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Helen Blackburn, 83, of Imboden, died Saturday, March 12, 2022, at her residence.
Helen was born in Jonesboro on Jan. 21, 1939, to Fritz and Bertha Miller Lewis. She was married to Alvin Blackburn, a good husband, provider and parent, who died on May 14, 1988, after a bout of cancer. They married in January 1957 in Hernando, Miss. They moved to Norwalk, Calif., (pop. 80,000) in 1958, and had four children while there.
In 1967, Helen and Alvin moved to Blanket, Texas (pop. 300) for a better place to raise children. While in Texas, she and her husband bought a small service station and café (Hitching Post) and ran them both for two years. Because of Alvin’s parents poor health, they moved back to Arkansas in 1970. Helen opened The Cake Place in 1970 and had many valued customers over the 36 years she was in business. She often said the most rewarding job she had was making and decorating cakes for the public, because she made friends far and wide! She missed her work!
Helen had been a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Hoxie since the age of 16. She taught classes, helped with potlucks, and helped with the food bank. In fact, the family is requesting that instead of flowers, donations be made to the food bank at Hoxie Baptist Church.
Helen’s outside interests included Lions Club, where she helped with the pancake breakfast at the Foothills Celebration and the barbecue stand at the Lawrence County Fair. At the Lawrence County Fair, she also served as a fair judge and was the manager of the Horticulture Department. Her work at the Lawrence County Fair was much appreciated.
As a member of the Lawrence County Advisory Board, she helped to prepare for the yearly county fair and rodeo. Helen was also a member of the Lawrence County Extension Homemakers Club for 61 years and served at the 4H banquet and as a judge at the yearly beauty and talent contest. She served as an officer at all levels in the EHC.
Helen served as mayor of Black Rock, and was a board member for the senior citizen meal site, chairman of the annual Foothills Celebration, member of the street and alley committee, member of the police committee, member of the water board-budget-finance committee, and the city restoration committee. She served as mayor until she retired on Jan. 1, 2006.
Since 1986, Helen has worked with the Hoxie High School Alumni Association, which holds a banquet (for any person who has ever attended Hoxie school) every three years. She was vice-president of the class of 1956, which has a luncheon on the day of the banquet for their classmates.
She was a member of the GWFC Altruism Club and helped with many projects that helped kindergarten children with reading at the schools. She also served on as foreign affairs chairman and as a member of the food and recreation committee in the club.
Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband, her brother, Harry Lewis, and her granddaughter, Gabbie Gates.
Left to mourn her passing are her daughter, Cindy (Carroll) Deen of Imboden; her sons, Glenn (Cindi) Blackburn of Black Rock, Gary (Sandy) Blackburn of Black Rock, and Tommy Blackburn of Walnut Ridge; her sister, Barbara Kilgore of Wilmington, Del.; and her sisters-in-law, Donna Isham of Blanket, Texas, and Sharon Lewis of Paragould; 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, March 15, from 5-8 p.m. at House-Gregg Funeral Home. | 2022-04-06T13:24:01Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Helen Blackburn | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/helen-blackburn/article_ed073427-4e2e-5436-95ef-1b6e7f1a56df.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/helen-blackburn/article_ed073427-4e2e-5436-95ef-1b6e7f1a56df.html |
Jack Lynn Patterson, 86, passed from this life on March 31, 2022, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.
He was born Dec. 10, 1935, in Leachville, to Tobe and Almety Patterson.
Jack graduated from Leachville High School in 1954 and then joined the U.S. Air Force. After spending a few years in the service, he moved to Clover Bend, where his parents had relocated. He spent the rest of his life there doing the things he loved the most: farming, gardening and wood carving. Much of the furniture in their home had been beautifully hand carved by Jack. For the past two years, Southwind Heights in Jonesboro was home.
Jack was a fine Christian man who loved his family deeply. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Hoxie. He was also a volunteer fireman for the Clover Bend Fire Department for several years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; one brother; and one grandson.
He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Juanita Arnn Patterson, of the home; son, Randy (Page) Patterson of Beech Bluff, Tenn.; daughter, Tammy (Glenn) Crowe of Trumann; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a number of extended family; and a host of friends.
Arrangements are under direction of House-Gregg Funeral Home of Walnut Ridge and Lynn. | 2022-04-06T13:24:07Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Jack Patterson | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/jack-patterson/article_45718ec1-efd3-5ce9-8a9d-3c96aede9211.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/jack-patterson/article_45718ec1-efd3-5ce9-8a9d-3c96aede9211.html |
Shirley Ann Guy, 86, of Walnut Ridge, Ark., passed away March 11, 2022, in hospice care at St. Bernards Hospital in Jonesboro, Ark.
Shirley was born July 27, 1935 in Newark, Ark., to the late Edgar and Willie Cleveland. She was a graduate of Newark High School and attended Draughon’s Business College in Memphis. Shirley excelled in a long career in customer service with Douglas Quikut in Walnut Ridge, Ark., for 33 years, then served as secretary for the former mayor of Walnut Ridge, Michelle Rogers.
She loved helping others, often going out of her way to please customers at Douglas Quikut, and city officials and residents of Walnut Ridge as secretary to the mayor. Shirley was honored by the Ohio home office of Douglas Quikut to write a speech on the importance of customer service and present it at a general conference held in Key West, Fla. She kept a box of letters received by the many happy customers she served and referred to them when she needed to lift her spirits. When visiting friends at Lawrence Hall Nursing Center in Walnut Ridge, she often volunteered to assist those who needed a helping hand. As a compassionate caregiver and animal lover, she helped disabled friends and fostered many cats, keeping them warm, well-fed, and loved.
Shirley enjoyed many hobbies and activities including bowling, painting, gardening, home decoration, poetry, singing with her brothers (all musicians), and attending live music at the Roundup Music Show in Brookland.
She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Walnut Ridge, Ark., sang alto in the church choir, and was active in United Methodist Women. At one time she taught fifth and sixth grade Sunday school classes. She was a member of the Schubert Music Club and Eastern Star. Shirley lived by the principle: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things,” from 1 Corinthians 13:7.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Willie Cleveland; daughter, Cyndi Molnar; husband, Billy Jeff Robins; husband, Vernon Boyd Guy; two brothers, Tom and Arthur Cleveland; and two sisters, Aline Phillips and Jean Beibers.
She is survived by her daughter, Laura Molnar (of the home); brother, Jim Cleveland (Sabra) of Greers Ferry, Ark.; and many relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on March 17, at The First United Methodist Church in Walnut Ridge, Ark., and burial service at Lawrence Memorial Cemetery in Walnut Ridge. | 2022-04-06T13:24:14Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Shirley Guy | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/shirley-guy/article_b2c1b82c-29b0-5f27-bfba-be91bec506eb.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/shirley-guy/article_b2c1b82c-29b0-5f27-bfba-be91bec506eb.html |
John was born April 4, 1936, to Rosie Lee Moody Patterson and Aaron Hearn. He was raised by his mother and daddy, Eddie Patterson Sr., whom he loved very much. He accepted Jesus as his personal savior at an early age. He graduated from Center High School in Parkin. After graduation, he went into the United States Army.
Once discharged, he settled in Chicago, where he deepened his relationship with God and the church. He expressed his love for God through singing in the church choir. He was known for his solo performances. In his professional life, he worked as an engineer before finding his passion as a barber. He worked as a barber in Chicago until he settled in Newport, where he continued cutting hair and warming hearts for an additional 23 years. While in Newport he served as the first black president of the Kiwanis Club, served in the community, and brought joy to all that crossed his path with his contagious laugh, jokes and upbeat spirit.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Patterson; children, Shawana Hudson, Johnny Moore, Rhonda Patterson, Carolyn Patterson, Cynthia Patterson, Pamela Patterson and Branda (Gordon) Carnes; grandchildren, Elizabeth Turner and Candice Cox, along with several other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
He also showed up in a father and grandfather role for several play daughters, sons and grandchildren within the community. He was lovingly known as Pops and Papa by many!
He was the oldest of 23 children combined between his mother and biological father. His siblings included Flora Patterson, Eddie (Bobbie) Patterson, Annie Patterson, Roosevelt (LaVerne) Patterson, Melva Patterson, Ora (Eddie) Doris, Bettye Patterson, Rev. Columbus Patterson, Mary (Johnnie) Williams, Rev. Charles Patterson, Willie (Diane) Patterson, Gwendolyn Diane (Jerry) Turner, Dorothy (Keith) Howell, James (Dortha) Hearn, Sylvester Cootey, Arthur Hearn, Donald Hearn, Melva Hearn, Ronald Hearn, Thomas Hearn, James Jones and Mike Webb
He departed this earth to be home with Father God on March 30, 2022. He was a great man who lived a full life. He shared his experiences with all who were willing to listen, to assist them with learning from his path. Never perfect, but always full of love and life. He will really be missed by all who loved him.
Service is Saturday, April 9, at 2 p.m. at the Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Therman Walker officiating.
220407-NI-obit-patterson-photo | 2022-04-06T23:38:38Z | www.jonesborosun.com | John Patterson | | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/john-patterson/article_7bdbc1a3-61da-5127-9b0b-b9d349b0e62b.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/john-patterson/article_7bdbc1a3-61da-5127-9b0b-b9d349b0e62b.html |
Bradley named new supt.
The Newport School District Board of Directors has named current high school principal Jon Bradley as the new school superintendent.
Interviews were conducted to fill the superintendent position last week. The school board made its official announcement on Friday.
Bradley’s term will begin on July 1. He will replace current superintendent Brett Bunch who has served as Newport’s superintendent since 2019. He will continue as superintendent at Brookland School. | 2022-04-06T23:38:44Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Bradley named new supt. | Newport | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/bradley-named-new-supt/article_f27e118b-3635-52c0-a467-0e532c9ea92b.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/bradley-named-new-supt/article_f27e118b-3635-52c0-a467-0e532c9ea92b.html |
Stop sign added at U.S. 49 and AR-34
An improvement project for the intersection of U.S. 49 and Arkansas 34 in Marmaduke calls for a change in the traffic pattern at the intersection. Beginning the week of April 11, drivers will notice a new stop sign on U.S. 49 at this intersection in Marmaduke. The stop sign will remain in place until the project is complete. The estimated project time is one year. This project includes constructing a new roundabout at this intersection. the Arkansas Department of Transportation reminds drivers to slow down and minimize distractions when moving through a work zone. Using a phone in a work zone is unlawful and can result in citations and doubled fines.
Public comments are sought
The State Consolidated Plan Committee is hosting a public hearing to obtain citizen comments on the draft 2022 Annual Action Plan for the period of July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023. The hearing will be 10-11:30 a.m. April 14 via Zoom. The meeting ID is 862 1080 4530 and the link is tinyurl.com/2tx4vvds.
During this meeting, state agencies will obtain public comments regarding the allocation of approximately $36 million in funds for the 2022 program year beginning July 1.
A draft of the proposed 2022 Annual Action Plan may be viewed online at www.arkansasedc.com/grants.
The comment period will end at 4:30 p.m., May 3 and the final draft of the plan will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on May 30.
To be considered in the final plan, written comments must be received during the public comment period and may be addressed to Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Attention: Grants Division, 1 Commerce Way, Suite 601, Little Rock 72202, or emailed to jnoble @arkansasedc.com.
Meeting scheduled
The Northeast Arkansas Regional Partners will meet at 10 a.m. April 26 in the conference room at the Jonesboro Workforce Center, 2311 E. Nettleton Ave.
Auxiliary aids and services will be available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For more information please call James Morgan at 870-932-1564.
Once completed, a digital copy of the packet will be made available at bit.ly/3ud2y36.
EPA seeks nominations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is soliciting nominations to serve on its Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee which provides independent policy advice, information and recommendations to EPA’s administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities.
To build a broad and balanced representation of perspectives, members will be selected from a variety of relevant sectors including farmers, ranchers and rural communities, farm groups, rural suppliers, marketers, and processors, academia and researchers, state, local and tribal government, and nongovernmental organizations.
Nominations should be submitted to FRRCC@epa.gov by May 16 with the subject line “FRRCC Membership 2022.” Nominations should include a resume or curriculum vitae and a statement of interest. Letters of support and recommendation will be accepted but are not mandatory.
Givens elected to Board of Governors
The American College of Healthcare Executives has elected St. Bernards Medical Center Administrator Michael Givens of Jonesboro to its Board of Governors.
ACHE, an international professional society of more than 48,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations, provides programs in credentialing, education, career counseling, publications and research.
Givens, a Fellow with ACHE, will serve a three-year term effectively immediately, overseeing ACHE operations and member services.
Summit partners with Arkansas Foodbank
Summit Utilities Arkansas has committed to supporting Arkansas Foodbank in Little Rock as its Volunteer Sponsor for 2022. As part of that commitment, Summit presented a $10,000 donation to Arkansas Foodbank on March 30 and Summit team members volunteered their time that day to sort pantry items that will be distributed to 33 counties across the state. | 2022-04-07T08:07:31Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Business briefs | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/business-briefs/article_95093f2d-aa7c-562e-b472-b2863e46f4d9.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/business-briefs/article_95093f2d-aa7c-562e-b472-b2863e46f4d9.html |
Matchmaker event registration open
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Economic Development Commission will host its annual matchmaker event in partnership with the Arkansas District Office of the Small Business Administration and the Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 11, at the Heifer International headquarters, 1 World Ave. in Little Rock.
Registration for the event is now open to owners of minority- and women-owned businesses and to vendors.
The matchmaker event is the signature occasion for AEDC’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Division. Business owners will have 15-minute scheduled matchmaking appointments with various private and public sector vendors to discuss possible contracts for their goods and services.
In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with other local business owners and listen to a variety of guest speakers at the event.
Sidney Moncrief, a five-time NBA All-Star, former Arkansas Razorback, motivational speaker, author and founder of One Team and Game Changers, Inc., will be the keynote speaker. This year’s event will also include a joint reception with the attendees of AEDC’s Rural Development Summit on the evening of May 11.
“I want to especially encourage procurement or purchasing officers from the public and private sector to register,” Esperanza Massana Crane, director of AEDC’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Division said in a press release. “The success of the event depends on the public and private sector coming together to create an atmosphere designed to promote networking opportunities to ultimately grow partnerships with minority and women-owned businesses.”
By promoting networking opportunities and pre-arranging one-on-one “speed-dating style” appointments, the annual Matchmaker Event can serve as a useful tool for both businesses and vendors seeking to secure contracts. Business owners are matched with buying representatives based on information provided during the registration process.
“Each year, about 200 businesses participate in this event,” Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston said. “We understand that small businesses owners have their plates full and often cannot get away from the office to make these valued connections, and we want to do everything we can to promote our minority- and women-owned businesses and connect them with the right people to increase their revenues and move them forward on their paths to future successes.”
To register for the event online, visit bit.ly/3LMpEnm. | 2022-04-07T08:07:37Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Matchmaker event registration open | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/matchmaker-event-registration-open/article_05ddf1eb-4879-5b48-a074-fb143a13d80e.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/matchmaker-event-registration-open/article_05ddf1eb-4879-5b48-a074-fb143a13d80e.html |
Public comment sought for proposed amendment
LITTLE ROCK — A proposed amendment to the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program for Federal fiscal years 2021-24 is now available for public comment.
These funds will be utilized to strategically deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure and establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability.
The public is invited to review and comment on the contents of this proposed STIP amendment by April 30. The amendment may also be reviewed at the ArDOT Central Office or the State Clearinghouse.
For more information, or to request a copy of this proposed amendment by mail, contact the ArDOT Program Management Division at 501-569-2262.
All comments regarding this proposed STIP amendment should be submitted to STIP@ardot.gov or in writing to Jared Wiley, P.E., Assistant Chief Engineer – Planning, Arkansas Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 2261, Little Rock 72203. | 2022-04-07T08:07:43Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Public comment sought for proposed amendment | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/public-comment-sought-for-proposed-amendment/article_f29fea33-e684-58c6-a271-3af8e01389bd.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/public-comment-sought-for-proposed-amendment/article_f29fea33-e684-58c6-a271-3af8e01389bd.html |
3 handguns stolen from vehicles
JONESBORO — Three firearms were stolen in two vehicle break-ins on Tuesday.
In the first case, a 36-year-old Jonesboro man told police at 9:18 a.m. Tuesday that two handguns were stolen from his vehicle at the intersection of East Nettleton Avenue and Frisco Street.
Taken were a .45-caliber Smith & Wesson and a .40-caliber Glock with a total value of $1,168.
In the second case, a 23-year-old Jonesboro woman reported at 7:13 p.m. Tuesday that someone entered her vehicle in the 900 block of Links Circle and took OD Green 9 mm handgun with a 12-round magazine. The value of the gun is listed at $488.
A 35-year-old Jonesboro woman reported that someone in a gold Chevrolet Lumina pointed a handgun at her during a case of road rage on Tuesday evening at the intersection of Nettleton Avenue and South Main Street.
A 39-year-old Jonesboro woman reported that her vehicle was broken into Wednesday morning in the 1100 block of Olive Street. Stolen were $2,200 in cash, a food steamer valued at $3,500 and a $40 wallet with debit and credit cards inside.
A 63-year-old Jonesboro man reported at 2:04 p.m. Tuesday that his residence was broken into in the 1400 block of Oakhurst Street. Stolen was a wallet containing $97 in cash. | 2022-04-07T08:07:55Z | www.jonesborosun.com | 3 handguns stolen from vehicles | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/3-handguns-stolen-from-vehicles/article_64fd6aeb-a83e-5d6b-bb60-c2443d960104.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/3-handguns-stolen-from-vehicles/article_64fd6aeb-a83e-5d6b-bb60-c2443d960104.html |
Butch Smith (left) and Tate Williams discuss the murder of their mother, former state Sen. Linda Collins of Pocahontas in an interview to air at 8 p.m. Friday on Dateline NBC.
POCAHONTAS — The murder of former state Sen. Linda Collins will be revisited on national television Friday when Dateline NBC airs “The Hands of a Killer.”
The network said the two-hour episode will air at 8 p.m. It will feature interviews with family members, law enforcement and other insiders in the case.
Butch Smith found his mother’s body on June 4, 2019, wrapped in a blanket and placed beneath a tarp in the driveway of her Pocahontas-area home. The state medical examiner determined she died of multiple stab wounds.
Rebecca Lynn O’Donnell, a former friend, was arrested 10 days later.
O’Donnell eventually entered into a plea deal and in August 2020, was sentenced to a total of 50 years in prison.
In addition to pleading guilty to first-degree murder, O’Donnell pleaded no contest to two counts of criminal solicitation in a separate case where she was charged in Jackson County with asking fellow inmates to kill Collins’ ex-husband and others while she was in jail.
Leading up to the scheduled trial, prosecutors had said they intended to seek the death penalty. | 2022-04-07T08:08:02Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Collins murder focus of Dateline NBC | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/collins-murder-focus-of-dateline-nbc/article_b2499162-577a-56d4-b4c3-02230758ab40.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/collins-murder-focus-of-dateline-nbc/article_b2499162-577a-56d4-b4c3-02230758ab40.html |
Veterans housing to have new name
JONESBORO — Don’t call it Veterans Village.
The transitional housing facility for homeless veterans in Jonesboro, which opened in late December, now is known as Veterans Cottages of Jonesboro.
Regina Burkitt, the city’s grants coordinator, told city council members Tuesday the name change is necessary because it infringes on a trademark held by Veterans Villages of America, Inc.
The facility is a collection of seven standalone one-bedroom, 550-square-foot homes, and two 950-square-foot, two-bedroom homes recently completed at 920 Aggie Road.
It’s operated in collaboration with the Beck Center for Veterans at Arkansas State University, the Veterans Administration and other organizations.
Four veterans are living there at this point, but Lynda Nash, director of the Beck Center, pointed out that it’s not fully-authorized to operate.
“It’s been a complicated process,” Nash said Wednesday.
Construction was funded largely by a $1,058,925 grant from the National Housing Trust Fund, administered in Arkansas by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority. Burkitt said the city is still in the process of closing out that grant.
Planning began in 2017 under former Mayor Harold Perrin, inspired by a project in Kansas City, Mo.
It’s the first neighborhood providing housing and resources for homeless veterans of its kind in Arkansas.
Current Mayor Harold Copenhaver said he’s proud of the efforts so far and committed to making it a success.
“We’re working with four federal agencies here and Sen. (John) Boozman specifically said they’re very difficult across the country, and many of these facilities don’t make it,” Copenhaver said. “Ours is going to make it. And it’s doing a fine job. But it takes resources. It takes partnerships in our community, as well.”
In 2021, Arkansas had 230,000 veterans, including more than 6,000 in Craighead County. Officials estimated that more than 500 throughout the state were homeless. | 2022-04-07T08:08:26Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Veterans housing to have new name | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/veterans-housing-to-have-new-name/article_4c238d7f-6015-5db0-8d59-dbeed71bf481.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/veterans-housing-to-have-new-name/article_4c238d7f-6015-5db0-8d59-dbeed71bf481.html |
On Monday, Little Rock-based Westrock Coffee announced it was becoming a publicly-traded company and merging with Memphis-based Riverview Acquisition Company. Westrock is being valued at more than $1 billion at $10 per share. It hopes to raise $500 million through the stock sale. You’ll be able to buy shares on the NASDAQ market under the symbol WEST. | 2022-04-07T08:09:21Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Good news with coffee, covid and the Arkansas River | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/good-news-with-coffee-covid-and-the-arkansas-river/article_d0ed0d55-5759-5d99-a8d7-f23da0ebea4b.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/good-news-with-coffee-covid-and-the-arkansas-river/article_d0ed0d55-5759-5d99-a8d7-f23da0ebea4b.html |
Why November matters?
After the November 2022 midterm elections, what will the agenda for the House and Senate look like. The answer to this hinges on who wins. For argument’s sake let’s consider two outcomes, first the Democrats pick up two Senate seats and hold the House. This eliminates the Manchin/Sinema effect. The second outcome is that the Democrats lose both the Senate and the House.
In most cases predicting economic events one year in advance is a fool’s errand, but in this case, with economic agendas being either proposed or leaked, successful predictions are more a function of politics than economics.
Democrats are in favor of, and would pursue, reducing daycare costs, assisting with elder care, allowing Medicare and Medicaid Services to negotiate drug prices, making permanent the refundable child tax, raising taxes on those making more than $400,000 and establishing a minimum corporate tax rate of 20 percent. Republicans are not in favor of any of the Democratic proposals and would not pursue any of them. Additionally, various Republican senators have their own proposals.
Senator Rick Scott of Florida would give the president a line-item veto, which is unconstitutional, prohibit debt ceiling increases, tax poor and retired people, reduce IRS funding by half, end imports from China, and finally require every federal law to be reauthorized every five years, a proposal that if passed would threaten the existence of Social Security and Medicare.
Senator Romney of Utah is in favor of reviving an expanded refundable child tax credit to $350 per child, but with significant work requirements. His proposal would also end the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program, reduce funding for food stamps, and end the federal tax deduction for state and local taxes. In comments to the Senate budget committee, Senator Romney also raised the idea of cutting Social Security benefits, but only for younger generations before they reach retirement age, as a way to “save” Social Security, but he is opposed to any increase in the Social Security tax rate or base.
Most recently, House Republicans proposed raising the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 69. For reasons of health or job displacement most workers retire below their full retirement age. Contrary to popular belief, the average Social Security check is not large, the average yearly Social Security retirement benefit is only $19,931, or $1,660 per month.
Any policymaker proposing raising Social Security’s retirement age should understand the impact this would have on American workers. American life expectancy is decreasing, not increasing. Increases in the retirement age will have their greatest impact on those who can afford them the least (lower-income workers with shorter life expectancies) who are less likely to be able to continue working to age 70.
The differing view on the nation’s social safety net, as it exists today, and what it might look like the future, has real world consequences. An example of the problems created by our incomplete, and inconsistent, social welfare programs can be seen in the plight of a young woman I recently met in Ohio.
This mother of five, having lost her husband due to mental illness, and their savings in a fraudulent investment scheme, found herself evicted from their apartment, and, after the refundable child tax credit expired had her car repossessed. In her quest for assistance she discovered that she was ineligible for Section 8 housing due to a lack of income.
Her application for assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families was denied because she had not applied for employment, which was impossible since she could not afford the $2,757/month day care for three children even if she had a job. With no vehicle, and having missed doctors’ appointments for her twin children, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services was threatening to place her children in foster care. Today she depends on the charity of friends for shelter, transportation and to some extent food.
Her story is not unique, there are many women who struggle with low wages, a lack of child care, or for reasons of health or location are simply unable to work. Their future welfare hinges on the November elections. The now expired refundable tax credit reduced child poverty by 50 percent, it has since increased by 50 percent.
During WWII children received care in government subsidized daycare centers for $1 to $1.50/day for two children, in 2021, that’s less than $24/day, or $480/month, far less that the average cost in the U.S. of $1,838/month. We provided the assistance families needed last year, in the past, and we can do it again. Whether or not we do it depends on how we vote in November. | 2022-04-07T08:09:27Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Why November matters? | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/why-november-matters/article_e0304313-3a9e-514a-9287-c9b150dfed32.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/why-november-matters/article_e0304313-3a9e-514a-9287-c9b150dfed32.html |
Valley View’s Tyler Hoskins sprints for third base during the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader with Westside at the Jack Moore Complex. The Blazers won the second game 18-2 to complete a doubleheader sweep.
Blazers sweep Warriors in 4A-3 doubleheader
JONESBORO — Valley View pounded out 27 hits Tuesday to sweep Westside in a 4A-3 conference baseball doubleheader at the Blazers’ Jack Moore Complex.
Eli Crecelius pitched a five-inning no-hitter as the Blazers took the first game 14-0. Valley View (15-2, 8-0 conference) finished the sweep with an 18-2 victory in the second game.
Crecelius struck out eight batters and walked only one in the first game. The Blazers gave him early offensive support with all 14 runs in the first three innings.
Tyler Hoskins was 3-for-3 with a triple, a home run, three runs batted in and two runs scored during the first game. Slade Caldwell was also 3-for-3 with two doubles, a home run, two RBIs and two runs scored.
Jackson Stotts was 2-for-2 with a triple and three RBIs; Lawson Ward was 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI; Carter Saulsbury doubled, drove in a run and scored twice; Preston Watlington drove in a run; and Carson Turley and Ryan Collins scored two runs each.
Cooper Lutz was 3-for-3 with three doubles, three RBIs and four runs scored in the second game. Caldwell was 2-for-2 with a home run, his seventh of the season, and three RBIs. Carson Turley tripled and drove in three runs.
Watlington was 2-for-2 and scored three runs; Saulsbury was 2-for-3 and scored twice; Stotts had a hit and drove in two runs; Kannon Jones had a hit, an RBI and scored three runs; Collins had a hit and an RBI; and Gavin Tice and Tyler Martin drove in one run each.
Carson Tosh pitched three innings for the victory, allowing one run on three hits while striking out five and walking two. Keats Grantham pitched two innings, striking out five while giving up one run on two hits.
Marion 7-7, Nettleton 0-0MARION – Marion swept Nettleton in 5A-East conference baseball Tuesday, winning both games 7-0.
Chase Armstrong and Zachary McGinnis combined to pitch a no-hitter for Marion in the first game. Armstrong, who has signed with Arkansas State, struck out seven batters and walked two over five innings. McGinnis struck out three and walked one in the final two innings.
Jett Sutton homered and Gage Watson was 2-for-4 with two RBIs to lead the Patriots, who broke the game open with a four-run fourth inning. Nettleton starter Maddox Hampton pitched four innings, yielding six runs on five hits while striking out three and walking three.
Benjamin Gerrard and Daxton Davis combined to strike out 10 batters in the second game for Marion (12-4, 5-1 conference). Armstrong was 2-for-4 with a double, home run and three RBIs.
Kenwarren McShan had the lone hit for the Raiders (4-11, 0-6 conference). Nettleton starting pitcher Seth Bishop worked five innings, yielding five runs (four earned) on five hits while striking out one and walking none.
Walnut Ridge 5-7, Harrisburg 2-3WALNUT RIDGE – Walnut Ridge swept Harrisburg in a 3A-3 conference baseball doubleheader Tuesday, winning the first game 5-2 and the second 7-3.
The Bobcats scored five runs in the sixth inning to rally for the victory in the first game, taking advantage of an error to plate three runs. Kel Slusser also drove in a run in the sixth.
Slusser, Maddox Jean and Bo Kersey had hits for the Bobcats. Kersey pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out three. Mason Andrews earned the victory with 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief, striking out three batters.
Harrisburg’s Samuel Moore pitched 5 1/3 innings, giving up two hits and two runs while striking out 10. Eastin Gray was 3-for-3 for the Hornets and Drake Masters added two hits.
Rex Tedder was 2-for-4 with with three RBIs to lead Walnut Ridge. Kersey was 2-for-3 and scored twice; Slusser was 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored; Andrews drove in two runs; and Nolan Belcher drove in a run for the Bobcats (11-2, 8-1 conference).
Harrisburg’s Brylan Honeycutt pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing eight hits and six runs while striking out six and walking one. Trey Davis was 2-for-4 to lead the Hornets.
Bay 5, Rector 2BAY – Bay rallied to edge Rector 5-2 in 2A-3 conference baseball Tuesday.
The Yellowjackets (5-5, 3-3 conference) trailed 2-0 going into the bottom of the fifth inning before scoring three runs to take a 3-2 lead. Bay scored a pair of insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth to go up 5-2.
Duck Fletcher went the distance on the mound for Bay, allowing two runs (one earned) on seven hits and a walk while striking out 11. Fletcher picked up his second win of the season and lowered his ERA to 1.79 through 31 1/3 innings of work.
Cleanup hitter Landon Therrell smashed a three-run double down the left field line to give the Yellowjackets the lead with two outs in the fifth inning.
The Cougars (11-3, 7-2 conference) were led by John Hendrix and Jackson Hill, who both had a pair of hits for Rector. Evan Holmes pitched five innings, allowing four runs (all earned) on eight hits.
Marmaduke 7, Riverside 6LAKE CITY – Marmaduke edged Riverside 7-6 Tuesday in 2A-3 conference baseball.
Easton Hatch and Trae Barnes both finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs each for Riverside. Brayeson Timms was 2-for-4, while Kaleb Tacker was 3-for-4 with an RBI.
Barnes pitched two innings for Riverside, yielding four runs (two earned). Tacker pitched 2 1/3 innings, striking out four.
Tuckerman 10, Newport 0TUCKERMAN – Tuckerman defeated Jackson County rival Newport 10-0 in high school baseball Monday.
Aaron Hurst threw a one-hit shutout while striking out 12 batters for the Bulldogs. Hurst also hit a three-run home run.
Timothy Ward drove in three runs, while Eli Tackett and Will Tubbs contributed multiple hits. Tuckerman (10-9, 2-3 conference) suffered a 9-5 loss to Sloan-Hendrix on Tuesday. | 2022-04-07T08:09:33Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Blazers sweep Warriors in 4A-3 doubleheader | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/blazers-sweep-warriors-in-4a-3-doubleheader/article_21c32137-8242-5551-973a-7bcebaedda9b.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/blazers-sweep-warriors-in-4a-3-doubleheader/article_21c32137-8242-5551-973a-7bcebaedda9b.html |
In 1860, he was elected governor. He campaigned on a moderate platform opposing secession; but in 1861, he asked for a convention to consider the question. Though Missouri was a slave state, it existed mostly in the southern half of the state and most residents were opposed to leaving the Union. The state legislature was dominated by Unionists. Jackson, however, had come from a slave-owning family and had sponsored several resolutions in the state senate denouncing any attempt by Congress to limit slavery. When the secession convention began, he gave up his pretenses and lobbied delegates to support secession. He was ignored, and the convention voted overwhelmingly to stay in the Union. Jackson declared Missouri to be neutral, refusing to supply men or weapons to either side; but he was quietly working with Confederate officials to undermine the Union position in the state and seize the U.S. Army arsenal in St. Louis. | 2022-04-07T15:17:42Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Government in exile | Newport | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/government-in-exile/article_b49334ca-a9e2-5751-b4db-bb3ddb1b2541.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/government-in-exile/article_b49334ca-a9e2-5751-b4db-bb3ddb1b2541.html |
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson gets his second COVID-19 booster shot during his media briefing on Tuesday as Arkansas First Lady Susan Hutchinson looks on. The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have made a second booster shot available and recommend it be taken by those over 50 and those who are immunocompromised.
Screen shot / Independent Staff
By Steve Gillespie Independent Staff
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, and Arkansas First Lady Susan Hutchinson, took their second COVID-19 booster shots in public Tuesday from nurses with the Arkansas Department of Health.
During his weekly media briefing Hutchinson also announced that Arkansas Secretary of Health, Dr. Jose Romero, is leaving the Arkansas Department of Health to take a job with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Romero’s resignation will be in effect May 6. He thanked the governor, other public health officials, and his wife for their support during his time as the state’s top health official.
Romero was named interim health secretary for Arkansas in May 2020 after his predecessor, Dr. Nathaniel Smith, also left to work for the CDC. Romero became Arkansas Secretary of Health in September of 2020.
Romero also continued to encourage everyone Tuesday to be vaccinated, and to receive available booster shots to combat COVID-19. He said that even though those who have contracted the virus do develop a natural immunity, that does not persist, and those individuals also should follow through with vaccinations.
That is why the governor and his wife took their second booster shots publicly, to emphasize the importance of the vaccinations. Romero also received his second booster shot at the media briefing.
The Food and Drug Administration and CDC have made the second booster shot available to certain populations and recommend that those older than 50 and those who are immunocompromised get the shot.
Also on Tuesday, Hutchinson called for an expansion of the state’s Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) to monitor high-risk offenders while citing an increase in violent crime in Arkansas, including the Little Rock metropolitan area.
According to the governor’s office, the new expansion will add 10 ISP officers to the program, which will cover five counties including Lonoke, Jefferson, Faulkner, Saline, and Pulaski.
The goal of the program is to provide a higher level of support, and supervision to those who pose a higher risk of violent crimes.
“These are those that have spent time in prison released on parole, that are trying to get a second start in life, and we want to be able to help them to do that,” Hutchinson said. ”But you have an element of those who pose a greater risk than others and that is the design of the ISP program that focuses on high-risk offenders.”
The program expansion will cost $1,091,585 to start with, and then have an ongoing cost of $820,395 a year, but both costs will have to be approved by the General Assembly to go forward. | 2022-04-07T15:17:48Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Romero leaving state for CDC job | Newport | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/romero-leaving-state-for-cdc-job/article_14c73c0c-16d0-5929-890d-0c8bb15ff43a.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/romero-leaving-state-for-cdc-job/article_14c73c0c-16d0-5929-890d-0c8bb15ff43a.html |
Maybe it’s the perspective a long life brings, but I find myself eyeing with some skepticism the glut of “personal brands” that assault us every day on television, in print, and through social media. Entertainers, celebrities, politicians striving for acclaim, artists and writers who’ve mastered the public-relations game, journalists and media stars who are building their national profiles – all are “important” in terms of the attention they garner. But are they actually important?
Still, politicians are hardly the only people who’ve been important to this country’s course as a nation. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, John Lewis, and other civil rights activists and leaders confronted head on the inequities that were present at our founding and were allowed to linger – and though they hardly ended them, by virtue of their courage and political skill they produced not only legal change but lasting social change. The same could be said for the countless Americans – women, Latinos, gays and lesbians, and others – who over the last half-century have pushed the notion that this needs to be a land of opportunity for all, not just a few.
But I tend to take a narrower view. In the end, our country, its democracy, and the welfare of its citizens need constant tending; the long arc of our history has pointed toward justice, the rule of law, freedom of conscience, opportunity for all, and advancement of the greater good, but it requires never-ending work to get there. To my mind, it’s the people who pursue those ideals – prominent and ordinary alike – who are most important. They are the ones who strive to ensure that we live up to our promise and who belong on a list of important Americans. | 2022-04-07T15:18:01Z | www.jonesborosun.com | What does it take to be important in America? | Newport | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/what-does-it-take-to-be-important-in-america/article_ced2c252-dcb0-5b1f-b2fb-3477b64d642e.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/what-does-it-take-to-be-important-in-america/article_ced2c252-dcb0-5b1f-b2fb-3477b64d642e.html |
Partly cloudy skies. Gusty winds during the evening. Low near 40F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..
Bulldogs have busy week
On March 28, the Tuckerman Bulldogs traveled to Cave City for varsity baseball.
In the second inning, both teams were able to score a run and the score was 1-1 after two innings of play. Both teams were scoreless until the sixth inning when the Cavemen scored another run in the sixth and held the Bulldogs scoreless in the top of the seventh to take a 3-2 win.
David Platt, Owen Keller and Eli Tackett went 1-for-2 at the plate with Platt and Aaron Hurst having one RBI each on the day.
Owen Keller was the starting pitcher for the Bulldogs and he pitched 4.1 innings and struck out four. Timothy Ward (3-2) pitched in relief for the Bulldogs and took the loss. He pitched 1.2 innings and struck out two. With the loss, the Bulldogs fell to 8-6 overall and 2-1 in conference play.
On March 29, the Tuckerman Bulldogs traveled to Salem for a varsity baseball conference game.
The Bulldogs got on the scoreboard first in the top of the second when they took a 1-0 lead. Salem countered in the bottom of the third by taking a 4-1 lead. In the top of the fourth, the Bulldogs scored three runs to tie the game after four innings of play. In the bottom of the fifth, Salem was able to score three runs to take a 7-4 lead.
The Bulldogs mounted a comeback in the top of the seventh, but was only able to score one run after having the bases loaded. Salem was able to get the final out in the top of the seventh to take the 7-5 win.
Will King was 1-for-4 with two RBIs, Keller was 1-for-3 with an RBI, and Ward was 1-for-4 with an RBI. Platt (2-2) was the starting pitcher and took the loss. He pitched 4.1 innings and struck out six. Aaron Hurst 1.2 innings and struck out two. With the loss, the Bulldogs fell to 8-7 overall and 2-2 in conference play.
Greers Ferry West Side
On April 2, the Tuckerman Bulldogs traveled to Rosebud to play in a tri-match. Their first game of the day was against Greers Ferry West Side. West Side scored in the bottom of the first to take a 1-0 lead and kept the lead until the top of the third when the Bulldogs scored two runs to take a 2-1 lead. West Side answered in the bottom of the third with two runs to take a 3-2 lead after three innings.
In the top of the fourth, Tuckerman was able to tie the score at 3-3. In the final three innings of the game, the Bulldogs outscored Westside 7-3 to take the 10-6 win.
King was 2-for-2 with two runs and an RBI. Aaron Hurst was 2-for-3 with three runs and three RBIs, and Finley Lancaster was 1-for-3 with two runs and an RBI.
The starting pitcher was Keller (2-1) who picked up the win and pitched four innings, allowed two hits, three runs and struck out six. Pitching in relief for the Bulldogs were King who pitched 1.2 innings and allowed a hit, and David Platt, who pitched 1.1 innings and allowed a hit and struck out four. With the win, the Bulldogs improved to 9-7 overall and 2-2 in conference play.
The Bulldogs played their second game of the tri-match against Rosebud. Rosebud struck first with two runs in the bottom of the first to take a 2-0 lead. The Bulldogs were able to score a run in the top of the second to cut the lead to 2-1. This would be the only run the Bulldogs would score in the game. At the end of the game, the Bulldogs took a 4-1 loss.
King went 3-for-4, D.T. King went 1-for-4 with an RBI.
Brantley Lane (0-1) was the starting pitcher and took the loss. He pitched six innings and allowed four hits and struck out nine.
With the loss, the Bulldogs fall to 9-8 overall and 2-2 in conference play. | 2022-04-07T21:18:35Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Bulldogs have busy week | Newport | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/bulldogs-have-busy-week/article_c84843c9-4763-5b1b-945c-3b5b6316f2a1.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/bulldogs-have-busy-week/article_c84843c9-4763-5b1b-945c-3b5b6316f2a1.html |
MANILA — With no hospitals or urgent care facilities within 15 miles of Manila, Dr. Tommy Wagner has entered into an agreement with St. Bernards to provide after-hours and weekend Urgent Care services in Manila seven days a week.
Wagner said on Thursday that the expanded care concept arose from western Mississippi County’s central location among hospitals and urgent cares, with nothing offered in a 15-mile radius.
Being a native of Manila, Wagner said he has always envisioned bringing something closer to home.
“I have always wanted to do something like this but it became incomprehensible after the start of Covid,” he said, noting that they have been short staffed anyway since the beginning of the pandemic.
“This is a positive thing all the way around,” Wagner said. “I really am excited about this and know that it is a win-win for the community, my staff and all our patients.”
According to a press release, St. Bernards entered an agreement with Wagner to provide uninterrupted care for patients and their families at Wagner Medical Clinic, which is located at 3364 W Highway 18 in Manila.
“The timing just seemed right,” Wagner said. “It felt like this was a great opportunity.”
The expanded care services, which will be opening soon, marks the first clinic of its kind in western Mississippi County.
“It has been a quick process,” he said, noting that he is proud of the fact that the partnership is about serving the community.
“St Bernards’ priorities are in the right place,” he said. “They are putting patients first.”
The only hold up so far has been getting all the credentials approved and in order, he said, noting that he hopes to have the after-hour clinic up and running by mid to late May.
Doctors Health Group President John Lieblong with St. Bernards Healthcare said in the release that Dr. Wagner’s team will continue its practice at the clinic, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and then St. Bernards physicians and providers will staff the clinic after hours and on the weekends.
“The clinic will operate like our other four Urgent Care facilities, two in Jonesboro, one in Paragould and one in Kennett, Missouri,” Lieblong said. “Patients can visit us without an appointment for non-emergent injuries and illnesses.”
Wagner said that many of his staff have also chose to help with after-hours staffing by catching a few more hours themselves.
This means that their patients will see some the same faces, Wagner said, even when they have to see a doctor outside of normal business hours.
“Quick access to care remains important to me, and I want to prevent my patients from having to travel for care,” he said. I’m grateful that Wagner Medical Clinic gets to play a role in the solution, and I look forward to an extended partnership with St. Bernards.”
Lieblong agreed stating that this agreement aligns with St. Bernards’ efforts throughout its 23-county service area.
“St. Bernards has always prioritized immediate care access to all who need it,” he said. “Consequently, we greatly value Dr. Wagner and his team.”
“He’s a trusted provider in the region, born and raised in the community where he now cares for patients,” Lieblong said. “He’s built an incredible practice and facility. In turn, we consider it a privilege to serve that community and extend the solid foundation of care already established there.”
Wagner added that he felt that this could not have happened without the support of Lieblong and Chris Barber, CEO of St. Bernards Healthcare, who have played an important part in this process and have been very supportive of him and his staff.
For more information, visit https://www. stbernards.info/locations/st-bernards-urgent-care, or call the St. Bernards Healthline at (870) 207-7300. | 2022-04-08T09:59:59Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Clinic to provide Urgent Care services in Manila | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/clinic-to-provide-urgent-care-services-in-manila/article_93c10aec-0284-55b3-b775-7c1f9fee5fd0.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/clinic-to-provide-urgent-care-services-in-manila/article_93c10aec-0284-55b3-b775-7c1f9fee5fd0.html |
Company officials and area leaders gather around one of the first electric vehicles assembled by Envirotech Vehicles at the company’s Osceola plant Thursday.
Courtesy Envirotech
OSCEOLA — Local leaders and company officials gathered Thursday to celebrate the final assembly of the first motor vehicles manufactured in Arkansas.
The zero-emission, purpose-built electric vehicles were produced by Envirotech Vehicles, Inc. at its facility in Osceola.
Phillip Oldridge, chief executive officer of Envirotech Vehicles, said the 58 vehicles and 10 right-hand drive vehicles would be distributed to customers across the country, from New Jersey to Utah.
“As the only auto manufacturer in the state, we are honored to be leaders in the future of Arkansas’ transportation industry,” Oldridge said. “Today’s event is a great reminder that, as our company continues to progress through this new journey, we are thankful for all of the support we have received from community and business leaders across the state who believe in our expertise and mission. Our facility will not only do great things for our company but also the local economy in Mississippi County and surrounding areas as we provide more jobs and more revenue generation for the state.”
The company bought the 580,000-square-foot former Fruit of the Loom building at 1425 Ohlendorf Road. When announcing plans for the Osceola facility, the company said it expected to create more than 800 jobs as well as additional indirect jobs in Mississippi County.
Osceola Mayor Sally Wilson welcomed the company to town.
“Envirotech Vehicles is an incredible addition to our city’s workforce,” said Wilson. “Companies that are willing to go the extra mile to be leaders in their respective industries are exactly what Osceola needs as our city continues to grow and look for ways to bolster its employment offerings and livability.”
Clif Chitwood, president of the Great River Economic Development Foundation commented, “We’re glad to officially be welcoming Envirotech Vehicles to Mississippi County. As we continue to diversify and fuel our workforce, we are thrilled that Envirotech Vehicles chose our county for their new U.S.-based manufacturing facility.” | 2022-04-08T10:00:05Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Envirotech rolls out first vehicles | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/envirotech-rolls-out-first-vehicles/article_0c091ac3-858f-5054-89ae-7a4b76168aee.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/envirotech-rolls-out-first-vehicles/article_0c091ac3-858f-5054-89ae-7a4b76168aee.html |
JONESBORO — Guns being stolen from vehicles and residences mean more guns on the street in the hands of criminals.
Since Jan. 1, more than 40 firearms have been taken, mostly from vehicles, some of which were unlocked, according to Jonesboro police reports.
Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott said Thursday that gun owners should take their weapons inside of their residences at night and not leave them in their vehicles.
“Lock your guns up and don’t leave them in the car,” Elliott said. “I’ll keep preaching this as long as I’m here.”
He said not a lot of vehicles’ windows have been broken out which leads him to think the vehicles were unlocked. He said it’s not just guns that are stolen but coolers, laptops and cash.
He said guns stolen in Jonesboro have shown up in Memphis, West Memphis and as far away as Atlanta
In 2017, 64 firearms were stolen in a burglary from the former Turtle Creek Pawn Shop. Elliott said those guns still show up in arrests here and other cities.
In May 2020, a burglary at Gee Street Pawn, 1101 Gee St., resulted in several guns being stolen.
He said gangs will move weapons and drugs from city to city.
Justin Rolland, chief deputy for the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office, also said on Thursday that gun owners should bring their firearms inside overnight.
“At least lock the vehicle,” he said.
He said it is also important not to leave firearms in plain sight.
“It’s inviting for someone looking through the windows with a flashlight,” Rolland said. “Keep them out of sight.”
Jonesboro police are getting guns off of the street when making arrests. The total number of guns taken off the streets since January is 101, according to Sally Smith, Jonesboro Police Department’s public information specialist.
In 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reported that Arkansas had 295 firearms stolen.
According to behindthebadge.com in 2019, “The numbers aren’t exact but in the last decade over 2 million guns were reported stolen. Estimates range anywhere from 237,000 to 380,000 firearms are stolen every year from gun owners. Gun theft is also believed to be significantly underreported. Most states don’t require gun owners to report when their guns have been stolen.
“Firearms aren’t just being stolen from homes but from vehicles as well. Whenever a thief finds a firearm, they’ve hit the jackpot. Guns are easy to sell on the underground market. If you hang around the right places and with the right people, it’s easy to get ahold of a gun.”
According to television station ABC 13 in Houston, the station obtained new statistics from the Houston Police Department, which reveal there were 2,604 reports of guns being stolen from vehicles in 2021. That is an increase compared with 2,368 stolen gun reports in 2020.
“Every one of those guns stolen from a car is ending up in a criminal’s hands,” said Fred Milanowski, a special agent in charge of Houston Field Division for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
According to Milanowski, stolen guns have a direct impact on the crime and homicide rate, which continues to climb in Houston.
“We know that from our investigations and from our debriefing of criminals,” Milanowski said. “There are some criminals we interviewed that said all they do all night long is break into cars and get all the guns they want.” | 2022-04-08T10:00:11Z | www.jonesborosun.com | More than 40 guns stolen in Jonesboro this year | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/more-than-40-guns-stolen-in-jonesboro-this-year/article_5ea3edc3-4e6d-5c10-9cc3-03d0c33348f7.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/more-than-40-guns-stolen-in-jonesboro-this-year/article_5ea3edc3-4e6d-5c10-9cc3-03d0c33348f7.html |
VALLEY VIEW — Students and staff will be saying goodbye to Superintendent Bryan Russell at the end of the school year, however, the role will be filled with a familiar face as Curriculum Specialist Roland Popejoy steps up to take the position.
Russell has been with the Valley View School District for 11 years, having served nine of those years as superintendent, but after 32 years in education he said he feels the timing is right.
Russell said he is thrilled that Popejoy was chosen as his replacement and Sara Osment, who is currently a curriculum specialist and GT coordinator, as the new assistant superintendent.
Osment has served the district for the past 13 years.
“I have been working with them for seven years,” Russell said. “I have trained them and know they are more then capable. It just made my decision so much easier to know that they were ready and wanted to move up.”
Russell said that he is looking forward to retirement.
“Me and my wife will be enjoying the outdoors. We will be doing a lot of floating at Lake Norfork,” he said.
He also plans on enjoying time with his two grandchildren. “I am going to be a full-time Pop-Pop,” Russell laughed.
According to a post on the school’s Facebook page, Popejoy has served as high school assistant principal and high school principal, as well as the current curriculum specialist position, at Valley View for the past 12 years.
Prior to Valley View, Popejoy taught junior high and high school math for seven years in two different school districts in Northeast Arkansas.
He holds a BSE in Mathematics Education, MSE in Curriculum and Instruction, and Ed.S. in Educational Leadership all from Arkansas State University as well as National Board Certification in AYA Mathematics.
Popejoy is married to Erin Popejoy, who serves as fifth and sixth grade counselor at Valley View, and they have two children, Case and Carigan, who are both Valley View students, as well.
“I am grateful to the school board for the opportunity to lead the outstanding, hard working staff our district employs in serving the Valley View community,” Popejoy said on Facebook. “I look forward to working with students, staff, parents and community to build on the excellence the district is known for while also pursuing new opportunities that will lead the district to even greater success in the future.” | 2022-04-08T10:00:17Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Russell retiring from Valley View after 32 years in education | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/russell-retiring-from-valley-view-after-32-years-in-education/article_754a1992-2193-50ee-b985-71e49c394875.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/russell-retiring-from-valley-view-after-32-years-in-education/article_754a1992-2193-50ee-b985-71e49c394875.html |
In 1860, he was elected governor. He campaigned on a moderate platform opposing secession; but in 1861, he asked for a convention to consider the question. Though Missouri was a slave state, it existed mostly in the southern half of the state and most residents were opposed to leaving the Union. The state legislature was dominated by Unionists. Jackson, however, had come from a slave-owning family and had sponsored several resolutions in the state senate denouncing any attempt by Congress to limit slavery.
When the secession convention began, he gave up his pretenses and lobbied delegates to support secession. He was ignored, and the convention voted overwhelmingly to stay in the Union. Jackson declared Missouri to be neutral, refusing to supply men or weapons to either side; but he was quietly working with Confederate officials to undermine the Union position in the state and seize the U. S. Army arsenal in St. Louis.
He died in Little Rock on Dec. 6 at age 56. Jackson was buried in Little Rock at Mount Holly Cemetery, and even in death he was rejected. The new Missouri government refused to allow him to be buried in the state as a final rejection of secession and all the symbolism surrounding it. Years after the war, Jackson’s family arranged to have him buried in a family plot in central Missouri. | 2022-04-08T10:01:06Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Government in exile | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/government-in-exile/article_8bd41dd8-87f4-5364-9412-3721e05c0e69.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/government-in-exile/article_8bd41dd8-87f4-5364-9412-3721e05c0e69.html |
Arkansas State bowling coach Justin Kostick speaks with a player during a practice round this season. The Red Wolves compete in the NCAA Lansing Regional today.
JONESBORO — The path to what Arkansas State hopes will be its first national championship in women’s bowling begins this morning in Lansing, Mich.
ASU plays Youngstown State in a first-round match in the NCAA Bowling Championship’s Lansing Regional at 8 a.m. A match against No. 3 overall seed Vanderbilt or Alabama State awaits the Red Wolves this afternoon as the double-elimination event continues at 2 p.m.
The Red Wolves are in the NCAA tournament field for the 14th consecutive season. They have finished second twice, including last season, and have also had two third-place finishes.
“There’s some luck factor involved. There’s some matching up with the style based on the pair and the lanes, all that stuff,” ASU head coach Justin Kostick said. “Eventually things have to probably go your way if you keep making it. That’s how I’ve always looked at it and unfortunately we haven’t totally gotten it done. We have to find a way to get that done.”
The regional champion in Lansing, where play concludes Saturday, will advance to the April 15-16 NCAA championship in Columbus, Ohio. Regional winners from Rochester, Erie and Arlington will also advance to the four-team championship.
ASU played for the national championship last year in Kansas City, Mo., losing 4-1 to Nebraska in the nationally-televised final.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us. Obviously last year we finished runner-up and that was an amazing opportunity, bowling on TV,” said freshman Brooklyn Buchanan, whose overall 212.4 average led the Southland Bowling League. “I think we’re really excited to take our experiences from last year and our postseason so far and use that.”
ASU, which was No. 5 nationally in the RPI, earned an at-large bid with a 70-35 record. The Red Wolves are the No. 2 seed behind Vanderbilt in Lansing and probably would have gone to Arlington, Kostick said, if not for the fact that would have meant four Southland teams in that region.
Faith Welch and Emma Stull have overall per-game averages of 206.5 and 203.9 pins, respectively. The Red Wolves returned five bowlers who played in last year’s televised final, Kostick said.
“I wouldn’t say nervous was necessarily the word to describe it. It was more exciting, but also confusing because none of us had been on TV before except for one person on our team,” said Buchanan, who rolled 20 games over 200 in traditional play this season. “I think it was a learning experience and a learning curve for everybody.”
Vanderbilt, the Southland Bowling League champion, has an 89-39 season record that includes five victories over ASU in seven meetings. Youngstown State holds a 75-46 record while Alabama State is 83-48.
McKendree, the overall No. 1 seed in the 16-team field, is in the Erie Regional. No. 2 overall seed Nebraska is in the Rochester Regional, while No. 3 Vanderbilt is in the Lansing Regional and No. 4 Sam Houston State is in the Arlington Regional.
Kostick said the Red Wolves are as good as anyone in the field and just need to perform when it matters most.
“Whenever you get in, you want the opportunity to win and you have to get in to be able to win it,” he said. “Any time you get in, it’s a great privilege to have a chance to win a national title. That’s how I’ve always looked at it. It’s an opportunity to win the final match on a Saturday.” | 2022-04-08T10:01:18Z | www.jonesborosun.com | A-State begins NCAA bowling quest in regional | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/a-state-begins-ncaa-bowling-quest-in-regional/article_40492d86-751e-5cb5-9081-2e133d067934.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/a-state-begins-ncaa-bowling-quest-in-regional/article_40492d86-751e-5cb5-9081-2e133d067934.html |
Freshman second baseman Daedrick Cail connects for a two-run single during Arkansas State’s 16-8 loss to Coastal Carolina on Sunday. Cail has a team-best .333 batting average going into this weekend’s home Sun Belt Conference series with Louisiana-Lafayette.
JONESBORO — Arkansas State won’t face a top-100 baseball team every weekend in Sun Belt Conference play, just most of them.
The Red Wolves have already played three conference opponents that are in the top 50 of the NCAA’s Ratings Percentage Index, losing all nine games to Texas State, Georgia Southern and Coastal Carolina. This weekend brings Louisiana-Lafayette, which was No. 44 in the RPI on Thursday, to Tomlinson Stadium for a three-game series.
And after this weekend, three of ASU’s last six conference series are against teams currently in the top 100.
“The Sun Belt is an unbelievable league this year,” ASU head coach Tommy Raffo said. “I think the Sun Belt has done a really good job in out-of-conference play. It’s a huge help and as a result, we have some really quality teams that we’re playing.”
The Red Wolves (5-21, 0-9 Sun Belt) and Ragin’ Cajuns (15-14, 4-5 Sun Belt) open the series this evening at 6. Saturday’s game is also set for 6 p.m., followed by the series finale Sunday at 1 p.m.
ASU has lost four consecutive games and 17 of 18 after falling 8-5 Tuesday night at Southeast Missouri State. After rallying to tie the game in the top of the seventh, the Red Wolves saw a one-out error turn into three unearned runs in the bottom of the inning after an intentional walk and a couple of two-strike, two-out hits.
“We’re not able to close out an inning, to close out an at-bat, to get a run home when we need to. It’s a multitude of things. It’s frustrating,” Raffo said. “We’ve got guys who are playing hard in our lineup and in the field. We just have to keep processing and keep getting after it. That’s the thing. You can’t just say, ‘Oh well.’ No, you keep doing everything you can possibly to put your best foot forward every pitch to get it right and eventually things will fall.”
Senior left-hander Justin Medlin (0-3, 3.51 earned run average) has given the Red Wolves solid pitching with a quality start in two of his three Sun Belt outings. Medlin has lasted six innings in each of his Friday night conference starts, striking out 19 over three games while giving up eight earned runs.
Sophomore first baseman Jared Toler leads ASU with six home runs and 20 runs batted in. Senior outfielder Jaylon Deshazier is batting .308 with 19 RBIs.
The Red Wolves start two freshman infielders, Daedrick Cail at second base and Wil French at shortstop. Cail has a team-best .333 batting average.
“We’re excited about both Wil and Daedrick in the middle. They’re going through a Sun Belt season as two freshman middle infielders,” Raffo said. “There’s nobody else in the league that is doing it. I know Louisiana has a freshman shortstop, but not at second base. There are some growing pains we have to go through, but we’re putting money in the bank with two solid, quality, athletic young men that we really like in the program.”
ASU ranks last among Sun Belt teams in earned run average (6.85) and has issued a league-high 152 walks. The Red Wolves also have a league-high 44 errors and a league-low .951 fielding percentage.
UL Lafayette, which split a midweek series at Louisiana Tech, leads the Sun Belt and ranks 14th nationally with 58 stolen bases. The Cajuns rank fourth in the conference in team ERA (4.46) and fielding percentage (.970).
“They’re going to be athletic, they’re going to run. They’re not going to swing for the fences,” Raffo said. “They’re going to generate pressure on you and do some things of that nature.”
According to WarrenNolan.com, UL Lafayette has played the sixth-toughest schedule in Division I. ASU’s schedule presently ranks 59th in Division I and sixth in the Sun Belt according to the website.
The Red Wolves are 2-15 against teams presently in the top 100 of the NCAA RPI, 3-6 against teams lower than 100. Of ASU’s 25 remaining games, 15 are against teams currently in the top 100.
“We knew they were quality teams and great programs,” Raffo said of ASU’s schedule. “You just don’t know from year to year how they’re going to be during different parts of the season. We’ve seen a lot of very good lineups, I feel like, position player-wise.” | 2022-04-08T10:01:24Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Rugged SBC slate continues for Red Wolves | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/rugged-sbc-slate-continues-for-red-wolves/article_1df1681e-aa4c-5c73-b48b-2f10fc72b04d.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/rugged-sbc-slate-continues-for-red-wolves/article_1df1681e-aa4c-5c73-b48b-2f10fc72b04d.html |
A-State Greek Organizations to host blood drive
JONESBORO — The American Red Cross and the Arkansas State University fraternities and sororities are teaming up for the Arkansas State Spring Greek Blood Drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 19-20 at the Red Wolf Center, 2501 Aggie Road on the university campus.
Students, staff, faculty and the Jonesboro community are invited to help them reach this year’s goal to collect 300 blood donations. To provide for current demand, the Red Cross must collect nearly 13,000 blood donations and more than 2,600 platelet donations every day.
“We are very excited to partner with the Greek organizations and add this spring blood drive to the calendar,” said Jerrica Fox, account manager, American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas. “The university has supported us and had some very successful blood drives in the past. We hope this is one drive that will grow annually into one of our top collegiate drives in the region.”
To donate blood at the A-State blood drive, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App or visit redcrossblood.org, and enter sponsor code: WolvesUp; call 1-800-733-2767; or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. Donors can save time by using RapidPass, available on the Blood Donor App or Red Cross website.
A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
Additional upcoming blood drives in April are:
April 18 – 9 a.m.-2 p.m., East Poinsett High School, 502 McClellan Ave., Lepanto.
April 21 – 1-6 p.m., Church of Christ, 916 E. Bridges Ave., Wynne.
April 25 – 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Westside High School, 1630 Arkansas 91 North, Jonesboro, and 1:30-5:30 p.m., Chamber of Commerce, 116 N. Maple St., Osceola.
April 26 – 12:30-5:30 p.m., Cherokee Village United Methodist Church, 21 Otter Drive, and 1-5 p.m., Ruddle Road Church of God, 1400 Ruddle Road, Blytheville.
April 27 – 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Black River Technical College, 1 Black River Drive, Paragould.
April 28 – 8 a.m.-5 p.m., St Bernards Medical Center, 225 E. Washington Ave., Jonesboro, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Osceola High School, 2800 W. Semmes Ave. | 2022-04-09T09:54:46Z | www.jonesborosun.com | A-State Greek Organizations to host blood drive | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/a-state-greek-organizations-to-host-blood-drive/article_daea4114-429d-54f4-88fe-d379b6d3fbc1.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/a-state-greek-organizations-to-host-blood-drive/article_daea4114-429d-54f4-88fe-d379b6d3fbc1.html |
Comedy production set for Porch 30
The Link Theatre in Jonesboro will present “All in the Timing,” a night of one-act comedies, April 28-May 1 at Porch 30, 401 W. Huntington Ave., in downtown Jonesboro. Performances will be 7:30 p.m. April 28-30 and 2 p.m. May 1.
Starring in the production are New York City actors, Matt Wood, Robert Hooghkirk and Amanda Kuo.
Wood has been seen on Broadway in “Spongebob Squarepants,” as well as the National Tour of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and on TV in “Instinct” and “Law and Order: SVU” among others.
Hooghkirk has been seen in the National Tours of “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” and “James and the Giant Peach,” and in featured roles on Disney Cruise Line ships.
Kuo has been featured in several independent films, and is the creator of the web series sitcom “Woman In Training.”
Keith Salter, who has directed numerous productions throughout Northeast Arkansas and the Memphis area, will return to the Jonesboro theatrical community as director and Arkansas State University faculty member Claire Abernathy will design the costume and lights.
General admission tickets are $35 and can be purchased by visiting www.thelinktheatre.org.
Seating is limited for each performance. Audience members are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.
The Link Theater Co. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. | 2022-04-09T09:54:52Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Comedy production set for Porch 30 | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/comedy-production-set-for-porch-30/article_def461d1-f47e-56d6-a1d7-2bf95e1a9d1a.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/comedy-production-set-for-porch-30/article_def461d1-f47e-56d6-a1d7-2bf95e1a9d1a.html |
'Commemoration and Reunion' theme for symposium
JONESBORO — The 27th edition of the Delta Symposium returns Thursday-Saturday to the Carl R. Reng Student Union, 101 N Caraway Road, at Arkansas State University.
All sessions are admission-free. The in-person sessions are open to everyone.
Preregister in advance is required for online sessions and may be made by emailing Dr. Gregory Hansen, symposium co-chairperson, at ghansen@astate.edu.
The theme of this year’s event is “Commemoration and Reunion in the South.”
Participants will present research that explores how history and expressive culture are commemorated through literature, scholarship and local activities.
“The Delta Symposium committee is coordinating presentations on a variety of forms of commemoration. The theme will be explored from a range of disciplines,” Hansen explained in a press release.
“Presenters will explore how historical events are remembered as well as erased from historical memory. Presentations will also explore how the significant past is represented in the tangible preservation of our built environment.”
Because this year’s event includes online presenters, participants from across the nation will be included in the virtual forum that Arkansas State University’s Department of English, Philosophy, and World Languages is presenting as an exploration of the Delta’s history and culture. A full schedule is available at the symposium website, astate.edu/delta-symposium.
The symposium will begin at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, with research presentations on the work of the Arkansas Folk and Tradition Arts Program. This session will be followed by a presentation on commemorations of A-State through yearbooks and newspaper publications.
Sessions that follow include presentations on a range of topics, including ghost stories, lynching and musical expression. The university’s Heritage Studies doctoral program will feature a special presentation by Janis F. Kearney on the work of the Celebrate Maya! project.
Thursday’s events conclude at 7 p.m. with a reading by Mary Troy and Claude Wilkinson at Bradbury Art Museum in Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive.
Beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, sessions will feature researchers and writers from across the region. Panelists will explore topics ranging from scholarship on the commemoration of African American history to scholarship on blues music, and the preservation of historical sites.
Friday’s events include the symposium’s keynote address by Andrew Scheiber, a professor at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn.
This year’s symposium also includes an open-mic and art share event beginning at 7 p.m. in the Reng Student Union auditorium.
Saturday’s events also begin at 8:30 a.m. with creative writing from across the state. An additional panel focuses on commemorations of community and individual accomplishments with the Arkansas and Mississippi Delta.
The symposium concludes with the Arkansas Roots Music Festival beginning at 1 p.m. in City, Water and Light Park, 1123 S. Culberhouse St. with a variety of musical performances.
In case of rain, the festival will move to the Fowler Center. | 2022-04-09T09:54:58Z | www.jonesborosun.com | 'Commemoration and Reunion' theme for symposium | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/commemoration-and-reunion-theme-for-symposium/article_881b7b4a-7a81-5d37-b3b5-ca26f1194022.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/commemoration-and-reunion-theme-for-symposium/article_881b7b4a-7a81-5d37-b3b5-ca26f1194022.html |
Easter egg hunt scheduled
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1991 in Jonesboro will host a public Easter egg hunt from 1 to 2 p.m. April 17 at the post, 300 N. Airport Road. The event will also feature balloons for the kids, games and hot dogs.
The hunt will begin at 2:30 p.m. Participants are asked to bring their own baskets.
Legal aid for veterans to be offered
The Memphis VA Medical Center Veterans Justice Outreach, the Jonesboro Elks Lodge and Beck Center for Veterans at Arkansas State University have collaborated to offer a free Veterans Legal Clinic from noon to 2 p.m. April 19 at the Elks Lodge, 2113 W. Washington Ave. in Jonesboro.
Interested veterans should call 901-484-0340 to complete the intake process prior to the event to determine attendance. Walk-ins will be accepted until 1:45 p.m., but preregistration is encouraged.
The groups hope to make this a recurring event for the third Tuesday of each month.
Plant sale fundraiser set
The Museum of Science and History will hold its annual Volunteer Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 22 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 23 at the Lichterman Nature Center 5992 Quince Road, in east Memphis. This year, MoSH members will receive a 10-percent discount on plant purchases.
The sale will feature ferns, milkweeds and other butterfly favorites, vegetables, herbs and nectar plants.
The event is MoSH’s second-largest fundraiser, second only to the Pink Palace Crafts Fair.
For more information, visit moshmemphis.com.
Spring pottery sale returns
The Arkansas State University Pottery Guild will again hold a spring sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 22 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 23 at Grounded, 215 Union St. in Jonesboro.
The sale will feature works by ASU faculty, students and alumni.
Dutch oven cooking class is offered
Powhatan Historic State Park, 4414 Arkansas 25, will host a Victorian Dutch oven workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 23. Registration is $20 which includes all materials.
Participants will learn to cook with a cast-iron Dutch oven used in 19th-century cooking. They will prepare and eat several recipes from the Victorian dinner table.
Class size will be limited. For more information, or to register, call 870-878-6765 or email powhatan@ arkansas.com.
Touch-A-Truck returns
Nettleton High School EAST program is looking for vehicles for the annual Touch-A-Truck event set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 23 in the parking lot of NEA Baptist Clinic, 4802 E. Johnson Ave. in Jonesboro.
Touch-A-Truck provides an opportunity for children and adults to explore vehicles of all types through interaction with both the vehicle and operator. Vehicles will include public service, emergency, utility, construction, landscaping, transportation, delivery and other unique means of transportation.
Businesses and organizations will have the opportunity to advertise, raise community awareness and showcase how their services contribute to the community.
To volunteer a vehicle or set up a booth, contact Sandra Taylor at sandra.taylor@nettletonschools.net or 870-897-0020.
Foodie Fest set for Huntington Square
Huntington Square, 401 W. Huntington Ave. in downtown Jonesboro, will be the site for Foodie Fest from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 23.
The event will include an array of local food trucks, live music and an NEA Artist Collective art show.
Food truck owners who wish to participate can apply at bit.ly/3jcz1Ag.
Cast needed for ‘The Sound of Music’
The Jackson County Community Theatre of Newport will hold try-outs for “The Sound of Music” April 25-27. Tryouts will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 217 Laurel St., with callbacks on April 28.
Those auditioning should be prepared to sing a 30- to 60-second piece from musical theater or a hymn and read scenes from the script.
Those interested in the ensemble can sign up but won’t be required to audition.
The production will be staged July 29-31 at Arkansas State University Newport. | 2022-04-09T09:55:04Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Events | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/events/article_c56b37f0-48b6-5c40-a91b-0a7d6735a01b.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/events/article_c56b37f0-48b6-5c40-a91b-0a7d6735a01b.html |
Food Bank of NEA receives grant
JONESBORO — The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas has received a grant of $1,680 from the North Delta Community Foundation that will be used to provide emergency food assistance through a fresh produce distribution for struggling families in Randolph County.
“We are grateful to the North Delta Community Foundation for their support in helping us provide food assistance to families at risk of hunger,” Christie Jordan, CEO of the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas said in a press release. “The funds granted will enable us to provide healthy fruits and vegetables to families.”
The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas provides hunger relief to people in need by raising awareness, securing resources and distributing food through a network of 140 nonprofit partner agencies and programs in 12 counties including Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Greene, Jackson, Lawrence, Mississippi, Poinsett, Randolph, St. Francis, and Woodruff.
It provides the equivalent of 165,000 meals each week to people facing hunger.
Additionally, the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas is a member of Feeding America, a national network of food banks. | 2022-04-09T09:55:10Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Food Bank of NEA receives grant | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/food-bank-of-nea-receives-grant/article_c629d382-12a5-55b4-84bd-6e89bc264707.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/food-bank-of-nea-receives-grant/article_c629d382-12a5-55b4-84bd-6e89bc264707.html |
Andrea Allen (from left), state Sen. Joyce Elliott of Little Rock and L.J. Bryant visit following Friday’s meeting of the NEA Political Animals.
Engaging voters emphasis for Elliott
JONESBORO — State Sen. Joyce Elliott, D-Little Rock, said it’s getting more and more difficult for people in Arkansas to vote because of changing election laws. But, speaking to a bipartisan group in Jonesboro Friday, she said that should not stop people from voting.
In five Arkansas counties, fewer than 30 percent of registered voters actually cast ballots in the 2020 election.
Term limits will force her out of the legislature in January, but in the meantime, Elliott, who is also a retired school teacher, hopes to influence more people to become engaged with their government, despite the obstacles that are put in front of them.
Speaking to the Northeast Arkansas Political Animals, Elliott discussed the new nonprofit organization she established called Get Loud Arkansas.
“So our purpose is to make sure we register voters, and those who are registered get engaged, and thirdly, get them mobilized to the polls,” Elliott said. “And once they get there … help to make sure that their votes count.”
Elliott, who grew up during segregation in rural Nevada county in southern Arkansas, said her Black parents talked in whispers when talking about having to pay poll taxes and other obstacles put in the way of minorities to keep them from voting. That changed in the 1960s. But in recent years, Elliott said voting rights have been weakened, and a growing number of people have become disengaged from the process.
“Not that by law we can’t vote, but what we’re doing now, we’re choosing not to vote in some ways,” Elliott said. “And in other ways, people are still intimidated to vote. So it is my aim in the next 10 years of my life to go around this state – I don’t care if you are Democrat or Republican – that is not my jam.
“My jam is, I want you to know what it means that this country does not work unless we hear your voice. We can hear everybody’s voice in here but one and that might be the one person who has the answer we are searching for. I want students to understand that you need to start learning early.”
The veteran politician and educator said she voted absentee in the 2020 election due to the coronavirus pandemic, and she was shocked at how difficult it was.
“It’s an intimidating process, y’all, and I can read. And read well,” Elliott said. “But you can make a mistake so easily. It ought to be the other way around. It should be easy. It should be clear. You shouldn’t have to sign your name a bazillion times. But there are so many ways to mess up.”
Elliott said she was so fearful of making a mistake, she asked two other people to check her form before submitting it.
According to Elliott, Arkansas had the highest percentage of absentee ballots rejected in the nation.
Elliott said shaming people into registering and voting is a tactic that hasn’t worked.
“When somebody does that to you, how do you react?” Elliott said of shaming tactics. “People don’t vote many times because they think it’s something for certain people.”
She also pointed out the importance of each vote, noting a special state Senate election in Springdale was decided by a margin of 34 among a population of 90,000. Another legislative election was decided by a five-vote margin, she said.
During a question and answer session, Elliott agreed that the state education system has de-emphasized civics education. Andrea Allen, executive director of the Delta Center for Economic Development at Arkansas State University, suggested it may be a good idea for some organization to establish a civics education boot camp for teens.
To learn more about Elliott’s organization, log into www.getloudarkansas.org. | 2022-04-09T09:55:35Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Engaging voters emphasis for Elliott | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/engaging-voters-emphasis-for-elliott/article_b3137e8c-c5ff-5fd5-85e4-163be75fabd4.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/engaging-voters-emphasis-for-elliott/article_b3137e8c-c5ff-5fd5-85e4-163be75fabd4.html |
Sgt. Shay Racy (left) shows Julian Crist (right) and teacher Hidda Spencer around police offices in the Justice Complex on Friday.
JONESBORO — Sgt. Morshaydrick Racy is the public face of the Jonesboro Police Department.
Racy, who goes by the name Shay, is the Community Outreach and Recruiting officer for the department. In that position, Racy attends community events, sets up presentations for various groups in the city and recruits officers to join the department.
According to the department biography of Racy, he joined the department in November 2002. He started his career as a patrol officer and eventually worked on first and third shifts where he was a field training officer.
“I never worked the second shift,” Racy said, laughing. “I wanted to stay married.”
He also served as a school resource officer for the Jonesboro School District at Annie Camp. He spent four years in the Criminal Investigations Division as a detective. He recently served as a D.A.R.E. officer before being promoted to sergeant.
As a sergeant, he spent time on third shift where he served as the shift field training officer coordinator and Bike Patrol supervisor.
He was promoted to sergeant in 2019 and was named to his present post, a new position, in January 2021.
Last year, Racy was at an event on the lawn of the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library, talking with youths and mingling with the public.
“We’re there for the people,” he said. “I like to smile and have fun.”
He said in his almost 20-year career there are also bad times.
“Seeing a dead child was the worst day,” Racy said.
He said disciplining an officer is another tough task he’s had to do.
Racy said he once said something to an officer and years later realized that he had made a mistake. Racy called the former officer, who had left the department, and apologized to that person.
“It’s a live and learn situation,” he said.
On Friday, Racy was showing Julian Crist, along with teacher Hidda Spencer, around the police offices at the Justice Complex on West Washington Avenue.
Crist, who is graduating from high school this year, is planning on attending Arkansas State University in the fall and is considering a degree in criminal justice.
Racy told Crist what it would entail to become a Jonesboro police officer: attending a police academy, passing written and physical tests, passing a detailed background check and other requirements.
Working with the public is a passion for Racy.
“The community of Jonesboro has always been good for me and my family,” he said. “I don’t know if I’ve had a bad day since being promoted.”
Racy and his wife are the parents of three children. | 2022-04-09T09:55:41Z | www.jonesborosun.com | For Sgt. Racy, policing a passion | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/for-sgt-racy-policing-a-passion/article_7748934f-d702-5270-8a5b-bafca85604dc.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/for-sgt-racy-policing-a-passion/article_7748934f-d702-5270-8a5b-bafca85604dc.html |
Furniture store victim of fraud
JONESBORO — The manager of Hanks Fine Furniture and Mattresses, 1808 E. Highland Drive, told police on Thursday that someone fraudulently used a credit card to purchase furniture.
The owner of the card, a man who lives in Boise, Idaho, said the purchase was not authorized.
The total amount of the furniture bought is listed at $11,275, according to a Jonesboro police report.
Someone entered the fenced property of Raider Tire, 3206 Industrial Drive, the company reported Thursday and stole two vehicles. Taken were a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe and a 2000 Ford F250 with a total value of $20,000.
A 45-year-old Jonesboro woman reported early Friday morning that her 2014 Ford Fusion was stolen from her driveway in the 4500 block of Janice Avenue. The vehicle is valued at $16,000.
A 47-year-old Jonesboro man told police Thursday morning that someone broke into a building in the 1500 block of Danny Drive and stole lawn equipment. The equipment is valued at $900.
A 62-year-old Jonesboro man reported the theft of a trailer Thursday morning in the 500 block of Southwest Drive. The 12-foot trailer is valued at $2,500.
A 53-year-old Jonesboro man told sheriff’s deputies that a Sure Track Dump Trailer was stolen in January from a job site in the 100 block of Craighead Road 7455. The trailer is valued at $10,000. | 2022-04-09T09:55:47Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Furniture store victim of fraud | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/furniture-store-victim-of-fraud/article_cf4b6659-a2cb-5471-ac35-2ee5af464925.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/furniture-store-victim-of-fraud/article_cf4b6659-a2cb-5471-ac35-2ee5af464925.html |
Quorum Court to meet at alternate location
JONESBORO — The Craighead County Quorum Court will meet at an alternate location on Monday night for its annual meeting with Craighead County Extension representatives.
The meeting will be held at 5 p.m. at the Craighead County Extension Office, located at 611 East Washington Avenue, Suite A, in Jonesboro.
Also on the agenda is the 2021 Annual Report of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Hot Check program. The program actually ended on April 1, 2021, so this will be the final report.
The Report on Disposal of County Property will also be presented.
After which, the court will break up into subcommittees to discuss other items on the agenda which will include:
a review plat for Michael Boling, Hwy 351.
The meeting is normally held in the basement of the Craighead County Annex in Jonesboro. | 2022-04-09T09:55:59Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Quorum Court to meet at alternate location | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/quorum-court-to-meet-at-alternate-location/article_b7067375-9ce2-55b3-99cf-737c34e969f4.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/quorum-court-to-meet-at-alternate-location/article_b7067375-9ce2-55b3-99cf-737c34e969f4.html |
Liv Myers has fun riding her trike on Friday during the Jonesboro Pre-K Trike-A-Thon to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Students raised a total of $11,923 this year. Since 2004, the school has raised a grand total of the $76,706.
Trike-a-thon exceeds expectations
JONESBORO — Preschoolers took their trikes to school Friday for the annual Jonesboro Pre-K Trike-A-Thon for St. Jude Children’s Hospital at the Jonesboro Pre-K Center and raised almost $12,000.
Marcie Cheatham, Jonesboro School District director of marketing and communications, said on Friday that they are very proud of the students who had raised a total of $11,923.
That is more than 18 percent of the $64,783, that Cheatham said the Jonesboro Pre-K had raised in the previous 18 years. The new total raised since the school began participating in 2004 now stands at $76,706.
Fund-raising for the event kicked off on March 28 and ended at 10:30 on Friday morning.
As of 1 p.m. Friday afternoon, according to the school’s Facebook page, which was still being updated, the top fundraisers included: Jennings Roberts, $1,535; Mila Valdez, $925; Mike Renelique, $730; H. Emison, $625; Liv Myers, $500; Deuce&Jess, $410; Penelope C., $380; Brantley Wewers, $365; Hayes Mark Abbott, $318.
According to the St. Jude website link, the money raised goes to help:
Families, who never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
Treatments invented at St. Jude, which have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since it opened more than 50 years ago.
For more information on St. Jude visit their website at www.stjude.org. | 2022-04-09T09:56:17Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Trike-a-thon exceeds expectations | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/trike-a-thon-exceeds-expectations/article_b86c4f3d-1858-5aa1-817c-fa49520f1990.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/trike-a-thon-exceeds-expectations/article_b86c4f3d-1858-5aa1-817c-fa49520f1990.html |
I have noticed that several restaurants in Jonesboro have begun charging a credit card fee at checkout. We already have a sales tax fee plus a hamburger tax imposed by the mayor and council without a vote from the citizens.
The credit card fee imposed by the businesses is an additional tax to the consumer. These businesses are double dipping. When they file their taxes the credit card fees are deductible. Therefore, these businesses are adding additional fees to your bill.
If the credit card fee is 3.5% for example, then the business charges the consumer 3.5% plus gets a deduction of 3.5% at tax time. I find this to be ludicrous and will refuse to do business with these folks.
The consumer is getting ripped off enough as it is. We should not be penalized for eating out. When you enter a restaurant ask if there is a charge for using your credit card and then you can decide whether or not to dine there.
The typical meal for two people is $40 or more and climbing. I do not appreciate being charged to use my credit card. | 2022-04-09T09:56:36Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Double dipping | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/double-dipping/article_3df6c60c-a63e-57c2-a558-17ca918b5902.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/double-dipping/article_3df6c60c-a63e-57c2-a558-17ca918b5902.html |
However you are able
“When someone steals another's clothes, we call them a thief. Should we not give the same name to one who could clothe the naked and does not? The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat unused in your closet belongs to the one who needs it; the shoes rotting in your closet belong to the one who has no shoes; the money which you hoard up belongs to the poor.” ― Basil the Great -
I serve on the board of Stepping Stone Sanctuary, a homeless shelter in Trumann, and one of the only shelters in Northeast Arkansas. It has come to my attention that the shelter had to turn away 25 people in the past week, due to the shelter being full. Twenty five. Many of them parents with children.
It's hard to fathom the level of need here in NEA. We can do better. I say "we" because I don't find myself blameless. We all must work to support the marginalized in our community on a personal, financial, organizational and policy level.
A society can only be as strong as its most vulnerable members, and the lack of resources in Northeast Arkansas is, quite frankly, appalling. Poverty is a complicated issue, but not one without a solution. Let those of us with resources never forget that we have a responsibility to those without. Please find a way to help, however you are able.
Sarah Ellzey | 2022-04-09T09:56:42Z | www.jonesborosun.com | However you are able | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/however-you-are-able/article_8949a6ad-40f2-59c5-9ea2-1a36dd7a3fcd.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/however-you-are-able/article_8949a6ad-40f2-59c5-9ea2-1a36dd7a3fcd.html |
Defensive end King Mwikuta works against tight end Seydou Traore (18) during Arkansas State’s practice Thursday afternoon.
JONESBORO — King Mwikuta is adapting to a new position with his new football team.
Mwikuta, a junior transfer from Alabama, is lining up as a defensive end this spring at Arkansas State after working as an outside linebacker for the Crimson Tide. He has been working with the No. 1 defensive unit, an indication of how things are progressing for the former four-star high school prospect from West Point, Ga.
“I think I’m picking it up fairly well,” Mwikuta said after Thursday’s practice. “Coming from the system that I came from, it’s not as complex, but I think I’m picking up faster than I ever have since being in college.”
Mwikuta (6-5, 238) joined the Red Wolves in January after playing primarily on special teams at Alabama while seeing action in 14 games as the Crimson Tide reached the CFP National Championship game last season. His impact in the kicking game included recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown against Texas A&M.
While Mwikuta said he put his hand on the ground in some instances at Alabama, depending on the defensive front and play call, he’s lining up that way every down this spring.
“I think the first thing is everything comes from a three-point stance where he’s used to playing in a two-point stance,” ASU head coach Butch Jones said. “He’s done a very good job with that. I can see his growth and maturity every single day in the defense. It’s been fun to watch. He’s going to bring a lot to our defense.
“I think he continues to learn. We’ll also do some different things in some different packages where we’ll be able to stand him up, but I really like the way he’s taken ownership in his play. He’s playing extended plays now and he’s not been used to doing that for a while. Your football stamina, your mental toughness, your physical toughness, all that comes into play, and I like his body of work so far. Every practice he gets is absolutely critical.”
Mwikuta got to know Jones during his first two seasons at Alabama, when Jones was on Nick Saban’s staff as an offensive analyst and then as special assistant to the head coach. When Mwikuta decided to leave Alabama, he placed a call to Jones and jumped on the opportunity to join the Red Wolves this semester.
Asked what has helped the Red Wolves click defensively this spring, Mwikuta pointed to Jones.
“Coach Butch, he’s just trying to instill in us the way things are supposed to be done,” Mwikuta said. “Football is supposed to be played the right way, a certain way, and if you don’t do the things that’s supposed to be done while you’re doing that, what are you doing it for, honestly? He’s just trying to get us into a game-style mentality every day, no matter what practice is, so when a game comes, you’re on.”
Mwikuta said he’s probably improved most on hand placement and striking ability as he adapts to defensive end. He said the Red Wolves have come together as a group this spring.
“Coach Butch talks about it all the time, saying like last year, they didn’t have those kind of things going on around here,” Mwikuta said of the Red Wolves, who were 2-10 last fall. “More guys are staying in and watching film after (practice), more guys are staying in and getting extra work on the field, more guys are hanging out together from different position groups. When you have a bond like that, that’s hard to break. It’s hard to break a pack.”
The Red Wolves will conduct a scrimmage today as part of their ninth practice this spring.
Jones said ASU will try to run 45-50 plays with each group, with the No. 1 offense facing the No. 1 defense, the second units scrimmaging and others working in as well. The scrimmage will include live special teams as well as different situations.
“We’ll see exactly the retention that they’ve had throughout the course of spring,” Jones said. “It’s their day just to go play football. It’s a great evaluation tool for what we need moving forward, but also what type of role individuals are going to have on our football team next year.” | 2022-04-09T09:57:00Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Mwikuta learning role with A-State's defense | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/mwikuta-learning-role-with-a-states-defense/article_ff4377dc-a411-598c-b889-ac51f2fc0e01.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/mwikuta-learning-role-with-a-states-defense/article_ff4377dc-a411-598c-b889-ac51f2fc0e01.html |
ADE to offer professional development classes
LITTLE ROCK — Promoting the teaching profession and increasing the teacher pipeline includes not only diversifying and expanding the number of teachers in the workforce, but it also involves providing opportunities for current educators to grow professionally.
To assist educators in finding high-quality professional development, the Arkansas Department of Education has budgeted more than $5 million for five upcoming teacher academies and more than $12 million for future academies. All of the academies offer graduate credit hours and are available at no cost to participants.
To learn more about each and how to apply, visit https://bit.ly/3wUy07U. The application process varies by program. | 2022-04-12T18:44:03Z | www.jonesborosun.com | ADE to offer professional development classes | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/ade-to-offer-professional-development-classes/article_a3d9cdae-714a-504a-b4f2-2929aa887792.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/ade-to-offer-professional-development-classes/article_a3d9cdae-714a-504a-b4f2-2929aa887792.html |
Engineering and Computer Science awards presented
JONESBORO — The College of Engineering and Computer Science at Arkansas State University recognized its most outstanding graduating students during the Convocation of Scholars.
Kayden Boyle of Jonesboro received the Chancellor’s Scholar Award as the college’s graduating senior with the highest overall grade point average. He will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Both Boyle and Fared Farag of Saudi Arabia were recipients of the 4.0 Scholar Award. When more than one student has a perfect grade point average, the Chancellor’s Scholar is the 4.0 student with the most credit hours taken at A-State.
Departmental awards were also presented.
The Citizenship Award, presented to a student within each of five disciplines who demonstrates great leadership, character, departmental and community involvement by joining discipline-specific clubs and student organizations went to Bryce Wilkerson of Bryant, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering; Zane Smith of Swifton, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering; Riley Cornett of Locust Grove, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering; Amine Ghoorchiyani of Japan, Bachelor of Science in computer science, and Joel Rogers of Pine Bluff, BS in engineering technology.
The Outstanding Student Award, given to the individual with the highest grade point average within each of the six undergraduate degree plans, went to Madison Allgeier of Greenville, Ind., BSEE; Kayden Boyle, BSME; McKenzie Cornell of San Bernardino, Calif., BSCE; Fared Farag, BS in computer science; Alyson Nichols of Jonesboro, BA in computer science; and Jackson Clayton of Jonesboro, BS in engineering technology. | 2022-04-12T18:44:28Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Engineering and Computer Science awards presented | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/engineering-and-computer-science-awards-presented/article_5be16437-89aa-5a2a-9574-aacde92755f1.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/engineering-and-computer-science-awards-presented/article_5be16437-89aa-5a2a-9574-aacde92755f1.html |
Kays Foundation awards grants
JONESBORO — Six Arkansas State University faculty members have received Kays Foundation grants totaling $103,502 to provide support for their projects this year. The board of directors of the Kays Foundation reviews and approves proposals from A-State faculty and staff.
As previously covered in The Sun, Kelli Listenbee, director of Learning Support Services and coordinator of First Year Experience, and Tabatha Simpson-Farrow, director of the Writing Center, received $22,500 to complete the Academic Hub and Bradbury Art Museum received a $10,000 grant to develop a mobile extension of the museum.
Dr. Amanda Mohler, assistant professor of occupational therapy, received funding of $21,653 to purchase assistive technology to be used in a clinical skills laboratory. The assistive technology is the first step in developing the lab for promoting interprofessional education and student learning, including competency and clinical reasoning.
A proposal by Dr. Sarah Davidson, assistant professor of nursing and associate dean, was approved for $16,550 to purchase a Gaumard HAL S1020 simulation manikin and monitor. This equipment provides new options for hands-on learning in simulation labs and the classroom, along with instant feedback. Faculty will use the monitor in didactic and clinical courses in disaster preparedness, graduate nursing, and undergraduate nursing programs.
Jody Nutt, assistant professor of medical imaging and radiation sciences, received $16,631 to acquire a 3-D scanner for medical imaging. The images will be used in medical 3-D printing applications, such a construction of organ and anatomical models to enhance students’ educational experience.
A grant proposal for $16,168 from Dr. Asela Wijeratne, assistant professor of bioinformatics, was approved.
Wijeratne is trying to find a more durable and environmentally-friendly solution for sudden death syndrome (SDS), which is a highly destructive soybean disease caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium virguliforme. | 2022-04-12T18:44:40Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Kays Foundation awards grants | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/kays-foundation-awards-grants/article_c5cec169-9764-5c08-a4f0-cff96c627ecb.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/kays-foundation-awards-grants/article_c5cec169-9764-5c08-a4f0-cff96c627ecb.html |
Levy wins national case competition
JONESBORO — Erika Levy, a third-year medical student at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University, won first place in the A. Hollis Wolf Case Competition at the American Academy of Osteopathy’s annual conference held March 23-27 in Orlando, Fla.
The competition featured 15 students from osteopathic medical schools across the country. Students were required to demonstrate their understanding and application of osteopathic principles and treatment, their knowledge of pathophysiology and clinical aspects of their cases, and the impact of osteopathic care.
Presenters were judged on their presentation style, skill and slide design in addition to the students’ involvement in decision-making and delivering treatment.
Levy’s presentation was titled, “That’s the Last (Copper) Straw.” As part of the competition, Levy articulated her approach to treating a patient that presented to the Scholar’s Osteopathic Educational Service with uterine-induced lower back pain.
Levy developed her presentation with the assistance of Joy Skaug, M.D., and Amy Suessle, D.O., both of whom serve as assistant professors in NYITCOM’s Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. Skaug and Suessle provided Levy with feedback and enhanced her understanding of the pathophysiology behind the use of copper IUDs.
Levy received a $500 scholarship to be applied to osteopathic continuing medical education, a ticket to the 2023 AAO convocation in Colorado, and a percussion hammer, a tool used in osteopathic manipulative treatment.
On March 19, Levy participated in the annual Emory Morningside Global Health Case Competition which gives graduate and undergraduate students from across the world the opportunity to collaborate on innovative, multidisciplinary solutions to a real-world global health problem.
Held virtually, this year’s teams were charged with developing strategies to address environmental health disparities faced by indigenous populations. They were given one week to create a 10-minute presentation that addressed these public health challenges.
The New York Tech team featured medical students from both of its NYITCOM locations, Long Island, N.Y. and Jonesboro, as well as undergraduate students from the university’s College of Engineering and Computing Sciences and College of Arts and Sciences.
The students tackled the challenges of the indigenous peoples of French Polynesia, focusing primarily on the preservation of local language and climate change by addressing freshwater scarcity. | 2022-04-12T18:44:46Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Levy wins national case competition | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/levy-wins-national-case-competition/article_35c1a9f5-fc5e-5863-904f-bc59731a4bad.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/levy-wins-national-case-competition/article_35c1a9f5-fc5e-5863-904f-bc59731a4bad.html |
By Keith Inman Sun Staff Weirer
JONESBORO — Announced plans by a private college to establish a veterinary school won’t impact Arkansas State University’s research into establishing a college of veterinary medicine in Jonesboro, a university spokesman said Monday.
Lyon College announced it has begun developing plans for proposed veterinary and dental schools in Little Rock as part of the new Lyon College Institute of Health Sciences.
The Batesville-based Lyon College faculty assembly and board of trustees approved both proposals in March, and the proposals for academic changes were submitted to the college’s regional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), on March 15.
Following consideration by HLC, the college will submit the prepared accreditation applications with both the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education (COE) and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Pending the accreditors’ approval, inaugural classes could start as early as 2024 or 2025.
ASU announced in January 2020 that it was collaborating with Adtalem Global Education, a private health care developer, on possible creation of a veterinary school for the Jonesboro campus. That research is ongoing.
Bill Smith, chief communications officer at ASU said Lyon’s announcement “does not have any impact on our plans. We remain in preliminary discussions.”
It’s not inconceivable that Arkansas could have two vet schools.
The New York Institute of Technology opened a college of osteopathic medicine on the ASU campus shortly before another D.O. School opened in Fort Smith.
Lyon College has entered into a strategic collaboration with OneHealth Education Group (OneHealth) for both the veterinary and dental schools. OneHealth utilizes private sector capital and consultant solutions to support the launch of professional health science programs. The group aims to reduce the debt burden of graduating professionals and to provide solutions for communities that lack ample access to healthcare.
Last year, Arkansas ranked 51st in the country for dental health and is experiencing a dentist shortage, Lyon said in its announcement. | 2022-04-12T18:44:58Z | www.jonesborosun.com | ASU undeterred by Lyon vet school plans | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/asu-undeterred-by-lyon-vet-school-plans/article_25b72986-74dd-5ce3-a77d-0450fce71334.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/asu-undeterred-by-lyon-vet-school-plans/article_25b72986-74dd-5ce3-a77d-0450fce71334.html |
JONESBORO — With few new cases reported, active cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, have almost disappeared in Northeast Arkansas, data from the Arkansas Department of Health indicates.
After reporting only 15 new cases between April 5 and Sunday, the number of active cases in Craighead County was down to 28. In addition, Cross County had only two active cases.
Arkansas recorded 522 new cases during that same period. The number of active cases rose by three to 1,038.
The cumulative death toll rose by 28 to 11,308, including one each in Craighead, Jackson and Randolph counties.
While new infections are declining here, that’s not the case elsewhere in the U.S.
In Philadelphia, confirmed COVID-19 cases have risen more than 50 percent in 10 days, The Associated Press reported. That’s the threshold at which the city’s guidelines call for people to wear masks indoors, said Dr. Cheryl Bettigole, the health commissioner. Philadelphia dropped its mask mandate March 2, but it will go back into effect next Monday.
Health officials believe the recent spike is being driven by the highly transmissible BA.2 subvariant of omicron, which has spread rapidly throughout Europe and Asia, and has become dominant in the U.S. in recent weeks.
Northeast Arkansas COVID-19 cases by county, April 5 through Sunday:
Craighead – 15 new cases, (decrease of 28 from last week); 28 active cases (decrease of 32); 326 total virus related deaths (increase of 1).
Greene – 14 new cases (increase of 7); 8 active (decrease of 1); 171 deaths (unchanged).
Lawrence – 3 new cases (decrease of 4); 6 active (decrease of 3); 76 deaths (unchanged).
Poinsett – 2 new cases (decrease of 9); 8 active (decrease of 5); 126 deaths (unchanged).
Mississippi – 3 new cases (decrease of 17); 5 active cases (decrease of 25); 209 deaths (unchanged).
Jackson – 12 new cases (same as last week); 24 active cases (decrease of 5); 62 deaths (increase of 1).
Randolph – 6 new cases (increase of 1); 10 active cases (decrease of 7); 87 deaths (increase of 1).
Cross – 2 new case (increase of 1); 2 active cases (unchanged); 81 deaths (unchanged).
Clay – 2 new cases (same as last week); 7 active cases (increase of 2); 93 deaths (unchanged). | 2022-04-12T18:45:04Z | www.jonesborosun.com | COVID disappearing from NEA, for now | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/covid-disappearing-from-nea-for-now/article_d20d140f-a9fa-5303-a875-1dcc72ec42c4.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/covid-disappearing-from-nea-for-now/article_d20d140f-a9fa-5303-a875-1dcc72ec42c4.html |
JONESBORO — A 28-year-old Jonesboro man was shot Sunday morning, according to a Jonesboro police report.
Stefon Sedale Jackson, of the 3800 block of Brindlewood Drive, was shot in the right hand and right thigh, the report said.
Police responded to NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital at about 7:37 a.m. Sunday after the hospital informed police that they were treating a gunshot victim.
The report doesn’t say at what location Jackson was shot or list the name of any suspect.
Police arrested Desmond Miller, 20, of the 100 block of South Cypress Street, early Sunday morning in the 2800 block of Fair Park Boulevard. Miller is being held in lieu of a $50,000 bond on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, tampering with evidence, disorderly conduct and first-degree criminal mischief.
Police arrested Dremond Robinson, 25, of the 5300 block of Southwest Drive, at about 11:30 a.m. Sunday in the 900 block of Links Circle. He is being held on suspicion of residential burglary and first-degree criminal mischief.
A Jonesboro couple in their 80s reported to police Saturday night that someone broke into their residence and stole items in the 300 block of West Strawn Avenue. Taken were a Ruger 9 mm handgun valued at $350 and jewelry valued at $770.
A 21-year-old Jonesboro man told police Friday morning that someone broke into his vehicle in the 2900 block of East Parker Road and stole items. Taken were clothes valued at $530 and $100 in cash.
A 20-year-old Jonesboro man reported Monday morning that someone entered his vehicle in the 4700 block of Lonoke Lane and took items. Stolen were a wallet containing credit/debit cards and $20 in cash. | 2022-04-12T18:45:17Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Jonesboro man shot; details scarce | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/jonesboro-man-shot-details-scarce/article_a1ba5ca3-0410-5a8d-9dde-b0b026dcf938.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/jonesboro-man-shot-details-scarce/article_a1ba5ca3-0410-5a8d-9dde-b0b026dcf938.html |
Mail carrier Keith Gambill, who has been with the Post Office since 1983, demonstrates collecting a food bag from a mailbox on Monday morning on Race Street in Jonesboro. After two years off due to COVID-19, mail carriers will once again be collecting food along their routes for the annual Letter Carriers Food Drive.
JONESBORO — Mail carriers are preparing for the annual Letter Carriers Food Drive, during which they collect food bags at mailboxes through the area, in conjunction with the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas.
The Letter Carriers Food Drive will take place on Saturday, May 14, however they will be placing bags and cards in the mailboxes starting on May 7.
Mail carrier Keith Gambill said that they always start a week early to make sure that they reach everyone who wants to donate.
Amber Horton, corporate partnerships coordinator for the Food Bank of NEA, said that this is a wonderful cause and helps provide food security for Northeast Arkansas.
“It helps so many people in need here in Northeast Arkansas,” she said. “With COVID, we have not been able to do the Letter Carriers Food Drive since 2019, which make this year very important.”
“We really hope to have a good turnout this year,” she said, noting that the last two years the drive was completed through online donations from individuals, groups and organizations. She said the local Post Office also made online donations to the food bank and those donations were matched at the national level.
Horton said that this is the 30th annual Letter Carriers Food Drive here in NEA and the 29th year that the food bank has worked with the post office on the event.
Horton also said that the food bank is in desperate need of volunteers for the event.
According to their website, “Since 1983, the Food Bank has distributed several million pounds of food throughout Northeast Arkansas. The Food Bank of NEA provides hunger relief to people in need by raising awareness, securing resources, and distributing food through a network of non-profit agencies and programs.”
For more information on the event or how to donate or volunteer call the Food Bank of NEA at 870-932-3663. | 2022-04-12T18:45:23Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Mail carriers gearing up for Letter Carriers Food Drive | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/mail-carriers-gearing-up-for-letter-carriers-food-drive/article_72c5c844-0e62-543a-bbd9-8e442e03d3b1.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/mail-carriers-gearing-up-for-letter-carriers-food-drive/article_72c5c844-0e62-543a-bbd9-8e442e03d3b1.html |
JONESBORO — A joint operation by the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office, the Jonesboro Police Department and the 2nd District Judicial Drug Task Force has resulted in 120 arrest warrants being issued, according to Sheriff Marty Boyd and Police Chief Rick Elliott on Monday.
Operation Spring Cleaning began five months ago, Boyd said. Sixty arrests have been made, and 60 more are expected, he said.
All of the suspects are in Craighead County, Boyd said.
“We’ve made six arrests so far today,” Boyd said early Monday afternoon. “But the day is young.”
He said more than 40 law enforcement officers were involved in Operation Spring Cleaning, including officers from the Trumann, Paragould and West Memphis police departments.
“It was a collaborative effort by various law enforcement agencies,” Elliott said Monday. “It’s law enforcement working together. We’ve learned through networking that we’re better by working together.”
Monday was phase 3 of the operation, Boyd said.
Phase two resulted in the first 60 arrests.
The aim of the operation was “to get drug dealers and violent offenders off of our streets,” he said.
He said drugs, firearms and cash were seized.
Elliott said some of the investigation is ongoing. | 2022-04-12T18:45:29Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Operation leads to 120 arrest warrants | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/operation-leads-to-120-arrest-warrants/article_4b67adbc-343c-53f7-a545-f21e8aa132c5.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/operation-leads-to-120-arrest-warrants/article_4b67adbc-343c-53f7-a545-f21e8aa132c5.html |
"It was a struggle making my college decision, but now I really know where I want to continue my studies and my athletics. What really fueled my decision was academics," Pollock said. "I really think their academics will benefit me in the future. I'm planning on being a pharmacist and they have an early acceptance program. I'm definitely going to go through that program."
"She knows the ins and outs of swimming. She's really, really good," said Cockrell, who is also the school's head football coach. "She's been that way ever since I took over the job. If there's something I don't know, she'll be able to tell me, just super mature, beyond her years. She could have gone anywhere she wanted as far as a college, super smart.
"She's very down to earth, can get everybody going in the right direction, will do anything you ask her to do. She's been like an assistant coach to me, helped me kind of find my way through the swim world. It's been really good to have her around."
"I definitely am a distance swimmer," Pollock said. "I think that's what I'm going to continue to do. I want to specialize in that in college." | 2022-04-12T18:46:17Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Maryville signs Valley View's Pollock | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/maryville-signs-valley-views-pollock/article_85a475cd-00a3-5f86-856f-ea568cef988a.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/maryville-signs-valley-views-pollock/article_85a475cd-00a3-5f86-856f-ea568cef988a.html |
Wind increasing. Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to mostly cloudy skies during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 78F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph..
“It was a struggle making my college decision, but now I really know where I want to continue my studies and my athletics. What really fueled my decision was academics,” Pollock said. “I really think their academics will benefit me in the future. I’m planning on being a pharmacist and they have an early acceptance program. I’m definitely going to go through that program.”
“She knows the ins and outs of swimming. She’s really, really good,” said Cockrell, who is also the school’s head football coach. “She’s been that way ever since I took over the job. If there’s something I don’t know, she’ll be able to tell me, just super mature, beyond her years. She could have gone anywhere she wanted as far as a college, super smart.
“She’s very down to earth, can get everybody going in the right direction, will do anything you ask her to do. She’s been like an assistant coach to me, helped me kind of find my way through the swim world. It’s been really good to have her around.”
“I definitely am a distance swimmer,” Pollock said. “I think that’s what I’m going to continue to do. I want to specialize in that in college.” | 2022-04-12T18:46:24Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Maryville signs Valley View's Pollock | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/maryville-signs-valley-views-pollock/article_e84e8c60-ed72-519b-a4a7-05dba6988bdf.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/maryville-signs-valley-views-pollock/article_e84e8c60-ed72-519b-a4a7-05dba6988bdf.html |
Justice of the Peace Vince Pearcy and Justice of the Peace Barbara Weinstock discuss upcoming topics before the Craighead County Quorum Court meeting began on Monday night at the Craighead County Extension Office in Jonesboro. The court will be back at its normal location at the next meeting.
JONESBORO — The Craighead County Quorum Court met at an alternate location on Monday night for its annual meeting with Craighead County Extension representatives.
The meeting was held at the Craighead County Extension Office in Jonesboro, as they carried out their usual tasks of discussing county business, which included the 2021 Annual Report of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Hot Check program.
The report for the program, which actually ended on April 1, 2021, seemed to cause the most discussion among the justices, however, Craighead County Judge Marvin Day explained that the report was not something the court had a choice on, they just had to acknowledge it.
This was in reply to Justice of the Peace Darrel Cook, who had asked how, if the program was self supporting as it said in the letter, the office had spent $22,417 when the letter said only $6,817 was collected.
Day explained that the extra money had been pulled from the general fund for expenses and that the special fund was at the discretion of the prosecuting attorney. He reiterated that the report was not up for debate, only acknowledgment, and he had no choice in the matter.
Justice of the Peace Steve Cline explained that ACA 16-21-120 set up the guidelines for how fees collected through the hot check program were administered.
After that report, the Report on Disposal of County Property was presented by Judge Day, who also informed the court that they will have to purchase new road graders in 2023.
After which, the court broke-up into subcommittees to discuss the other items on the agenda which included:
review plat for Michael Boling, Hwy 351.
The meeting is normally held in the basement of the Craighead County Annex in Jonesboro and should resume at it’s normal location at the next meeting. | 2022-04-13T08:22:18Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Quorum Court hears hot check report | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/quorum-court-hears-hot-check-report/article_e343d6a4-3cdc-531a-a218-140848a6e8f9.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/quorum-court-hears-hot-check-report/article_e343d6a4-3cdc-531a-a218-140848a6e8f9.html |
Kim Williams of the Arkansas Parks and Tourism division stands in front of a map of the area that will be affected by a total solar eclipse in 2024. She said Jonesboro, Paragould and Piggott could be the biggest winners for tourists.
JONESBORO — The 2022 tourism system is getting underway in Arkansas, and the hospitality industry is ready for a big year. But they also need to prepare for April 8, 2024, said Kim Williams, a travel writer for the Arkansas Parks and Tourism division.
“This is going to be a tourism event like we’ve never seen,” Williams said of what has been tagged the Great North American Eclipse. And she said Jonesboro, Paragould and Piggott will be in the perfect spots for sky gazers to see it. Neighboring communities will be able to capitalize on it, too, Williams told area leaders Tuesday at the Delta Center for Economic Development at Arkansas State University.
Williams has been helping prepare the state for an event that will attract the largest mass of tourists for a single, brief event in the state’s history.
She pointed to what happened in South Carolina, a state similar in size geographically, during a solar eclipse in 2017.
“They had 1.6 million visitors,” Williams said. “For the eclipse – I’m not talking year-around – I’m talking about for a single event with an economic impact of $269 million. That’s why I’m saying this will be an event like Arkansas has never seen in its history.”
Unlike a major sporting event or festival in a given city, the eclipse will generate revenue for multiple cities in two-thirds of the state, she said.
A narrow swath of the state from Texarkana northeast to Jonesboro will benefit the most from the totality of the eclipse. But there will be so many visitors to the states that hotels, motels, campgrounds and other hosts north and south will be able to reap the benefits.
Many of the people who come here for the eclipse will have never been to Arkansas before, Williams said. She cited Casper, Wyoming as an example.
“Over 75 percent of the visitors that came to Casper in August of 2017 for the eclipse had never been to Casper or Wyoming before,” Williams said. “For us tourism people, that is exciting. To have hundreds of thousands of people who have never been to Arkansas before.
Mayor Charles Snapp of Walnut Ridge said the Rhea Hotel, which his family formerly owned, started receiving inquiries for rooms years ago for the 2024 eclipse.
“When they come in, they’re going to spread out. They’re going to see whatever else is in the region,” Snapp said. “That’s why we have to think regionalism in Northeast Arkansas.”
State Tourism Director Travis Napper suggested communities schedule events for the weekend leading up to the eclipse, which falls on a Monday. While he cautioned against price-gouging, Napper said lodging prices should be adjusted to account for supply and demand.
Snapp and Paragould Mayor Josh Agee said they hope the Northeast Arkansas Mayors Caucus can help coordinate events throughout the region.
Williams said Arkansas communities won’t need to compete with each other.
“We’re only competing against Texas. We’ve got to beat Texas,” she said.
To learn more on the eclipse log on to www. arkansas.com/eclipse. | 2022-04-13T08:22:24Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Tourism leaders preparing for super event | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/tourism-leaders-preparing-for-super-event/article_bf05f794-98ae-5455-abaf-308589141355.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/tourism-leaders-preparing-for-super-event/article_bf05f794-98ae-5455-abaf-308589141355.html |
JONESBORO — Police arrested Jeremy Wells, 39, of the 1200 block of Craighead Road 730, at about 11 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Dan Avenue and Lacy Drive, according to a Jonesboro police report.
Police found about 10 grams of suspected meth and 1.5 grams of marijuana during a search of Wells’ vehicle.
Wells was transported to the Craighead County Detention Center for suspicion of possession of meth or cocaine greater than 2 grams but less than 10 grams, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, felony parole violation, tampering with evidence, possession of marijuana, hazardous driving, driving on a suspended license and revocation of probation.
Tia Milligan, 41, of the 600 block of Mildred, Trumann, was arrested at about 1:48 a.m. Tuesday following a traffic stop at the intersection of South Gee Street and West Washington Avenue. Police said she tried to swallow a bag of meth. She is being held on suspicion of possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams and felony tampering with evidence.
Briana Raymond, 30, of the 6100 block of Highway 351, was arrested at about 8:08 p.m. Monday following a traffic stop at the intersection of East Parker and South Caraway roads. She is being held on suspicion of possession of meth or cocaine greater than 2 grams but less than 10 grams, felony tampering with evidence, failure to register a vehicle, obstructing governmental operations and probation revocation.
A 40-year-old Kennett, Mo., woman told police Monday afternoon that someone used her credit card information at the 5500 block of East Johnson Avenue to steal money. The amount stolen is listed at $1,500.
A 35-year-old Jonesboro woman told police Monday night that someone broke into her vehicle in the 500 block of North Caraway Road and took her wallet. The wallet contained debit cards, a birth certificate, insurance card and a child support card.
A 24-year-old Jonesboro woman reported Monday morning that someone broke into her residence in the 1100 block of Hope Avenue and stole jewelry. A bracelet valued at $800 was taken and damage to a door and frame is listed at $300.
A 22-year-old Jonesboro man told police Saturday morning that someone stole his vehicle in the 900 block of Links Circle. There was no value listed for the 2019 Kia Optima.
A 51-year-old Wynne man told Jonesboro police on Friday afternoon that someone broke into a storage unit in the 3200 block of Whitman Street, and stole items. Taken were furniture valued at $10,000 and a washer-dryer unit valued at $2,000.
A 29-year-old Jonesboro woman and 32-year-old Jonesboro man reported Saturday morning that their vehicles were broken into in the 5400 block of Viney Creek Lane. Taken was $520 in cash.
A 45-year-old Jonesboro man told police Saturday afternoon that his vehicle was stolen from in front of his home in the 5400 block of Clear Creek Lane. The 2012 Nissan Titan is valued at $25,000.
A 65-year-old Jonesboro man told a sheriff’s deputy Saturday morning that someone entered his airplane hangar in the 5300 block of Arkansas 18 and stole items. A laptop, two GPSs, a radio for a model plane and power tool batteries were taken. The total value of the items is $2,825. | 2022-04-13T08:22:30Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Traffic stop ends in arrest | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/traffic-stop-ends-in-arrest/article_beb85dd0-e1bc-5969-8743-cfdc31607de3.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/traffic-stop-ends-in-arrest/article_beb85dd0-e1bc-5969-8743-cfdc31607de3.html |
I’d put some other former presidents on the list, too: Abraham Lincoln, for obvious reasons; Teddy Roosevelt, for the legacy he left behind in our national park system; Franklin Roosevelt for turning the U.S. into an international force for democratic values. Members of Congress like Henry Clay and Justin S. Morrill and such justices as John Marshall and Oliver Wendell Holmes belong there, too.
Still, politicians are hardly the only people who’ve been important to this country’s course as a nation. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, John Lewis, and other civil rights activists and leaders confronted head on the inequities that were present at our founding and produced lasting legal and social change. The same could be said for the countless Americans – women, Latinos, gays and lesbians, and others – who over the last half-century have reminded us that this needs to be a land of opportunity for all. | 2022-04-13T08:23:07Z | www.jonesborosun.com | What does it take to be important in America? | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/what-does-it-take-to-be-important-in-america/article_9d610d36-7f70-5b4a-9e30-cd17d22b151f.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/what-does-it-take-to-be-important-in-america/article_9d610d36-7f70-5b4a-9e30-cd17d22b151f.html |
Tackle Robert Holmes (left) helps in pass protection during a recent practice at Arkansas State.
Jones describes O-line as 'work in progress'
JONESBORO — The line that took the field with the No. 1 offense in Arkansas State’s scrimmage Saturday looked considerably different from last year’s unit.
Center Ethan Miner, who started 11 games last fall, is the only full-time returning starter on the offensive line. Tackle Robert Holmes and guard Ernesto Ramirez started three games each. Tackle Makilan Thomas started the season finale, while guard Mekhi Butler did not see game action.
Head coach Butch Jones said he has seen daily development from the offensive line during spring practice.
“Work in progress,” Jones said after Saturday’s scrimmage. “I think the thing we have to eliminate is the catastrophic plays, the sacks and the negative-yardage plays. I think the big thing is just consistency, consistency play in and play out, and that’s not just the offensive line. I think that’s every position group in our football program.”
Ten different players drew starts last season on the offensive line, Thomas becoming the 10th as he finished a redshirt season with a start against Texas State. The Red Wolves allowed 48 sacks last fall, the most in the Sun Belt Conference, and averaged a league-low 81.8 rushing yards per game.
Holmes, ASU’s right tackle, said the group has made progress from last fall.
“I think our protections are pretty good right now,” Holmes said. “I think for the most part, the run blocking is what we need to work on the most, but I think we’re getting better. We just have to keep working.”
Holmes, who transferred to ASU last year, started last year’s first three games before a leg injury ended his season. He brings considerable experience to the position after playing over 24 games in two seasons at Connecticut and earning second-team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors at Austin Peay in the 2020-21 season.
“Robert is not quite 100 percent healthy right now, so we really appreciate his effort and everything that is going into getting him ready to practice every single day,” Jones said.
Miner has also drawn praise as one of the group’s leaders. After moving to guard for six starts last season, Miner has returned to center, where he started the first five games in 2021. Ramirez has 17 career starts with the Red Wolves, including 13 in the 2019 season.
Thomas, a former Little Rock Central standout, played in three games last fall as a true freshman as ASU preserved his redshirt status. He has moved around, lining up at center, guard and most recently left tackle.
“He’s never really played tackle before, and I think he’s growing into the position,” Jones said. “He’s another individual that if you really have a timeline and you watch the video from practice one to (Saturday’s) scrimmage, you see every single day he’s getting better and better. He’s another individual who has strong character, very intelligent, wants to do well, and you can see that happening. He’s going to be a good player for us.”
Thomas has impressed Holmes, too.
“He’s going to be really good. He’s really strong,” Holmes said. “He’s one of the guys that I think, down the road, can really take Arkansas State to the next level.”
Butler is a former NJCAA All-American at Iowa Western who did not see game action last fall. Guard Christian Hoz drew one start last season while playing in six games.
ASU signed five high school offensive linemen as part of the 2022 recruiting class – Saidou Ba of Memphis, Chase Jessup of Lake Hamilton, Melvin Priestly of East St. Louis, Ill., Aleric Watson of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Elijah Zollicoffer of Covington, Ga. – and may add other newcomers in the summer.
“As we know, the offensive line is a developmental position and it takes a lot to be able to play as a young player, but we’ll also look to add to that group if there is somebody who fits our profile,” Jones said. “When you ask about the growth and development of the offensive line, I see growth and development every single day. It’s been fun to watch. It starts with all five individuals playing together as one and the synergy.
“I see that in that room in terms of the pride, the excitement they have, the joy they have coming to practice and coming to meetings every single day. I do see a lot of progress there. We just have to continue to play football. They’re blocking a very talented defensive front right now, so I think you have to keep everything in perspective. It’s going to do nothing but make them better, but as we continue to move forward with this team and this football program, I think we all know we need more competitive depth there.”
Tuesday’s practice was ASU’s 10th of spring football. The Red Wolves are scheduled for another scrimmage Saturday and their spring game is set for April 23. | 2022-04-13T08:23:14Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Jones describes O-line as 'work in progress' | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/jones-describes-o-line-as-work-in-progress/article_81cd5807-5c84-5145-af06-81808e5c5190.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/jones-describes-o-line-as-work-in-progress/article_81cd5807-5c84-5145-af06-81808e5c5190.html |
WYNNE — Wynne girls’ basketball standout Zahyria Baker signed a letter of intent Monday to play for Williams Baptist University next season.
Baker averaged a double-double as a senior in leading the Lady Yellowjackets (24-9) to a share of the 4A-5 conference championship and the quarterfinals of the Class 4A state tournament. She averaged 14 points, 10 rebounds and two steals per game.
“She’s played a lot of different spots for us. I would call her a combo guard/forward,” Wynne coach Tim Hawkins said. “She’s led us in rebounding for three years and in scoring for three years. She plays solid defense, plays the point on the trap, gets a lot of deflections and steals.”
Hawkins said Baker earned the most votes in her conference’s all-state balloting. She also earned all-state tournament honors for her play in the state tournament, where the Lady Yellowjackets defeated defending state champion Harrison in the first round before losing to eventual state champion Nashville in the quarterfinals.
Baker, who stands 5-7, has a 27-inch vertical jump, Hawkins said. She scored 10 points in the Sun Senior Classic.
“I think she has a ton of potential,” Hawkins said. “She played three years of volleyball in addition to basketball. With her focusing on school and basketball, I think she has a lot of potential.” | 2022-04-13T08:23:20Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Wynne's Baker signs with WBU | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/wynnes-baker-signs-with-wbu/article_d8f65c2a-9dab-571f-88e7-f0cd89f2132c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/wynnes-baker-signs-with-wbu/article_d8f65c2a-9dab-571f-88e7-f0cd89f2132c.html |
Election season is in full swing in Jackson County, and this year, for the first time in history, voters will have to request a Republican ballot to vote for local races such as Jackson County Sheriff.
Several candidates have filed as Republicans, which means you’ll have to request a Republican ballot to vote for them. Voters can only select one ballot. This will be the first time in Jackson County history that every county office running in the courthouse will be held by a Republican.
Anyone concerned about their application or registration status can contact the county clerk’s office at 870-523-7420. | 2022-04-13T19:36:02Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Voter registration deadline approaches | Newport | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/voter-registration-deadline-approaches/article_6fd99f24-f51c-546c-93b4-3a0b620929be.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/voter-registration-deadline-approaches/article_6fd99f24-f51c-546c-93b4-3a0b620929be.html |
JONESBORO — Police executing a search warrant Monday found a large amount of drugs, a handgun, digital scales and other items, and ended with the arrest of four men, according to a Jonesboro police report.
Officers executed the warrant at 6:41 p.m. in the 5400 block of East Nettleton Avenue. The bust was part of Operation Spring Cleaning, in which 120 arrest warrants were issued for people in Craighead County, according to Sally Smith, public information specialist with the Jonesboro police.
Police found 3.5 ounces of cocaine, about 13.5 ounces of marijuana, more than 5.5 ounces of meth, 21 doses of suspected synthetic LSD, 91 ecstasy pills and 50 pills suspected to be oxycodone.
The total value of the drugs is estimated at $47,685.
Police also seized a .45-caliber Taurus handgun, valued at $500, several rounds of ammunition, $4,328 in cash and items used in the sale of drugs.
Arrested were Arthur Ray Osborne, 40, of the 3800 block of Remington Drive; Leo Brinkley, 45, of the 200 block of East Nettleton; Sammie Beason, 41, of the 900 block of of Arlington, West Memphis; and Dwight Darrell Crayton, 29, of the 2400 block of Fairfield Drive.
According to the police report, the charges the four men face are listed as simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, being a felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of meth or cocaine with the purpose to deliver greater than 10 grams but less than 200 grams, possession of a Schedule I or II drug not meth or cocaine with the purpose to deliver, possession of a Schedule IV or V drug with the purpose to deliver, felony possession of marijuana with the purpose to deliver and felony possession of drug paraphernalia. | 2022-04-13T19:36:08Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Bust yields cocaine, meth, pot; 4 arrested | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/bust-yields-cocaine-meth-pot-4-arrested/article_91c0b414-a877-5f92-b125-147ba48ee1ad.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/bust-yields-cocaine-meth-pot-4-arrested/article_91c0b414-a877-5f92-b125-147ba48ee1ad.html |
Hoxie School Superintendent Kelly Gillham (right) discusses the proposed four-day school week with school board members during Hoxie’s school board meeting on Monday night. Gillham suggested to the school board to keep the traditional schedule, which was approved 5-0.
TD photo / Shantelle Redden
Hoxie School Board votes down four-day school week proposal
Several schools are exploring the possibility of a four-day school week. Some Arkansas schools, such as Atkins School District, have transitioned to the four-day week while others, such as West Memphis, voted against the four-day calendar.
On Monday, members of the Hoxie School Board voted unanimously not to implement the four-day school week for the upcoming school year.
“Legislators came up with options and many schools are exploring those options and what would be best for their community,” Hoxie Superintendent Kelly Gillham said to school board members at the meeting prior to the vote.
“We sent out a survey and of those who completed the survey, the decision was split 50/50. After a lot of research and listening to parents concerns, I feel it’s in the best interest of our students to keep the traditional calendar.”
School board members, including Greg Coats, Nathan Romine, Wes Gates, Jeff Worlow and David Dobbs, discussed the benefits and negatives of switching to a four-day school week and all agreed it was in the best interest of Hoxie students to remain with the traditional calendar.
Gillham commented to school board members that several students have fallen behind due to COVID. “Our students need the opportunity to catch up, and I do not feel it’s in the best interest of our students to approve the four-day school week.”
In addition to keeping the traditional school schedule, high school principal Dr. Lori McKenzie shared with the board about new additions the school is making to benefit its students. One of which is a partnership with ASU-Newport in Jonesboro to provide free forklift certifications for students interested over the age of 17.
“This will give our students an edge in the community,” said Dr. McKenzie.
Another addition the school is making is a celebration for academic signing days, which will be held April 19-21, for students and their selected colleges, similar to athletic signing days.
“Our main goal is to ensure that the students at Hoxie receive the best education possible,” said Dobbs. “We are always looking for ways to improve our academics and will continue to do so.” | 2022-04-13T19:36:21Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Hoxie School Board votes down four-day school week proposal | Times Dispatch | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/hoxie-school-board-votes-down-four-day-school-week-proposal/article_0af1ec5f-2c94-54be-b84d-0259c661c491.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/hoxie-school-board-votes-down-four-day-school-week-proposal/article_0af1ec5f-2c94-54be-b84d-0259c661c491.html |
David Earl Head, 65, of Somerville, Tenn., passed away on April 1, 2022. He was born on May 14, 1956, to Mr. Webster Head Jr. and Mrs. Ann Goodrum Head in Morrilton. David was a bowling enthusiast, playing in a league for many years, a sports fan, and an avid card player. Playing Rook with his SomerOak friends was one of his favorite past times. He also loved to read, making regular rotations through the Bible, and studying it constantly. He also loved reading suspense and mystery novels. Hockey was another interest of his. He had posters on his wall, and with his photographic memory, he could recall many players and their stats.
David is survived by his son, Matthew (Samantha) Head of Garland, Texas; grandchildren, Gracie, Isabella and Christopher Head; and one sister, Cathy (Tim) Stanz, of Somerville, Tenn.
Preceding him in death are his parents; and wife, Virgilene Wall Head.
We would like to thank the Fayette County First Responders and SomerOak for the sweet care they provided. | 2022-04-13T19:36:27Z | www.jonesborosun.com | David E. Head | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/david-e-head/article_96eea40d-3d3b-553a-b1a8-ee95be2751d3.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/david-e-head/article_96eea40d-3d3b-553a-b1a8-ee95be2751d3.html |
Donald “Sonny” McEntire, 77, of Walnut Ridge, passed from this life on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at Five Rivers Medical Center in Pocahontas.
He was born on April 17, 1944, in Walnut Ridge, to the late Alfred Staton and Geneva Williams McEntire. He was a farmer and a self-employed auto dealer during his life. Sonny served on the quorum court from 1979-1984. He loved horses and enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting.
In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his son, Scott McEntire.
He is survived by his wife, Deb, of the home; children, Byron McEntire of Imboden, Rhonda Fowler (Scott) of Clover Bend, Tonda Brand of Walnut Ridge, Amanda Betts (Paul) of Jonesboro and Lindsey Romine (Blake) of Walnut Ridge; sister, Barbara Bunn of Walnut Ridge; grandchildren, Dustin Barron, Dillon and Ryder McEntire, Whitney Blackburn (Justin), Tyler Fowler (Sarah), Ben Brand and Brighton Brand, Paul III, Parker, Peyton, and Bristol Betts and Megan Romine; daughter-in-law, Robyn McEntire; great-grandchildren, Zeb Dickson-Fowler and Sydney Fowler; one nephew and two nieces, and a host of other family members and friends.
Visitation was Friday, April 8, from 12-1 p.m. at Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge. Funeral services began at 1 p.m. with Jerry Reed officiating. Interment was in Lawrence Memorial Park in Walnut Ridge under the direction of Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge.
Grandsons and sons-in-law served as pallbearers.
An online guestbook is available at www.cox fhwalnutridge.com. | 2022-04-13T19:36:39Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Sonny McEntire | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/sonny-mcentire/article_50bcadbd-4b69-5565-b646-67e345d6e451.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/sonny-mcentire/article_50bcadbd-4b69-5565-b646-67e345d6e451.html |
“The Faces of 4-H: Past, Present and Future” was the theme of the annual Lawrence County 4-H Achievement Banquet held on Saturday, March 10, at the Black Rock School Cafeteria. Several awards were presented at the banquet. Donna Moore of Black Rock received the Leader of the Year award. Jeremy Madden of Imboden was named the 4-H County Honor Member and County Champion. Meghan Griffin was recognized for winning first place in the 14-19-year-old division of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation “Art Of Farming” Photography/Art Contest.
Lawrence County Circle of Friends, an organization that provides support to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, held a spring fling on Saturday afternoon at First Baptist Church’s MAC building in Walnut Ridge. The spring fling entertained area children with a variety of Easter-related activities and refreshments.
Hunter Yates, a junior at Walnut Ridge High School, had the grand champion lamb last week at the Buffalo Island Junior Livestock Show. His lamb brought over $800 in the premium sale. Yates also had a first-in-class with his fall born Angus heifer and placed third in the final Angus drive. Others from WRHS also placed well in the show. Drake Ditto placed sixth out of 76 with his broilers. Holley Yates placed 12th in her class. Sabrina Knight placed sixth with her halter horse in class, while Samantha Witt made the final top 20 sift with her pen of broilers.
Roger Johnson of Walnut Ridge will be running in the 106th Boston Marathon on Monday. Johnson qualified for the Boston race while running in the Cincinnati Marathon on May 6, 2001. He finished that race with a time of three hours, 12 minutes and 11 seconds.
Hoxie’s girls used their ninth straight victory of the year to defeat Sloan-Hendrix 22-10 and take home the county slo-pitch softball championship for the fifth consecutive year.
Hoxie Elementary Science Club hosted a project fair for fifth and sixth graders. Fifth grade winners were: Cody Harper, first; Zach Lott, second; and Garth Layne, third. Sixth grade winners were: Seth Swartzlander, first; Blaine Liscomb, second; and Tanner Jarrett, third.
Lindsey Bullard’s essay on “The History of Rural Electrification” has earned her an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., June 12-20. Bullard is a junior at Hoxie High School,
At a recent Girl Scout Leader’s banquet in Jonesboro, Redda Russell was presented the Rookie of the Year award, Belinda Noblin received the Outstanding Volunteer award and Brian Keough was presented the Outstanding Leader award.
The Walnut Ridge baseball team recently won the Lawrence County Tournament and the Batesville Pioneer Invitational Tournament. Team members are Cory Pierce, Derek Smith, Jeb Davis, Zack Davis, Andrew Ballard, Kevin Smith, Brandon Evans, Houston Hart, Joey McNeal, Matt Mullen, Kai Rorex, Ryan Belcher, Cody Holland, Chance Weeks and Jud McNeal. Derek Bramlett and Jake Kersey are their coaches.
Rev. Gerald Meeks of Clinton has been named pastor at First United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Donna, will move here in June, when he officially becomes pastor.
Jerry Gibbens, professor of English and chairman of the division of humanities at Williams Baptist College, was recently honored for his 25 years of service to the college.
Shane Cunningham and Stephanie Nicholson have been named All-District basketball players for Walnut Ridge High School during the 1991-92 season.
Those selected from Walnut Ridge High School to attend Girls State are: Kellie Allison, Becca Singleton, Debbie Hunter, Vonda Davis and Sally Gaither. Boys State delegates from WRHS include: Jayme Caspall, Mike Slayton, Tommy Rainwater and Joe Fisher.
Sally Gaither was chosen as queen at the Spring Formal at Walnut Ridge High School. She was escorted by Scott Edmondson. First runner-up was Sloane Gibson, escorted by Terry Kelley.
Mr. and Mrs. Glen Verkler of Black Rock announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Rhonda, to Scott Turbyeville, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Turbyeville of Walnut Ridge. The wedding will take place May 15 at the Black Rock United Methodist Church.
Clifford Rorex of Imboden has been named manager of the White River Production Credit Association office in Walnut Ridge.
Rhetta Moore of Black Rock, a deputy in the Circuit Clerk’s office for the past three years, qualified as a candidate for the office Tuesday.
Leroy Johnson and Willard Abbott, who are leading the Village Creek cleanup campaign, said work days are planned today and Saturday “and every Thursday and Saturday as long as we can get someone to work.”
New officers were elected at a recent meeting of the Wesleyan Service Guild at the First United Methodist Church. They are: Mrs. O.D. Clayton, president; Ruth Helen Forrester, vice president; Mrs. Robert Presson, secretary; Mrs. Mary Owens, treasurer.
The Business and Professional Women’s Club met at the lovely home of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Best, recently, for the regular monthly dinner meeting with Mrs. Pauline Chaney.
Pat Jansen Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick W. Jansen, and Jimmy Snapp, son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Snapp, have been initiated into Kappa Sigma social fraternity at the University of Arkansas.
The word “advertisement” was spelled correctly by Ray Moseley in the County Spelling Bee at Black Rock last Saturday and he won the county spelling championship. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Moseley of Alicia.
Mayor O.A. Sullens won a close and hard-fought contest for re-election in the municipal elections at Hoxie, Tuesday, when he scored a 20-vote margin over his youthful opponent, Mitchell Davis.
Mrs. Fred Elkins was elected president of the local Business and Professional Women’s Club at the business meeting Tuesday evening in the home of Mrs. W.T. Altman.
Miss Bonny Spotts, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Spotts of Smithville, was voted the outstanding girl athlete at Arkansas College in Batesville for 1947.
Mr. and Mrs. Everett Looney of Old Walnut Ridge, announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Patricia, to John C. Swindle, son of Mrs. Minnie Swindle and the late Dr. John C. Swindle of Walnut Ridge.
Cleo Ellis Moody of Walnut Ridge, tax collector of Lawrence County, will be inducted into the United States Army on April 13.
Tommy Sloan of Strawberry spelled “ammunition” to win the Lawrence County Spelling Bee in elimination contests conducted at the courthouse in Powhatan last Saturday. Bobby Holland of Black Rock placed second in the contest.
Miss Tommy Jeanne Waddell, Lawrence County, Arkansas, 1941 state champion 4-H Club girl in leadership achievement, will describe her club achievements during a coast-to-coast radio broadcast next Saturday.
Kenneth H. Benson, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Benson of Walnut Ridge and a junior at Arkansas State College, has been made a pledge to Zeta Tau Zeta Fraternity.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Camp have twin sons in the service of their country. Edward and Everette Camp, 22, are in the army. Edward Camp left Walnut Ridge with Company K and is with the company in Alaska. A letter from Everette stated he was sailing from Tampa, Fla., destination unknown. | 2022-04-13T19:36:45Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Yesteryears | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_160edd70-afd6-5663-bc83-2c52e89d3ea0.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/opinion/yesteryears/article_160edd70-afd6-5663-bc83-2c52e89d3ea0.html |
Walnut Ridge swept Harrisburg in a 3A-3 conference baseball doubleheader on April 5, winning the first game 5-2 and the second 7-3.
The Bobcats scored five runs in the sixth inning to rally for the victory in the first game, taking advantage of an error to plate three runs.
Kel Slusser also drove in a run in the sixth.
Slusser, Maddox Jean and Bo Kersey had hits for the Bobcats. Kersey pitched 5.1 innings, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out three.
Mason Andrews earned the victory with 1.2 scoreless innings in relief, striking out three batters.
Rex Tedder was 2-for-4 with with three RBIs to lead Walnut Ridge. Kersey was 2-for-3 and scored twice; Slusser was 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored; Andrews drove in two runs; and Nolan Belcher drove in a run for the Bobcats.
Hoxie
Andrews pitched a five-inning no-hitter on Thursday to lead Walnut Ridge to a 13-1 victory over Hoxie in 3A-3 conference baseball.
Andrews struck out 10 batters. He was also 2-for-4 with a double and four RBIs.
Slusser was 2-for-2 with a double and three RBIs, while Jean doubled and drove in a run.
Belcher added a hit and two RBIs, including one in the first inning to help the Bobcats get going.
He also joined Andrews in driving in runs during Walnut Ridge’s four-run fifth inning. | 2022-04-13T19:36:51Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Bobcat baseball team defeats Harrisburg, Hoxie | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/bobcat-baseball-team-defeats-harrisburg-hoxie/article_78d9825f-ee73-5cef-865b-e83bf05bebf5.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/bobcat-baseball-team-defeats-harrisburg-hoxie/article_78d9825f-ee73-5cef-865b-e83bf05bebf5.html |
Walnut Ridge’s Karlee Broadway catches a pop fly in the Lady Bobcats’ 15-2 win over Manila on Thursday.
TD Photo / Ashley George
The Walnut Ridge Lady Bobcat softball team won two games in 3A-3 Conference play last week, defeating Manila 15-2 on Thursday, and Rivercrest 12-3 on April 5.
In the win over Manila, Kayleene Long batted 3-for-3, including two doubles, and scored three runs.
Karlee Broadway had two hits, two RBIs and scored a run. Maggie Brinsfield had two hits and drove in a pair of runs. Maddie Burris had two hits, including a triple, an RBI and scored twice. Avery Anderson had two hits, an RBI and scored a run. Chloe Davis had two hits, including a double, one RBI and scored two runs. Alli Bramlett had two hits, two RBIs and scored two runs. Taylor Forrester had a triple, two RBIs and scored a run, and Holly Berry had a double, two RBIs and scored a run, and Mallie Jean scored two runs.
Brinsfield started in the circle and earned the win.
Against Rivercrest, Burris hit three doubles, drove in two runs and scored two runs.
Long had three hits, an RBI and scored a run. Broadway finished with two hits, two RBIs and scored four run. Forrester recorded two hits, an RBI and scored a run. Brinsfield had two hits and two RBIs. Berry added one hit, one RBI and scored a run. Davis had a hit, an RBI and scored two runs. Bramlett had a hit and an RBI, and Jean scored a run.
Brinsfield was the starting pitcher and recorded six strikeouts in the victory.
The Lady Bobcats lost to Rector 11-2 in a non-conference game on Friday. | 2022-04-13T19:36:57Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Lady Bobcats win pair of conference games | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/lady-bobcats-win-pair-of-conference-games/article_778838ac-1949-5add-96d3-9ba4a3354bba.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/sports/lady-bobcats-win-pair-of-conference-games/article_778838ac-1949-5add-96d3-9ba4a3354bba.html |
Election season is in full swing in Lawrence County, and this year, for the first time in history, voters will have to request a Republican ballot to vote for local races such as Lawrence County judge and Lawrence County clerk.
“Several candidates have filed as Republicans, which means you’ll have to request a Republican ballot to vote for them,” said Lawrence County Clerk Tina Stowers. “You can only select one ballot. This will be the first time in Lawrence County history that there’s a local race on the Republican ballot.”
Anyone concerned about their application or registration status can contact Stowers at 870-886-1111. | 2022-04-13T19:37:03Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Voter registration deadline approaches | Times Dispatch | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/voter-registration-deadline-approaches/article_1ed8919d-4437-55c8-8d45-1eaafa11abce.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/voter-registration-deadline-approaches/article_1ed8919d-4437-55c8-8d45-1eaafa11abce.html |
Narimani
Ernest Rice Jr.
Genevieve Martin Oak Ridge National Laboratory
A-State faculty honors presented
JONESBORO — The six recipients of the 2021-22 Faculty Achievement Awards were announced during the annual Faculty Honors Convocation held Tuesday in the Grand Hall of the Fowler Center, following two years in an online format. The awards, determined through a campus nomination and committee review process, are for significant and meritorious achievement and include monetary rewards.
The Chancellor’s Medal for Research and Creative Activities went to Dr. Elizabeth Hood, Lipscomb Distinguished Professor of Agriculture, who has served on the faculty since 2004.
Provided by the Beck Foundation and Distinguished Alumnus Buddy Beck, this is the highest honor an A-State faculty member may receive.
The Emerging Faculty Scholar was Dr. Rasoul Narimani. This award recognizes a pre-tenure faculty member for exceptional scholarly achievement. Narimani is an assistant professor of electrical engineering. He was commended for his peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, a grant from the National Science Foundation, and diligence in promoting student research.
Dr. H. Steve Leslie received the Teaching Award, Tenure Track. Leslie, an assistant professor of business communication, received the Excellence in Teaching, Tenure-Track, Award. Leslie’s nominators noted his contributions to student retention in his college, where he is regularly praised for his teaching prowess by both colleagues and students.
The Excellence in Advising Award was presented to Andrea Brown, assistant professor of occupational therapy. Brown was commended for her ability to connect with students at all levels, from incoming students, and their families, to those entering professional practice, and for developing these individuals through her dedicated efforts as a faculty member.
Dr. Alexandr Sokolov, assistant professor of engineering management, was recognized with the Excellence in Teaching, Non-Tenure Track, Award. Sokolov brings a wealth of practical experience to the classroom, where he helps students learn to demonstrate their understanding of planning, organizing and problem-solving skills that provide value-added services in technical or management positions. | 2022-04-14T04:52:45Z | www.jonesborosun.com | A-State faculty honors presented | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/a-state-faculty-honors-presented/article_f491e035-0a63-5540-9608-66505e4c19c3.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/a-state-faculty-honors-presented/article_f491e035-0a63-5540-9608-66505e4c19c3.html |
Morris completes economic development class
JONESBORO — Jeff Morris, with the East Arkansas Planning and Development District, recently completed the annual Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course offered through Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives.
He joined 26 other participants from five different states in the four-day spring program which features more than 30 instructors and provides an intensive overview of the process and practice of local economic development.
The completion of this course now qualifies Morris to attend a series of advanced training courses, leading to eligibility for designation as a certified economic developer. | 2022-04-14T04:53:03Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Morris completes economic development class | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/morris-completes-economic-development-class/article_54d7213f-9b22-5f50-92e8-02cc8f63303c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/morris-completes-economic-development-class/article_54d7213f-9b22-5f50-92e8-02cc8f63303c.html |
Melanie Runsick
Polk named BancorpSouth Jonesboro president
JONESBORO — BancorpSouth Bank, a division of Cadence Bank, has announced that Michael Polk has been hired as president for the Jonesboro market.
In his new role, Polk will be responsible for overseeing the bank’s local operations, as well as its local community involvement and business development efforts.
Polk has 35 years of experience in the banking industry and has worked in a variety of roles throughout his career.
He has lived and worked in the Jonesboro community for 15 years.
“We were looking for a leader in the Jonesboro banking market with local experience and relationships,” Chris Locke, BancorpSouth president-North Central Arkansas Division said in the press release. “Michael is a perfect fit for us because he has been in the market for several years, has long-standing relationships and is active in the community. I’m excited to work with him.”
Polk earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in business administration from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
Active in his local community, Polk serves as treasurer for Hispanic Community Services Inc., advisory board member for NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation and chairman of the Northeast Arkansas Workforce Development Board’s Youth Council. | 2022-04-14T04:53:09Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Polk named BancorpSouth Jonesboro president | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/polk-named-bancorpsouth-jonesboro-president/article_6f7b6ae8-54cd-5e0a-8873-e4ff48a3a6a9.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/polk-named-bancorpsouth-jonesboro-president/article_6f7b6ae8-54cd-5e0a-8873-e4ff48a3a6a9.html |
Walker to join WBU faculty
WALNUT RIDGE — Williams Baptist University has announced that Dr. Tim Walker will join WBU’s Christian ministries faculty starting this fall. Walker will serve as assistant professor of Christian ministries and church ministry relations coordinator.
Walker has several years of pastoral and church ministry experience, and he currently serves as associate pastor of students and families at First Baptist Church in Biloxi, Miss.
He also serves as an adjunct professor for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and William Carey University.
“Dr. Walker is a remarkably gifted scholar with years of teaching and pastoral experience,”
Dr. Rhyne Putman, associate vice president for academic affairs at WBU said. “He can teach an advanced class in logic, but he also knows how to minister to senior adults and run a student ministry. He has the skill set to help raise up a future generation of WBU ministry students who will have sound doctrine, the right skills for ministry and hearts for Christ.”
Walker has a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from William Carey, a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from NOBTS, a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Master of Theology and Ph.D. in Theology from NOBTS.
Besides his teaching duties, Walker will be a liaison for WBU to Baptist churches in the state and he will oversee ministry internship placements. | 2022-04-14T04:53:15Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Walker to join WBU faculty | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/walker-to-join-wbu-faculty/article_580dca0a-acaf-5184-a6cc-6c3431c30037.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/walker-to-join-wbu-faculty/article_580dca0a-acaf-5184-a6cc-6c3431c30037.html |
Bulldogs drop three of four games during week
On April 4, the Newport Greyhounds came to Morgan Gilbert Field for the annual Battle for the Bone game.
Tuckerman took a 4-0 lead after the bottom of the first. Both teams were scoreless in the second and third innings. In the bottom of the fourth, Tuckerman was able to score five more runs to take a 9-0 lead. Tuckerman added an additional run in the bottom of the fifth to win the game 10-0.
In the game for Tuckerman, Eli Tackett went 2-for-4. Will Tubbs went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Aaron Hurst went 1-for-2 with three RBIs, and David Platt went 1-for-2 with a double.
Hurst (3-2) was the starting pitcher for the Bulldogs and picked up the win. He pitched a complete game and allowed one hit and struck out 12.
With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 10-8 overall and 2-2 in conference play.
On April 5, the Bulldogs played Sloan-Hendrix at Morgan Gilbert Field. Tuckerman scored a run apiece in the first two innings to take a 2-0 lead going into the top of the third. Sloan-Hendrix scored three runs of their own to take a 3-2 lead after three innings of play.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Bulldogs scored two runs to take a 4-3 lead. In the last two innings, Sloan-Hendrix scored six runs to the Bulldogs’ one to come away with the 9-5 win.
For the Bulldogs, D.T. King went 3-for-4, Hurst went 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
Platt was the starting pitcher for the Bulldogs. He pitched 4.2 innings and gave up three hits and struck out seven. Timothy Ward (3-3) took the loss for the Bulldogs as he gave up the lead after coming in to relieve Platt.
With the loss, the Bulldogs fall to 10-9 overall and 2-3 in conference play.
On April 7, the Bulldogs traveled to Pleasant Plains to play Midland. Tuckerman held a 3-0 lead going into the bottom of the fourth, when Midland scored five runs to take a 5-3 lead. Midland added two additional runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a 7-3 lead.
The Bulldogs were not able to score in the final two innings and Midland came away with the conference win.
In the game for Tuckerman, Will King went 1-for-3. Anthony Holladay went 1-for-2, and Hurst went 1-for-4 with an RBI.
Brantley Lane (0-2) was the starting pitcher for the Bulldogs. He pitched a complete game and struck out five.
With the loss, the Bulldogs fall to 10-10 overall and 2-4 in conference play.
On April 8, the Bulldogs traveled to Melbourne for conference action. Melbourne scored four runs in the bottom of the first. Tuckerman answered with five runs in the top of the second to lead 5-4 after two innings of play. Tuckerman added another run in the top of the third to make the score 6-4. The score remained 6-4 until the bottom of the seventh when Melbourne scored two runs to tie it at 6-6.
The game would take extra innings to decide the outcome. In the top half of the eighth inning, the Bulldogs weren’t able to score a run but Melbourne scored a run on a bases-loaded walk to end the game in favor of Melbourne, 7-6.
For the Bulldogs, Destyn Drake went 3-for-4. D.T. King went 1-for-4 with an RBI, and Drew Hembrey had two RBIs.
Hurst was the starting pitcher for the Bulldogs. He pitched six innings and struck out nine. Platt (2-3) pitched in relief and took the loss. He gave up one run and struck out two. | 2022-04-14T04:53:21Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Bulldogs drop three of four games during week | Newport | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/bulldogs-drop-three-of-four-games-during-week/article_9be8ecbc-7b04-59b3-a26e-83e55741a05d.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/bulldogs-drop-three-of-four-games-during-week/article_9be8ecbc-7b04-59b3-a26e-83e55741a05d.html |
A home purchased and renovated by Amy Hayes and Michael Box for use as a short-term rental in Eureka Springs. An ordinance passed by the city has scuttled those plans.
Jacqueline Froelich / ANNN Photo
By Jacqueline Froelich Arkansas Nonprofit News Network
Eureka Springs, population 2,166, attracts over 750,000 tourists annually. Visitors can choose to stay in one of the town’s 182 hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, boarding houses, rustic cabins and cottages, hostels and other accommodations licensed and regulated by the city.
But some options are no longer available. During peak autumn tourist season last year, Eureka Springs passed an ordinance to ban new “tourist lodging” in residential zones. The ordinance is an effort to slow the spread of short-term rentals of furnished rooms, apartments or whole houses, which are commonly advertised on digital platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
The number of short-term rentals operating in Eureka Springs has grown dramatically in recent years as both individual property owners and outside investors, many operating as limited liability companies, or LLCs, realized their earnings potential.
“We have more single family homes that are being purchased by out-of-town folks as second vacation homes,” said Kylee Hevrdejs, Eureka Springs’ historic preservation officer and planner. Housing has become so scarce that many workers in Eureka Springs must live elsewhere in Northwest Arkansas and commute to town, she said.
“We had strangers roaming our streets at all hours, disturbing working folk,” said Melinda Large, one of a group of Eureka Springs residents who had asked city officials to enact the ordinance. Large said short-term rental guests in her neighborhood, the Pines Subdivision, made a racket and left behind trash.
The town already has plenty of tourist accommodations, Large said. “We have to have a place to live.”
Other Arkansas cities are also taking action to regulate short-term rentals. Last year, Fayetteville and Hot Springs enacted ordinances requiring operators to obtain permits. The city of Little Rock is actively developing short-term rental land use controls. A draft ordinance will be presented at two public meetings this month.
Mayors and city administrators welcome the tax revenue short-term rentals generate, but have had to field growing nuisance complaints from neighbors. Critics say that without regulatory oversight, short-term rental hosts may dodge taxes, deplete residential housing supply, and avoid code inspections applied to traditional accommodations, such as hotels.
“The number of short-term rental operators in the state seems to increase minute to minute,” said Scott Hardin, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. All lodging providers, even those operating without local permits, are required to register with the state revenue agency and remit applicable state and local taxes, he said.
The Arkansas Short Term Rental Alliance (ASTRA), an advocacy group, claims short-term rentals generate local jobs, increase property values, and improve communities. ASTRA lobbies city officials with the mission of promoting fair and reasonable regulation of short-term rentals in Arkansas.
“Many members of our group vehemently oppose any regulatory framework,” said ASTRA president, Logan Humphrey, who operates a short-term rental property management firm in Fayetteville. “But others welcome regulations to keep neighborhoods safe and to protect the professionalism of the industry.”
Eureka’s ban
From Vermont to California, Airbnb and similar companies have had an outsize impact on small tourist communities, where demand for lodging is high and housing can be scarce. So a growing number of towns, like Eureka Springs, are cracking down.
Eureka Springs has long sought to conserve a limited supply of residential housing. Converting a home to a bed and breakfast, for example, requires a conditional use permit from the city. Property owners who advertise an apartment or whole house as a short-term rental typically must obtain a conditional use permit designating the property “tourist lodging.”
Under the new ordinance, the city no longer issues tourist lodging permits in residential areas. The law exempts about two dozen residential properties whose owners had already obtained a permit and a business license before the ordinance passed. Tourist lodging permits may still be issued for property in nonresidential zones.
City officials said no one came forward to oppose the ban, which was unanimously approved by the city council last October.
“I think Eurekans are really, really happy about the new ordinance,” said Melissa Green, a member of the city council, the city planning commission and the advertising and promotion commission. She’s also a long-time owner of several licensed tourist lodgings.
“Our codes allow you to apply for a conditional-use permit to rent part of your home, as a licensed bed and breakfast, where you must live on site,” she said, “or as a licensed, stand-alone guest house, cottage or cabin.” Greene said she voted for the ordinance to preserve residential neighborhoods.
Some property owners have openly advertised short-term rentals on websites such as Airbnb without getting a permit. Hevrdejs, the historic preservation officer, said she and city staff had identified hundreds of short-term rentals operating without permits over the last several years – a huge amount for a small town.
Hevrdejs said the city is on the lookout for violators. She and her staff routinely scour online reservation sites and property sale records and respond to citizen complaints, which are kept anonymous under the new ordinance.
“Offenders are subject to a $250 fine for each offense in every 24-hour period of operation,” Hevrdejs said. “We haven’t had to take action against any property owners at this time.”
A few short-term rental owners, she said, came into voluntary compliance this winter. The city does not require a special permit for rentals over 30 days, and some property owners have started leasing their properties to tenants under a traditional long-term rental arrangement.
Among the impacted property owners are Austin residents Amy Hayes and Michael Box, who purchased and renovated a house in a historic neighborhood last year, before the ordinance was enacted.
“We planned to live upstairs and operate the downstairs apartment as a nightly Airbnb,” Hayes said. Instead, the couple is now renting the upstairs to a long-term tenant. The downstairs is listed on Airbnb – but as a monthly rental, to comply with the city’s 30-day minimum threshold.
The prospect of earning short-term rental income has fueled Eureka Springs’ real estate market.
“There are so few homes for sale,” said Diane Murphy, owner of Century 21 Woodland Real Estate. “When anything remotely reasonably priced comes on the market, it sells quickly and competitively.”
Many would-be buyers are looking to invest in short-term rental properties, and Murphy educates them on the city’s rules governing tourist lodging and permits. She said the ordinance won’t help with the housing shortage.
Sandy Martin, the chair of the mayor’s task force on economic development, said the proliferation of short-term rentals are contributing in part to the city’s affordable housing crisis.
Martin said the task force is investigating options to purchase land to build low-income workforce housing, possibly through a nonprofit community land trust or a community development corporation. Eureka counts around 1,300 housing units, 40 percent of which are classified as long-term rentals. | 2022-04-14T04:53:34Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Eureka Springs cracks down on ‘Airbnbs’ as housing grows scarce | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/eureka-springs-cracks-down-on-airbnbs-as-housing-grows-scarce/article_2384f642-2c19-52db-9119-3dd8864f8721.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/eureka-springs-cracks-down-on-airbnbs-as-housing-grows-scarce/article_2384f642-2c19-52db-9119-3dd8864f8721.html |
A Cooperative Institute for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations (CIWRO) truck sits in wait Wednesday morning in front of the Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center in Jonesboro. Several traveled to the area ahead of the impending storms.
This tree lies shattered on the ground in front of the Red Wolf Den on the Arkansas State University campus after a storm passed through Jonesboro on Wednesday afternoon.
A tree blocks the drive of a home on County Road 928 near Brookland on Wednesday afternoon. Several trees were reported down in the area, as well as power lines down causing a power outage.
NEA prepares as storms move through area
JONESBORO — As impending storms were set to hit Northeast Arkansas, with several watches already in effect, people began to prepare for Wednesday afternoon’s weather.
Watches ranged from severe thunderstorm and tornado to strong winds and flash flooding. As the day progressed many of the watches turned into warnings. During the afternoon tornado watches and warnings were issued for several counties in Northeast Arkansas. Mississippi County had reports of rotation near Monette, Lepanto and Leachville, yet again, but complete details were not available at press time.
Jonesboro also experienced 65 mile per hour winds, which were reported at the Jonesboro Municipal Airport.
After the storms moved through the area, there were several reports of storm damage across the region, mainly consisting of downed trees, limbs and power lines, including damage in Craighead County, Mississippi County, Greene County and Jackson County, among others.
By 3 p.m., multiple electric companies were receiving reports of power outages including Craighead Electric Cooperative with 1,169 outages, Entergy with 7,942 outages and Jonesboro City Water and Light with six outages.
Anthony Coy, director of emergency management for Craighead County, said on Wednesday afternoon, before the storms hit, that they had been preparing for the storms over the last week after receiving notice from the National Weather Service that they had high confidence that severe weather would be hitting the area over the past three days with Wednesday having the highest chance of severe weather.
“We have activated our Emergency Action Center as a precautionary measure,” he said, noting that they didn’t want to be caught like in March of 2020.
“We are going to be watching the weather very closely,” Coy said, “and praying that we don’t get any damage or injuries this evening.”
Storm chasers and researchers were also spotted in the area including the Cooperative Institute for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations (CIWRO).
According to their website, CIWRO was established in 1978 as a cooperative program between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of Oklahoma (OU). CIWRO scientists and students conduct research in mesoscale dynamics such as radar research, development, and analysis, atmospheric electricity, severe storms, cloud microphysics and boundary layer studies. CIWRO is one of 15 NOAA Cooperative Institutes.
Coy said that they were in the area just in case storms hit as predicted.
The local schools also closed early due to the expectation of the severe weather to insure the safety of their students and staff.
Nettleton School District posted that all campuses dismissed early, but parents could pick up their children at any time, car riders and student drivers were dismissed at 1 p.m., and bus routes started at approximately 1:30 p.m. Camp Raider and all other after-school activities were also canceled.
Valley View School District posted that Pre-K students were dismissed at 12:30 p.m., car riders were dismissed at 12:40 p.m., and bus riders and student drivers were dismissed at 12:45 p.m. Excel and all other after-school activities were also canceled.
Bryan Russell, Valley View School District superintendent, said in an email on Wednesday afternoon that they were are releasing early as well due to the impending severe weather.
“We watch the local news coverage as well as monitor NOAA in order to make our decision,” Russell said. “Our local meteorologist has been right on the money with most of our storms that would cause our buses issues in being able to safely transport students home. He basically told local public schools that if we did not get students home before the storm gets severe today, then we might have to keep them until around 6 p.m. In this case we chose to dismiss early in order to get students home safely and to give parents notice well ahead of time so they can make proper arrangements for their family.”
“We hope this allows us to get buses and drivers back in safely and allow all staff to get home to their own children and family to safety as well,” Russell said, “If we were to have a bus out on a route and have problems for any reason, our drivers are trained to only proceed if the situation is safe from their perspective. If the driver decides for any reason that they can’t proceed safely, they are trained to find the closest and safest location to shelter in place (which could be on the bus).
Westside School District also posted they they would be letting out early as car riders and car drivers dismissed at 1 p.m. with bus riders being released at 1:30 p.m.
Scott Gauntt, Westside School District Superintendent, also posted on Wednesday that, if needed, the middle school safe room would be open to the community.
Jonesboro School District posted that the school had decided to dismiss early as well. Car riders and walkers dismissed at 1 p.m. and buses at 1:30 p.m.
Brookland School District also posted that it would be dismissed at 1 p.m.
Gorge Kennedy, Brookland School District superintendent, said in an email on Wednesday afternoon that it was definitely always a heavy decision.
“I have spoken with my transportation director, security and principals all day about the weather when it arrives,” Kennedy said. “We were even watching it last night. Superintendents of surrounding districts were texting each other beginning early this morning.”
“We don’t really want a bus to get caught on the road, which is essentially why we made the decision to dismiss before the storm,” he said. “If a bus did, then the drivers have already discussed how and where to go for the safety of the children. It is a judgement call, but it comes down to what we believe is in the best interest and safety of our students.” | 2022-04-14T04:53:52Z | www.jonesborosun.com | NEA prepares as storms move through area | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/nea-prepares-as-storms-move-through-area/article_08473151-f0ca-59bc-8e1b-17119a28e5de.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/nea-prepares-as-storms-move-through-area/article_08473151-f0ca-59bc-8e1b-17119a28e5de.html |
For the first two areas, Griffin promised to be active in passing laws and advocating for policy changes. He hasn’t formulated specific proposals yet, but he says law enforcement must be supported and that the state’s legal and parole system must be reformed. Too many criminals imprisoned for violent crimes are being released after only serving a fraction of their sentences. | 2022-04-14T04:54:59Z | www.jonesborosun.com | AG’s race: Griffin, Jones face off | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/ag-s-race-griffin-jones-face-off/article_c0216045-d21b-5461-ab96-c1d433978698.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/ag-s-race-griffin-jones-face-off/article_c0216045-d21b-5461-ab96-c1d433978698.html |
Thanks to the #metoo movement, women are able to call out their sexual abuse. It was a great leap forward for accountability. I won't pretend to know their plight, but as a boy who was abused by a teacher, I can share how terrifying it was to experience then, the lasting damage it did to me and that only recently I have found the courage to speak about the pattern of unwanted touching, gifting and grooming I experienced as a student in Jonesboro over 20 years ago.
At that time, I was terrified of names I would be called or that no one would believe me. What would happen if I outed this teacher, a man who asked me to keep his homosexuality a secret? What would he do to my grades? To my future? It would be my word against his. A fatherless boy against a pillar of the school who basked in the adoration of his students. I was a no one. Which I feel is why I was chosen.
I share my truth, my story and my pain for several reasons. In the hopes that parents will keep a watchful eye, even when entrusting their children to educators they hope act as protectors not predators. The hopes that students, male or female, feel they can speak up. And I speak to free my heart from the weight of shame I have carried for over 25 years. To those abused, find your voice and be heard.
Ramsey Bergeron | 2022-04-14T04:55:05Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Be heard | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/be-heard/article_5d173d40-bd56-5419-ae42-c1de0a7bed85.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/be-heard/article_5d173d40-bd56-5419-ae42-c1de0a7bed85.html |
Like a family reunion
In 1965 I was stationed at the NAS Millington Avionics school and was in the Navy Band. We traveled to your town for a 4H Fair and parade. After the parade was over some town folks invited a few of us to their home for lunch. They made us feel as though we were at a family reunion.
As it got late in the day someone gave us a ride back to the fairgrounds for us to catch the Navy bus. We missed it! With all of our worldly knowledge I said "Let's get a Greyhound bus." That did not work out and it was getting darker. So we started to hitchhike to Memphis in our dress whites.
About an hour into our mission we got picked up by a pair of brothers in a brand new red and white Caddy convertible. They must have been 60 years old and started telling us stories of their USMC history in Korea. We all ended up in a bar at 3 a.m., and I felt really bad when we left there. They drove us to the Memphis Bus station, and we got the bus to Millington with an arrival just in time to get to class in the whites we had worn since leaving for the parade trip.
Within the next year I found myself on the USS Coral Sea off the coast of Vietnam in an A-4 Attack Squadron and later putting arms and legs of boys in body bags on the Carrier Forrestal.
At night I would sleep on the wing of my A4, looking at the stars. I recalled thinking how simple things might be in Jonesboro and my hometown of Westminster, Maryland, at that time of night.
I am 76 now and often think how nice it would be to meet those folks that treated us so kindly on that day of the parade. Surely the parents are no longer with us, but I recall lots of young children and older teenagers being around that day. I am sure you guys will do the same thing your Mom and Dad did this Memorial Day for other Vets.
Gary Shipley | 2022-04-14T04:55:17Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Like a family reunion | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/like-a-family-reunion/article_e5cbe186-a1a3-5133-b08d-ab55243543ad.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/like-a-family-reunion/article_e5cbe186-a1a3-5133-b08d-ab55243543ad.html |
DeFries
PARAGOULD — Paragould High School senior Carson DeFries will compete in two sports at the college level.
DeFries signed a letter of intent Wednesday to play basketball and compete in track and field at Williams Baptist University. She was a two-time all-state basketball player for the Lady Rams and also scored points for Paragould as a high jumper in last year’s Class 5A state track and field meet.
“That was actually the reason I chose Williams, because I get to do both,” DeFries said after signing with the Lady Eagles. “Basketball, it’s really stressful, but I love it at the same time. Track is kind of my escape from everything. I think that helps a lot and it’s just fun, a good environment and being outside.”
DeFries averaged more than 14 points per game while shooting better than 42 percent from the 3-point line as a junior. That led to increased defensive attention during her senior season, but she still averaged 12 points, three assists, three rebounds and two steals per game while helping the Lady Rams reach the Class 5A state tournament.
Paragould upset 5A-South champion Lake Hamilton in the first round of the state tournament, with DeFries scoring 12 points, before bowing out in the quarterfinals.
“She’s really worked on one-on-one, she’s one I can give the ball to and she could score on one or two players at any given time,” Paragould coach Sonja Tate said. “That’s something we’ve worked on, that I’ve tried to teach her how to be able to attack a double team, things like that. She’s just so easy to coach. She soaks in everything that you teach her, just keeps an open mind. She’s a coach’s dream, she really is.”
Tate said DeFries took pressure off other players as the Lady Rams earned a state tournament berth.
“I think she got better with that throughout the year as we talked and tried to get her to understand when you are the best player on the court, there are some things you have to do in order to take the focus off you,” Tate said. “You have to get your teammates more open so then now it’s a well-rounded team and then you can get more looks that way. She did that.”
DeFries said she learned basketball and more from Tate.
“She taught a lot of lessons in practice, just being a good person, being strong mentally and physically, and I think that helped me through the years, and her pushing me during the summer when nobody was in the gym,” DeFries said. “I think it’s made me a lot stronger and doing things on my own and not needing that person to push me. I think she’s gotten me to the point where I can push myself.”
DeFries finished second in the high jump, her top event, and in the 200 meters at Tuesday’s Blazer Relays. She cleared 5-4 in the high jump and nearly made 5-6, Tate said.
“This year has been kind of difficult because the weather has not been beneficial to us to go out and be able to practice, but I think within the coming weeks she’ll get better,” Tate said. “She’ll get that 5-6 that we talked about.” | 2022-04-14T04:55:42Z | www.jonesborosun.com | WBU signs Paragould's DeFries in two sports | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/wbu-signs-paragoulds-defries-in-two-sports/article_3d9d2e7d-69a7-5000-ab90-683a14b0193d.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/wbu-signs-paragoulds-defries-in-two-sports/article_3d9d2e7d-69a7-5000-ab90-683a14b0193d.html |
The Jackson County Community Theatre of Newport will host auditions for “The Sound of Music” April 25-27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, located at 217 Laurel Street in Newport.
During tryouts, participants will be asked to sing a 30-60 second piece from musical theatre or a hymn, as well as read scenes from the script. Call backs will be made on April 28.
Performances will be July 29, 30, and 31 at Arkansas State University Newport. For more information, visit the theater’s Facebook page at “Jackson County Community Theater.” | 2022-04-14T12:38:17Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Auditions to be held for musical | Newport | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/auditions-to-be-held-for-musical/article_8a52bf63-2550-52d5-a69f-9ea009db0dd0.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/auditions-to-be-held-for-musical/article_8a52bf63-2550-52d5-a69f-9ea009db0dd0.html |
Always a storyteller and always a vivid imagination, she never tired of creating or writing. This passion filled her days her whole life, and she never fully retired. At the age of 91 in 1959, she published yet another book, The Marble Woman, a collection of poetry. It would be her last published work. She continued writing, spending her days gazing out across Pettit Jean Mountain, and daydreaming as she put pen to paper.
Dr. Ken Bridges is a Professor of History at South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado. He has written seven books and his columns appear in more than 85 papers in two states. Dr. Bridges can be contacted by e-mail at kbridges@southark.edu. | 2022-04-14T12:38:24Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Bernie Babcock, a writer to the end | Newport | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/bernie-babcock-a-writer-to-the-end/article_3d162ff0-070e-54b2-b676-5d7909c15ab5.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/bernie-babcock-a-writer-to-the-end/article_3d162ff0-070e-54b2-b676-5d7909c15ab5.html |
National Banned Book Week isn’t until Sept. 18-24 this year, but you can start making a reading or gift list now if you want to get in on this annual celebration of the freedom to read.
The annual State of America’s Libraries Report released last week, points out that there were 729 challenges affecting nearly 1,597 books at public schools and libraries in 2021, more than double 2020’s figures, and that’s the highest in 20 years since the American Library Association (ALA) began compiling challenges.
The ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) has been documenting attempts to ban books in libraries and schools since 1990.
Nine of the 10 most challenged books last year were banned because they were considered sexually explicit. At least five of them contained LGBTQIA+ content. One book, No. 5 on the most banned list, is The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. It was published in 2017, is a New York Times Young Adult Best Seller, and winner of a dozen literary awards, but it’s just too Black Lives Mattery for some people’s taste apparently. If you can’t get your hands on the book, you can probably find the movie with the same title, released in 2018, pretty easily. It got good reviews and grossed about $35 million.
You can find the list of banned and challenged books through the ALA’s website at www.ala.org.
Here’s some other books you might want to read, which the OIF reports have been the target of book-banners for years to keep them out of libraries, schools and universities. I’ve included an objection or two filed with each one, and commented on some of them.
Animal Farm by George Orwell (1945): A Wisconsin survey in 1963 shows that the John Birch Society challenged the novel’s use objecting to the words “masses will revolt.” It was suppressed from being displayed at the 1977 Moscow, Russia International Book Fair. And, it was banned from schools in the United Arab Emirates in 2002 on the grounds that it contains written or illustrated material that contradicts Islamic and Arab values – in this text, pictures of alcoholic drinks, pigs, and other “indecent images.” (Well anything the John Birch Society, Moscow, and the UAE are against, I’m for it!)
As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner (1930): Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky temporarily banned this book in 1994 because it uses profanity and questions the existence of God. (Scandalous!)
Beloved by Toni Morrison (1987): This was pulled from the senior Advanced Placement English class at Eastern High School in Louisville, Kentucky in 2007 because two parents complained that the novel about antebellum slavery depicted the inappropriate topics of bestiality, racism, and sex. The principal ordered teachers to start over with The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne in preparation for upcoming exams.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (1932): This was removed from classrooms in Miller, Missouri in 1980 because it makes promiscuous sex “look like fun,” according to its critics.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (1951): It was removed in Summerville, South Carolina in 2001 because it “is a filthy, filthy book,” so said the school board.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker (1982): Banned in a Pennsylvania school district in 1992 because of its “smut.”
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (1939): This was burned by the East St. Louis, Illinois Public Library in 1939, and banned in several other cities. One challenge to the book as required reading in a Vermont high school in 1981 complained about its language and portrayal of a former minister who recounts how he took advantage of a young woman. (Who ever heard of such a thing?)
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925): Challenged at Baptist College in Charleston, South Carolina in 1987 because of “language and sexual references.” (I wonder if they have any books published after 1925?).
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960): Banned from the Lindale, Texas Advanced Placement English reading list in 1996 because the book “conflicted with the values of the community.” (Wow! Makes me wonder what that community’s values are!)
The Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954): One of this book’s challenges came from a North Carolina school board in 1981 that described the book as “demoralizing inasmuch as it implies that a man is little more than an animal.” (Bingo!)
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (1937): One of its many challenges was to it being a summer youth reading assignment in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1989 because “Steinbeck is known to have had an anti business attitude,” stated those who objected to it, and “he was very questionable as to his patriotism.” White Chapel High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas removed it from reading lists that year, too, because of objectionable language.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey (1962): One challenge at the Placentia-Yorba Linda, California Unified School District in 2000 came from parents who stated that teachers “can choose the best books, but they keep choosing this garbage over and over again.”
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut (1969): Many communities challenged or banned this one but it was publicly burned in Drake, North Dakota in 1973, and banned in Rochester, Michigan because it “contains and makes references to religious matters.” (Again, scandalous!)
One other thing these books have in common is that they are all on the Radcliffe Publishing Course list of the Top 100 Novels of the 20th Century. Many are Pulitzer Prize winners. One of the best things about banned books is that they are usually pretty good. But books with adult language, and subject matter like racism, sex, religion, and violence!? My goodness, it’s almost as if they reflect the world we live in! By the way, not only has book banning, and attempted book banning soared over the past year according to an Associated Press article published this week, so have threats against librarians.
To find out more about Banned Books Week – before it gets banned – visit the website bannedbooksweek.org. | 2022-04-14T12:38:42Z | www.jonesborosun.com | There’s great stories out there some people don’t like | Newport | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/there-s-great-stories-out-there-some-people-don-t-like/article_a3d0083f-cff3-569b-9ac9-e153ef435dd6.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/newport/there-s-great-stories-out-there-some-people-don-t-like/article_a3d0083f-cff3-569b-9ac9-e153ef435dd6.html |
First Christian Church to have Easter services
First Christian Church, 2600 Woodsprings Road, in Jonesboro invites the public to Easter services this week.
Good Friday services will be 6:30 p.m. There will be a variety of services on Easter Sunday beginning with a 7 a.m. Sunrise Easter Service, followed by a contemporary casual Easter service at 9 a.m. and a traditional Easter worship at 11 a.m., including a choral special, and Easter cross service.
Sunday school classes will begin at 10 a.m. and there will be an Easter potluck at 12:15 p.m.
The church will hold a community Easter egg hunt from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Members and guests are asked to bring fresh flowers during the 11 a.m. Sunday traditional service to help transform the old rugged cross for Easter.
Services will also be online at www.firstchristianchurchjonesboro.org and via Facebook.
Trumann sunrise services set
The Trumann area Easter sunrise service will be 6:30 a.m. Sunday at the First General Baptist Church, 15765 Promised Land Lane.
The Rev Larry White, the pastor of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, will be speaking.
Revival set at Fellowship Baptist Church
Fellowship Baptist Church, 207 Rebecca Lane, in Walnut Ridge, will host a three-day revival Monday through Wednesday.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. each night and will feature guest speaker Blake Jamison.
Everyone is invited to attend.
Ministerial Alliance to host revival
The Lawrence County Ministerial Alliance will host a community revival April 24-29 at First Southern Baptist Church, located at the corner of Fourth and Beech streets in Black Rock.
Services will begin at 7 p.m. each night and will feature music and a message, as well as prayer for various needs. Guest speakers will include Trent Kirksey with Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Black Rock, April 24; Eli Casillas with Imboden Assembly of God, April 25; Dennis Calaway with Black Rock and Lynn Methodist churches, April 26; Brent Powell with New Hope Outreach Church, April 27; Michael Dodson of Imboden Methodist Church, April 28; and Robert Hutchison of Black Rock First Baptist Church, April 29.
For more information, contact Dennis Calaway at 870-932-5300. | 2022-04-15T05:09:46Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Church briefs | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/church-briefs/article_5496497e-29eb-53b0-887f-dfca536035bb.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/church-briefs/article_5496497e-29eb-53b0-887f-dfca536035bb.html |
Craighead County commodity distribution set
JONESBORO — A commodity distribution for Craighead County is set for Wednesday from 9 a.m. until noon or until food supplies are gone.
The distribution will take place at the Parker Community Center, 1522 N. Church St. in Jonesboro and the Caraway Housing Authority 325 Missouri St. This will be a drive-through distribution.
According to Keith Livesay, U.S. Department of Agriculture coordinator for the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas, persons receiving the USDA food must reside in Craighead County. Recipients must also meet the income guidelines that have been set for the emergency food assistance program.
At the time of the distribution, information cards will be filled out for all recipients. Recipients will need to provide their name, address, family size and combined monthly income of the household. An appropriate form of identification such as a driver’s license, social security card or picture identification card must be shown.
To pick up food items for a shut-in, elderly person or other qualified household, the person picking up the food must have a signed authorization slip with the name, address, family size and combined monthly income of the household receiving the food.
Caseworkers picking up for large groups must make prior arrangements with the USDA coordinator.
Commodity foods are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas and the U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, handicap, religion or national origin.
Bi-lingual translators are not available on site.
For more information, contact Livesay at 870-932-3663. | 2022-04-15T05:09:52Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Craighead County commodity distribution set | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/craighead-county-commodity-distribution-set/article_cc3b7f63-a2c7-5ab4-b089-fc553771b3fd.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/craighead-county-commodity-distribution-set/article_cc3b7f63-a2c7-5ab4-b089-fc553771b3fd.html |
The bluegrass band Monroe Crossing will perform two concerts, April 25 in Paragould and April 26 in Jonesboro, in conjunction with the combined A-State choirs. Band members are (from left) David Robinson, banjo; Lisa Fuglie, fiddle; Matt Thompson, mandolin; Mark Anderson, bass; and Derek Johnson, guitar. Advance tickets for the April 25 concert are available at www.kasu.org / tickets and for the April 26 at www.astate.edu / tickets.
Photo courtesy of Jamey Guy
Monroe Crossing, A-State choirs to perform
JONESBORO — KASU, the public media service of Arkansas State University and the A-State Department of Music will present two collaborative concerts featuring the combined A-State choirs and the bluegrass band Monroe Crossing.
The first concert will be 7 p.m. April 25 at the Collins Theatre, 120 W. Emerson St., in downtown Paragould. This event is part of the Bluegrass Monday concert series presented by KASU 91.9 FM.
A second concert will be 7:30 p.m. April 26 in Riceland Hall of the Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive, on the A-State campus in Jonesboro.
The centerpiece of each concert will be a performance of The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass.
In 2006, music patrons Mike and Kay McCarthy commissioned composer Carol Barnett and librettist Marisha Chamberlin to create a piece of music that combines folk and bluegrass music with classical choral music. The resulting work has been described as a 30-minute, joyous and unique mixture of both musical styles.
The mass was written with Monroe Crossing in mind, and the band has performed the work over 70 times with choirs across the United States and in performances in South Korea.
Sixty voices from the A-State Concert Choir and the Jonesboro Chorale will be directed in the concerts by Dr. Ryan Sullivan, the Director of Choral Activities in the A-State Music Department.
At each concert, Monroe Crossing will also play a set of traditional bluegrass selections, classic country songs, bluegrass arrangements of hit pop songs, and original melodies.
The A-State Concert Choir will present arrangements of two southern hymns by Shawn Kirchner: Angel Band and Unclouded Day.
At the April 25 concert will be David’s Lamentation by early American composer, William Billings and at the April 26 concert, the A-State Chamber Singers will perform music by William Billings and arrangements of several African American spirituals.
Monroe Crossing is named in honor of the creator of bluegrass music, Bill Monroe and has performed over two-thousand shows at bluegrass festivals, churches and venues across the U.S. and in Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
The A-State Concert Choir is the flagship choral ensemble of the university. Students audition to be part of the group which performs multiple concerts on campus each semester as well as touring regionally, nationally and internationally.
The Jonesboro Chorale is open to all A-State students and also includes community members of all ages who desire to sing choral music. The Chorale presents multiple concerts each academic semester.
The A-State Chamber Singers is a select mixed choir comprised of A-State students. This ensemble presents several concerts each year.
Seating at each concert is first-come, first-served. Advance tickets for the April 25 concert are available at www.kasu.org/tickets. Advance tickets for the April 26, concert are available at www. astate.edu/tickets.
Net proceeds from each concert will assist in offsetting travel costs for an upcoming concert tour by A-State vocal students in Portugal. | 2022-04-15T05:10:04Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Monroe Crossing, A-State choirs to perform | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/monroe-crossing-a-state-choirs-to-perform/article_6b6f26c0-c219-5fa5-9809-520798636907.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/monroe-crossing-a-state-choirs-to-perform/article_6b6f26c0-c219-5fa5-9809-520798636907.html |
JONESBORO — An armed robber stole $535 from the Exxon, 1325 S. Caraway Road at about 12:06 a.m. Thursday, according to a Jonesboro police report.
Police arrested Jerry Crump, 53, of the 1700 block of National Drive, on Wednesday evening at his residence. He is being held on suspicion of possession of meth or cocaine less than 2 grams and a felony warrant.
A 43-year-old Jonesboro man had a .308-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun stolen from his vehicle by a 12-year-old boy in the 2100 block of Flatrock Trail. The firearm was recovered, according to a police report.
A 22-year-old Jonesboro man told police someone broke into his vehicle Tuesday afternoon and stole a firearm from a location not released by police. Taken was 9 mm Glock valued at $550.
A 45-year-old Missouri man reported that someone broke into his vehicle Wednesday morning in the 2800 block of South Caraway Road and stole items. Taken were a Taurus 9 mm handgun, valued at $1,100, an AT&T hot spot internet device, valued at $1,400 and clothing, jewelry and other items valued at $8,510.
A 37-year-old Jonesboro man reported that his vehicle was broken into Wednesday morning and items were stolen in the 2900 block of Gilmore Drive. Taken were a cell phone and work bag valued at $900.
A 23-year-old Delaware, Ark., man reported that his vehicle was broken into in the 2900 block of Gilmore Drive on Wednesday morning. Taken were tools and sports memorabilia valued at $680.
A 54-year-old Jonesboro woman reported that her vehicle was broken into Wednesday night in the 3200 block of East Nettleton Avenue. Stolen were her purse, debit cards and identifications.
A 54-year-old Ocean Springs, Miss., man told police Wednesday morning that his vehicle was broken into in the 2900 block of Phillips Drive. Taken was a bag of clothes valued at $200.
A 48-year-old Jonesboro woman told police on Tuesday her residence in the 2300 block of Stallings Lane was burglarized while she was in the hospital. The total value of the items is listed at $1,150.
A 34-year-old Jonesboro woman reported Tuesday afternoon that her residence was broken into in the 900 block of Warner Avenue. Taken were a lamp and a statue valued at $50.
Police arrested Desharren Neal, 45, of the 1000 block of Vine Street, on Wednesday morning following a family disturbance in the 2900 block of Phillips Drive. He is being held on suspicion of first-degree terroristic threatening, third-degree domestic battery and first-degree interference with emergency communications.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday night following a traffic stop at the intersection of West Washington Avenue and Stratford Drive. The juvenile was cited for possession of a Schedule I or II drug not meth or cocaine and no proof of insurance.
A 26-year-old Jonesboro man told police someone stole his vehicle as it was running outside of his residence in the 1800 block of Kim Street on Thursday morning. The 2017 Ford Escape is valued at $15,000.
A 66-year-old Jonesboro woman reported Tuesday that someone used her credit card number in the 200 block of Melton Circle to make purchases. The purchases amounted to $15,000.
A 44-year-old Jonesboro man told police Tuesday afternoon a trailer was stolen from the 2000 block of Broadmoor Road. The trailer is valued at $3,000.
A 69-year-old Jonesboro man reported Tuesday morning that his all-terrain vehicle was stolen from his residence in the 2000 block of Cherry Hill Cove. The 2006 Polaris is valued at $8,000.
A 38-year-old Lake City man told a Craighead County sheriff’s deputy Wednesday afternoon that his motorcycle was stolen from the 2000 block of Arkansas 226 in Cash. The 1999 Suzuki is valued at $10,000. | 2022-04-15T05:10:10Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Armed robber hits service station | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/armed-robber-hits-service-station/article_30aadf94-e500-52f3-9046-75398e9e9c0b.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/armed-robber-hits-service-station/article_30aadf94-e500-52f3-9046-75398e9e9c0b.html |
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education selected Arkansas State University and the Arkansas Out of School Network (AOSN) in 2021 to administer grants totaling $25 million over three years.
A-State and the AOSN, which is a sponsored initiative of A-State, announced in a press release on Wednesday that they have two grant opportunities to provide after school and summer learning programs that address student social and emotional development and learning loss as a result of COVID-19.
Laveta Wills-Hale, AOSN network director, said on Thursday that these grants are competitive grants through Arkansas’s American Rescue Plan Act.
“This is the second year for us to offer these grants,” she said, noting that it is the first year to offer the summer grants.
The Summer Supplemental and the ARP ESSER III After School and Summer Round Two grants will provide programming for students in grades K-12.
“These grants are available to a variety of institutions and organizations,” Wills-Hale said. “Through these programs, we want children to regain their educational footing. They have been overloaded between the virtual classes, being separated from their friends and teachers, and just all the emotional stress.”
Priority for funding will be given to programs in communities that serve the highest percentage of students who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and will address the academic impact of lost instructional time on student learning through evidence-based summer programs.
Wills-Hale said that students who were already struggling and students in rural areas seemed to really need the extra meaningful and structured opportunities.
“This includes not just traditional summer school but a variety of institutions and organizations,” she said, noting that eligible applicants include school districts or entities that partner with a school district, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, licensed youth development programs and other youth development programs, non-profit organizations, career and technical education programs, libraries, public and private institutions of higher learning, or other entities determined by AOSN and approved by the DESE.
“It’s about the whole student,” Wills-Hale said, “We want them to have arts, STEM, physical fitness and to be overall healthy.”
“This is about getting our students back on track and keeping them on track,’” she said.
The Summer Supplemental grant application deadline is at 5 p.m. April 26, and the awards will be announced on May 6. Awards will range between $35,000 and $75,000 for the period of May 15 to Aug. 15, 2022.
The summer awards will provide funding for high-quality summer learning activities, including literacy, STEM, academic support and skill building, social emotional learning, health and wellness, enrichment and workforce development.
The Round Two ARP ESSER III After School and Summer grant application will open on May 15 and will close at 5 p.m. on July 15. Round two awards will be announced on August 1.
Grants will provide continuation funding for eligible awardees funded in 2021 and will provide access to quality after school and summer programs in under served areas of the state.
The maximum award for round two is $150,000 per award. The grant period for round two is Sept. 1 to Aug. 31, 2022.
The application instructions and documents for both funding opportunities can be accessed through the AOSN website at aosn.org.
For more information about the after school and summer learning initiative, contact Wills-Hale at 501-660-1012 or lwillshale@AState.edu. | 2022-04-15T05:10:22Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Grants to fund learning recovery programs | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/grants-to-fund-learning-recovery-programs/article_d6c6f359-e71b-52b8-a115-778ff321b453.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/grants-to-fund-learning-recovery-programs/article_d6c6f359-e71b-52b8-a115-778ff321b453.html |
Northeast Arkansas Children’s Advocacy Center Executive Director Shawnie Wilson helps Community Education Specialist Lauren Brown place some of the blue pinwheels for Child Abuse Awareness Month on Thursday afternoon on the front lawn of the Craighead County Courthouse in Jonesboro.
Nena Zimmer / The Sun Nena Zimmer / The Sun
JONESBORO — Employees and partners of the Northeast Arkansas Children’s Advocacy Center (NEA CAC) met to place blue pinwheels as a symbol for Child Abuse Awareness Month on Thursday afternoon on the front lawn of the Craighead County Courthouse in Jonesboro.
Shawnie Wilson, executive director of the Northeast Arkansas Children’s Advocacy Center, said on Thursday afternoon that in the month of April, they acknowledge Child Abuse Awareness Month.
“There are hundreds of children in our community affected daily by severe abuse and neglect,” Wilson said. “Every year we use pinwheels to honor these children and the trials they have faced and continue to face. Thank you to our partners in prevention for their pinwheel donations.”
She said that the NEA CAC is a non-profit organization that serves child victims of abuse and their families by providing a haven for interviewing and examining the child. The NEA CAC mission is to provide is a safe place for kids who may have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused to tell their story.
“By bringing together all the professionals, under one roof, we avoid re-traumatizing children who are already suffering from pain, fear or confusion,” Wilson said.
Craighead County Judge Marvin Day also signed a proclamation on Monday declaring April 2022 as “Pinwheels For Prevention and Child Abuse Prevention Month.”
According to the proclamation from Day, there were 1,428 child abuse maltreatment investigations conducted by the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division and the Craighead County Department of Children and Family Services in Craighead County in 2021.
“Displaying pinwheels in April will serve as a reminder that together we can prevent child abuse and keep children safe,” Day said.
For more information, visit www.neacac.net. | 2022-04-15T05:10:34Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Pinwheels for prevention placed on courthouse lawn | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/pinwheels-for-prevention-placed-on-courthouse-lawn/article_4764f701-d133-50c1-8952-a8a367d0b1c4.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/pinwheels-for-prevention-placed-on-courthouse-lawn/article_4764f701-d133-50c1-8952-a8a367d0b1c4.html |
Bernie Babcock paves way for writers
Always a storyteller and always having a vivid imagination, she never tired of creating or writing. This passion filled her days her whole life, and she never fully retired. At the age of 91 in 1959, she published yet another book, “The Marble Woman,” a collection of poetry. It would be her last published work. She continued writing, spending her days gazing out across Pettit Jean Mountain, and daydreaming as she put pen to paper. | 2022-04-15T05:11:11Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Bernie Babcock paves way for writers | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/bernie-babcock-paves-way-for-writers/article_2a92a291-0726-59b4-8154-b8446ac56a9a.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/bernie-babcock-paves-way-for-writers/article_2a92a291-0726-59b4-8154-b8446ac56a9a.html |
Kivon Bennett pursues the football during practice this spring at Arkansas State. The Red Wolves have moved Bennett from end to inside linebacker.
JONESBORO — Arkansas State went to the transfer portal and the defensive line room to bolster its linebacker corps this spring.
The Red Wolves brought in Jordan Carmouche, a transfer from Houston, as part of their signing class. They made a position change with All-Sun Belt Conference end Kivon Bennett, who shifted to inside linebacker.
Head coach Butch Jones discussed those two seniors first when asked about the Red Wolves’ linebackers during a video conference featuring Sun Belt coaches on Thursday.
“The addition of Jordan Carmouche, a transfer from Houston, has really brought some consistency to the second level of our defense,” Jones said. “He’s also brought a level of leadership, expectation and work ethic.
“We moved Kivon Bennett to inside linebacker and Kivon continues to get better and better and better. He’s never played that position (in college), a little bit in high school, and he’s been able to get a volume of repetitions throughout the course of the winter and the spring.”
Carmouche made 12 tackles in 11 games last season at Houston. He made four starts while appearing in seven games during the 2020 season.
Bennett is ASU’s top returning tackler after finishing last season with 58 total stops as a defensive end. He also finished with eight quarterback sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery that led to an 80-yard touchdown return against Georgia State.
In moving to linebacker, Bennett is learning to follow new paths to the football.
“The thing I’ve improved on the most is my footwork and learning the timing playing the second level, playing ‘backer. It’s kind of different, say, if they run the stretch (play), how I’m supposed to chase the ball,” Bennett said after one practice this spring. “I have to pursue on the back half and go over the top. I’m used to, when I’m playing D-end, coming off the edge or something like that, and I can’t do that playing linebacker. I have to scrape over the top of everything. It’s little stuff like that, realizing how I’m supposed to fit.”
Junior Melique Straker is ASU’s second-leading returning tackler after making 50 stops last fall. Straker, who transferred to ASU before the 2021 season from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, started five of the last six games last season and made 14 tackles at Georgia State.
Sophomore Dane Motley started five games last season and sophomore Cam Jeffery has impressed Jones after playing in all 12 games last season as a true freshman. Jeffery returned an interception about 80 yards for a touchdown during Competition Saturday earlier this spring.
“That’s a position where we’re going to need more depth. Melique Straker continues to grow and I think he’s really, really been able to grow because of the game-speed repetitions from last year,” Jones said. “Maybe the most improved player on our defense right now is Cam Jeffery. We’ve been very excited about him as well.”
ASU continued spring drills Thursday with its 11th practice. A scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday.
Jones said the Red Wolves are making progress daily.
“We’re in the infant stages of building our football identity, what we’re going to stand for as a football team, our style of play, our leadership,” Jones said. “I’ve seen tremendous growth in the culture, tremendous growth in our leadership. A lot of players have really stepped up.” | 2022-04-15T05:11:23Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Carmouche, Bennett lead ASU's linebackers | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/carmouche-bennett-lead-asus-linebackers/article_25a3b921-4740-55e9-843f-18b365d4fffe.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/carmouche-bennett-lead-asus-linebackers/article_25a3b921-4740-55e9-843f-18b365d4fffe.html |
FHU’s Makin’ Music performed live
Xi Chi Delta’s “The Spirit of the Samurai” took home the sweepstakes trophy April 9 during the annual Makin’ Music production at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn., performed before a live audience for the first time since 2020.
Matte Hardin of Paragould, who is earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology Professional was among the more than 70 students who were a part of Xi Chi Delta’s win.
Additional area students participating in Makin’ Music were Catherine Arnold of Wynne, Sarah Eddleman of Blytheville and Ana Billingsley of Warm Springs.
Bolar inducted into honor society
Abi Bolar of Leachville was recently initiated into the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi.
Bolar was initiated at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.
Area students take the stage at SAU
Several Southern Arkansas University students from The Sun coverage area are included in the cast of a production of “Guys and Dolls” to be presented April 21-24 at the Magnolia Performing Arts Center.
Dalton Hale, a sophomore musical theater major from Bono, will play the role of Sky Masterson.
Lindsey Zimmer, a junior musical theater major from Jonesboro, and Alex Brewer, a sophomore musical theater major from Paragould, are both included in the ensemble.
Kunkel wins A-State honor
Brittany Kunkel of Poughkeepsie was recognized as the nontraditional studies departmental scholar in University College at Arkansas State University during the 2021-22 Convocation of Scholars. She is completing a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies.
University College offers the interdisciplinary studies major to those seeking the flexibility to select a course of study from a wide array of disciplines.
James scholarship established
The David James Memorial Scholarship was recently established in his honor by his friend, Michael Ellis, through the Black River Technical College Foundation. James, an active member of the Randolph County farming community, died in 2020.
The scholarship will be awarded to a BRTC student majoring in agriculture.
UAMS offers virtual high school programThe University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Regional Campuses will host a free statewide virtual summer enrichment program for current high school sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in learning more about careers in health care.
“Find Your Future in Health Care,” will be hosted July 19-20, each day from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. During the two-day program, students will be introduced to a variety of medical careers through hands-on activities and presentations from UAMS health care professionals and students.
Forms can be found at bit.ly/3Od43Gt. Registration ends May 2, with limited spots available.
Along with their registration, students must submit a parental consent and medical release form, a confidentiality agreement form and an up-to-date high school transcript, and confirm that they have a computer or tablet with access to the internet. | 2022-04-19T23:12:58Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Education briefs | Announcements | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/education-briefs/article_1ef307a0-28e4-5033-8410-667fcd33bbdd.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/announcements/education-briefs/article_1ef307a0-28e4-5033-8410-667fcd33bbdd.html |
Hail coated the ground and piled up at the entrance to Wilson Hall as it poured off the building’s roof on the Williams Baptist University campus in Walnut Ridge. The college said in post on it’s Facebook page, “We are blessed to report no major structural damage and, best all, no injuries from Friday night’s thunderstorm! Incredibly heavy hail left its mark on trees and vehicles, however.”
WALNUT RIDGE — Friday night brought more severe weather to the area as a storm system passed through several Northeast Arkansas counties with strong winds and heavy hail.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Little Rock website, the Doppler Weather Radar showed a supercell near Imboden at 7:53 p.m. on Friday in Lawrence County and the storm had a Bounded Weak Echo Region (BWER), which indicated the presence of powerful updrafts, which allowed hail to grow in the cold air overhead.
Between 7 and 10 p.m., the storm was tracked east-southeast along the front through Baxter, Fulton, Sharp, Lawrence, Greene, Craighead and Mississippi counties. Along the way, the storm unleashed huge hail that damaged structures and vehicles, according to the NWS’s storm report.
There were reports of hail that was softball size or larger at Cherokee Village in Sharp County, Lake City in Craighead County, and five miles west of Viola in Fulton County, there was also baseball-size hail that was noted at Caraway in Craighead County and southeast of Walcott in Greene County.
The radar also detected strong rotation in the storm, and there were indications the storm might have been tornadic as several tornado warnings were issued. There were also tornado emergencies, which were declared after the NWS was given damage reports and sightings of funnels reaching the ground. However, it appears that most of the damage was actually caused by hail, and the NWS storm report said that there were no confirmations of tornadoes during a damage survey.
Walnut Ridge Mayor Charles Snapp said on Monday morning that the city had received reports of damage from hail ranging from baseball to quarter-inch sized hail, noting that the North Ridge side had the most damage, but there was reports of damage across the entire city.
“The hail was so thick at Williams Baptist that they had to cut trenches through it to open up drainage,” Snapp said, adding that there was damage to tree limbs, roofs, windows and vehicles.
“It’s an inconvenience,” Snapp said, “but if the tornado had touched down it could have been a disaster.”
“It was nice to hear from so many of the towns in Northeast Arkansas that offered support,” he said. “It is nice to see the development of regionalism as city officials come together to help their neighbors.”
Snapp said that by nine o’clock the next morning, there were already construction companies from all over who were coming to help.
“We are asking people to bring their limbs to the to side of the roads for pick up,” Snapp said.
Director of Emergency Management for Craighead County Anthony Coy said on Monday morning that Jonesboro had been fairly lucky as there were a few reports of broken and downed power lines and poles from wind damage, but the majority of hail damage reports had been from Lake City to Caraway to the Mississippi County line.
Coy said that there had been no structural damage reported in Craighead County as of Monday morning. | 2022-04-19T23:13:10Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Friday night's storms cause varying damage | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/friday-nights-storms-cause-varying-damage/article_3e168d79-b3ad-5bea-a6c7-7efa2335519e.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/friday-nights-storms-cause-varying-damage/article_3e168d79-b3ad-5bea-a6c7-7efa2335519e.html |
JONESBORO — You can literally count the number of new coronavirus cases last week on one hand in most Northeast Arkansas counties, even as other states are reporting increases in infections.
Statewide, Arkansas recorded just 513 new cases between April 11 and Sunday. However, active cases rose by 58 to 1,057. The total number of deaths attributed, at least in part to COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, rose to 11,348, an increase of 35 in the previous seven days. Of those, two were Craighead County residents, and Greene, Lawrence and Randolph counties accounted for one death each.
The Associated Press reported case numbers are rising in most states after a two-month decline. The AP reported Friday that experts warn that the coming wave – caused by a mutant called BA.2 that’s thought to be about 30 percent more contagious – will wash across the nation.
They worry that hospitalizations, which are already ticking up in some parts of the Northeast, will rise in a growing number of states in the coming weeks. And the case wave will be bigger than it looks, they say, because reported numbers are vast undercounts as more people test at home without reporting their infections or skip testing altogether.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimates that only 7 percent of positive COVID-19 cases in the U.S. are being detected, meaning case rates are actually 14.5 times higher than officially reported. The last time the infection detection rate was this low was at the outset of the pandemic, in March 2020, CNN reported.
Craighead County, which had been among the state’s leaders in new infections, recorded only five new cases in the previous seven days. Jackson County was the region’s leader with 10.
Four Arkansas counties – Drew, Lafayette, Monroe and Newton – had no active cases, according to the health department.
On Monday, the health department reported 25 new cases and six deaths. One of those deaths was in Cross County.
Clay, Craighead, Cross, Jackson, Mississippi, Poinsett and Randolph counties reported one new infection each.
Craighead – 5 new cases, (decrease of 10 from last week); 23 active cases (decrease of 5); 328 total virus related deaths (increase of 2).
Greene – 7 new cases (decrease of 7); 10 active (increase of 2); 172 deaths (increase of 1).
Jackson – 10 new cases (decrease of 2); 22 active cases (decrease of 2); 62 deaths (unchanged).
Lawrence – 2 new cases (decrease of 1); 7 active (increase of 1); 77 deaths (increase of 1).
Poinsett – 1 new case (decrease of 1); 5 active (decrease of 3); 126 deaths (unchanged).
Mississippi – 5 new cases (increase of 2); 8 active cases (increase of 3); 209 deaths (unchanged).
Randolph – 6 new cases (same as last week); 8 active cases (decrease of 2); 88 deaths (increase of 1).
Cross – 2 new case (same as last week); 4 active cases (increase of 2); 81 deaths (unchanged).
Clay – 0 new cases (decrease of 2); 4 active cases (decrease of 3); 93 deaths (unchanged). | 2022-04-19T23:13:22Z | www.jonesborosun.com | New virus cases mostly in single digits locally | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/new-virus-cases-mostly-in-single-digits-locally/article_23870c27-292f-553c-a326-8fb44f06760c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/new-virus-cases-mostly-in-single-digits-locally/article_23870c27-292f-553c-a326-8fb44f06760c.html |
Last Tuesday, a man set off a smoke bomb and then shot 10 people in a Brooklyn, New York, subway station before fleeing. New York has some of the toughest gun laws in the country. The National Rifle Association-Institute of Legislative Action says it is extremely difficult to get a gun permit in New York City compared to other locations. And a license to carry a concealed gun is the hardest of all to acquire. The subway gunman was not deterred by New York’s gun laws.
His poll numbers are dismal and getting worse. Prospects for a Democratic wipeout in the November election are growing by the day. | 2022-04-19T23:13:59Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Biden the ghost (gun) buster | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/biden-the-ghost-gun-buster/article_1dc681d3-841d-579d-9ef1-f50b75d7ba84.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/biden-the-ghost-gun-buster/article_1dc681d3-841d-579d-9ef1-f50b75d7ba84.html |
Senior quarterback James Blackman (1) picks up yardage before being pushed out of bounds by sophomore safety Justin Parks during Arkansas State’s scrimmage Saturday.
JONESBORO — Wyatt Begeal’s role in Arkansas State’s offense changed from the first scrimmage of spring football to the second.
Begeal, a redshirt freshman, moved to wide receiver last week after playing quarterback up through the initial scrimmage April 9. He was on the receiving end of passes from senior James Blackman and freshman Jaxon Dailey as the Red Wolves held their second scrimmage of the spring Saturday.
Head coach Butch Jones said Begeal, who also participated in some special teams work Saturday, has made a quick adjustment to wide receiver.
“He’s one of our better players on the football team, so how can we get him involved in the offense?” Jones said after Saturday’s scrimmage. “How can we get him involved by putting the ball in his hands, how can we get him involved in special teams? This week we kind of threw him in there at receiver and it’s like he’s been playing receiver his entire career.
“Now he has to learn some of the fine details of the position, but he has such great rapport and respect with his teammates and his work ethic, and he’s one of the individuals who spends an inordinate amount of time watching video, up here talking with the coaches. I’m excited that he’s growing into a role where he’s going to be on the field a lot for us.”
Begeal closed last season as the Red Wolves’ No. 2 quarterback, playing in three games as ASU maintained his redshirt status. He carried the football eight times, with a long gain of 23 yards, in limited game action.
Blackman said Begeal’s experience as a quarterback will help ASU’s receiver corps.
“You’ve got a guy who’s always on point. He’s been in the QB meetings before, so he knows how the quarterbacks want the routes run,” Blackman said. “He can help them with things of that nature and then you’ve got guys like Reagan Ealy who’s just out there balling, Jeff Foreman, Miller McCrumby. I feel like we’re doing a great job of finding ways to get those guys the ball, letting them show their talents, and you can see it out there when we’re doing it at a high level.”
Blackman threw touchdown passes to Foreman, Ealy and Omari Walker as the Red Wolves worked on different scenarios, overtime among them, on Saturday.
Dailey found Genuine Potts on a touchdown pass and had a couple of scores called back, one rushing and one passing, on penalties called by the Sun Belt Conference officiating crew.
“Having a full officiating crew, if there’s anything that is on the fringe, you want it called so you can be able to teach from it,” Jones said. “So much of it, when you talk about toughness, it’s physical and mental, but so much of toughness is emotional, emotional resolve and resiliency, and not being emotional. We talk about that all the time. There were some great teach points moving forward and some catastrophic penalties in overtime, where we score a touchdown and we get a holding penalty. You can’t have those.”
Jones was pleased with the back-and-forth competitiveness of the scrimmage. He created a two-point scenario at the end to determine which side would be the winner, and a pass by Blackman fell incomplete to end practice.
Both Jones and Blackman said the Red Wolves could have started better, offensively with the No. 1 unit in particular.
“I thought we started slow, especially on offense. We have to be a team that learns how to start fast. That was one of our goals in the spring, starting fast,” Jones said. “If you look at last year, we did not particularly start fast. I thought we started slow and were able to get into a rhythm, but you have to learn how start fast and get into a rhythm immediately.”
The first quarter was ASU’s lowest-scoring period last season as the Red Wolves were outscored by a combined 117-47. Opponents outscored ASU 135-79 in the second quarter.
Blackman said the Red Wolves started slowly at the skill positions Saturday, but he praised the offensive line for its efforts under assistant coach Andy Kwon, whose assignment changed from tight ends to the offensive line this year.
“To be honest that might be the most improved group on the team, especially with the way (center) Ethan Miner has been leading those guys, taking charge in that room,” Blackman said. “Coach Kwon has been doing an exceptional job getting those guys ready for what we’re trying to do and what we’re trying to accomplish on the offensive side of the ball. I just feel like those guys are doing a great job.”
Freshman running back Mike Sharpe II scored on a couple of short runs and junior Marcel Murray broke loose on a carry of about 20 yards with the offense backed up inside its 5-yard line.
Sophomore safety Justin Parks felt both sides of the football competed well Saturday.
“Scrimmages are getting more competitive by the week. I feel like we were flying around on offense and defense as well. It’s good competing with the team,” Parks said. “It’s a lot more competitive. That’s my biggest thing, seeing from last year when I was hurt and I enrolled early. It’s way more competitive, way more physical on both sides of the ball.”
Ethan Hassler has moved from linebacker to an interior position on the defensive line, where Jones expects the sophomore from Collierville, Tenn., to remain.
Hassler played in nine games last season on defense and special teams.
“Ethan is one of those individuals who will do whatever it takes for the team and we’ve asked a lot of him since we’ve been here,” Jones said. “Hopefully this is a position he can grow into and feel more and more comfortable with the more and more repetitions he gains.”
Jones acknowledged ASU’s defensive line depth is limited. Senior lineman Terry Hampton, who is out this spring after suffering a season-ending knee injury in last year’s sixth game, recently announced his intention to enter the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining.
“That’s obviously a position group where we’re going to have to look to add to our football team through recruiting,” Jones said. “We welcome a couple of new incoming freshmen and that will be big for us. They’re going to have a great opportunity to come in and play right away.”
Redshirt freshman Aidan Ellison made a 45-yard field goal into the wind at the end of practice. Ellison made a 41-yard field goal earlier in the scrimmage and missed from 47 yards. Sophomore Tristan Mattson made a 37-yard attempt.
The Red Wolves are scheduled to hold their 13th practice of the spring this afternoon. Saturday’s spring game is set to start at 2:15 p.m. | 2022-04-19T23:14:05Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Begeal plays new role as A-State holds second scrimmage | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/begeal-plays-new-role-as-a-state-holds-second-scrimmage/article_37907851-cf06-571f-a13f-a20ba77f9b08.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/begeal-plays-new-role-as-a-state-holds-second-scrimmage/article_37907851-cf06-571f-a13f-a20ba77f9b08.html |
JONESBORO — A couple of close Sun Belt Conference baseball games finally went Arkansas State’s way over the weekend.
ASU eked out a pair of one-run victories at Arkansas-Little Rock, winning 6-5 Thursday and 7-6 Friday. Saturday’s series finale was canceled because of inclement weather, leaving the Red Wolves with a two-game series sweep.
ASU (7-24, 2-12 Sun Belt) dropped five games by one or two runs while losing each of its first 12 conference games.
“The balance of the games was just like it has been in the past games,” said ASU head coach Tommy Raffo, whose team visits second-ranked Arkansas for a two-game set tonight and Wednesday afternoon. “Either we executed a pitch or made a play or had a better at-bat. Those were the differences.”
ASU did not commit an error in either game at UALR, its first time with back-to-back error-free games all season.
The Red Wolves also batted .311 as a team while receiving contributions throughout the lineup in two games at hitter-friendly Gary Hogan Field. Their totals included seven extra-base hits.
“I think we played cleaner baseball and made more routine plays,” Raffo said. “Then second, there’s a difference in parks. You look at the history of us going to Little Rock, we’ve had some success there, and you look at our offensive numbers over the years, how many runs we’ve scored or hits we’ve had there. It’s always been really good.”
Third baseman Ben Klutts was 4-for-9 with a double, a home run and four runs batted in for the series. Second baseman Garrett Olson, who was in the lineup with freshman Daedrick Cail under the weather, was 4-for-9 and first baseman Jared Toler homered while driving in four runs over two games.
Raffo hopes the UALR series will be a spark for Klutts, a preseason All-Sun Belt selection who is batting .263 for the season.
“I think he was a second-half player last year and got off to a really slow start for us this year,” Raffo said. “Hopefully we can keep him going and go from there.”
The Red Wolves take on one of the nation’s best teams in Fayetteville before turning their attention back to Sun Belt play and a home series against Troy. Tonight’s game with Arkansas starts at 6:30, followed by Wednesday’s game at 4 p.m. Both games will be available on SEC Network Plus.
Raffo said senior right-hander Carter Holt will start on the mound this evening after having Saturday’s start canceled. The Red Wolves have not settled on a starter for Wednesday.
“You’ve got the whole staff to pitch, to get ready. They need to pitch,” Raffo said. “We’re going to face maybe the hottest team in the SEC after beating LSU, they’re playing really well, to get ready for Troy. You have to be careful how you extend arms.”
Arkansas (28-7, 11-4 SEC) has won five in a row after sweeping LSU over the weekend. The Razorbacks were ranked no worse than fourth in the national polls Monday and were as high as second (Collegiate Baseball).
Defensively the Razorbacks lead the SEC and rank third nationally with a .986 fielding percentage. Only Oregon State and Notre Dame (14 errors each) have committed fewer errors than Arkansas’ 18.
The Razorbacks also boast the third-best team earned run average (3.42) in the SEC. Michael Turner has Arkansas’ best batting average at .344, Brady Slavens and Cayden Wallace have 35 and 34 RBIs, respectively, and Braydon Webb has launched nine home runs.
Slavens drove in 12 runs last week as Arkansas routed Arkansas-Pine Bluff twice and then won all three against LSU.
“They beat you in so many ways whether they beat you on the mound just some plus arms, with some breaking pitches that are plus-plus, or they’re athletic enough in the field to make plays that maybe some normal teams can’t make,” Raffo said. “Lastly, one through nine, they do a really good job of swinging the bat. They don’t get cheated. It’s the caliber of team that can beat you different ways and they do it at a really high level.”
Arkansas won 8-4 last season when the teams met for the first time. The Razorbacks are 23-3 this season at Baum-Walker Stadium, where the average attendance is 10,242 per game.
“This is very positive for the state of Arkansas. Arkansas, UCA, Little Rock, Pine Bluff and us, we all play each other now,” Raffo said. “Everybody is playing each other and it adds awareness in the state for college baseball.” | 2022-04-19T23:14:06Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Close wins give Red Wolves a boost | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/close-wins-give-red-wolves-a-boost/article_57ee72ba-040c-50b8-8966-dfb572ba4687.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/close-wins-give-red-wolves-a-boost/article_57ee72ba-040c-50b8-8966-dfb572ba4687.html |
JONESBORO — The Jonesboro Municipal Airport Commission has established a committee to determine how to replace the terminal building that was destroyed by a tornado two years ago.
The 5,200-square-foot terminal building was among several structures that were lost in the March 28, 2020 storm.
Airport manager George Jackson found the original building plans in the rubble and shared them with consulting engineers and architect.
On Tuesday, the commission reviewed some conceptual drawings. But Jackson told The Sun commissioners determined it would be best if a smaller panel could study future needs and determine how to proceed.
Among committee members are Brandon Winters, Brian Fulkerson, Matt Hyneman and chairman Bob Gibson.
The commission has also filed a grant application with the Federal Aviation Administration to help pay for replacement of the former terminal.
Jackson said commissioners and others have discussed such things as including space for pilot quarters for rent by the airline serving the airport and even the potential of a restaurant.
Without the grant, the airport will have about $6 million available from insurance settlements, Jackson said. However, construction costs have risen substantially, as the commission learned after opening bids for another project.
Frank A. Rogers Construction Co. of Newport submitted the low bid of $1,409,293 for construction of four 3,900-square-foot hangars.
Jackson said that’s about 30 percent higher than anticipated.
Jackson attributes part of the rise in costs to stricter building and fire prevention codes that have been adopted over the past 20 years. | 2022-04-20T15:27:30Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Commissioners consider new airport terminal | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/commissioners-consider-new-airport-terminal/article_e55aa5a0-9d78-52da-8234-2a4ac7ff0416.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/commissioners-consider-new-airport-terminal/article_e55aa5a0-9d78-52da-8234-2a4ac7ff0416.html |
JONESBORO — Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in the shooting death Monday night of another teen.
Keith Chrestman, prosecutor for the 2nd Judicial District, which includes Craighead County, has indicated the suspect will be tried as an adult.
According to limited information released by the Jonesboro Police Department, the incident occurred shortly after 9 p.m. at 1508 French St.
Because juveniles were involved in the reported crime, no names have been released.
The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, and according to police, he died shortly after an ambulance took him to a local hospital.
The suspect in the incident surrendered at the police station at around 2:30 Tuesday morning.
The heavily redacted incident report made public Tuesday indicated there were five witnesses at the scene ranging from 14 to 70 years of age. | 2022-04-20T15:27:36Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Juvenile to be tried as adult in murder | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/juvenile-to-be-tried-as-adult-in-murder/article_dd2b704a-4d10-5bc6-98b7-d9e95b90682a.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/juvenile-to-be-tried-as-adult-in-murder/article_dd2b704a-4d10-5bc6-98b7-d9e95b90682a.html |
WAT22 Responders Emily Primm and Lee Heagwood are joined by Tyler Dunegan to register veterans to vote and promote the Arkansas Secretary of State voters initiative on Monday in front of the Beck Center on the Arkansas State University campus in Jonesboro.
Organization focusing on veteran suicide intervention
JONESBORO — Local veteran responders of the “We Are The 22” (WAT22) are trying to spread the word about their organization, which is an innovative group that is focused on direct veteran suicide intervention across the state.
WAT22 Responder Wes Holt of Harrisburg said on Friday that they are a vet-on-vet team of responders that work alongside law enforcement to provide peer-on-peer support.
“We are called in second to law enforcement,” Holt said. “We are basically vets in vests who volunteer our time to help out law enforcement when they get a call on a veteran in need of help.”
Holt said that he and WAT22 Responders Lee Heagwood and Shane Perkins, who are both from Jonesboro, are part of the Region Six unit that is composed of nine veteran volunteer responders who take care of 12 counties here in Northeast Arkansas.
Holt served in the United States Marine Corps, while Perkins and Heagwood were both Navy Seabees with the United States Naval Construction Battalions.
“Our teams are on standby 24 hours a day to respond in person to Arkansas veterans in suicidal crisis to provide peer support and get them to the help they need,” Holt said.
“We have to learn the warning signs and get them to the mental health that they need,” Perkins said, noting that there are more then 22 veterans who lose their lives to suicide everyday nationwide.
“We hope to change that statistic through peer mentorship between veterans,” Holt added.
“A lot of them need to get into the VA (Veterans Affairs),” he said. “Isolation and lack of resources play a big part of the problem.”
Holt said that they do their best to talk the veterans down, and even take them to the VA themselves, noting that the reason the team is so successful is because there is no one better to send in to save a veteran, than someone who has been there and fought the same battles.
“Our veteran suicide response teams are trained in ASIST and SafeTalk, and they also receive special training,” Holt said.
“We are certified responders,” he said, noting that they are trained in CPR, tourniquets, and even the use of Narcan, as well.
“When we are notified of a veteran in crisis in the state of Arkansas,” Holt said. “We drop everything and actually go to the veteran who needs help.”
Heagwood said that the program is only available Arkansas right now, noting that there are 113 volunteers serving the entire state.
“In rural areas the numbers are high,” Perkins said, noting that they operate through the use of an encrypted app to help them get to who needs them.
“We need to be there before law enforcement goes in because a lot of the time the officers are just trying to catch the bad guy and don’t understand what the veteran is going though,” Holt said, noting that they have great respect for law enforcement. In fact Holt said that he had started out in law enforcement himself before joining the Marines.
Holt said that WAT22, which is based out of Little Rock, was founded by Mikel Brooks, who is also the president of the organization and has done two combat tours of duty and attempted suicide himself after returning home with disabling injuries.
According to their website, the 501(c)3 non-profit organization has a clear and focused mission which is to be the premier veteran suicide intervention organization: “We’re on a mission to directly intervene with veterans in suicidal crises, get them the help and support they need and point them to a fulfilling and rewarding life.”
For more information about WAT22 or how to volunteer or donate, visit their website at https://wearethe22.org. | 2022-04-20T15:27:48Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Organization focusing on veteran suicide intervention | News | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/organization-focusing-on-veteran-suicide-intervention/article_419b8951-ca96-5f51-a3ff-a6243364cb13.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/news/organization-focusing-on-veteran-suicide-intervention/article_419b8951-ca96-5f51-a3ff-a6243364cb13.html |
His Never Ending Tour has been going on worldwide since 1988. He’s done 3,142 live shows over the last 34 years. The only gap in the tour was when shows had to be cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He did about 650 concerts during his career before 1988.
Steve Gillespie is editor of The Daily Press. Email him at editor@paragoulddailypress.com. | 2022-04-20T15:28:55Z | www.jonesborosun.com | My favorite artist | Opinion | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/my-favorite-artist/article_78152c5a-1d2a-50c3-9ae4-482bce3a7f8c.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/opinion/my-favorite-artist/article_78152c5a-1d2a-50c3-9ae4-482bce3a7f8c.html |
Rain likely. High 59F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Higher wind gusts possible..
Arkansas State’s Olivia Schmidt follows the flight of a shot during the Sun Belt Conference Women’s Golf Championship in Daytona Beach, Fla. Schmidt tied for fourth individually, earning all-tournament honors while leading ASU to a third-place finish in the team standings.
A-State finishes third in SBC women's golf
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Posting its best finish at a conference championship since the 2000-01 season, the Arkansas State women’s golf team placed third at the Sun Belt Conference Women’s Golf Championship that concluded Tuesday on the Arthur Hills Course at LPGA International.
A-State totaled 900 (+36) for the tournament to finish third, five strokes shy of champion Georgia Southern (895) and one short of second place Coastal Carolina (899). The Red Wolves turned in a 13-over par 301 in the final round, the second-lowest total on the course Tuesday. Placing third as a team, ASU finishes inside the top three at a Sun Belt Conference Championship for the fifth time in program history and first time since 2000-01.
Earning all-tournament team honors, Olivia Schmidt was the top finisher for ASU as she tied for fourth with a total of 222 (+6). Schmidt turned in a 2-over par 74 in the final round to close out the top-five finish, her sixth in 11 events this season. Placing tied for fourth, Schmidt finished top 10 at the SBC Championship for the second time. Schmidt has a 72.21 stroke average following the championship, the second-lowest single-season average in program history, just behind her program best 72.03 last season.
Elise Schultz carded a final round 3-over par 75 to join Schmidt inside the top 10. Schultz tied for seventh in the final standings with a total of 224. Casey Sommer turned in the low round of the day among ASU players with a 1-over par 73 and finished the championship with a total of 227 to tie for 18th. Charlotte Menager (74-77-79) tied for 31st and Kayla Burke (80-77-86) tied for 50th.
Schmidt and Schultz head to Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, for the 7th U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship April 20-24 at Grand Reserve Golf Course.
In addition to Schmidt, the all-tournament team included medalist Sarunchana Rattanasin, Georgia Southern; Heidrun Hlynsdottir, Texas-Arlington; Mia Kness, Georgia Southern; Sophia Carlsen, Coastal Carolina; and Tiffany Arafi, Coastal Carolina.
Texas State (904), Troy (906), Georgia State (910), South Alabama (911), Arkansas-Little Rock (916), Texas-Arlington (916), Appalachian State (917) and Louisiana-Monroe (+57, 921) rounded out the 11-team conference championship field. | 2022-04-20T15:29:07Z | www.jonesborosun.com | A-State finishes third in SBC women's golf | Sports | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/a-state-finishes-third-in-sbc-womens-golf/article_479a3d39-b3ac-50f1-95eb-85adfc80dd0b.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/sports/a-state-finishes-third-in-sbc-womens-golf/article_479a3d39-b3ac-50f1-95eb-85adfc80dd0b.html |
Governor Asa Hutchinson recently released key findings and recommendations of an anticipated state broadband report from consultant Broadband Development Group (BDG).
BDG, which was hired in October of last year, conducted a six-month, state-wide study to develop a comprehensive master plan for addressing the digital divide and inequitable availability of broadband across Arkansas. In conjunction with BDG, the Lawrence County Chamber held three meetings for Lawrence County on March 3 at the Hoxie Service Center in Hoxie, the Lawrence County Meeting Room in Walnut Ridge and at the Smithville Community Center in Smithville.
According to its findings, Arkansas currently has 210,000 underserved households across the state. Of these households, 100,000 are covered by a grant under the federal Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). Because of the federal rules associated with this grant, the state cannot fund grants to these areas. But Arkansas can address the gap in service of the remaining 110,000 households.
“I’m pleased to see the state broadband report and recommendations from Broadband Development Group,” said Hutchinson. “We’ve already made significant progress with an aggressive approach to getting broadband deployed to rural areas of Arkansas. I’m appreciative of the thorough report and recommendations of BDG, and I am particularly grateful for the partnership with the Arkansas General Assembly in getting ahead of the curve with an early start to deploying rural broadband. I look forward to expedited progress as we put into operation the recommendations and continue our partnership.”
BDG hosted a series of more than 300 community meetings in all 75 Arkansas counties and received more than 18,000 surveys from residents across the state. The report addresses the key deliverables required by the contract: assessing available broadband assets in the state; mapping out where the broadband gap exists in the state; calculating the budget needed to bridge the gap; and recommending improvements to the ARC grant program.
The Arkansas Department of Commerce plans to convene stakeholders next month to discuss the report and seek community feedback. The full report and executive summary can be found online at https://broadband.arkansas.gov/reports-resources/arkansas-broadband -master-plan/. | 2022-04-20T15:29:19Z | www.jonesborosun.com | BDG releases state broadband findings | Times Dispatch | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/bdg-releases-state-broadband-findings/article_d0b19ab7-5843-5f01-bf3a-ad4dd01f40b2.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/bdg-releases-state-broadband-findings/article_d0b19ab7-5843-5f01-bf3a-ad4dd01f40b2.html |
Strangers seek shelter in the restroom at Doublebee’s gas station, located off Hwy. 63 just outside of Hoxie, on Friday night as the damaging storm passes through Lawrence County.
Submitted photo / Charlene Phillips
Despite numerous reports from both local residents and first responders, as well as tornado warnings from news sources such as KAIT Channel 8 and KATV Channel 7, the National Weather Service was unable to confirm that a tornado, or two, touched down in Lawrence County on Friday night.
Less than 24 hours after the storm struck Northeast Arkansas, a survey crew from the North Little Rock office said the damage was caused by straight line winds and large wind-blown hail.
Sharp County authorities first reported a tornado spotted outside of Ash Flat, which strengthened in the Williford area, followed by reports of a tornado in the Annieville area just north of Smithville, moving towards Imboden. Several residents reported rotation from the Imboden area, along with reports of large, damaging hail.
The storm continued along Hwy. 63, traveling southeast toward the Powhatan and Black Rock area causing widespread damage to homes, including siding damage and broken windows.
Damage continued being reported as the storm moved into the Hoxie and Walnut Ridge area. Some of the heaviest damage was reported from areas including the Jones Trailer Park, Case Street and the North Ridge subdivision. Several traffic accidents were also reported, including a report of vehicles being flipped over near the Walnut Ridge area.
Although numerous Lawrence County residents uploaded to social media photos and videos of what appeared to be a tornado, the National Weather Service said tornado reports could not be verified, and what appeared to most as a tornado was more than likely a low-hanging wall cloud. | 2022-04-20T15:29:31Z | www.jonesborosun.com | NWS unable to confirm tornado Friday night | Times Dispatch | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/nws-unable-to-confirm-tornado-friday-night/article_3f24ac4e-5926-5f82-9df6-00d71a70941a.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/nws-unable-to-confirm-tornado-friday-night/article_3f24ac4e-5926-5f82-9df6-00d71a70941a.html |
Charles Tinsley Kirkpatrick
Charles Tinsley Kirkpatrick, 93, passed away April 8, 2022.
He was born April 13, 1928, in Walnut Ridge, to W. Clifton and Margaret Bottom Kirkpatrick.
Funeral service and burial were in Tomball, Texas. A guest book and photo album are available at www.kleinfh.com.
Mr. Kirkpatrick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janice Mary Duncan Kirkpatrick; his sister, Maggie Snow; brother-in-law, R. Max Snow; and nephews, Patrick M. Duncan Jr. and Kirk D. Snow.
Mr. Kirkpatrick was a graduate of Walnut Ridge High School and Arkansas State University. He coached at Clover Bend High School, which, as part of a New Deal program to promote development in rural America, is now on the National Register of Historic Places. During a career of 33 years in the insurance industry he worked in positions of increasing responsibility for The Equitable in Albuquerque, N.M., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Houston, Texas.
Survivors include daughter, Carol Labiosa and husband Glenn of Houston; son, Robert Kirkpatrick and wife Maggie of Houston; son, Timothy Kirkpatrick and wife Leisa of Sienna, Texas; son, Michael Kirkpatrick and wife Cora of Washington, D.C.; nephew, Stephen R. Snow and wife Betty of Hudsonville, Mich.; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Never forgetting his early days in Northeast Arkansas, Mr. Kirkpatrick was an active participant in Clover Bend School reunions. He was a faithful contributor to the Snow Cemetery, located north of College City on Lawrence Road 416, where his sister, parents, maternal grandparents and other relatives are buried.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Clover Bend Historic District, P.O. Box 672, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476 and to the Snow Cemetery Association, c/o Glenna Mosier, 3977 Highway 117, Powhatan, AR 72458-8506. | 2022-04-20T15:29:37Z | www.jonesborosun.com | Charles Tinsley Kirkpatrick | Obituaries | jonesborosun.com | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/charles-tinsley-kirkpatrick/article_3562d36c-d66a-505c-99b5-429968bd0c85.html | https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/obituaries/charles-tinsley-kirkpatrick/article_3562d36c-d66a-505c-99b5-429968bd0c85.html |
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