As Arkansans prepare for the possibly of extreme winter weather conditions Friday and over the weekend, Arkansas State Police (ASP) is urging motorists to stay off the roads when bitterly cold, freezing rain or snow make highway travel unsafe.
Officials say staying home whenever possible helps reduce crashes, protects first responders and keeps routes clear for road crews.
For those who must travel, ASP reminds drivers to use extra caution:
• Reduce your speed and avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking.
• Increase the distance between your vehicle and others.
• Begin slowing down much earlier than usual when approaching intersections, bridges, and exit ramps, which can freeze first.
Motorists are encouraged to prepare an emergency kit before heading out. Suggested items include extra clothing, blankets, water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a phone charger, an ice scraper, and basic first-aid supplies.
Keeping your gas tank at least half full and ensuring tires are properly inflated can also improve safety in winter conditions.
Troopers will be out in force to assist motorists in need across Arkansas. For non-emergency assistance or to report a hazard, drivers can use *ASP (*277) to be connected to the nearest ASP Troop headquarters.
For the latest winter weather conditions and to view the Winter Weather Road Conditions Map, Arkansans should visit www.idrivearkansas.com.
Travelers are also encouraged to follow local forecasts and delay or cancel trips when conditions are hazardous.
The Jack’s restaurant chain is now hiring for all positions for their new location in Forrest City.
Interested parties can apply online at WorkAtJacks.com.
The Forrest City Jack’s location is set to open in July 2026.
Interested parties can apply online at WorkAtJacks.com.
The Forrest City Jack’s location is set to open in July 2026.

A representative from Legal Aid of Arkansas will be at the Forrest City Public Library, Tuesday (1/20) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call the library at 870-633-5646 to make an appointment.
🐾 Meet Newton! 🐾
The Forrest City Area Humane Society is now accepting adoption applications for this sweet boy.
A home visit is required to adopt Newton.
Appointments are required to meet him, so please reach out to schedule a visit.
Adoption Fee: $100
The adoption fee includes:
* Spay/Neuter
* Heartworm test (if of age)
* 5-way vaccine
* Rabies vaccine (if of age)
* Bordetella vaccine
* Basic deworming
* Microchip
Contact for Adoption:
Ruth Ann Vowan
ravfcahs@gmail.com
Newton is ready to find his forever home
The Forrest City Area Humane Society is now accepting adoption applications for this sweet boy.
A home visit is required to adopt Newton.
Appointments are required to meet him, so please reach out to schedule a visit.
Adoption Fee: $100
The adoption fee includes:
* Spay/Neuter
* Heartworm test (if of age)
* 5-way vaccine
* Rabies vaccine (if of age)
* Bordetella vaccine
* Basic deworming
* Microchip
Contact for Adoption:
Ruth Ann Vowan
ravfcahs@gmail.com
Newton is ready to find his forever home

Please be advised that the City of Forrest City offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Thank you for your understanding.
Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Thank you for your understanding.

Job Opportunity!
Forrest City Jack’s is now hiring Managers for our new location opening this July!
📍 Forrest City
📅 Opening Soon
👉 Scan the QR Code to fill out an application
Join our team and grow with us!
Forrest City Jack’s is now hiring Managers for our new location opening this July!
📍 Forrest City
📅 Opening Soon
👉 Scan the QR Code to fill out an application
Join our team and grow with us!

USDA Food Distribution will be Thursday (1/15) at three locations in St. Francis County.
--The Larry Bryant Multipurpose Center in Forrest City from 8-10 a.m.
--Palestine City Hall from 9-11 a.m.
--Wheatley City Hall from 9-11 a.m.
To receive USDA foods, recipients must live in the county of distribution and meet income requirements based on household size.
Households may only receive USDA foods once a month
For more information, contact the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas by email, usda@foodbankofnea.org or call (870) 932-3663.
--The Larry Bryant Multipurpose Center in Forrest City from 8-10 a.m.
--Palestine City Hall from 9-11 a.m.
--Wheatley City Hall from 9-11 a.m.
To receive USDA foods, recipients must live in the county of distribution and meet income requirements based on household size.
Households may only receive USDA foods once a month
For more information, contact the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas by email, usda@foodbankofnea.org or call (870) 932-3663.

🐾 Meet Newton! 🐾
The Forrest City Area Humane Society is now accepting adoption applications for this sweet boy.
A home visit is required to adopt Newton.
Appointments are required to meet him, so please reach out to schedule a visit.
Adoption Fee: $100
The adoption fee includes:
* Spay/Neuter
* Heartworm test (if of age)
* 5-way vaccine
* Rabies vaccine (if of age)
* Bordetella vaccine
* Basic deworming
* Microchip
Contact for Adoption:
Ruth Ann Vowan
ravfcahs@gmail.com
Newton is ready to find his forever home
The Forrest City Area Humane Society is now accepting adoption applications for this sweet boy.
A home visit is required to adopt Newton.
Appointments are required to meet him, so please reach out to schedule a visit.
Adoption Fee: $100
The adoption fee includes:
* Spay/Neuter
* Heartworm test (if of age)
* 5-way vaccine
* Rabies vaccine (if of age)
* Bordetella vaccine
* Basic deworming
* Microchip
Contact for Adoption:
Ruth Ann Vowan
ravfcahs@gmail.com
Newton is ready to find his forever home

Sediver Job Fair
The company Sediver, which has a plant in West Memphis, will hold a hiring event today (1/14) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Workforce Center located on the UA-EACC campus in Forrest City.
Current open positions include:
--mechanical maintenance technicians
--electrical maintenance technicians
--weekend shift production assemblers
--weekend shift quality technicians
Applicants must be able to train on 1st shift for 4-6 weeks before going to original shift.
Sediver opened their West Memphis plant in 2025 and manufactures power line parts.
Again, the hiring event is today (Wednesday) from 10 to 2 at the Workforce Center located on the UA-EACC campus in Forrest City.

FYI Job Opportunity

USDA Food Distribution will be Thursday (1/15) at three locations in St. Francis County.
--The Larry Bryant Multipurpose Center in Forrest City from 8-10 a.m.
--Palestine City Hall from 9-11 a.m.
--Wheatley City Hall from 9-11 a.m.
To receive USDA foods, recipients must live in the county of distribution and meet income requirements based on household size.
Households may only receive USDA foods once a month
For more information, contact the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas by email, usda@foodbankofnea.org or call (870) 932-3663.
--The Larry Bryant Multipurpose Center in Forrest City from 8-10 a.m.
--Palestine City Hall from 9-11 a.m.
--Wheatley City Hall from 9-11 a.m.
To receive USDA foods, recipients must live in the county of distribution and meet income requirements based on household size.
Households may only receive USDA foods once a month
For more information, contact the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas by email, usda@foodbankofnea.org or call (870) 932-3663.

The Forrest City Library Board will meet Monday (1/12) at 3 p.m. at the library. The meeting is open to the public.
USDA Food Distribution

The City of Forrest City Office will be closed on January 1, 2026.
The office will reopen on January 2, 2026.
The office will reopen on January 2, 2026.

“The City of Forrest City is exploding into the new year of 2026! We would like to wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our community we look forward to growing and moving forward together in the year ahead.”

Special Call Meeting Tonight at 6 PM

Arkansas state and local law enforcement officers are stepping up patrols this holiday season to keep impaired drivers off the road.
The annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign will continue through January 1st in an effort to prevent crashes and save lives.
Officials say the winter holidays are among the most dangerous times of the year for motorists due to traffic crashes involving drunk drivers.
The annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign will continue through January 1st in an effort to prevent crashes and save lives.
Officials say the winter holidays are among the most dangerous times of the year for motorists due to traffic crashes involving drunk drivers.
The City of Forrest City’s Sanitation Department will be closed Thursday (1/1) in observance of the New Year’s holiday. Residents are advised to place their trash carts at the curb on their regular schedule to ensure proper garbage collection. Normal business hours will resume on Friday, January 2nd.
The Forrest City Public Library will close early on Dec. 31st and will be closed January 1st for the New Year holiday
The City of Forrest City would like to wish everyone a Happy Holidays!
May this season be filled with joy, peace, and time spent with loved ones. Stay safe and enjoy the celebrations!
May this season be filled with joy, peace, and time spent with loved ones. Stay safe and enjoy the celebrations!

