Senate District 1 special primary set for Aug. 18 as candidates seek vacant seat

Voters across Arkansas Senate District 1 will return to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 18, as the process of selecting a new state senator for southeast Arkansas gets underway. The special election was called following the resignation of former State Sen. Ben Gilmore of Crossett, who left the Senate at the end of June to accept…

Mrs. Easter Mae Harding, 1942-2026

Mrs. Easter Mae Harding, 84, of Warren, Arkansas, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Chapel Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Warren, Arkansas. Born on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1942, in Johnville, Arkansas, she was the daughter of the late Charlie and Artie Terry. Easter found joy in life’s simple blessings.…

Reminder: Save on back-to-school spending during tax-free weekend starting Aug. 1

By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas families planning for back-to-school shopping can take advantage of the 2026 Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday, which runs Aug. 1-2. This year’s sales tax holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2. All…

Kingsland welcomes new employees, announces public works promotion

The City of Kingsland has welcomed two employees to its municipal team while also announcing a promotion within the public works department, according to Kingsland Mayor Samantha Johnson. Ty Gonzales has joined the city as its new office manager. Johnson said the position was created by combining the previously advertised part-time water clerk and part-time…

Hermitage School District Earns AAA 2025–2026 Class 1A Sportsmanship Award

HERMITAGE, Ark. — The Hermitage School District is proud to announce that it has been recognized with the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) 2025–2026 Class 1A Sportsmanship Award, an honor that reflects the outstanding character, integrity, and respect consistently demonstrated by Hermitage student-athletes, coaches, students, and fans throughout the school year. The award was recognized during…

Entry forms now available for 2026 Buck Fever Festival

Entry forms are now available for several activities and competitions planned as part of the 2026 Buck Fever Festival. The available forms include registration for vendors, the festival parade, Baggo tournament, dog show, pageant and talent show, which also includes Antler Idol. Individuals, organizations, businesses and other groups interested in participating are encouraged to review…

Calling aspiring farmers: UADA Farm School program open for applications

By John LovettUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food recently opened applications for its 2027 class of Farm School, a nine-month program that provides foundational knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to aspiring specialty crop farmers. The Farm School is designed for beginning farmers of fruits, vegetables, flowers…

King Foundation Awards $25,000 to Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 22, 2026) — For the third consecutive year, the Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation has invested in the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF), awarding a $25,000 grant to help single parents in the Arkansas Delta complete college and workforce training. For single parent families across the Delta, earning…

Extension expert offers tips for parents of teenagers starting high school this fall

By Rebekah HallUniversity of Arkansas Division of Agriculture LITTLE ROCK — For families with teenagers starting high school this fall, the transition to new social pressures and academic responsibilities can feel intimidating for both parents and children. Brittney Schrick, extension associate professor and family life specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said…

Tall Pines Timber Challenge Added to Bradley County Fair Lineup

The Tall Pines Timber Challenge will bring forestry skills, friendly competition and fundraising to the 2026 Bradley County Fair and Livestock Show on Saturday, Sept. 12. Organized by the University of Arkansas at Monticello Forestry Club, the challenge will feature separate youth and adult divisions with events designed to test participants’ knowledge, accuracy and traditional…

Palestine A.M.E. Church to Hold Homecoming Celebration July 31-Aug. 2

Palestine A.M.E. Church will welcome former members, families, friends and community residents for its 2026 Homecoming celebration beginning Friday, July 31, and continuing through Sunday, Aug. 2. The weekend, centered on faith, family and fellowship, will begin with a meet-and-greet at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Palestine A.M.E. Church. Activities scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, will…

Reminder: Warren High School Announces 2026-27 Student Orientation Schedule

WARREN, Ark. – Warren High School has announced details for its 2026-27 student orientation sessions, which will take place at Lumberjack Arena prior to the start of the upcoming school year. According to information released by the school, orientation for incoming freshmen and all new students will be held on Thursday, July 30, at 10…

James “Jimmy” McCoy, 1972-2026

James “Jimmy” McCoy Jr., 54, of Monticello, passed away June 18, 2026. Born June 2, 1972, to James “Frank” McCoy Sr. and Janet McCoy. Jimmy was a gifted artist and craftsman who believed that life was meant to be customized.  Whether he was creating custom automotive graphics, airbrushing artwork, restoring vehicles, or helping others bring…

South Arkansas FLOW recruiting students for youth mountain biking team

South Arkansas FLOW is inviting students in fifth through 12th grades to join its mountain biking team for the upcoming season. Based in Monticello, South Arkansas FLOW is a composite team open to boys and girls from across the region. The program offers weekly practices, recreational weekend rides and opportunities to compete in races held…

Warren School District Honors Former Superintendent Dr. Frank Anthony

The Warren School District is remembering Dr. Frank Anthony, a longtime Arkansas educator and administrator who died July 21 at the age of 80. Anthony served the Warren School District from 1984 through 1992, including six years as assistant superintendent. He also served as superintendent during the 1988-89 school year. During his years in Warren,…