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 do you expect me to trust you,” Yarber asked, “when my father lies in a grave that does not belong to him?”

Yarber said the mistake disrupted her family’s ability to grieve.

“For the last week of my life, where I was supposed to be grieving my father, has been disrupted,” she said. “It is unfair to my 81-year-old mama to have to be going through this .”

City officials said they have met with the family and aim to correct the burial mistake, including covering the full cost of exhumation, raising questions about how cemetery records are maintained.

“If you want to do something for the city of Jonesboro, get the records together so that we will know where our people are or where they’re supposed to be,” Yarber said.

Other public comments surrounded concerns about city operations. Patty Lapp said she worried about a lack of financial reporting from a volleyball tournament.

“We don’t really know where those numbers are,” Lapp said. “It needs to be crystal clear what is spent and what is taken in.”

Linda Wright said she is concerned about supervision at sports events, saying children should always be protected.

“I’m just wondering why we are spending money on these tickets,” Wright said. “I just wonder what kind of supervision is going on out there.”

Eugene Holloway, of Marshall Street, said housing conditions are deteriorating and urged the council to take action.

“People are living in terrible conditions,” Holloway said. “We’ve got to do something here.”

Despite concerns raised, the council continued its routine business. Members approved resolutions requesting City Water and Light provide free utility services at 423 W. Huntington Ave. and 6106 Southwest Drive. The resolutions allow utilities to be provided at no cost for projects serving a public or governmental purpose, a common practice for city infrastructure such as lighting and municipal facilities.

Several zoning ordinances advanced, including a request to rezone property at 1601 Granger Drive to allow it to be split for two single-family homes.

A new ordinance, 26013, would establish a Sports Advisory Committee, outlining its membership, purpose and duties. The measure received its first reading and will return for further consideration. Other ordinances concerned traffic signage and zoning changes.

During council reports, Anthony Colman, (Ward 6, Position 1), highlighted growth in Jonesboro but raised concerns about east-side infrastructure and speeding.

“There’s a lot of traffic, and there’s a lot of speeding going on,” Colman said. “I’d like for us to consider another study.”

Mayor Harold Copenhaver highlighted ongoing projects, including a six-month downtown traffic pilot program.

“We’ve had a lot of input – most of it is very positive,” Copenhaver said of the Main Street project, noting the evaluation of Washington Avenue will involve public surveys and comments.

Officials also continued work on Plan Jonesboro, a long-term development strategy focused on growth, infrastructure and quality-of-life improvements.

“Please visit PlanJonesboro.com to ensure your voice is heard,” Copenhaver said. He also noted recent meetings in Washington, D.C., with federal officials to discuss funding for public safety, infrastructure and economic development projects.

The council recognized City Clerk April Leggett for her 10 years of service, praising her support in maintaining city records. While the meeting covered routine business, Yarber’s comments highlighted a deeper issue of human impact and public trust. City officials said they will continue reviewing the cemetery issue as questions remain.

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