A New Business Is Coming To Batesville, Arkansas

The community buzzed with excitement as Batesville prepared to welcome a fresh entrepreneurial venture. The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce announced a ribbon‑cutting ceremony for Putt & Porch, a new mini‑golf and event venue slated to open on October 22, 2026, highlighting its expected impact on the local economy and social scene.

Jonesboro seeks funding to repair Allen Park skating park

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - The city of Jonesboro is searching for funds to fix the skating park at Allen Park. A resident raised concerns during the city council meeting Tuesday, saying the concrete was not safe for wheels and that there was not sufficient lighting. Jonesboro Parks and Recreation Assistant...

Craighead County Placed Under Burn Ban

Craighead County, AR – Contributed – A burn ban has been issued for Craighead County effective immediately and until further notice. This decision was made in coordination with the Craighead County Office of Emergency Management, Craighead County Judge Marvin Day, and the Arkansas Forestry Services due to the return of dry conditions and the absence of rain in the forecast.

Thousands Cast Ballots as Early Voting Opens Across Northeast Arkansas

JONESBORO, Ark. — More than 5,000 Northeast Arkansas voters cast their ballots Monday as early voting opened for the November general election, with county clerk’s offices reporting strong participation across the region. Nine counties reported a combined 5,044 voters on Oct. 19. Several reported that roughly 2% to...

10 Arkansas Christmas Light Displays So Spectacular They’re Worth The Drive

One Arkansas yard asks you to tune your car radio to 89.9, then makes the lights dance to the music. I love that idea so much. Your dashboard becomes the speaker, and the house becomes the stage. That’s just one stop on this list. Another spot has glowed with holiday...

Craighead County Sees Strong Turnout on First Day of Early Voting

Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – Craighead County reported strong participation on the first day of early voting Monday for the 2026 general election. According to elections coordinator Angela Horner, a total of 1,512 voters cast ballots in Jonesboro at the Election Annex, and 195 voters cast ballots in Lake City at the Eastern Annex. This brought the county’s first-day total to 1,707 votes cast.

Kiwanis Club’s Chubby Menard Pancake Day returns Thursday

A Batesville fall tradition is back Thursday, and its name comes from a former club president best remembered for an unusual attendance incentive: a live pig. The Kiwanis Club of Batesville will hold its annual Chubby Menard Pancake Day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 615 E. Main St., club President Andy Walmsley said.

Batesville City Council: Tourniquets approved, construction behind schedule

The water intake under construction at Riverside Park in Batesville. (All images White River Now) Council OKs tourniquet purchases for police while engineer reports delays, expenses incurred during construction projects. By Andrea Bruner, White River Now. In the last 12 years, the Batesville Police Department has had two instances where...

West Memphis Firefighters and Community Safety

Lehr Arena, located at 503 W. Broadway Ave., is described as a sports arena. A Department Rooted in Nearly a Century of Service. West Memphis Fire Rescue EMS traces its history back to 1929, per the department's Facebook announcement. Today, the department protects roughly 28,000 residents across a 29-square-mile service territory that includes two major interstate highways, I-40 and I-55, along with three main railroad lines, according to the City of West Memphis. Fire Chief Derrick Clay leads the department, which operates out of four fire stations staffed by 66 total paid personnel, including 54 line firefighters and paramedics.

Jackson County food distributions planned Wednesday

JACKSON COUNTY, Ark. — The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas will hold USDA drive-thru food distributions Wednesday in Jackson County. Distributions will be held at 400 N. Pecan Street in Newport from 1 to 2 p.m. and at Swifton City Hall from 2:30 to 3 p.m. or until food runs out.

Hardy city council considers ordinance to eliminate A&P commission

HARDY, Ark. (KAIT) - The Hardy City Council is voting Monday night on dissolving the city’s Advertising and Promotion Commission, a move that would eliminate the 3% sales tax on prepared food and lodging in the city and the commission itself. The ordinance would take effect on December 19.

Google, Entergy Arkansas expand West Memphis data center alliance with $500 million second phase investment

By Wesley Brown, Arkansas Delta Informer Editor LITTLE ROCK – Oct. 20, 2026 — Just...

JRN’s Guide to the 2026 Craighead County Ballot

Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – It’s time to make your voice heard and cast your vote at the ballot. Early voting in Craighead County began Monday, Oct. 19 goes until Monday, Nov. 2. Election Day follows on Tuesday, Nov. 3. With several issues and candidates...

Cross County fair queens compete in state pageants

LITTLE ROCK — Miss Cross County Fair Allyssa Andrews and Junior Miss Cross County Fair Kayli Smith competed in their respective Arkansas State Fair Pageants over the weekend. Smith finished in the top 10 of the Junior Miss Arkansas State Fair Pageant. The winner was Raygen Tweedy of Randolph...

Osceola community rallies to help 21-year-old

Arkansas mom shared public data center records, then a utility sued her and 2 newspapers

"Corporations need heavy regulation and their power curbed."

‘Looking Ahead with Vision’: Jonesboro Leaders to Explore Innovation, Leadership, and the Future of Northeast Arkansas

Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library invites the community to Looking Ahead with Vision: Leadership, Innovation, and the Future of Northeast Arkansas, an upcoming installment of its 2026 Speaker Series, on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 3:30 p.m. in the Round Room. The event...

Google to pay Entergy Arkansas $103 million this year

LITTLE ROCK — Google is set to pay Entergy Arkansas $103 million this year, according to newly unredacted documents filed with the Arkansas Public Service Commission. Entergy submitted records to the Arkansas Public Service Commission as part of its application seeking approval for a special rate contract with Google to power its $4 billion West Memphis data center.

CREST Center holds construction ceremony as building progress continues

JONESBORO, Ark. — The building of the Career Readiness Education and Skills Training (CREST) Center has been underway for the past several months near the corner of Aggie Road and Red Wolf Boulevard on the campus of Arkansas State University. On Friday, community members, industry partners, and educational leaders...

Early voting underway in Craighead County ahead of Election Day

Early voting is underway in Craighead County, where voters are heading to the courthouse ahead of Election Day. Some voters are choosing to cast their ballots early to avoid potential crowds on Election Day. Linda Graham said voting is especially important to her as a former social studies teacher. “I'm...