"Journalism is what we need to make democracy work." – Walter Cronkite
Story by DDNS Reporter Jerry Don Burton Schools across Arkansas are learning to embrace the natural state’s top crop as the Rice in Schools program pilot run continues. The Arkansas Rice in Schools program, launched by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture in collaboration with Arkansas Rice and USA Rice, is an initiative to teach students how to cook with rice
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Story by DDNS Reporter Jerry Don Burton April 16, 2026 From city-wide cleanups to research demonstrations, several organizations are gearing up to host events for Earth Day in Arkansas. Earth Day, held on April 22 every year since 1970, is a global event observed to spread awareness and support for environmental issues and practices. Melissa Dooley, director of the Arkansas
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Photos and Story from DDNS Reporter Jerry Don Burton March 18, 2026 The Nettleton School Board heard presentations on an initiative to educate students about rice and effective AI use in classrooms at its monthly meeting. Rice in Schools Pilot Initiative Leslee Tell, farm-to-school coordinator for the United States Department of Agriculture, addressed the board at the meeting Tuesday, March
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Story by DDNS Reporter Jerry Don Burton March 1, 2026 The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission (PC&EC) adopted a new business plan for the District 4 Used Tire Program (UTP-4), increasing reimbursement rates to $4.84 per tire in Southeast Arkansas. Bailey Taylor, chief environment administrator for the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality, presented the UTP-4 business plan at the
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Story by DDNS Reporter Jerry Don Burton February 23, 2026 The Craighead County Quorum Court adopted an annual transfer ordinance, heard a hot check report and responded to a public comment regarding rising poverty. Annual transfer appropriation ordinance The annual transfer appropriation ordinance, adopted unanimously at the Tuesday, Feb. 23, Craighead County Quorum Court meeting, appropriated funds from special revenue
Read moreStory by DDNS Reporter Jerry Don Burton February 4, 2026 Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver addressed previous concerns and responded to new complaints about the City Stars booster club during the City Council meeting. Public and council interest in City Stars remained high at the Tuesday, Feb. 3 city council meeting. Discussion began with Copenhaver’s response to Public Facilities Board Chairman
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Story by DDNS Reporter Benjamin McDowell JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro woman told city leaders her father was buried in the wrong grave, raising concerns about oversight and recordkeeping at a municipal cemetery. During public comment, LaToya Yarber told Council members her father was buried in the wrong grave at Oakland Cemetery and must now be exhumed and reburied. “How
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Story by DDNS Reporter Jerry Don Burton. April 6, 2026 Severe weather preparedness remains vital as Arkansas enters the peak of tornado season. Kory Ward, fire chief for Wynne, Arkansas, said those who don’t take severe weather seriously are making a bad move. “There’s people that think, ‘oh it’ll never hit here,’ and it’s been very true to hit here
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Story by DDNS Reporter Jerry Don Burton January 25, 2026 The Arkansas State University (ASU) System Board of Trustees named Robin Myers to return as interim president. Myers, who previously served as ASU system interim president in 2024, was again named to the position on Dec. 12, 2025, following the previous president’s resignation. He said he was honored to return.
Read moreStory by DDNS Reporter Mia Young JONESBORO, Ark. – The Craighead County Quorum Court advanced two ordinances to their next readings to amend the county’s salary administration policy and job classifications in the County Judge’s Office during its meeting on April 13. During old business, the court held the second reading of an ordinance amending the county’s salary administration policy
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Story by DDNS Reporter Benjamin McDowell JONESBORO, Ark. — As immigration enforcement concerns grow in Jonesboro and across the country, leaders at the Hispanic Center say fear keeps some families from going to school, seeking medical care or accessing basic services. Immigration enforcement policies and increased activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have created uncertainty for many immigrant families, including
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Story by DDNS Reporter Benjamin McDowell JONESBORO, Ark. — The Valley View School Board honored longtime member Richard Rogers, celebrated the success of the theater program, and approved major technology purchases during its recent meeting. The board recognized the Valley View theater program, which took its one-act play Eurydice to competition in Russellville and earned a score of 97 out
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The new website provides mental health resources for parents, students.
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Delta Digital News Service 