president is Ryan Moore.
Moore came to Signature with 15 years of banking experience, including executive-level leadership in Jonesboro.
“We are excited to bring Signature Bank of Arkansas to Jonesboro,” Moore said. “Jonesboro is a perfectly sized community for Signature’s blended model of ‘old-school’ personal banking and modern technology.”
Additional staff includes Taylor Galloway as bank manager; Felicia Moore as assistant bank manager; Kristyn Palsgrove as retail banker; Tamara Jansen as senior vice president for lending; and Amee Tribble as loan coordinator.
Moore has also hired Amy Wills to manage business development for the Northeast Arkansas market.
Signature’s expansion to Jonesboro follows on the heels of an operating system upgrade in October 2021. The bank enhanced all internal and external platforms, not only to ensure best-in-class customer experience but to eliminate inefficiencies and lack of integration in bankers’ day-to-day tasks. Jonesboro is the first new market team to fully launch on the new platform, empowering them to provide concierge banking whether customers prefer to bank digitally or in person. | 2022-02-24T06:07:44Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Signature Bank expands to Jonesboro | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/signature-bank-expands-to-jonesboro/article_e28c0a54-2062-5737-9800-8691f520a877.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/signature-bank-expands-to-jonesboro/article_e28c0a54-2062-5737-9800-8691f520a877.html |
Car left running gets stolen
JONESBORO — A Jonesboro woman reported Tuesday night that she left a vehicle running in a parking lot in the 3200 block of South Caraway Road and it was stolen. The victim said the 2019 Dodge Challenger belongs to her brother.
A 45-year-old Jonesboro man told police Tuesday afternoon that a 52-year-old man made threats and children had damaged a fence in the 1200 block of Wilmar Circle. No arrest was made.
A 32-year-old Jonesboro man reported that someone broke into his residence Tuesday morning and took an item in the 700 block of Gladiolus Drive. Stolen was a gaming laptop, according to the police report.
A 46-year-old Jonesboro man reported Tuesday morning that someone made a fake check for the Jonesboro Baseball Boosters and cashed it at Farmers and Merchants Bank, 400 E. Highland Drive. The check was for $1,000.
A 38-year-old Jonesboro attorney told police Tuesday morning that someone forged and transferred multiple checks from a deceased client in the 200 block of South Main Street. The total amount was $3,109.24. | 2022-02-24T06:07:57Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Car left running gets stolen | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/car-left-running-gets-stolen/article_389aa367-8eff-5f9f-be2a-ef608e46886b.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/car-left-running-gets-stolen/article_389aa367-8eff-5f9f-be2a-ef608e46886b.html |
Virus numbers high for Craighead
JONESBORO — New coronavirus cases continue to decline, but on Tuesday, Craighead County had the second highest number of new cases in the state.
The Arkansas Department of Health reported 869 new cases statewide, including 58 in Craighead County. Pulaski County had 93 new cases Tuesday, the latest information available due to weather circumstances.
Cross County, which had been reporting single-digit numbers of late, had 36 cases. White County had 33, followed by 28 new cases in Benton County.
Active cases statewide fell by 1,002 to 8,968.
The number of hospitalized COVID patients across the state dropped by 51 to 665, while the number in Northeast Arkansas hospitals dropped by 20 to 70 across the region.
The state disclosed 13 deaths Tuesday, bringing the cumulative total since the pandemic reached Arkansas to 10,305. No deaths were reported in Northeast Arkansas.
Poinsett – 9 new cases; 108 active. | 2022-02-24T06:08:33Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Virus numbers high for Craighead | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/virus-numbers-high-for-craighead/article_0953cd87-8d11-5ae1-ba9c-c3a44b7db14a.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/virus-numbers-high-for-craighead/article_0953cd87-8d11-5ae1-ba9c-c3a44b7db14a.html |
Putin warned the West 15 years ago. Now, in Ukraine, he's poised to wage war.
The terrible war that seems about to shatter Ukraine has been taking shape in the mind of Russian President Vladimir Putin at least since a speech he gave denouncing NATO at the annual security conference here 15 years ago.
I watched Putin’s speech that day and have to admit: It didn’t make much of an impression. Sen. Lindsey O. Graham, R-S.C., criticized it as a return of Cold War rhetoric, but America was fighting two hot wars then, in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Putin’s Russia seemed too feeble to worry about. Not anymore.
Zelensky, a feisty, erratic man who often seems more suited to his former role as a television comedian than a Churchillian war leader, asked a question that should haunt the Munich delegates: “How did we get to this point in the 21st century where war is being waged and people are dying in Europe? . . . To me, this answer is obvious: The security architecture of our world is brittle, it is obsolete. The rules that have been agreed upon by the world dozens of years ago are no longer working.”
Alperovitch asked me to play the American role, and I operated within the limits President Joe Biden has set. The United States will support Ukraine’s resistance and impose steep costs on Russia, but it will stay out of the war unless Putin is stupid enough to attack NATO territory. That outcome, Alperovitch predicted, would amount to another “frozen conflict,” of the sort that Putin has already littered across the former Soviet empire. | 2022-02-24T06:09:28Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Putin warned the West 15 years ago. Now, in Ukraine, he's poised to wage war. | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/putin-warned-the-west-15-years-ago-now-in-ukraine-hes-poised-to-wage-war/article_efa18390-7a01-5400-916f-2ab84a471db2.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/putin-warned-the-west-15-years-ago-now-in-ukraine-hes-poised-to-wage-war/article_efa18390-7a01-5400-916f-2ab84a471db2.html |
Lana Gail Cox, 69, of McRae, passed from this life on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at her home.
She was born Oct. 4, 1952, in Newport, a daughter of the late Carlon and Bonnie Turner Williams. Lana was a homemaker and enjoyed fishing, gardening, embroidery work and canning. She was a 1967-68 cheerleader and homecoming maid at Clover Bend Public Schools. She served as part-time secretary at KMCW Radio in the early 1970s, and in the mid ’70s worked in production and shipping at the American Greeting Corporation in McCrory.
In 1980, she left the work force to care for her children and her home, but returned to work in 1990 in quality control at ITT Higby in Searcy. Lana was a charter member and former President of the Augusta Jaycettes.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Donnie Cox; children, Carla Collison, Claudette Patton (Daryl) and April Hoppus (Jason); five brothers, Larry, Joe, Kim and Gene Williams and Jimmy Glenn; grandchildren, Kacey Collison, Tyler Collison, Rebeka Collison, Cierra Smith (Montel), Austin Menser, Timothy Williams, Evan Williams and Peyton Williams; great-grandchild, Myah Anderson; and numerous other family members and friends.
Graveside services were Monday, Feb. 14, at 2 p.m. at the Velvet Ridge Cemetery with Bro. Gary Cox officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Bald Knob – Judsonia.
An online guestbook is available at www.powell funeralhome.net. | 2022-02-24T13:44:35Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Lana Gail Cox | | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/lana-gail-cox/article_0f88f89d-1496-5377-9444-785583227f06.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/lana-gail-cox/article_0f88f89d-1496-5377-9444-785583227f06.html |
Presley Kirksey of Searcy departed this life on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, at the age of 81.
He was born Oct. 22, 1940, in Amagon, the son of Moody Lee Sr., and Lennie Mae (Campbell) Kirksey.
Mr. Kirksey worked for Allied Electric and Power in Van Buren as an electric motor rewinder for over 40 years. He loved to bowl, and enjoyed hiking. Mr. Kirksey loved animals, his dogs and going to the zoo.
This wonderful father and grandfather had a mischievous smile and a great love for his family and his church. He was a member of the Crosby Church of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Moody Lee Kirksey Jr., and William Jackson Kirksey; and three sisters, Wanda Loretta Kirksey, Ada Belle Koettel and Mae Tilley.
Survivors include one son, Michael Presley Smith of Conway; two daughters, Mitzi Dianne Burdette and husband Mark of Jackson, Tenn., and Lee Ann High and husband James of Hernando, Miss.; four grandchildren, Amanda Burdette, Joshua Burdette, Sophie Grace High and Micalea Smith; and three great-grandchildren, Alexa, Autumn and Avery Burdette.
Funeral services were Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel, with interment in Memory Garden Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Michael Presley Smith, James High, Mark Burdette, Roger Bowman, Jerry Murphy, Sophia, High, and Joshua Burdette.
An online guestbook is available at www. jacksonsfh.com. | 2022-02-24T13:45:12Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Presley Kirksey | | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/presley-kirksey/article_881c97a5-c1f9-55a8-b6bb-f955d6e72a81.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/presley-kirksey/article_881c97a5-c1f9-55a8-b6bb-f955d6e72a81.html |
JONESBORO — Ice as thick as 1.75 inches on power lines put thousands of electric consumers in the dark following Wednesday and Thursday’s freezing rain and sleet.
Of course, road conditions were bad, too.
Jonesboro police reported 28 accidents, including vehicles in ditches.
One accident occurred at about 2:28 p.m. Wednesday in the 2800 block of Forest Home Road and listed two people injured, according police. That accident involved a Dodge Ram 1500 and an unknown vehicle, according to the report. The victims’ injured weren’t disclosed.
In rural Craighead County, “We’ve had a couple of vehicles in ditches, but not too many accidents,” said Justin Rolland, chief deputy at the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office. “Highway 18 was icy in spots when I came in (Thursday) morning.”
“Maybe people were heeding the warning of not getting out unless you have to,” Rolland said.
He said Arkansas 139 and 135 were still iced over Thursday morning, and he expected with the forecast of freezing rain for Thursday afternoon that more problems could arise.
The hardest hit areas appeared to be St. Francis and Crittenden counties. However, about 1,200 members of Craighead Electric lost power at the peak of the storm Wednesday night, Marti Hook, communications coordinator said. By 2 p.m. Thursday, that number was reduced to 577, she said.
“Our transmission and wholesale power provider, Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation, has crews working to remove ice from switches at a switching/substation in the southern portion of our service territory,” Hook said. “This will assist in restoring power to nearly 545 members that are currently without service. Additionally, Craighead Electric crews are working in Craighead, Poinsett and Greene counties to replace broken poles and restore power to members that have been impacted by the current round of winter weather.”
Hook reminded members to report any damage on the co-op’s mobile app, SmartHub, or by calling 888-771-7772.
City Water and Light spokesman Slade Mitchell said there were no outages in Jonesboro.
Entergy Arkansas crews and contractors were working to restore power to more than 27,000 customers across the state. The number of outages will fluctuate and likely increase as the storm continues to bring additional precipitation, the company said in a news release.
About 1,600 were working on Entergy’s outages, and additional 500 people have been requested outside the state to help restoration efforts, including transmission and distribution line workers, damage assessors, management, and vegetation crews.
By midday Thursday, more than 200 Entergy customers in Bono and more than 500 customers south-southwest of Jonesboro were without electricity, according to the utility’s outage map.
More than 1,000 Entergy customers in Mississippi County, primarily in the Wilson area, were also without service. Marked Tree and Lepanto also had a number of outages.
Entergy said initial scouting reports indicate numerous poles and power lines are down or broken across the state. Customers are advised to keep their distance, as downed lines could still be energized and deadly.
Continuing freezing rain and wind can hamper efforts, along with wet and icy roads that can make travel hazardous for crews. Despite the conditions, scouting and assessment teams continue working to assess damages, and distribution and transmission crews are making repairs and restoring power where possible, with additional teams en route to the most impacted areas. Teams will continue to work throughout the day to remove debris where necessary and initiate the safe restoration of power.
One-half inch of ice can add 500 pounds of weight on power lines, as well as tree limbs which could then fall onto power lines and people. Entergy advises it’s safest to avoid the area near ice-laden power lines and tree limbs. Anyone who sees downed or low-hanging lines should stay away and call their utility. At Entergy, the number is 1-800-9OUTAGE.
Sun Staff Writer Joe Schratz contributed to this report.
inman@jonesborosun.con | 2022-02-25T05:54:31Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Ice downs power lines, poles | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/ice-downs-power-lines-poles/article_3a0e26d2-624e-5e41-8ccb-01dce25c467e.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/ice-downs-power-lines-poles/article_3a0e26d2-624e-5e41-8ccb-01dce25c467e.html |
JONESBORO — A 30-year-old Jonesboro man was sentenced to 18 months in prison and received a 10-year suspended sentence after pleading guilty this week to two counts of video voyeurism.
Circuit Judge Randy Philhours sentenced Mendoza on Tuesday.
Oscar Antonio Mendoza was originally charged with 11 counts of video voyeurism for filming and taking photos of two juvenile girls at Michelle’s Boutique in March 2021.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Mendoza made suggestive comments to the girls and took photos and a video of the girls while they were in a changing room.
The two girls went to the police station to report the incident, and when Jonesboro Detective Adam Hampton went to the business, Michelle’s Boutique, Mendoza reportedly showed the investigator some photos he shot on his phone of one girl. In a probable cause affidavit, Hampton said he seized the phone and obtained a warrant to search its contents.
“I located the pictures he had taken of the two females and also there was video where he was putting his phone behind the curtain of the dressing room showing the girls naked and changing,” Hampton wrote. “The girls were unaware of him taking the videos.”
Another detective found video of not only the girls who had gone to police, but videos of other unsuspecting girls that were shot at other locations, according to the affidavit.
A judge ordered Mendoza, the boutique operator, held in lieu of a $150,000 cash-only bond after some juvenile girls accused him of touching them inappropriately, making sexual comments about their bodies and photographing them in a dressing room.
As part of a plea deal, prosecutors dismissed nine counts of video voyeurism.
Mendoza must register as a sex offender and pay $790 in fines and fees. | 2022-02-25T05:54:37Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Man gets 18 months in video voyeurism case | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/man-gets-18-months-in-video-voyeurism-case/article_230692c7-0b59-598c-a9f8-733bfff1fb65.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/man-gets-18-months-in-video-voyeurism-case/article_230692c7-0b59-598c-a9f8-733bfff1fb65.html |
JONESBORO — The Quorum Court will meet on Monday to address an appropriation ordinance for a Connect & Protect grant and an appropriation ordinance to increase the part-time allowable rate of pay to $15 per hour.
The first ordinance would amend the 2022 annual operating budget to add Fund 3537 to Craighead County Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for Connect and Protect grant monies, which have become available to Craighead County for the purpose of the Craighead County Crisis Intervention Response Initiative.
Craighead County was awarded a $549,995 grant for a period of three years beginning Oct. 1, 2021, with year one being prorated through December 31, 2022.
Judge Marvin Day said on Friday that they received the grant last year with the purpose of focusing on mental heath.
“This will help us to add a deputy position for the Crisis Stabilization Unit and allow us to train our officers on how to handle mental heath crises,” Day said.
According to the appropriation ordinance, the purpose of the Craighead County Crisis Intervention Response Initiative is to improve public safety responses and outcomes for individuals with mental illnesses or co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse issues who come in contact with the justice system by implementing Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT).
This grant will allow for personnel to administer the program and will help recruit and identify a full-time law enforcement officer, a CIT coordinator, a mental health CIT coordinator, CIT trainers and CIT co-responders.
Another ordinance establishing an increased allowable maximum hourly pay rate for part-time Craighead County employees will also help with the Sheriff’s Department, as well as other departments, to keep the county competitive in the job market, according to Day.
“We have four or five departments with part-time positions that need to be filled, including the Sheriff’s Department. They are having a hard time filling their part-time position when people can go to Chick-fil-a and get paid just as much with benefits,” Day said, noting that this doesn’t mean everyone will get raises but they want to remain fair and competitive.
According to the appropriation ordinance, the county’s allowed maximum hourly pay rate for part-time employees has remained the same for the past two years. The ordinance also expresses that Craighead County wants to compensate part-time employees fairly.
If passed the maximum allowable hourly pay rate for part-time employees of $15 per hour will be fore those who work less than 80 hours per month.
Other items on the agenda will include:
a resolution to support Southridge Fire Protection District’s application for Arkansas Rural Fire Community Grant funding.
a resolution to appoint Doyle Hudson to the Valley View Fire Board.
a resolution to reappoint Ronnie Jones to the Cash Fire Board.
a resolution to reappoint Jerry Cook to the Egypt Fire Board.
an appropriation ordinance for Fund 3539, Hazard Mitigation Grant.
an appropriation ordinance regarding 2021 Fund transfers.
an emergency ordinance to enact a Code of Ordinances for Craighead County.
an emergency ordinance to establish Fund 1006, ARPA Revenue Replacement Fund.
an emergency ordinance to revise Salary Administration Policy for promotional increase eligibility.
a resolution to declare the purchase of four Chevy Tahoe’s for the Sheriff’s Department exempt from bid process, per ACA 14-22-106, Section 8A.
The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of the Craighead County Annex at 511 Union in Jonesboro. The Public Service Committee will meet at 5 p.m. in the County Judge’s office. | 2022-02-26T14:50:26Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Quorum Court set to review new appropriation ordinance for Connect & Protect grant | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/quorum-court-set-to-review-new-appropriation-ordinance-for-connect-protect-grant/article_dc983d56-78aa-5e33-bde5-c3558c2d1102.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/quorum-court-set-to-review-new-appropriation-ordinance-for-connect-protect-grant/article_dc983d56-78aa-5e33-bde5-c3558c2d1102.html |
Nettleton's DaVares Whitaker goes past a Searcy defender for a layup against the Lions on Saturday. Whitaker scored 31 points to lead the Raiders to a 74-62 victory.
Boys' basketball: JHS finishes 14-0 in league play, Nettleton wins finale
MARION — Jonesboro answered Marion's challenge Friday night to complete 5A-East play with a perfect conference record in senior boys' basketball.
The Hurricane erased a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat the Patriots 37-30 in the regular-season finale. Senior guards Quion Williams and Jesse Washington supplied much of the offense as Jonesboro outscored Marion 31-15 in the second half.
Defending state champion Jonesboro (24-3, 14-0 conference) will play Hot Springs in Wednesday's first round of the Class 5A state tournament at Sheridan. Tipoff is set for 2:30 p.m.
Marion (22-7, 11-3 conference) outscored Jonesboro 12-4 in the first quarter. The score was stagnant through most of the second quarter as the Patriots took a 15-6 lead to the locker room at halftime.
Jonesboro wiped out its deficit in the third quarter, pulling into a tie at 23, and the Hurricane outscored the Patriots 14-7 in the final period to complete its 15th consecutive victory.
Williams was 6-of-8 from the field and 7-of-9 at the free throw line to lead Jonesboro with 19 points. Washington added 10 points, five rebounds and three steals.
Kavon Pointer and Williams added five rebounds each to help Jonesboro out-rebound Marion 27-24. The Hurricane shot only 28.2% from the field to the Patriots' 34.4 but forced 14 turnovers while coughing up only eight.
Ryan Forrest scored 14 points and Donnie Cheers added 11 for Marion, which will play Hot Springs Lakeside in the first round Wednesday.
SEARCY — Nettleton closed the season on a high note Saturday with a victory that impacted the state tournament picture in 5A-East conference senior boys' basketball.
The Raiders romped to a 74-62 victory over Searcy, denying the Lions a berth in the state tournament. Greene County Tech, which finished 7-7 in 5A-East play to 6-8 for both Nettleton and Searcy, advances as the conference's No. 4 seed.
Senior guard DaVares Whitaker scored 31 points to lead Nettleton (18-11). Whitaker poured in 14 points in the fourth quarter as the Raiders outscored the Lions 27-25 in the final period.
Brandon Anderson added 19 points, Jordan Pigram 10 and Andre Davis nine for the Raiders. Nettleton started to take control of the game in the second quarter, outscoring Searcy for a 32-23 halftime lead.
Isaiah Carlos scored 13 points and Isaac Gardner 10 for Searcy (15-13).
HIGHLAND — Brookland's postseason run ended Saturday with a 62-41 loss to Pulaski Robinson in the Class 4A East Region boys' basketball tournament.
The Bearcats entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed from 4A-3 after winning the district tournament on their home court. They were within 24-22 of Robinson at halftime before being outscored 21-4 in the third quarter as the Senators took a 45-26 lead.
Defending state champion Little Rock Mills ousted Pocahontas 73-46 in the late boys' game Saturday. The Comets led 44-18 at halftime.
ROSE BUD — Osceola and Rivercrest earned state tournaments Saturday evening with first-round victories in the Class 3A Region 2 boys' tournament.
Osceola, the No. 1 seed from 3A-3, routed Newport 77-49 for its 13th consecutive victory. The Seminoles led 33-18 at halftime.
Rivercrest, the No. 4 seed from 3A-3, upset Riverview 61-57 in overtime. The Colts led 19-17 at halftime and the game was tied at 52 to end regulation.
CARLISLE — Buffalo Island Central clinched a Class 2A state tournament appearance in boys' basketball with Saturday's 67-54 victory over Carlisle in the first round of the North Region tournament.
The 2A-3 champion Mustangs (29-5) pulled away for their 13th consecutive victory after leading 29-26 at halftime.
Bay battled 2A-6 champion Marianna Lee for three quarters before the Trojans earned a 57-38 victory. Marianna led only 36-30 after the third quarter.
LYNN — Marked Tree hammered Concord 82-31 Saturday in the first round of the Class 1A Region 2 boys' basketball tournament.
The 1A-3 champion Indians (24-1) led 26-5 after the first quarter and 43-16 at halftime.
West Side Greers Ferry defeated Maynard 57-37 in another boys' game Saturday. | 2022-02-27T16:54:31Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Boys' basketball: JHS finishes 14-0 in league play, Nettleton wins finale | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/boys-basketball-jhs-finishes-14-0-in-league-play-nettleton-wins-finale/article_7f444960-960c-503b-a8bc-0790e73326ce.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/boys-basketball-jhs-finishes-14-0-in-league-play-nettleton-wins-finale/article_7f444960-960c-503b-a8bc-0790e73326ce.html |
POCAHONTAS — Rayleigh Starr Gonser of Paragould has been awarded the SGA Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship.
Gonser is a 2021 graduate of Paragould High School and is the daughter of Ben and Dawn Gonser of Paragould.
She is seeking a degree in agriculture business at Black River Technical College.
Payton Smith of Beech Grove has been awarded the Archer Realty Scholarship.
Smith is also a 2021 Paragould High School graduate. He is the son of Jimmy Smith of Stanford and Shonia Smith of Muleshoe, Texas.
Smith is majoring in industrial maintenance technology at BRTC. | 2022-03-02T05:20:52Z | www.jonesborosun.com | BRTC students accept scholarships | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/brtc-students-accept-scholarships/article_bc876dbe-f9f6-57fd-8a9e-8deed579298a.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/brtc-students-accept-scholarships/article_bc876dbe-f9f6-57fd-8a9e-8deed579298a.html |
A-State announces advanced degrees
Arkansas State University in Jonesboro has announced the list of students who completed degree requirements to graduate at fall commencement, held Dec. 18 in First National Bank Arena.
Area students earning specialist and doctoral degrees included David Young of Brookland, Doctor of Education, educational leadership; Cayley French and Teah Morris, both of Jonesboro, and Michael Finch, Brandy Otto and Jennifer Rawls, all of Paragould, Specialist in Education, educational leadership; and Ana-Liese Torres and Emily Weaver, both of Jonesboro, Specialist in Education, psychology and counseling.
McKee makes honor societies
Madeline McKee, a junior psychology and biological science major from Jonesboro is among the 2021 semester inductees into the Mississippi State University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi honor society.
Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and the top 7.5 percent of juniors.
McKee was also initiated into the MSU Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society during January.
Students must be at least sophomores, in the top 35 percent of their class.
Mississippi State’s campus in Starkville, Mississippi.
Ole Miss names honor rolls
The University of Mississippi in Oxford recently announced students named to fall 2021 honor rolls.
Those named to the chancellor’s honor roll are students who earn a semester grade point average of 3.75-4.0.
Area students included Caroline Pickens, Macey Ross and Sophie Trevathan, all of Jonesboro, Aaron Jolly of Bay, Brianna Cupp of Walcott and Rylie Mangold of Pocahontas.
The dean’s honor roll includes students who earn a semester GPA of 3.50-3.74.
Area students included Katherine Smith of Jonesboro and Paxton Pierce of Wilson.
UALR names fall grads
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock recently announced its fall 2021 graduates.
Jonesboro students included Delaney Edington, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Helen Pendleton, Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.
Blytheville students were Taylen Anderson, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Kirby Logan, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, and Maya Wells, Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Newport graduates were Julia Crumpton, Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Luke Samaniego, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Sheri Whitlow of Marked Tree earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and Bethnie Winn of Wynne graduated with a Master of Public Service in Public Service.
Grogan named to LU dean’s list
Hannah Grogan of Jonesboro was recently named to the dean’s list of Lincoln University of Missouri in Jefferson City, for the fall 2021 semester.
The list is comprised of undergraduate students completing a full-time load of graded coursework with a minimum term grade point average of 3.5. | 2022-03-02T05:20:58Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Education | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/education/article_6b949a26-7b13-56b7-b99d-23b760de764f.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/education/article_6b949a26-7b13-56b7-b99d-23b760de764f.html |
NEA Business Service to meet
JONESBORO — Northeast Arkansas Business Service will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the conference room at the Jonesboro Workforce Center, 2311 E. Nettleton Ave. Auxiliary aids and services will be available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Once completed, a digital copy of the packet will be made available at bit.ly/3Hnv854.
For more information please call James Morgan at 870-932-1564. | 2022-03-02T05:21:04Z | www.jonesborosun.com | NEA Business Service to meet | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/nea-business-service-to-meet/article_f86e7989-a1d3-5302-a51b-311b725e744d.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/nea-business-service-to-meet/article_f86e7989-a1d3-5302-a51b-311b725e744d.html |
JONESBORO — Coronavirus deaths, new infections and the number of active cases all declined in the past week, a Sun review of daily reports from the Arkansas Department of Health found.
The deaths of seven Craighead County residents were said to be due at least in part to COVID-19 last week, compared to 11 the previous week. Through Sunday, 313 people’s deaths were attributed to the virus.
New cases between Feb. 21 and Sunday declined from 363 to 340.
Other counties reporting COVID-related deaths included: Greene with six; Clay and Mississippi with four each; Poinsett and Randolph with two each; and Jackson and Lawrence, two each.
Only Cross and Poinsett counties in Northeast Arkansas showed an increase in new cases.
However, new data released by the health department Monday showed Randolph County had 25 new cases in one day, more than the number of new cases all of last week, and just six fewer than the county had in all of the previous week.
The state reported 548 new cases across Arkansas on Monday, with 27 deaths. Active cases declined by 730 to 5,337. Statewide COVID hospitalizations continued their decline, dropping by 10 465 on Monday. However, the number of those patients on ventilators rose by 10 to 75. In Northeast Arkansas, hospitalizations rose by eight on Monday to 55. Six of those remained on ventilators.
Locally, Mississippi County recorded 21 new cases with one new death; Lawrence County had 10; Craighead, seven; Poinsett, five; and Cross and Jackson, three each. Clay County had no new cases, but one new death.
Northeast Arkansas COVID-19 cases by county, Feb. 21 through Sunday:
Craighead – 340 new cases (48.6 per day, down from 51.1 last week); 198 active cases, (down from 368); 306 total virus related deaths (increase of 11)
Greene – 80 new cases (11.4 per day, down from 15.9); 89 active (down from 179); 163 deaths (increase of 6).
Lawrence – 33 new cases (4.7 per day, down from 10.1); 31 active (down from 66); 69 deaths (increase of 1).
Poinsett – 47 new cases (6.7 per day, up from 4 per day); 68 active (down from 132); 117 deaths (increase of 2).
Mississippi – 51 new cases (7.3 per day, down from 16.3); 58 active cases (down from 119); 186 deaths (increase of 4).
Jackson – 23 new cases (3.3 per day, down from 5.7); 36 active cases (down from 67); 54 deaths (increase of 1).
Randolph – 13 new cases (1.9 per day, down from 4.4); 21 active cases (down from 159); 80 deaths (increase of 2).
Cross –71 new cases (10.1 per day, up from 4.4); 27 active cases (down from 49); 75 deaths (unchanged).
Clay – 13 new cases (1.8 per day, down from 3.4); 32 active cases (down from 71); 88 deaths (increases of 4). | 2022-03-02T05:21:47Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Virus deaths, infections decline in Craighead | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/virus-deaths-infections-decline-in-craighead/article_a9a9f2ae-c129-5031-b619-3aa93bebbf4e.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/virus-deaths-infections-decline-in-craighead/article_a9a9f2ae-c129-5031-b619-3aa93bebbf4e.html |
Justice of the Peace Richard Rogers reads the Public Service Committee report to the Craighead County Quorum Court on Monday night at the Craighead County Annex in Jonesboro.
First up was the resolution to the purchase four Chevy Tahoes for the Sheriffs Department, exempt from the bid process, which was passed by the full court after some discussion. Justice of the Peace Josh Longmire asked how much the vehicles would cost.
Judge Marvin Day explained that they would be $44,000 each with the police package, although they would still have to add in a few things that are specific to the precinct such as the lights and radio.
“We have been on the list since 2020,” Day said, noting that he had discussed the vehicles with Sheriff Marty Boyd, and they felt they were highly needed due to the high mileage on the current ones.
Another ordinance that was discussed and passed by the full court was an appropriation ordinance amending the 2022 Annual Operating Budget to add Fund 3537 to track Craighead County Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Connect and Protect grant monies, which have become available to Craighead County for the purpose of Craighead County Crisis Intervention Response Initiative.
Justice of the Peace Richard Rogers asked if the grant would be yearly.
Day replied that the $549,995 grant is a three-year grant.
“This will allow us to establish a new officer position which will be 100 percent paid for by the grant,” Day said.
It will help to implement Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) and allow for personnel to administer the program and will help recruit and identify the new full-time law enforcement officer, a CIT Coordinator, a Mental Health CIT Coordinator, CIT Trainers and CIT Co-Responders.
The court also passed an appropriation ordinance to increase the maximum allowable hourly pay rate for part-time county employees to $15 per hour, with the limitations of less than 80 hours per month.
Justice of the Peace Carolyn Lewis inquired about the previous pay rate, which Day explained was $13 per hour.
According to the appropriation ordinance, the county’s allowed maximum hourly pay rate for part-time employees has remained the same for the past two years.
The other items that were discussed and passed by the court include:
A resolution to support Southridge Fire Protection District’s application for Arkansas Rural Fire Community Grant funding.
A resolution to appoint Doyle Hudson to the Valley View Fire Board.
A resolution to reappoint Ronnie Jones to the Cash Fire Board.
A resolution to reappoint Jerry Cook to the Egypt Fire Board.
An appropriation ordinance for Fund 3539, Hazard Mitigation Grant, CR 7628-7629.
An appropriation ordinance regarding 2021 fund transfers.
An emergency ordinance to enact a Code of Ordinances for Craighead County.
An emergency ordinance to establish Fund 1006, ARPA Revenue Replacement Fund.
An emergency ordinance to revise the Salary Administration Policy for promotional increase eligibility.
After which the court adjourned to a special Road Committee meeting to discuss and review a plat for Adam Wall, CR 745. | 2022-03-02T21:39:34Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Quorum Court approves vehicle purchases | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/quorum-court-approves-vehicle-purchases/article_7addf6c0-118f-5d50-a489-daf9bc134f0f.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/quorum-court-approves-vehicle-purchases/article_7addf6c0-118f-5d50-a489-daf9bc134f0f.html |
JONESBORO — One woman is believed to have committed 250 crimes impacting almost the same number of people in recent months.
Valerie Lynette Spence, 38, of Brookland, was arrested on Feb. 22. She has been free since then on a $50,000 bond.
Spence appeared before Craighead County District Judge David Boling Monday, where he found probable cause to charge Spence with felony financial identity fraud and theft of a debit or credit card and 20 counts of fraudulent use of a credit card or account number, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia and 228 misdemeanor charges of theft.
According to court documents and police reports, Spence was already under investigation in November after a local attorney presented allegations that Spence had used a deceased man’s personal information to open a bank account and take thousands of dollars from the man’s estate.
Then, in early February, another victim noticed that his credit card was used fraudulently at multiple locations in Jonesboro. The victim called his card company and learned that a new copy of his card had been mailed to him and that he never received it, according to Detective Austin Morgan.
During the investigation, Morgan said it was learned that a red Chrysler Town and Country was spotted multiple times by the victim’s neighbors parked in the street near the victim’s residence. The witnesses who spotted the van stated that they suspected the van was stealing mail.
Morgan obtained video of suspect transactions from the victim’s credit card statement. He identified the woman making the transactions as Spence. Store video showed she was driving a red Chrysler Town and Country identical to the suspect van.
Using the city’s new traffic cameras, the case detective found the license number to the van and found the vehicle at Spence’s residence.
Morgan said he executed a search warrant on the residence on Feb. 22 and found numerous items purchased with the victim’s card.
Police also found mail belonging to 247 different victims – several of whom who lived in the area where the suspect van was spotted by concerned citizens in southwestern Jonesboro
Police said the seized mail contained credit card offers, bank statements, birth certificates, tax information, and many other documents containing the sensitive information of multiple victims. Detectives also located notebooks and hand written notes with detailed profiles of victim information including bank account numbers, social security numbers, and copies of their credit debit cards taped to the page. There were notes with to-do lists with tasks on them to make fake driver’s licenses, print checks and to call victims and pretend to be with their bank.
A total of 24 physical debit cards in other people’s names were located among the stolen mail.
A used meth pipe and pill bottle with meth residue was also located.
Morgan said in his probable cause affidavit Spence admitted to being the person in the video using one of the cards, but claimed she found the other evidence that was seized.
Spence is scheduled to appear April 29 in Craighead County Circuit Court. | 2022-03-02T21:39:40Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Theft suspect has hundreds of victims | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/theft-suspect-has-hundreds-of-victims/article_d57c80d9-a314-5e25-aeed-9d23bd886967.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/theft-suspect-has-hundreds-of-victims/article_d57c80d9-a314-5e25-aeed-9d23bd886967.html |
JONESBORO — The Arkansas Department of Health disclosed 55 more pandemic-related deaths on Tuesday, even as daily case numbers statewide continue to drop.
The state reported only 693 new cases Tuesday. However, Craighead County had more than 10 percent of the statewide total, with 73.
Clay, Craighead, Greene, Lawrence and Mississippi counties each recorded one additional death, helping raise the statewide total to 10,579.
Active cases statewide dropped by 452 to 4,885. | 2022-03-02T21:39:52Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Virus claims 55 more lives | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/virus-claims-55-more-lives/article_df9551d6-4c70-5b02-92e5-0c46d4d639c3.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/virus-claims-55-more-lives/article_df9551d6-4c70-5b02-92e5-0c46d4d639c3.html |
A herd of cattle at the Eric Eaves Cattle Farm stand in an ice covered field following a recent winter storm. During extreme weather cattle need to be fed more to gain weight for protection against cold temperatures.
Winter weather provides challenges for Arkansas agriculture
By GARRETT HATCHER Delta District News Service
As cold winter temperatures and storms hindered most Arkansans, some cannot help but wonder how Arkansas’ agricultural workers and organizations have been braving the extreme climates.
While some people face problems like power outages, icy roads and a lack of winterization, livestock ranchers appear to be having the most immediate problems as they try to keep their livestock warm and fed while keeping up with the industry demands.
“As a livestock producer, this is hard on the animals that are out there in this weather,” said David Hodges, a Northeast Arkansas beef cattle farmer. “The rate of gain on the cattle is going to be definitely less. They’re gonna have to have a lot more feed just to generate body heat just to maintain themselves, much less gain any weight.”
Hodges said that despite the problems winter brings for farmers and ranchers, it does have one upside – the extermination of insects that would normally affect crops.
Hodges also mentioned that many farmers have taken up growing less nitrogen-dependent crops during the winter and throughout the seasons as prices for nitrogen and other farming chemicals rise. He said winter could cause financial issues to a farmer if a high maintenance and expensive upkeep crop were to die due to ice or snow.
Branon Thiesse, county extension agent – staff chair with the Craighead County Cooperative Extension Service said ice could cause issues for farmers.
The Cooperative Extension Service provides research-based information to help Arkansans with their economics and well-being in consumer science, community development and agriculture.
“As far as an ice storm is concerned, loss of electricity, damage to buildings and farm shops and things like that can cause problems, broken pipes in the farm shops and different things like that because they don’t have an alternative heating method, as most of them use gas,” Thiesse said. He said that while some farmers may have kerosene heaters to heat their shops, many farmers have electric fans that with a loss of power could stop heat from circulating in their shops. This can damage equipment that hasn’t yet been winterized or protected and halts any future progress toward preparing for the next farming season.
“We don’t get dry soil that we can get out and farm. This is pretty much a dead time of the year; field work will typically begin in March unless we just happen to have an unusual dry period during the winter,” Bill Shannon of Farmers National Co. said. “Anytime they’re not able to work in their fields, they work in their shops winterizing equipment, making repairs for the upcoming season and just getting ready to start another crop.”
Farmers National Co. is an organization that manages land for absentee landowners, bank trust departments and charitable foundations, while also leasing farmland to operators so it can be farmed.
As winter drags on, many workers and organizations are planning out and maintaining their equipment as they prepare for the next season of growing rather than worrying about the cold and the troubles it tends to bring. | 2022-03-02T21:40:04Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Winter weather provides challenges for Arkansas agriculture | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/winter-weather-provides-challenges-for-arkansas-agriculture/article_1e66d5ac-ce59-5cb6-9049-c54ceb7a2b68.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/winter-weather-provides-challenges-for-arkansas-agriculture/article_1e66d5ac-ce59-5cb6-9049-c54ceb7a2b68.html |
Hurricane baseball wins opener
MARION — Will Thyer’s three-run home run closed Jonesboro’s 13-2 victory over South Side Bee Branch in the PBR Arkansas high school baseball jamboree Monday.
The Hurricane (1-0) pounded out 12 hits while holding the Hornets to two in the season opener. Jonesboro scored eight runs over the first three innings and closed the game with five in the sixth.
Rykar Acebo was 3-for-4 with three runs batted in for the Hurricane. Thyer was 2-for-4 with a triple, a home run and four RBIs.
Also for Jonesboro, Maddox Morrison was 2-for-3 with a triple and three RBIs; Josh Hyneman was 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI; Jack Cheatham was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.
Lance Davis earned the victory on the mound, giving up one hit and an unearned run while striking out two batters in three innings. Jack Gueno pitched one inning, allowing a run on two walks while striking out one, and Barrett Waleszonia worked two scoreless innings, striking out four while allowing one hit and one walk.
Jonesboro will travel to Rogers for games in the jamboree Friday and Saturday. The Hurricane will play Pulaski Academy on Friday at 6:30, Harrison on Saturday at 1:15 p.m., and the Northwest Arkansas Hornets on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Lady Bearcats win in shutout
BROOKLAND — Brookland defeated Nettleton 2-0 Monday in girls’ high school soccer.
Mallory Bristow and Aaliyah Mahmoud scored goals for the Lady Bearcats (1-0). Lisa Craig was in goal for the shutout.
EPC rolls past Harrisburg
HARRISBURG — Keegan McCorkle pitched a shutout Monday to lead East Poinsett County to a 17-0 victory over Harrisburg in high school softball.
McCorkle struck out 16 batters while giving up one hit over six innings.
Terrin Powell was 4-for-5 at the plate for the Lady Warriors (1-0). EPC scored eight runs in the sixth inning, which included Natalie Dunman’s triple and Mercedes Reel’s home run.
Powell, Reel and Zoe Constant each managed multiple hits for EPC. Constant also finished with five stolen bases.
Van Buren edges JHS soccer
VAN BUREN — Defending state champion Van Buren held off Jonesboro 4-3 Monday in boys’ high school soccer.
The Hurricane trailed 3-1 at halftime in its opener. Eder Leal scored two goals and Carlos Alvarado added one for Jonesboro. Calvin Hargis had six saves in goal. | 2022-03-02T21:41:17Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Sports roundup | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/sports-roundup/article_dd5da6af-a670-5970-b567-7539a386096b.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/sports-roundup/article_dd5da6af-a670-5970-b567-7539a386096b.html |
Dorothy L. Blevens
Dorothy Louise Blevens of Alicia passed away Feb. 24, 2022, at The Springs of Jonesboro facility.
Born Sept. 25, 1931, in Caraway, she was the daughter of the late Loyd Wiley Rhea and Ruby Amanda Furlong Rhea. She attended and graduated school in Egypt. She was united in marriage to Billy Blevens on Nov. 20, 1948. Dorothy worked for over 20 years as a clerk at the Walnut Ridge Walmart. She was a believer in Christ and loved being outside working in her gardens. She loved flowers and being surrounded by her family.
She is preceded by her parents; her husband of 45 years, Billy, in 1994; three sisters, Mary Murausky, Patsy Green and Ruth Bristow; and two brothers, Bill and Gerald Rhea.
Survivors include her daughter, Sharon (Steve) Young of Jonesboro; three sons, Jerry (Dorothy) Blevens of Hoxie, Rickey (Judith) Blevens of Paragould and Darrell Blevens; six grandchildren, Kris and Jason Blevens of Hoxie, Doug (Katrina) Blevens and Dustin (Jessie) Blevens, all of Paragould, Jessica (Alex) Archer of Bono and Jodi (Lorne) Hazlewood of Ozark, Mo.; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Mildred Davis of Malden, Mo.; and three brothers, Glenn (Mary) Rhea of Hoxie, Jim (Barb) Rhea and Harold (Doris) Rhea; and many other relatives and friends.
Graveside service was Monday, Feb. 28, at noon at Lawrence Memorial Park with Gary Cremeens officiating.
Pallbearers were Lorne Hazlewood, Alex Archer, and Kris, Jason, Doug and Dustin Blevens.
Visitation was from 10:30 a.m. until noon in Bryan Chapel. | 2022-03-02T21:42:06Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Dorothy L. Blevens | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/dorothy-l-blevens/article_545a2a36-5a12-5a10-b433-af191f18ffae.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/dorothy-l-blevens/article_545a2a36-5a12-5a10-b433-af191f18ffae.html |
Glendon Ray Graham
Glendon Ray Graham, 89, of Walnut Ridge, passed away Feb. 27, 2022, at Lawrence Hall Health and Rehab Center in Walnut Ridge.
Born July 26, 1932, in Walnut Ridge, he was the son of the late Robert F. Graham and Faye Matthews Graham. He was united in marriage to Ruby McEntire on Nov. 5, 1951. He worked in the postal service locally and retired as the Walnut Ridge Postmaster. He enjoyed electronics, reading crime thrillers and spending time with family and friends. He was an active Ham Radio operator (KB5WT) and a member of the Lawrence County Radio Club. He spent hours talking around the world with his radios and computer.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, three weeks short of 69 years, Ruby; and five brothers, Gene, Bedford, Billy Joe, Dale and Gale.
Survivors include his two daughters, Gayle (Jessie) Hill of Springfield, Mo., and Glenda “Suzie” (Ron) Jones of Hoxie; three grandchildren, Ryan (Andrea) Jones, Kelsie (James) Cagle, Michael (Candice) McClain; seven grandchildren, Quinten McClain, Emma and Cailin Jones, Stella and Amanda (Mitchell) Jenkins, and Grant and GlennaKate Cagle; a nephew, John Franks; two nieces, Debbie Davis and Karen Crum; and many other relatives and friends.
Graveside service is today, March 2, at 1 p.m. at Lawrence Memorial Park with Bro. Ben Campbell officiating.
Pallbearers will be Seth Bruce, Dirk Davis, Ryan Jones, James Cagle, and Johnny and Jason Franks. Honorary pallbearers will be Zach and Jeb Davis, and Michael and Quinton McClain. | 2022-03-02T21:42:12Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Glendon Ray Graham | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/glendon-ray-graham/article_cd855fb8-30ef-5328-8c52-b609e016f70b.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/glendon-ray-graham/article_cd855fb8-30ef-5328-8c52-b609e016f70b.html |
Latisha Bailey
Latishia Michelle Bailey, 39, of Hoxie, passed from this life on Monday, Feb. 21, 2022, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.
She was born July 11, 1982, in Jonesboro, to Harold and Donna Hoffman Bailey. She attended Faith of the Apostles Church in Walnut Ridge. Latishia loved going for rides, shopping and holding babies.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Donna Bailey; sister, Christine Bailey Price; and her maternal and paternal grandparents.
Latishia is survived by her father, Harold Bailey, of the home; siblings, Sharon Beardsley (David) and James Bailey (Jennifer), both of Jonesboro, Rachael Jones (Terry) of Piggott, and John Bailey (Tracy) of Hoxie; special aunt, Dee Dee; and several other special aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and caregivers.
Visitation was Friday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. until noon. at the Cox Funeral Home chapel in Walnut Ridge. The funeral followed at noon, with John Bailey and Michael Bailey officiating. Burial was in Warm Springs Cemetery in Warm Springs under the direction of Cox Funeral Home.
Honored to serve as pallbearers were Aaron Jones, Samuel Jones, Michael Bailey, Josh Beardsley, John Jones and Ethan Bailey. Honorary pallbearer was Ben Jones. | 2022-03-02T21:42:18Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Latisha Bailey | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/latisha-bailey/article_2042ec55-b600-5a50-9cdc-937669c3ff14.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/latisha-bailey/article_2042ec55-b600-5a50-9cdc-937669c3ff14.html |
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