Brown Spot Pine Needle Blight Discovered in Cleveland County

MONTICELLO, Ark. - Forest health experts from the University of Arkansas at Monticello have identified brown spot needle blight on loblolly pine in 11 additional counties in Arkansas this year, including Cleveland County, bringing the total number of confirmed counties in the state to 25.

State Delinquent Property Sale Garners Nearly $6,100 in Taxes

LITTLE ROCK - The recent auction of tax-delinquent properties in Drew and neighboring counties raised over $384,000, the Commissioner of State Lands announced.The regional auction drew 79 registered bidders, who purchased 126 of 176 available parcels for $384,792.98.

Rison Shine, Mayor Initiating Clean Up of Unkempt Properties in Downtown

RISON - At the third meeting as part of a series of communityfocused efforts, Rison Shine has set two dates to clean up properties along the main routes of Rison with hopes to make them more attractive to visitors.Clean-up dates have been scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 4.

New Motions Filed In Case Surrounding Student's Eligibility

RISON - Both sides in a legal battle regarding the eligibility of a former Rison High School student to play athletics after transferring to Woodlawn High School continued last week as both the plaintiff and defendants made new filings in Cleveland County Circuit Court.

Rison Methodist Food Pantry Aug. 23 at Earlier Time

RISON - Rison United Methodist Church will be hosting a food pantry from 7:30 to 9 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 23, at an earlier time due to the heat.The church, located at 800 Main Street, holds its food pantry the fourth Saturday of each month.

County's Jobless Rate Rises to 4.8

LITTLE ROCK - Cleveland County's unemployment rate rose a full percentage point to 4.8 percent in June, according to preliminary data from the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services.According to Workforce Services, the county's jobless rate climbed a full percentage point from 3.

Why Knot EH Club Presents Quilts to Veterans

RISON - The Why Knot Extension Club presented handmade patriotic quilts to local Veterans at the Green House Cottages of Southern Hills Tuesday.

School Lunches for Aug. 25-29

Rison ElementaryMonday - Create: cheesy chicken and rice, dinner roll. Classics: cheeseburger, crinkle hies. Sides: seasoned broccoli, lettuce, tomato, fresh whole fruit.Tuesday - Create: beef macho nachos. Classics: Italian sausage pizza, crinkle fries.

Last Market Food Truck Friday Set for Aug. 29

RISON - The final Food Truck Friday and Rison Farmers Market will be held Friday, Aug. 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Pioneer Village.Participating trucks will be Granny Ruth’s Seafood and Southern Cooking, and Aaron’s Dirty South Grill.Local talent Matt Wilkerson will perform.

Jonathan Hibbard Joins Cleveland Co. Farm Bureau Office

RISON - Jonathan Hibbard has joined the Cleveland County Farm Bureau Office as a new agent.A 2018 graduate of Star City High School, Hibbard earned a bachelor's degree in organismal biology from the University of Arkansas at Monticello.