Stories from Wednesday, July 28, 2021

The Monette City Council discussed potential uses for the upcoming ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) federal funding, during Monday evening’s meeting. “We are still looking at the installation of automatic read water meters,” Mayor Bob Blankenship said. “We have talked to several meter providers and basically they all work alike. We know now that ARPA funding can be used to help with existing projects.”...

Leachville City Council members received a monthly report on the city sales tax, discussed progress of the new concession stand, heard reports from the city maintenance, discussed upcoming events at the Melody Theater, heard a citizen’s request for beautification project, discussed purchasing trash cans, and approved changing the schedule for trash pick-up at the July meeting held on Monday night...

The Blytheville School District will strongly recommend students and staff wear masks, but by law cannot require them to do so, according to interim superintendent Jennifer Blankenship. During Monday night’s school board meeting, Blankenship reported the district will continue Covid-19 protocols such as social distancing, temperature checks, desk dividers, sanitizers, etc...

Two more candidates applied for the Blytheville School District superintendent position on Friday, the final day applications were accepted. Zrano Bowles of West Memphis and Norman Nassar of Marion were the final two of the 11 total to apply. Other applicants are Chaun Johnson of Chicago; Nenomoshia Thomas of Blytheville; Henry Anderson of Jacksonville, Ark.; Latrenda Miller of West Helena; Gabriel Jackson, Ed.d, of North Little Rock; Kenneth Pinkney of Memphis; David Westenhover of Heber Springs; Carl Stephen of West Memphis; and Brandy Dillin of Beebe.. ...