Phase II well underway in state

As communities reopen, some officials worry virus could continue to spread.

Despite a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations by 82 percent since Memorial Day Weekend, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced that the state was entering Phase II of reopening Arkansas and its economy this past Monday. Phase II was instituted Monday. During the Wednesday briefing, Hutchinson said, “We’re not out of the woods. We’re still in the heart of the woods.” He credits […]

Sheriff says cuts will cause layoffs

Quorum court meeting on Thursday will determine if Staley’s budget is slashed.

Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley describes facing dire funding problems that may require him to lay off staff. “It’s a decades-long problem that’s been made worse by COVID-19,” Staley said Tuesday. On Monday, the quorum court’s personnel budget committee told him money is tight and to prepare to have his budget slashed. The committee will meet again at 6 p.m. […]

As infections go up in state, scientists see drug as hope for treatment

At least three Jacksonville nursing home residents have died from the coronavirus as British scientists report a cheap steroid is helping COVID-19 patients in hospitals.

Spikes in new COVID-19 cases in the state have been so high recently – 731 on Friday and several higher than 400 – that the 274 cases reported Tuesday were seen by Gov. Asa Hutchinson as good news despite three nursing home deaths in Jacksonville. Since Arkansas’ first COVID-19 case was discovered in Pine Bluff on March 11, the state […]

Police Reports – June 17, 2020

Cabot • Jimmy Bishop, 38, of Searcy was arrested on June 11 on drug charges. Police made a traffic stop at 4:11 a.m. at the intersection of South Second Street and Hwy. 321 for a vehicle with a license plate displayed in the rear window that did not belong with the vehicle. Officers spoke with Bishop and found he was […]

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Obituaries – June 17, 2020

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Charles Ray Troutman Former Lonoke County Judge Charles Ray Troutman, born Jan. 12, 1934, in Elm City, N.C., passed away from this world at his home on June 14 at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his parents, Worth and Celia Troutman, and a brother, Erwin Page, all of North Carolina. Charles spent his early years […]

Kincade declares fight on disease

Cabot mayor recognizes boy with Batten disease, a rare genetic disorder.

Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade read a mayoral proclamation on Monday with resident Stevi Barnes, declaring June as Batten Disease Awareness Month in the city. Barnes’ son, Jackson, is battling the disease. He is going blind and will eventually be wheelchair bound. Batten disease is an inherited genetic disorder with no cure that affects the nervous system. The disease is caused […]

Director leaving senior center

Moves up as head of senior centers with North Little Rock’s CareLink.

Longtime Jacksonville Senior Wellness and Activity Center director Christy McMillion resigned June 5 to accept a new position with CareLink, a nonprofit agency based in North Little Rock, where she will work with senior centers in six counties. McMillion has worked for the JSWAC for nearly 16 years. At CareLink, McMillion will be the center’s operations provider manager. She will […]

Lonoke reports no coronavirus cases

Reed advises caution as city seeks federal emergency support, while county has just eight reported infections.

Lonoke Mayor Trae Reed told council members at their virtual council meeting Monday night that there are no active COVID-19 cases in the city and just eight in all of Lonoke County. Reed explained that the spike in COVID cases are coming mostly from migrant workers tied to Tyson Foods and are in two northwest counties. “We are doing well […]

Cabot wants to celebrate July 4th

City hopes residents can enjoy holiday while public gatherings are restricted.

Cabot is adapting ways for residents to enjoy the Fourth of July while practicing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. During the city council meeting on Monday, Mayor Ken Kincade said he is considering allowing residents to shoot fireworks in the city on July 4. He may suspend the ordinance banning fireworks for one day, as an exception […]