Man arrested after leaving the scene of Highway 278 W collision

Press release from the Bradley County Sheriff Department

On Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at approximately 2:15 PM, the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, the Warren Fire Department Extraction Team, EASI Ambulance Service, and the Arkansas State Police responded to a head-on collision, on 278W, west of Bradley County Rd. 26.

A SUV headed east, crossed the centerline and struck a log truck that was headed west.  It was not a direct head on collision.  No injuries were reported.  The driver of the SUV fled on foot after coming to a stop.  The driver was identified, and had an active misdemeanor warrant, for the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 5:10 PM, 36-year-old, Lorenzo Williams was arrested on a misdemeanor warrant, by the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Warren Police Department.  Mr. Williams has multiple added charges including, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License.

The accident was investigated by the Arkansas State Police.  Details of the accident will be available on that agencies report.

Ch. Deputy Kevin Black

Warren School Board accepts resignations

In a special called board meeting conducted April 29, the Warren School Board considered four resignation requests from teachers.  All four were accepted.

The resignations included:

• Dana Reep-Warren High School Instructor/Choir Director & Drama Club
• Skye Clanton-Brunson Elementary Instructor
• Christy Rowell Trotter-Art Instructor at Eastside Elementary
• Krista Ledbetter-Kindergarten Instructor at Eastside Elementary

Prior to the board meeting, an expulsion hearing was held.  At the request of the parent, the hearing was closed to the public.

UA Division of Agriculture, UA-Monticello announce Blazier as College of Forestry Dean, Arkansas Forest Resources Center Director

MONTICELLO, Ark. —  The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and the University of Arkansas at Monticello have announced Michael Blazier as the next Dean for the UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources and Director of the Arkansas Forest Resources Center.  He will assume his duties July 1.

The Tuesday announcement was made by UAM Chancellor Dr. Peggy Doss and UA System Vice President for Agriculture Dr. Mark Cochran on a Zoom call to College faculty.  Both Cochran and Doss thanked the search committee for providing top-tier candidates.  Each also extended their thanks and appreciation to Dr. Robert Ficklin, Sturgis endowed professor of forest biology, for his leadership as interim dean.

Chancellor Doss says the position is distinctive in the breadth of its oversight and in its opportunities to unite resources, people, and objectives. She said, "There are a number of vital priorities right now for our University, Division, the System, and beyond – Dr. Blazier is exactly the visionary to serve as an enthusiastic, collaborative partnership between and among institutions." She emphasized the importance of his role to the state and its economic future. "With his expertise, I see Dr. Blazier as an innovative leader to ensure strong academic programs, crucial research, and extension services for Arkansas and the region.

Blazier comes from Louisiana State University, where he has served for 18 years as a forestry project leader at the LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station and professor.  He is experienced as a statewide forestry extension specialist and holds dozens of peer-reviewed publications. He holds a bachelor's degree in forestry from Louisiana Tech University and a master's and Ph.D. in forestry fields from Oklahoma State University. He will serve as only the second dean of the College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources. Dr. Philip Tappe retired in December after nearly 30 years with UAM.

Blazier grew up in West Monroe, Louisiana, less than 90 miles from the Monticello campus. He said, "Since early in my career, I've collaborated regularly with UAM faculty, and I've always been impressed with their teamwork, perseverance in getting research funding and implementing the projects, and the resources they had available to conduct the research.  I also have family ties to the area, so I look at this position as a chance to work with a great group of faculty and staff with the added benefit of doing so on my' home turf.'  Add to that the natural and agricultural resources Arkansas offers – and the opportunities to help the College and Center achieve high impacts in their mission seem endless." The UAM forestry program is approaching its next reaccreditation by the Society for American Foresters (SAF), a process Blazier will closely oversee.  UAM offers the only SAF-accredited forestry studies in Arkansas.

Registration open for 2021 Library summer reading program

Warren Branch Library is excited to announce that registration for their 2021 Summer Reading Program "Tails and Tales" is now open!

You can register your child (3-12) either in-person at the Library or on-line at https://forms.gle/VCq56F8w2hfHdbQ2A

As part of our program, we would like to showcase YOUR PETS in a slideshow presentation!

Submit a photo of your pet, their name, and their owner's name to the Library via Facebook Messenger: Warren Branch Library OR Email: youreadmore@gmail.com by June 1.

NOTE: If you submit a photo that includes a child, you are giving permission for this photo to be used in Library programming.

For more info, contact the Library at 870-226-2536.

Pastime: Those old parking meters and Warren’s Walking A ‘beat’ Policeman

By MAYLON T. RICE

Special to the Saline River Chronicle

Somewhere I saw one of those old metal parking meters in a photograph this past week.

I brought back memories of when Downtown Warren, a real progressive shopping mecca for Bradley County, if not most of Southeast Arkansas, had installed all around the downtown streets, metal parking meters.

You pulled into the marked space, and you fed the parking meter a diet of nickels, dimes or even a quarter for up to one hour of parking time, courtesy of the City of Warren.

Two Warren High School students to take part in Boys State

Riley Cornish and Ronald Martin, Jr.

According to Warren High School Principal Tiffany Gathen,  two Warren High School Students have been selected to take part in Arkansas Boys State for 2021.

 

Taking part will be Ronald Martin, Jr. and Riley Cornish.  Cornish is a Junior and is the son of Bryan and Kathy Cornish.  Ronald Martin, Jr. is also a Junior and the son of Ronald and Gail Martin.

Boys State will be held virtually  May 30-June 4.

Hermitage Elementary Applies for the 21st Century Grant

In the past, the 21st Century Grant has afforded Hermitage Elementary students and families a very successful afterschool program.  Therefore, in collaboration with its partners, Hermitage Elementary School is applying for another $150,000 Arkansas Nita M. Lowery 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant designed to benefit all students and families in grades 1st through 6th.  This grant will allow the students to receive homework help, academic enrichment classes, and non-academic enrichment classes as well as provide classes for the families of the students.  If you would be interested in assisting in the development of this grant or becoming a Hermitage 21st CCLC partner, please contact Rosalynda Ellis at (870) 463-8500 or rosalynda.ellis@hermitageschools.org.

2021 65th annual Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival official logo unveiled

4-H takes part in BBQ Competition

The Bradley County 4-H recently competed in the annual Poultry BBQ Competition.  Each member is given two chicken halves or turkey breast to prepare and cook for the competition.  Members provide grills, utensils, grilling supplies, and seasonings.  They are judged on their skills in barbecuing, fire control and safety, appearance, degree of doneness, and taste of their entry.   During this year’s competition, we had the following winners pictured from left to right:  Junior competitor, Emmanuel Strong won first place; Senior competitors, Michaela Stanley won third place, Weston Gavin won second place, and Elijah Strong won first place.  Each senior competitor qualified to advance to district on May 7th in Arkadelphia.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

There will be a public hearing at which the users of the City of Warren, Arkansas water and sewer system (the "System"), the citizens of the City of Warren, Arkansas (the "City") and all other interested persons shall have an opportunity to be heard concerning the confirmation of existing water and sewer rates and the proposed issuance of bonds secured by revenues of the System (the "bonds").  The public hearing will be held at 5:00 p.m., on the 10th day of May, 2021, at the Municipal Building Courtroom, 104 N. Myrtle St., Warren, Arkansas.

The City proposes to issue the bonds in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $4,250,000 for the purpose of refunding the City's Water and Sewer Revenue Bond, dated November 4, 2014 and financing all or a portion of the costs of extensions, betterments and improvements to the sewer facilities of the System.  

THE FOLLOWING RATES ARE EXISTING RATES FOR CONFIRMATION ONLY.

The basic water and sewer rates to be confirmed in connection with the issuance of the bonds are as follows:

BC Extension Homemakers donates to Ebenezer Food Pantry

The Bradley County Extension Homemakers recently donated over $225.00 to the Ebenezer Food Pantry.  This was part of the organization's yearly community service project.  Pictured from left to right is Lynn Hearnsberger, Donna Bratton, Tabitha Herrington, and Sandra Dalsanto.

U of A Offers Best Care Training for Child Care Providers

Best Care training will give childcare providers an opportunity to enhance their proven childcare program and help meet educational requirements with continuing education. Childcare providers, foster parents, teachers, and police officers are invited to attend.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agents, Hazelene McCray, Drew County, and Michelle Carter, Bradley County, will be providing 10 hours of “The Best Care” Child Care Provider Training on Saturday, May 15, at the UAM Fine Arts Center Auditorium located at 371 University Drive, Monticello, AR 71655.

Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., with Best Care training starting at 8:00 a.m. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch.  Healthy snacks will be provided.

Topics include:

• Be Wise about Portion Size
• Farm to Classroom
• Owning Your Own Feelings
• Helping Children Deal with Strong Feelings
• Importance of Physical Activity
• Mindfulness
• Professionalism
• Time Management
• Circle Time Strategies
• Block Play

Best Care training will be provided free of charge.  A total of 10 credit hours can be earned for attending the entire day.  One credit is earned for each hour-long session you attend.  Don’t miss this opportunity for learning!

Pre-registration deadline is May 12th. Call Hazelene McCray, Drew County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent at (870) 460-4270 or e-mail hmccray@uada.edu to pre-register.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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BCEDC hears update on COVID-19 vaccinations

By Tim Kessler

Tyler Staten, pharmacist at Gannaway Drug Store, gave an update on COVID-19 vaccinations to members of the Bradley County Economic Development Corp. board of directors Monday night.

He said it appeared that younger population members were avoiding getting the shots more than older citizens.

About 2.4 million shots have been given in Arkansas with about 1.6 million shots currently available. That means about 66.6 percent of the population has received shots, with about 300,000 partially immunized and 700,000 fully immunized.

After a nationwide pause on the Johnson and Johnson shots, they are now available again nationally with an additional warning given. Moderna and Pfizer shots continue to be given.

Staten said he was working with the Warren and Hermitage school districts to provide school clinics.

Those wanting to receive vaccinations can call Gannaway Drug Store and get on a waiting list.

Some people have experienced mild side effects including fevers, but those symptoms are mostly contained to those who have previously had the coronavirus.

Staten said the nation could achieve herd immunity if about 75 percent of the population was immunized.

So far, there have been 1,002 confirmed coronavirus cases in the county. Of those, 982 recovered and there have been 17 deaths.

Studies are being done to determine if Pfizer and Moderna shots will require boosters.

The federal government is covering all the costs of the shots.

In other action:

• Accountant Bob Milton gave the monthly financial report. He said there was $12,600 in the membership account, $103,000 in CDs and total assets of $316,822. The net worth of BCEDC is $807,747, with $7,516 in income for the month and a net gain in income of $5,060 for the year.
• In regard to the Southeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Facilities Authority, member John Lipton said, “We have two prospects.”
• BCEDC board member and Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival Chairman James Wells gave a report on upcoming festival activities. There won’t be a big concert this year but there will be more fireworks than ever, starting at 9 p.m. June 12. That day will also have a parade and 5K run/walk. A bike tour will be held on June 5 and Warren Country Club will host a golf tournament that weekend. Rotary Club of Warren has deferred the pancake breakfast but there will be arts and crafts booths and several small stage activities, including salsa, tomato packing, tomato eating contests and local entertainment. Warren Lions Club will host the Gospel Jamboree featuring The Lisemby Family at 6 p.m. June 9 at Immanuel Baptist Church.
• SEACBEC Director Devin McDiarmid reported the first CNA ceremony will be held on May 3. Students 17 or older may take the course and can be hired as CNAs when they turn 18. SEACBEC students will also be building shooting tables for the shooting range expansion. A memorandum of understanding with AHF is pending to allow the company to hire six students, pending Warren School Board approval.
• Executive Director Ashley Foreman was not present due to illness but submitted a written report. She wrote that EAST students are working on the BCEDC website, a meeting with the city Community and Economic Development Committee was awaiting committee action, training by PotlatchDeltic was done in the BCEDC conference room, Vision Coalition was continuing its meetings, a deed for the Griggs Property was to be ready soon and Vyve is working on broadband expansion in the county.
• The BCEDC board will not meet in May. Their next meeting will be June 28.

BCMC Auxiliary donates $1,000 to Make Warren Shine

Members of the Bradley County Medical Center Auxiliary presented a $1,000 donation to Make Warren Shine Tuesday, April 27, 2021 on Main Street in Warren.

According to Leah St. John, a volunteer with Make Warren Shine, the group intends to put the funds towards numerous beautification projects downtown, including the possibility of having more murals painted in the area.

Other projects that are currently ongoing through Make Warren Shine include the planting of flowers and helping downtown businesses with signage.  "While we don't work inside of the buildings, we help with curb appeal," said St. John.

Another big project that Make Warren Shine has been a part of recently is the Delta to the Timbers-South Arkansas Barn Quilt Trail, a self guided tour along the highways, byways, and back roads of south and east Arkansas from the delta to the timberlands displaying small decorative patterned barn quilt murals.  Currently, there are 21 barn quilt murals in Bradley County.

Sharon Balentine, another volunteer with Make Warren Shine, says that the main priority at the moment is getting the downtown looking its best for the Tomato Festival coming up in June.

Volunteers take part in community spring cleaning

Bradley County held a county-wide cleanup Saturday, April 24, 2021, as many local citizens took to the streets for a spring cleaning of the community.

The event is an annual clean-up, with supplies being made available to those participating.  The Bradley County Landfill was open and free of charge.

Two of the locations that were tackled included the Warren Housing Authority and North Bradley and Bradley 23 along Eastside Elementary.  Several Eastside students took part in the clean-up.

Volunteers were on hand at the Bradley County Courthouse delivering supplies to those cleaning.

Fire Department helps attends two vehicle accidents and two structure fires last week

Cloquet St. vehicle and structure fire

The Warren Fire Department responded to a number of calls from April 22 to April 25, 2021 with ten firemen arriving on the scene of a vehicle accident and structural fire at 118 Cloquet St. April 25.

Other calls during the week included a structure fire at 107 N Bradley April 22 and a vehicle accident near 30 Cloverhill Dr April 24.

The Department also provided mutual aid for a call at 872 Bradley 16 April 25.

Southern Flea Market set up shop last weekend in Warren

The famous Southern Flea Market was set up in the old National Guard Armory on Martin Street this past weekend from Friday, April 23 to Saturday, April 24, offering tons of deals from artisans and shops to locals.  Everything from jams and soaps to crafts and shoes.

Warren arrest report for April 19-25, 2021

The following is a direct re-print of the Warren Arrest & Confinement Record from the Warren, Arkansas Police Department.  All people listed are innocent until proven guilty.

Nicholas Jacobs / 1007 Phillips, Warren, AR / DOB 12-18-88 / warrant on 4-19-21

Steven Baker / 101 Main St., Warren, AR / DOB 4-23-85 / driving on suspended license, no seat belt, and no insurance on 4-19-21

William Emerson / 13 W King Square, Warren, AR / DOB 8-19-92 / warrant on 4-20-21

Richard Montgomery / 207 Davenport, Warren, AR / DOB 7-22-not available / terroristic threat and warrant on 4-23-21

Traquan Graham / 413 W Elm St., Warren, AR / DOB 2-17-02 / Domestic battery 3rd on 4-24-21

Stefan Jones / 1283 Bradley Rd. / DOB 3-21-96 / Disorderly conduct on 4-25-21

Charles Lawson Sr. / 716 McCauley St., Warren, AR / DOB 2-27-89 / battery 1st on 4-25-21

James Phelps / 314 S Myrtle St., Warren, AR / DOB 8-11-89 / warrant on 4-25-21

Governor Hutchinson Announces Johnson & Johnson Vaccinations to be Resumed in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK – The administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will resume in Arkansas today, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced.

“Vaccinations are the most important tool we have to neutralize COVID-19,” Governor Hutchinson said today. “The resumption of the J&J distribution allows us to say with confidence that the vaccine is as safe as the first two. This will reenergize our campaign to persuade everyone to be immunized. Vaccinations are the only way we can bring this global pandemic to an end. Now that the pause is lifted, the J&J vaccine will be available through many pharmacies and Arkansas’s local public health units. Don’t wait any longer to get your shot.”

Arrest made in connection with April 17 car wash shooting

Press release from the Warren Police Department:

On the date of April 25, 2021 the Warren Police Department along with the Bradley County Sheriff's Office arrested Charles E. Lawson Jr. (32) of Warren, Arkansas. This arrest is a result of the investigation conducted by the Warren Police Department in regards to the April 17, 2021 shooting at the car wash located at the intersection of Martin and Central in which left one man sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Lawson is currently being charged with Battery 1st Degree due to this incident. On Monday, April 26, 2021 a first judicial appearance was conducted in this case by Circuit Court Judge Crews Puryear and Lawson's bond was set at $250,000. He is currently still incarcerated and will be held at another facility awaiting bond or further court appearances. 

 

This investigation is still on-going at this time and when completed it will be submitted to the 10th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney's Office for formal review and charges.   

Sgt. Tim Nichols

Warren Police Department

Criminal Investigation Division

Sports: Lumberjacks clinch playoff spot

Photo courtesy of Paula Gambill Herring

The Warren Lumberjack Baseball Team, playing in a very competitive conference made up of class 4A and 5A schools, have clinched a regional playoff spot.

Click here to continue reading in sports...

YMCA to hold country dance Friday

The Donald W. Reynolds YMCA of Warren is set to hold a Boot Scootin' Senior Country Dance Friday, April 30 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

There will be a $6 cover and the concession stand will be open.  The YMCA recommends that masks be worn while dancing.

For more information, call 870-226-2404.

Weekly column from the Arkansas House of Representatives 4-23-21

This week, the Joint Budget Committee advanced two bills outlining the proposed budget for the next fiscal year.

The Revenue Stabilization Act prioritizes and categorizes state spending. It is typically one of the last bills passed every session. This year, the RSA is outlined in two identical bills SB702 and HB1949.

The proposal disburses $5.84 billion in general revenue. While fully funding our obligations, it decreases overall state spending by $50 million.

Proposed increases can be found in Medicaid, corrections, and State Police. The budget also includes the largest percentage increase in educational adequacy in 15 years.

The state’s long-term reserve fund is expected to reach over $700 million by the end of this fiscal year. This savings helps the state to secure lower interest rates and bond ratings.

This week, the House also passed a bill to reduce the sales tax from 6.5% to 3.5% on used cars priced from $4,000-$10,000.

Tyson Foods to expand Arkansas poultry operation

Springdale, Ark. (April 22, 2021) – Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN) will invest $48 million as part of its commitment to accelerate the long-term growth of its poultry business and continued success of its Pine Bluff, Arkansas, poultry plant, company officials said today. Nearly 70 jobs will be created by the project, which is expected to be complete by late 2021.

“The demand for convenient, high-quality chicken products continues to grow and we’re investing in projects that meet the needs of our customers and consumers,” said Donnie King, Chief Operating Officer and Group President, Poultry for Tyson Foods. “We’d like to thank the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County for their assistance and support of this project.”

The project will increase capacity to the plant’s fully cooked processing lines that in part produces chicken tenders, chicken strips, boneless and bone-in wings and air-fried products. The investment will also add automated processes to product packing lines.

“Since John H. Tyson spotted an opportunity in the 1930s and expanded his local deliveries from Northwest Arkansas to St. Louis, Kansas City and Chicago, Tyson Foods has built its name on the company’s ability to see a need early and fill it with a quality product,” said Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. “Nearly 100 years later, the family and the company continue the tradition, which has made life better for the thousands of people who have worked for company, and the millions of people who enjoy their products."

The Pine Bluff plant and related operations were built by Tyson Foods and opened in 1991. It makes fully cooked chicken products for food service and retail customers, such as grocery stores and quick serve restaurants. The facility employs more than 1,100 people and paid nearly $47 million in wages during its 2020 fiscal year. Annual payout for farmers who raise chickens for the plant was more than $27 million. The company recently raised starting hourly wages at the facility to at least $15 an hour.

“Tyson Foods is a homegrown company that has forever altered the economic landscape in Arkansas,” said Mike Preston, Secretary of Commerce and Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Poultry production is responsible for about 25 percent of the agriculture jobs in Arkansas, making the state one of the top five broiler producer states in the country. This expansion is a direct reflection of Tyson’s commitment to the Pine Bluff community and the confidence they have in our workforce.”

“Tyson Foods has been an economic driver for many years in Jefferson County,” said Allison J.H. Thompson, President and CEO, Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County, Arkansas. “We are excited about their upcoming expansion and have enjoyed working with their team to support this project.”

The company employs more than 24,000 people across Arkansas with an annual payroll of more than $1.4 billion. Tyson Foods paid Arkansas poultry growers more than $237 million in its 2020 fiscal year and estimates its total statewide impact to be $2.1 billion.

Local health units Statewide to offer COVID-19 vaccine

Little Rock, Ark.— Beginning next week, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will begin offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at Local Health Units across the state.

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone age 18 or older. The vaccine is given in two doses, one month apart. People will scheduled for an appointment to return for the second dose when they receive the first dose.

Anyone interested in scheduling an appointment may call the health unit closest to them or the statewide vaccine call-line at 1-800-985-6030. After-hours appointments may be available on Tuesdays. Health units are in every county in the state. 

There is no out-of-pocket expense for the vaccine. People should bring their insurance cards to the health unit. If they do not have insurance, the vaccine will still be available at no charge.

The COVID-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous reviews that have proven them to be both safe and effective. The COVID-19 vaccine protects not only the person receiving the vaccine but the person’s family, friends, and community from getting COVID-19. If a person does get COVID-19, it will help prevent them from getting a severe case that could lead to hospitalization or even death. You can learn more about the vaccine and the ADH vaccination plan at healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan.

For more information, including health unit locations, phone numbers and services, visit healthy.arkansas.gov.

BCMC Board holds April meeting

By Tim Kessler

About a year ago, all segments of society began being affected by the coronavirus pandemic, especially hospitals.

Bradley County Medical Center Controller Leslie Huitt told board members Thursday that compared to a year ago, most financial areas of the hospital had improved. However, Home Health numbers have decreased.

Chief Nursing Officer Sarah Tucker explained that the Home Health model had changed in January to a concept that encourages less home visits.

Huitt said accounts receivable had dropped about $1.2 million to $1.5 million in the last month. Cash receipts were up for the month.

She said she had been participating in a rural health conference this week which included discussions about Medicare billing and using nurse practitioners on swing beds.

She said a settlement would be received from Medicare based upon the latest cost report. The settlement should be received within two weeks.

In other action:

• Medical staff recommendations were approved for Dr. Fred Newton, obstetrics, reappointment to July 2023; Dr. Ronnie Dennis, obstetrics, reappointment to April 2023; Dr. Steven Erwin, family medicine/emergency medicine, reappointment to September 2023; Dr. Jaron Byrd, family medicine/emergency medicine, initial appointment to April 2022; Amanda Mullins, APRN to Dr. Wesley Lane, cardiology, reappointment to April 2023; Dr. Daron Merryman, family medicine/emergency medicine, initial appointment to April 2022; Sydnie Thessing, APRN to Dr. Wesley Lane, initial appointment to May 2022; and Kristy Lawson, APRN to Dr. Althea Conley, initial appointment to May 2022.
• CEO Steve Henson said Dr. Jennifer Kowalik would be coming from Texas to join the Rural Health Clinic on May 10. She will be a general practice physician who will also assist in delivering babies and women’s issues.

He said an Entergy generator program will get back on track and an update should be available in June.

Henson said the federal government may put new stipulations on COVID-19 relief funds which could result in the hospital having to pay back some of those funds. Several hospital organizations are lobbying against the changes.

He said doctors had discussed having an annual dinner with board members.

A solar power initiative is under consideration.

Henson announced that the hospital will be changing bad debt collections to Mid-South Adjustments instead of RMC.

Henson noted that by 2022, the hospital may have to join an accountable care organization as critical access hospitals are being phased out. By 2026, hospitals that are not part of accountable care organizations will be penalized.

• Tucker said her staff was doing some inservice work at present.

She said she was working on policies to conform to the No Patient Left Alone Act.

A National Hospital Week celebration will be held in May.

Tucker said there was a good turnout for the blood drive held last week by LifeShare.

She said surgery numbers had improved.

• A change in the Hospital Auxiliary bylaws was approved to allow the group to meet once a month.
• County sales tax figures showed $94,406.46 was received for February after a 2 percent treasurer’s commission was removed. There is currently $3,477,822.50 available to spend.

Human Development Center hosts town hall with State Representative Jeff Wardlaw

The Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center hosted a town hall meeting with Representative Jeff Wardlaw on April 16, 2021.

Bishop Michael Jones began the meeting with an invocation and went on to discuss how COVID-19 had impacted his church organization and why receiving the inoculation is key to returning to a sense of normalcy.

Representative Wardlaw spoke to the crowd about COVID-19’s effect on healthcare organizations and the importance of vaccination in bringing the global pandemic under control.

Division of Developmental Disabilities Services Director Melissa Stone talked with attendees about symptoms of COVID-19 and side effects from receiving the injection.

Dr. Kerry Pennington and Dr. Dichelle George were on hand to answer questions from the audience about current research, as well as the benefits and risks of vaccination.

The town hall was followed by a vaccination clinic where attendees were offered the option to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, 61% of staff and residents of the human development center have opted to receive vaccination.

Pastime: Renting tandem bikes to ride in Warren

Please forgive my recent absence from submitting some Pastimes from Bradley County. Many of you have contacted me to keep writing, so here goes…

By Maylon T. Rice

Special to the Saline River Chronicle

Somewhere after the summer of 1964-65, or thereabouts, a fitness craze came across the nation spurred by the nation physical fitness campaign of the late President John F. Kennedy.

A group from Warren, walked all the way to Pine Bluff one Saturday, as recalled by the local newspaper editor of that era. He noted that many of those walking that 47-mile distance, that day, had sore feet from the excursion. But each participant received a Presidential Physical Fitness certificate for their efforts.

Schools: Warren Middle School 9 weeks Honor Roll announced

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL HONOR ROLL ON THE SCHOOLS PAGE.

Free concert Wednesday April 28 at the Monticello Coffee Company

A harmony-rich acoustic duo, Lee Street Lyrical (featuring Buddy Case & Casey Penn) delivers a lively variety of music (including originals) reflective of many musical influences. Lee Street Lyrical was founded in 2018 by award-winning songwriters and musicians Buddy Case and Casey Penn. Case and Penn combine their talents to put together a truly unique show that features an inviting on-stage chemistry and an easy rapport with their fans.

They will be performing a free concert Wednesday, April 28 at the Monticello Coffee Company at 5:00 p.m.

Lee Street Lyrical nominated for Acoustic Act of the Year and Buddy Case is nominated for Guitar Player of the Year in the 2021 Arkansas Country Music Awards.

The event is sponsored by SEARK Concert Association.