Stories from Thursday, March 19, 2020

Due to the growing concerns over the COVID-19, and after the announcement from the Governor and the Arkansas Department of Education, the AAA will implement a dead period for all member schools starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020. During this time, coaches (licensed teacher coaches and registered volunteers) shall be prohibited from engaging in any type of activity involving student athletes whether it be practice, training, weight lifting, tryouts, competition or travel. ...

Freshman Kayde Jones of Trumann has been selected to the Class 3A All-State basketball team for the 2019-20 season. Jones helped lead the Lady Wildcats to a 19-13 record and a spot in the 3A state basketball tournament. Jones averaged 13 points per game to go along with seven rebounds and two assists per game. ...

Trumann senior Ben Turner was selected for the Class 3A All-State basketball team for the 2019-20 basketball season. This was Turner's third straight all-state selection having been selected to the Class 4A team in 2017-18 and the 3A team in 2018-19...

Upon reviewing the latest guidance regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Arkansas House and Arkansas Senate leadership have agreed to cancel the Arkansas Legislative Council (“ALC”) meeting and all ALC subcommittee meetings previously scheduled for March 18 and 19. ...

Although currently there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Poinsett County, Judge Bob Cantrell has issued a Disaster Emergency Proclamation to ensure that our county qualifies for aid if necessary. Poinsett County leaders are aware that citizens are concerned about the virus coming to our county and they are taking measures to limit the spread of the virus while safely maintaining County operations. ...

Governor Asa Hutchinson this past Monday that there are six new positive COVID-19 cases in Arkansas, bringing the total to 22.  Four of the new cases are from Central Arkansas, where cases had previously been detected. The other two confirmed are in Cleburne County...

The Poinsett County Quorum Court had an emergency meeting this past Monday to pass an ordinance setting guidelines for employees pertaining to COVID-19. Council member Dustin Mars and Elizabeth Schwarz were not present for the meeting. The ordinance states that an employee will be paid for the 14 days quarantine if placed by their physician or elected official. ...

Shannon Bruner was on hand last Wednesday to talk the Trumann Lions Club about Girls and Boys State. Bruner, librarian at Trumann High School, is active with the selection process for those from who apply to attend. “Lions Club and American Legion Post #42 support our kids who are selected to attend and we are so thankful for both groups doing this for our kids,” Bruner said in opening.+...

Randell Scott Crouch, 56, of Trumann died Friday, March 6, 2020 at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born in Jonesboro, a 1981 graduate of Trumann High School, retired factory worker from Parker/Hannifin and Roach Manufacturing. He was a lifelong resident of Trumann and of the Pentecostal faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milford and Tommie Cockrum Crouch and one brother, Bobby Smith...

Mr. William “Bill” Fritz of Quincy, Ill. departed this life on Monday, March 16, 2020 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy at the age of 59 years, 8 months and 10 days.  He was born Wednesday, July 6, 1960 in Trumann and lived in Quincy, Ill. and was formerly of Trumann.  He was a factory worker and a general laborer and of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by one brother, Kenneth Fritz; and his parents, Oscar Albert and Annie Mae Campbell Fritz, Jr.           ...

Here's what has been reported to the Poinsett County Democrat Tribune regarding local businesses' responses to the COVID-19 virus. Al's BBQ is serving the public only through their drive-up window (no lunch buffet or inside dining). Jerry's Steakhouse has reconfigured its seating to be at least 6 feet apart and restricted capacity to accommodate a much smaller number of patrons based on this reconfiguration. All employees are wearing gloves at all times, even when handling cash...

The safety of Arkansas State University-Newport students, faculty, staff and visitors is our top priority, and the institution is closely monitoring the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak and following protocols as set forth in our emergency response plan...

Marked Tree Chamber of Commerce held a brief meeting to discuss the up-coming Chamber Banquet. The banquet was re-scheduled last month from March 19 to April 9. However, due to the outbreak of COVID-19, it has been advised to not hold gatherings of more than 50 people. ...

Trumann City Council held a special meeting Thursday, March 12, to discuss the skate park. Mayor Barbara Lewallen was contacted by the owner of the American Ramp Company who wanted to partner with the city to build a new skate park. American Ramp Company had a team of licensed skate park contractors in Arkansas, of which arrived in Trumann by March 17. ...