United Way of NEA sees large turnout for annual Day of Caring
CRAIGHEAD COUNTY, Ark- Over 200 volunteers from businesses and organizations across the region joined forces on Friday by giving back to local nonprofits like the Salvation Army for United Way’s annual Day of Caring. “We are so proud and excited to say we have two hundred and fifty volunteers this year, representing thirty-four businesses in northeast Arkansas. And honestly, we could take more, but we’re so excited about that number. Especially in the year during a pandemic,”
Local school districts feel the impact of staff shortages
JONESBORO, Ark- Businesses continue to feel the impact of the staffing shortage, but one industry also seeing it is school districts. Many of which are working around the issue to keep students in the classroom. Valley View School District Superintendent Bryan Russell says they are one of the multiple districts in the region experiencing a staffing shortage. He says it’s not isolated to one area as a few departments are short-staffed. "We are not immune from the shortage. Fro
Jonesboro Public Schools gives back by gifting grants to expand innovative teaching ideas
JONESBORO, Ark Jonesboro Public School teachers received grants Thursday morning from the district foundation. For students at Jonesboro’s Health, Wellness, and Environmental Studies Magnet School, learning to harvest and prepare their food is part of their curriculum. But funding cuts have made upkeep difficult, but that became a little easier today. “We have three courtyards here and, we have a student kitchen. So, keeping up with things like dish towels, hoses, and buckets
Center works to educate the community, raise Covid vaccination numbers among the Hispanic population
JONESBORO, Ark- According to the CDC, over 75% of eligible Americans have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. But only 17% are members of the Hispanic and Latino communities. El Centro Hispano executive director Gina Gomez says it’s about educating members of the Hispanic community. And debunk common misconceptions about the Covid-19 vaccine. “It’s more people who don’t have the information. They don’t know where to go,” said Gomez, who encourages members of t
HUB homeless resource center reopens with new programs after 18 month closure
JONESBORO, Ark- The HUB Homeless Resource Center reopened today for the first time in over a year. The HUB closed in March 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. They operated on a limited basis over the last year. But now, 18 months later, they have reopened their doors to help those in need. “There was a new energy in our office. Ya know, we see people every Tuesday and Thursday and, we have been for a long time, but it seemed like a new energy. Very exciting,” says Kim Chas
A-State unveils new multi-million dollar art and design building
JONESBORO, Ark- Arkansas State University unveiled its newest building Monday afternoon. The new Windgate Center for Three-Dimensional Arts at A-State is complete. University leadership says the facility will not only advance the universities art and design department for years to come. “It gets us out of a building that wasn’t very attractive and puts us in a brand-new building that is certainly larger, certainly more attractive. So, we hope that it will inspire our students
Former New York firefighter feeding first responders for free on 9/11
JONESBORO, Ark- First responders will be able to enjoy a free cheese or pepperoni pizza at Pastaria 49 on Saturday as the restaurant gives back. A former New York firefighter himself, executive chef Dana Lamel says they had to do something honoring the 20th anniversary. “They can come in and get a free pizza on us, and it’s just our way of trying to say thank you again for the work they do every day. It’s- it’s not an easy job, and it’s a thankless job a lot of the time. But
Nettleton STEAM students learn about 9/11, give back to the community
JONESBORO, Ark September 11 is a day no one will ever forget. Now, 20 years later, students, who weren’t born at the time, are learning about the events that transpired on that sunny Tuesday morning. For school-age children, all they know is life post 9/11. But teachers and staff at Nettleton STEAM School in Jonesboro are educating them about the topic and how first responders played a vital role in saving thousands of lives. “It’s interesting to talk to them and see the bits
Schools go blue to show support for healthcare workers
CRAIGHEAD COUNTY, Ark- While many of the eight school districts in Craighead County are rivals, they are all coming together today for one goal: to wear blue. From Jonesboro to Riverside, students and staff at Craighead County school districts are wearing blue today to show their support for local frontline healthcare workers. “It’s such a pleasure to be onsite and to say, ‘thank you,’ as we know the sacrifices these ladies and gentlemen have made here in the hospital. And so
HUB Homeless Resource Center announces date, prepares for reopening
DOWNTOWN JONESBORO, Ark- The HUB Homeless Resource Center will officially reopen next week. Northeast Arkansas News hears how they’re preparing. The last time the HUB was fully open? March of 2020, but that will change next Tuesday, September 14, as they reopen their doors. Executive Director Kim Chase says the HUB will also have new amenities for guests to use. “We closed our offices down in March 2020. However, we’ve offered our services throughout the pandemic. But we feel