Election runoff today in Tuckerman

Today in Tuckerman there is a Mayoral runoff and a City Council runoff. Questions about voting? Call Jackson County Clerk-(870) 523-7400.

Good news for Newport & Jackson County

Specialty Sands, LLC has recently selected Newport as the home for their new sand mining and processing operation. Specialty Sands is a subsidiary of Klotz Sand, Inc., a company that has been in the business of processing sand and other materials since 1973. The company reached an agreement with local officials on an industrial site and will start to move equipment to the site during the first two weeks of December.The Newport Economic Development Commission and the Newport Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board working with Bratcher Real Estate developed a proposal which will allow Specialty Sands, LLC to lease approximately 9 acres at the former Southern Cotton Oil Mill property.

The property has been owned and managed by the Newport Jackson County Industrial Development Bond Board since the mid 1990’s with the purpose of encouraging industrial development in Newport. For the last several years the City of Newport has used to site to process wood waste picked up in Newport. The Newport Economic Development Commission will assist the city in relocating the wood waste processing facility to a new site as a portion of the incentive package used to recruit Specialty Sands, LLC.Specialty Sands plans to start production early next year and eventually hire at least 20 people with an average wage of $15 per hour or more.

Today is election day

Questions about voting? Jackson County residents call the Jackson County Clerk-(870) 523-7400. White County residents call the White County Clerk (501) 279-6200.

October 31 event

Over 200 area residents attended "The Haunted Choices House of Horrors" which showcased the horrors and consequences of substance abuse. October 31, 2008 the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Subcommittee held a Haunted House and other activities at the Branch Community Center. The evening started with trunk or treat, face painting, a sponge-throwing contest, a cakewalk, and apple bobbing before a hot dog meal was served. The free event emphasized the fun that can be had in an alcohol and drug-free lifestyle. Special thanks to sponsors: Arkansas Department of Human Services Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Jackson County Health Unit, Branch Community Center, Project New Start, Health Resources of Arkansas, Newport Drama Club, Jackson County Wellness Coalition, Harris Hospital, Merchants and Planters Bank, ASU-Newport volunteers, Farm Bureau ladies, Jackson County State Employee's Association, and the Jackson County Sheriff's office.Those interested in joining ATOD's effort should contact L. J. Bryant (lj@ljbryant.com & 870-376-4458).