Safe Haven Baby Box One Step Closer; City Council Hears Complaints About Animal Control

The Safe Haven Baby Box is one step closer to reality. Tuesday night, the Batesville City Council agreed to enter into a lease and service agreement for the life-saving Baby Box. Fire Chief Mark McCollum said the Sulphur Rock EAST students and teacher Jenine Ottaway had the idea for the...

Ravenden fire department receives new equipment, vehicles

RAVENDEN, Ark. (KAIT) - The Ravenden Volunteer Fire Department has received new rescue equipment, turnout gear and vehicles, Mayor Tim McComas announced Friday. McComas said the department received new jaws of life for vehicle rescues and new turnout gear. The department also received new fire trucks and rescue vehicles. The...

CREST Center Holds Construction Ceremony as Building Progress Continues

JONESBORO – 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 gathered...

‘It’s not going to magically disappear:’ Mississippi County driver takes 25-mile detour to avoid slag

OSCEOLA, Ark. (KAIT) - Taking a shortcut down a county road in Mississippi County is becoming an expensive gamble. JD Faulkenberry lives in Osceola, a town in Mississippi County. His wife took a detour down a county road, but that shortcut ended at the car shop. Mechanics removed a metal spike as long as his finger from her tire.

Jonesboro planning commission declines to recommend rezoning near elementary school

Three Craighead County Cities Receive Transportation Alternatives Program Funding from ARDOT

Craighead County, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) announced the recipients of its 2026 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Recreational Trail Program (RTP), with three Craighead County cities included among them. TAP provides funding for programs and projects that act as transportation...

Early Voting Begins Oct. 19 in Arkansas; Where to Vote in Five NEA Counties

JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas voters can begin casting ballots Monday, Oct. 19, ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Early voting continues through Monday, Nov. 2, according to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s election calendar. Registered voters in Craighead County can vote early at the Election Annex, 315...

ARDOT Awards Transportation-Related Research and Workforce Development Grants to A-State, U of A

Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) awarded two recipients for its Transportation-Related Research and Workforce Development (TRWD) program for the state fiscal year 2027, with Arkansas State University being of the awardees. A-State was awarded $249,000 to study ARDOT construction project...

Mississippi County library system to reduce service hours

OSCEOLA, Ark. (KAIT) - Visitors planning a trip to a public library branch in Mississippi County will soon see slightly shorter operating schedules. The Mississippi County Library System announced it is reducing service hours across all six of its branches, citing inflationary pressures and a persistent decline in county sales tax revenue.

A-State celebrating construction of CREST Center

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT/Edited News Release) - Construction began earlier this spring on phase one of three for the upcoming Career Readiness Education and Skills Training (CREST) Center. Arkansas State University is leading this regional workforce development initiative in collaboration with Arkansas State University-Newport and Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) of Blytheville.

Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce hosts cookout to thank members

The Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted a cookout Wednesday to show appreciation for its members and their continued support. The event featured burgers, cookies, chips and other treats provided by local restaurants. Organizers moved the cookout indoors because of the threat of rain. Atin Suri with the Jonesboro Regional...

Craighead County Detention Center Updates, Sheriff’s Office Pay Program Discussed During County Government Meetings

Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The Craighead County Quorum Court on Monday heard updates on the annual state review of the Craighead County Detention Center. During his presentation, Craighead County Sheriff Marty Boyd said everything regarding the jail was in compliance, with the exception of lacking enough space for administrative staff.

Arkansas wildlife refuge important for duck migration to expand

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expanding one of its wildlife refuges in Arkansas, the nonprofit partnering with the federal government on the project said Wednesday. The Trust for Public Land, an outdoors nonprofit, said 435 acres would be added to the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge in east Arkansas. That’s on top of […]

Wynne City Council approves resolutions for Good Shepherd Center grant

WYNNE — The Wynne City Council approved a total of six resolutions during its monthly meeting Tuesday. Four of the resolutions relate to the city’s grant application on behalf of the Good Shepherd Center, while the other two levy 2026 real and personal property taxes, collectible in 2027, at 5 mills for the General Fund.

Woman Accused of Using Forged Judge’s Signature to Claim Sole Custody

JONESBORO, Ark. — A woman is accused of presenting a forged Missouri court order claiming sole physical custody, bearing a signature a judge later said he had not supplied, according to a probable cause affidavit in Craighead County. Ashley Jordan Davis faces allegations of second-degree forgery, a Class C...

Backpack Program Drives Teacher to Become Mrs. Arkansas-America

Many girls grow up competing in pageants and dream of one day representing their state on a national stage, but the story was different for Ashton Haywood, Mrs. Arkansas-America 2026. Her journey started when she became an art teacher at Nettleton STEAM Elementary School in Jonesboro. “My first year of...

Brookland school board approves ‘dangerous intersection’ resolution

BROOKLAND, Ark. (KAIT) - The Brookland School Board voted 4-0 Monday to approve a resolution declaring the intersection of U.S. Highway 49 and School Street a “dangerous intersection.” One member of the five-person board did not participate in the vote, citing a conflict of interest. With the resolution...

THE EXPERT | Safe in the Stand: Your Guide to a Secure Hunting Season in Craighead County

THE EXPERT – Jonesboro Right Now – As the crisp air settles into Northeast Arkansas, hunters know exactly what time it is. Fall means prime hunting season, and thousands of sportsmen are hitting the woods, from the rolling timber of Crowley’s Ridge to the agricultural fields and bottomlands of the Delta.

Heritage Sites Hosts Third Round of Public Meetings on Proposed Arkansas NHA

JONESBORO, AR — Arkansas State University’s Heritage Sites office invites residents, community leaders and other interested individuals to participate in a third round of public meetings concerning the proposed Arkansas Delta National Heritage Area (NHA). The meetings, scheduled for Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 4 – 6, will present...

40th Lit’l Bita Christmas Set for November in Jonesboro

Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The Christmas spirit will soon be taking over First National Bank Arena as organizers prepare for the 40th anniversary of Lit’l Bita Christmas. One of the largest arts and craft fairs in the mid-south, this year’s event is bringing in...