Community

Members of Strawberry River Chapter, NSDAR are strong supporters of education which is one of the three objectives of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Each year we present a chapter scholarship to a graduating senior in the tri-county area. We are pleased to announce the 2020 Scholarship recipient is Josie Ratliff of Mammoth Spring High School...

U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack, and Bruce Westerman— applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for awarding a $75 million loan to Arkansas Electric Co-op Corps through the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program...

RutanaBanana Art Gallery & Gift shop in Mammoth Spring will be presenting an American flag art sculpture to the City of Mammoth Spring on Monday, July 6 at 7 p.m. to honor and memorialize longtime resident, friend, teacher and artist, David Garner. ...

Fulton County Junior Livestock Show online entry is now open. Shows are scheduled for July 23 for Beef and Dairy Cattle and July 25 for Swine and Sheep and Goats, pending approval from the Arkansas Department of Health and Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Commission. All COVID-19 directives from Governor Hutchinson will be observed...

The Izard County Consolidated School Board met in regular session on June 18th in the high school board room. Superintendent Fred Walker told the board he had talked recently with the school architect and the plans for the track and field project will soon be completed and projections are to bid the project out in September. ...

Arkansas PBS’s flagship public affairs program “Arkansas Week” will address back to school plans, including contingency plans for students and faculty on returning to campus and the impact on education while adhering to health guidelines, Friday, June 24, at 7:30 p.m...

All for the love of Abby Hi folks, Abby here. Well, here’s a picture of me coming out of the Veterinary Science building with Dr. Conner last week at the University of Missouri. They took real good care of me. We had good news and then some not-so-good news. ...

Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Summer Scholars Academy will not take place this year due to the COVID-19, university officials announced. “After careful consideration, we decided it was best not to hold the Summer Scholars Academy this year. The decision to cancel was a difficult one because we always enjoy the interaction with the students and watching them learn and grasp new concepts,” said Jerry Trick, associate professor of mathematics and one of the academy’s organizers...

The Johnny Cash Heritage Festival is cancelled for 2020, director of Arkansas State University’s Heritage Sites Dr. Adam Long announced recently. “After careful consideration with our supporters, A-State administration, and members of the Cash family, we believe it is best to focus on planning for an event in 2021,” Long said...

A donation to Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge will fund the construction of two greenhouses. The $75,000 gift from Tekla Research, Inc., is providing the greenhouses for WBU’s Eagle Farms. The farm operation is part of the broader Williams Works initiative, which will allow students to work their way through college...

The University of Central Arkansas has announced the Dean’s List and Presidential Scholars for the spring 2020 semester.  Recognition on the Dean’s List or as a Presidential Scholar is based on grades earned during each semester of the regular academic year...

Philip Robinson, of Salem, was named to the President's List by Dr. Troy Shoemaker, president of Pensacola Christian College, for academic achievement during the 2020 spring semester. This was a result of earning a semester grade point average of 3.90 or higher...

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock announces students who have made the Dean’s List for the spring 2020 semester. The Dean’s List recognized nearly 1,800 students with superior academic performances at the end of the spring semester. To be on the Dean’s List, UA Little Rock students must earn at least nine credit hours and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA...

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund empowers single-parent students to pursue education. Ensuring the success of every recipient is a network of volunteers working together throughout the state. ASPSF Volunteer, Dwight Sharp is and continues to be an amazing volunteer who has impacted the lives of so many single parents in the Fulton and Sharp county area. ...

As the country begins to reopen, the question becomes, how do we keep our children safe, according to Linda Inmon, Extension associate-family and consumer sciences at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The first thing to do is ensure your child is in the best health possible, Dr. ...

A former accountant from Northeast Arkansas was sentenced today for bank fraud after stealing more than $9 million from his client in Trumann, Arkansas. Edward Cooper, 71, of Mammoth Springs, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr...

Entergy Arkansas is donating $50,000 to the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association, which manages the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program from 14 locations across the state serving citizens in 74 counties. The money will be used to purchase personal protective equipment, plexiglass or other contact barriers, office equipment and other supplies that will expedite processing of requests for LIHEAP assistance. ...

The Ozarka College Foundation is pleased to announce a charitable contribution in the amount of $15,000 from First Community Bank, a gift to support the Technical Center Capital Campaign in Ash Flat. “We believe Ozarka College is the greatest asset we have in Ash Flat to further education our students,” said Fred Holzhauer, Vice President of First Community Bank. ...

The Sharp/Fulton county FSA office is taking applications for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program through August 28. Eligible livestock for CFAP include cattle, sheep under 2 years of age, and hogs. The total payment will be calculated based on two factors:...

Hardy History Association invites you to the monthly membership meeting, which will be held Thursday, July 2, at 6 p.m. at the Hardy Civic Center.  The HHA Cemetery Committee members will speak about their planned project activities and an update on the Hardy History Museum will be provided. We will also be celebrating the 126th birthday of the official incorporation of the city of Hardy, which was filed in July 1894. Archivists Patsy Church and Jim Best will be set up for accepting items for donation or loan to the Hardy History Museum and the Membership Committee will be accepting new memberships. Dues are $20 per individual or $30 per family.  Chairs will be arranged for social distancing and masks are encouraged.  The meeting will also be live-streamed on the Hardy History Association Facebook page. For more information, call 870-847-5273 or email HardyHistoryAssociation@gmail.com.. ...

The Calico Rock Lions club will once again bring the community their annual Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza on Friday, July 3 evening, at dusk in Earl King Park off state highway 56 in Calico Rock. The event never fails to entertain all those who attend, young and old alike...

Arkansas Historic Preservation Program is pleased to welcome several new Downtown Network programs and one new Main Street to the Main Street Arkansas program. Having completed all the requirements, Calico Rock, Camden and Lonoke are new Arkansas Downtown Network programs. ...

White River Health System (WRHS) announced steps toward securing the future of the organization as a locally governed, independent healthcare provider for the region. The organizational adjustments included a 25% reduction in WRHS Leadership Team (Vice Presidents and Directors), extending furloughs, reducing hours, and eliminating some positions. ...

Fidelity Communications announced it will extend through the end of the year many of its relief measures that were set to expire on June 30, 2020, to support customers and communities in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.   The company will continue to make available its 15 Mbps residential internet plan for $10 per month for the first three months of service to help low income families and those most impacted from coronavirus challenges, such as seniors and college students through December 31, 2020. . ...

Meaghan Cavallero, of Thayer, has been named to Quincy University Dean’s List for the Spring 2020 semester. Honorees must earn a semester grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) to be included in the biannual Dean’s List. In total, 439 students received the honor during the Spring 2020 semester...

Grace A. Johnson, of Thayer, has been awarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship from Missouri State University-West Plains. Johnson, a 2020 graduate of Thayer High School in Thayer, is a freshman at Missouri State-West Plains, who plans to pursue a degree in education. She is the daughter of Bobby and Jennifer Johnson, of Thayer...

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and researchers at the University of Missouri – Columbia are collaborating on a statewide project to test domestic wastewater for genetic markers of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The project is funded by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity grant through the DHSS...

By Shelby Ledgerwood, Alton FFA Reporter Covid 19 has caused many events to be postponed or canceled completely, such a thing happened when the Heart of the Ozarks Fair and Livestock Show announced that they would not be having a show or auction during the summer. ...

U.S. Route 160 in Oregon County will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction as contractor crews perform bridge work. The bridges are located over Piney Creek between County Road 403 and County Road 123 in Alton, Missouri. Weather permitting, work will take place Monday, July 13 through Monday, Oct. 12. The work zone will be set-up for 24-hours a day. Work will be completed under one-lane traffic across bridge using temporary signals...

Route 142 in Oregon and Ripley Counties will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction as contractor crews widen the shoulders and overlay the roadway. This section of roadway is located from Route EE in Oregon County to Route 21 in Ripley County...

Raising a child that is not biologically your own comes with unique challenges, especially amidst the current world crisis, but a collaborative effort was formed by ParentLink by partnering with MU Extension professionals and the New Madrid County Family Resource Center to create a Kinship Caregiver Virtual Support Group. This support group is being held virtually via Zoom, weekly on Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m...

The Hutton Valley School will a host a Homemade Pie and Ice Cream Social July 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be live music, hotdogs, hamburgers, brats and homemade desserts. There will be games and activities for children. Food is free; donations accepted. All proceeds benefit Neighborhood Christian Schools...

Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) will offer a new scholarship to high school graduates who participated in the university’s dual credit program. The Advantage Scholarship is a one-time scholarship that rewards the academic achievement of dual credit seniors who graduated this past May or June. It is designed to help them transition to college in these challenging times, officials said...

Frank Schunek, of Thayer, has claimed a $50,000 top prize on a Missouri Lottery “Treasure Hunt” Scratchers ticket. He purchased his winning ticket at Casey’s General Store, 130 State Route 19, in Thayer. “Treasure Hunt” is a $3 Scratchers game with more than $6.6 million in remaining prizes, including four additional top prizes of $50,000...

If you have questions about Medicare, Ozark Action, Inc. can help answer those questions. Ozark Action, Inc. has certified CLAIM counselors that can: Screen your for Medicare savings programs, assist with your Medicare billing questions, provide free unbiased information so that you can make informed decisions...

District 15 Oregon County has been awarded federal funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program District 15, Oregon County has been chosen to receive $13,059 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county for Phase 37/CARES...

Mark Twain National Forest is seeking comments on proposed changes to its developed recreation sites. Thechanges are needed to provide a sustainable recreation program for the public to enjoy. After an internal review of all 159 developed recreation siteson the Forest, along with initial public input, the Forest developed the proposed strategy, which includes:...

The SACS Thrift Store located at 1638B Hwy 62/412 across from the Highland School District's central office, is holding a bag sale June 29 though July 11. All proceeds are used to help fund domestic violence relief efforts and other missions of Spring River Adult and Child Services...

Managing Withdrawals Carefully Can Protect Retirement Income Throughout much of your working life, you contribute to your 401(k), IRA and other investment accounts to help ensure a comfortable retirement. However, once you do retire, you’ll need to shift your focus somewhat from building these investments to using them – in other words, you’ll have to start withdrawing from your portfolio to meet the costs of living. ...

The anger and frustration brought on by the horrific deaths of George Floyd and others at the hands of those charged with protecting the public have pointed a spotlight on the need for reform. We need to ensure all Americans have faith in law enforcement...

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The Hardy Senior Center closed Wednesday, June 17, due to building safety concerns. Hardy Senior Center clients were notified and offered curbside service at the Ash Flat or Cherokee Village Senior Centers. If a Hardy center client has not talked with the staff to change their curbside location, they should call Director Leila Weeks at 870-257-6301. ...

Pleasant Ridge Community Church in Poughkeepsie, Ark., is announcing, at this time, that the singing scheduled for June 27, featuring The FlatLand Band and the singing scheduled on July 25, featuring New Heart Quartet, are cancelled. There is no singing scheduled in August. We look forward to September and will follow up on this at that time...

The Calico Rock Visitor Center and Artisan Gift Shop will be reopening on July 1. The Calico Rock Museum exhibits will reopen at a later date in the year. The visitor center provides visitor information for the community and is a valuable resource for folks visiting the area...

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has launched a new website that combines curated content from each of the department’s divisions into one streamlined user experience. The newly designed agriculture.arkansas.gov provides a user-friendly design and  consolidates the existing websites of the Natural Resources Division, the State Board of Registration for Foresters, and the Arkansas Water Well Construction Commission that were added to the Department under the Transformation Act of 2019...

Forget murder hornets. Arkansas bee populations face plenty of life-threatening perils that are already here, shrinking their numbers and causing colonies to collapse. But all is not lost, because Neelendra Joshi is on a mission to save Arkansas’ bees...

Northern Arkansas Telephone Company (NATCO Communications), a telephone and fiber broadband company headquartered in Flippin, Arkansas, has developed a series of graphics featuring the theme “We AR Open” to support and promote the reopening of business in Arkansas...

U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford and French Hill—announced the Arkansas Department of Transportation will be awarded $40 million to reconstruct and improve two sections of US 67 northeast of Little Rock...

The U.S. Poultry and Egg Association awarded a $110,000 grant through its USPOULTRY Foundation to fund research addressing animal welfare in commercial broiler farms. The research, “Effect of Variable Light Intensity Program on Broiler Gait Score, Stress and Central Positive Welfare in Commercial Broiler Farm”, is a joint project of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and Tyson Foods...

The Quad Cities Rotary Club of Sharp County, Ark. met Monday, June 8 at the Pill Box Café in Highland and awarded Highland High School Class of 2020 graduate Gracie Ingram, daughter of Tausha Ingram of Ash Flat and David Ingram of Salem, a $500 scholarship to go toward her continued education expenses. ...