Author Archives: madjison

Businesses continue to require masks after mandate lifts

Posted on by

Delta Digital News Service

By Maddison Smith | Contributor

JONESBORO, Ark. – COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed across the country and many states have lifted their mask mandates, Arkansas being one of those states. 

Gov. Asa Hutchinson lifted the mask mandate after consulting with Department of Health Secretary Jose Romero according to a press release from the official website of Gov. Asa Hutchinson.   

Tropical Smoothie Café requires both their employees and customers to wear masks inside the building.
Photo by Maddison Smith

Businesses still have the right to require that customers wear masks when entering their stores, but many only require their employees to wear a mask. Hotworx Sales Associate Megan Tremmel said, “After the mask mandate was lifted, we don’t require people to wear masks. If they want to and it helps them feel comfortable, then so be it.” 

Other stores like Palm Beach Tan require masks for their employees, routinely practice social distancing and leave signs on the outside of their building recommending their customers to wear masks. 

According to the Arkansas Department of Health’s website, there are 1,325 active cases of COVID-19. Craighead county had eight new cases, Pulaski county nine new cases and Lonoke county with seven new cases of COVID-19. 

Vaccinations are being distributed and given to people across the country. In Arkansas alone, around 630,000 people are fully vaccinated, with this number increasing daily. 

Tropical Smoothie Café Manager Ryan Denis said the store requires both their employees and customers to wear masks while inside the building. 

“I’ve been surprised to see so many people still wearing masks. The threat is still out there, we don’t want to turn our back to it,” Denis said. 

“I’ve been surprised to see so many people still wearing masks.”
– Tropical Smoothie Café Manager Ryan Denis

Up until two months ago, Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s drive-thru provided the only business the store received. Denis said there is now more traffic in their lobbies since the mask mandate has been lifted. 

Denis said he feels food service workers feel different about wearing masks. Guests do not pose a threat because his employees are able to successfully social distance.  

“I wear my mask mostly for other people. We owe each other that courtesy,” Denis said. “I’m ready for it to be normal. I want to see people’s faces and smiles again.” 

Palm Beach Tan Manager Kaygan Muse said they have more customers coming in without masks. 

Muse said she is not concerned for her well-being or her employees since they are still wearing masks and have extra cleaning procedures for their tanning beds. 

“It’s a start. I think the cases have lowered a lot recently so I think we are going in the right direction to go back to normal,” Muse said.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LOCAL MASK MANDATE.

MASK MANDATEDownload

Maddison Smith is a senior in the multimedia journalism program in The School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. You can follow her on Twitter. She can be contacted at: maddison.smith@smail.astate.edu.

Resolution to build tornado safe room in Jonesboro passes

Posted on by

By Maddison Smith | Aspiring Journalist
Delta Digital News Service

After last year’s tornado ripped through town, the committee has been offered a chance to apply for a grant to help pay for a multi-purpose safe room in Jonesboro. 

“The grant is a 75% to 25% match and it has to be used for tornado, related mitigation expenses,” Chairman Josh Longmire said. “We are eligible for roughly $800,000 so our grant portion is in the neighborhood of $200,000. We could potentially have a million-dollar project.”

For this project, Longmire will be partnering with the East Arkansas Planning and Developing district.  The multi-purpose safe room would also have community rooms or hold Quorum Court. 

The grant money would not only pay for the multi-purpose safe room, but also the Hazard Mitigation Plan for Craighead County, which has to be updated every five years and was last updated in 2017. 

“We have to update that plan to be eligible for other grants like the one today,” Longmire said. 

The committee expressed concerns about the resolution and whether building just one safe room was adequate. Another committee member mentioned possibly upgrading the tornado sirens in Jonesboro with the grant money. 

Other items on the committee’s agenda include: 

  • Tax collection report from Craighead County Tax Collector Wes Eddington 
  • Finance reports from Treasurer Terry McNatt
  • Resolution to endorse Camfil USA, Inc. participation in Tax Back Program; passed 
  • Approval of Clean Up Ordinance for budget year 2020; passed

Prior to the Finance and Administration committee meeting, Quorum Court held their bi-weekly meeting. During the meeting, the court passed a resolution to amend the 2021 annual budget resulting in the loss of funding for two jobs. 

The funds amended included: 

  • Recorder’s cost fund 
  • Child Support cost fund 
  • Circuit Clerk cost fund 

The old budget for the recorder’s cost fund was roughly $1 million and the new amended budget for the cost fund is now $891,128. 

According to Craighead County Judge Marvin Day, this reduction in the budget means two jobs in the Craighead County Circuit Clerk office will no longer be funded. These two jobs include chief deputy held by John Smith and a criminal clerk position, which is currently vacant.

Justice of the Peace Kevin Williams said “We are not elevating the position, we are elevating the funding for that position. That’ll be something Candace Edwards does in her adult professional manner like she said in here the other day.”

Other items on the court’s agenda include: 

  • Ordinance amending 2021 budget to add fund 3553; passes.
  • The court received a check from the City of Bay to pay off part of a debt to the city. 

Maddison Smith is a senior in the multimedia journalism program in The School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. You can follow her on Twitter. She can be contacted at: maddison.smith@smail.astate.edu.

Cottage house ordinance tabled by jonesboro city council

Posted on by

Maddison Smith
Delta Digital News Service

If passed, the ordinance, will allow cottage housing in Jonesboro. According to the city’s website , “The cottage house development is an alternative type of detached housing providing small residences for households of typically one to two individuals without undergoing the subdivision process.” 

Before the floor was open to discussion from the council members, Mayor Harold Copenhaver made a statement in regards to the ordinance.

“I would like to thank the West End community to allow our staff to attend the West End neighborhood meeting on Sunday where they listed a few concerns regarding this ordinance,” Copenhaver said. “As a result of that meeting, Mr. Smith has some amendments he would like to propose to help address the questions he received.”

Director of Planning and Zoning Derrel Smith then spoke about the amendments in the ordinance.

The amendments include: 

  • Only two houses can have the same design or layout.
  • The character of the cottage homes must blend in with the rest of the neighborhood.
  • All houses will be up to code in every aspect.

“The ordinance was first introduced in May 2020 after talking with realtors and developers in Jonesboro,” Smith said. 

Council member representing Ward 2, position 1, Dr. Charles Coleman then motioned to postpone the ordinance temporarily to the first city council meeting in April. “So that some of these items can be addressed to the community because they still are not satisfied with the information,” Coleman said. 

The council will need to vote on the amendments and then vote on the amended ordinance. The motion to postpone the ordinance was a 7-3 vote.

During the mayor’s report, Copenhaver spoke on the recent death of Sanitation Department Director Donny Gibson. 

“Donny died in a tragic accident Feb. 17. He had people that really adored him and loved him in the city and in the staff. We continued to keep him and his family in our prayers … We will miss Donny,” Copenhaver said.

Copenhaver announced there will be a “mass vaccination” held at the Arkansas State University in the First National Bank arena from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 6. Copenhaver said, “I want to thank all of our healthcare partners, our hospitals, NYIT, health department, Arkansas State University and others.”

Other items on the agenda include: 

  • Resolution to construct the Veterans’ Village community center; passed
  • Resolution to distribute funding through the Coronavirus aid, relief and economic security (CARES); carries to the next meeting 
  • Ordinance to place various traffic signs at designated locations as determined by the traffic control committee; passed 
  • Ordinance for the transfer of location of a private club permit for North Hills Social Club; passed

Bay school district superintendent gets extended contract

Posted on by

By Maddison Smith
Delta Digital News Service

The board approved this motion to extend Superintendent Luke Lovins’ contract, in a 5-0 vote. Lovins has been at Bay for a year. His contract was extended into the 2023-2024 school year.

According to the school district’s website, this meeting was not the first meeting held on Zoom. Last month’s parent-teacher conferences were also held on Zoom. High school Principal Jodi Cobb said during the school board meeting, “Parent teacher conferences last month went as expected.”

Faculty and staff had already planned for the winter weather earlier last week. “I appreciate our administrators, our faculty and staff for being prepared for what we’ve got the last few days,” Lovins said, “Our buildings are ready, they sent home devices last Tuesday just in case and now you see where we’re at. We were able to push through and provide the kids with instructions, food or whatever they need. I want to say how much I appreciate all the hard work that everyone has put in.”

Bay School District is also looking to hire a contract manager for upcoming projects at the school. These projects include a new heat-and-air system in the high school, as well as new classrooms added onto the high school and possibly the elementary. The board stated it has not found that position yet but is considering board member Graham Eldridge to do the work. 

Other items on the agenda include: 

  • Student of the month and employee of the month will be recognized on social media or at a later date due to the meeting being on Zoom
  • 32 elementary students continue attending class virtually 
  • 55 high school students continue attending class virtually 
  • No students or faculty face quarantine at this time 
  • ACT Aspire for high school scheduled for next week may be postponed due to inclement weather
  • The state bowling tournament has been rescheduled along with the Junior Boys  basketball district semifinals

During the next school board meeting, the board will discuss plans for the next school year concerning COVID-19, how the school is going to deal with it and if they will be offering virtual learning or onsite learning only. It will also consider  if the school needs to buy a new fleet of school buses, keep fixing the ones they have now or lease out new school buses. 

Corporate vs local – a never-ending battle

Posted on by

By Maddison Smith
Delta Digital News Service

   According to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, 99.3% of business in Arkansas are small businesses and 47.8% of employees are employed by small businesses, as well. 

   Chandler’s Salon and Spa owner Angelia Austin said she feels secure and does not feel jeopardized by larger corporations. 

   “In a small business, we can be more loyal to our customers, with more detail,” Austin said “I have clients that will call me and say ‘hey, can you pray for me’ when times are tough. I can bring my own product in and do my own thing but, having the funds to bring is new stuff and have what you need is the hardest part,” Austin said.

   Drake Hill, a customer of Chandler’s Salon, reflected back to his first time with Austin.

   He said he went to several corporate owned salons because he did not have much money.

   “I always got my hair cut poorly and I am big on appearance,” Hill said, “It made me feel like they did not care about me. A small business cares about the customer and they thrive on repeat business.”

Hill also said he kept going back to Chandler’s because of the customer service.

   Chandler’s Salon uses only Jon Amico products and is designed for all hair types.

   “Our mission is to fight diversion and to fight against the big box retailer, supply houses and dry stores,” Austin said “As a Jon Amico member, I only use Jon Amico and you can only get this product in salons, not corporate salons.” 

   Chandler’s Salon and Spa has many good reviews on Facebook.

   “Angelia was fabulous! Took more time than planned to make sure my cut was exactly what I was wanting. Not to mention, how supportive she was knowing I was so nervous,” customer Jennifer Lyn Roach said.

Another satisfied customer reviewed Chandler’s Salon and Spa.

   Customer Karla Blackford said, “Love, love, love my haircut and highlights! Angelia is so friendly, listens to what you want and is able to give you honest feedback. Very comforting atmosphere!”

   Austin said she feels like she is making a difference in the community. Austin said, “Owning a small business shows my son and his friends that you can do anything you set your mind to do.” 

    Austin relies on Chandler’s to help support her and her family and has built her life around her brand.

   “I don’t know what I would do if I lost my business,” Austin said, “It’s like getting to see my grandmother every week and that’s how I feel about my clients. It would be devastating.” 

   Austin said giving her employees good benefits is hard in a small business. “I don’t feel that I can give them good health benefits because the deductible is so high vs if you were in a large corporation, the deductible would be much cheaper,” Austin said.

   Austin said she cannot give her employees paid vacation whereas a large corporation can, which is a problem.

   Austin said, “What I can give my employees is me, my time, my love and my person.” 

   According to the official Sport Clips website, Sport Clips has 1,500 stores in the United States and Canada. 

   Sport Clips assistant manager Jessi James said she feels secure in her job, but like every job, there are several disadvantages and advantages. 

   “We have corporate come in every three months to check and see if we are doing well and sometimes it’s a little robotic what they want you to do,” James said “I can also move anywhere in the United States and still have a job because we are everywhere. You get what you pay for every time, its consistent and it’s a professional environment. We do extensive training and classes for our employees and all of our products are professional.” 

  Each employee is equal, even though there are managers and assistant manager, James said. 

In a CNBC special report, Sport Clips Haircuts franchisees was featured among the “Top Franchisees in America,” according to Sport Clips press release.

   While Sport Clips is the “Official Haircutter” of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and provides haircuts through “haircuts with heart.”

   Facebook reviews show some of Sport Clips customers are not satisfied with their work. 

   “Uneven sides and sideburns and choppy. Back uneven. Kept pulling his head/hair. Terrible job,” customer Lindsey Cullen Burgess said. 

   Customer Christie Selfors left a review on Facebook as well, she said, “Thanks for ruining my fiancé’s hair today, by advising him that the hair cut he wanted ‘wouldn’t look good on him’ and then continue to buzz his hair off.”

 

Brooke Caraway to head to Miss Arkansas

Posted on by

By Maddison Smith
Delta Digital News Service

BLYTHEVILLE – Miss contestant competes in 17 prelims before winning a title. 

   Brooke Caraway is the winner of the Miss Lights of the Delta pageant. She received the Talent award and the Claudio Raffo “Dreamer Award.” 

   Brooke Caraway also won $6,700 of scholarship money and will be competing in the Miss Arkansas pageant June 13 through the 20 of 2020 in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

   Director of the Miss Lights of the Delta, Miss Northeast Arkansas and Miss River Delta Denise Holdaway said she wants someone that will proudly represent the lights and the Delta. 

   “What matters is that she is passionate about her platform and has an understanding of how they are representing the community,” Holdaway said. 

   “She nailed her interview and I thought her onstage talent was very creative,” judge Tiffany Hoskins said, “Her private interview went very well, and she was an overall great contestant.” 

   Caraway’s talent was a speed painting to a “Patriotic Melody.” 

   Caraway said this was the 17th prelim that she has competed in and she is excited to serve the Blytheville community.

  Caraway’s platform is foster care. “I’m looking forward to getting plugged into organizations throughout the state and see more foster kids find their home.” Caraway said. 

   Caraway will have her own lights display in the Lights of the Delta as well. 

   First runner up and other awards include: 

  • Katherine Beasley; First Runner Up, $500 scholarship prize and sponsorship into next year’s MLOD, MNA and MRD.
  • Apple Dennie; Second Runner UP, $200 scholarship prize
  • Apple Dennie; Evening Wear/Social Impact statement, $50 scholarship prize.
  • Katherine Beasley; Izzy Baughn Leadership Award, $100 scholarship prize. 

Editor’s Note: Feature photo courtesy of Susan Smith Photography 

 

Small businesses gear up for the holidays

Posted on by

By Maddison Smith
Delta Digital News Service 

JONESBORO – Small Business Saturday is a big deal for some, for others – not so much. 

   Small Business Saturday was first observed in the U.S. on November 27, 2010 and was trademarked by American Express. 

   Refinery Store Manager Amy Willhite said their company will be participating in Small Business Saturday, along with Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

   “We want people to shop local and to keep business here in town,” Willhite said, “We want them to come into the store.” 

   On the contrary, Smoothie King Owner Linda Bradley said she did not know about Small Business Saturday and if she did, she would have participated. 

   Bradley does support shopping local. “Your helping those local businesses to stay in business,” Bradley said, “It gives a more ‘hometown’ feel. Instead of spending your money on cooperate businesses, you should shop local to help our community.” 

   Shop local supporter Jessica Blevins said she shops local because it supports the community and those who live there.

   Blevins said, “It’s about being able to communicate about small businesses and being able to put a spotlight on a few of those locations on Small Business Saturday.” 

   “Black Friday absolutely helps us, and Small Business Saturday is just an extension of that,” Willhite said, “People are still wanting to shop local, but they are also wanting a deal.” 

   Bradley said, “We can’t offer that much of a deal on Black Friday, but if there was a small shop festival, where we could get our products into consumer’s hands, that would benefit us more.” 

Willhite said that consumers should shop local because they have good customer service, people that wait on you and want to talk to you.

   Willhite said, “You’re going to get a one-on-one experience and you’re going to talk to someone who has knowledge about the products in store.” 

   American Express also holds what is called “Neighborhood Champions,” which are towns or cities who have pledged to put small businesses first. 

   Conway, Paragould, Little Rock and West Memphis, to name a few, are part of Neighborhood Champions. Jonesboro is not included in this list. 

Editor’s Note: Feature Photo taken by Maddison Smith

Safety first during Pocahontas Novemberfest

Posted on by

By Maddison Smith
Delta Digital News Service

POCAHONTAS – Law enforcement will be present during the first inaugural Novemberfest, making residents feel safer. The city will hold its first inaugural Novemberfest in historic downtown Pocahontas on November 1 through 2.

Co-Chairmen of the Novemberfest John Allen French said there will be law enforcement present during the festival. Pocahontas Chief of Police David Edington said there will be full-time officers, part-time officers and volunteer reserve officers at the festival. “Just for the general safety. It’s not anything dealing with the fact that we are afraid it’s going to get out of hand; there is still traffic around those areas, so it’s about safety and being visible.”

   The streets that will be blocked off:

  • North Marr Street
  • West Pyburn Street
  • North Van Bibbber Street
  • West Everett Street
  • North Bettis Street

French agreed that there is a need for law enforcement at the festival, but doesn’t expect there will be any real need for them. “The last festival we had a police presence and nothing happened.”

   Gypsy Girl owner Carrie Barnes said, “Its always good to have the police around during something like this; in case someone gets hurt or if something happens.” Barnes also said that Gypsy Girl will be opened during the festival and are expecting nothing to happen.

Another committee member Linda Bowling said, “We expect a large crowd. We have always coordinated with the city for any of our festivals in the event there is a problem.”

There will also be alcohol sold at the festival. Edington said he believes there will be an officer that will be assigned for alcohol beverage control.

 “With regard to the festival tavern, we have all the proper permits, temporary alcohol sales and we’ve complied fully with the Alcoholic Beverage Control.” Bowling said, “I believe there will be paramedics there or at least easy access to our paramedics.” 

French said there will be a lost and found and it will be held in the old court house. There will also be a member of the Novemberfest committee inside at all times.

Editor’s Note: Feature photo shows Pocahontas Courthouse Square. Photo by Maddison Smith

Restaurants in Jonesboro affected by new restaurants coming to town

Posted on by

JONESBORO – New restaurants provide employment opportunities for job seekers however, many current restaurant employees are bracing for a negative impact often caused when new businesses within the same industry come to town.

New florist offers more than a beard

Posted on by

JONESBORO – Brides-to-be searching for the perfect bouquet can expect a different take on wedding bouquets from Bearded Bouquet owner Zach Jones.