City of Forrest City

FYI Mother's Day Brunch

🚨 Attention Kia Owners in [Your Area]! 🚨 We've been seeing a spike in Kia vehicle thefts around the area—especially models manufactured between 2011 and 2021 that lack an engine immobilizer. Thieves are targeting these vehicles using methods that can bypass traditional ignition systems in seconds. To help protect your vehicle, here are some important steps you can take: 🔒 Use a steering wheel lock – It’s a strong visual deterrent and adds an extra barrier. 📲 Install a GPS tracker or vehicle alarm system – So you can locate your car if it's stolen and discourage thieves from even trying. 🛠️ Visit your local Kia dealer – Kia is offering a software upgrade for eligible vehicles to address this vulnerability at no cost. Call ahead to schedule an appointment. 🚓 Report suspicious activity – If you see someone tampering with cars or loitering near driveways, call your local authorities. 📢 Spread the word – Share this post with family, friends, and neighbors who drive Kias. The more people are aware, the safer we all are. Invest home security cameras. Stay safe out there and take action now to protect your vehicle!

Let’s take a moment to pause, reflect, and lift up our communities, leaders, and loved ones in prayer. No matter where we are or what we believe, prayer has the power to unite, heal, and strengthen us. May we find hope, peace, and purpose as we join hearts in prayer across the nation today.

With the arrival of spring, we know many of you are diving into some much-needed spring cleaning! We encourage residents to bring unwanted items to the City Shop 377 Farr Street between the hours of 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM. 🚫 Please Note: *We cannot accept: *Flammable liquids *Paints or chemicals *Bricks or stones Also, a reminder to please place yard waste like grass and leaves on the curb, not in the street—putting it in the road can clog our storm drains and cause flooding. Thanks for helping keep our community clean and safe this spring.

The official deadline to receive a REAL ID in Arkansas is May 7th, although revenue offices will continue to issue the new ID’s after the deadline. After May 7th, a REAL ID will be needed to board a domestic flight, visit certain federal facilities or enter a nuclear power plant. Another option for those who choose not to get a Real ID is having a passport. To receive a REAL ID, you must provide proof of your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, legal residency and two forms verifying your address. State officials say a new REAL ID will cost $40. Adding the star to an existing ID will cost $10.

The Arkansas Department of Transportation has scheduled several interstate ramp closures in an effort to test their Wrong-Way Detection Systems. The temporary ramp closures will be done intermittently from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., now through May 8 in St. Francis, Crittenden and Pulaski counties. Weather permitting, crews will close the off-ramps in 1- to 2-hour intervals. Wrong-way detection systems include vehicle sensors, closed-circuit television cameras, illuminators, hardware controllers, warning devices, and communications equipment that notify motorists if they are traveling in the wrong direction. If the sensors detect a motorist traveling in the wrong direction, LED lights will flash to notify the motorist of their mistake. In addition to this, there is an alarm that will be sent to ARDOT’s Traffic Management Center so that crews can report and track the motorist. Only one ramp will be closed at a time, with plans to complete three to four ramps per night. Emergency responders will be allowed to access the ramps at all times. All others will be required to use an alternate exit The closures for St. Francis County will be May 6-8 and will include: --Interstate 40 West, Exit 260 (Shell Lake) --Interstate 40 East, Exit 256 (Parkin) --Interstate 40 East, Exit 247 (Widener) --Interstate 40 West, Rest Area at Exit 243 (east of FC) --Interstate 40 West, Exit 242 (FC) --Interstate 40 East, Exit 242 (FC) Traffic will be controlled by Highway Police with the use of barrels, message boards and signage. Additional travel information can be found at IDriveArkansas.com or ARDOT.gov.

The Interstate 55 bridge at West Memphis will continue to have lane closures this week. The southbound outside lane will be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day through Thursday (5/1). The northbound outside lane will be closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Thursday (5/1) and continuing through Wednesday, May 7th. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time during this period.

The City of Forrest City has its very own mobile app — available now on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store! Stay connected with: 📰 Latest City News 📅 Upcoming Events 🚨 Emergency Notifications … and much more — all at your fingertips! 📲 Download today and stay informed wherever you are!

If you're hosting an event and would like it featured on the City of Forrest City website, we'd love to help spread the word! 📧 Just email the details to shenderson@cityofforrestcityar.com Let’s keep our community informed and engaged!

Join us for a special Book Signing hosted by Glenn Allen! 🗓 Date: May 10, 2025 🕒 Time: 3:00 PM 📍 Location: Thomas Health and Wellness Center Come meet the author, get your book signed, and enjoy an afternoon celebrating literature and community. Don’t miss it!

The City of Forrest City will host a Community Health Fair on July 12th at the Larry S. Bryant Multipurpose Center and they’re looking for vendors, health professionals, and wellness organizations to help make this event a success. Th event would be a good fit for vendors who offer health screenings, fitness tips, healthy food options or wellness products. The city is also looking for passionate and energetic volunteers to lead Yoga, Chair Pilates, and Line Dance sessions during the Health Fair. If you or someone you know is certified or experienced in teaching these activities, contact City Hall at 870-633-1315.

FYI

The U of A Division of Ag Family & Consumer Sciences will hold their annual “Best Care” Training, May 3rd starting at 8 a.m. at the Fine Arts Center (Black Box Theater) at UA-EACC in Forrest City. This is for child-care providers in St. Francis, Cross and Crittenden counties and will give attendees 10 free hours of face-to-face training, which will go toward their education credit. Pre-registration is required by April 30th. For more information, call Marla Lane at 870-261-1730.

University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College is now accepting applications for the Paramedic Program. The training program is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to serve on the frontline of emergency care and offers: --Cutting-edge curriculum --Hands-on training --Career opportunities across the state No entrance exam is required. Applications are available at the Allied Health Building on the UA-EACC campus in Forrest City. The application deadline is Friday, July 11th at 12-noon. The program starts August 18th. For more information, email ybrown@eacc.edu or call (870)-633-4480, ext. 408.

The City of Forrest City is pleased to announce the construction of new restrooms at the Sports Complex, conveniently located by the fishing pond! We’re committed to improving our community spaces, and this addition will make your visits to the park even more enjoyable for everyone. Stay tuned for updates as the project moves forward—thank you for your continued support!

Tomorrow Night

We’ve officially broken ground on our future amphitheater at Forrest City Public Library This project is more than bricks and mortar — it’s a shared dream, a commitment to connection, and a bold step into the next chapter of what makes our town so special.

Few things to remember for Prom!!! ** Safe Ride Reminder "Got your ride planned for prom night? Whether it's a parent, rideshare, or designated driver—make a plan, before the party. No one should risk it. ** Red Flag Post" Red flag 🚩: If someone offers you a ride and they’ve been drinking—even 'just one'—that’s your cue to say NOPE. Call someone. Text someone. Stay safe. **Emergency Contact Check-In "Have you saved an emergency contact in your phone? It takes 30 seconds and could save your life. Prom night = fun, but safety first. **Stay With Your Crew "Rule of prom night: Stay with your group. If one person leaves, the rest check in. No one left behind. Watch out for each other and keep the memories happy. #SquadSafety #PromPromise" **You Don’t Need It to Have Fun "Real talk: You don’t need alcohol or drugs to have a good time at prom. The best nights are the ones you actually remember. #SoberAndStylish #PromPromise2025" **What If…? Post "What if your prom night took a turn because of one risky choice? Let’s not find out. Choose safety. Choose smart. Choose the Prom Promise. **Parents & Teens Together "Parents & students: Start the convo early. Talk about curfews, rides, parties, and expectations. Communication = protection.

Happy Administrative Professionals Day! The City of Forrest City would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone in the administrative field. Your hard work, dedication, and behind-the-scenes magic keep everything running smoothly. A special shoutout to our incredible team at City Hall—thank you for making our office operate with ease and efficiency every single day. We couldn’t do it without you!

The U of A Division of Ag Family & Consumer Sciences will hold their annual “Best Care” Training, May 3rd starting at 8 a.m. at the Fine Arts Center (Black Box Theater) at UA-EACC in Forrest City. This is for child-care providers in St. Francis, Cross and Crittenden counties and will give attendees 10 free hours of face-to-face training, which will go toward their education credit. Pre-registration is required by April 30th.