Weekly Column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 1-14-22

Pre-fiscal budget hearings began this week with the Governor outlining his balanced budget proposal calling for a 3.3% increase in spending.  We will be reviewing the proposal while we continue to hear requests from state agencies and commissions in the days ahead.  As we prepare for the 2022 Fiscal Session, we want to remind you…

Bradley County sees explosion of COVID cases as 218 are reported active as of Thursday

Warren, Arkansas – COVID cases have increased dramatically in Bradley County in the last 24 hours as 218 active cases were reported Thursday, January 13, 2022 according to the Arkansas Department of Health’s COVID website. Just three days ago Bradley County was reporting 109 cases, and while those numbers have climbed in recent days, Thursdays…

Hermitage School Board unanimously approves mask resolution

Hermitage, Arkansas – The Hermitage School Board met in regular session January 10, 2022. MInutes and financial reports were presented and approved. Rosalynda Ellis, Mistie McGhee and Dr. Tucker gave their respective reports. By a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the following mask resolution: The mask mandate was modified to stipulate that all staff,…

Community Action continuing efforts to reorganize

For the past several years the Southeast Arkansas Community Action Agency has struggled with keeping the agency in line with State and federal regulators, maintaining a functioning board, and keeping its important programs working. The agency has lost Head Start, which was its largest, and a vital, program for the region. Southeast Community Action serves…

Rob Johnson hired as City Building Official/Sanitation Manager

Rob Johnson was recently hired by Mayor Pennington to become the Building Official/Sanitation Manager for the City of Warren.  The job consists of managing the City Building Office and the Sanitation(solid waste office). The Building Office issues building permits and assures compliance with inspections. The office also works with the Warren Planning Commission in dealing with rezone of property requests and enforcement of zoning…

Warren PD warns residents to be vigilant in wake of recent thefts and break-ins

Over the last couple of weeks the members of the Warren Police Department have responded to an increased number of thefts / breaking or entering cases. A large majority (if not all) of the cases have been against those who have left their property unsecured. We have attempted to increase our patrols and use various…

Little Rock man wins prize drawing after taking part in the Second annual Mrs. Beverly Reep Memorial 5K

Warren, Arkansas – The Second Annual Mrs. Beverly Reep Memorial 5K took place virtually on Saturday, December 26, 2021. This year’s annual event was organized by the president of the Warren High School Chapter of the National Beta Club president, Arington Browning, under the stewardship of 2020 event creator and University of Arkansas freshman, India…

John Lipton presents program to Warren Rotary

The Rotary Club of Warren met Tuesday, Jan. 11 with Rotarian Bob Milton presenting his guest John Lipton for the program. A former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives, Lipton’s program was mostly about the Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Facilities Authority (SEARIFA). Lipton spoke in detail about the history of SEARIFA and how it…

UAM McGehee announces Henry as Director of Student Services

Monticello, Arkansas – The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-McGehee recently welcomed Jason Henry as the Director of Student Services. Henry began at the college on Dec. 1, 2021. As Director of Student Services, Henry will oversee all aspects of student services, including recruitment, admissions, academic advising, and enrollment. He will facilitate the…

Winter bowhunting opportunities offer last chance to complete Triple Trophy Award for deer hunters

LITTLE ROCK – Modern gun deer hunting is in the rearview mirror for the 2021-22 deer season, but there’s still time to fill a tag with archery tackle until the end of February. For those who have already taken a deer during Arkansas’s modern gun season and one during Arkansas’s muzzleloader season, the Arkansas Game…

Warren City Council honors former Mayor John B. Frazer, Jr.

Warren, Arkansas – Meeting for the first City Council meeting of 2022 the Warren City Council conducted several items of routine business and dispensed with the meeting in just over 30 minutes. Five of the six council members were present. Mayor Pennington presided. City Clerk Helen Boswell submitted the statement of revenues and expenditures and…

Warren School Board adopts Ready for Learning Plan with COVID guidelines

Warren, Arkansas – With five of the seven boards members present, the Warren School Board met in regular session for the January 2022 meeting. Vice Chairman Dr. Kerry Pennington presided. The Board approved the previous minutes and reviewed and approved the financial reports. There was a discussion as to the colors to be utilized in…

New dates set for four postponed Lady Jack Basketball games

Warren’s Athletic Department announced Tuesday the rescheduled dates for four Warren Lady Jack Basketball games after they were postponed over the last couple of weeks. See the new dates for the postponed games below: January 20-Warren Lady Jacks vs. Camden Fairview(7G, SG)-Games start at 5:00 p.m. January 31-Warren Lady Jacks at Star City(SG)-Game starts at…