Stories from Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Arkansas has rejected the petitions for three initiatives vying for spots on the November ballot. The proposals would overhaul Arkansas' redistricting process, create an open primary system and expand casinos in the state. Secretary of State John Thurston rejected the proposals Tuesday, July 14, saying his office could not count the signatures submitted. He said the proposals did not comply with a state law requiring campaigns to certify their signatures gatherers had passed background checks...

City of Marked Tree breaks ground for Carver Gym.

The Play School Day Care Center in Harrisburg made a post on their Facebook page Sunday that a student has tested positive for COVID-19. “Play School has just been notified that a student has tested positive for COVID-19. It is contained to one classroom in the baby building. ...

The board met last night to discuss a few different agenda items. This is the first time they have met since February! One of the main topics of discussion was what to do in terms of club meetings. After a long discussion the board came to the conclusion that starting in August we will meet once a month after hours. ...

Arkansas State University’s Heritage Sites locations are planning to reopen with limited tours available beginning Tuesday, August 4. Each site will open with a reduced tour schedule. The schedules vary, so Heritage Sites is posting each site’s hours on its website, ArkansasHeritageSites.AState.edu, and its Facebook page...

The Harrisburg School Board met for the first time of the 2020-2021 school year on July 8 in the Central Office Board Room. The board also met on June 30 for the final meeting of the 2019-2020 school year. All board members were present for both meetings...

With Monday being the first day of the statewide mask mandate when social distancing cannot be maintained, the Marked Tree Police Department had to respond to rumors imposing high fines they would give if the mandate was not followed. Word had been spread around the Poinsett County town that fines up to $750 fine would be given if a person was caught without a mask on. The police department said that rumor was absolutely false and they would not be imposing any fines for the mask mandate...

Ms. Rachel “Doe” Poulson, of Bay departed this life on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Lakeside Nursing Center in Lake City at the age of 80 years, 7 months and 5 days. She was born Monday, December 11, 1939 in Carthage, Mo. and lived in the Bay area for several years and was formerly of Ceres, Calif. ...

Arkansas educators want to see the safe return to in-person learning in schools across our state; however, they remain concerned about the risk to their students and colleagues. When we return to classroom learning, we need to do it in a sustainable way that ensures school buildings stay safe and stay open...

Thresa Ann Bennett Gill, of West Memphis passed peacefully into Heaven at the age of 85 on July 10, 2020. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Robert Earl Gill of the home; daughter, Valorie Gill Wilson (husband Rick) of Munford, Tenn.; son, Robert Earl Gill II (wife Marie) of Bartlett, Tenn.; grandson, Robert Earl Gill III, of West Memphis; granddaughters Sonja Maria Wilson of Brentwood, Tenn. ...

A special meeting of the Trumann School District School Board was held on June 17. School board members present were Adam Jones, President, Julienne Penter, Secretary, and Scott Taylor. Board members Anthony Patterson and Revis Kemper were absent. Jones called the Special School Board meeting to order at 6:19 p.m...

Megan Turner of Weiner is one of more than 800 students who received their diploma and will be recognized as a Harding University graduate during a virtual ceremony on August 15, 2020. Turner received a Master of Education in special education. Graduates include students from the College of Allied Health, College of Arts and Humanities, College of Bible and Ministry, Paul R. ...

College sophomore Andrew Schwarz has been awarded a $1,500 scholarship from America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders, sponsored by Bayer Fund. In the fall, Schwarz will continue their studies in Plant & Soil Sciences at Arkansas State University. “Bayer Fund is committed to improving educational opportunities in STEM fields for students in rural communities. ...

Jarrett Horst, a junior offensive lineman at Arkansas State University, has been named to the 2020 Outland Troply Watch List. The list was announced by the Football Writer's Association of America and features 85 Football Bowl Subdivision interior lineman from across the nation...

The Trumann City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, July 14 at the courtroom in Trumann. Mayor Barbara Lewallen called the meeting to order with all council members were present for the meeting...

Poinsett County has had 102 active cases with 29 cases still being active. There have been 70 recoveries, three deaths and 2,018 negative tests.

Marked Tree residents show off loaded peach trees.