Category Archives: Government

Quorum court adopts transfer ordinance, hears hot check report, responds to poverty concerns

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Story by DDNS Reporter Jerry Don Burton

February 23, 2026

Craighead County Judge Marvin Day (center) explains one of the large ticket items on the annual transfer ordinance to District 4 Justice of the Peace Linda Allison (second from left). The item concerned a $2.5 million transfer from the county general fund to the capital fund to support department operations. Photo by Jerry Don Burton.

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 accounts into the county general fund.

Craighead County Judge Marvin Day said the transfer ordinance is the first step of an annual cleanup process. 

“So that’s basically what we’re doing is we transfer money from one spot to the other to keep those balances whole, and the quorum court, on an annual basis, has to acknowledge, you’re not spending any new money, any additional money,” Day said. “Just acknowledging what we’ve done to keep the budget afloat.”

Day said, to think of it in simpler terms, it’s like they have 50 different checking accounts and the court appropriates money out of each of those accounts based upon an estimated revenue.

“Somebody may want to spend something in February, but their money doesn’t necessarily come in until September, October, and so we move money around to keep those balances in the positive, best we can,” Day said.

Hot check report

Also in new business, Charlene Davidson, a prosecuting attorney for the second judicial district of Arkansas, presented a hot check report, as required by state law. 

Craighead County Judge Marvin Day (center top) introduces Charlene Davidson (center) and Sarah Burnett (right) before they give the hot check report. The report is required by state law. Photo by Jerry Don Burton.

Davidson said while terminated in April 2021, the hot check program still takes in money the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office receives.

In 2025, Davidson said the hot check program:

  • Received $10,217.51 from the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office, to be entered as payments received from defendants for the hot check program prior to 2021.
  • Distributed $19,384.46 toward merchant restitution
  • Dispersed $3,770 toward merchant fees, which is a fee that merchants can charge the defendant if they write a hot check.
  • $2,899.95 in prosecutor fees, a statutory fee the office can charge for maintaining the program.

Davidson said the preceding fees were all previously ordered prior to 2021. She said the total check amount for 2025, not including journal entries, was $26,054.41. The current account balance for the hot check trust account is $28,653.41.

The court unanimously accepted the report as prepared.

Public comments

After Day opened the meeting for public comments, Jonesboro resident Robin Martin said she was concerned about rising poverty in Craighead County.

She said the poverty rate in Craighead County is 21.5%, almost double the 11% national rate and much higher than the 15.3% Arkansas poverty rate.

Martin said similarly sized Arkansas counties, such as Garland, Sebastian, Saline and Faulkner, also have poverty rates lower than Craighead.

Her data is nearly accurate with the latest census data from the American Community Survey. The national official poverty measure is 10.6%, while the Arkansas poverty rate is 15.5%.

“I don’t want to live in a district or a county that has a poverty rate of 20%,” Martin said. “I like Saline County’s 9% a whole lot better.”

District 11 Justice of the Peace Dan Pasmore said Craighead County’s rising population could be correlated to the rise in poverty.

“If you’ll check the population that moves into Jonesboro, there’s a lot of people that move from areas that are depressed, moving here for better opportunities,” Pasmore said. “They don’t always find it, but they’re coming here from other areas that are in worse shape than we are, and that’s driving ours up also.”

According to the United States Census Bureau, the estimated population in Craighead County rose from 111,242 in 2020 to 115,852 in 2024, an increase of 4,610.

Darrel Cook, district six justice of the peace, said he agreed with Pasmore.

“There’s a lot of rental opportunities here and there’s a lot of job opportunities, but sadly, some of the people moving here from other towns don’t want to take those jobs,” Cook said.

District Four Justice of the Peace Linda Allison said people with low income are attracted to Jonesboro when the city approves apartment complexes. She said this could also drive the poverty rate up.

Other business

In other business, the transportation and finance committees gave their reports.

Transportation Committee Chair and District 10 Justice of the Peace Steve Cline said the transportation committee met on Feb. 9. He said the committee, run by justices Garrett Barnes, David Tennison and Terry Couch, spoke with John James, the Craighead County road department superintendent, about current work projects and county road conditions following the recent snowstorm. 

The committee reviewed and approved a motion for a construction plan on Highway 141.

Finance Committee Chair and District Nine Justice of the Peace Josh Longmire said the finance committee also met on Feb. 9. Longmire said, at the meeting, Craighead County Tax Collector Wes Eddington provided a tax collection report. The report stated tax collection rose 16%, while delinquent personal taxes fell 12.7%.

Craighead County Treasurer Terry McNatt presented the January 2026 financial report and 2025 annual financial report at this meeting as well.

Tennison, district eight justice of the peace, motioned to move the next quorum court meeting date, originally scheduled for March 23, to avoid it falling during spring break week. The motion passed unanimously. 

The Craighead County Quorum Court will meet again at 5:30 p.m., March 16, after spring break.

Copenhaver addresses City Stars concerns

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Story by DDNS Reporter Jerry Don Burton

February 4, 2026

Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver.

 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 Matt Modelevsky’s presentation at the last meeting.

Copenhaver’s response

“ My responsibility as mayor is to administer city-operated programs, which City Stars was not, in accordance with city council-approved budgets,” Copenhaver said. “I presented verifiable facts, not feelings, not understandings or beliefs like many of the documents presented at the previous city council meeting contained.”

At the previous meeting, Modelevsky said Copenhaver failed to respond to past concerns he raised about City Stars and Danny Kapales, the now-resigned parks director who ran the program.

The City Stars booster club, a youth sports program, was created in 2001. Copenhaver said the original agreement between Jonesboro and the booster club was approved by the council in 2004. He said this contract established mutual agreements, such as the shared goal of providing athletics at no cost for Jonesboro youth.

Despite a shared vision for youth athletics in Jonesboro, Copenhaver said City Stars operated independently.

“Their revenue was their money, their business, not the city’s,” Copenhaver said. “ Fiduciary duties fall to the boards and management of private nonprofit organizations and cannot be delegated, giving them full and exclusive authority over their own money and how it is handled and how their chart of accounts is organized and how their accounting entries are made. Look it up.”

Copenhaver said he asked the management of City Stars to voluntarily undergo an audit, to which they agreed. The Thomas Speight and Noble firm completed the audit and presented it in June 2025. 

“ The independent auditor’s report expressed the opinion that the City Stars financial statements present fairly in all material respects and assets, liabilities, net assets of the City Stars Booster Club,” Copenhaver said. “ In other words, clean audit.”

On Dec. 5, 2025, the City Stars board announced the club will cease operations as a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit and will transfer operational responsibilities, including banking accounts, funds and sports equipment, to the city of Jonesboro.

Copenhaver said now should be an exciting time for the program and the upcoming generations who will make use of City Stars. 

“Moving forward means moving beyond the past, and now we need to focus,” Copenhaver said.

However, in the public comments that followed, several citizens expressed a desire to stay on the topic of City Stars. 

Public comments

Jeremy Terrell, who ran for Jonesboro mayor in 2024, addressed Copenhaver and said he does not understand why some act like the investigation is not a big deal. He said the mayor has the responsibility to ensure taxpayer money goes to organizations that act in the best interest of the public.

“This is about the responsibility that you hold and that the city council hold to make sure that taxpayer’s money is being dealt with in a manner that is proper and legal,” Terrell said. “So those of us that are asking questions, we deserve answers, period.”

Bill Campbell, who previously served as the mayor’s communication director, said citizens should exercise patience and not jump to conclusions during a federal investigation. 

“I don’t know what the answers are. I do know that you have a mayor who has had clean audits every time,” Campbell said. “So I think I would lean on that and we can’t pretend we know something different.”

Dean Macdonald, a Jonesboro native, said he agrees with Terrell that any allegations of misconduct are serious and should be investigated. However, he said some of the discourse surrounding the investigation has broken down recently. 

Following comments from the public, many city council members voiced support for Copenhaver, but agreed communication must be improved.

Council member comments

LJ Bryant, Ward 5, Position 1 council member, said the public clearly cares and the situation should not be dismissed as something minor. 

“Despite any of the gaslighting going on tonight, the FBI didn’t show up for no reason. So we’re in a very serious situation and as the stewards of the taxpayer’s resources, I feel like we have to take action,” Bryant said.

Joe Hafner, Ward 5, Position 2 council member, said while he supports Copenhaver, the mayor should not have let concerns go unresolved for so long.

“I think that’s one thing that definitely needs to be improved and that’s let something fester, it turned from a little snowball into a big avalanche,” Hafner said. “And now that we got the public here with eroded public trust, just frustrated, the problems have escalated. I don’t take that lightly.”

Ward 2, Position 2 City Council Member Chris Moore said many issues would be absent today if Copenhaver addressed concerns sooner. He said trust should be restored between the council, mayor and community.

Hafner said the relationship between the mayor and council is built on trust. He said they must be transparent with each other.

Copenhaver said he understands many people had honest questions about the City Stars operation. He said while he never meant to come off as dismissive of these questions, the city council never had the answers. 

“Those questions should be properly directed to its own officers and board of directors, which had the full fiduciary responsibilities and duties. The mayor’s office did not have answers about the accounting or handling of money of City Stars,” Copenhaver said. “Part of all the confusion has come from people asking questions or emailing or texting complaints and concerns about City Stars to the wrong place.”

Anthony Coleman, Ward 6, Position 1 council member, said while he appreciated Copenhaver sharing his side at the meeting, he believes the council does have a responsibility to ask questions and look into City Stars. 

“ Maybe not handling a lot of it fiduciarily, but we do have a responsibility to share, to talk, to ask questions, to make certain that we are doing what’s right for our children,” Coleman said.

Chris Gibson, Ward 3, Position 2 council member, said the council has a good platform to build on moving forward and the future is optimistic.

Copenhaver said he appreciated the input from the council and is always up for constructive criticism.

“I apologize to this city council because the last thing I ever want to do is draw a wedge between us because that does not benefit our community,” Copenhaver said. 

Looking ahead, Copenhaver said he is excited for the future of City Stars under the leadership of Jim Stearns, interim director of parks and recreation. 

Other business

In other business, Copenhaver announced InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprise Inc. will construct a frozen food manufacturing facility in Jonesboro. He said this development will create about 200 jobs.

The council also read the following ordinances:

  • On first reading:
    • Ordinance 26:004 would amend a zoning ordinance providing for changes in zoning boundaries from R-1 to RS-7 for a property at 1306 Charles Drive. 
  • On second reading:
    • Ordinance 26:001 would change the zoning boundaries from R-1 to C-3 general commercial district for a property at 2620 Alexander Drive.
    • Ordinance 26:002 requested approval of a private club permit for Monarca’s Mexican restaurant.
    • Ordinance 26:003 requested approval of a private club permit for Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.

The Jonesboro City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Jonesboro Municipal Center. Meetings are also livestreamed on the City of Jonesboro Facebook page.

Jonesboro woman says father buried in wrong grave, raising oversight concerns

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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 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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Craighead County Salary Administration Policy and Job Classifications Recently Considered

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Story by DDNS Reporter Mia Young

Members of the Craighead County Quorum Court meet.
Photo 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 to include cost-of-living increases. The ordinance proposes employees would be eligible for cost-of-living raises after one year of employment. Supervisors, however, would be able to approve the increases after 90 days based on performance. The policy would be guided by the Consumer Price Index, but not a specific rate.

The 13 justices also voted to untable a recommendation from the Job Evaluation and Salary Administration Policy committee involving the County Judge’s office, which Judge Marvin Day previously tabled. The ordinance will reclassify and restructure the Secretary Coordinator I position as an Administrative Coordinator I position.

“We’re not changing the budget. This is just going to change the position,” Day said. “If we do decide we want to change the budget, we will come to finance.”

Wendy French previously served as Administrative Coordinator I, in which she worked with elected officials and department leaders to help with daily operations and coordinate internal processes. However, officials appointed French as Craighead County Administrator in January 2026. Since leaving the position, Day said French held skills the Judge’s Office would like to mandate and look for.

The county presented the changes as part of its efforts to retain employees, recognize and support their work and improve the county as a whole. Day said if there was a possibility of hiring someone with the skills in place, he would come back and ask for a salary adjustment.

Once the court broke into committee meetings, Shannon Kee made a second attempt before the Public Service Committee to open a restaurant and obtain a liquor license after the committee rejected his previous application last year. Kee plans to open 141 Prime at Sterling Springs, 2761 County Road 766, near the Highway 141 intersection.

“Born and raised, I’m 53 years old and never had anything out there other than a gas station,” Kee said. “Nowadays, we don’t really have a gas station because all the gas stations are shut down.”

He said North Jonesboro has no restaurants and if he wants customers to choose to come to his restaurant and not just “drive right past,” they will expect a beer with their dinner. The committee, after hearing no additional public comments, voted 3-1 to advance the proposal to the full Quorum Court for a vote when it meets again on April 28.

During public comments from the full Quorum Court, Robin Martin raised the issue that a recent Freedom of Information Act request showed Day’s email was included in the list of people emailed when someone emails quorumcourtmembers@craigheadcounty.org. However, Day’s name did not appear anywhere on the list of email recipients.

“That seems a little deceptive,” Martin said.

Martin also said there is no way for citizens to email Quorum Court members individually, as the only email address provided is the group email. Day said it would be possible for him to be removed. But the role was already set up that way when he took office, and he would not commit to anything during the meeting.

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Jonesboro Mayor Gives State of City, Hears Criticism over City Stars

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Story by DDNS Reporter Mia Young

JONESBORO, Ark.- Mayor Harold Copenhaver gave his sixth State of the City address to the Jonesboro City Council on Tuesday evening, featuring major growth in the economy, finances and infrastructure, lower crime rates, and a bright future for the city.

Amid the city’s acquisition of CityStars’ finances, Copenhaver highlighted the 15 consecutive audits. He said Jonesboro is thriving and, at the end of 2025, had $28.1 million in reserves and $15 million in capital improvements.

He mentioned the growth in nearly every aspect of the city, including the 150 businesses that opened last year, 10% more calls firefighters responded to, and numerous projects ready to start. Not only projects “built for wheels,” but for pedestrians. Funds awarded to Jonesboro through the Transportation Alternatives Program will go toward new pedestrian infrastructure on the Marion Berry overpass. This will not only make the overpass safer and more walkable but will also help connect Arkansas State to the rest of Jonesboro.

“Jonesboro’s future is bright, but we’d better prepare for it now,” Copenhaver said.

He highlighted that even with the large population growth over the last decade, statistics recently released by the FBI show that violent crime is the lowest it has been in at least a decade.

More than 100,000calls were answered by dispatchers through the city’s emergency medical dispatch program. Seven calls helped guide people through CPR, and one even helped deliver a baby. Copenhaver also noted that 63% of firefighters’ and 52% of police officers’ salaries have increased.

The city also won three Trendsetter awards for Jonesboro connecting efforts, emergency medical dispatch, and the city park ranger program, and was also named Volunteer City of the Year. Copenhaver knew the council was not the only one responsible for helping win these awards; the public was a big help. He called upon citizens to make an effort to get involved and help craft a blueprint for a better city.

“But all those numbers can add up to an overall total of one. One goal, one responsibility to make Jonesboro the best city,” Copenhaver said to close his address. 

After the State of the City address, business continued as usual. A few Council members raised additional concerns regarding the handling of CityStars. Questions were raised regarding Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, missing paperwork and invoices for individuals working the tournaments, and making sure all aspects of taking over CityStars’ finances were done legally.

Efforts are underway to move toward partial- or fully cashless events in youth sports. IT is making strides to handle this issue. The first phase of this process is to assess the cost of the required infrastructure and ensure that locations have the Wi-Fi capabilities needed to run the program.

Matt Daniel, former executive director of the Arkansas Revolution Soccer Club, spoke during public comment. He stated during the Feb. 3 City Council meeting, Copenhaver directly named him and incorrectly quoted both his CityStars resignation letter, which did not mention anyone by name, and his proposal. Daniel went on to correct Copenhaver and state what he actually said in his letter. He stated the city has maintained that CityStars operated independently, but contracts, payroll involvement, event insurance filings, and more “show a far more entangled relationship,” and people deserve to know the truth.

“Mayor Copenhaver, I have lost all confidence in your leadership for our city,” Daniel said, after stating the aforementioned documents were not any type of confidential record but documents he was a part of.

Daniel closed his public comment, giving a call to action to the council, saying, “If you have confidence in this administration, say so. If you do not, say so. Jonesboro deserves clarity.”

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Lake City Fire Fee Increase Discussed

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Story by DDNS Reporter Shailey Wooldridge

Lake City Fire Chief Hunter Timms presents during a recent Craighead County Quorum Court meeting. Photo by DDNS Reporter Shailey Wooldridge

The Lake City Fire District has not had a fire fee increase since 1999, leading to financial strain. During a recent meeting, the fire district presented this to the Public service committee of the Craighead County Quorum Court to ask for revision to the rates to make them the same as other fire protection districts in the area.

Fire fees are $35 per year for residents within the fire district living outside city limits. The Lake City Fire District is asking for this fee to be increased to $75 per year to match other fire districts in the area and help finance a new fire truck.


Lake City Fire Chief Hunter Timms said turnout prices inflated after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the fire department felt the effect.


“We’re running off the same budget we’ve had since 1999, and we’re just struggling to get by, keep upgrading things, and keep our guys in new turnouts,” Timms said.


Turnout gear is the protective clothing firefighters wear during fire suppression to shield themselves from fire and other hazards. According to a price breakdown of the department’s expenses given during the meeting, one set of turnout gear costs $4,500. The price includes boots, pants, a jacket, a face mask, gloves, and helmets.


Timms said the department has 27 firefighters whose gear must be replaced every 10 years to stay in compliance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Insurance companies may refuse to provide coverage if the department is out of compliance with these safety standards.


Timms said that out-of-compliance firefighters are not covered under NFPA life insurance policies. “Those guys go out there trying to put a house fire out, a wreck, or a car, and none of their turnouts are up to date. The state does not have their fire insurance, so their families don’t get that coverage,” Timms said.


He said costs add up quickly.


The price breakdown also included average costs for self-contained breathing apparatus that must be replaced every 20 years. In addition, hose replacements, firetrucks, fire station maintenance, utilities for both Lake City and Dixie departments and substations, medical supplies, and utilities must be addressed yearly.

However, Timms said the price for a standard fire truck has doubled since they last purchased one for $214,00 in 2015.
He said since 2009, the department has lowered the county residences Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating from a nine to a five. Residences receive an ISO rating based on the fire protection services the local fire department provides. This rating is a scale from one to 10, with one being the best and 10 being the worst. Insurance companies use this rating to help determine home insurance rates, with lower ratings generally leading to lower premiums.


“That’s a 37% savings that we’re saving these people on their homeowner’s insurance for years,” Timms said. “If we don’t keep updating and replacing these things at the next ISO inspection we have, we could go down, and then that would cost them money out of their pocket, that additional payment on their home market.”


The Lake City Fire District also provides services to Dixie, an unincorporated area. The meeting concluded with a need for further discussion and an ordinance to formalize any changes.


In other business, Brian Reed and Tyler Watkins were appointed to the Nursing Center Board.

Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver Provides State of the City

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Story by DDNS Reporter Shailey Wooldridge.

Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver.

During the annual meeting, Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver addressed plans to grow the city’s population to 100,000 people, the city’s strong financial health, and projected 2025 projects and revenues.

The mayor spoke for around 30 minutes to a packed crowd at Embassy Suites.

“The state of the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas is strong. It’s filled with potential because of the people it’s filled with,” Copehaver said. “Jonesboro is anything but static.”

Copenhaver said the city has $33 million in reserves and projected 2025 revenues of $93 million. Its achievements in 2024 include a 106-ton neighborhood cleanup, a revived glass recycling program, and numerous park and infrastructure improvements.

He said preparing for 100,000 people will require constant effort to maintain the city’s growth and prosperity.

This month, Jonesboro will break ground on the $70 million Sportsplex, which Copenhaver said will increase revenue for Jonesboro businesses.

Additionally, he said plans for repairing and adding miscellaneous streets, sidewalks, and road overlay projects will cost another seven figures.

“Among the most critical projects that need funding is extensive work on South Caraway Road and the associated pedestrian accommodations,” Coperhaver said.

The city will fund foundational pieces of the master parks plan, provide new vehicles and equipment for the police and fire departments, and update the Jonesboro E-911 center.

 He said community engagement is necessary to address crime, provide opportunities for youth, and support local nonprofits and businesses.

Copenhaver said quality of life for parents is knowing their kids can safely cross streets, call 911 in an emergency, and receive a kind and experienced dispatcher on the other end.

“We all love to think big, but we can’t overlook the basic responsibility as leaders of this community. I believe, like you, we have a moral responsibility, a moral mandate, to prioritize projects that will save lives,” Copenhaver said. “Kids can’t be it if they can’t see it.”

$3.5 Million in Federal Funding for Jonesboro Advances in U.S. Senate

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Courtesy of the City of Jonesboro/Johnathan Reaves, Delta Digital News Service

Copenhaver said the funding would provide additional resources to prevent and fight crime in the city and keep Jonesboro on the leading edge of incorporating technology into its policing efforts.  “When we talk about improving Jonesboro, public safety is a top priority,” he said. “This is reinforcement that we are on the right track, and I thank Senator Boozman for his efforts and for the hours he and his staff have dedicated to meeting with our Jonesboro team to discuss the wins and benefits of the system. He believes in it, and it shows.”

Jonesboro’s innovative Real-Time Crime and Intelligence Center now boasts more than 700 cameras strategically positioned around the area and has been referenced more than 600 times in cases this year alone. Data collected and retained also provides a valuable resource in building evidence to close cases, helping resolve accident disputes and identifying needed traffic and safety improvements, according to Jonesboro Police Chief Rick Elliott, “Our system provides officers and detectives with critical information that saves lives, immediately alerts us when a vehicle of interest enters the region and provides helpful information on the scene of an active incident or operation. The technology investment in policing is making a difference, and it shows.”

Craighead County Sheriff Marty Boyd talked about the importance of information sharing between agencies, “We work closely with the City of Jonesboro and share 911 facilities. Quickly transferring data, license plate alerts and video information is a huge benefit toward the safety of our area.”

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Medicaid unwinding affects over 13,000 Jonesboro residents

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Over 13,000 Jonesboro residents lost coverage

Delta Digital News Service

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

By Brayden Morse | Contributor

JONESBORO, Ark. – Since Medicaid began unwinding in a year ago, 13,147 Jonesboro residents lost coverage, including 4,693 children.


After a long hiatus of no doctor’s visits, families might take their children to get their once-a-year wellness check or physical and realize they are no longer covered. Families might not understand how they are no longer covered and may not understand how the unwinding process began.


Anna Strong, executive director of the Arkansas Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics, explains what factors led to the unwinding.


“During the COVID-19 public health emergency, state Medicaid agencies received enhanced federal funding to keep people from losing their coverage during the pandemic. After the public health emergency ended, states had to re-evaluate the eligibility for everyone on the Medicaid roster. Because individuals may have moved, changed phone numbers, divorced, married, had children, or otherwise changed their circumstances, they may have missed efforts to reach them to update information and renew their eligibility. After a period of time, Medicaid had to remove them from the program if they had not received updated information,” Strong said.


Families and children have been impacted in many ways. According to the Arkansas Department of Health, nearly 1 in 3 children ages 3-17 have reported one or more mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral health problems. Identifying and treating these issues such as depression, anxiety, and addiction requires specialist treatment.

Healthy children are more likely to attend school regularly and more likely to reach the cognitive, social and emotional milestones needed to ensure success in the classroom and beyond.

Jonesboro pediatrician at The Children’s Clinic, Dr. Jane Sneed, details some challenges she has seen people face.

“Raising kids is difficult enough, but thinking you have medical coverage and then finding out that you don’t is a major stressor for families. Insurance is really important for those unpredictable moments. You never know when you’ll break an arm, step on a piece of glass and need stitches, or something worse that you never saw coming,” Sneed said.

Sneed also explained how people and the profession have been impacted.

“We have done a lot of legwork since the unwinding began, sending text messages, making calls sending portal reminders to people who were going to be affected. We wanted to make sure our patients were able to re-enroll as quickly as possible in Medicaid or find another option. Still, we lost about 30 percent of our Medicaid patients. That’s certainly affected our clinic, but you really worry about the patients,” Sneed said.


Fortunately, Arkansans can still find affordable options for healthcare coverage. Applications for Arkansas Medicaid, ARHOME, and ARKids First are accepted year-round, and those impacted by coverage losses when their Medicaid eligibility is ending has an extended open enrollment period through the My Arkansas Insurance marketplace.


The Arkansas Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics made a few notes on why families need insurance coverage. Medical debt is the No. 1 cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., which causes lots of financial stress for families. Families may find it difficult to maintain their standard of living and their savings due to the rapidly rising cost of medical coverage.

When parents know their children are covered by medical insurance, it reduces stress and anxiety about medical bills and unplanned medical emergencies. Coverage lets parents focus on their child’s health and well-being instead of constantly worrying about the finances. In the long run, having health insurance translates to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Re-enrollment enables parents to guarantee that their kids get the healthcare they require, resulting in happier, more cohesive families and communities.

Brayden Morse

Brayden Morse is a junior in the multimedia journalism program in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

NOTE: Feature photo by Markus Frieauff on Unsplash

Craighead County Deputy PAO releases annual report on Hot Check Program

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JP Barbara Weinstock (District 5) announces retirement after 27 years

Delta Digital News Service

Brayden Morse | Contributor

Monday, April 29, 2024

JONESBORO, Ark. – The Hot Check Program from the Craighead County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney’s office in accordance with ACA 16-21-120(c) presented the 2023 annual report of attorney fees and restitution fees on Feb. 12.

The Hot Check program was terminated in April 2021. Keith Chrestman, former Craighead County prosecuting attorney, terminated the program when realizing few people write checks anymore. It was costing Chrestman more than he was getting out of it. 

Charlene Davidson, Managing Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Craighead County, presented the 2023 annual report. 

“During the 2023 calendar year, our office received $13,011.21 from the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office to be entered as payments received from the defendants in the Hot Check Program,” Davidson said. 

“During the 2023 calendar year, our office received $13,011.21 from the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office to be entered as payments received from the defendants in the Hot Check Program.”

Craighead County Managing Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Charlene Davidson

The Craighead County Prosecutor’s Office disbursed $32,991.73 towards victim restitution and $11,813.25 towards merchant fees that defendants were charged for the hot checks. The office also disbursed $8,259.09 in prosecuting attorneys fees. 

The prosecuting attorney fees are entitled to the prosecuting attorneys by statute for managing the Hot Check program. 

Davidson shared that money is still coming in despite termination of the program, when a committee member asked about the money situation and how it works. 

“There is money still coming in. The defendants pleaded guilty and got on a payment plan. Some of them pay and some do not. Sheriff Marty Boyd has been really good about getting their tax refunds. We get money that has been owed for 10-15-20 years. There is still money coming in that needs to go out to the victims. I think money will come in for quite some time,” she said. 

Once a defendant is found guilty of violating the hot check law, they enter a guilty plea. The defendant is ordered to pay restitution. The collection of restitution fees is managed by the Sheriff’s office. 

“Until it is paid in full, it is still owed. It will continue to come in even though we are no longer prosecuting those types of cases,” Davidson said. 

Now that the program does not exist, if someone sees suspicion of a hot check, they will present them to the law enforcement agency for investigation. 

If the law enforcement agency finds probable cause for an arrest, they will forward it to the Craighead County Prosecutor’s Office. 

In other business, Craighead County Judge Marvin Day announced Barbara Weinstock’s retirement after 27 years as Justice of the Peace for District Five at the Craighead County Quorum Court meeting on Monday. 

Weinstock was responsible for $30,549,485 of grants of free money, helping people of Craighead County. The grants were used for mental health courts, veteran’s courts, drug courts, etc. 

Weinstock shared her thoughts on her appreciation of the committee and her time as part of the Justice of the Peace. 

“I’ve learned a lot, I really have. Thank you, it has been a pleasure,” Weinstock said. 

“I’ve learned a lot, I really have. Thank you, it has been a pleasure,”

District 5 JP Barbara Weinstock

Judge Day said Weinstock would retire Friday but continue to help. He also shared his appreciation of Weinstock and the future of her replacement. 

“We are looking for a replacement. We are excited for her,” Day said. 

Craighead County quorum court will meet again Feb. 26.

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Brayden Morse

Brayden Morse is a junior in the multimedia journalism program in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

NOTE: Featured photo by Money Knack on Unsplash

Agee delivers the State of the City address during council meeting

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Address focuses on community, city progress and policy

Delta Digital News Service

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

By Laila Casiano  | Contributor 

PARAGOULD, Ark. — Paragould Mayor Josh Agee delivered the State of the City address during Monday’s city council meeting. The speech commended the city’s growth and progress by focused on the community, improvements and future policy agendas for 2024-2025.

    Before Agee delivered the speech, the council approved the 2023 Amended Annual Budget, where estimated revenues and bank balances totaled $56.62 million dollars, appropriation figures (expenditures and transfers out) totaled $31.89 million dollars and unappropriated funds totaled to $24.73 million dollars.

     The department expenditures and totals were as follows: Airport ($1.237 million); emergency 911 ($1.625 million); fire department ($4.065 million); police ($5.331 million); sanitation ($2.435 million); jail ($36,844); mosquito control ($171,074.92); parks and recreation ($2.975 million) and the administration and miscellaneous department (health office, insurance, postage, radio expenses, uniforms, utilities, etc.) expenditures totaled to $7.253 million.

      General fund totaled $16.65 million and street fund totaled $8.42 million. Most expenditures went to Paragould’s public safety, enchanting Agee’s sentiment on the city’s growth, progress, and development.

     “As the city of Paragould embraces the start of a new year, the momentum of 2023 has set the stage for continued growth and prosperity,” Agee said. “We will continue to meet challenges head-on and work diligently to improve our future with a spirit of community and a commitment to progress.”

“As the city of Paragould embraces the start of a new year, the momentum of 2023 has set the stage for continued growth and prosperity. We will continue to meet challenges head-on and work diligently to improve our future with a spirit of community and a commitment to progress.”

Paragould Mayor Josh Agee

     The address highlighted Paragould’s economic landscape in 2023, noting significant strides in infrastructure developments. Key projects such as the Community Pavilion, the fire and police training facility, the workforce development center named The G.I.N and the “largest” public/private partnership powered by the First National Bank, called The Station, enhanced the community landscape and growth.

    The contribution of new residents moving to Paragould impacted the city’s median income (the highest recorded in history according to the Census Bureau).

     Agee spoke about Paragould’s Code Enforcement, highlighting 1,214 worked cases and 1,153 property clean-ups, including 51 junk vehicles and 35 property condemnation cases. The Code Enforcement showed a renewed focus on unlicensed salvage yards and the creation of a land bank commission last year, establishing three areas known as the Overlay Districts, which aimed to revitalize existing legacy neighborhoods.

     Street infrastructures, managed by the Public Works Department, are dedicated to maintaining and improving essential infrastructure to ensure safety, functionality and quality of life for Paragould residents.

     In 2023, Paragould’s fire department made critical advancements and contributions to public safety by acquiring a new 107-foot aerial truck and adding a 3,840 square-foot fire/police training facility for training exercises, drills and simulation. The fire department achieved excellence in emergency response, community engagement and improvements in service delivery despite being understaffed by 24 personnel, according to the National Fire Protection Association’s standards.

     The State of the City address also covered other areas such as the police department, 911 center, planning and development offices, the airport, parks and recreation, downtown revitalization and economic development.

     Additionally, Agee praised the contributions made by department heads who handle Paragould’s community and development. Paragould City Clerk Andrea Williams expressed pride in the proactive nature of department heads.

     “Every department head is very proactive. They are all very financially sound and make it a priority to make the city the best that they can, not just financially, but for the quality of life for our citizens,” Williams said.

     Mark Rowland, Ward 1 Position 1, expressed gratitude towards the financial heads of the department for their work in 2023.

     “We’ve done a good job managing finances. I think the mayor has done a good job taking care of what the mayor takes care of,” Rowland said.

     Paragould’s State of the City reflected dedication to progress. 

In other business, the city council members:

  • Approved a resolution to declare a building and/or structure within the corporate limit of the city of Paragould
  • Approved a resolution to condemn a building located at 303 N. 15th Ave.

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Laila Casiano

 Laila Casiano is a junior in the multimedia journalism program in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She can be reached at: laila.casiano@smail.astate.edu

NOTE: Feature photo shows from left, Ward 4, Position 1 Neal Adams; Ward 2, Position 1 Dustin Ramsey; Ward 2, Position 1 Jeremy Biggs; Ward 1, Position 1 Mark Rowland; City Attorney Robert Thompson; Mayor Josh Agee; City Clerk Andrea Williams; Ward 2, Position 2 Susan Williams; Ward 2, Position 2 Pat Austin; Ward 3, Position 2 Jackie Branch; Ward 4, Position 2 Brad Baine.

Committee adopts interlocal agreement for Craighead County-Jonesboro Public Library

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Agreement maintains shared expenses for library

Delta Digital News Service

Wednesday, February 21, 2023

By Laila Casiano | Contributor 

JONESBORO, Ark. – The Public Service Committee of the Craighead County Quorum Court adopted an interlocal agreement between Craighead County and Jonesboro concerning the management and supervision of the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library., Monday, Feb. 12.

     The agreement maintains shared expenses for the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library, solidifying terms and shared finances for the benefit of all citizens. This contractual arrangement supports the local library by assisting in maintenance and operations of the public library systems. Additionally, the committee adopted an ordinance between Craighead County and Poinsett County regarding library services.

     “The committee essentially examined an agreement with Poinsett County and the city of Jonesboro to operate the library within a regional library setting that updates every five years,” District 13 Officer Kevin Williams said.

“The committee essentially examined an agreement with Poinsett County and the city of Jonesboro to operate the library within a regional library setting that updates every five years.”

District 13 Officer Kevin Williams

    Last fall, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Craighead County Judge Marvin Day received an email from the public library staff requesting an update on the Interlocal Agreement between Craighead and Poinsett County. Day received a copy of the public library’s financial statement and noted the Craighead County Public Library was following an outdated Interlocal Agreement from 1941.

     Day forwarded the financial records to Craighead County Attorney Kimberly Dale, and they were advised regarding issues in the language initially passed between Craighead County and Poinsett County. 

     The interlocal agreement between Jonesboro and Craighead County needs renewal and passage every five years, according to a new state law requiring agreements not to last more than five years without renewal or appropriate acknowledgment by governing bodies. Their attorney then began drafting a “bare-bones” ordinance.

     “More than anything, we are trying to keep it as apolitical, non-political, as possible,” Day said. “We are just following state statutes and agreeing to partner with the city of Jonesboro or Poinsett County, however that may be, to provide these services for the people.”

     Day reassured the committee that nothing will change, and that the agreement will essentially bring the Interlocal Agreement up to current state code. Regarding how things are run or how the library decides to govern itself, Day reiterated they are not attempting to change anything.

     “Let’s just bring it up to the current codes and move forward,”  Day said. “If someone wants to change something in the future, that’s great, but as of right now, we are doing the bare minimum of what we need for the agreement.”

     The county and city will consider the capital contributions of each entity. They aim to establish the benefits of the library to its citizens and take legislative steps to ratify the agreement, effective from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2027.

     “At the end of the day, it’s an agreement between us,” said chair of the Public Service Committee and District 7 Officer Richard Rogers. “The library runs its own board to manage its own affairs, so it doesn’t fall on our lap.”

     In other business, the quorum court:

  • Approved the road report for January 2024.
  • Approved a resolution expressing Craighead County’s willingness to utilize Federal-Aid monies for Highway 49/ County Roads 792 and 960 improvements.
  • Approved the annual report of the Hot Check program from the deputy’s prosecuting attorney’s office, pursuant to Arkansas Code Annotated (ACA) 16-21-120(c).
  • Honored Barbara Weinstock, District 5 officer, for her 27 years of service as Justice of the Peace.

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 Laila Casiano

 Laila Casiano is a junior in the multimedia journalism program in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She can be reached at: laila.casiano@smail.astate.edu

NOTE: Featured photo shows from left, Public Service Committee Service members, Craighead County Judge Marvin Day; District 1 Officer Brad Noel; District 7 Officer and chair of the committee Richard Rogers; District 14 Officer Linda Allison; District 13 Officer Kevin Williams.

Jonesboro City Council passes resolution for data tracking

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City hires company to compile citizen data

Delta Digital News Service

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024

Brayden Morse | Contributor

JONESBORO, Ark. – The Jonesboro City Council passed a resolution for data tracking on Tuesday that may concern citizens.

The resolution entered a contract with Placer Labs Inc. for data compiling software to provide vital information for grant writing efforts. 

The data will be valuable for community development, advertising and promotion in the city. The contract will begin in February 2024 and terminate in February 2025.

Dr. Anthony Coleman, councilman for Ward 6, Position 1, wanted clarity on citizens having their phones tracked without their consent. 

Dr. Charles Coleman
Ward 2, Position 1

“This software potentially gathers information from our citizens to know where they are and their location. Is this a violation of the rights of a citizen to know where they are and what they are doing? I’d like someone to address the questioning regarding the concern to have a person’s phone tracked without their consent,” Coleman said. 

“This software potentially gathers information from our citizens to know where they are and their location. Is this a violation of the rights of a citizen to know where they are and what they are doing? I’d like someone to address the questioning regarding the concern to have a person’s phone tracked without their consent,”  

Dr. Anthony Coleman, Councilman for Ward 6, Position 1

Turns out, the software does not track personal data. Placer Labs Inc. cannot gather any personal information. The company uses third party apps on mobile devices that have been given permission to utilize. 

The contract is $20,000 annually for five users that is 12 months long and renewable.

City Attorney Carol Duncan responded to a city chamber’s concern of the data and tracking within the city. 

Carol Duncan, City Attorney

“If you’re on Facebook, you’ve agreed to let them collect your data. They already track you and everywhere you go. All this does is collect the data. It won’t tell me it’s you, but it’ll say you went to the park. We can use that data to say look at all of the people who came to the park and we should deserve this grant,” Duncan said. 

“…All this does is collect the data. It won’t tell me it’s you, but it’ll say you went to the park. We can use that data to say look at all of the people who came to the park and we should deserve this grant,” Duncan said. 

City Attorney Carol Duncan

The zoning ordinance provides changes in zoning boundaries from residential and commercial to commercial for property located at 915 Southwest Drive as requested by G.S. Brant Perkins.

Chris Gibson, councilman for Ward 3, Position 2, shared his concerns on the rezoning for the property.

“Safety is a big concern of mine. That is the worst area in Jonesboro in terms of traffic control, as we all know. I don’t know where my head is on this one, but that’s my biggest concern,” Gibson said. 

“Safety is a big concern of mine. That is the worst area in Jonesboro in terms of traffic control, as we all know. I don’t know where my head is on this one, but that’s my biggest concern,”

 Chris Gibson, Ward 3, Position 2
 Chris Gibson, Ward 3, Position 2

According to the Jonesboro Police Department, 53 motor vehicle accidents off 915 Southwest Drive occurred in 2023. Even though the accident total was provided, the council approved of the ordinance. 

The council approved four ordinances for permits as well. A microbrewery restaurant private club permit for Defending Advancement Inc. and Lebowski’s Inc. will be located at 1514 Southern Ridge Blvd. 

The Arts Annex, Inc. will relocate to 330 S. Main, as well as 1812 Pizza Company with no location set yet. The council also approved Southern BBQ Hilltop for a private club permit. 

Four resolutions for properties located at 315 Welch, 405/411 McDaniel, 812 Creath and 1025/1029 Hope from Redbird Investments LLC were passed with only one discussion from the council regarding the purpose of attaining the properties. 

Redbird Investments LLC will be used as inventory. If anyone in the area is interested in developing, the company will look into it. 

The Jonesboro City Council will meet again February 20 at 5:30 p.m.

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Brayden Morse 

Brayden Morse is a junior in the multimedia journalism program in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

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