State News

State News

USDA Announces New Projects to Improve Mississippi River Basin Water Quality

LITTLE ROCK – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has selected five new projects in Arkansas for its 13-state Mississippi River Basin Initiative. In addition, the initiative has been extended in five previously selected Arkansas watersheds.

NRCS works with producers in targeted watersheds to voluntarily implement conservation practices that prevent runoff of sediment and nutrients, which can degrade water quality.

“NRCS targeted water quality efforts have steadily demonstrated tremendous benefits in Arkansas and across America’s landscape and water bodies,” said Mike Sullivan, with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. “By focusing resources where we can have the best impacts, we’re improving the quality of rivers and streams across the country while also giving producers the tools they need to make good investments on their working lands.”

NRCS will work with partners through a readiness phase to develop watershed plans in the following new project areas, including the Lower St. Francis which included a portion of Crittenden County.

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Ghost of Davidsonville Fall Festival Oct. 13

POCAHONTAS – Summer turns to autumn, green leaves to rusted reds, and the ghosts of the past stir from their resting places once more to wander their ancestral homes. The staff of Davidsonville Historic State Park invites you to join them for an evening of fall fun, music, and history. The festival opens to the public at 5 p.m. on Oct.13, and will run until the last hayride departs. The schedule of events includes Tomahawk Throwing, Living History Presenters, Pumpkin, Halloween Decoration Crafts, a Magician and Balloon Artist, Live Music by Lauren Richmond, Haunted Hay Rides and more.

To learn more about these and other upcoming events call the park at 870-892-4708. Davidsonville Historic State Park is located south of Pocahontas, Arkansas, at 8047 S. Highway 166.

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Jonesboro Police Investigating Shooting

JONESBORO – Two people were taken to local hospitals and three were arrested folowing a shooting Saturday in Jonesboro.

JPD Cpl. David McDanie said officers got a call to go to an apartment on Gladiolus Drive around 10 a.m. Saturday due to a person being shot. The victim was found by officers near the entrance of the apartment complex, Mc-Daniel said.

“It was learned the victim had been shot and had suffered non-life threatening injuries. The victim was transported to a local hospital for medical care,” McDaniel said. “Three subjects turned themselves in and explained they were present during the shooting.”

Police are still investigating the shooting and are attempting to determine a motive.