text stringlengths 237 126k | date_download stringdate 2022-01-01 00:32:20 2023-01-01 00:02:37 ⌀ | source_domain stringclasses 60 values | title stringlengths 4 31.5k ⌀ | url stringlengths 24 617 ⌀ | id stringlengths 24 617 ⌀ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zach Crisler and Range Weeks of Walnut Ridge were named to the 2A-3 All-Conference Basketball Team.
The Black Rock High School chess team placed fourth in the regional chess tournament in Benton. The team is now qualified for the CAAS state chess finals that will take place in April in Searcy. Team members are Jacob Duff, Ryan Duff, Robin Maxie and Kaige Ludwig.
Allyson Smith was crowned Miss Bobcat at the annual pageant held Saturday evening at the Walnut Ridge Community Center. Holly Looney was named first runner-up and was also the recipient of the Monetta Lynn Corbett Miss Congeniality Award. Peyton Roberts was named second runner-up and won the talent competition.
A new 250,000-gallon elevated water tower was dedicated Feb. 21 near the Walnut Ridge Industrial Park. The tower was constructed with grant money of $455,260 from the Arkansas Department of Economic Development and $325,000 from a state economic development fund. The old water tank had just a 50,000-gallon capacity and was in disrepair.
Judy Childers of Jonesboro began her new duties as postmaster of Walnut Ridge on Thursday. She replaces Pat Golden, who served as postmaster for 12 years and who has been Imboden postmaster since August.
The River Valley Rangers are both district and regional champs for the 2001-2002 basketball season. Team members are: Eric Johnson, Thomas Polston, Chris Polston, Brice Howard, Courtney Durham, Zach Dickison, Tim Wilson, Jared Jones, Greg Parsley, Zach Witt and Donovan Jones. Shawn Rose is their coach.
The Hoxie High School cheerleaders recently competed at the Arkansas ACCA State Cheerleading Championship at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. The squad finished sixth in the state. Members are Lyndsey Coats, Krystal Smith, Jenine Privett, Jill Tate, Lisa Spargo, Jenny Williams, Beth Graham, Kimberly Burnside, Jodi Kopp, Stacey Bawker and Crystal Chappel.
Last Friday at the Chamber of Commerce, Jerry Lang of Union Pacific presented Walnut Ridge Mayor Tommy Holland a document donating the Union Pacific Depot in Walnut Ridge to the city and a lease for the property on which it is located.
Penny Hardin and Brent Smith, students at Strawberry School, were selected to All-District Tournament Teams at the conclusion of the Junior High District Tournament at Oak Ridge Central on Feb. 15.
Rondel Smith and Louise Wright reigned as king and queen at the annual Valentine’s Day celebration at Lawrence Hall Nursing Center.
Mike Slayton, son of Emmett and Elke Slayton and a junior at Walnut Ridge High School, has been chosen to play fourth chair tuba in the All-State First Band.
Kirk Hicks, a senior at Walnut Ridge High School, has been named a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship program.
The demolition of a block of old buildings on Main Street (Highway 67) in Hoxie is “just about completed,” according to Bud Whitmire, Chamber president. About all remaining of the blocks at this time are some bricks and a little rubble.
The Hoxie senior Lady Mustangs claimed the conference championship this year compiling a 16-2 record in District 2AA-North. Members of the team are: Angie Harris, Teresa Guntharp, Patty Smith, Sarah Jones, Leslie Oldham, Melanie Burns, Barbara Cain, Janet Harp, Kerrie Cunningham, Mary Ditto, Lisa Mans, Beverly Prater, Debbie Mans, Margo Flippo, Karen Downum and Mary Scott.
Mike Bassett, a sophomore, was elected president of the Walnut Ridge High School Student Council in an election held Wednesday of last week. Other officers elected were Karen Guthrie, vice president; Shelia Rogers, secretary-treasurer; and Karen Hawn, reporter.
The local Dodge-Plymouth-Chrysler dealership has been sold by Charles Ledbetter to George Brumley.
Girl Scout Troop 52 – We held our meeting Tuesday, Feb. 15, in the Methodist Church basement. Marianne Snapp brought refreshments. Sue Buchanan, Melinda Smith, Ramona Potter, Sarah Shell and Marianne Snapp put on a play. We also had a contest to see who could write the most words out of valentine. Sarah Shell came in first with 33 words in five minutes. She won 50 cents. Ramona Potter was second. We ended our meeting with a closing ceremony. – Ramona Potter, scribe.
One of the heaviest snows in recent years began falling shortly after 8 o’clock Saturday. The CAA Weather and Communications Station recorded 6.8 inches of snow.
Dr. Chas D. Tibbles of Black Rock, who is a candidate for state senator from this district, filed qualifying papers with the Secretary of State in Little Rock last week.
In the seventh grade, perfect test scores on geography were made by Joann Overstreet, Wilda Richey, Martha Evans, Tommy Hilburn and Edwin Hamilton. Phyllis Ford and Bobby Kearby made 99 on the history test.
500 C-46 transport planes stored at the Walnut Ridge Air Base have been placed on sale by the War Assets Administration.
New members of Hoxie Beta Club are Winfield Cochran, Alice Cochran, Wilma Hanshaw, Joan Richardson, Fay Dell Flippo, Norma Jean Turner, Cecil Goodrum and Alpha Park.
Jerry Bassett will be interlocuter for a minstrel show presented by the choir of the Methodist Church at the high school auditorium Thursday night. Those who will take part as end and swing men will be Otho Odom, Howard Archer, H.V. Wayland, Lewis Ernest, Menard Fisher, Bill Archer, Bob Bone, E.E. Ensor, Henry M. Rainwater and R.B. Warner. Ladies in the circle include Myrtle Clark, Edna Johnson, Evelyn Lee, Marie Logan, Mary Miller, Marie Wayland, Jeanette Ring, Aline South, Willie Doyle, Julia Ernest, Helen Moore, Ruth Parsons and Tommy Sexton.
Mr. and Mrs. Earl VanHook are moving to Walnut Ridge today from Paragould and have rented the Johnson Cottage. Mr.VanHook is to be the manager of Joseph’s Store, which, will be open for business in Walnut Ridge shortly after March 1.
Miss Mamie McKenzie was enrolled by the Arkansas Supreme Court at its session Monday and admitted to practice law in all the courts of the state. She is the first woman admitted to the bar in this part of the state, and has been employed in the law offices of G.M. Gibson for six years.
Homer Mays, assistant cashier of the Bank of Hoxie, entered St. Bernards Hospital Sunday to receive treatment for a broken hip and minor cuts and bruises sustained Saturday night when he attempted to apprehend a prowler in the vicinity of his home. | 2022-03-02T21:42:30Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Yesteryears | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_aa8c2c6d-770a-5a78-a7b4-13484b8a9576.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_aa8c2c6d-770a-5a78-a7b4-13484b8a9576.html |
Teams compete in basketball regionals
Four Lawrence County basketball teams earned berths in their respective regional tournaments.
Due to last week’s inclement weather, first-round games were pushed back until Sunday.
In the 3A Region 2 tournament at Rose Bud, the Hoxie senior girls and Walnut Ridge senior boys each clinched spots in the upcoming 3A state tournament with opening-round victories. | 2022-03-02T21:42:43Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Teams compete in basketball regionals | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/teams-compete-in-basketball-regionals/article_12053f44-7082-5317-bf5e-ae3b98d2e778.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/teams-compete-in-basketball-regionals/article_12053f44-7082-5317-bf5e-ae3b98d2e778.html |
Chamber names Black new marketing director
JONESBORO — The Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday that Mallory Jordan Black has taken on the role of marketing director as of Feb. 21.
Black will lead all communication and marketing efforts for the chamber including helping build and share brand awareness for not only the chamber but also the businesses it serves.
By strategically utilizing a variety of communication channels, Black will help share the stories of Jonesboro, its businesses and stakeholders.
Black recently spent more than three years as a marketing and communication specialist at Arkansas State University-Newport where she helped the institution grow its social media followings while leading external communication efforts including photography and videography content.
She graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and will soon graduate from Arkansas State University with a Master of Arts in Communication Studies.
She was previously the morning anchor of Good Morning Region 8.
Black, originally from Weiner, currently lives in Jonesboro and is an active volunteer for the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas and the Northeast Arkansas Chain Reaction Youth Council. | 2022-03-03T11:04:37Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Chamber names Black new marketing director | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/chamber-names-black-new-marketing-director/article_d9d6493a-14c2-5f7c-bd18-2687eac3bb30.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/chamber-names-black-new-marketing-director/article_d9d6493a-14c2-5f7c-bd18-2687eac3bb30.html |
Crye-Leike announces Arkansas top producers
LITTLE ROCK — Realtor Rick McKenzie, managing broker of the Crye-Leike office in Jonesboro, along with his wife, Tanya, and daughter, Morgan Turner, make up the McKenzie Team, which was recognized as Crye-Leike’s Top Producing Team in Arkansas by Transactions for 2021.
They have consistently conducted over 100 real estate transactions each year since the team formed in 2003, and in 2021, they conducted 127 real estate transactions.
Aside from being Crye-Leike’s Top Producing Team for transactions, they have earned the Diamond and Double Diamond awards from the Arkansas Realtors Association on an annual basis. | 2022-03-03T11:04:43Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Crye-Leike announces Arkansas top producers | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/crye-leike-announces-arkansas-top-producers/article_3ea470f1-c143-5e64-9912-b7fec582ee26.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/crye-leike-announces-arkansas-top-producers/article_3ea470f1-c143-5e64-9912-b7fec582ee26.html |
Dollar General opens near Lorado
JONESBORO — Dollar General has announced that its new store at 6300 Arkansas 141 South is now open.
The store will include both national and private branded products, home décor and an expanded party preparation selection.
To commemorate the opening of the new location, Dollar General plans to donate 100 new books to the Math &and Science Magnet School in Jonesboro to benefit students ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade.
Through the partnership with the Kellogg Company, the donation will be part of a planned donation of more than 100,000 books across the country to celebrate new DG store openings. | 2022-03-03T11:04:49Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Dollar General opens near Lorado | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/dollar-general-opens-near-lorado/article_b48727cd-f445-57bf-860b-fd1c35539598.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/dollar-general-opens-near-lorado/article_b48727cd-f445-57bf-860b-fd1c35539598.html |
TAP and RTP applications available
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas State Highway Commission is now accepting applications for the Arkansas Transportation Alternatives Program and the Arkansas Recreational Trails Program.
Virtual seminars will be offered March 17 and April 6 to inform potential eligible sponsors of TAP and RTP requirements and responsibilities.
Registration information for the seminars as well as project applications for both programs, including general project guidelines, may be obtained at ardot.gov/tap.
Construction of on-road and off-road trail facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized forms of transportation, including sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian and bicycle signals, lighting and other safety-related infrastructure.
Construction of infrastructure-related projects and systems that will provide safe routes for non-drivers.
Conversion and use of abandoned railroad corridors for trails for pedestrians, bicyclists, or other non-motorized transportation users.
Any environmental mitigation activity, including pollution prevention and abatement activities.
Also eligible are both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects related Safe Routes to School projects including:
Sidewalk improvements, traffic calming and speed reduction improvements.
Pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements.
Public awareness campaigns and outreach.
Enforcement, encouragement and evaluation programs.
Bicycle and pedestrian education or a walking school bus program near a K-8 school.
Pedestrian/trail master plans
Construction and major maintenance of motorized, non-motorized and multiple-use trails.
Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages.
Additional information and applications may also be obtained by mail at Arkansas Department of Transportation Central Office Headquarters, in care of the Program Management Division, 10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock 72209; by phoning 501-569-2481; faxing 501-569-2623; or emailing lfpa@ardot.gov.
Applications must be completed, returned and received by 4 p.m. CDT on June 1. | 2022-03-03T11:05:07Z | www.jonesborosun.com | TAP and RTP applications available | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/tap-and-rtp-applications-available/article_ab6072b0-fa7e-514a-9a6e-a7e6cb3aa3cf.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/tap-and-rtp-applications-available/article_ab6072b0-fa7e-514a-9a6e-a7e6cb3aa3cf.html |
Judy Charlene Bailey went to meet her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at the age of 76.
She was born in Monroe on Oct. 18, 1945, the second child of Charles and Helen (Brann) Weatherly. Judy was an outstanding young lady in high school and was a delegate to Girl’s State. She was chosen as a football maid for her sophomore and junior classes and was a three-year member of the Brinkley high school girls’ basketball team.
During Judy’s sophomore year in high school, she began to date the love of her life, Bob. She graduated high school in May 1963 and married Robert Charles Bailey on Aug. 11 of the same year. Together, they spent 58 years being totally devoted to each other. Through their life together, they built a beautiful family with three children, founded their own company, enjoyed many wonderful vacations with family, RVing, camping and boating at Greers Ferry.
She was a bookkeeper for many years outside and within Bailey Trucking Company, but the true center of her life was her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. She loved her family with all her heart. She will always be remembered for her unwavering love for each of us and the gracious way that she served others.
Her memory may have failed her, but her kind, sweet and loving spirit never faltered. She was a wonderful example of the fruit of the spirit; she was love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. She brought so much love and joy to each moment in life. Whether it be camping, swimming, going to ball tournaments or traveling the country. She always went with a smile on her face and made every trip, birthday party, or family gathering extra special.
Judy’s Christian faith was an essential part of her life. She was a good and faithful servant who loved the Lord with all of her heart and was a devoted member of Free Will Baptist Church for many years.
She is survived by her loving husband, Bob Bailey, of the home; daughter, Lisa Rowland and husband Blake of Vilonia; two sons, Bobby Bailey of Newport and Jonathan Bailey and wife Brandi, of Jonesboro; her granddaughters, Savannah Summers and husband Josh of Vilonia, Lauren Crisp and husband Cordell of Vilonia, Regan Floyd and husband Christian of Bradford, Madysen Bailey of Bald Knob and Emily Bailey of Bald Knob; her grandsons, Rydder Bailey of Jonesboro and Maddox Bailey of Jonesboro; great-grandchildren, Drake Floyd of Bradford, Eillie Summers of Vilonia, Gatlin Crisp of Vilonia, Kashton Bailey of Bald Knob, Livie Summers of Vilonia, Ivy Crisp of Vilonia, Stevi Bailey of Bald Knob and Paisley Williams of Bald Knob; her mother, Helen Weatherly of Wilmot; two sisters, Barbara Fitts and husband Rob of Brinkley and Cindy Cossey of Fountain Hill; two brothers, Phillip Weatherly and wife Mary of Wilmot and Ricky Weatherly and wife Lana of Wilmot; and numerous nephews, nieces, family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Weatherly of Wilmot.
Visitation was Tuesday, March 1, from 6-8 p.m. at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
The funeral was Wednesday, March 2, at the funeral home. Interment was in Watson Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Clinton and Cody Weatherly, Ryan Fitts, Harold Fitts, Greg Mosier, and Maddox and Rydder Bailey.
An online guestbook is available at www. jacksonsfh.com. | 2022-03-03T11:05:26Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Judy Bailey | | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/judy-bailey/article_08425a62-3f32-5671-aefd-8adf6d0fe2e0.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/judy-bailey/article_08425a62-3f32-5671-aefd-8adf6d0fe2e0.html |
A-State unmasks as COVID-19 numbers remain low
nzimmer
JONESBORO — Masks will no longer be mandatory on the Arkansas State University campus starting today, according to a letter announcing an update in the campus mask use policy, which was posted online by A-State Chancellor Kelly Damphousse on Tuesday.
The Arkansas Department of Health on Wednesday reported only 559 new cases statewide, including 26 in Craighead County and only four in Greene County.
Deaths rose by 32, including two in Mississippi County and one each in Cross and Lawrence counties.
The number of active cases also declined statewide and throughout Northeast Arkansas. Active cases were reduced by 427 to 4,460.
“With the continuing drop in cases on campus and in our community, we believe that it is time that we can remove all mandatory usage of masks effective Thursday, March 3,” Damphousse said, “Remember last month we took a step toward relaxing masks on campus indoors, but continuing to require them in the classroom. Until further notice, they will not be required in classes.”
He was referring to his promise back in February, when Damphousse said he would revisit the A-State’s COVID protocols if conditions within the city, county, and region continued to improve.
After which, on Feb. 11, the university lifted the requirement for masking in most indoor areas, but maintained the requirement for face coverings in the classroom.
“This week the Jonesboro Sun marked the decline of active cases, deaths, and hospitalizations in Craighead County, welcome news to everyone,” Damphousse said, adding that there are similar indications that the recent omicron variant surge of coronavirus is waning across the state.
Chief Communications Officer Bill Smith said on Wednesday that the recent declines in active cases and hospitalizations were an important factor in the change.
“Across the state, we’re also seeing number fall. On campus, we’d gone to single digits in reported cases over the past couple of weeks, all indicating that it is time to shift from requiring to recommending masks,” Smith said. “We want to stress that while masks may not be required, they are welcome. We know there will be individuals who for health or personal reasons wish to continue masking, especially indoors.”
“We are planning to require students, faculty, staff or vendors to report their positive cases of COVID until the end of this semester,” Damphousse said. “Thankfully, the campus case numbers have dropped to single digits during the past several days.”
Begining on Tuesday, the university will begin reporting case numbers weekly, rather than daily, on the campus COVID-19 dashboard.
“We have collectively done a great job in working together to limit the impact,” Damphousse said.
According to the campus’s COVID-19 report on A-State’s dashboard, the latest update on Feb. 28 showed that active cases currently in isolation included one student living on campus and one students living off campus for a total of two cases, and zero employees or vendors and contractors.
This is down from January 19, when active cases in isolation were 36 students living on campus, 64 students living off campus, 20 employees and zero vendors and contractors for a total of 120 cases.
Numbers based on cases since June 1, 2020, show a total of 2,253 cases with 2,252 who have recovered.
Greene – 4 new cases; 59 active.
Lawrence – 3 new cases; 19 active.
Sun Staff Writer Keith Inman contributed to this report.
Follow nzimmer | 2022-03-03T11:06:08Z | www.jonesborosun.com | A-State unmasks as COVID-19 numbers remain low | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/a-state-unmasks-as-covid-19-numbers-remain-low/article_020d2ad2-7426-5db6-ade0-6c0595372573.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/a-state-unmasks-as-covid-19-numbers-remain-low/article_020d2ad2-7426-5db6-ade0-6c0595372573.html |
JONESBORO — Some local legislators have drawn opposition for re-election this year, and two area mayors are seeking to become lawmakers.
The filing period for state and local partisan and nonpartisan judicial elections ended on Wednesday.
District 20 Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan will have opposition from Democrat Chenoa Summers in the November general election. Both are from Jonesboro.
On the western side of Craighead County, voters will have a choice between two Republicans for the redrawn Senate District 10. Incumbent Ronald Caldwell of Wynne faces a challenge from Democrat Cliff Hart, also of Wynne. The new district is expansive, extending from Egypt, through parts of Jackson, Poinsett, St. Francis and Arkansas counties, and all of Cross and Woodruff counties.
Incumbent Sen. Dave Wallace, a Republican, is unopposed in District 19, which includes part of northeastern Jonesboro, Brookland, eastern Craighead County and most of Mississippi counties.
Rep. Jack Ladyman of Jonesboro is opposed by fellow Republican Tom Elwood, also of Jonesboro. The winner will meet Libertarian Eric I. McGee of Jonesboro in the fall.
Rep. Fran Cavenaugh of Walnut Ridge will have to fend off a challenge from fellow Lawrence County Republican Coty W. Powers of Walnut Ridge in the primary. The winner faces Libertarian Cheryl Primm, a resident of Craighead County.
With State Rep. Joe Jett of Succees retiring from the House, two mayors and a justice of the peace seek to replace him in the newly-named District 1.
Marmaduke Mayor Steve Dixon and Greene County Justice of the Peace Jeremy Wooldridge, also of Marmaduke, will meet in the Republican primary, with the winner taking on Rector Mayor Teresa J. Roofe, a Democrat, in the general election.
Representatives Dwight Tosh of Jonesboro, Jon Milligan of Lake City, Jimmy Gazaway of Paragould and Johnny Rye of Trumann, all Republicans, are running unopposed.
Three people are running for prosecuting attorney in the 2nd Judicial District, which includes Craighead, Clay, Crittenden, Greene, Mississippi and Poinsett counties. The winner will succeed Keith Crestman, who was appointed by the governor to complete the unexpired term of Scott Ellington, who is now a judge.
Corey Seats, a former deputy prosecutor, Martin E. Lilly, a current deputy prosecutor, both of Jonesboro, and Sonia Fonticiella, a private attorney and part-time public defender from Paragould, are seeking the position.
That election is during the May 24 primary. If a runoff is needed, it will be held as part of the November general election.
The 3rd Judicial District will also have a new prosecutor, as Ryan Cooper was also a gubernatorial appointee.
He is completing the term of longtime prosecutor Henry Boyce, who now is a judge.
John Pettie of Newport and Devon Holder of Maynard are seeking the position.
The district includes Jackson, Lawrence, Sharp and Randolph counties.
Also, current Circuit Judge Cindy Thyer of Jonesboro was unopposed in her bid for a seat on the Arkansas Court of Appeals. | 2022-03-03T11:06:33Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Voters to see several legislative races | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/voters-to-see-several-legislative-races/article_71e817c5-7d7c-5700-bbbb-c3f5bfba6a82.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/voters-to-see-several-legislative-races/article_71e817c5-7d7c-5700-bbbb-c3f5bfba6a82.html |
Woman suffers injury to jaw
JONESBORO — A 30-year-old Jonesboro woman told police she was struck by a 29-year-old man on Saturday in the 1200 block of Dana Street, causing serious injury to her jaw.
Police said the woman had to undergo major reconstructive surgery at St. Bernards Medical Center to repair her jaw.
In a separate case, police arrested three people Tuesday afternoon after members of the Fugitive Task Force and Jonesboro police’s Street Crimes Unit saw narcotics while looking for a parolee in the 3100 block of Strawfloor Road.
Bryan Ural Richmond, 55, of the residence; Brandy Nicole Brotherton, 27, of the 300 block of Carter Cove, Lake City; and Christopher Brian Sullivan, 35, also of the 300 block of Carter Cove; are being held on suspicion of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, felony and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a Schedule IV or V drug less than 28 grams, possession of marijuana and obstructing governmental operations.
Richmond received a $2,500 bond from District Judge Tommy Fowler on Wednesday.
A 66-year-old Jonesboro woman reported that someone stole a check and cashed it Tuesday morning in the 200 block of South Church Street. The check was made out for $2,150.
Police arrested three people following a traffic stop Tuesday night at the intersection of Freeman Street and West Washington Avenue. Amanda Lee Bolin, 33, of the 3500 block of Race Street; Steve Randle, 45, of the 1300 block of Lakewood Drive; and Erica Griffin, 40, of the 500 block of Freeman Street; are being held on suspicion of felony and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and had warrants, police said. Bolin received a $3,500 bond on Wednesday from Fowler. | 2022-03-03T11:06:45Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Woman suffers injury to jaw | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/woman-suffers-injury-to-jaw/article_f87639b8-8a42-5b74-b5a7-e70ea5125ac8.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/woman-suffers-injury-to-jaw/article_f87639b8-8a42-5b74-b5a7-e70ea5125ac8.html |
Hurricane, Lady Hurricane roll at 5A state
SHERIDAN — Wednesday’s Class 5A state tournament openers went according to plan for both Jonesboro High School basketball teams.
Both teams won by mercy rule with the clock running continuously in the fourth quarter. Jonesboro thrashed tournament host Sheridan 68-33 in the girls’ division and hammered Hot Springs 65-26 in the boys’ bracket.
The Hurricane and Lady Hurricane will also have back-to-back quarterfinal games Friday night. Jonesboro will play in the girls’ quarterfinals, facing Vilonia or Benton at 7 p.m. The Jonesboro boys will play Siloam Springs or Sylvan Hills at 8:30 Friday night.
Jonesboro (25-3) opened a 23-6 lead over Hot Springs in the first quarter. The Hurricane led 32-16 at halftime and 50-18 after three quarters.
Quion Williams and Jesse Washington scored 16 and 13 points, respectively, to lead Jonesboro. Isaac Harrell and Kavon Pointer scored eight points each.
Jabari West led Hot Springs (15-13) with 11 points.
Center Destiny Thomas was dominant as the Lady Hurricane (20-6) advanced with ease. Thomas scored 12 points in the first quarter, helping Jonesboro take a 26-11 lead, and she had 20 by halftime as the Lady Hurricane held a 39-18 advantage.
Jonesboro’s lead was 61-27 after the third quarter.
Thomas finished with 22 points to lead Jonesboro. Bramyia Johnson and Ereauna Hardaway added 16 and 11 points, respectively.
Paragould also reached the quarterfinals with Tuesday night’s 49-38 upset of Lake Hamilton, the No. 1 seed from the 5A-South. Keimauri Brown scored 15 points and Carson DeFries added 12 for the Lady Rams, who will play Little Rock Christian or Siloam Springs on Friday at 4 p.m.
Pine Bluff defeated Greene County Tech 69-42 in Tuesday night’s late 5A boys’ game. | 2022-03-03T11:07:28Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Hurricane, Lady Hurricane roll at 5A state | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/hurricane-lady-hurricane-roll-at-5a-state/article_c48eb749-d2fd-5d83-a4fb-de8ee5c0cdad.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/hurricane-lady-hurricane-roll-at-5a-state/article_c48eb749-d2fd-5d83-a4fb-de8ee5c0cdad.html |
JONESBORO — Thursday’s report from the Arkansas Department of Health showed Arkansas had 481 new coronavirus cases. Craighead County accounted for 12.2 percent of that total with 60, one more than Pulaski County.
The report showed 40 deaths, including those of three Poinsett County residents. Mississippi County had two deaths and Greene and Lawrence counties had one death each.
The number of active cases dropped throughout Northeast Arkansas and the state as a whole. Active cases statewide were 4,097, a drop of 363.
The health department said hospitalizations of COVID patients totaled 410 statewide, including 50 in Northeast Arkansas. Of those, 60 patients across the state were on ventilators, including five in NEA hospitals.
Thursday Northeast Arkansas COVID-19 case numbers by county:
Clay – 1 new case; 11 active. | 2022-03-04T07:13:06Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Craighead reports 60 new virus cases | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/craighead-reports-60-new-virus-cases/article_ff5b31fc-2ca1-5327-93cb-5a9b43c5eb92.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/craighead-reports-60-new-virus-cases/article_ff5b31fc-2ca1-5327-93cb-5a9b43c5eb92.html |
JPD Patrolman First Class Colton Brown stands watch at Central Baptist Church during a worship service.
DDNS photo / Garrett Hatcher
By GARRETT HATCHER Delta Digital News Service
On Monday, in Sacramento Calif., David Mora Rojas walked into The Church in Sacramento and killed his three daughters, Samarah Mora Gutierrez, 9, Samantha Mora Gutierrez, 10, and Samia Mora Gutierrez , 13, along with their court-appointed chaperone, 59-year-old Nathaniel Kong, before killing himself.
Rojas had a restraining order at the time of the shooting, which did not allow him to see his children without supervision. Currently, no clear motive has yet been discovered or confirmed.
Earlier this year, in Colleyville, Texas, 44-year old Malik Faisal Akram, a British citizen had taken a rabbi and three other hostages at the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue. Akram demanded the release of convicted terrorist Aafia Siddiqui who was being held at Carswell Air Force Base near Fort Worth. After a 10-hour long standoff, the hostages were rescued and Akram was dead.
According to an FBI database, in 2020 around 1,244 cases of anti-religion hate crime incidents occurred in the United States with anti-Jewish crime having 683 incidents alone. An earlier FBI report, stated crime against places of worship have surged by 34.8 percent between 2014 and 2018.
With increased crime against and on the grounds of many religious institutions, people of faith are deciding be more proactive by taking preventive measures. In Northeast Arkansas many churches have turned to the police and specialized training for protective measures and security.
According to Patrol Sgt. Rodney Smith of the Jonesboro Police Department some churches have contracted off-duty officers to serve as “traffic control officers and figureheads of force” at local places of worship.
Local churches such as First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Journey, Central Baptist, First United Methodist Church, Highland Drive Baptist, Nettleton Baptist Church and Southwest Church of Christ contract off-duty officers.
The contracted officers are typically members of their respective congregations. JPD Police Officer Patrolman First Class Colton Brown attends Central Baptist and is one of the rotating officers for Sunday and Wednesday worship services. Smith said that Brown, along with the officers, are paid by their places of worships.
Central Baptist takes their security a step further with more elements of security, along with cameras and contracted officers. According Adult Discipleship Pastor Don Blackmore, the church may have up to six rotating non-paid safety teams made up of off-duty officers, former military, paramedics, doctors and civilian members of Central Baptist. Known as a safety team, the group also undergoes training by local instructors from JPD, the Craighead County Sheriff’s Department and Black River Technical College.
“We try and prepare them for knowing what to look for, how to respond, how to deescalate and how to manage things properly,” said Blackmore. He said that the volunteers must go through periodic training before and after becoming part of the safety team.
Central Baptist also hires the Stop the Bleed organization to train people to learn how to stop and control serious bleeding. Central Baptist volunteers undergo an extensive background checks and must fill out a questioner before being accepted for training.
As for how others feel about the safety team, Senior Adult Pastor Jay Jacobs stated, “I think they feel very safe also,” noting that they handle emergencies, as well. “When you see a team of people going to somebody’s aid, its makes us feel very secure.”
Fullness of Joy Ministries has a similar system when it comes to their security as they also have a volunteer training program. The volunteers are instructed and trained by a local police officer on what to look for and how to handle certain situations.
According to Pastor Adrian Rodgers the security volunteers are allowed to conceal and carry firearms. However, volunteers must undergo a background check and have a valid gun permit if they wish to conceal and carry at Fullness of Joy Ministries.
“I think it’s sad that we’re in the place now where we have to have them, but I do understand that we are in the place where we have to have them, but I certainly do think it’s sad,” said Rodgers. “I certainly wish that we did not have to have them.”
Religious institutions may have varying ways of defending and securing the safety of their members and institutions from man-made threats, but they all do pray for a day they won’t have to anymore. | 2022-03-04T07:13:37Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Local churches take extra measures to protect congregations | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/local-churches-take-extra-measures-to-protect-congregations/article_71bcbedf-57c9-5ed8-bf2a-a51e5e967552.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/local-churches-take-extra-measures-to-protect-congregations/article_71bcbedf-57c9-5ed8-bf2a-a51e5e967552.html |
6-Wire piano trio will perform at 7 p.m. March 12 in Riceland Hall in the Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive, Jonesboro. Member are (standing) Cathy Yang, erhu; and Xiang Gao, director and violin; and (seated) Matthew Brower, piano.
6-Wire promotes cultural exchange
JONESBORO — Arkansas State University’s Fowler Center will present the 6-Wire piano trio at 7 p.m. on March 12 in Riceland Hall in Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive. This performance is part of Fowler Center’s annual performing arts series.
According to the announcement, the group is inspired by the historical connection between the erhu, the Chinese two-stringed violin, and the four-stringed Western violin – both essential leading instruments, 6-Wire was founded in 2010 by two virtuoso musicians, violinist Xiang Gao and erhu master Cathy Yang, who compose and perform contemporary, classical, chamber, world music, crossover and jazz with pianist and arranger, Matthew Brower.
“I am particularly excited to experience the intersection of traditional and contemporary approaches to chamber music that underlies their approach,” noted Garry Holstein, Fowler Center director. “6-Wire’s dedication to promoting cultural exchange through performances fits very well with our goal to bring the world to our community at the Fowler Center.”
6-Wire celebrates diversity in its performances, weaving stories into its concerts, transforming how live instrumental music is experienced. Ensemble-in-residence at the University of Delaware since 2014, 6-Wire performs each season on the University’s Master Players Series and Summer Festival.
The trio has given more than 100 concerts internationally for performing arts centers, chamber music and university concert series, and community recitals, as well as large outdoor and television events, delighting cross-generational audiences. They also have recorded two CDs.
A Chamber Music America grantee, the group redefines traditional chamber music with forward-looking compositions and commissions, along with cutting-edge audio and video technology, fulfilling its mission to promote cultural exchange while attracting new chamber music audiences with new repertoire and new sounds.
Tickets are $18-$33 and are available through the A-State Box Office, 870-972-2781. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Safe-seating guidelines will be followed, and masks are required for all patrons.
For more details about the performance, contact Fowler Center at 870-972-3471 or visit www. yourfowlercenter.com. | 2022-03-05T07:15:20Z | www.jonesborosun.com | 6-Wire promotes cultural exchange | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/6-wire-promotes-cultural-exchange/article_afed5690-ab83-5be9-820d-4a3418acdb1c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/6-wire-promotes-cultural-exchange/article_afed5690-ab83-5be9-820d-4a3418acdb1c.html |
Area cities gain Tree City status
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has announced that 46 communities in Arkansas achieved recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation through its Tree City USA program, for their commitments to effective urban forest management in 2021.
The Tree City USA program allows communities to achieve recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements, the establishment of a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
Communities in Northeast Arkansas that met these standards by the end of 2021 included Etowah, Hardy, Paragould, Trumann, Walnut Ridge and Wynne.
A map of Tree City USA Communities can be found online at bit.ly/3Kb7QRS. | 2022-03-05T07:15:26Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Area cities gain Tree City status | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/area-cities-gain-tree-city-status/article_e4a4069e-3d92-51dc-a6f3-f3a4d9069499.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/area-cities-gain-tree-city-status/article_e4a4069e-3d92-51dc-a6f3-f3a4d9069499.html |
Opera Theatre sets performances
JONESBORO — Opera Theatre at Arkansas State University is preparing for two performances at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Friday in Riceland Hall of Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive.
The Tuesday performance will be a preview for the entire one-act opera, “Der Schauspieldirektor (The Impresario),” written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
This session caters to students, giving them the opportunity to perform part of the singspiel, a comic opera with spoken dialogue, with orchestra, along with a few extraneous Mozart operatic hits.
The music will be sung in German with English surtitles, and the script will be in English with the appropriate accents.
On Friday, the musicians will perform “The Impresario” in its entirety. The opera describes the experiences of Herr Frank, a theater manager, who is trying to assemble a company. He interviews a series of actors and singers with the help of Buff, samples their talents and discusses their fees which give the opportunity for much-expected haggling.
Area student participants will include the rival sopranos being played by Holly Henson of Paragould (Greene County Tech), and Ally Summers of Jonesboro (JHS) during the Tuesday performance.
The role of Buff will be played by Taylor Watkins of Jonesboro (Brookland) on Friday.
Allison Jones of Jonesboro (Westside) and Madison Wilson of Paragould (Greene County Tech) will have repeat performances.
Paydon Bradley of Trumann is set designer.
Area student orchestra members are Emily R. Donahue, Jonesboro; Julia Sweat, Jonesboro; Sarah Ernes, Jonesboro (Nettleton); Serena Bratten, Bono; Juliana Griffith, Pocahontas; Kaitlyn Ruddick, Manila; Elaine Dean, Osceola (Rivercrest); and Harrison Bruner, Highland.
General admission is $5 and is free to A-State students and faculty showing an I.D. | 2022-03-05T07:16:02Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Opera Theatre sets performances | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/opera-theatre-sets-performances/article_0aa3f80c-d483-532d-b898-64464085e93f.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/opera-theatre-sets-performances/article_0aa3f80c-d483-532d-b898-64464085e93f.html |
MAGNOLIA — Rashaud Marshall scored 21 points Thursday night to lead Blytheville to a 50-39 victory over Watson Chapel in the first round of the Class 4A boys’ state basketball tournament.
Tyree Jackson added 11 points and Elijah Donnerson seven for the Chickasaws (26-6). Blytheville advances to play North Region champion Farmington (30-1) in the quarterfinals Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
Blytheville led 18-12 at halftime after outscoring Watson Chapel 11-6 in the second quarter. The Chickasaws led the Wildcats 29-22 after three quarters.
Wynne played Harrison in a girls’ quarterfinal game Friday. Highland has a bye into Sunday’s girls’ quarterfinal round.
JUNCTION CITY — Marmaduke marched into the Class 2A girls’ state basketball quarterfinals Friday afternoon with a 57-20 rout of Yellville-Summit in the first round.
The Lady Greyhounds (39-3) took control in the second quarter, outscoring the Lady Panthers 17-3 for a 29-12 halftime lead. Marmaduke extended its lead to 44-18 at the end of the fourth quarter and put the mercy rule into effect in the fourth.
Marmaduke moves into Sunday night’s 7 o’clock contest, where the Lady Greyhounds will play Lafayette County or Salem.
Two more area girls’ teams took the court in first-round games later Friday as Riverside played Cotter, while Rector faced Flippin.
Buffalo Island Central played Acorn in the late boys’ game Friday night. West Region champion Eureka Springs defeated Rector 59-47 in the first round of the boys’ tournament Thursday night.
MORRILTON — Marked Tree routed Western Grove 71-48 Thursday in the first round of the Class 1A boys’ state basketball tournament.
The Indians (27-1) will play in the quarterfinals Sunday at 2:30 p.m. against Mineral Springs or Guy-Perkins.
Mammoth Spring (30-7) crushed County Line 68-24 in the girls’ division. The Lady Bears will play Bradley or Wonderview on Sunday. | 2022-03-05T07:17:28Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Marshall leads Blytheville to first-round victory | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/marshall-leads-blytheville-to-first-round-victory/article_61b814e3-99fb-59bf-a9ed-942d75dcf209.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/marshall-leads-blytheville-to-first-round-victory/article_61b814e3-99fb-59bf-a9ed-942d75dcf209.html |
Jonesboro's Jesse Washington drives for a layup during Friday night's Class 5A state quarterfinal game against Sylvan Hills in Sheridan. Washington scored 14 points in the Hurricane's 68-35 victory.
Jonesboro cruises into 5A semifinals
SHERIDAN — Close finishes were the rule in the Class 5A boys' state basketball quarterfinals.
Jonesboro provided the exception.
The Hurricane breezed through Friday night's late second-round game against Sylvan Hills, drilling 11 3-pointers on the way to a 68-35 victory over the Bears at Yellowjacket Arena.
After tipping off at approximately 10 p.m., the result of six overtime periods in Friday's first two boys' games combined, Jonesboro (26-3) led for all but a few seconds of its 17th consecutive victory. Hurricane head coach Wes Swift wasted no time refocusing on tonight's 7:30 semifinal meeting with Pine Bluff (21-7).
"It was good. Again, it's such a fast turnaround," Swift said. "That's all we're worried about. Trying to get the win tonight, we knew it was going to be super late. We have to get them home, get them hydrated, get them fed and get them to bed. Of course, the coaches, we'll be up late. We need them to sleep and get some rest."
Jonesboro, the 5A-East champion, won its first two state tournament games by a combined 72 points. The Hurricane faces another No. 1 seed tonight in 5A-South winner Pine Bluff, which squeaked past Vilonia 31-30 in overtime Friday for its 15th victory in 16 games.
Marion and Lake Hamilton ousted conference champions to reach this afternoon's 1:30 semifinal. In Thursday's first quarterfinal, Marion upended 5A-West winner Russellville 49-46. Lake Hamilton stunned 5A-Central winner Little Rock Parkview 87-81 in five overtimes Friday.
Jonesboro's game with Sylvan Hills, the third-place team from the 5A-Central, was absent of drama, although Swift felt the Hurricane's shot selection left something to be desired.
Isaac Harrell hit two 3-pointers and Amarion Wilson one in the first six minutes as the Hurricane bolted to a 19-7 lead. Sylvan Hills closed within 19-13 at the end of the period and was still within eight before Jonesboro closed the half on a 10-1 run.
Jesse Washington and Deion Buford-Wesson sank 3s, the latter with four seconds left in the half, as the Hurricane took a 34-17 halftime lead.
"It was a deal where we want to shoot the ball too fast. We were shooting 3s from four and five feet behind the 3-point line without getting a paint touch," Swift said. "That was just frustrating and if we do that tomorrow night, it's going to put us in a bind, but eventually we finally made some of those.
"If we make it, then we're able to get into our pressure and everybody's better when you make shots. We finally knocked down a few in that second quarter and got some real separation."
Jonesboro opened the third quarter on a 17-4 run to push its lead above 30 points. Washington drilled back-to-back 3s while Wilson and Buford-Wesson also scored beyond the arc in a quarter that ended with the Hurricane leading 51-24.
Harrell led the Hurricane with 15 points, followed by Washington with 14, Wilson with 11 and Quion Williams with 10. James Deloach scored eight points to lead the Bears.
Swift said the Hurricane will scout today's first semifinal and hold a light practice before taking on the Zebras.
"We'll try to get over here to scout the 1:30 game and practice after that," Swift said. "We'll practice around 3, 3:30 to try to be ready for a really good Pine Bluff team who's every bit as athletic and strong as we are." | 2022-03-05T11:14:24Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Jonesboro cruises into 5A semifinals | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/jonesboro-cruises-into-5a-semifinals/article_64055b75-cfb8-5474-b604-5fec610fd7c3.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/jonesboro-cruises-into-5a-semifinals/article_64055b75-cfb8-5474-b604-5fec610fd7c3.html |
Walnut Ridge's Ty Flippo runs down a loose ball during the first half against Cedarville on Saturday in the Class 3A state tournament at Harrison.
Colts, Bobcats among 3A winners
HARRISON — The Rivercrest Colts almost let a 16-point lead slip through their fingers but managed to hold off a a late charge by the Waldron Bulldogs for a 71-67 victory Saturday night in the first round of the Class 3A State Tournament.
The Colts, now 19-11, return to the tournament tonight to face the McGehee Owls at 8:30 in the quarterfinal round.
Rivercrest never trailed in the contest, scoring the first 12 points and when Carmelo Vasquez hit a 3-pointer he put the Colts up 23-7 after a quarter of play. The Bulldogs got as close as 31-23 in the second quarter and the Colts took a 36-25 lead at halftime on a 3-pointer by Clay Burks.
Rivercrest regained its 16-point advantage as Burks opened the second half with a 3-pointer, then a layup for a 41-25 lead. Waldron answered with a 10-0 run to cut the gap to 41-35 and even got as close as 42-38. The Colts went on an 8-0 run for a 50-38 lead before a Waldron 3-pointer cut the gap to 50-41 going into the fourth.
The Bulldogs opened the fourth with another 3-pointer and hit another at the 5:35 mark to close the gap to 56-52. The Colts hit four free throws to go up 60-53 before the Bulldogs cut the gapt to 60-57 and even had a chance to tie the score but missed a 3-pointer with 2:50 left.
Rivercrest went up by nine and made enough free throws down the stretch to hold off another Bulldog rally.
Burks led the Colts with 30 points, Braylon Diggs scored 17 and Vasquez had 14.
Trenton Hunt scored 23 points to lead Waldron, which finished the season 21-11.
The Walnut Ridge Bobcats (24-6) also advanced to today's quarterfinal round by defeating the Cedarville Pirates in first-round action on Saturday.
The Bobcats play Dumas at 5:30 p.m.
Walnut Ridge scored the first five points and went up 11-4 on a layup by Ty Flippo. The Bobcats led 16-10 at the first break.
Walnut Ridge then opened the second quarter with six straight points and then finished the first half on a 13-0 run, going up 35-12 on a bucket by Jayden Hollister.
The Pirates (19-11) scored the first five points of the second half, getting within 35-17 but the Bobcats regained their 23-point advantage and led 49-26 going to the fourth quarter.
The Pirates cut the deficit to 18 a couple of times in the fourth until hitting a late 3-pointer for the final score.
Hipps led Walnut Ridge with 20 points while Hollister tallied 18 and Kel Slusser added 10. | 2022-03-06T12:06:55Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Colts, Bobcats among 3A winners | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/colts-bobcats-among-3a-winners/article_c0c5903c-f0ae-5dcd-9090-8a1bcebb9892.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/colts-bobcats-among-3a-winners/article_c0c5903c-f0ae-5dcd-9090-8a1bcebb9892.html |
Jonesboro's Ereauna Hardaway moves around a screen set by teammate Jazma Hooks during Saturday night's Class 5A state semifinal game against Little Rock Christian. Hardaway scored 17 points in the Lady Hurricane's 61-44 victory.
Scoring runs help Lady Hurricane advance
SHERIDAN — Two scoring sprees, one in each half, separated Jonesboro from Little Rock Christian in the Class 5A girls' state tournament semifinals Saturday night.
Guards Bramyia Johnson and Ereauna Hardaway fueled a 17-0 first quarter run that helped Jonesboro build a 13-point halftime lead. Center Destiny Thomas was the catalyst for a 14-0 third-quarter surge that gave the Lady Hurricane a 24-point advantage.
Jonesboro cruised from that point to a 61-44 victory and a berth in Thursday's 5A state championship game against Greenwood. The Lady Hurricane and Lady Bulldogs will decide the state crown at noon in Hot Springs.
Coach Jodi Christenberry said Jonesboro's first-quarter run was vital in setting the tone for the game.
"We came out hitting shots and that was so key because when you come out hitting shots, you get so much confidence with it. It goes over into your defense," Christenberry said. "In the other realm of it, it takes the other team and starts to demoralize them. If we wouldn't have come out and punched them in the mouth real early, this would have been a totally different game.
"It would have been nip and tuck, and who knows what would have happened? But we really came out focused and geared to go to the finals."
After Little Rock Christian opened the scoring with a 3-pointer, Jonesboro poured on the next 17 points, all from Johnson and Hardaway.
Johnson scored seven points, including back-to-back baskets, as the Lady Hurricane (22-6) took a 10-3 lead that forced the Lady Warriors (24-5) to call time with 4:15 to go in the first quarter.
Hardaway scored twice out of the timeout and Johnson once as Jonesboro's lead grew to 17-3. Jazma Hooks' three-point play gave Jonesboro a 16-point lead before Little Rock Christian scored the quarter's last seven points to rally within 20-11.
Jonesboro led by as many as 17 points in the second quarter as Hardaway scored seven points in the period. The Lady Warriors outscored the Lady Hurricane 8-4 over the final two minutes to pull within 36-23 at halftime.
Little Rock Christian opened the third quarter with a 3, pulling within 36-26. Thomas answered with the next two baskets, beating the Lady Warriors down the court, and put up eight points in the 14-0 run that gave Jonesboro a 50-26 lead.
"She was open in the first quarter, we just weren't hitting her with the basketball," Christenberry said. "Then when she started running the floor, that's a 6-foot-3 kid who can really get up and down the floor. She can outrun a lot of posts and she finally started doing it and getting some easy buckets."
Jonesboro led 50-32 at the end of the third quarter and extended its lead back to 24 points, 61-37, before Little Rock Christian scored the final seven points.
Hardaway scored 17 points in the 5A-East champion Lady Hurricane's 15th consecutive victory. Johnson added 15 points, Thomas 13 and Allannah Orsby eight.
Ashton Elley scored a game-high 19 points while hitting five 3s for Little Rock Christian, the No. 2 seed from the 5A-Central.
Jonesboro won three state tournament games in Sheridan by a combined 71 points. Next up is 5A-West champion Greenwood (27-4), which edged West Memphis 47-46 in the quarterfinals and routed Marion 66-42 in the semifinals Saturday.
The Lady Hurricane defeated the Lady Bulldogs in last year's state tournament. Greenwood won when the teams met in the 2020 state tournament.
"Greenwood is another totally different animal. We're used to playing them now," Christenberry said. "Coach (Clay) Reeves does a great job over there. It's going to be a tough game, but I think it's going to be a great matchup for both of us." | 2022-03-06T12:07:07Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Scoring runs help Lady Hurricane advance | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/scoring-runs-help-lady-hurricane-advance/article_e06dfab0-4cc6-5485-9722-a6acb4a9ee6c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/scoring-runs-help-lady-hurricane-advance/article_e06dfab0-4cc6-5485-9722-a6acb4a9ee6c.html |
Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 48F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph..
Osceola's Zarion Spears goes up for a layup during the second half Saturday night in Harrison. The Seminoles defeated Central Arkansas Christian 83-66 in the Class 3A state tournament.
Seminoles sprint into 3A semifinals
HARRISON — The Osceola Seminoles began the quarterfinal round of the Class 3A State Tournament late Saturday with an 83-66 victory over the Central Arkansas Christian Mustangs at Pioneer Pavilion.
The victory is the 17th straight for the Seminoles, who improved to 27-4 on the season. Osceola will play Elkins, a 66-52 winner over Episcopal Collegiate, in the semifinals at 2:30 Monday afternoon.
Two more 3A-3 conference teams exited the tournament Sunday. Dumas eliminated Walnut Ridge 61-51, while McGehee ousted Rivercrest 74-39.
After the sluggish start Osceola had against Paris in the opening round, the Seminoles were not about to let that happen again, attacking the basket and jumping out to a 9-3 lead.
The Mustangs battled back and even nudged ahead 12-11 midway through the first quarter. Osceola answered with a 7-0 run to go up 18-12, CAC cut it back to a point once more before the Seminoles went to the second up 21-17.
Osceola grabbed its first double-digit lead at 31-19 after back-to-back 3-pointers from T.I. Nimmers. The Mustangs rallied again and got as close as 34-31 on a 3-pointer by Sam Maddox. The Seminoles scored the final four points of the first half for a 38-31 lead at intermission.
It was 38-33 early in the second half when a dunk by Daylen Love ignited a 15-2 run by the Seminoles, who went up 53-35 on a layup by Nimmers with 4:12 left in the third. Once again, CAC chipped away at its deficit and got it down to 57-45 by the final break.
Maddox opened the fourth with two 3-pointers and Andrew Haughaboo hit another to bring the Mustangs within 61-54 with six minutes to play.
The Seminoles rebuilt their double-digit advantage by making 5 of 6 free throws then got buckets from Love and A.J. Harris for a 70-54 lead with 4:07 left. After that CAC got no closer than 13 while Osceola led by as much as 17.
Love led Osceola with 23 points while A.J. Harris tallied 18 and Zarion Spears added 13.
Maddox led CAC (21-8) with 23 points. | 2022-03-07T13:41:20Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Seminoles sprint into 3A semifinals | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/seminoles-sprint-into-3a-semifinals/article_ac1b37f4-8ce5-5bee-a66a-d8f873892145.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/seminoles-sprint-into-3a-semifinals/article_ac1b37f4-8ce5-5bee-a66a-d8f873892145.html |
Construction begins on five-mile stretch of I-555
Work to reconstruct nearly five miles of travel lanes on Interstate 555 in Jonesboro began Tuesday, according to the Arkansas Department of Transportation.
Construction will take place from Southwest Drive to Dan Avenue.
“This project will reconstruct pavement that was installed nearly 50 years ago,” ARDOT District Engineer Brad Smithee said. “The existing pavement on this project has been patched, ground for smoothness and had routine maintenance performed for many years.”
As upcoming improvements progress, motorists can expect to see lane closures and traffic shifts. ARDOT will keep the public advised of traffic changes in advance of the scheduled work. | 2022-03-09T11:19:18Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Construction begins on five-mile stretch of I-555 | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/construction-begins-on-five-mile-stretch-of-i-555/article_e7c6416f-c19c-5a75-b06b-8e79ea806d97.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/construction-begins-on-five-mile-stretch-of-i-555/article_e7c6416f-c19c-5a75-b06b-8e79ea806d97.html |
Devin Griffin of Memphis tries his hand at disc golf at Disk Side of Heaven. The course is on land that potentially could be donated to the City of Jonesboro.
Land donation subject of city meeting
JONESBORO — Between two of Jonesboro’s most affluent residential subdivisions lies scenic hilly farmland that is gaining the attention of quite a few people.
On Thursday, local residents will be able to hear of plans to preserve the land as open green space for public use. The drop-in public informational meeting will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Municipal Center, 300 S. Church St.
The Sloan family’s B&G Land Co. proposal involves the sale of 33 acres to the city at a price of $500,000, Brian Richardson, Mayor Harold Copenhaver’s chief administrative officer, explained. In addition, John and Lee Ann Sloan would donate 33 more acres. Then the city would have the option to lease 76 more acres at no cost, Richardson said.
Exact terms of the proposed sale-donation-lease haven’t been worked out, thus the purpose of the informational meeting, Richardson said, adding that some neighboring residents have reservations about the proposal and the added traffic it might bring along Strawfloor and Casey Springs Road.
“Any time you’re talking about a new facility anywhere there are going to be questions,” Richardson said. “Most of it is questions about the unknown.”
Copenhaver said it was important to consider the Sloans’ proposal.
“Any time a resident makes an offer of this size, I feel obligated to take it before council,” Copenhaver told The Sun.
Part of the property at 3255 Strawfloor Drive is occupied by Disk Side of Heaven, a private enterprise that hosts a Disc Golf Pro Tour event each year. It’s been open to the public since 2013.
In fact, on Tuesday, four men from Memphis were playing the course
Jody Pierce said he learned of the course online and was impressed that it was on a professional tour.
“We like to play stuff that’s a challenge,” friend Stephen Davis added. They, Devin Griffin and Brett Campbell are co-workers at the Memphis Union Mission homeless ministry.
Pierce said the Jonesboro course is about four times the size of any of any course around Memphis.
It’s uncertain how the disc golf course would be affected by the proposed transaction, though Brad Pietz, owner of the business, now works for the city.
The visitors from Memphis said they hope it will remain. | 2022-03-09T11:19:43Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Land donation subject of city meeting | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/land-donation-subject-of-city-meeting/article_92392af4-be48-57ce-950c-e62726e03ad4.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/land-donation-subject-of-city-meeting/article_92392af4-be48-57ce-950c-e62726e03ad4.html |
JONESBORO — A 32-year-old Jonesboro man was arrested March 3 on suspicion of possession of child pornography, possession of a Schedule I or II drug not meth or cocaine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
District Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause Monday to charge Josh Tippitt, of the 2400 block of Flatrock Trail, with the offenses.
According to a release from the Jonesboro Police Department, “On Jan. 6, Detective Bill Brown with the Jonesboro police, the department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received cybertip from the Arkansas State Police about an email address that had sent 19 videos, including young girls ranging in age from 6 to 13 years old performing various sexual acts and some including grown men. A search warrant was sent to Google and the return account holder was Josh Tippitt of Jonesboro. With the assistance of our Street Crimes Unit, Tippitt was arrested on March 3 and charged with computer child pornography along with possession of controlled substance.”
Detectives found 3 grams of marijuana during the search as well as 2.8 grams of dried mushrooms.
Tippitt was released on a $25,000 bond. He appeared in court for his probable cause hearing on Monday. | 2022-03-09T11:19:49Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Man charged with computer child porn | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/man-charged-with-computer-child-porn/article_40ec067c-0ccb-5432-8a1d-16411f2fb19e.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/man-charged-with-computer-child-porn/article_40ec067c-0ccb-5432-8a1d-16411f2fb19e.html |
Recently I scrambled to prepare for the winter siege and joined other Jonesboro citizens at a nearby grocery store. I prepared to pay at checkout, but the store employee told me that the person ahead of me had paid for my items along with her purchases.
This random act of kindness was extended to me by a total stranger. We never spoke to each other, and, to my knowledge, I had never laid eyes on her before. She was gone by the time I realized what she had done. I hope she reads this and learns of my appreciation for her kindness and generosity. Some time soon I plan to pay this kindness forward.
I wanted others to know that such generous, kind-hearted people live in Jonesboro.
Jo Alice McDonald | 2022-03-09T11:20:44Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Act of kindness | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/act-of-kindness/article_d902e216-a463-57e5-b5d8-ec5d65f6b70c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/act-of-kindness/article_d902e216-a463-57e5-b5d8-ec5d65f6b70c.html |
MAGNOLIA — The Blytheville Chickasaws will play in the final game of Arkansas’ high school basketball season.
Blytheville earned a berth opposite Magnolia in the Class 4A boys’ state championship game with Monday night’s 54-45 victory over Berryville in the state semifinals.
Magnolia reached the state final with a 59-56 semifinal victory over Little Rock Mills, winning on Arkansas signee Derrian Ford’s 3-point basket in the final seconds.
The Chickasaws and Panthers will play Saturday night at 7:45 in Hot Springs, taking the court for the last of 12 state championship games this week at Bank OZK Arena. All games will be televised on Arkansas PBS (cable channel 2 in Jonesboro).
Rashaud Marshall scored 22 points to lead Blytheville (28-6). The Chickasaws had balanced scoring behind him as Tyree Jackson and Shamar Marshall scored eight points each, followed by Camron Jones with seven.
Berryville led 10-8 after the opening quarter, Blytheville pulled ahead 25-19 at halftime and led 38-31 after three quarters.
Rashaud Marshall scored 61 points and Jackson 27 as Blytheville, the No. 4 seed coming out of the East Region tournament, won three games in Magnolia. The Chickasaws defeated Watson Chapel 50-39 in the first round and dispatched Farmington 49-42 in the quarterfinals, handing the Cardinals only their second loss of the season. | 2022-03-09T11:21:26Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Chickasaws earn berth in 4A final | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/chickasaws-earn-berth-in-4a-final/article_22207426-fa5f-5827-a782-38cdd631dd0e.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/chickasaws-earn-berth-in-4a-final/article_22207426-fa5f-5827-a782-38cdd631dd0e.html |
As statewide COVID-19 case numbers continue to decline, Lawrence County’s active case count dropped to 15 this week, according to information released by the Arkansas Department of Health.
The new active case count reflects a 14-case drop, nearly a 50 percent decrease from the 29 active cases reported a week ago. This is the second week in a row the active case count has been cut in half, as the previous week showed a decrease from 59 active cases to 29.
Only 35 new cases were added for the county, while 46 were added to the recovered list during the seven-day period.
According to the ADH website, the county now has 5,049 on the recovered list, up from 5,003 a week ago. The cumulative case count among Lawrence County residents was reported at 5,136, up from 5,101 the previous week.
The department of health has reported three new COVID-related deaths among Lawrence County residents during the past seven days. According to the ADH website Tuesday morning, Lawrence County had 72 deaths reported, up from 69 the previous Tuesday. | 2022-03-09T15:48:43Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Active cases drop to 15 | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/news/active-cases-drop-to-15/article_355ff199-24db-5a91-b0c6-8a1d2e01af7e.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/news/active-cases-drop-to-15/article_355ff199-24db-5a91-b0c6-8a1d2e01af7e.html |
Students from Williams Baptist College recently visited the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis and met legendary civil rights figure Rev. Billy Kyles, a Memphis minister who was with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., when King was assassinated.
Angela Flippo, vice president for enrollment management at Williams Baptist College, was among the women recognized in the Women Who Lead supplement in The Jonesboro Sun on Feb. 26.
Walnut Ridge native Dorothy L. Willmuth was recently selected as the winner in the Agawam Cultural Council Writing Competition in the adult prose category for her submission “The Widow and the One-Eyed Tom Cat.” Willmuth and her family have been invited to attend a reception to be held on March 13 at the Agawam Public Library in Massachusetts.
Two Walnut Ridge High School art students have received honors for their artwork. The artwork of freshman Bethany Cox, a self-portrait, has been selected for inclusion in the Young Arkansas Artists 51st Annual Exhibition. Sophomore Ashlyn Wayland has won second place in the Northeast Arkansas Art Education Association (NAEA) competition for her self-portrait. Both are the art students of Ginger Bibb.
Angie Skimahorn, graphic designer and on-line editor for The Times Dispatch, received a second place award among larger weekly newspapers for a political ad she designed.
The Walnut Ridge Senior High Quiz Bowl team continued a winning tradition at Walnut Ridge by winning their senior high regional tournament on Saturday and will advance to the state championship for the fifth year in a row. Team members are: Sheffield Kent, Josh Mosley, Chance Weeks, Andrew Watson, Amy Ray, John Stowers and Chris Tribble. Mosley was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Kent and Weeks were also named to the All-Tournament team. Joyce Rose is the coach.
Marie Miller of Hoxie was honored recently with a surprise 76th birthday party at the home of her daughter, Tomie-Jean Grist in Pocahontas. Over 50 friends and family members gathered for the celebration.
Air Force Airman Kristopher L. Whitmire has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. He is a 1999 graduate of Black Rock High School.
Sergeant First Class Charles Cagle, United States Army, is a member of Task Force 2-153, currently stationed at South Camp in the Sinai, Egypt. TF 2-153 is the first pure National Guard unit to ever take over the Multinational Forces and Observers mission in the Sinai desert. SFC Cagle lives in Walnut Ridge, and he and his wife, Juanita, have three children.
Hoxie native Jimmy Oldham has joined the Colorado Rockies front office. The Major League Baseball expansion team announced that Oldham will serve as the director of publications for the National League Club.
Jodi Wade, daughter of Randy and Melody Wade of Walnut Ridge, won the Lawrence County Spelling Bee last Wednesday. She is a sixth-grader at Walnut Ridge Middle School.
Hoxie School Science Fair winners include: Ida Ellis, second place overall; John Dulaney, overall; Janet Harp, third place overall; Ronnie Hildreth, Vickie Brewer, Kerrie Cunningham, Beverly Baker, Scott Heard, Tommy Dulaney, Ronnie Robbins and Jeff Fry.
Tracy Hendrix, a senior at Hoxie High School, was crowned Hoxie Mustang annual queen. Gina Garner, also a senior, was named first runner-up, and Margo Flippo, a senior, was second runner-up.
Vicki Hughes, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Joe Hughes, won honors at a gymnastics meet at the Little Rock Gymnastics Center. She won first place on uneven bars, first on the vault, third on the floor and fourth as all-around gymnast. She is a senior at WRHS.
Dr. Henry Relton McCarroll of St. Louis, internationally-known orthopedic surgeon, clinician and lecturer, died Sunday night of a heart attack in Honolulu, Hawaii. Relton graduated from Walnut Ridge High School in 1923 and played center on some of the Bobcat football teams.
Darrell Hutson, chairman of the City Water Board, has announced that open house will be held at the new Water Works treatment plant.
THE MUSTANG – The Annual Staff, sponsored by Mary Cude, held the annual Who’s Who election. Those elected were: Most Likely to Succeed – Mona Prater and Jim Rogers; Wittiest – Portia Starling and Bob West; Neatest – Jean Ann Phillips and Roy Fleming; Leadership – Karla Rogers and Jim Rogers; Most School Spirited – Barbara Spargo and Rodger Sullivan; Most Studious – Karla Rogers and Bobby Gardner; Most Attractive – Jean Ann Phillips and Mike Hodge; Best All-Around – Mona Prater and Bob West; Best Athletes – Rodger Sullivan, senior, and Casey Phillips, junior; High School class favorites were also elected. Senior Class Favorites – Mona Prater, Karla Rogers and Bob West; Junior Class Favorites -Teresa Wicker and Mike Truxler; Sophomore Class Favorites – Jeannie Vance and Marty Keith; Freshman Class Favorites – Diane Kisling and Jerry Kelly; Eighth Grade Class Favorites – Gwen Glaub and Jimmy McGinnis; and Seventh Grade Class Favorites – Leslee Phillips and Billy Caldwell.
Lynchburg, Va., Feb. 5 – Miss Virginia Sloan of Strawberry has been elected chairman of orientation at Randolph-Macon Women’s College for the 1952-53 session.
Norma Jean Smith, a member of the Freshman class at Hoxie High School, has been elected Sweetheart of the Hoxie Future Farmers of America chapter.
Vernon C. Howe, aged 55, prominent Black Rock man, died Monday while on a business mission to Illinois.
Charlie Trantham of WRHS was named on the All-District basketball team.
Information has been released by Public Relations office of the United States Navy that Garland T. Massey of Coffman was a prisoner of war, having been captured by the Japanese when they took Wake Island after the outbreak of war, Dec. 7.
R.D. Moore Jr. of Walnut Ridge, who enlisted in the United States Navy about 16 months ago, is now stationed at the naval air base at Jacksonville, Fla.
Wilfred Belk, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe D. Belk of Rt. 1, Hoxie, is now stationed at McClelland Field, Calif.
The recruiting office of the United States Navy in Little Rock reported last Friday that Hubert H. Blanchard Jr. of Walnut Ridge had enlisted in the Naval Reserve.
Van Ellis, beloved athletic coach of WRHS for the past five years, received orders Tuesday to report to Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Sunday.
Gibson and Mitchell, a firm operating gins at Hoxie and Portia, a general store at Portia and an implement store in Walnut Ridge, indicated today that they would move the Portia store to Walnut Ridge and operate a general store in the McCarroll Building on Main Street.
The seating capacity of the courthouse in Walnut Ridge was not large enough to accommodate the crowd that came to hear O.L. Bodenhamer of El Dorado, former national commander of the American Legion speak here Thursday night. | 2022-03-09T15:49:07Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Yesteryears | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_b680a7fd-fe95-56c6-9d0d-f7b98f3f8508.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_b680a7fd-fe95-56c6-9d0d-f7b98f3f8508.html |
Noto joins First Horizon
JONESBORO — First Horizon has announced the addition of Bethany Noto as associate vice president, private banking and commercial relationship manager.
In this role, Noto will develop and grow relationships with commercial clients, as well as focus on helping individuals achieve their personal financial goals as a private banker.
Noto comes to First Horizon with more than six years of financial services experience. She began her career at Centennial Bank and most recently served as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch.
A graduate of Freed-Hardeman University, Noto holds her Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law. Noto is also a graduate of Arkansas Bankers Association Trust School.
“Bethany has a strong reputation as a financial services professional in the Jonesboro community, and I am thrilled to have her join our competitive team in Jonesboro,” Melissa McDaniel, Northeast Arkansas market president at First Horizon said in the press release.
Noto presently serves on the boards and committees of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Northeast Arkansas, Friends of NEA Baptist, Junior Auxiliary of Jonesboro and St. Bernards Advocates.
Her past community experience includes Jonesboro Young Professionals Network, Leadership Jonesboro, CASA of the 2nd Judicial District, March of Dimes, Downtown Jonesboro Association, amongst others.
In addition, Noto was recognized for her accomplishments in 2017 as Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Ed Way Outstanding Young Professional and named a Northeast Arkansas 30 Under 40 honoree. | 2022-03-10T10:21:41Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Noto joins First Horizon | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/noto-joins-first-horizon/article_a6364c97-ac92-56ac-b557-eae79641431f.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/noto-joins-first-horizon/article_a6364c97-ac92-56ac-b557-eae79641431f.html |
Zimmer joins BRTC staff
POCAHONTAS — Black River Technical College has announced that Keri Zimmer has accepted the position of support technician on the Paragould campus.
Zimmer earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems with a minor in business in 2011.
She has worked for Walmart, Acxiom, Arkansas Early Learning and Ritter Communications.
Zimmer is originally from Subiaco but has lived in Corning since 2019. | 2022-03-10T10:21:53Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Zimmer joins BRTC staff | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/zimmer-joins-brtc-staff/article_1c3faa62-0daa-5c94-9ba8-d370d449b70e.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/zimmer-joins-brtc-staff/article_1c3faa62-0daa-5c94-9ba8-d370d449b70e.html |
Craighead virus deaths rise
JONESBORO — The Arkansas Department of Health reported 543 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, including 84 in Craighead County.
Two Craighead County residents and one each from Jackson and Poinsett counties were among 19 deaths disclosed Wednesday. Since the pandemic reached Arkansas in March 2020, state health officials believe the virus was at least a contributing factor in the deaths of at least 10,779 of the state’s residents.
The number of active cases declined by 167 to 2,539 statewide.
Health department data indicated 307 people statewide were hospitalized with the disease, a reduction of seven from Tuesday. Of those, 54 were on ventilators, a reduction of three. Thirty COVID patients were hospitalized in Northeast Arkansas facilities, down three from Monday. Five were on ventilators, an increase of one.
Jackson – 1 new case; 16 active.
Cross – 5 new cases; 9 active. | 2022-03-10T10:22:12Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Craighead virus deaths rise | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/craighead-virus-deaths-rise/article_fbfbe66a-a34c-523e-aaf6-91a76e777649.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/craighead-virus-deaths-rise/article_fbfbe66a-a34c-523e-aaf6-91a76e777649.html |
Fourth DWI gets suspect $15,000 bond
JONESBORO — District Judge David Boling found probable cause Wednesday to charge a 28-year-old Jonesboro man with his fourth driving while intoxicated charge in the past five years, a felony.
Joshua Cobb, of the 700 block of Southwest Drive, was arrested Feb. 24 at the intersection of Red Wolf Boulevard and East Johnson Avenue. Cobb is also charged with an offense involving an Interlock device and careless driving.
Boling set Cobb’s bond at $15,000.
Cody Dwight Griffin, 24, of the 400 block of East Kentucky Street, Caraway, with possession of a Schedule I or II drug not meth or cocaine less than 2 grams, possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams and possession of marijuana; $1,500 bond.
Donald Carlow, 39, of Marianna, with felony failure to appear; released on $7,500 bond.
Christopher Barber, 23, of Bono, with possession of marijuana with the purpose to deliver; $5,000 bond.
Tanner Bobbitt, 18, of Jonesboro, with felony failure to appear; $25,000 bond.
Jefferson Broyles, 31, with possession of drug paraphernalia; $1,500 bond.
Johnny Johnson, 20, of Jonesboro, with felony failure to appear and two misdemeanor failures to appear; $7,500 bond on the felony charge and $10,000 cash-only bond on the misdemeanor charges and 32 days in jail.
Donald Mayes, 65, of Jonesboro, with possession of meth or cocaine greater than 2 grams but less than 10 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia; $2,500 bond.
Keifer Nelson, 24, of Harrisburg, with commercial burglary and criminal mischief; $45,000 bond.
Nicos Wilson, 37, of Jonesboro, with possession of marijuana with the purpose to deliver, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and no proof of insurance; $3,500 bond.
Brenda Lee Davis, 62, of Jonesboro, with possession of a Schedule I or II drug not meth or cocaine, felony possession of drug paraphernalia and improper display of tags; $1,500 bond.
Jamika Hamilton, 27, of Wynne, with probation violation; $35,000 bond.
Pamela Simco, 51, of Fort Smith, with felony failure to appear and probation violation; $35,000 bond.
Tara Welch, 33, of Jonesboro, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams; $1,500 bond. | 2022-03-10T10:22:18Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Fourth DWI gets suspect $15,000 bond | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/fourth-dwi-gets-suspect-15-000-bond/article_b0935fd9-82a6-5ae0-ba9e-bae8d1b70f45.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/fourth-dwi-gets-suspect-15-000-bond/article_b0935fd9-82a6-5ae0-ba9e-bae8d1b70f45.html |
FFA students recently created and placed three blessing box food pantries to benefit the communities of Grubbs, Swifton and Tuckerman as part of National FFA Week’s Day of Service.
By SHANTELLE REDDEN The Independent Staff
Each year, FFA chapters around the country celebrate National FFA Week. This year, National FFA Week was observed Feb. 19-26.
“Agriculture is part of our daily lives. From the food we eat to the clothes we wear. FFA provides the next generation of leaders who will change the world,” states the National FFA Organization.
As the top school-based youth leadership development organization in the nation, FFA helps young people meet new agricultural challenges by helping members develop their unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways.
Whether through service projects or community gatherings, National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to raise awareness about the role the National FFA Organization plays in developing agriculture’s future leaders and the importance of agricultural education.
Part of FFA’s motto is “Living to Serve.” Recently, the FFA chapter from the Jackson County School District contributed to local communities by building blessing box food pantries for three communities in the Jackson County School District.
Students in Tuckerman High School’s Ag Mechanics Class built and set up blessing box food pantries in Tuckerman, Swifton and Grubbs. The food pantries are located at City Hall in Tuckerman and Swifton, and at the flagpole next to the fire station in Grubbs.
In addition to the food pantries, students donated food items and a monetary donation to the Jackson County Humane Society as part of its Day of Service. | 2022-03-10T17:41:11Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Students provide blessing box food pantries | Newport | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/students-provide-blessing-box-food-pantries/article_97fe000d-842e-5891-b11c-9fab6aaa881e.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/students-provide-blessing-box-food-pantries/article_97fe000d-842e-5891-b11c-9fab6aaa881e.html |
The Rev. Dr. R.J. Hampton (center) accepts the Legend Among Us award from Jason Irby, creator of the annual awards ceremony. Hampton was accompanied by his wife, Regina Hampton.
Others honored were State Sen. Stephanie Flowers, Fort Smith Mayor George B. McGill, Trayce Parker, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. and Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley M. Washington. | 2022-03-11T12:49:04Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Hampton honored with Legend Among Us award | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/hampton-honored-with-legend-among-us-award/article_d93a65a0-1452-58cb-a4af-0c8426d311e3.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/hampton-honored-with-legend-among-us-award/article_d93a65a0-1452-58cb-a4af-0c8426d311e3.html |
Jonesboro’s Quion Williams drives to the basket during the first quarter of Thursday’s boys’ Class 5A state championship game against Marion in Hot Springs. Jonesboro won 55-28 with the mercy rule in effect during the fourth quarter.
Jonesboro’s Jesse Washington dribbles as Marion’s Donnie Cheers chases during Thursday’s boys’ Class 5A state championship game in Hot Springs.
Jonesboro dominates Marion in 5A final
HOT SPRINGS — Jonesboro completed its march to a second consecutive Class 5A state boys’ basketball championship with 32 minutes of dominance.
Marion felt the Hurricane’s fury all afternoon Thursday as Jonesboro stormed to a 55-28 victory watched by 2,535 at Bank OZK Arena and a statewide television audience on Arkansas PBS. The Hurricane led by 17 points after one quarter, 21 after two and 30 after three to put the mercy rule into effect for the fourth time in as many state tournament games.
Jonesboro coach Wes Swift said his team’s state finals experience showed in the first quarter as the Hurricane opened a 23-6 lead over its 5A-East conference rival.
“We were just so locked in,” Swift said. “It looked like an experienced team versus a team that has a lot of talent, but maybe a little wide-eyed.”
Jonesboro (28-3) defeated every in-state opponent on its schedule to claim its fifth state championship in nine seasons.
Ranked 30th nationally by MaxPreps, the Hurricane closes the season with a 19-game winning streak. Jonesboro has won 44 consecutive games against in-state foes dating to December 2020.
“Just a lot fun. It’s one of the special teams in our history at Jonesboro,” Swift said. “There’s a lot of special teams out there, but this one is going to be talked about.”
Senior guard Quion Williams earned state MVP honors after leading the Hurricane with 17 points in the championship game.
Williams became eligible in January after moving back to Jonesboro from the Dallas area. He was 5-of-8 from the field and 7-of-9 from the free throw line, also adding four rebounds and two steals.
“It’s a once in a lifetime thing. It’s a great experience,” Williams said of his MVP selection. “I can’t describe it, I’m short for words.”
Swift wasn’t short for words in describing Williams, who signed with Oklahoma State in November.
“He was outstanding today. He’s turned into just an unbelievable defender,” Swift said. “I don’t know if people are watching, but this dude can defend and he can play about any position on the floor at the high school level. At the college level, he can play three. Right now, he could play the one, two or three.”
Jonesboro was dominant Thursday even without junior forward Isaac Harrell, who played one minute off the bench after suffering a wrist injury late in Wednesday’s practice.
Junior guard Deion Buford-Wesson added 15 points in 13 minutes. Seniors Jesse Washington, Kavon Pointer and Amarion Wilson combined for 13 points in a balanced effort for Jonesboro. The Hurricane shot 47.6 percent from the field and committed only seven turnovers.
Marion (26-8) gave Jonesboro its toughest test in the second half of the season only two weeks ago, holding the Hurricane to six points in the first half before ultimately falling 37-30. Washington scored five seconds into Thursday’s game as Jonesboro put up six points in the first 90 seconds, forcing a quick Marion timeout.
Nothing could slow the Hurricane, however.
Buford-Wesson scored 10 points and Williams six in the first quarter. The Hurricane forced eight turnovers in the first eight minutes, six coming on steals, and led 23-2 before the Patriots scored the last four points of the period.
Eight minutes into the game, Jonesboro was on its way to another blowout victory in the tournament. The Hurricane routed four state tournament opponents by a combined 125 points.
Jonesboro was 8-of-12 from the field in the first quarter to Marion’s 2-of-6. Unable to keep the Hurricane out of transition, the Patriots were whistled for two intentional fouls in the first quarter and three for the game.
“We’ve been fired up since we qualified for state (finals) last week,” Williams said. “We came in and practiced hard, two great practices, physical practices. We brought it to the game and kept the momentum the whole time.”
Jonesboro’s lead grew in the second quarter as the Hurricane built a 35-14 halftime lead. Williams and Buford-Wesson converted three-point plays early as the Hurricane opened the third quarter on a 12-2 run, pushing its lead above 30 points at 47-16.
The Hurricane led 50-20 after the third quarter, guaranteeing the clock would run continuously until the finish.
Ryan Forrest, Jayden Forrest and Donnie Cheers scored six points each for Marion, which shot 29.4 percent from the field and committed 18 turnovers.
Jonesboro’s in-state success this season included victories over the two teams that met later Thursday in the Class 6A state championship game. The Hurricane also played a strong out-of-state slate, leading to its place in the MaxPreps rankings.
Swift believes his team should be ranked first overall in Arkansas.
“We beat North Little Rock, we beat Bentonville, and they’re the two teams in it,” Swift said. “We beat Little Rock Central and they were in the semifinals, so that’s three of the four (6A) semifinal teams we beat. ... This team deserves a one ranking. If it’s supposed to be played on the court, this team deserves a one ranking.” | 2022-03-11T12:50:05Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Jonesboro dominates Marion in 5A final | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/jonesboro-dominates-marion-in-5a-final/article_0d6db2f8-fae8-538f-b12f-f5137175406b.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/jonesboro-dominates-marion-in-5a-final/article_0d6db2f8-fae8-538f-b12f-f5137175406b.html |
Jonesboro’s Ereauna Hardaway drives past Greenwood’s Carley Sexton during the first quarter of Thursday’s girls’ Class 5A state championship game in Hot Springs. The Lady Hurricane finished as runner-up with a 60-49 loss in the title game.
Jonesboro’s Bramyia Johnson lines up a jump shot during the first quarter of Thursday’s girls’ Class 5A state championship game against Greenwood in Hot Springs.
Lady Bulldogs hold off Lady Hurricane
HOT SPRINGS — Jonesboro was in an unfamiliar position as the Class 5A girls’ state championship game wound down Thursday afternoon, trailing and forced to chase Greenwood.
The Lady Hurricane never quite caught up to the Lady Bulldogs.
Greenwood (28-4) came up with a couple of key defensive stops in the final two minutes and sank nine free throws in the final minute to prevail 60-49 at Bank OZK Arena. The loss snapped a 15-game winning streak for Jonesboro as the defending state champions finished with a 22-7 record.
“Of course it didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to, but also I don’t think this was a game that really showed what we were and how we played all year,” said Jonesboro coach Jodi Christenberry, whose team made its fifth finals appearance in seven seasons. “Greenwood did a great job. They had shots that fell. We were hoping that this would be one of their off days and it wasn’t.
“We had a game plan. They started hitting shots and that’s when we just had to scramble.”
Greenwood won the latest round in a postseason rivalry with Jonesboro that will go on hold next year with the Lady Hurricane moving to Class 6A. The teams have met in five of the last seven seasons.
The Lady Bulldogs prevailed despite state tournament MVP Mady Cartwright, who was shadowed by Jonesboro star Ereauna Hardaway, finishing 0-for-9 from the field and scoring only two points.
Anna Trusty scored 24 points to lead Greenwood, hitting 7-of-11 from the field and 9-of-10 from the free throw line. Abby Summitt was 3-of-6 from the 3-point line and added 15 points for the 5A-West champions, while Carley Sexton finished with 10 points.
Greenwood had only four turnovers, all in the fourth quarter. The Lady Bulldogs were 8-of-26 from the 3-point line, taking the Lady Hurricane out of the zone defense that was part of their game plan.
“They won this game. They earned it,” Christenberry said. “They put the ball in the hole, they put it in the hole early. Our problem was we had a lot of really good shots and they just rimmed out. You know how it is, you hit shots and your confidence level goes up.
“Your confidence level on offense goes up, guess what? Your defense will play a lot better. You’re faster, you’re quicker, you cover people better. Ours was in and out, so our confidence level wavered a little bit and that’s where we had our problems.”
Hardaway, last year’s state tournament MVP, kept the Lady Hurricane in the game while hitting 5-of-7 from the 3-point line. She finished with 22 points.
Bramyia Johnson was 5-of-19 from the field in adding 12 points. The Lady Bulldogs were able to cover up Lady Hurricane senior center Destiny Thomas, who took only one shot in the first half and finished with seven points to go with 12 rebounds.
While neither team shot the ball well in the first half, Greenwood was more effective from the perimeter to take a 23-17 halftime lead.
The Lady Bulldogs were 5-of-18 beyond the 3-point arc to the Lady Hurricane’s 3-of-13. Summitt scored 13 points in the first half, hitting 3-of-5 from the 3-point line.
Jonesboro shot just 26.1 percent from the field, led by Hardaway with seven points and Johnson with six.
Thomas scored only two points on two early free throws, but grabbed eight rebounds to help the Lady Hurricane build a 21-15 edge on the boards in the first half.
Greenwood led 15-8 after the first quarter and went up by as many as nine, 20-11, in the second quarter. Johnson drilled two 3s to help Jonesboro close within 20-17 before Summitt hit a 3 for the half’s final points with 1:59 remaining.
“Greenwood likes to shoot the 3 and they’re known for it, but quite honestly they have such a reputation for the 3 that they get a lot of points from drives and free throws,” Christenberry said. “You have to watch out for who you’re playing against and not get caught up in all of the tradition that they’ve had. Our goal was to keep them out of the paint, our goal was to keep it packed in so that when they drove, they drove into (Thomas).
“The problem was they started hitting shots and they shot a better percentage tonight, even with the other games that we watched.”
The Lady Bulldogs took a quick 10-point lead in the third quarter, going up 28-18 on Trusty’s 3 with 6:52 remaining. Jonesboro scored the next five points, starting with a 3 from Hardaway, and chipped away for a few minutes.
Thomas scored twice as Jonesboro pulled within 33-31 at the 1:50 mark, only to see Greenwood close the third quarter on a 7-1 run. Sexton sank a 3 and Trusty scored at the buzzer to give the Lady Bulldogs a 40-32 lead going to the fourth quarter.
Greenwood led by 10 in the fourth quarter before Hardaway and Allannah Orsby sank 3s to start a Lady Hurricane rally. Hardaway brought Jonesboro within 45-42 on a 3 with 3:40 to play, then hit another 3 to cut the Lady Hurricane’s deficit to 49-47 with 2:22 to go.
After coming up with a steal, Hardaway was called for a traveling violation with 1:59 to play and Greenwood beat the press for Sexton’s layup with 1:50 remaining. Johnson was called for an offensive foul at the 1:21 mark and the Lady Bulldogs blocked a shot by Orsby.
Greenwood finished the game with free throws, hitting 9-of-10 in the final minute. | 2022-03-11T12:50:11Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Lady Bulldogs hold off Lady Hurricane | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/lady-bulldogs-hold-off-lady-hurricane/article_969e5dd2-9db8-5258-8138-6e9442cdcf5c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/lady-bulldogs-hold-off-lady-hurricane/article_969e5dd2-9db8-5258-8138-6e9442cdcf5c.html |
Periods of snow. High 41F. Winds N at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. Higher wind gusts possible..
Snow showers this evening. Clearing skies later. Low around 20F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 70%.
Arkansas Arts Council to offer free workshops
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Arts Council will offer three free, GetSmArt virtual workshops this month.
"Finding Your Voice in Art" will be offered at 10 a.m. Tuesday featuring community leader and motivational speaker Papa Rap (Al Lopez). The workshop will inform participants how to use who they are and their creative voice or powers to touch people, change people and bring them success.
Wednesday's workshop, "The Business of Plays," will begin at 3 p.m. and focus on the ins and outs of writing, workshopping and producing plays, and feature playwright, educator and producer Rachel Lynett.
"Women Writing Stories: Messages from Our Mothers" will be the topic for the 10 a.m. Thursday workshop.
As a part of Women's History Month, participants will join author Janis Kearney on tips for writing short memoirs, using good writing techniques and conquering the fear involved with sharing their lives.
Registration for all three workshops is available at bit.ly/3t1Fofn. | 2022-03-11T19:20:10Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Arkansas Arts Council to offer free workshops | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/arkansas-arts-council-to-offer-free-workshops/article_701ec7b4-e402-573d-8073-0b8e4f13caac.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/arkansas-arts-council-to-offer-free-workshops/article_701ec7b4-e402-573d-8073-0b8e4f13caac.html |
Brookland High School cheerleaders show their medals and the trophy they won on Wednesday, March 2, after a practice at BHS. They finished third at the UCA Nationals during the 2022 National High School Cheerleading Championship in February. Team members include (front, from left): Riley Lewis, Elyse Wilcoxson, Sarah McGarity, Olivia Wilcoxson, Taylor Reece, Emma Whitmire and Amber Sims; (middle row) Carleigh McClung, Bella Miller, Aubrey Wallace, Sydney Wofford, Emmi Walton and Libby Welch; (back row) Paige Smith, Regan McGaughey, Avery Adkins, Kaylee Privett, Mary Sloan Childers, Graci Grim, Emma Barker, Peyton Ellard, Lydia Jiles and Kaylyn Jiles.
Photos by Nena Zimmer / The Sun
Brookland High School Cheer Captain Sarah McGarity practices a routine on Wednesday, March 2, at Brookland High School.
Brookland High School sophomore Lydia Jiles flips junior Emmi Walton during their routine at the UCA Nationals in February at Disney World’s Wide World of Sports in Florida.
Brookland High School junior Sydney Wofford waves during their cheer routine during the 2022 National High School Cheerleading Championship.
Brookland High School cheerleaders pose under the Disney World’s Wide World of Sports sign after a competition in February in Florida.
Brookland High School’s cheerleaders won third place at the UCA Nationals during the 2022 National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC) in February at Disney World’s Wide World of Sports in Florida.
According to head coach Brooke Williams, this was the first time that the Bearcat cheerleaders had ever competed nationally.
BHS Junior Paige Smith said they all felt like they were starting a new legacy at Brookland High School for generations to come.
So how did this get started? Coach Williams said she and assistant coach Carrie Romines had used Jonesboro Gymnastics Academy for tumbling and stunts with Coach Brandon Schleuter and Coach Ryan Salami twice a week and that they got choreography for the team from Brian Bridge at Broc Choreography.
Then after much practice and attending several competitions, they went to the AAA State Cheerleading Championships in December at the Hot Springs Convention Center-Bank OZK Arena.
“Although I have teased that three was our lucky number this year after coming in third place at both state and national,” Coach Williams said, “truth is that after winning first place at the state competition last year, but then only placing third this year, the team just felt that they weren’t done yet and so they wanted to try one more time.”
“They decided to go to nationals just to prove themselves,” Williams said, “So, in February, we the UCA Nationals in Florida.”
The team flew to Florida and arrived at Disney World’s Wide World of Sports on Feb. 10 where they competed for the first few days.
The schools were split by stunt groups, Williams said, noting that the Bearcats were placed in the Large Varsity Division II group, where they took first in the semifinals.
Then after some extra practice, team members enjoyed a park day before the finals on Feb. 13.
After competing along side more then a 1,000 other schools from across the nation, Williams said that they were less than a point away from the team that won first place.
First Place at the NHSCC went to Live Oak High School from Watson, La., Williams said, noting that this was Live Oaks High School’s sixth time at nationals, and second place went to Seaford High School from Seaford, New York.
Then they enjoyed one more day at the park before flying back home on Feb. 14 to enjoy Valentines Day with their families.
Williams said they were very honored to have even placed and that they plan to go back next year, as well.
Cheer Captain and BHS senior Taylor Reece said that getting to be part of the team that started the legacy of going to nationals was very exciting.
“The goal was to make it to finals,” Reece said, “but we came back with medals, which was more than we could have asked for.”
The success at nationals might have something to do with the 56 students who already signed up to try out this year, Williams said.
Freshman Kaylee Privett said it was like a fairy tale. Privett was the only freshman among the 23 girls who make up the senior team that went to nationals, and Coach Williams teased her that she was their fairy princess.
The 23 students that made up the team include:
Seven seniors – Captain Riley Lewis, Captain Sarah McGarity, Captain Taylor Reece, Captain Olivia Wilcoxson, Amber Sims, Emma Whitmire and Elyse Wilcoxson.
Seven juniors – Mary Sloan Childers, Graci Grim, Regan McGaughey, Paige Smith, Emmi Walton, Libby Welch and Sydney Wofford.
Eight sophomores – Avery Adkins, Emma Barker, Peyton Ellard, Kaylyn Jiles, Lydia Jiles, Carleigh McClung, Bella Miller and Aubrey Wallace.
One freshman – Kaylee Privett.
Junior Emmi Walton said that she is so excited to go back next year and compete as a senior.
Cheer Captain and BHS senior Riley Lewis said that her favorite part was getting to spend the best week of her life with her best friends at the happiest place on earth (Disney World).
Cheer Captain and BHS senior Olivia Wilcoxson said it was amazing to see how proud everyone was of them.
“We worked so hard this year and it really paid off,” Wilcoxson said.
Cheer Captain and BHS senior Sarah McGarity said it was amazing to compete one last time with her best friends and that it was the best experience of her life. “I love how it feels to compete. I love the energy and the feeling it brings you to know you are doing you r best and it is being recognized.”
The BHS Cheerleaders’ performance at the UCA Nationals can be viewed online at tv.varsity.com (search for Brookland) and will air on ESPN in the spring as one of the top five performance teams. | 2022-03-12T12:39:56Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Brookland High School cheerleaders start new legacy | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/brookland-high-school-cheerleaders-start-new-legacy/article_720bb0e6-957e-5544-bbd0-7e0180cb54dd.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/brookland-high-school-cheerleaders-start-new-legacy/article_720bb0e6-957e-5544-bbd0-7e0180cb54dd.html |
Council faces alcohol, industrial bonds
JONESBORO — Alcohol permits and a proposal to issue industrial development bonds are among issues on the Jonesboro City Council agenda for Tuesday.
The council will hear the final required readings of two proposed ordinances that would approve restaurant private club permits.
Jaime King is listed as president of XET Concepts. Chad King is vice president and Emily Ann Calvert is secretary/treasurer, according to the application. The club has 110 members. The application notes that the nonprofit would support the foster care community.
Sunflower Social Club, doing business as Poppy’s Beach Grill & Event Center, would be at 2915 Kazi Drive.
Ken Yarbrough is listed 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.
In new business, the council will hear the first of three required readings of a proposed ordinance to issue up to $24 million in taxable revenue bonds to assist Colson Caster Co. in the construction of its new complex at 2121 Barnhill Road.
Also scheduled for a first reading is a proposal by A & J Deliveries to rezone 3.73 acres of unimproved land on Service Road, which is on the east side of Willow Road, from C-3 general commercial, to I-1 limited industrial.
The council will hear the second reading of a proposed ordinance that would abandon a drainage easement at 1700 Mayfield Drive in the Hill Park commercial subdivision.
Another proposed ordinance would amend an ordinance approved in 2007 known as a police officer’s bill of rights regarding the process for promotions.
Council members will hear the third readings and vote on proposed ordinances that would:
Waive competitive bidding and approve a $49,500 contract with First Step Pavement Management to provide an inventory of hard-surfaced roads and sidewalks maintained by the city to assist in scheduling maintenance.
Set new speed limits on a variety of city streets.
Proposed resolutions would:
Authorize the purchase of additional right of way along Creath Avenue and South Bridge Street for street and trail improvements.
Adopt permanent land restrictions for the city’s closed municipal landfill on Strawfloor Drive.
Amend a contract with Brackett Krennerich for architectural services related to the renovation of the former YMCA building on West Nettleton Avenue.
The council will meet at 5:30 p.m. in Municipal Center, 300 S. Church St.
The council’s public services committee will meet at 4:30 p.m., followed by the public safety committee at 5. | 2022-03-12T12:40:14Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Council faces alcohol, industrial bonds | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/council-faces-alcohol-industrial-bonds/article_d4653463-79d4-5bef-837d-d480aa365f94.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/council-faces-alcohol-industrial-bonds/article_d4653463-79d4-5bef-837d-d480aa365f94.html |
JONESBORO — A 59-year-old Jonesboro man reported Friday morning that a residence was entered and tools stolen in the 2800 block of Harrisburg Road.
The victim listed the value of the items at $3,055.
A 28-year-old Jonesboro woman told police Thursday afternoon that a .380-caliber handgun was either misplaced or stolen from her residence in the 2000 block of West Nettleton Avenue. The gun is valued at $300.
Bayird Pre Owned Auto, 3050 S. Stadium Blvd., reported Thursday morning that someone stole a 2017 Dodge Challenger from its lot. The car is valued at $50,000.
Auto King, 3700 S. Stadium Blvd., reported Thursday afternoon that someone used a key device and stole a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle is valued at $20,000. | 2022-03-12T12:40:51Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Tools thief nets $3,055 | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/tools-thief-nets-3-055/article_9d4ba101-367f-5344-a20b-65d3148b777d.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/tools-thief-nets-3-055/article_9d4ba101-367f-5344-a20b-65d3148b777d.html |
Dunman drives in seven in EPC victory
LEPANTO — Natalie Dunman was 2-for-3 with two home runs and seven runs batted in Thursday as East Poinsett County routed Trumann 18-0 in high school softball.
Dunman belted a grand slam home run and a three-run home run.
She scored four runs for the Lady Warriors, who finished the game with a nine-run third inning.
Brinley Brewer was 2-for-2 with a double, four RBIs and two runs scored.
Also for EPC (4-0), Mercedes Reel was 2-for-2 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored; Kelly Lucas added a hit and two RBIs; Jaycee Davis doubled, drove in a run and scored twice; Terrin Powell had a hit, an RBI and two runs scored; Keegan McCorkle had a hit and scored four runs; and Cameron Argo had a hit and an RBI.
McCorkle struck out six batters and gave up one hit over three innings.
Valley View 5, Searcy 0
SEARCY – Riley Smith pitched a three-hit shutout Thursday to lead Valley View to a 5-0 victory over Searcy in high school softball.
Smith struck out 11 batters while walking none. She didn’t allow a runner to reach second base.
Lexi Davis had a hit and drove in two runs for Valley View. Anna Winkfield also had a hit and Isabel Riba had one hit and one RBI each, while Amera Wright had a hit and scored a run.
Paragould 16, Brookland 2
BROOKLAND – Paragould defeated Brookland 16-2 in high school softball Thursday.
Kiley Williams was 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and three runs scored for the Lady Rams (1-1). Lauren Stanley and Maddi Langston drove in three runs each.
Stanley, Kayleene Roe and KK Massey each hit a triple for Paragould. Stanley pitched all five innings for the victory, giving up six hits and one earned run while striking out six and walking two.
Tuckerman 15, Midland 0
PLEASANT PLAINS – Defending Class 2A state champion Tuckerman opened 2A-2 conference play Thursday with a 15-0 rout of Midland in high school softball.
Makaylie Gist was 3-for-4 and struck out 10 batters. Shanley Williams was 3-for-4, while Kenzie Soden, Hannah Nicholson and Raigan Washam all finished 2-for-4 for the Lady Bulldogs (1-1, 1-0 conference). | 2022-03-12T12:41:58Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Dunman drives in seven in EPC victory | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/dunman-drives-in-seven-in-epc-victory/article_5102ae25-565c-59a4-be8f-233a1de9f4da.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/dunman-drives-in-seven-in-epc-victory/article_5102ae25-565c-59a4-be8f-233a1de9f4da.html |
Seminoles, Bobcats seek 3A state championship
HOT SPRINGS — The Osceola Seminoles have been unstoppable since working through COVID-19 issues and a key injury.
Osceola carries an 18-game winning streak into today’s Class 3A boys’ state championship game against Dumas at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs. Coach Vernon Wilson’s Seminoles are looking to add a state tournament title to the 3A-3 district and Region 2 crowns already in their possession.
Wilson said the Seminoles (28-4) dealt with a COVID-19 quarantine in December and had to play without senior forward A.J. Harris, their top rebounder, for a while after he suffered a high ankle sprain in late December.
“I was down and out when we started quarantining. We got our guys in shape and then we had to sit them out seven days,” Wilson said. “All that stuff messed with us and bothered us, kind of set us back, but we won probably 20 of the last 22 games. I tell everybody that once we had our full roster healthy, everybody playing, we’re undefeated with the full roster.”
The Seminoles and Bobcats (28-3) meet at 1:15 p.m. All state finals are being televised by Arkansas PBS (cable channel 2 in Jonesboro).
Osceola made it to the state finals for the second time in three seasons. The Seminoles didn’t get to play in a championship game in 2020, however, as most state finals were postponed and eventually canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Osceola and rival Rivercrest, which were to meet in the title game, were declared state champions.
Wilson said he regularly talks to Dumas coach Larry Harris. Their teams met in the first round of last year’s state tournament, Osceola winning 68-62 in overtime before falling 62-52 to Mayflower in the next round.
“Coach Harris and I talk probably three times a week on the phone. Last year, we didn’t keep our end of the bargain,” Wilson said. “We said, ‘Man, we have to both win regionals so we can be on opposite sides of the state bracket.’ He lost, I lost, and we ended up meeting in the first round.
“That game was so hyped up and really it was a letdown for us after that when we played Mayflower because a lot of our kids thought that Dumas game was the state championship game. I feel like they didn’t come out to play the next game with the same intensity.”
Region championships put the teams on opposite sides of the bracket this year. Osceola advanced through the early rounds by beating Paris 49-44, Central Arkansas Christian 83-66 and Elkins 56-42. Dumas’ road to the final included victories over Jacksonville Lighthouse (44-29), Walnut Ridge (61-51) and 3A-8 rival McGehee (64-56).
Depth and full-court defensive pressure are among the keys for Osceola.
“We have a goal to try to keep teams at 40 points and we want to score 70, 75,” Wilson said. “We’re able to play 12 guys a night and the full-court pressure just takes a toll on teams. I thought it wore down CAC and Paris, even Elkins.”
Wilson said Daylen Love, a 6-7 senior guard/forward, averages around 21 points and nine rebounds. Harris adds 15 points and 12 rebounds per game; junior guard Terrance Nimmers adds 15 points per game off the bench; and sophomore guard Richard High adds 10 points per game.
Love, Harris and High are joined by junior guard Jerry Long and senior guard Zarion Spears in the regular starting lineup.
Wilson said he is accustomed to teams that hit their stride later in the season since Osceola often plays deep into the football playoffs. The Seminoles exited the football playoffs in the first round last fall.
“It takes at least three or four weeks to get those guys on the same page with the off-season guys,” Wilson said. “It’s always good to start jelling in January and February, tournament time, and that’s what has happened this year. I knew if we could keep this group together, we could do something special.”
5A girls: Greenwood 60, Jonesboro 49
5A boys: Jonesboro 55, Marion 28
6A girls: North Little Rock 60, Fort Smith Northside 38
6A boys: North Little Rock 65, Bentonville 47
1A girls: Norfork 48, Mammoth Spring 43
1A boys: Bradley 44, County Line 41
2A girls: Melbourne vs. Bigelow, (n)
2A boys: Lavaca vs. Magnet Cove, (n)
3A girls: Bergman vs. Lamar, 11:30 a.m.
3A boys: Osceola vs. Dumas, 1:15 p.m.
4A girls: Nashville vs. Farmington, 6 p.m.
4A boys: Magnolia vs. Blytheville, 7:45 p.m. | 2022-03-12T12:42:10Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Seminoles, Bobcats seek 3A state championship | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/seminoles-bobcats-seek-3a-state-championship/article_59da2e21-76fe-5932-b884-58c51fb3fa0d.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/seminoles-bobcats-seek-3a-state-championship/article_59da2e21-76fe-5932-b884-58c51fb3fa0d.html |
Lewallen
POCAHONTAS — Karmyn Gray of Walnut Ridge and Logan Lewallen of Pocahontas are the recipients of Florence Nightingale Scholarships for the Spring 2022 semester at Black River Technical College.
Gray is a 2017 graduate of Sloan-Hendrix High School and is the daughter of Chad and Jennifer Gray of Cherokee Village and Frank and Brandy Binkley of Walnut Ridge. She is currently seeking a nursing degree from BRTC.
Lewallen is a 2020 graduate of Pocahontas High School. He is the son of Jeanie Lewallen of Pocahontas and the late Earl Ray Brown. Lewallen currently is pursuing a nursing degree at BRTC but plans to further his education after graduation and obtain a master’s degree.
The scholarships are provided by BRTC nursing faculty and staff to second-semester nursing students. | 2022-03-15T09:38:08Z | www.jonesborosun.com | BRTC students accept scholarships | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/brtc-students-accept-scholarships/article_0b23c8b5-ef58-587f-b7a1-20ad000f1fba.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/brtc-students-accept-scholarships/article_0b23c8b5-ef58-587f-b7a1-20ad000f1fba.html |
NEA virus cases rise slightly in week
JONESBORO — Most counties in Northeast Arkansas showed slight increases in coronavirus infections in the past week, but the number of active cases declined throughout the region, a Sun review of daily reports from the Arkansas Department of Health indicated.
Craighead County had 213 new cases between March 7 and Sunday, ranking third in the state behind Garland (250) and Pulaski (237) counties among the state’s 75 counties. Craighead had 214 new cases the previous seven-day period.
Benton County in northwest Arkansas had 153 new cases in the past week and recorded 18 deaths. Statewide, there were 198 deaths attributed to the virus during the week.
Craighead County’s death toll rose by four in the seven-day period to 322. Mississippi County recorded six deaths during the seven days. The deaths of four Poinsett County residents were also attributed to the pandemic. Cross, Jackson and Lawrence counties had two COVID-related deaths each, while Greene and Randolph counties had one death each, according to the health department data.
Northeast Arkansas COVID-19 cases by county, March 7 through Sunday:
Craighead – 213 new cases, (down 1 from last week); 69 active cases (down from 100); 322 total virus related deaths (increase of 4).
Greene – 68 new cases (increase of 8); 26 active (down from 39); 168 deaths (increase of 1).
Lawrence – 37 new cases (increase of 4); 7 active (down from 15); 74 deaths (increase of 2).
Poinsett – 43 new cases (increase of 4); 22 active (down from 31); 125 deaths (increase of 4).
Mississippi – 105 new cases (increase of 57); 15 active cases (down from 25); 201 deaths (increase of 6).
Jackson – 33 new cases (increase of 6); 16 active cases (down from 25); 57 deaths (increase of 2).
Randolph – 94 new cases (increase of 21); 11 active cases (unchanged); 81 deaths (increase of 1).
Cross –26 new cases (down from 38); 9 active cases (down from 10); 79 deaths (increase of 2).
Clay – 12 new cases (increase of 5); 8 active cases (down from 9); 90 deaths (unchanged).
On Monday, the health department reported 343 new cases, including 22 in Lawrence County.
Numbers elsewhere in NEA: Randolph, 16; Jackson, 7; Craighead, 6; Greene and Mississippi, 2 each; Poinsett, Cross, 1 and Clay, 0.
Statewide, 22 additional deaths were reported, including 1 death each in Craighead, Jackson and Mississippi counties. The statewide death toll reached 10,950.
Active cases dropped to 1,909 statewide, a reduction of 221 from Sunday.
COVID-related hospitalizations dropped by 26 to 217. Of those, 42 patients were on ventilators, a reduction of 3. COVID-related hospitalizations rose by 2 in Northeast Arkansas since Sunday to 24. Four of those patients remained on ventilators. | 2022-03-15T09:38:45Z | www.jonesborosun.com | NEA virus cases rise slightly in week | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/nea-virus-cases-rise-slightly-in-week/article_e78166e2-3e25-5bfa-b0d3-598b0c8757c3.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/nea-virus-cases-rise-slightly-in-week/article_e78166e2-3e25-5bfa-b0d3-598b0c8757c3.html |
JONESBORO — A Craighead County jury convicted Corey Lamont McCullon of first-degree murder Friday in the Nov. 20, 2019, fatal shooting of Keisha Crigler.
Circuit Judge Randy Philhours followed the jury’s recommendation and sentenced McCullon, 33, of Trumann, to 60 years’ imprisonment.
According to a probable cause affidavit by Jonesboro Police Detective Josh Wiiest, “During the investigation, it was learned that Corey McCullon had been harassing the victim for the past several days about her owing him money and had made threats to kill her. Witnesses were all presented with a photo line up and positively identified Mr. McCullon as the subject who entered the residence, pointed a firearm at persons in the house and fired numerous rounds inside the house, killing the victim.
“It was later learned that Mr. McCullon pointed the firearm and fired rounds in the immediate vicinity of other occupants inside the residence while making threats,” the affidavit continues. “Evidence on scene was consistent with statements made by witnesses who were present during the time of the homicide.”
There were three listed witnesses to the slaying, according to early reports, a 7-year-old girl, a 9-year-old boy and an adult female.
McCullon was arrested in Caruthersville, Mo., in November 2019.
Curtis Walker Jr. and Gina M. Nelson – deputy prosecuting attorneys – were the prosecutors in the case.
Walker and Nelson thanked the jury for their service and the Jonesboro Police Department for its investigation. | 2022-03-15T09:38:57Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Trumann man gets 60 years for murder | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/trumann-man-gets-60-years-for-murder/article_a190ccf8-97df-5ca9-9a1f-e74776cfa345.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/trumann-man-gets-60-years-for-murder/article_a190ccf8-97df-5ca9-9a1f-e74776cfa345.html |
JONESBORO — A 22-year-old Jonesboro woman is in the Craighead County Detention Center after District Judge David Boling found probable cause Monday to charge her with first-degree battery and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.
Markisha Davis, of the 3700 block of Kristi Lake Drive, is accused of beating her 1-year-old daughter Saturday morning.
The child’s grandmother told police that when she arrived at the residence that morning she found three children under the age of 3 alone, with the 1-year-old covered in bruises, according to a probable cause affidavit.
“Upon arrival at the scene, officers found the suspect Markisha Davis in the residence along with the 1-year-old child. The child had multiple bruises on her body that covered the face, neck, back, arms, and legs,” the affidavit states. “The child had swelling on her cheeks, eyes and mouth. The was blood coming from the child’s mouth and ears.”
The child was taken by ambulance to NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital for treatment.
The other children in the residence were uninjured, police said.
Davis was arrested at about 12:39 p.m. Saturday.
Boling set bond for Davis, who refused to leave her cell, at $250,000.
Orlando Smith, 33, of Vilonia, with parole violation, possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams and probation violation; $150,000 bond.
Eric Elliott, 38, of Trumann, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia; $1,500 bond.
Enrique Barber, 28, of Jonesboro, with simultaneous possession of guns and drugs, possession of meth or cocaine greater than 2 grams but less than 10 grams and being a felon in possession of a firearm’ $150,000 bond.
Orlando Harper, 52, with probation violation; $1,500 bond.
Octavius Lloyd, 24, of Jonesboro, with aggravated assault on a family or household member and failure to appear; $100,000 bond.
Aubrey Brown, 33, of Jonesboro, with probation violation; $2,500 bond.
Shelly Cherry, 47, of Hardy, with second-degree forgery; $1,500 bond.
Crystal Lamar, 42, of Paragould, with felony failure to appear; $1,500 bond.
Shanna Barefield, 31, of Jonesboro, with second-degree forgery; $1,500 bond.
Delontre Hampton, 29, of Fayetteville, with possession of a Schedule I or II drug not meth or cocaine greater than 2 grams but less than 28 grams, possession of marijuana and public intoxication; $35,000 bond. | 2022-03-15T09:39:03Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Woman gets $250,000 bond after child injured | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/woman-gets-250-000-bond-after-child-injured/article_59929113-2d0c-5461-be4a-8df4b47bd3e6.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/woman-gets-250-000-bond-after-child-injured/article_59929113-2d0c-5461-be4a-8df4b47bd3e6.html |
Ukraine is the Sodom and Gomorrah of the world. Biden, Pelosi, Romney and Kerry have had their offspring in high level jobs in the Ukraine since 2014 when Obama replaced Ukraine's government. Ukraine is number 1 in the world for human trafficking and money laundering! Supporting Ukraine is wrong! Putin is a religious man. He is doing his best to wipe out porn, and LGBT in his country. He will destroy us if we interfere. Stolen elections have consequences. Say your prayers, God is our only hope now.
Rick Humphrey | 2022-03-15T09:39:58Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Pay attention | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/pay-attention/article_76b4d4c8-c0e1-5f95-8235-4ece8538ea8a.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/pay-attention/article_76b4d4c8-c0e1-5f95-8235-4ece8538ea8a.html |
Who does city council represent?
Does the Jonesboro City Council represent the people who elected them? You decide.
I spoke to the council in opposition to the current alcohol permit applications. The council completely ignored anything anyone had to say in opposition to these bogus “non-profit” alcohol permits, just as they always have. At a previous meeting I gave the council eight reasons why they could deny these bogus permits. Yet, they voted almost unanimously to grant all of them with the exception of the movie theater. Jonesboro now has 62 “non-profit” alcohol clubs.
How many people are aware that these places are supposed to be “non-profit?" Is this council naive enough to believe these “non-profit” alcohol permits don’t make a profit for the restaurants which obtain them? Apparently they are.
It is illegal to sell alcohol in a dry county yet hundreds of thousands of tax dollars have been made from selling alcohol in Jonesboro. Doesn’t a product have to be sold to have a sales tax on it?
These clubs are illegitimate because the private club law failed to pass the Legislature in 1969 by three votes in the Senate, and the ABC Board wrongly interpreted Act 1813 of 2003 which was supposed to be for large attendance facilities only.
The council also passed a 2% prepared food tax without allowing the people to vote on it. Apparently the council believes they are smarter than the people they represent.
Does the council have a right to pass a tax without the people’s consent? Possibly. But, does that make it right? If they truly wanted to represent the people, why would they not want the people to vote on that tax? Perhaps they knew that it would fail. That does seem to be the logical conclusion.
Furthermore, even though the city is overwhelmingly pro-life, the council completely ignored Councilman Long’s attempt to pass a “sanctuary city for the unborn” resolution.
When the council condones things as wrong as these examples are they representing the people who elected them? It seems not.
Do we need a completely new council with maybe the exception of Mr. Long? It seems so.
Bobby L. Hester | 2022-03-15T09:40:04Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Who does city council represent? | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/who-does-city-council-represent/article_1081db7f-15c4-5e27-81ac-9daf261c018d.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/who-does-city-council-represent/article_1081db7f-15c4-5e27-81ac-9daf261c018d.html |
JONESBORO — Thieves have struck again at the Jonesboro Street Department and at the JET lot, according to police reports.
At the Street Department, 2601 Dan Ave., Timothy Velasquez, the maintenance supervisor, told police Monday morning that a lock and chain were cut and four catalytic converters were stolen with a total value of $2,500.
The converters were taken from a Ford Express van, a GMC van, a Ford Econoline van and a Ford pickup truck, according to the report.
At the JET location, 2630 Lacy Drive, Michael Black, JET supervisor, reported Monday morning that the fence was cut and four catalytic converters worth a total of $2,000 were taken. Damage to the fence was listed at $500.
Sally Smith, public information specialist with the Jonesboro Police Department, said, “There is video footage of the suspects, and the detectives are working on their identification. The incidents are under investigation.”
Last year, thieves struck the city’s Public Works compound and about $96,000 in vehicles and equipment were stolen when thieves cut through the fence on Lacy Drive.
Stolen were two pickup trucks, two flatbed rice trailers, three zero-turn lawnmowers, grass trimmers and other items, according to an inventory list from a Jonesboro Police Department report.
A 2006 F250 pickup was recovered Aug. 2 in Tyronza, according to Smith.
On June 3, 2021, drivers for Jonesboro Economical Transportation discovered someone stole catalytic converters from six JET vehicles, including five used to transport passengers.
A Jonesboro police report listed the thefts of the catalytic converters as greater than $5,000 but less than $25,000.
The June burglary forced JET to scale back services until the stolen catalytic converters could be replaced, Steve Tippitt, street department director, told The Sun then.
No arrests were made in the 2021 incidents. The city increased the number of cameras to nine in the wake of the thefts. | 2022-03-16T09:15:49Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Thieves hit Street Dept., JET vehicles | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/thieves-hit-street-dept-jet-vehicles/article_ac52fb96-6459-5954-b5dc-91b7d88f9519.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/thieves-hit-street-dept-jet-vehicles/article_ac52fb96-6459-5954-b5dc-91b7d88f9519.html |
JONESBORO — Police arrested two men following a traffic stop at about 1 a.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Oakdale Street and Stallings Lane, according to a Jonesboro police report.
Martin Everett Smith, 46, of the 1100 block of North Floyd Street, and Tyler Haggenmacher, 36, of the 4100 block of Lone Cypress Cove, were arrested after a K9 unit detected drugs in the vehicle.
Smith is being held on suspicion of simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm, possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams, possession of a Schedule VI drug less than 4 ounces and felony possession of drug paraphernalia.
Haggenmacher is being held on suspicion of possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams, possession of a Schedule IV drug less than 28 grams, felony possession of drug paraphernalia and no proof of insurance.
In other JPD cases:
Police arrested Patrick Lynn Greenwood, 51, and Rebecca Lucille Montgomery, 40, both of the 1400 block of Haven Street, on Monday night following a traffic stop at the intersection of Cate Avenue and South Bridge Street. They are being held on suspicion of possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams, possession of marijuana and possession of an open container of alcohol.
The CVS pharmacy, 110 Southwest Drive, reported to police Monday afternoon that three suspects burglarized the store and stole items. The total worth of the items is $250.
Police arrested Clarimal Lorenzo, 26, and Zulecia Rivera, 39, after a disturbance was reported in the 400 block of Warner Avenue on Monday afternoon. The two are being held on suspicion of aggravated assault on a family or household member.
Driving a motorcycle on a sidewalk Monday afternoon led to the arrest of Wesley Pryor, 36, of the 1700 block of West Matthew Avenue. Pryor is being held on suspicion of possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams, possession of marijuana, driving on a sidewalk and tampering with evidence.
E.T.I., 2405 Nestle Way, reported Monday afternoon that a trailer was stolen from the business. The value of the trailer is listed at $2,500.
The Sharp County Sheriff’s Office arrested Aaron Slayton, 38, of Hardy, following a traffic stop Monday afternoon. Slayton is being held on suspicion of possession of about 6 ounces of meth with the intent to deliver, possession of oxycodone with intent to deliver possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest, destruction of evidence and fleeing. | 2022-03-16T09:15:55Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Traffic stop leads to arrests | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/traffic-stop-leads-to-arrests/article_a4f07494-1c2b-5516-8ac5-c9806e23a405.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/traffic-stop-leads-to-arrests/article_a4f07494-1c2b-5516-8ac5-c9806e23a405.html |
WEST MEMPHIS — Jonesboro opened 5A-East conference baseball play Monday with a sweep of West Memphis, winning the first game 13-0 and taking the second 17-3 as Josh Hyneman drove in seven runs.
Jonesboro’s Lance Davis struck out 13 while pitching a five-inning no-hitter in the first game. West Memphis’ only baserunner was hit by a pitch.
Rykar Acebo was 2-for-3 with a home run, two runs scored and three RBIs for the Hurricane. Maddox Morrison was 3-for-4 and scored twice; Meyer Maddox was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs; Ty Rhoades was 2-for-3 with a double, a triple and an RBI; and Jack Cheatham was 2-for-3 with two runs scored and one RBI.
Hyneman doubled and drove in a run in the first game. Other RBIs came from Charlie Dominguez, Davis and Luke Brodell. Hudson Hosman and Matthew Bartels scored twice.
Riley Henfling, Jack Gueno and Rhoades combined to strike out 11 batters while pitching a five-inning no-hitter in the second game. Henfling pitched three innings for the victory, striking out eight while walking five and giving up two runs.
Hyneman was 3-for-3 with two home runs, seven RBIs and three runs scored for Jonesboro (6-2, 2-0 conference) in the second game. Rhoades was 2-for-2 with a double, a triple and three RBIs.
Acebo tripled and drove in three runs; Morrison tripled, drove in one run and scored twice; and Paul McElhanon drove in two runs.
Bay 5, Marmaduke 3
BAY – Korbyn Hoyt belted a two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh inning Monday to lift Bay to a 5-3 victory over Marmaduke in 2A-3 conference baseball.
The Yellowjackets (2-1, 2-0 conference) bounced back after the Greyhounds tied the score in the top of the seventh.
Kaden Hartley doubled and scored two runs for the Yellowjackets. Reed Crocker also drove in a run for Bay, while Hoyt, Easton Fletcher and Hunter Turner scored once each.
Fletcher pitched 6 2/3 innings, giving up two runs on one hit while striking out 13 and walking five.
Blake Gipson homered and drove in all three runs for Marmaduke. Landon Therrell was the winning pitcher after getting the last out in the top of the seventh.
Riverside 6, Westside 3
LAKE CITY – Riverside defeated Westside 6-3 Monday in high school baseball.
Trae Barnes earned the pitching victory with 2 2/3 scoreless innings in relief. Barnes struck out five batters while allowing one hit.
Riverside starter Easton Hatch pitched 4 1/3 innings, striking out 12 while yielding three runs.
Barnes was 2-for-3 and scored twice. Cash Gillis was 2-for-2 with two RBIs for the Rebels (4-1).
Soccer Nettleton 8, West Memphis 1
JONESBORO – Daniel Golden scored three goals on six shots Monday as Nettleton defeated West Memphis 8-1 in 5A-East conference boys’ high school soccer.
Hutch Bristow, Exson Argueta, Kendrick McShan, Juan Meza and Juan Munoz scored one goal each for the Raiders (2-4, 1-1 conference). Antonio Almaraz assisted on four goals and Ruben Saldivar also had an assist.
Starting goalkeeper Caleb Andrews did not allow a goal.
Nettleton 7, West Memphis 0
JONESBORO – Amelia Brown scored four goals on eight shots Monday, leading Nettleton to a 7-0 victory over West Memphis in 5A-East conference girls’ high school soccer.
Keely Vick, Stacey Hernandez and Toni Williams scored one goal each for the Lady Raiders (3-3, 1-1 conference). Mackenzie Jackson had one assist.
Starting goalkeeper Toni Williams and reserve Kerrigan Kinsey combined for three saves and a clean sheet. Kinsey finished with two saves and Williams had one.
Softball Valley View 11-7, Highland 0-0
HIGHLAND – Riley Smith pitched two shutouts Monday as Valley View swept Highland in a 4A-3 conference softball doubleheader.
Smith pitched a five-inning no-hitter, striking out eight batters, during the Lady Blazers’ 11-0 victory in the first game.
Amera Wright was 2-for-2 with two doubles to lead Valley View offensively in the first game. Isabel Riba, Caroline Prestidge, Anna Winkfield and Lauren Mitchell all had one hit and one RBI each. Nine different Lady Blazers scored.
Valley View (5-1, 4-0 conference) completed the sweep with a 7-0 victory in the second game. Smith struck out eight batters while giving up four hits.
Winkfield and Riba both finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs each. Prestidge had a hit and an RBI; Sophie Newberry had a hit and an RBI; and Grace Butler stole two bases and scored three runs.
Westside 8, Riverside 5
LAKE CITY – Westside scored six runs in the first two innings Monday and held off Riverside for an 8-5 victory in high school softball.
Megan Hedger, Jada Diaz and Rachel Edwards all had a hit and an RBI for the Lady Warriors. Abby Manley drove in a run and Baile Rogers scored three runs for Westside (3-1).
Kaylee Cox was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI for Riverside. Mackenzie Thomas was also 2-for-4, while Anna Qualls drove in two runs for the Lady Rebels.
EPC 11, Rivercrest 1
LEPANTO – East Poinsett County improved to 5-0 with Monday’s 11-1 victory over Rivercrest in high school softball.
Keegan McCorkle struck out 11 batters while holding Rivercrest to one run on two hits. She also had a couple of hits, including a home run.
Mercedes Reel went 3-for-3 at the plate for EPC and Jaycee Davis stole two bases. The Lady Warriors scored four runs in the third inning.
Tuckerman 7, Melbourne 4
TUCKERMAN – Tuckerman defeated 2A-2 conference rival Melbourne 7-4 Monday.
Shanley Williams was 2-for-4 with three RBIs to lead the Lady Bulldogs (2-1, 2-0 conference) offensively. Pitcher Makaylie Gist struck out eight batters. | 2022-03-16T09:16:43Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Hyneman drives in seven as JHS sweeps twinbill | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/hyneman-drives-in-seven-as-jhs-sweeps-twinbill/article_450b9c4b-f1d8-5b1e-a446-0178eab72df9.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/hyneman-drives-in-seven-as-jhs-sweeps-twinbill/article_450b9c4b-f1d8-5b1e-a446-0178eab72df9.html |
Fred Engelken
Fred Wilburn Engelken, age 90 years, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2022, at his home in Jonesboro, surrounded by his loving family.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Louie Engelken and Violet (Elzy) Engelken; brother, James Engelken; nephew, Richard (“Rick”) Engelken; paternal grandparents, Henry and Elizabeth Engelken; Henry’s second wife, Lana Engelken; maternal grandparents, Edward and Jennie Elzy; father-in-law, Oscar Emmons; mother-in-law Kathleen (Brooks) Emmons; and sister-in-law, Marjorie (Steele) Engelken, all of Doniphan, Mo.; and special sister-in-law, Carol (Emmons) Kersting of Bridgeton, Mo.; along with several uncles, aunts and cousins.
Surviving Fred is his beloved wife, soulmate and best friend of 67 years, Barbara Engelken of Jonesboro; sons, Robert (Sherry) Engelken of Jonesboro, Steve (Robin) Engelken of Walnut Ridge, and Jeff (Stephanie) Engelken of Anna, Texas.
Other survivors include eight grandchildren, David (Natalie) Engelken of Paragould, Daniel (Ashley) Engelken, Michael (Jennifer) Engelken and Emilee (Matthew) Engelken Gill, all of Jonesboro, Benjamin Engelken of Walnut Ridge, and Brittney Engelken, Madyson Engelken and Spencer Engelken, all of Anna.
Also, surviving are 12 great-grandchildren, Evan Engelken, Jase Engelken, Luke Engelken, Morgan Engelken, Cora Gill, Rosie Gill, Oliver Gill and Parker Gill, all of Jonesboro, Scarlett Engelken of Anna, and Weslynn Engelken, Lydia Engelken and Austyn Claire Engelken of Paragould; nieces, Jamie (Engelken) Guess of Billings, Mo., and Judy (Engelken) Black of Kevil, Ky.; and nephew, Brad Kersting of Bridgeton, Mo.
Fred’s family was a well-respected part of the Doniphan community, particularly the area around Highway 21 North, where his father farmed and later worked for the Missouri Department of Transportation. Fred and his family attended the Oak Grove Church of God.
Fred graduated from Doniphan, Missouri High School in 1948. He spent 10 years in the Missouri Army National Guard, achieving the rank of second lieutenant. Fred’s career included farming, Vitronic Manufacturing Company, Retail Credit Company, Equifax, the U.S Army Corps of Engineers and, most recently, the Defense Contract Management Agency for 20 years until his retirement in 1999.
After living in Walnut Ridge for over 20 years, Fred and Barbara moved sequentially to Neosho, Mo., Wichita, Kan., Arkansas City, Kan., and Joplin, Mo., while Fred worked for the DCMA. In 2000, upon retirement, Fred and Barbara moved from Joplin to Jonesboro where they have resided since.
Fred was a loving and beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law and other family roles. He enjoyed music (particularly bluegrass, gospel and country & western), western movies, hunting, fishing, gardening and attending his son’s ball games. He spent the last 10 years singing and playing guitar at weekly meetings of a local bluegrass association and at area nursing homes.
The family will receive visitors at Emerson Funeral Home (1629 E. Nettleton Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401) from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 18.
A commemoration-of-life service will be held at the Emerson Memorial Chapel on Saturday, March 19, at 1 p.m. with Brother Tim Campbell and Robert Engelken officiating. Burial will follow at Lawrence Memorial Park in Walnut Ridge immediately after the service.
Pallbearers will be David Engelken, Benjamin Engelken, Daniel Engelken, Brad Kersting, Spencer Engelken and Matthew Gill. Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Engelken, Carl Baird, Vernon Brooks and Jim Kersting.
An online guestbook is available at www.emersonfuneralhome.com. | 2022-03-16T14:45:53Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Fred Engelken | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/fred-engelken/article_022bceac-dfcd-5c05-9da2-042302c72f70.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/fred-engelken/article_022bceac-dfcd-5c05-9da2-042302c72f70.html |
Wanda Faye (Hardin) Fincher, 77, passed from this life on March 10, 2022, at her residence in Conway.
She was born to the late Andrew Jackson Hardin and Maxine (Pat) Adams in Swifton on Oct. 16, 1944. She was a retired First Lieutenant and registered nurse in the United States Air Force. Aunt Wanda, as she was called, loved everyone, and was loved by all.
Preceding her in death were her parents; four brothers, J.C. Hardin, Leonard Hardin, Danny Adams and Billy Adams; and one sister, Brenda Adams Ridgway.
Survivors include one brother, Bob Adams; four nieces, Tracy “Jo” (Todd) Roberts Hart, McKala “Bug” Roberts Barnett, Cathy “Cat” (Brian) Roberts Langlois and Rebecca “Becky” (Robert) Roberts Davis; many nieces and nephews; and many close friends.
Visitation was Monday, March 14, at Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge from 11 a.m. to noon. The funeral followed at noon with Robert Davis officiating. Interment was in Townsend Cemetery in Smithville, under the direction of Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge. Military honors were rendered.
Honored to serve as pallbearers were Kent Lusby, Clint Silliman, Brian Langlois, Steve Cusson, Eddie Jones and Will Dobrovich.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness,” Matthew 25:23 NIV. | 2022-03-16T14:46:12Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Wanda Fincher | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/wanda-fincher/article_7918b4b6-514b-5b90-b3c7-3da3a8c2c4fc.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/wanda-fincher/article_7918b4b6-514b-5b90-b3c7-3da3a8c2c4fc.html |
Birdsong Peanuts announced that it will locate a new peanut buying point in Lawrence County, off Highway 412, between Portia and Walnut Ridge. The facility will be able to service over 15,000 new acres of peanuts and create five local jobs with the potential for expansion based on demand.
The Walnut Ridge Airport Commission has named Michelle Anthony as manager of the Walnut Ridge Regional Airport. Anthony had been serving as interim manager since Dec. 31.
The Lawrence County Circle of Friends raised $36,300 with 120 people in attendance at the 2012 Tips for Tots event held at the Walnut Ridge Country Club. The event raised funds to benefit the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, which celebrated its 100th birthday on March 5.
Winners in the younger divisions of Hoxie School’s Miss Mustang Pageant held at Robert Hicks Gymnasium included: Tiny Tot Mustang, Gracie Felton; Tiny Miss Mustang, Sarah Grace Latham; Petite Little Miss Mustang, Haiydon Sexton; Little Miss Mustang, Jarah Jones; Junior Miss Mustang, Brooke Johnson.
Jessie King of Imboden has accepted membership in Golden Key International Honour Society and was honored during a recent reception at Arkansas State University. King, who is a special education teacher at Black Rock High School, is currently working toward her certification for special education director at ASU.
Ma & Pa’s Flea Market, owned by Clifton and Diann Powers, has been listed in Flea Market Décor magazine as one of the 50 best flea markets in the country. It is one of only five flea markets in Arkansas to be selected.
At 4:25 a.m. Saturday, a Burlington Northern-Santa Fe train derailed near Sedgwick. Cars 30-59 out of 68 total on the train were askew on either side of the tracks. The conductor of the train speculated the derailment was caused by high winds.
The Paul Doty family farm, located three miles southeast of Minturn, sustained heavy damage from thunderstorms and possibly a tornado, early Saturday morning. All three homes on the property were damaged and a large storage barn was demolished.
The Miss Bobcat 2002 pageant held Saturday night resulted in the following winners: Andrea Cavenaugh, Miss Bobcat and talent winner; Janna Ferguson, first runner-up: Alyson Williams, second runner-up; and Sara Mullen, third runner-up. Lindsey Campbell and Brydgett Mankey were co-recipients of the Monetta Corbett Miss Congeniality Award.
Walnut Ridge boys quartet members received Superior I ratings at the District Choral Concert Friday at Arkansas State University. Members are: Charles Dunn, Jonathan Wichman, Brian Crowell, Jeremy George, Terry Benson and David Barrentine. The high school girls quartet also received Superior I ratings at ASU. Members are: Janna Ferguson, Kim Augustine, Amber Dunlap, Savanah Johnson, Keysha Dodd, Amy Freeman, Kellie Ward, Amy Ray, Andrea Cavenaugh and Alissa Walter. Both quartets will compete at state. WRHS music director is Darlene Moore.
Henry M. Rainwater, aged 82, well-known Walnut Ridge resident and retired businessman, died early Monday at Methodist Hospital in Memphis. Robbie Bullock, Malessie Mosier and Connie Porter, Hoxie High School basketball players, were named All-District players.
Jill Deeter, escorted by Mitchell Evans, reigned as Lynn High School homecoming queen this year.
The Lynn Senior Girls won three games last week to capture the Northeast Arkansas B Regional Tournament. Team members are: Nona Dennison, Pam Nunnally, Teresa Nunnally, Royetta Richey, Stacy Richey, Tonya Copeland, Luanne Howard, Debbie Geurin, Carol Wells, Marla Ring, Lesia Moss and Tammy Penn.
Lucia Allen won election to a five-year term on the Walnut Ridge School Board. At Black Rock, Dale Richey won a five-year term on the board of directors.
Six Walnut Ridge High School students won honors in a Mathematics Contest at ASU recently. They include: Kirk Hicks and Denise Langley, trigonometry; Jeff Holder and Mike Slayton, both Algebra II; David Smith and Brian Deversery, both Algebra I.
Sarah Allen, Virginia Smith, Becca Singleton, Natali Rorex, Ann Richardson, Stacy Wayland and Dianne Sloan of Walnut Ridge, Milton Smith of Jonesboro and Nancy Carlson of West Memphis, accompanied by their chaperone, Lucia Allen, will leave from New York City for nine days in London and Paris.
Walnut Ridge will lose one of its foremost citizens March 16, when L.D. Wilson, wire chief for Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. for the past 22 years, moves to a similar position at Heber Springs.
Mayor O’Neal Kellim has signed a proclamation designating next week as Purple Martin Week in Walnut Ridge.
Announcement was made today by County Judge Cleo Moody that he will be a candidate for re-election.
Tommy Holland of Walnut Ridge was honored by the Arkansas Jaycees recently at a banquet in Memphis. He was honored for his outstanding contribution to his community and the Arkansas Jaycees.
Beverly Sturch has been elected president of the Delta Phi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.
Roberta and Alberta Manning, twins, co-captains of the Junior Lady Mustangs, accepted the Sportsmanship trophy on behalf of the team at the conclusion of the Junior County Tournament.
Dr. Thomas Zadack Johnson died at his home at noon last Saturday.
Rose Callahan of Clover Bend and Audine Miller of Walnut Ridge were named on the All-District girls basketball team at the conclusion of the tournament in Newport last weekend. Three Lawrence Countians were named on the second team: Barbara Goodwin of Walnut Ridge, Wildrich of Lynn and Dotty Crabtree of Imboden.
The Walnut Ridge Jaycees will present the “Womanless Wedding” at Clover Bend Friday night. Included in the cast are: Robert Moore, Eddie 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, Bill Drew Henry, Addison Rainwater, W.T. Altman, Chub Byars, Harry Hilburn, Percy Cunningham and Glover Rice.
Shipments of structural steel for the factory building being constructed in Walnut Ridge by the Chamber of Commerce have reached Walnut Ridge.
The following boys will represent Hoxie in the district tournament: Tommy Goodwin, Cecil Goodrum, Winfield Cochran, Wallace Lewallen, Dene Hardin, Jack Kissee, Billy Thornton, Lavon Jones and T.C.Taylor.
Thieves last week took a 225-pound hog from the lot of Tom Penn, Portia farmer and stockman, and two hogs of about 175 pounds and 120 pounds from the farm lot of Roy Coffman.
Arrangements have been completed by the teachers in the schools of Lawrence County to issue licenses to handle sugar to retailers and wholesalers and ration cards to all families in Lawrence County.
Maggie Spikes of Walnut Ridge was elected vice-president of the Pi Beta Phi pledges at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville last week.
Billy Jeff Robins, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. T.R. Robins of Route 1, Hoxie, enlisted in the Navy Jan. 2, and after quickly completing his training course at the Great Lakes Naval School, was assigned to duty.
The Lawrence County Library is now in full-time operation and is located in the Hotel Lawrence Building. Betty Douglas is librarian in charge.
Clover Bend’s James Hill made the All-District team as a forward. He scored 16 points in his team’s loss to Ash Flat in the tournament. He received his call for induction into the Army on March 2, but was deferred until the end of the term, so he may not be an Eagle next year.
Harry Ponder, Walnut Ridge attorney and favorite son, has definitely entered the race for the Democratic nomination for governor of the State of Arkansas. Decision to make the race was reached Tuesday when it became known that Judge S.M. Bone, a close political and personal friend of Mr. Ponder, would not seek the office.
The St. Louis Cardinals, world’s champion baseball team, will play an exhibition game with Hoxie in Richardson Park. The game was secured by S.L. Richardson, Hoxie attorney, who expects to assemble an all-star baseball club to meet the champion Cardinals.
Harroll McCarroll, who is attending the University of Tennessee Medical School at Memphis, is expected to spend the weekend here with his parents, Dr. and Mrs. H.R. McCarroll. | 2022-03-16T14:46:18Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Yesteryears | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_f7672024-d791-5f3f-ae6b-5a91c479915a.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_f7672024-d791-5f3f-ae6b-5a91c479915a.html |
Jackson County’s honoree is Sergeant Corrina Owens with the Arkansas Department of Corrections McPherson Unit.
“Our officers are often the unsung heroes of law enforcement, so I am so proud this officer was recognized for her commitment to public safety,” Corrections Secretary Solomon Graves said. “Owens serves our State every day by exhibiting her loyalty, professionalism and commitment to our mission of being a resource for Arkansas families. We truly appreciate her hard work and dedication.” | 2022-03-17T12:54:03Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Owens named Jackson County Officer of Year | Newport | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/owens-named-jackson-county-officer-of-year/article_932c8150-3568-5833-9c57-07e051b6f7c6.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/owens-named-jackson-county-officer-of-year/article_932c8150-3568-5833-9c57-07e051b6f7c6.html |
Volunteers needed to clean up Jonesboro
JONESBORO — Keep Jonesboro Beautiful still needs volunteers to help clean up Jonesboro throughout the city this weekend.
Volunteers can participate in organized events at the following locations:
Forrest Home Road, meet at 8 a.m. in the lot next to Bank of America, 2500 E. Highland Drive.
West Nettleton/West Matthews area, meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot Annie Camp Junior High School, 1814 W Nettleton Ave.
Friendly Hope Road/Woodsprings Road, 8 a.m. at First Christian Church, 2600 Woodsprings Road.
They can also arrange their own neighborhood pickups. For cleanup supplies, email keepjonesborobeautiful@gmail.com. | 2022-03-18T05:52:55Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Volunteers needed to clean up Jonesboro | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/volunteers-needed-to-clean-up-jonesboro/article_6796e040-ef38-5aec-bcb0-0937925d7e43.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/volunteers-needed-to-clean-up-jonesboro/article_6796e040-ef38-5aec-bcb0-0937925d7e43.html |
Jonesboro firefighters work to contain a fire early Thursday morning at the Nestlé factory, 1 Nestlé Way.
Photo / Courtesy of Jonesboro Fire Department
JONESBORO — A fire at Nestlé caused extensive damage to its new production line Wednesday, Jonesboro Fire Chief Kevin Miller said Thursday.
The call about the fire at 1 Nestlé Way came in at about 4:30 p.m.
“There’s quite a bit of damage,” Miller said. “We still have crews out there battling hot spots. Two units are out there now.”
About 30 firefighters, including off-duty ones, fought the blaze, he said. Crews were rotated fighting the fire
No Nestlé employees were injured, Miller said.
A release from the Fire Department stated, “Engine 7 arrived on scene and made entry into the building where they found the fire burning within a large piece of a production line cooler. Due to the construction makeup of the cooler the fire could not be easily accessed. Crews from Engine 7, Engine 3 and Engine 1 rotated in and out of the building as suppression efforts continued. A short time later, while all crews were outside, a large explosion occurred within the structure. Crews were forced to stage back and the immediate area was evacuated.
The Jonesboro Police Department assisted the Fire Department, using JPD drones to get an aerial view of the fire.
“Around 5:50 p.m., two of our officers were dispatched to assist the fire department. They were Sgt. Brian Arnold and Sgt. Rodney Smith,” according to Sally Smith, public information specialist with JPD.
“Also thanks to Medic One Ambulance crews who remained on scene for medical standby, as well as JPD whose aerial drone provided real time assessment of fire and structural areas that could not otherwise be accessed,” the JFD statement said.
According to a statement from a Nestlé representative, “The situation at our Jonesboro factory is under control, and we are looking into the cause of the fire. Thankfully, no employees were injured and all are safe. We appreciate the quick response of the Jonesboro Fire Department and emergency response teams. The factory will remain closed as we assess the damage and return the factory to full operation.”
Nestlé also addressed what workers should expect while the facility is closed.
“Yes, we plan to continue to support our employees financially during this time. We are in direct contact with our employees and will continue to provide them with updates,” the representative said. | 2022-03-18T05:53:19Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Nestlé plant sustains extensive damage in fire | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/nestl-plant-sustains-extensive-damage-in-fire/article_a164f7d0-985a-5b96-9e0d-1486ea4fda48.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/nestl-plant-sustains-extensive-damage-in-fire/article_a164f7d0-985a-5b96-9e0d-1486ea4fda48.html |
Putin needs peace more than anyone because he has failed to achieve his war aims: Ukraine did not crumble; it proved to be the real, unified nation that Putin claimed didn’t exist. Europe has not retreated before Russian demands; instead, it’s more united than at any time since 1945. The United States is not leaderless and dysfunctional; President Joe Biden has mumbled his way to bipartisan support.
Contact David Ignatius on Twitter @IgnatiusPost. | 2022-03-18T05:54:14Z | www.jonesborosun.com | The best peace plan for Ukraine is sending military support | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/the-best-peace-plan-for-ukraine-is-sending-military-support/article_80284df8-c91a-5669-956f-b2ea428ebd25.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/the-best-peace-plan-for-ukraine-is-sending-military-support/article_80284df8-c91a-5669-956f-b2ea428ebd25.html |
Rector's Weber returns to Sun Senior Classic as a coach
JONESBORO — Nine years ago Mitchell Weber was among the participants in the Sun Senior Classic, scoring 12 points to help his Blue team prevail in the 2013 all-star basketball contest.
Weber, Rector’s fifth-year girls’ basketball coach, is part of the event again this year as a coach. He will lead the girls’ Blue team in Saturday’s Sun Senior Classic.
“It’s kind of come full circle, in a way. Playing in it was also an honor because I remember I had seen some prior to be a senior and getting invited to play in it, and the next year my brother played in it,” Weber said Thursday. “My wife played in it, my sister-in-law played in it. It’s always been a cool deal and the fact that I get to coach in it, and get to coach one of my own in it, it’s just neat.”
The Sun Senior Classic, a high school all-star doubleheader featuring senior basketball standouts from area schools, returns this weekend after a two-year pause because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The doubleheader, which is sponsored by Central Dealerships, will be played Saturday at Arkansas State University’s First National Bank Arena, with the girls’ game set for 5 p.m. and the boys’ game at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 each and available at the FNB Arena box office.
Weber’s Blue team includes Ellie Ford, one of his standouts at Rector. The Blue roster also includes Marmaduke’s Heidi Robinson and Bean Hoffman; Greene County Tech’s Kylie Stokes and Emma Bates; Paragould’s Carson Defries; Westside’s Laynee Montgomery; Mammoth Spring’s Megyn Upton; Bay’s Destiny Bogard; and Brookland’s Katie Smith.
While Weber is coaching in the event for the first time, White girls’ team coach Tim Hawkins of Wynne led a team in the 2012 contest. Hawkins said his players had fun during Wednesday’s practice.
“That’s what I told them to do, to go out and have a lot of fun. They’re excited about it,” Hawkins said. “It’s always fun to be recognized like they’ve been recognized. I think it’s a good thing that we’ve got it going.”
Hawkins is leading a roster that includes three of his players from Wynne – Londyn McDaniel, Zahryia Baker and Darienne Carter – along with Nettleton’s Briley Pena and D’maria Daniels; Valley View’s Hunter Gibson and Hadden Lieblong; Manila’s Sadie McDonald; Trumann’s Nygeria Jones; and Greene County Tech’s Sierrah Floyd.
Manila’s Lee Wimberley and Nettleton’s Bubba Deaton, the coaches in the boys’ contest, held practices Wednesday night. It’s the second Sun Senior Classic appearance for Wimberley, who coached in the 2013 contest.
“It’s for the kids, any all-star game is always about those kids to get invited and getting that chance for them to be seen by some coaches,” Wimberley said. “We had a college coach come over yesterday and watch practice, liked a kid, and I think he’s going to have him over next week for a visit.”
Wimberley’s White team roster features Jonesboro’s Quion Williams and Amarion Wilson; Osceola’s Daylen Love and AJ Harris; Paragould’s Isaiah Jackson; Westside’s Spencer Honeycutt; Manila’s Jake Baltimore; Pocahontas’ Mason Baltz; Greene County Tech’s George Smith; and Valley View’s Connor Tinsley.
Deaton assisted Nettleton’s Mark McCord in a previous Sun Senior Classic. He’s looking forward to the chance to lead one of the teams Saturday night.
“We practiced last night, had everybody there,” Deaton said. “It was kind of neat to see these guys you hear about, but a lot of times you don’t get to see them.”
Deaton’s Blue team roster includes Jonesboro’s Jesse Washington; Nettleton’s Andre Davis, Brandon Anderson and DaVares Whitaker; Walnut Ridge’s Ty Flippo and Jayden Hollister; Ridgefield Christian’s Noah Stracener; Brookland’s David York; Buffalo Island Central’s Caden Whitehead; and Marked Tree’s Itavious Nesbitt. | 2022-03-18T05:54:27Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Rector's Weber returns to Sun Senior Classic as a coach | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/rectors-weber-returns-to-sun-senior-classic-as-a-coach/article_b494c364-3365-52ac-86b1-8baa9d26cb25.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/rectors-weber-returns-to-sun-senior-classic-as-a-coach/article_b494c364-3365-52ac-86b1-8baa9d26cb25.html |
Mia Dinh is the name chosen by Kellen and Bo Kim Pierce of Little Rock for their daughter who arrived Tuesday, Feb. 1, at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Medical Center.
Grandparents are Chris and Mitzi Pierce of Jonesboro and Toan and Moa Dinh of Da Nang, Vietnam. | 2022-03-19T09:46:39Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Birth | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/birth/article_df27b1a3-1671-5d32-aefd-2af65e31194b.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/birth/article_df27b1a3-1671-5d32-aefd-2af65e31194b.html |
Free Tree Fridays will celebrate Arbor Day
LITTLE ROCK — In recognition of National Arbor Day, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division will be hosting giveaways of bare root seedlings at various locations across the state each Friday through Arbor Day, April 29.
“Adding trees to your yard or to a community forest is beneficial to all Arkansans, and spring is an excellent time to plant trees,” said Kristine Kimbro, Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator for the Forestry Division.
“With these giveaways celebrating Arbor Day, we hope to provide all Arkansans with access to the many benefits trees provide.”
The Forestry Division will be hosting giveaways at various locations across the state.
Those in Northeast Arkansas will include:
Trumann – City Administration Office, 825 Arkansas 463 North, time to be determined.
Wynne – Wynne Fire Department, 1111 Falls Blvd., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monette – Location and time to be determined.
Osceola – Natural Resources Conservation Service Office, 3137 W. Keiser Ave., time to be determined.
Additional details and locations will be added throughout the month. Visit bit.ly/3MVTwie for the latest information on giveaway locations and times or contact Kimbro at Kristine.kimbro@agriculture.arkansas.gov. | 2022-03-19T09:47:10Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Free Tree Fridays will celebrate Arbor Day | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/free-tree-fridays-will-celebrate-arbor-day/article_1036073b-a093-521b-8a5d-6abc58f5f8a1.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/free-tree-fridays-will-celebrate-arbor-day/article_1036073b-a093-521b-8a5d-6abc58f5f8a1.html |
Harvest of the Season program announced
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has announced the Harvest of the Season promotional program, a free educational campaign that includes materials for schools to feature locally grown products in their cafeterias.
The goal of Harvest of the Season is to teach children about Arkansas-grown foods. The program makes available local and seasonal food posters, materials featuring Arkansas farmers and distributors, and social media resources highlighting local Arkansas fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains and dairy products.
Program materials are offered at no cost to public and private K-12 schools, early childhood education facilities and alternative learning environments.
Harvest of the Season was developed using funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to increase the production and consumption of specialty crops in schools.
Specialty crops, as defined by the USDA, are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops.
“The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is proud to partner with USDA on this program to provide children in Arkansas free resources on local agriculture and nutrition,” Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward said in the press release. “The lessons learned from this program can have a lasting impact on children, their families and entire communities.”
Harvest of the Season promotional program materials can be found at bit.ly/361XDZP.
For more information on this program, contact State Local Procurement Manager Shannon Newerth-Henson at shannon.henson@agriculture.arkansas.gov. | 2022-03-19T09:47:16Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Harvest of the Season program announced | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/harvest-of-the-season-program-announced/article_35997467-7530-5c47-9945-1e54ec07b601.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/harvest-of-the-season-program-announced/article_35997467-7530-5c47-9945-1e54ec07b601.html |
Trumpet Ensemble members headed to NTC are (from left) Carlos Mejia, Grady Fields, Rebecca Wertenberger, Blake White, Jonathan Dunlap and Cody Daughertee.
Trumpet students participate in national events
JONESBORO — Trumpet students of Dr. Nairam Simoes, assistant professor of music at Arkansas State University, have been invited to participate in two peer-reviewed and juried national performances.
Six students advanced to the quarterfinals of the small trumpet ensemble division of the National Trumpet Competition at the University of Delaware, starting March 31.
In addition, 11 students were selected to perform in May at the International Trumpet Guild Conference in San Antonio.
According to a press release, the competition in Delaware, the largest of its kind, attracts students from the top music programs in the country.
“By advancing, these students have shown what we hope for from our students – that hard work, dedication to your chosen craft/major, and a desire to constantly improve pay off,” Simoes noted. “Only 40 ensembles were selected to advance.”
The ensemble students advancing to the NTC are:
Blake White of Tullahoma, Tenn.,
Cody Daughertee of Poplar Bluff, Mo.,
Jonathan Dunlap of Springdale,
Grady Fields of Southside,
Carlos Mejia of Springdale
Becca Wertenberger of Bryant.
The 46th annual International Trumpet Guild Conference in San Antonio will begin May 31.
“Students were selected and invited to perform in the ‘Trumpet Prelude’ event,” Simoes explained. “This is a wonderful opportunity for students to perform on an international stage for an audience of their peers and musical heroes.”
Those selected for the San Antonio appearance are:
Audrey Alpha of Olive Branch, Miss.
Chase Bowman of Springdale
Brody King of Nashville, Ark.
Jodie Seaborn of Jonesboro
Ethan Williamson of Nederland, Texas.
That’s alongwith the six students who will compete in Delaware. | 2022-03-19T09:47:40Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Trumpet students participate in national events | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/trumpet-students-participate-in-national-events/article_f6ca8abf-e254-5586-8cce-97a61dcf7af5.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/trumpet-students-participate-in-national-events/article_f6ca8abf-e254-5586-8cce-97a61dcf7af5.html |
Move Jonesboro ForWard
This May, Jonesboro residents will have the opportunity to decide on a measure to change the way we elect half the city council members serving in our city government. The proposal offers voters the option to vote for the “Election of City of Jonesboro Position One Council Members by only the residents of the ward they serve beginning at the next regular election for that seat.” This is a needed step forward for our city that Jonesboro is long overdue in taking.
Most voters probably don’t realize that under the current system the person that you and your neighbors elect to represent you is not guaranteed to be your representative. This is because in an at-large system, a person who loses the ward but can win elsewhere in the city will become your representative over the objections of the people they are supposed to represent in the ward. This flies in the face of the most basic ideas of representation in American government and should change.
Additionally, this measure will give people of ordinary means a chance to outwork big money campaigns by being able to go door to door, beating money with hard work and shoe leather. It will also make sure that as Jonesboro grows there will still be at least one person who has to address neighborhood level concerns in each ward, having to answer only to the people that live there. This is an important check on our city’s growth, making sure people of ordinary means can still serve in local government and that no concern goes neglected without accountability.
This proposal may not be perfect to some. It offers a hybrid system and while I myself would prefer a totally ward system I do hope that those skeptical will at least be open to this as a compromise. Jonesboro has no reason to fear ward voting however, either hybrid or total. Most cities use strictly ward voting systems. The few that don’t usually use a hybrid system of some sort. Cities both smaller and larger than Jonesboro do so without any negative consequences and Jonesboro is unusual in keeping an at-large system for so long despite its massive flaws.
Early voting in this election begins Monday, May 9th, and runs until the election day of Tuesday, May 24th. You must be registered to vote by April 25th of this year to participate. The item will appear on the ballot in both Democratic and Republican primaries, so regardless of your party or who you are voting for, make sure to mark your ballot FOR “the election of the Position One Council Member by only the residents of the ward in which they serve.”
David McAvoy
Jonesboro ForWard Chairman | 2022-03-19T09:49:11Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Move Jonesboro ForWard | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/move-jonesboro-forward/article_9862f93c-0806-5aff-a8d6-bce7633e7177.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/move-jonesboro-forward/article_9862f93c-0806-5aff-a8d6-bce7633e7177.html |
Carson DeFries of Paragould (left) drives to the basket as Trumann's Nygeria Jones defends during Saturday's Sun Senior Classic at First National Bank Arena. The Blue team won 71-53.
Strong start propels Blue team to victory
JONESBORO — An early surge proved decisive in Saturday night's Sun Senior Classic all-star girls' basketball game.
The Blue squad went on a 15-0 run in the first quarter and went on to prevail 71-53 at First National Bank Arena in the 15th annual contest.
Five different players scored beyond the 3-point line as the Blue team shot 6-of-11 beyond the arc in the opening quarter to take a 23-10 lead. Westside's Laynee Montgomery hit two 3s in the first period while Greene County Tech's Kylie Stokes, Marmaduke's Heidi Robinson, Paragould's Carson DeFries and GCT's Emma Bates all sank one each.
The Blue team led 17-2 after its early run and 23-10 after the opening quarter. The margin remained 13 at halftime, the Blue team leading 39-26, and the Blue team stretched its lead to 55-35 at the end of the third quarter.
Robinson, who scored more than 2,600 points in her Marmaduke career, sank three of her team's 12 3-pointers to score 14 points in earning MVP honors. Stokes finished with a double-double, 11 points and 11 rebounds. All 10 players on the Blue roster scored and each grabbed at least one rebound as well.
Led by Robinson, seven of the 10 players on the Blue team hit a 3-pointer. Montgomery, Bates and Marmaduke's Bean Hoffman hit two each.
Nettleton's Briley Pena scored 10 of her 19 points in the fourth quarter to lead the White team. Wynne's Zahryia Baker added 10 points. | 2022-03-20T12:13:04Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Strong start propels Blue team to victory | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/strong-start-propels-blue-team-to-victory/article_6cf180ce-8324-5014-bdf6-3bb6c43489f4.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/strong-start-propels-blue-team-to-victory/article_6cf180ce-8324-5014-bdf6-3bb6c43489f4.html |
JONESBORO — Jonesboro police arrested two men Monday night following a traffic stop at the intersection of East Parker and South Caraway roads.
Steven Brown, 46, of the 100 block of East Brown Terrace, Cash, and Terry Roedel, 44, homeless, were arrested after police found a .22-caliber Savage long rifle, 6.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine 12 pills of Suboxone and four pills of hydrocodone.
The two are being held on suspicion of possession of meth or cocaine greater than 2 grams but less than 10 grams, possession of a Schedule I or II drug not meth or cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a Schedule III drug less than 2 grams.
They are being held at the Craighead County Detention Center in lieu of a probable cause hearing.
Cheyenne Dawn Okert, 28, of the 600 block of North Second Street, Paragould, was arrested Monday night following a traffic stop at the intersection of Phillips Drive and South Caraway Road. Okert is being held on suspicion of possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams, felony possession of drug paraphernalia and no vehicle license.
Dewayne Keith Schrader, 50, of the 100 block of Stone Street, Lake City, was arrested early Monday afternoon at the intersection of Front and North Fisher streets. Schrader is being held on suspicion of felony possession of drug paraphernalia, felony tampering with evidence and criminal trespass.
A 64-year-old Jonesboro woman reported that someone stole and forged checks. The checks were made out for a total of $3,464.38.
A 54-year-old Jonesboro man told police Monday afternoon that someone broke into his residence and vehicle in the 300 block of State Street and took items. Stolen were a bank card and a Kentucky drivers license.
A 42-year-old Jonesboro man reported Monday morning that two catalytic converters were stolen from two vehicles in the 3500 block of East Parker Road. The total value of the converters is listed at $2,000.
A 52-year-old Jonesboro man told police Monday morning that someone stole a trailer from Environments Pools, 3413 Southwest Drive. The value of the trailer is listed at $2,000. | 2022-03-23T18:00:15Z | www.jonesborosun.com | 2 arrested after traffic stop | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/2-arrested-after-traffic-stop/article_aebb2e62-e546-5282-b184-19db44ab994d.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/2-arrested-after-traffic-stop/article_aebb2e62-e546-5282-b184-19db44ab994d.html |
Quarter of state's new virus cases from NEA
JONESBORO — Two Northeast Arkansas counties accounted for more than a quarter of Tuesday’s new coronavirus cases, according to data released by the Arkansas Department of Health.
According to the report, Arkansas had 607 new cases. Craighead County had 87 of those and Mississippi County had 76, according to the data.
The state reported 13 deaths, including two in Mississippi County and one in Craighead. The cumulative total since March 2020, rose to 11,127.
Active cases rose by 74 to 1,495.
Hospitalizations, however, dropped statewide by 22 to 139. Of those 36 were on ventilators. In Northeast Arkansas, only 11 COVID-patients were hospitalized, a reduction of seven from Monday. Four of those patients remained on ventilators, unchanged from Monday.
Tuesday Northeast Arkansas COVID-19 cases by county with cumulative deaths:
Craighead – 87 new cases, 73 other active cases, 325 total virus related deaths.
Lawrence – 7 new cases, 4 other active cases, 75 deaths.
Poinsett – 7 new cases, 23 other active, 126 deaths.
Mississippi –76 new cases, 34 other active cases, 208 deaths.
Jackson – 1 new case, 12 other active cases, 60 deaths. | 2022-03-23T18:00:39Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Quarter of state's new virus cases from NEA | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/quarter-of-states-new-virus-cases-from-nea/article_d6a8031a-2d5c-54e7-b585-6416db43f4a5.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/quarter-of-states-new-virus-cases-from-nea/article_d6a8031a-2d5c-54e7-b585-6416db43f4a5.html |
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission heard the first reading of more than 120 changes to the Arkansas Code of Regulations at meetings held recently at the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center in Little Rock and the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Commission Chairman Bobby Martin explained that while the number of regulation changes being considered may seem like a large amount, it actually is a combination of all changes in hunting, fishing and many other conservation-related regulations under the AGFC’s new two-year regulations cycle. Many of the regulations changes, in fact, are simplifications or clarifications to standardize or adjust regulations to be more consistent for hunters and anglers throughout the state.
Some notable regulation proposals being considered include:
Continued refinements to previously-adopted captive wildlife codes; Shorten the white-fronted goose season to 74 days to increase the daily limit to three geese per hunter; Consider opening regular duck season the weekend after Thanksgiving instead of the weekend before; Extend boat access restrictions on waterfowl-focused wildlife management areas to include the seven days preceding the first day of the first segment of regular duck season; Require all boats on waterfowl-focused WMAs to operate only with motors that have “unmodified” factory exhaust systems in place; and Implement chronic wasting disease management regulations in Ashley, Bradley, Randolph and Union counties.
All proposed changes will be available for public comment through an online public opinion survey at www.agfc.com/regulations for 30 days that began Friday, March 18. AGFC staff will then compile responses from the survey for commissioner review, and the seven appointed members of the Commission will vote on the final proposed changes at the regularly scheduled May Commission meeting in Little Rock. | 2022-03-23T18:01:16Z | www.jonesborosun.com | AGAF seeks public's opinion on survey | Times Dispatch | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/agaf-seeks-publics-opinion-on-survey/article_06720a2d-3be5-532d-a59a-9aa7b5e20ae4.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/agaf-seeks-publics-opinion-on-survey/article_06720a2d-3be5-532d-a59a-9aa7b5e20ae4.html |
While Lawrence County is still seeing some new cases of COVID-19, the number of active cases in the county as of Tuesday was reported by the Arkansas Department of Health to have declined to two.
The new active case count is a decline of three from the five active cases reported a week ago.
Throughout the seven-day period, 46 new cases were reported among Lawrence County residents. The total cumulative case count is now at 5,243, up from 5,197 the previous Tuesday.
The 46 new cases are fewer than the 61 reported the week before, and with 48 recoveries reported during the past seven days, as well, the active case count has remained low.
The total recoveries is now at 5,166 up from 5,118 a week ago.
The department of health has reported one new COVID-related death among Lawrence County residents during the past seven days. According to the ADH website Tuesday morning, Lawrence County had 75 deaths reported, up from 74 the previous Tuesday. | 2022-03-23T18:01:28Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Covid cases decline, one death added | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/news/covid-cases-decline-one-death-added/article_fb57b654-1eb2-55d3-b6fa-f6a6665fa2c4.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/news/covid-cases-decline-one-death-added/article_fb57b654-1eb2-55d3-b6fa-f6a6665fa2c4.html |
An independent film producer has set his sights on Walnut Ridge as the subject and, hopefully, the location for a movie. Tim Jackson says the weekend when the Beatles visited Walnut Ridge in 1964 is a story that deserves to be told on the silver screen. “The Beatles’ landing in Walnut Ridge provides the perfect backdrop to explore what was going on in small town America at that time,” Jackson said. “This is a story with a lot of heart and humor because of where it happened.”
Black Rock High School senior Sara Roby has accepted an A-State Spirit Scholarship to attend Arkansas Sate University in Jonesboro this fall. She is the daughter of Pat and Robyn Roby.
Hillcrest High School has announced its honor roll for the third nine weeks. All A’s: seventh grade, Kristina Balentine and Meridith Helms; eighth grade, Caleb Jones; ninth grade, Rachel Crabtree, Natalie Glenn and Caitlin Whitmire; 12th grade, Morgan Penn. All A’s and B’s: seventh grade, Casey Howard, Michael Humphrey and Madalyn Whitmire; eighth grade, Emily Penn and Amber Wagster; ninth grade, Lauren Dotson and Aaron Helms; 10th grade, Samantha Brown, Makenly Coles and Jessica Whitmire; 11th grade, William Daigrepont and Hunter Nunnally; 12th grade, Rachell Harvey, Crystal Martin, Mackenzie Nunnally, Samantha Parker, Elizabeth Rush and Josh Shaw.
The Imboden Area Charter School, Inc. has won approval from the Arkansas Board of Education last week after months of diligent work by parent volunteers. The school, set to open this fall, will have 60 students.
Winners of Hoxie High School’s Miss Mustang pageant held Saturday night are: Lindsey Bullard, Miss Mustang; Trosha Brumley, first runner-up and talent winner; Jenine Privett, second runner-up and Miss Congeniality award winner; and Brianna Segraves, third runner-up.
Walnut Ridge School’s fifth grade Odyssey of the Mind team won fourth place in regional competition, division I, and will advance to the state competition. Team members are: Jessica Wheeless, Natalea Foster, Amber Caldwell, Payton Edmondson, Turner Roberts, Nicholas Dail and Rachael Jackson.
A team of math students from River Valley School won their division at the March 2 math fair held at Oak Grove Elementary. Bradley Harris (captain), Kenny Voyles, Spencer Wright and Joseph Fowler won group problem solving.
The following students of Alfred and JoAnn Moss were honored at their March 10 music recital at The Forum in Jonesboro: Krystal Hendon of Imboden; and Kelsie Jones and Jessica Fry, both of Hoxie.
After more than 50 years of business in downtown Walnut Ridge, Village Shoes is closing its doors. Known for decades as Robert’s Shoes, owner Dewrell Thompson of Pocahontas bought the business from M.L. Robert eight years ago and changed the name. Thompson worked for Robert for 30 years.
Chad Crank of Walnut Ridge has received an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.
Arkansas Highway Department released a drawing last week of the proposed bypass around Walnut Ridge and Hoxie.
Joseph S. Spades of Walnut Ridge is the first recipient of the Arkansas State University Pre-Medical Alumni Scholarship.
Student Council officer elections at Walnut Ridge High School include: Sandra Allen, recording secretary; Jayme Caspall, president; Vonda Davis, vice president; Martha Wilson, corresponding secretary; Matt Jansen, treasurer; Lisa Hutton, historian; and Becca Singleton, reporter.
Mardell McClurkin of Newport received a lifetime membership to the Walnut Ridge Schools Parent-Teacher Organization recently. She and her husband, Herschel, were co-organizers of PTO last year.
Members of the five Brownie Scout troops in Lawrence County celebrated national Girl Scout Week. Representatives of the five troops are: Veronica Hesler, Wendy Hill, Heather Sluder, Wenona Driskell and Mary Mullen.
The annual Science Fair was held at Walnut Ridge High School Tuesday night. Overall plaque winners in the various divisions were: grades 1-2-3: Tori Hicks; grades 4-5-6: Mike Hart, grades 7-8-9: Kenny Neece; and grades 10-11-12: Leigh Riddick.
Marvin Kennedy, assistant football coach, has been named head football coach and athletic director by the Walnut Ridge School Board.
Ellen Sturch of Walnut Ridge was elected president and Dianne Jarrett of Walnut Ridge was elected secretary of the Phi Mu social sorority pledge class at Arkansas State University.
Miss Nancy Stokes, daughter of Mrs. Fred Elkins, has been elected president of Tofebt Social Club at Harding College in Searcy.
Mrs. Nathan Sturch, who underwent an operation at Baptist Hospital in Memphis last week, was returned to Walnut Ridge and is a patient at Joseph’s Clinic.
Mrs. Harry Ponder Jr. will be discussion leader for the mothers of fifth and sixth grade students at a PTA study group meeting this afternoon at 2:15. This group will meet for one hour at the home of Mrs. Cleo Weir.
The following boys and girls earned the Seal of Acceptance Penmanship Certificate from the National Board of Examiners: Donna Smith, Mona Benson, Penny Montgomery, Patsy Chaney, Frances Weir, Betty Whittaker, Alma Ramer, Joe Etta Shelby, Linda Johnson, Simone Hart, Leon Woody, Jerry Dedman, Shelby Adams, Carolyn Loveland, Jeanette Golden and Brooks Dobbs.
FFA officers and Mr. Grigsby will attend the Black and White Federation meeting at Newport, Thursday. Joe Slayton, John Griffith, Marcus Wayland and Mark Harmon will sing as a quartet. Margaret Ann Auldridge has been elected Chapter Sweetheart to enter the federation contest.
The Davis Self-Service Laundrette opened this week on West Front Street, next door to Tippit’s Bakery.
Flint, Mich. – A group of friends, largely Lawrence County, Arkansas, natives, surprised Matt Dodd of 1160 Dye Road, with a birthday dinner.
Mrs. Cecil Lemay was elected president for the ensuing year at a PTA meeting held Friday night. Mrs. Charlie Arnold was elected vice president; Mrs. Roy Hughes, secretary; and Mrs. Noel Hall, treasurer.
The county library is a new project. It will be operated by a board composed of Linual Cameron, chairman; Mrs. L.C. Sloan of Strawberry; Mrs J.C. Land of Walnut Ridge; Paul Logan of Alicia; I.F. Wasson of Smithville and G.S. Butler of Imboden.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Madsen of Hoxie were made happy this week to have a letter from their son, Corporal Howard Madsen, who is with the armed forces on one of the Aleutian Islands.
Fleer Harris, who entered the services of the United States Army several months ago, has been visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Harris, here. Fleer is stationed with the 27th school squadron at Kansas City. After completing high school, he entered the employ of Sam Levit’s Dry Goods Store and resigned his position there to enter the army.
A large poultry house at Imboden, owned by Lacy M. Bilbrey, together with 150 hens and 555 chicks, was destroyed by fire today. Mr. Bilbrey placed his loss at $700.
W.B. Moseley, aged 62, highly respected citizen of Alicia and Lawrence County, and for many years an outstanding businessman, died at his home Tuesday morning. | 2022-03-23T18:01:52Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Yesteryears | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_1932f805-0b57-55a5-9bcb-db790409065b.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_1932f805-0b57-55a5-9bcb-db790409065b.html |
Skowron
Roberts joins Arkansas Community Foundation
Lesley Roberts of Little Rock has been named regional development director for Arkansas Community Foundation.
“Lesley brings 20 years of development experience to our Foundation,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “She has strong knowledge and expertise in development. Lesley has managed and directed grant writing, prospect research, donor stewardship, endowments and major gift programs for a diverse group of Arkansas nonprofit organizations.”
A native of El Dorado, Roberts earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Arkansas. Her development experience includes work with the Girls Scouts, the Methodist Family Health Foundation, CareLink and Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Arvest hires Skowron as senior private banker
Arvest Bank has announced that Alyssa Skowron will join the private banking team at its UAMS branch in Little Rock as a senior private banker.
Skowron has 20 years of banking experience, six of which were in a leadership and mortgage role.
In her new role, Skowron will be responsible for managing a portfolio of Arvest’s private banking clients and providing personalized financial services to meet their banking needs.
“We’re excited to welcome Alyssa to the Arvest team,” said Jim Cargill, president and CEO of Arvest Bank in Northeast, Central and Southwest Arkansas. “Her management skills and her wide variety of banking experience will be a wonderful resource to our private banking customers.”
Skowron has completed the Great Expectations leadership program and holds an associate degree from Argosy University.
The Northeast Arkansas Business Services Team will meet at 10 a.m. April 6 in the conference room at the Jonesboro Workforce Center, 2311 E. Nettleton Ave. in Jonesboro.
The Northeast Arkansas Workforce Development Board One Stop Committee will meet at the same time and location on April 13 and the NEAWDB Youth Council will meet at that time and location the following day, April 14.
Once completed, a digital copy of these meetings will be made available at www.neaworks.com. Auxiliary aids and services will be available upon request to individuals with disabilities attending the meetings.
For more information, contact James Morgan at 870-932-1564. | 2022-03-24T09:25:58Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Business briefs | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/business-briefs/article_cf3dc0b7-6902-5763-8b02-c550bc718bbf.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/business-briefs/article_cf3dc0b7-6902-5763-8b02-c550bc718bbf.html |
JONESBORO — Police arrested two Jonesboro men after a search of a residence in the 3700 block of Kristi Lake Drive at about 2 p.m. Tuesday turned up three guns and 4 pounds of marijuana, according to Jonesboro police.
Judge David Boling found probable cause Wednesday to charge Dedrick Sloan, 24, of the residence, and Aaron Delshawn Deed, 23, of the 3800 block of Churchill Drive, with simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, possession of marijuana with the purpose to deliver, theft by receiving of a firearm less than $2,500 and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
Boling set Sloan’s bond at $200,000 and Deed’s bond at $150,000. Deed also had a District Court bond of $5,000 cash-only.
According to a probable cause affidavit by Detective Tanner Huff of the Jonesboro police, the department’s Street Crimes Unit and Fugitive Task Force had a warrant to search Katerra Sharp’s residence for probation violation.
A search was conducted on Sharp’s bedroom and the common areas of the residence. Sloan and Deed were found in another bedroom.
While searching Sharp’s room, investigators found a a small bag containing marijuana and a gun box to a Glock 19, an extended magazine and bullets, the affidavit said.
When asked where the gun was, Sloan said it was his and it was under the dresser in his room, the affidavit said.
When Huff retrieved the gun he saw a tray with marijuana in plain view on a bedside table.
Huff obtained a search warrant from Judge Tommy Fowler for the rest of the residence.
In Sloan’s bedroom, investigators found three large sealed bags of marijuana, a marijuana pipe, a hookah used to smoke marijuana and a safe, the affidavit stated.
The safe contained two more Glock handguns, one of which was reported stolen out of Jonesboro, two large plastic bags of marijuana and a digital scale. The total amount of marijuana seized was 1,814.36 grams, or just over 4 pounds.
In Deed’s pocket, investigators found $3,580 in cash, the affidavit stated.
Deed was convicted of a felony in 2016.
Deed and Sloan are being held in the Craighead County Detention Center. | 2022-03-24T09:26:53Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Bust turns up 3 guns, 4 pounds of pot | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/bust-turns-up-3-guns-4-pounds-of-pot/article_855b1745-d686-5295-8f76-7b3069165435.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/bust-turns-up-3-guns-4-pounds-of-pot/article_855b1745-d686-5295-8f76-7b3069165435.html |
Jonesboro man reports robbery try
JONESBORO — A 21-year-old Jonesboro man told police Tuesday afternoon that a 17-year-old male tried to rob him at gunpoint at the intersection of Parkwood Road and Red Wolf Boulevard.
The victim told officers that the incident occurred Sunday.
Keith Lee Bayird, owner of Bayird Auto, 3050 S. Stadium Blvd., told police Tuesday afternoon that someone stole two catalytic converters from vehicles at his lot. The value of the converters is listed at $2,400.
A 21-year-old Jonesboro man reported Tuesday evening that someone broke into his vehicle in the 2500 block of East Johnson Avenue and stole items. Taken were a Canik 9 mm handgun valued at $400, two bottles of cologne valued at $50 and a pair of sunglasses valued at $200. | 2022-03-24T09:26:59Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Jonesboro man reports robbery try | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/jonesboro-man-reports-robbery-try/article_d76d5e76-59e7-5366-bea2-1b080be1bdaf.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/jonesboro-man-reports-robbery-try/article_d76d5e76-59e7-5366-bea2-1b080be1bdaf.html |
State reports 249 virus cases; 25 in Craighead
JONESBORO — Arkansas had just 249 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, the state Department of Health reported. But Craighead County continued to be near the top of the list with 25 new cases and the number of active cases in the county rose by five to 78.
Pulaski County had 31 new infections on Wednesday.
Statewide, active cases dropped by 12 to 1,483.
The state reported 25 deaths, but none involved residents of Northeast Arkansas, according to the newest data.
Hospitalizations rose by seven statewide to 146. Of those, 37 patients were on ventilators. In Northeast Arkansas COVID hospitalizations remained unchanged from Tuesday at 11 with four on ventilators.
According to a separate health department report, three nursing homes in the region have reported new infections.
The report showed 14 active cases among residents and eight staff members of Pocahontas Healthcare & Rehabilitation.
The report also showed that there was one active case each among staff members at Randolph County Nursing Home in Pocahontas and Lawrence Hall in Walnut Ridge.
While case numbers have been dropping throughout Arkansas and the U.S., the World Health Organization said the number of new cases globally increased by 7 percent in the last week, driven largely by rising infections in the Western Pacific.
According to The Associated Press, confirmed cases of the virus had been falling steadily worldwide since January but rose again last week, due to the more infectious omicron variant and its subvariant BA.2, in addition to the suspension of COVID-19 protocols in numerous countries in Europe, North America and elsewhere.
Lawrence – 4 new cases, 5 other active cases..
Randolph – 3 new cases, 11 other active cases.
Cross –2 new cases, 3 other active cases.
Clay – 0 new cases, 8 other active cases. | 2022-03-24T09:27:11Z | www.jonesborosun.com | State reports 249 virus cases; 25 in Craighead | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/state-reports-249-virus-cases-25-in-craighead/article_c7e5d6fe-befd-5da6-b102-23347c4a4f9d.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/state-reports-249-virus-cases-25-in-craighead/article_c7e5d6fe-befd-5da6-b102-23347c4a4f9d.html |
Before the invasion, Europe was fractured. So, of course, was the United States – and nowhere more so than in Congress. Now? Europe is acting with remarkable unity of purpose, while Congress, if only on Ukraine, is showing levels of bipartisan agreement we don’t get to see very often. It’s impossible to know how long this will last, but it seems a safe bet that these tumultuous few weeks will leave a lasting imprint. | 2022-03-24T21:58:55Z | www.jonesborosun.com | In a crisis like Ukraine, staying in close touch is key | Newport | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/in-a-crisis-like-ukraine-staying-in-close-touch-is-key/article_2b1c685e-93a7-50b5-bd65-a6b21d6f76dc.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/in-a-crisis-like-ukraine-staying-in-close-touch-is-key/article_2b1c685e-93a7-50b5-bd65-a6b21d6f76dc.html |
JONESBORO — Northeast Arkansas remains a relative hot spot for COVID-19, data from the Arkansas Department of Health indicates.
Craighead (52), Crittenden (45), Lawrence (25) and Mississippi (33) counties accounted for 60 percent of the state’s 258 new cases on Thursday.
On the other end of the spectrum, Cross County had no new cases, and, according to the health department, there is only one active case in that county. Only Bradley and Sevier counties in south Arkansas are said to be COVID-free.
Active cases statewide dropped by 46 to 1,437, but active cases rose in Craighead, Jackson, Lawrence, Mississippi and Poinsett counties.
The state reported 13 deaths Thursday, including six in Crittenden County, but none elsewhere in the region.
Statewide COVID-related hospitalizations dropped by five to 141. NEA hospitals had 12 COVID-positive admissions, an increase of one from Wednesday, the health department said.
Thursday Northeast Arkansas COVID-19 cases by county:
Lawrence – 25 new cases, 6 other active cases.
Clay – 1 new case, 7 other active cases. | 2022-03-25T08:25:05Z | www.jonesborosun.com | 60% of state's new virus cases in NEA | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/60-of-states-new-virus-cases-in-nea/article_c368a3a8-dc26-585e-ac87-57c9ab8b7f8f.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/60-of-states-new-virus-cases-in-nea/article_c368a3a8-dc26-585e-ac87-57c9ab8b7f8f.html |
Blake Bristow, owner of BlueStreak K9, works with Vault, a Dutch shepherd with the Jonesboro Police Department, on Thursday at the department’s parking area.
Joe Schratz / The Sun
JONESBORO — Blake Bristow plies in international trade to obtain what police departments across the United States need: K9s.
Bristow, who owns and operates BlueStreak K9 in Jonesboro, said he imports dogs from across Europe, including the Czech Republic, Holland, Poland, Russia, Hungary and, recently, one from France.
The dogs, which are bred and receive training from the time they are puppies, are shipped to Bristow who continues their training until they are ready to be matched with a handler from whatever police department ordered them.
“I have vendors in different countries,” Bristow said Thursday while preparing for a training session at the Jonesboro Police Department, where he’s a part-time officer.
He said he picks up the dogs at airports when they are flown over from Europe, usually to the Houston and Atlanta airports. Shipping a K9 costs between $1,500-$1,600.
Bristow imports about 30 K9s a year.
The majority of breeds are German shepherd, Malinois, Dutch shepherd, Labrador and springer spaniel, he said.
Bristow calls these working dogs “well-bred, trained athletes.”
On Thursday, Bristow showed off Vault, a Dutch shepherd recently obtained by the Jonesboro department. Vault detected cotton balls with traces of drug that were hidden on the outside of patrol cars at the department’s parking area.
First Community Bank sponsored Vault.
He said the Trumann Police Department recently obtained a springer spaniel for drug detection. He called the breed an excellent K9 for detecting drugs.
After the dog arrives, Bristow trains them for 10 weeks before they’re ready for a handler from a police department. The training of the handler and his or her K9 partner lasts about 80 hours.
He said that occasionally a K9 doesn’t cut it, but that it’s a rarity.
The dogs are issued commands in their native language, Bristow said. He said he can give commands in about nine languages. The handlers from the departments that purchase the dogs must learn how to give commands in that dog’s language.
Bristow has sold K9s to police departments in Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and, of course, Arkansas.
In Arkansas, he has sold K9s to law enforcement agencies in Trumann, Greene County, Craighead County, Paragould, Bay, Corning, Clay County, Brookland, Jonesboro and White County.
Bristow said he sells the K9s at a competitive price. Single-purpose dogs, which specialize in drug detection and tracking, cost $9,000-$9,500. Dual-purpose dogs, which are used for drug detection, tracking, article recovery and apprehension of suspects, cost about $13,500.
K9s must be certified by the state Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training. Bristow said the animals must be certified by national training standards.
Bristow said BlueStreak used to have a kennel and obedience training section, but he sold that last year to concentrate on K9 training.
Bristow was a full-time officer with the Jonesboro police for several years, working on the Street Crimes Unit, the Drug Task Force and as a K9 officer. He remains a certified police officer.
“Getting drugs off the street was my passion,” he said.
It’s what fueled his interest in training dogs to detect drugs. | 2022-03-25T08:25:06Z | www.jonesborosun.com | BlueStreak owner gets K9s to cops | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/bluestreak-owner-gets-k9s-to-cops/article_0f3acd6e-af33-50e4-9fe1-bb3920f50aff.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/bluestreak-owner-gets-k9s-to-cops/article_0f3acd6e-af33-50e4-9fe1-bb3920f50aff.html |
Pickleball tournament slated
The inaugural University Heights Lions Classic Pickleball Tournament is set for April 8-10 on the Arkansas State University-Jonesboro campus inside the Health, Physical Education and Sports Sciences Complex. The registration deadline is Thursday.
The event will be held in cooperation with the A-State Physical Education Department, their student club and the Jonesboro Pickleball Association. Proceeds from registration fees will help fund JUH Lions’ charitable projects.
The tournament will have skill and age divisions from teens to 70+, singles, men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles.
For more information and an entry form, visit www.asupemclub.weebly.com or contact Tom Woods at tjcw48@gmail.com, or call 910-214-1209 after 5 pm.
Litter cleanup set for Cherokee Village
Volunteers are needed for a roadside litter cleanup set for 9 a.m. April 2 in Cherokee Village.
Participants should meet at King-Rhodes and Associates parking lot, 249 Iroquois Drive.
Safety vests, grabbers and trash bags will be provided. Volunteers will be served donuts and coffee that morning and lunch following the cleanup.
GMRS Association to hold event
The Craighead County GMRS Association will have a meet and greet at 10:30 a.m. April 2 at Cracker Barrel, 2621 Phillips Drive in Jonesboro.
Everyone interested in the General Mobile Radio Service is invited. Please make reservations by emailing Marc Gwin at WROX626@hotmail.com.
The group is also running a survey on their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ccgmrs, to gauge interest in GMRS. There are videos posted that explain GMRS and a survey to fill out.
Flea Market-Yard Sale events set
The Fulton County Fair Association will hold the 17th Annual Spring Fairgrounds Flea Market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 9 at the Fulton County Fairgrounds, 124 Arena Lane, in Salem.
The flea market was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID-19.
The Salem Chamber of Commerce Community-Wide Yard Sale is also scheduled April 8-9.
Hybridizing subject of Brown Bag Lunch
Greene Co. Master Gardeners will host David Jones with the Northeast Arkansas Daylily Society at their next Brown Bag Lunch program set for noon to 1 p.m. April 12 at the Paragould Community Center, 3404 Linwood Drive.
He will present a program about his experiences hybridizing tree peonies.
The public is welcome and encouraged to bring a lunch.
Free Friday tree distribution update
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division has updated the list of locations for the ongoing Free Friday bare-root seedling distributions which will continue through April 29, Arbor Day.
Times have now been announced for the Friday distribution in Trumann, from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. at the City Administration Office, 825 Arkansas 463 North and the Osceola distribution, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Natural Resources Conservation Service Office, 3137 W. Keiser Ave.
The April 8 Monette distribution will now be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot, 119 N. Edmonds St.
Additional locations include Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at American Made General Store, 1100 Pace Road in Pocahontas and April 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Earl Bell Community Center, 1212 S. Church St., in Jonesboro.
Species will vary by location, but all are native Arkansas trees. | 2022-03-26T10:57:28Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Events | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/events/article_21cfb645-0ee7-58ff-869f-53f0f05755fa.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/events/article_21cfb645-0ee7-58ff-869f-53f0f05755fa.html |
Registration open for Piggott Heritage Car Show
PIGGOTT — The 2022 Piggott Heritage Car Show and Cruise is slated for May 20-22.
Early entry fee is $25 through April 15, then will increase to $35 through the day of the show.
There is also a Saturday-only rate of $20, which does not include some amenities.
T-shirts are also on sale at:
The Piggott Area Chamber of Commerce
The depot building
Front Porch Flea Market
Piggott City Market.
For 2022, the event schedule will include an afternoon meal for participants and a lip-sync contest on the evening of May 20.
An all-day show and shine will be May 21 in Heritage Park on the west edge of town with a cruise through town that evening.
Live music and entertainment will be featured on the downtown court square that evening after the cruise.
The show will wrap up May 22 with an awards breakfast.
Additional information is available on the car show Facebook page at Piggott Heritage Car Show or by calling 870 598-3167 or 870 324-3270. | 2022-03-26T10:57:46Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Registration open for Piggott Heritage Car Show | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/registration-open-for-piggott-heritage-car-show/article_901f0443-ca70-57e0-a38e-57bec5183d89.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/registration-open-for-piggott-heritage-car-show/article_901f0443-ca70-57e0-a38e-57bec5183d89.html |
JONESBORO — The Quorum Court will meet on Monday to consider the clean up ordinance for budget year 2021.
The ordinance will reconcile and finalize the 2021 annual operating budget for Craighead County.
If passed, a copy of the ordinance will be filed in the Office of the County Clerk and will be available for inspection and copying by any person during normal office hours.
Other items on the agenda to be discussed will include: | 2022-03-26T10:58:04Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Clean up ordinance set for final approval | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/clean-up-ordinance-set-for-final-approval/article_3a45c044-08f6-591a-a0c6-c65293a3d6d0.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/clean-up-ordinance-set-for-final-approval/article_3a45c044-08f6-591a-a0c6-c65293a3d6d0.html |
Three-year-old Lance Dunn is excited about his new book, “Duck, Duck, Dinosaur,” that he received from Dr. Matthew Harvison on Friday morning at the NEA Baptist Trumann Clinic while attending an appointment with his mother, Josephine Welch.
TRUMANN — A local doctor has decided to try to make his visits more fun for his little patients and their parents while promoting literacy at a young age.
Dr. Matthew Harvison, internal medicine and pediatric physician at NEA Baptist Trumann Clinic, is providing age-appropriate books to his pediatric patients during their milestone wellness visits.
The “Reach Out and Read” program is an American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed reading model.
Emilee Frazier, Harvison’s nursing assistant and LPN, said on Friday that the books are separated by age groups for patients from six months to four years old.
She said that Dr. Harvison has picked out and purchased all the books himself, noting that she picks out which of the books the doctor actually hands to the kids.
A few examples of books for separate age groups include:
Things That Go – six months group
Everything You – nine months group
First Animal Facts: Farm – one-year-old group
Touch and Feel Tower Animals – 15 months group
Hey Diddle, Diddle – 18 months group
1,2,3 Under the Sea – two-year-old group
Duck, Duck Dinosaur – three-year-old group
Can I Tell you a Secret – four-year-old group
Harvison said that he started the program a little over a year ago in an effort to encourage reading at an early age.
“I got to see the effects of the program during my residency,” Harvison said. “It helps prevent developmental delay.”
Harvison completed a residency at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, according to the clinic website.
“Research has proven that speaking, singing and reading aloud can permanently change neuronal connections in the brain,” he said, noting that language ability is strongly correlated with academic performance.
“Reading aloud with your children not only strengthens the bonds between parent and child,” Harvison said, “but also improves social, intellectual and language skills for years to come.”
Toddlers and preschoolers using this model have higher test scores on language and vocabulary assessments than those not in the program, according to a press release from NEA Baptist.
According to the Children’s Bureau, some benefits of reading to children include supported cognitive development, improved language skills and improved concentration and discipline.
For more information, contact the NEA Baptist Trumann Clinic at 870-936-7100.
For more information about Reach Out and Read, which is 501(c)3 nonprofit that gives young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together, visit reachoutandread.org. | 2022-03-26T10:58:16Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Local doctor promotes pediatric reading through new program | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/local-doctor-promotes-pediatric-reading-through-new-program/article_30650b75-6c83-5985-835d-64b49b27707e.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/local-doctor-promotes-pediatric-reading-through-new-program/article_30650b75-6c83-5985-835d-64b49b27707e.html |
LITTLE ROCK — A five-run fourth inning sent Germantown (Tenn.) Houston to an 8-4 victory over Jonesboro in high school baseball Friday in the Robinson Invitational.
Josh Hyneman was 2-for-3 with two triples and two runs batted in for the Hurricane (8-3-1). Ty Rhoades doubled as part of a 3-for-4 day at the plate.
Rykar Acebo added a hit and an RBI for Jonesboro. Starting pitcher Jack Gueno worked 3 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and five runs while striking out two batters.
The Hurricane won one game and tied another Thursday, beating Shiloh Christian 16-6 before tying Farmington 6-6 in a game called after eight innings because of the event’s time limit (two hours, 30 minutes).
Jonesboro scored 16 runs in only four innings against Shiloh Christian, starting with a five-run first inning. Rhoades was 3-for-3 at the plate to lead the Hurricane, hitting a double while driving in three runs and scoring three runs.
Hyneman was 2-for-2 with a double and three RBIs; Will Thyer homered, scored twice and drove in three runs; Meyer Maddox was 2-for-2, drove in a run and scored three runs; Maddox Morrison doubled, drove in two runs and scored twice; Acebo doubled and scored twice; and Charlie Dominguez had a hit and an RBI.
Acebo pitched 3 2/3 innings in relief, allowing four hits and five runs (four earned) while striking out seven and walking three.
Jonesboro scored three runs in the top of the seventh to take a 6-5 lead on Farmington, but the Cardinals tied the game in the bottom of the inning and neither team scored in the eighth as the game ended in a tie.
Maddox was 3-for-5 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored; Rhoades was 2-for-3 with an RBI; Hyneman was 2-for-4; Hudson Hosman tripled and drove in three runs; Acebo had a hit and an RBI; Thyer was 2-for-3; and Zach Day was 2-for-4.
Jonesboro starting pitcher Lance Davis gave up three hits and two runs while striking out six over four innings. Maddox and Rhoades pitched two innings each in relief.
The Hurricane plays Conway today at 5:30 p.m.
Magnolia Tournament
MAGNOLIA – Brookland bounced back from a first-round loss Friday morning to defeat Malvern 13-2 Friday afternoon in the Magnolia Spring Break Tournament.
Winning pitcher Weston Speir (3-0) worked four innings, giving up two hits while striking out three batters and hitting two.
Jake Reece was 3-for-4 with a double, a triple and four RBIs for the Bearcats (7-3). Ethan Hafer was 2-for-2 with two RBIs; and Mason Pankey was 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Cade Collins and Jack Henry Pettit hit one double each, while Pettit, Dax Webb, Collins and Kolin Parker added RBIs.
Brookland opened the tournament with a 6-0 loss to El Dorado. Pettit (2-1) pitched four innings, giving up six runs while striking out six and walking four. Griffin Duvall doubled for the Bearcats.
Brookland plays Texarkana or Genoa Central today at 2 p.m.
Nettleton edged Magnolia 6-5 in its tournament opener Friday. The Raiders played tournament host Magnolia later Friday.
GULF SHORES, Ala. – Valley View split four games earlier this week in high school baseball at the Gulf Shores Classic.
The Blazers suffered a 4-3 loss in their first game Monday when Smiths Station, Ala., scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Tyler Hoskins doubled and drove in a run, while Kannon Jones also had a hit and an RBI for Valley View.
Blazer starting pitcher Grayson Becker pitched four innings, giving up two runs on four hits while striking out four and walking four. Carson Tosh suffered the loss on the mound after Valley View was assessed an error in the outfield, leading to a couple of runs.
The Blazers bounced back Tuesday to defeat Charles Henderson of Troy, Ala., 11-5. Eli Crecelius pitched four innings for the victory, allowing one run while striking out nine.
Cooper Lutz and Kayson Becker had one hit each, two runs scored each and two RBIs apiece for the Blazers. Slade Caldwell, Carter Saulsbury and Lawson Ward all had a hit and an RBI each.
The Blazers (10-2) split a doubleheader Wednesday, falling 11-1 to Jasper, Ala., before closing their stay with a 6-5 victory over Normal, Ill., West.
Ryan Collins and Saulsbury had Valley View’s hits against Jasper. Barrett Brooks pitched a 1 1/3 hitless innings in relief, while Keats Grantham worked an inning and allowed one run while striking out two.
Saulsbury earned the pitching victory against Normal West with four scoreless innings in relief, allowing one hit while striking out four batters.
Kayson Becker and Saulsbury had two hits each, including one double apiece, against Normal West. Caldwell, Ward and Jones had one hit and one RBI each. | 2022-03-26T10:58:47Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Big inning sinks Hurricane in Robinson Invitational | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/big-inning-sinks-hurricane-in-robinson-invitational/article_54f6b64e-e7d2-5592-9360-14f176ed40f5.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/big-inning-sinks-hurricane-in-robinson-invitational/article_54f6b64e-e7d2-5592-9360-14f176ed40f5.html |
JONESBORO — District Judge David Boling on Monday found probable cause to charge a Jonesboro man with two felonies and one misdemeanor.
Anthony Lloyd Jackson, 25, of the 600 block of East Alpine Street, was charged with felony possession of marijuana greater than 4 ounces but less than 10 pounds, felony possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor third-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.
According to a probable cause affidavit, officers were sent to the Dollar General at 101 E. Johnson Ave. about a locked car with its engine running and a 1-year-old boy inside.
The owner of the car, Lloyd Jackson, told police that it was his car and that there was marijuana inside.
A locksmith arrived and unlocked the vehicle, the affidavit stated, and police found about 3 ounces of marijuana inside.
Lloyd Jackson was released from jail Tuesday after posting a $5,000 bond.
Tammy Quinn, 49, of Paragould, with theft of greater than $1,000 but less than $5,000; $1,000 bond.
Warren Keith, 53, of Jonesboro, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams and possession of marijuana; $2,500 bond.
Michelle Jones, 31, of Jonesboro, with second-degree forgery; $1,500 bond.
Rebecca Richardson, 27, of Piggott, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams, felony tampering with evidence, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor failure to appear; $3,000 total bond.
Marquize Cody, 27, of Forrest City, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana and obstructing of governmental operations; released on $3,500 bond.
Jernario Elrod, 29, of Brookland, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, shoplifting, misdemeanor failure to appear and no driver’s license; released on $3,500 bond.
Danny Goldman, 50, of Bay, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams and violation of a no-contact order; $5,000 cash-only bond on violation charge and $1,500 bond on possession charge.
Mark Ruffin, 47, of Bay, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams and misdemeanor failure to appear; $1,500 bond.
Christopher White, 26, of Jonesboro, with second-degree forgery and theft of $1,000 or less; $2,000 bond.
Richard Wilson, 53, of Jonesboro, with probation violation; $1,500 bond. | 2022-03-30T11:06:32Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Jonesboro man charged for marijuana | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/jonesboro-man-charged-for-marijuana/article_fbe3b92d-809d-5be2-9db0-d6d54ccbaa37.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/jonesboro-man-charged-for-marijuana/article_fbe3b92d-809d-5be2-9db0-d6d54ccbaa37.html |
JPs appoint new MAPC and fire board members.
JONESBORO — The Quorum Court approved the clean up ordinance for budget year 2021 and also appointed new a MAPC and two fire board members on Monday at the Craighead County Annex in Jonesboro.
Craighead County Judge Marvin Day said Tuesday morning that everything went smoothly during Monday’s meeting.
The clean up ordinance reconciled and finalized the 2021 Annual Operating Budget for Craighead County.
A copy of the 2021 Craighead County “Annual Operating Budget Clean-up Ordinance” will be filed in the office of the County Clerk and will be available for inspection and copying by any person during normal office hours.
A resolution to reappoint Jeff Steiling to the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) Board was also passed by the full court. He had completed the term of David Handwork, which expired on Friday.
Handwork had resigned prior to the completion of his term on the MAPC back in January. Steiling began his a five-year term Tuesday.
Next was a resolution to appoint Tommy Holmes to the Southridge Fire Board, which also passed without issue.
Holmes was appointed for a five-year term, which will begin on Saturday and run through April 2, 2027.
The Philadelphia Fire Board is receiving a new member with the passed resolution to appoint Tom Linsey.
He will be replacing Jerald McGregor, whose second term will expire on Friday. Linsey also begins a five-year term, which will run through April 1, 2027. | 2022-03-30T11:06:38Z | www.jonesborosun.com | JPs appoint new MAPC and fire board members. | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/jps-appoint-new-mapc-and-fire-board-members/article_1d4d3d26-46bf-56ed-adb9-5d0b812db7d1.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/jps-appoint-new-mapc-and-fire-board-members/article_1d4d3d26-46bf-56ed-adb9-5d0b812db7d1.html |
New trail project study begins
JONESBORO — Local residents will soon be able to follow online the progress of a new initiative to make Jonesboro more bike-friendly.
The City of Jonesboro entered into an agreement with Jonesboro Unlimited in early March to share the cost of a contract to hire StudioDRIFT, a nonprofit organization based in Little Rock, to plan a new natural surface bike trail.
Lindsey Wingo, project manager for StudioDRIFT, said her firm coordinated a visit with a team from the International Mountain Bike Association. That team collected information for planning how to best connect natural surfaces through trails.
“We are facilitating a final visit with IMBA to conduct the design phase of new trails and to create a formal plan for existing trails,” Wingo said.
Jonesboro Unlimited decided to participate in the project as a way to develop a new tool to recruit young professional talent, Mark Young, president and CEO, told The Sun in February.
Communities around the country are looking at ways in which they can retain and attract the kind of talent needed to thrive in the 21st Century. One of the consistent requirements is quality of life and abundant green spaces – particularly, if those two things go hand-in-hand. A core focus of Jonesboro Unlimited’s new strategic plan is attracting new businesses across select target industries, including technology and professional services. Overwhelmingly, studies and data on the subject all point to outdoor amenities, such as bike trails and green spaces as key quality of life requirements that motivate the workforce required to support an expansion in these industries.
In a recent study by The Sonoran Institute focused on determining business owners’ and employees’ key motivations in choosing to stay or relocate, 83 percent of respondents favored “living in an ideal community with a lesser salary” over “living in a community that’s less than ideal with a high salary.” Safety, open space and trails, access to recreation, neighborhood character, and short commute times are all highly-rated factors for people deciding where to live.
“Jonesboro is a wonderful community for families and always has been,’’ Tracy Owens, owner of The Recovery Room, said in a news release from StudioDRIFT. “Nothing says down home family values like having more green spaces with trails and room for outdoor activities. I have seen first-hand the positive impact of having access to these amenities can have for families and businesses from having lived in other cities before moving here.”
As people of all ages and income levels are getting into biking, cyclists are asking more of their communities to accommodate their lifestyle. It’s also a large draw for tourism and puts money into local businesses, because whole families are biking together and exploring new communities where trails and green space are a priority.
Martin Smith, a landscape architect, calls the project a “great opportunity” for Jonesboro.
“Because of Jonesboro’s unique location, it’s a corridor for out-of-town visitors, who may just be passing through on their way to vacations, weekend getaways on lakes, or in the mountains,” said Smith, principal of Ecological Design Group and lead designer of One Jonesboro Master Plan. “Due to location and the presence of a major college, Jonesboro is ideally positioned to stake a claim as a destination and model for trails and usable green space in this part of the state.
“Jonesboro has assets that thousands of communities would love to have at their disposal. It’s a recipe for success and benefits everyone from the mom and child riding their bikes on a Saturday, to families and young professionals who seek Jonesboro out as a tourist destination or new home because of its rich natural outdoor spaces and ideal location.”
StudioDRIFT is overseeing a single track and mountain bike trail master plan that will complement the existing One Jonesboro plan. This overlay will identify mountain biking opportunities and improvements throughout the city limits with a phase one implementation at Craighead Forest Park.
“As someone who has always been a big supporter of Jonesboro, I’m excited about the moment Jonesboro is having right now,” Wingo said. “We have a unique opportunity to work with world-class designers like Martin Smith and IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association), who are normally booked up years in advance designing and building the most desirable trails in North America. Everyone is moving into and investing in the areas where the parks and trails are a priority. I’m excited to see Jonesboro stake its claim as a leader in this area – not just as a member of this community, but also as someone who sees the potential for the whole region if Jonesboro leads the way.”
As plans move forward with trail design and development, StudioDRIFT will create a website where the public can view designs and updates and financial information. The public will also be able to comment. | 2022-03-30T11:06:50Z | www.jonesborosun.com | New trail project study begins | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/new-trail-project-study-begins/article_e58e0904-0007-5b7a-8f7d-db55a10de117.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/new-trail-project-study-begins/article_e58e0904-0007-5b7a-8f7d-db55a10de117.html |
Work continues on the Walnut Ridge pool at Stewart Park as workers complete the first pour for the concrete decking around the pool on Tuesday morning.
Mayor Charles Snapp gave an update on ongoing work at Stewart Park during the March 21 meeting of the Walnut Ridge City Council.
A big part of the project is the pool upgrade, and Snapp reported that the first pour for the pool deck would be completed soon. Workers made that pour Tuesday morning.
Snapp also stated that the state pool inspector had explained that the state had made changes to the filtration system guidelines. The hours for filtration now need to be every six hours, which would be four turnovers for the 24-hour period.
A new filtration system would cost approximately $200,000 to $250,000, according to Allen Smith the pool advisor. The monies for this purchase could be made from the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) monies for a project next year.
Mayor Snapp also reported that the large ball field lights are out. Spare lights were purchased several years ago from the City of Paragould but these lights have not been installed.
The lights, which are 80 feet tall, are too tall to be reached by the Street Department’s bucket truck. Mayor Snapp is seeking a price from an electrician to replace the lights and lower them to a height that is accessible for the city’s bucket truck.
The mayor also discussed the city’s asphalt overlay project for the upcoming year.
He reviewed the grants and funds available for asphalt overlay, explaining these are matching grants. There are funds budgeted for asphalt overlay, but with prices being high and volatile at this time, the amount of additional funds to consider appropriating is unknown.
Mayor Snapp suggested tabling this subject until a later time, and the council agreed.
Also during the meeting, City Attorney Weeks reported he had communication from the attorney for JR and Michelle Rogers regarding the possibility of donating the lots on Abbey Road to the city. Weeks said he had responded that the donation of the lots and a monetary offer may be a possibility, but at this time there was no firm offer.
He said he will continue to update council as negotiations are continued. Mayor Snapp stated that there may be a need for additional funds for legal fees from unallocated funds to cover legal expenses outside of the current budget to pay Weeks for this case.
the council approved a resolution appropriating money to fund the 218 East Main fire station project. Construction will be funded using ARPA funds, and architect fees will be paid from unallocated funds. Fire Chief Chris Jones explained the need for the station to save lives by having responders on both sides of the train tracks, as well as to maintain and possibly improve the city’s ISO rating.
a proposal to set a deadline for storm cleanup to be completed at the Plaza Center, which was damaged by the wind storm that caused damage throughout the city, was tabled. Council Member Ty Callahan suggested waiting on this issue due to information and negotiations regarding the property.
council members approved resolutions to proceed with condemnation action for properties at 907 Southwest Second Street and 710 West Hazel. Council Member Jon Walter voiced concerns about costs for the city related to condemnations. Code Enforcement Officer Shannon DelMonte said the resolutions for condemnation gives her additional leverage and thus far homeowners have been able to find individuals interested in purchasing the condemned properties and bringing them into compliance at no expense to the city.
a resolution to proceed with condemnation on property at 412 Southeast Third Street was tabled due to a change in ownership.
the council approved the Legislative Audit for 2020, which had been distributed to council members for review. Mayor Snapp noted that there were no reportable findings in this audit for the city. | 2022-03-30T11:08:28Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Council hears update on park projects | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/news/council-hears-update-on-park-projects/article_d77721e4-ad03-5056-a3cb-7e23f237e9c7.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/news/council-hears-update-on-park-projects/article_d77721e4-ad03-5056-a3cb-7e23f237e9c7.html |
Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel spent Monday in Lawrence County with a full day of activities, including speaking to local Chamber members. He began the day with a visit to the new Walnut Ridge Police Complex, then toured the campus of Williams Baptist College and the Wings of Honor Museum, located at the Walnut Ridge Regional Airport.
Following the Chamber meeting, McDaniel toured downtown Walnut Ridge, Lawrence Memorial Hospital and The Children’s Shelter.
Reconstruction work is well underway on the former Moore Bros. building, which was most recently Captain Catfish, on West Main Street. Carlos Aguilar, owner of Adriana’s Mexican Restaurant, has purchased the property and is renovating it for future use as a restaurant.
Angie Gallaher, owner/broker of United Country-Scenic Rivers Realty in Imboden, recently attended United Country’s annual training and awards convention in Orlando, Fla. At the convention, the local office was presented with the Presidents Honor Group Award for outstanding sales achievement. They were ranked among the top five United Country offices in Arkansas. The office also received the Listing Proficiency Award.
Mayor Jakie Hanan of Black Rock reports that the city’s ISO insurance fire rating has improved from class eight to class seven. The city requested to be evaluated for a rating change after renovation of its water system, and hard work at the fire department helped make the difference, as well. “It will save residents money on insurance,” the mayor said.
Nearly 300 people attended the Farm Service annual meeting Thursday evening and honored Larry Jones for 15 years of service to the consumer-owned business.
National Girl Scout Week, held March 11-15, marked the 90th anniversary of Girl Scouting. A local group of Daisy Girl Scouts from troop 108 visited Lawrence Hall Nursing Center and Lawrence Memorial Hospital during the anniversary week and also hung Easter posters while there. The group included: Sammantha Murphy, Rose Henderson-troop leader, Breonna Brady, Britney Wolfe, Jessica Mitchell and Shaynae Richey.
On Thursday, Gov. Mike Huckabee made a stop at Walnut Ridge Schools to speak to students at a KATS assembly and then to local educators. The stop was part of the governor’s tour of all 75 counties in Arkansas to gather input on the Next Step plan for education reform.
Robert Gall of Walnut Ridge, vice president of Lawrence County Farm Bureau, was among a group of 107 county and state Farm Bureau-Arkansas leaders who participated in a tour of the nation’s capital March 16-19. The group had the opportunity to visit with and get to know Chinese officials and enjoy a Chinese dinner.
All-Region basketball players at Black Rock include Dwight Ferguson and Jeramie Felton.
Gary Phillips of Black Rock was recently appointed principal of Lynn High School.
Jessica Blum, Stephen Briner, Wesley Robinett and Jonathan Pierce won an inner school upper elementary quiz bowl competition held recently at Walnut Ridge Middle School.
Three Lawrence County high school students won first place awards in the Regional Science Fair held at Arkansas College in Batesville recently. Todd Couch and John Dulaney of Hoxie and Patricia Singleton of Walnut Ridge won first place awards.
The Beautyshop 8 of Walnut Ridge High School received superior ratings and a trophy at district tryouts in Jonesboro recently. Members of the group are: Kay Lynn Brand, Peggy Davis, Mechelle Teel, Dianne Tucker, Tammy Smith, Marlene Kennedy, Carla Cate and Debbie Hunter.
Contestants in the Miss Walnut Ridge Pageant include: Donna Floyd, Torrie Lynn Bommershine, Rhonda Burns, Tracy Lee Morris, Lori Clopp, Amanda Taylor, Sandy Broughton, Lisa Howard, Mechelle Teel, Charlotte Cook, Angela Waddell, Natalie Gaither, Glenda Ballard and Kerry Ann Arnold. Elizabeth Ward, Miss America, will attend.
Sam Walton, president of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., has announced that his organization will build a 30,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Discount City in Walnut Ridge. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., a publicly-held company, operates 41 discount department stores in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma. Louisiana and Arkansas. This large facility will employ approximately 40 area residents and provide the city a major retail center.
Leon Neece, instructor in the Walnut Ridge Schools for several years, has been named assistant high school principal for next year’s school term.
Archbishop Philip M. Hannan of New Orleans will ordain Rev. Henry A. Baltz to the Diaconate this Saturday in St. Pius X Church. Rev. Baltz is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Baltz of Walnut Ridge.
Mrs. Leo Davis of the Piggly Wiggly Store in Walnut Ridge has been named 6th place winner in a national dealer and employee display and merchandising contest sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company.
Supt. K.E. Vance of Hoxie announced Monday that Cecil Dale Goodrum, who has been employed as girls coach at the Hoxie Consolidated School for the 1950-51 and 1951-52 school years, has resigned to accept a position as adjuster with the Commercial Credit Corporation of Jonesboro.
Moseley Bros. of Alicia and Perry Segraves of Fender bought the top Polled Hereford bull at a registered sale at Salem, Mo., last week.
Jack Allison, son of Mrs. Polly Allison, was winner in the 137-lb class at the annual wrestling matches at Arkansas State College recently.
Gary Rainwater will head next year’s WRHS Student Council.
Troy Pace, resident of Hoxie for 50 years, has announced his candidacy for mayor of that city.
Frankfurt, Germany, March 14 – U.S. Air Force headquarters today identified two American fliers injured in the crash landing of an Army transport plane near Liverpool yesterday as Capt. Wm. J. Daner of East Lansing, Mich., and Lt. Artie Garner, Portia, Ark.
S2-c Thomas Justus, a former member of The Times Dispatch staff, is now stationed with the communications section at Fort Hueneme, Calif.
The Quill and Scroll will initiate 11 new members into the local chapter Friday morning. They are as follows: Joyce Haliburton, Ava Pierce, Orville Hancock, Mary Ann Courtney, Audine Miller, Betty Sue Whittaker, Madge Dobbs, Muriel Murray, Edith Sue Bryan, Patty Wood and Janice Harris.
A track team has already begun practice under the direction of Coach Van Ellis. Seven boys are out for the team as follows: Bruce Dyer, Frankie Wilcoxson, Bobby Cole, Johnny Thomas, Rodger Wooldridge, Dale Justus and Bobby Campbell.
Eight members of the family of Mrs. H.R. McCarroll and the late Dr. McCarroll of Walnut Ridge, all of whom are graduates of Ouachita College, have donated 10 chairs to the new Ouachita auditorium, sending a check for $60.
Bascom Raney, president of the junior class, added another laurel to his credit when he was elected president of the Methodist Youth Fellowship of the Paragould District during the meeting of this organization of approximately 150 young Methodists.
W.C. Bryan of Walnut Ridge was elected secretary-treasurer of the newly organized Licensed Embalmers Association of the State of Arkansas at a meeting of the embalmers of the state at Little Rock last Sunday. | 2022-03-30T11:08:46Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Yesteryears | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_20e52219-4fd7-52af-9fad-b37fb1c3ab4b.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_20e52219-4fd7-52af-9fad-b37fb1c3ab4b.html |
Variable clouds and windy with strong thunderstorms. Damaging winds, large hail and possibly a tornado with some storms. High 73F. Winds SSW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 100%..
Showers and a possible thunderstorm during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 41F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
ArDOT public meeting open
The Arkansas Department of Transportation is conducting an online public involvement meeting about the proposed bridge replacement on Arkansas 141 near Beech Grove.
The public is invited to listen, view meeting materials and provide written comments.
The event began Tuesday and comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. April 13.
To access the online public meeting, go to bit.ly/3JTjrW9. A Spanish translation of the presentation is also available on the website.
Submit online comment forms to ARDOT or print the form and mail it to Environmental Division, 10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock 72209.
If you do not have internet access, contact Karla Sims at 501-569-2949 or karla.sims@ardot.gov.
Williams Corner to open Saturday
Williams Corner, a retail venue owned and operated by Williams Baptist University, will hold a grand opening from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
The store which features a variety of gifts, flowers and produce is staffed by students from the Williams Works program and the produce is grown by the students on Eagle Farms.
The store also sells bedding flowers, ferns and other seasonal plants and produce.
Williams Corner is located at 3894 U.S. 67 North in Walnut Ridge near the entrance to the university.
ASBTDC to offer Digital Marketing Masterclass
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center in Little Rock will offer a Digital Marketing Masterclass over four virtual sessions April 19 and 21. Registration is $150.
Shane Barker, founder of Clout Consulting LLC, a digital marketing consultant who specializes in e-commerce, web design and development, social media marketing, lead generation and email marketing will lead the class.
It offers eight hours of instruction and hands-on practice. Participants will also receive content calendars, e-books, and other resources and tools. It is intended for businesses that already have a website and social media and are ready to develop a sustainable digital marketing strategy.
The class is limited to 15 participants and applications are being taken at asbtdc.org/digital-marketing-masterclass.
Customer service training to be offered
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and the Arkansas Hospitality Association will offer a free, three-hour customer service and hospitality training program from 9 a.m. to noon April 27 at the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center, 600 E. Lawson Road in Jonesboro.
The program is open to any individual, business or team who works in Northeast Arkansas.
Each participant will receive a certificate of completion from the Division of Tourism. Each participant should bring note-taking materials.
Registration is required. To register, visit www. register-ed.com.
Commission OKs elections, appointments
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Commission approved 25 conservation district board elections at its meeting March 16.
The Commission also made four new board member appointments and five board member reappointments to conservation district boards.
Approved for the Craighead County election were Jerry Clark, Greg Nall and Bradley Wallace; Randolph County, Matt Hibbard, Joe Steimel and Josh White; and Sharp County, Zack Baxter, John Katrosh and Charles Kunkel.
David Ballard was appointed to the Clay County board and Heath Teel was appointed in Lawrence County. Kevin Brown was reappointed in Randolph County.
Wynne EDC gets site certification
Officials with the Wynne Economic Development Corporation and Entergy Arkansas have announced completion of the utility’s Select Site certification for the 37-acre Wynne Highway 1 industrial site, located 13 miles north of Interstate 40 on Arkansas 1.
Entergy Arkansas Senior Project Manager Joe Bailey participated in the Wynne EDC board meeting to recognize the group for completing the comprehensive review and documentation process and to present a grant check to help offset some of the costs associated with the certification.
The Select Site program helps communities better prepare their sites as winning candidates for high-tech, manufacturing and distribution projects with a thorough audit of the site’s readiness for new or expanding business. Other Select Site properties are in Jefferson County, Magnolia, Newport, Osceola, Russellville and West Memphis. | 2022-03-30T19:17:26Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Business briefs | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/business-briefs/article_7e6e75b3-a3d8-5806-b4da-2d464aa5ad45.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/business-briefs/article_7e6e75b3-a3d8-5806-b4da-2d464aa5ad45.html |
ASUN plans new manufacturing training program
JONESBORO — The Arkansas Office of Skills Development awarded Arkansas State University-Newport more than $200,000 to support a new manufacturing training program that will help local industries.
Manufacturing continues to be a growing industry across Northeast Arkansas, and, according to the announcement, several industry leaders have voiced concerns about the need for more specialized training for technical operators. S&H System, Hytrol and Intimidator UTV are three industries that approached ASU-Newport about providing training to help strengthen their workforce.
Thanks to the Arkansas Office of Skills Development, ASUN will utilize $234,823 to design a non-credit training program called the Manufacturing and Conveyor Technician program.
“This is another great example of ASUN working to create sector partnerships with business leaders developing innovative programs that alleviate current and future workforce needs,” Office of Skills Development Director Cody Waits said. “The mission of OSD is to strategically invest in the Arkansas workforce raising education and skill levels meeting the needs of companies operating in Arkansas.”
The curriculum will consist of safety training, production techniques, basic mechanical skills, conveyor systems’ logic control, pneumatics and hydraulics, and programmable logic controls training.
For more information about this program or other workforce initiatives, contact ASUN’s Office for Economic and Workforce Development at 870-680-8743. | 2022-03-31T07:45:33Z | www.jonesborosun.com | ASUN plans new manufacturing training program | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/asun-plans-new-manufacturing-training-program/article_d26c9c85-002f-5cb1-8fb1-1bbcb5334ed5.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/asun-plans-new-manufacturing-training-program/article_d26c9c85-002f-5cb1-8fb1-1bbcb5334ed5.html |
New inductees to the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame are (from left) Randy Veach, Mark Waldrip, Ken McDonald accepting for his grandfather, the late Russell Roy Reynolds, Andrew Wargo III, Rick Cartwright and Joe Don Greenwood.
Six inducted into Arkansas Agri Hall of Fame
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame added six individuals on March 25.
The newest members represent agriculture education, the seed industry, agri-business, row-crop production, agricultural/political advocacy, timber management and agricultural research and outreach.
Among the inductees was retired Cooperative Extension Service Director Rick Cartwright of Fayetteville.
Also included were long-time educator Joe Don Greenwood of Hermitage. Greenwood has led Hermitage teams to eight national championships.
The late Russell Roy Reynolds, who was director of the U.S. Forest Service Crossett Experimental Forest for 34 years, was recognized for his contributions to modern, sustainable forest management.
Randy Veach of Manila was inducted for his 11 years of service as president of Arkansas Farm Bureau. He also spent a total of 20 years as a member of the organization’s board of directors.
Also included were Mark Waldrip a fourth-generation farmer from Moro and founder of Armor Seed Co., and Andrew Wargo III of Watson, farm manager for the 15,000-acre Baxter Land Co. for more than 50 years. | 2022-03-31T07:46:03Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Six inducted into Arkansas Agri Hall of Fame | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/six-inducted-into-arkansas-agri-hall-of-fame/article_1f571624-dcee-5cea-95a6-cfe46cd367c4.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/six-inducted-into-arkansas-agri-hall-of-fame/article_1f571624-dcee-5cea-95a6-cfe46cd367c4.html |
JONESBORO — District Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause to charge a Rector man with five felonies involving a domestic dispute in Brookland on Tuesday afternoon.
Michael Holbrook, 39, was charged with the following felonies: two counts of aggravated assault on a family or household member, first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, second-degree domestic battery and first-degree terroristic threatening. He was also charged with misdemeanor violation of a no-contact order.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Holbrook hit and choked a pregnant woman. He then poured liquor on her and attempted to light the liquor. He also tried to choke a 15-year-old boy with a broomstick.
Fowler set Holbrook’s bond at $250,000 and, if released, he must wear an ankle monitor and have no contact with the two victims.
Kenneth Anderson, 29, of Jonesboro, with felony failure to appear; $7,500 bond.
Jerry Jarvis, 47, of Harrisburg, with felony failure to appear; recognizance bond.
Billy Hufstedler, 36, of Maynard, with probation violation; $7,500 bond.
Antoine Hopkins, 41, of Jonesboro, with probation violation and misdemeanor failure to appear; $11,000 total bond.
Angel Cude, 49, of Jonesboro, with possession of meth or cocaine greater than 10 grams but less than 200 grams, felony possession of drug paraphernalia and parole violation; $35,000 bond.
Kevin Williams, 37, of Jonesboro, with possession of meth or cocaine greater than 2 grams but less than 10 grams, driving on a suspended license and not wearing a seat belt; $35,000 bond.
Krystal Latiolais, 29, of Jonesboro, with possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams, possession of a Schedule I or II drug not meth or cocaine, felony and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a Schedule IV or V drug less than 28 grams, possession of marijuana and driving on a suspended license; $35,000 bond.
James Hinchey, 51, of Wynne, with felony possession of drug paraphernalia and prohibited driving; $1,500 bond.
John Simpson, 63, of Jonesboro, with first-degree criminal mischief and third-degree battery; $25,000 bond. | 2022-03-31T07:46:15Z | www.jonesborosun.com | $250,000 bond given in assault | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/250-000-bond-given-in-assault/article_c4f537fd-d503-5bcc-bafa-b08e66b60472.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/250-000-bond-given-in-assault/article_c4f537fd-d503-5bcc-bafa-b08e66b60472.html |
Health workers ready to provide boosters
JONESBORO — As Arkansas coronavirus cases continue to trend downward, the federal government has given some people an option to help keep the numbers low.
The Arkansas Department of Health reported just 97 new cases on Wednesday, compared to 249 the previous Wednesday. Only a handful of those cases were in Northeast Arkansas.
The state recorded seven deaths, including one Clay County resident, bringing the statewide total since the pandemic reached Arkansas two years ago to 11,218.
Active cases declined by 47 to 1,187.
COVID-related hospitalizations also declined by three statewide to 119. Of those 26 were on ventilators, unchanged from Tuesday. Hospitalizations in Northeast Arkansas were unchanged at 12 with two on ventilators.
President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass billions of dollars in additional funding to fight the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday, as he received a second booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Representatives of NEA Baptist Clinic and St. Bernards Health Care said the area has an adequate supply of the vaccine for anyone eligible to receive it.
“Now, they’re so widely available, that we don’t have to do anything special to try to create access for that,” said Ty Jones of NEA Baptist, adding that the shots are still available at no cost to the patient. “We just make those open to our patients as they see the need.”
At St. Bernards, spokesman Mitchell Nail said, “We are continuing to provide them at our urgent care, our first care, primary care doctors, as well as our internal medicine resident clinics.”
Nail also pointed out that the Arkansas Department of Health will likely continue to offer vaccines at no charge, even if Congress doesn’t appropriate additional funding.
Craighead – 3 new cases, 62 other active cases.
Greene – 1 new case, 11 other active cases.
Lawrence – 1 new case, 10 other active cases..
Poinsett – 0 new cased, 9 other active cases.
Mississippi – 0 new cases, 37 other active cases.
Cross – 0 new cases, 2 active cases. | 2022-03-31T07:46:33Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Health workers ready to provide boosters | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/health-workers-ready-to-provide-boosters/article_36733387-198b-5e89-810e-c30c839325d3.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/health-workers-ready-to-provide-boosters/article_36733387-198b-5e89-810e-c30c839325d3.html |
Vaccination is vital
Two years ago on March 17th, the Sun printed a letter titled “Prayer can destroy virus,” saying “if God created us, the universe and everything therein, then we can trust Him to destroy the coronavirus if we have the faith to believe.”
A few days later the Assembly of God Church at Greers Ferry was hit by the virus. Some 38 percent of the congregation took sick and three died. Did these people not pray? Or did God have it in for this particular church? In Shakespeare’s great play "Henry IV," Falstaff speaks of another belief, honor. “Can honour set to a leg? no: or an arm? no: or take away the grief of a wound? no. Honour hath no skill in surgery, then? no. What is honour? a word.”
There is a place in the human spirit for prayer; it can unleash the power within us to do good. But it cannot be invoked to do the impossible. Today not even half of Craighead County’s population is fully vaccinated against COVID. If God created us, that is where our brains came from, and developing vaccines and enforcing public health edicts are how we fight this pandemic.
Anti-vaccination people if they follow their beliefs must refrain from all vaccinations. Apparently they can pray their way through the more than 40 contagious diseases starting with anthrax and running through yellow fever. So far COVID has claimed the lives of 11,000 persons in Arkansas, and viruses mutate easily. But praying for a second booster won’t get it for me any faster.
If the advice given two years ago was misdirected, those who still chose to follow it put us all at risk.
Michael B. Dougan | 2022-03-31T07:47:52Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Vaccination is vital | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/vaccination-is-vital/article_98f908fc-b2df-5d5a-a6ed-d464e38ea219.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/vaccination-is-vital/article_98f908fc-b2df-5d5a-a6ed-d464e38ea219.html |
Arkansas State’s Mickey Coyne (left) celebrates with teammate Cooper Tremmel after hitting a two-out RBI single in the 11th inning Tuesday to give the Red Wolves a 4-3 victory over Central Arkansas.
A-State snaps losing streak in extra innings
JONESBORO — Arkansas State found relief when Mickey Coyne’s 11th-inning drive found the outfield grass Tuesday night at Tomlinson Stadium.
Coyne’s bases-loaded, two-out single to right field gave the Red Wolves a 4-3 victory over Central Arkansas, snapping a 13-game losing streak that dated to March 5. Pinch runner Blake McCutchen crossed home plate with the winning run as the ASU dugout emptied to celebrate with Coyne.
ASU (5-17) was coming off Sunday’s 7-6 loss at Georgia Southern, which scored the tying and winning runs with two outs in the ninth. Another late lead slipped away on Tuesday when UCA (9-14) scored in the ninth to force extra innings, but the Red Wolves kept the Bears off the scoreboard the rest of the night.
“College sports will teach you a lot of things, being around these 18, 19, 20-year-olds,” ASU head coach Tommy Raffo said. “They did an unbelievable job Sunday against Georgia Southern at their place, just fought and laid it all out there. They didn’t stop (Tuesday night). It was a great college baseball game, a lot of emotion on both sides, momentum.
“Again, they laid it on the line. That’s all you can ask. Sometimes the ball bounces your way, which I’m glad it did with Mickey’s base hit, and sometimes it doesn’t. But the effort and their mindset in the last two games was phenomenal.”
UCA reliever Trent Gregson (1-3) shut down ASU for four innings before running into trouble in the 11th.
Tristen Jamison led off with a bloop single, the Red Wolves’ first hit off Gregson. McCutchen entered to run for Jamison and Wil French was hit by a pitch, putting two runners on base.
Cooper Tremmel popped up a bunt for the first out. Eli Davis’ bunt down the third base line advanced both runners, but the Bears retired Davis for the second out. UCA walked ASU leadoff hitter Daedrick Cail intentionally to bring Coyne to the plate.
Coyne fouled off four pitches before lining Gregson’s 1-2 pitch past the second baseman to end the game.
“I always just say, ‘Last AB, make it your best AB no matter what,’ and I was just battling in there, trying to find a pitch I could do something with,” Coyne said. “He was just feeding me fastballs and I was just fouling them off. I knew he had that slider and I was just kind of seeing if he might throw it. He threw it and he left it up, and I was able to poke it through the right side and be there with my teammates to celebrate a good win.”
Aided by a strong wind blowing in from left field early in the game, pitchers on both sides were in control much of the evening.
ASU’s Treshon Paschal, Max Charlton, Jake Algee, Austin Brock, Phillip Bryant and Jonathan Baldelli (1-0) combined to strike out 13 batters while giving up eight hits and walking four. Baldelli worked around two singles in the 11th to earn the victory.
“All six guys competed in the strike zone, were phenomenal early and often. That’s why it was a good college baseball game,” Raffo said. “Both teams did that. There wasn’t a lot of sloppiness and that’s fun to watch if you’re a fan.”
UCA’s Cade Fenton, Dillan Janak and Gregson combined to strike out 14 batters while giving up only nine hits and walking just two. Gregson struck out 10 batters in 4 2/3 innings.
Down 1-0, the Red Wolves tied the game in the fifth on Ben Klutts’ two-out single. UCA regained the lead, 2-1, in the top of the sixth before ASU rallied with two outs in the bottom of the frame.
French singled with two out and Tremmel belted a line drive home run off the scoreboard in right field, giving ASU a 3-2 lead. “Sometimes if you can get a ball, when the wind blows in, if you can get it to the scoreboard or over, it will carry a little bit even though it’s blowing in,” Raffo said.
Algee and Brock got the Red Wolves through the next two innings with no trouble, the latter striking out the side in the eighth.
A leadoff walk cost Bryant in the ninth when the Bears tied the game on a one-out squeeze bunt. UCA put runners on second and third later in the ninth before Bryant ended the frame with a strikeout.
Tuesday’s victory made ASU 2-5 in one-run games this season. Four of the Red Wolves’ five one-run losses came in the last six games of their 13-game losing streak.
“The series against Texas State, the series against Georgia Southern, we easily could have come out on top in some of those games,” Coyne said. “We’re just saying, ‘We’re this close, we’re this close.’ We just needed that one last little push and we got it tonight finally. I’m just so proud of our guys.”
ASU returns to Sun Belt Conference play this weekend as Coastal Carolina visits Tomlinson Stadium. Friday’s series opener starts at 6 p.m. | 2022-03-31T07:47:58Z | www.jonesborosun.com | A-State snaps losing streak in extra innings | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/a-state-snaps-losing-streak-in-extra-innings/article_e3b759f4-a8d6-5428-b4fa-fb64b64c48a5.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/a-state-snaps-losing-streak-in-extra-innings/article_e3b759f4-a8d6-5428-b4fa-fb64b64c48a5.html |
Jonesboro, Marion split 5A-East doubleheader
MARION — Rykar Acebo pitched six strong innings and also drove in a run as Jonesboro defeated Marion 2-1 in the second game to earn a doubleheader split in 5A-East conference baseball Tuesday.
Acebo allowed only an unearned run and two hits while striking out nine and walking two in six innings. Ty Rhoades pitched the seventh for the save, helping Jonesboro (10-4-1, 3-1 conference) earn a split with Marion (10-4, 3-1) in a meeting of 5A-East contenders.
Marion scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to win the first game 5-2.
Jonesboro, the home team on the scoreboard in the second game, pushed across the winning run in the sixth inning. Maddox Morrison was 3-for-3 and scored a run to lead the Hurricane. Acebo doubled, drove in a run and scored once for the Hurricane.
Arkansas State signee Chase Armstrong was 2-for-3 with a double and scored twice to lead Marion in the first game. Armstrong pitched 3 2/3 hitless innings in the opener, striking out five and walking five.
Jonesboro starter Lance Davis pitched six innings, giving up five runs (one earned) and six hits while striking out four and walking none.
Rhoades was 2-for-3 with a double in the first game. Josh Hyneman drove in a run in the opener.
Valley View 18-23, Southside 0-6
SOUTHSIDE – Slade Caldwell was 5-for-5 with three home runs and 10 runs batted in Tuesday as Valley View scored 41 runs in a 4A-3 conference doubleheader sweep of Batesville Southside.
The Blazers launched five home runs while winning the first game 18-0. Grayson Becker, Carson Tosh and Keats Grantham combined on a five-inning no-hitter, with Tosh and Grantham striking out five batters each while pitching two innings apiece.
Caldwell was 2-for-2 with two home runs and six RBIs in the first game. Carter Saulsbury was 2-for-3 with two home runs and four RBIs; Preston Watlington belted a home run; and Carson Turley was 2-for-2 with two RBIs.
In game two, a 23-6 victory for the Blazers (12-2, 6-0 conference), Caldwell was 3-for-3 with a home run and four RBIs. Lawson Ward was 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs; Tyler Hoskins was 3-for-3 and scored four runs; Saulsbury and Jackson Stotts had two hits and three RBIs each; and Beau Smith hit a two-run double.
Searcy 7-8, Nettleton 4-7
JONESBORO – Searcy scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to earn an 8-7 victory in the second game Tuesday at Nettleton, giving the Lions a doubleheader sweep.
The Lions won the first game 7-4.
Zachary Bishop was 3-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI for Nettleton in the second game. Ethan Duffel was 3-for-3 with an RBI and scored twice for the Raiders, while Kenwarren McShan tripled and had an RBI.
Nettleton’s Maddox Hampton had a hit and an RBI in the first game. Duffel also had an RBI.
Trumann 4-0, Brookland 3-16
TRUMANN – Trumann and Brookland split a 4A-3 conference baseball doubleheader Tuesday, the Wildcats winning the first game 4-3 and the Bearcats bouncing back for a 16-0 rout in the nightcap.
Jack Henry Pettit (2-2) pitched 5 1/3 innings for Brookland in the first game, allowing four runs (three earned) while striking out nine and walking four. Cade Collins had an RBI for Brookland.
Mason Pankey was 4-for-4 with a double and four RBIs for the Bearcats (9-4, 5-1 conference) in the second game. Pettit hit a two-run double; Dax Webb doubled and scored three runs; Griffin Duvall scored three runs; Gavin Jordan drove in two runs; and Collins, Weston Speir and Ethan Vanhoozer had one RBI each for Brookland.
Speir (3-0) pitched four innings, allowing one hit while striking out seven and walking one.
BIC 2, Riverside 1
MONETTE – Buffalo Island Central scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning Tuesday to rally for a 2-1 victory over Riverside in 2A-3 conference baseball.
Riverside scored its run in the top of the seventh. Cash Gillis was 1-for-3 to lead the Rebels. Easton Hatch pitched six innings, giving up two runs while striking out 10 and walking three. | 2022-03-31T07:48:10Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Jonesboro, Marion split 5A-East doubleheader | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/jonesboro-marion-split-5a-east-doubleheader/article_3f8fd6f7-4509-5db0-ad3d-8afe30b5d16d.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/jonesboro-marion-split-5a-east-doubleheader/article_3f8fd6f7-4509-5db0-ad3d-8afe30b5d16d.html |
Valley View, Southside split softball twinbill
JONESBORO — Valley View and Southside split a 4A-3 conference softball doubleheader Tuesday, the Lady Blazers winning the first game 8-1 before Southside prevailed 3-2 in the nightcap.
Anna Winkfield was 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs for Valley View in the first game. Lauren Mitchell was 2-for-3 with a triple, one RBI and two runs scored; Lexi Davis was 2-for-3 with a triple, one RBI and two runs scored; and Isabel Riba drove in one run and scored twice.
Riley Smith struck out eight batters while giving up three hits and walking two in the first game.
Southside scored three runs in the first inning of the second game and held on there. Winkfield was 2-for-3 for Valley View, while Mitchell belted a triple. Caroline Prestidge drove in a run.
Smith yielded three runs and seven hits while striking out six and walking one.
Nettleton 2-1, Searcy 1-2
JONESBORO – Nettleton and Searcy split a low-scoring 5A-East conference softball doubleheader Tuesday, the Lady Raiders taking the first game 2-1 before the Lady Lions prevailed by the same score in the nightcap.
Nettleton’s Acelen Hart held Searcy to seven hits while striking out seven and walking none in the first game. Kate Golden was 3-for-4 to lead the Lady Raiders in the first game, while Hannah Marsico and Hart had two hits each.
Searcy scored in the bottom of the seventh inning to win the second game. Hart pitched 6 1/3 innings, giving up eight hits and one run while striking out eight. She was also 3-for-4 at the plate.
Ramsey Crum drove in Nettleton’s only run in the first inning.
Trumann 10-14, Brookland 8-13
TRUMANN – Trumann swept Brookland in a 4A-3 conference softball doubleheader Tuesday, winning the first game 10-8 and the second 14-13.
Kaydence Jones was 2-for-2 and scored twice for Trumann in the first game. Macey Powell scored twice and drove in two runs; Alexis Carter was 2-for-4 with two RBIs; Lindie Barnes was 2-for-4 with an RBI; Tiara Postell scored twice and stole five bases; Topanga Elliot had a hit and an RBI; and Jaelyn Craig scored twice.
Jones was 5-for-5 with five RBIs, four runs scored and two stolen bases in the second game. Powell was 2-for-2 and scored four runs; Barnes was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored; Postell was 3-for-4 with four runs scored and four stolen bases; Craig drove in two runs; and Ellisabeth Holladay was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Westside 3-1, Pocahontas 0-2
JONESBORO – Westside and Pocahontas split a low-scoring 4A-3 conference doubleheader Tuesday.
Gracie Landreth pitched a no-hitter as Westside won 3-0. Landreth struck out 12 batters and walked only one.
Rachel Edwards was 2-for-3 to lead Westside at the plate. Sloane Welch had an RBI.
Abby Manley gave up only one hit while striking out seven as Pocahontas won 2-1 as the home team.
Riverside 16, BIC 6
MONETTE – Riverside scored seven runs in the sixth inning Tuesday to finish a 16-6 victory over Buffalo Island Central in 2A-3 conference softball.
Winning pitcher Katie Ridge was 4-for-5 at the plate and drove in three runs for Riverside.
Klaire Womack was 3-for-3 with two doubles, three RBIs and two runs scored for the Lady Rebels; Mackenzie Thomas was 3-for-5 with four runs scored and an RBI; Gracie Doty was 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs; Brooklyn Berry was 2-for-4 and scored twice; and Laney Overman, Annalee Qualls and Paris McGee drove in one run each.
Sydney Bryeans was 2-for-3 to lead BIC. | 2022-03-31T07:48:22Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Valley View, Southside split softball twinbill | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/valley-view-southside-split-softball-twinbill/article_1eff409c-8a6b-568e-8f1d-7e1eea7193c4.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/valley-view-southside-split-softball-twinbill/article_1eff409c-8a6b-568e-8f1d-7e1eea7193c4.html |
JONESBORO — Though the numbers are low, Craighead County continued to lead the state in new coronavirus cases on Thursday, with 17. The Arkansas Department of Health reported 107 new cases statewide, with 12 deaths, including one each in Jackson, Lawrence and Mississippi counties.
The state had 258 cases seven days earlier and Craighead County had 52 on that day.
Washington County had the second-highest number of new cases with 11, followed by Pulaski with 10. Forty of Arkansas’ 75 counties reported no new infections on Thursday.
Active cases declined statewide by 54 to 1,133.
COVID-related hospitalizations in Northeast Arkansas were unchanged from Wednesday, with 13, including two on ventilators. Statewide, hospitalizations decelined by five to 114. Of those patients, 23 were on ventilators, a reduction of three from Wednesday.
Craighead – 17 new cases, 62 other active cases.
Greene – 0 new case, 9 active cases.
Lawrence – 4 new case, 9 other active cases..
Jackson – 4 new cases, 10 other active cases.
Randolph – 0 new cases, 6 active cases.
Cross – 0 new cases, 2 active cases. | 2022-04-01T06:44:50Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Cases down, but Craighead leads in virus cases | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/cases-down-but-craighead-leads-in-virus-cases/article_627b7426-026c-5467-8a53-4e965e71f91c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/cases-down-but-craighead-leads-in-virus-cases/article_627b7426-026c-5467-8a53-4e965e71f91c.html |
Storm forces closure of Lepanto Museum, library
LEPANTO — Storm damage cleanup from Wednesday’s high winds is almost complete, Mayor Earnie Hill said Thursday.
The winds blew the roof off of the Lepanto Museum. The roof ended up on the Goldsby Public Library. Both the museum and library are closed until further notice, Hill said.
“The police and fire departments and volunteers made a great effort in the cleanup,” Hill said.
He said the state Department of Heritage has offered to let the museum store materials at its Dyess museum, if needed.
Hill said the museum sustained the most serious damage of the six or seven buildings in downtown. He said there were also several tree limbs down.
Most important, Hill said, was that there were no injuries reported from the storm.
“The Goldsby Public Library in Lepanto is closed indefinitely due to instability of the roof that was damaged by a storm that hit the area on Wednesday. The roof of the Lepanto Museum building landed partly onto the roof of the library,” stated a press release from the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library.
Goldsby Librarian Amy Ford said the library was open and one patron was present when the storm hit. No one was injured.
“I was shelving books when I heard the rain coming down really hard and it looked like the rain was going sideways. I started to walk towards the back when there was a loud boom and the grates started falling out of the ceiling,” Ford said. “When the roof from the museum hit the building everything shook.”
Ford said with the help of members of the community she put plastic over all of the library materials, computers, and anything else that could be damaged.
People who have books checked out and need to return them, can use the book drop at the library in Lepanto, which will remain open and will be checked daily.
Hill said Ford would be working out of the Marked Tree library and go to Lepanto daily to check on the building.
Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library Director Vanessa Adams said that she plans to meet with the board on April 8 to discuss the damage at the library and find a solution to get the library back open to serve the community, according to the news release. | 2022-04-01T06:45:26Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Storm forces closure of Lepanto Museum, library | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/storm-forces-closure-of-lepanto-museum-library/article_29959e5b-143d-5cac-a585-1d37e0b309f8.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/storm-forces-closure-of-lepanto-museum-library/article_29959e5b-143d-5cac-a585-1d37e0b309f8.html |
JONESBORO — Police arrested a Jonesboro man Thursday in the March 23 shooting of a 19-year-old Blytheville man on Chestnut Street.
Officers with the Jonesboro Police Street Crimes Unit and the Fugitive Task Force located and arrested 21-year-old Tevion Rogers, of the 1700 block of Wembleton Drive, on Thursday afternoon. He was taken into custody during a traffic stop on Caraway Road, according to Sally Smith, public information specialist with the Jonesboro Police Department.
Rogers was transported to the Craighead County Detention Center to await his probable cause hearing on Monday.
He has a temporary bond of $1 million.
Rogers was sought in the attempted armed robbery that ended with William Paxton Haskins being shot at about 4 p.m. March 23 in the 900 block of Chestnut Street, according to a Jonesboro police report.
Haskins, 19, was hospitalized in stable condition at St. Bernards Medical Center following the shooting, according to Smith.
As of Friday, Smith said, Haskins remains hospitalized
According to officer Greg Trout, “I was dispatched to (the 900 block of) Chestnut Street ... in reference to a shooting. Upon my arrival, I observed officers attending to Victim No. 1 (Haskins, William Paxton). I began to assist them with locating the wounds. A chest seal was placed on the wound on his stomach. I located a second wound in the middle of his back, and I placed a chest seal on it. I then cut his clothing off of him to look for further injuries.”
Haskins was shot once, with entry and exit wounds, Smith said. | 2022-04-02T09:33:20Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Man, 21, arrested in March 23 shooting | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/man-21-arrested-in-march-23-shooting/article_74e66fab-79c6-5f40-9c2d-6f3924accde4.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/man-21-arrested-in-march-23-shooting/article_74e66fab-79c6-5f40-9c2d-6f3924accde4.html |
JONESBORO — After approving three private club requests last month, the Jonesboro City Council on Tuesday will consider a proposed ordinance that would add one more.
The council will hear the first of three required readings of an ordinance proposed by Classic Hospitality, doing business as Don Jose, 2200 Wilkins Ave., for a restaurant private club permit.
The application also names 118 club members.
In other business, the council will consider a resolution that would authorize a city application for a $20 million federal grant to complete 21 miles of the Jonesboro Quality of Life and Connectivity Master Plan. The plan includes completing the A-Sate and University Heights Links, the Joe Mack Campbell Link, the A-State Link flyover, and the upper portion of the Red Wolf Way regional loop.
This will be the city’s second attempt to secure the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) funding.
Another resolution would authorize the city to seek funding under the Federal-aid Recreational Trails Program for a $343,888 project to construct a soft surface walking trail at Craighead Forest Park.
Also Tuesday, the council will hear the first reading of a proposed ordinance that would waive competitive bidding and authorize the purchase of additional license plate recognition features for intersection cameras.
A proposal by A & J Deliveries to rezone 3.73 acres of unimproved land on Service Road, which is on the east side of Willow Road, from C-3 general commercial, to I-1 limited industrial is scheduled for a second reading.
The council will hear the third reading and vote on a proposed ordinance that would abandon a drainage easement at 1700 Mayfield Drive in the Hill Park commercial subdivision.
The council will meet at 5:30 p.m. in Municipal Center, 300 S.Church St.
The council’s nominating and rules committee will meet at 4:30 p.m. to consider several appointments to boards and committees.
The public works committee will convene at 5 p.m. | 2022-04-02T09:33:26Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Private club on Wilkins proposed | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/private-club-on-wilkins-proposed/article_4bf7847f-701f-50e6-81c2-42ba6d5253e8.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/private-club-on-wilkins-proposed/article_4bf7847f-701f-50e6-81c2-42ba6d5253e8.html |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.