City of Forrest City

‼️FYI from Craig Jones ‼️ Hello everyone, we are currently working on SFC 311 (Barrow Hill Road) with the graders and what we thought might happen is happening. By removing the snow layers it making it slicker than it was. We will cease with the grader work today and get salt and sand out over what we’ve already done. This weather situation is a whole lot different than the last time and after today I don’t expect we will be doing much more to help. We will continue to test the roads out with graders tmw and if we can make it better we will. However, im not going to continue to do stuff that will hamper road conditions just to be doing something. My advise is if you need to get out use a 4WD or find someone with a 4WD to get you out. I expect this situation may not improve until Saturday so please be patient and believe me, if there was something we could do to help we would but it looks like all we are doing now is making it worse. Thank you.

‼️FYI‼️

The Red Cross needs your help!!!!! Appointments added to blood drive of 02/25(this Tuesday). They are drastically short of donations due to weather!!! Please go online and register for the drive that is occurring this Tuesday 02/25. Drive starting 30 minutes earlier to accommodate more appointments!!!! 1:00!!!!! redcrossblood.org

Warming Centers Available in Forrest City With extremely cold temperatures today and tomorrow, the City of Forrest City is providing two warming centers for those in need of a safe and warm place to stay: - Larry S. Bryant Multipurpose Center - Open: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. - Call: (870) 261-5990 - Forrest City Civic Center - Open: 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. - Call: (870) 945-2319 Please share this information to help anyone who may need assistance during the cold weather. Stay warm, stay safe!

Applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP), which covers all 75 counties in Arkansas, are now being accepted. (Channel 8, Jonesboro) Anyone wanting to apply must provide the following items: --A photo ID --Social Security card (household members aged 18 or older) --Social Security numbers (household members younger than age 18) --Copies of your most recent utility bills --Proof of income --Proof of residency The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment says LIHEAP only applies to residential applicants, not businesses. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, April 30. For questions about the application process, contact your county’s organization. In St. Francis County, call the Crowley’s Ridge Development Council in Forrest City at 870-630-0193.

The Forrest City Public Library is offering free tax preparation and filling services for area households with an Adjusted Gross Income of $67,000 or less. Tax-related documents can be dropped off at the library, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Documents you’ll need to provide include a state-issued picture ID and Social Security cards for yourself and your spouse (if applicable), also all W-2’s & 1099’s, plus information on all other sources of income. A copy of your previous year tax return will also be helpful. Your completed return will be ready within three days. Call the library at 870-633-5646 for more information.

IRS-certified volunteers with Entergy Arkansas and several community partners will offer free tax preparation services at Super Tax Day events across the state this month in an effort to help customers maximize their tax refund. Qualified taxpayers include those with a 2024 income of less than $67,000, those with disabilities, and limited-English speaking households. Customers will have access to essential information about qualifying tax credits and deductions, including the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. The events are open to the public and will be held at the following location: --Forrest City Civic Center, Saturday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants need to bring their government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, along with all wage and earning statements. Those who are unable to attend an event in their area can still receive free, in-person tax preparation services by scheduling an appointment at one of the Entergy-sponsored VITA sites through April 15 or by using the no-cost, online counseling services at www.entergy.com/freetaxhelp.

Miscellaneous --Forrest City Public Library --St. Francis County Food Pantry --First Baptist (N. Rosser) in FC – office closed (no Wednesday night service) --Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas Food Distribution set for Thursday (2/20), has been postponed until Thursday, Feb. 27th. --Brinkley Chamber banquet set for Thursday (2/20), has been rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27th.

The following schools, businesses and government offices will be closed today (Wednesday), unless otherwise noted: Schools --Forrest City --Calvary Christian-closed (Daycare will open at 8 a.m.) --Palestine-Wheatley --Lee County Public Schools --Lee Academy --Helena-West Helena --Brinkley --Barton --Desoto --Marvell-Elaine --Marvell Academy --UA EACC-closed (remote learning & work will continue) Businesses --Times Hearld Newspaper office --Graham Family Dental-FC & Helena --Express Cleaners-FC --Fenter Physical Therapy-all locations --St. Francis Area Developmental Center-Day Programs closed --Holy Grounds Community Coffeehouse-FC --UAMS East Family Medical Clinic, fitness center and office (Helena) Government --City Hall in Forrest City --St. Francis County Courthouse (no trash pickups in the county) --Lee County Courthouse --Juvenile Court for Lee County set for Thursday (2/20) is cancelled --Marvell City Offices --Social Security Office in Forrest City --State offices-closed --Both the Arkansas Senate & House of Representatives plan to be in session today (Wednesday) and Thursday

CITY OF FORREST CITY HALL WILL BE CLOSING AT 3PM

USDA FOOD DISTRIBUTION

CITY COUNCIL MEETING CANCEL TONIGHT

Warming Centers Available in Forrest City With extremely cold temperatures today and tomorrow, the City of Forrest City is providing two warming centers for those in need of a safe and warm place to stay: - Larry S. Bryant Multipurpose Center - Open: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. - Call: (870) 261-5990 - Forrest City Civic Center - Open: 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. - Call: (870) 945-2319 Please share this information to help anyone who may need assistance during the cold weather. Stay warm, stay safe!

Hey everyone! Be prepared – a winter weather warning is in effect and will be arriving soon. Make sure to: -Check your emergency supplies -Keep your car winter-ready -Dress warmly in layers -Stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel if conditions get rough We’re in for a chilly ride, so let’s all stay cautious and look out for one another! Stay warm and safe out there!

St. Francis County Food Distribution

Help Mother Earnestine Weaver celebrate her 87th birthday by participating in her annual drive-thru food donation event to benefit the St. Francis County Food Pantry. Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted Friday, February 21st from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Forrest City Civic Center. For pick-up service or for more information, contact Mother Weaver at 870-633-7198.

Legal Aid of Arkansas Services at Forrest City Library

🚨 Silver Alert Issued 🚨 The Arkansas State Police is seeking assistance in locating a missing man from Wynne. Name: Al Senia Walton, 74 Last seen: Monday (2/17) around 3 p.m. Location: 3000 block of Highway 64, near Wynne Description: Race: Black Height: 5′2″ Weight: 162 pounds Eyes: Brown Hair: Short Black Afro Clothing: Blue shirt and blue jeans Walton may be traveling in a black Ford Escape with Arkansas license plate 25350R. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Cross County Sheriff’s Office at 870-238-5700. Please share this post to help spread the word.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the mid-south region, in effect from noon today (Tuesday) through noon Wednesday (2/19). The National Weather Service says that heavy mixed precipitation is expected, with total snow accumulations between 1 and 6 inches and a light glaze of ice accumulations. The highest snow totals will be along and north of the Interstate 40 corridor with lesser amounts to the south. Motorists can expect slippery road conditions, with hazardous possibly impacting the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. This advisory is for portions of East Arkansas, Southeast Missouri, and West Tennessee.

Friendly Reminder Attention Forrest City School District Due to forecasted inclement weather, Forrest City School District will have an early dismissal at 1:30 PM on February 18th. The Central Office will close at 2:30 PM