News

The Trumann Police Department has taken to their Facebook page to keep citizens of Trumann updated on the COVID-19 virus and what is being done to prevent the spread. The Command Staff met this past Monday to plan for the next week of the COVID-19 Pandemic...

The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management has tasked the Arkansas National Guard to provide planning teams to assist the Arkansas Department of Health with planning for future operations in response to COVID-19. The additional support includes two medical planners and three logistics planners from the 189th Airlift Wing, seven logistics and communications planners and three information analysts from the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, two medical planners from Joint Force Headquarters Medical Command and one logistics planner from 87th Troop Command.. ...

The Arkansas Department of Health reported this past Wednesday that there are 997 confirmed positives cases of the coronavirus in the state. There have been 13,778 tested with 12,781 testing negative, 18 deaths and 189 recoveries. Poinsett County has six confirmed cases...

Trumann School District making sure students are fed daily.

As of April 5, 2020, the response rates for national, state and local are as follows: National - 45.1%, Arkansas - 42.5%, Poinsett - 42% and Trumann - 48.7%. Please urge everyone to respond--by phone, online or on paper. The population count from the 2020 Census will determine the city's turnback money for the next 10 years. We need everyone to be counted!...

Fast Facts: Agents with the Cooperative Extension Service continue to serve Arkansans during pandemic. Agents available through phone, email and Internet communication platforms. Many resources available online for farms, families and communities at www.uaex.edu and www.uaex.edu/covid19...

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) signed onto a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue urging the Trump administration to ensure the continuity of our country’s food supply and support rural areas during the coronavirus pandemic by providing needed relief to farmers...

U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton—along with Congressmen Rick Crawford, French Hill, Steve Womack and Bruce Westerman— urged President Trump to approve Governor Asa Hutchinson’s request for additional funding and resources for the Arkansas National Guard in order to support the ongoing response to COVID-19 in the Natural State...

As of 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, according to the ADH website, there were 927 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas with 13,264 people total having been tested. There have been 12,337 people tested negative, 16 deaths and 139 recoveries. As of April 6, there were 17 counties that have reported positive cases of coronavirus. ...

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson announced Monday that he is pleased with what the state is doing to slow the spread of COVID-19. As of 8:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, the state has had 875 positive cases reported, with 16 deaths and over 100 recoveries While the spread is slowing, Hutchinson announced that the remainder of the school semester will be in online form only. No schools will allow kids to be back in the building for the remainder of the semester...

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said during his daily press conference on COVID-19 today that there are 704 cases now in Arkansas but no new deaths have been reported. There have been 60 recoveries.

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will offer some relief to small businesses in Arkansas, and Arkansas banks want to help borrowers through this process. Bankers ask for patience from the public as they work through the initial phase of the program. Application volume is already very high and the financial institutions qualified to offer these loans will strive to keep up with demand...

The safety of Arkansas State University-Newport students, faculty, staff and visitors is our top priority, and the institution is closely monitoring the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak and following protocols as set forth in our emergency response plan and directives given by the Governor of Arkansas...

The Arkansas Secretary of Health and the Governor of Arkansas have published guidelines on COVID-19 to reduce the spread of the disease. COVID-19 can be spread easily and rapidly from person to person, because of this rapid spread, public and private gatherings of more than ten people, outside of a single household or living unit, are prohibited. ...

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is warning Arkansans to be aware of coronavirus-related scams as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports an increase in complaints of fraud and nationwide losses of $4.77 million to consumers. “Scammers and con artists are preying on fears Arkansans have related to the coronavirus, and are using this crisis to steal our money and personal information. ...

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said during his daily press conference on COVID-19 today that there are 643 cases and 12 deaths reported in the state. There have been 47 recoveries. Hutchinson also said Arkansas is below the expected number of cases projected at this time...

Three Rivers Food Pantry, in Marked Tree, will remain open and will serve the first Thursday and third Thursday of every month. Due to health and safety reasons, they will be doing drive-in services only. The pantry will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Three Rivers has also asked everyone to wait until at least 9:30 a.m. to show up to the pantry. "We will appreciate your help being courteous and patient," said Connie Huff, leader of the Three Rivers Food Pantry...

With the county schools closed to due COVID-19, each school is doing all they can to take care of their students with meals, school work and any other needs. AMI packets or Google Classroom is being used to make sure school work is being done. Trumann is providing meals for their students daily with breakfast and lunch that can be picked up four locations in town. ...

With COVID-19 causing us to maintain our personal space, this may be the year to work on making your lawn the envy of the neighborhood. It takes a lot of effort and time to get those weed free pretty lawns, but what else do you have to do while practicing social distancing? Once you get these lawn weeds under control it’s much easier to maintain and take care of in the future. Also resulting in less mowing, especially early in the season...

The following are Court Date changes for Harrisburg District Court: Our office is closed to the public; however, you may still contact myfinepayment.com or call 1-877-591-8768 to make a payment. We also have a drop box in the front of the office available for payments. You need to include your name, date of birth, address, telephone number and amount enclosed on your envelope...

Rob Robbinson, chair of the AR Bankers Association, spoke in the Governor's COVID-19 update the other day and clarified how loans related to the COVID-19 crisis will be offered. 100% government-guaranteed SBA loans for small businesses, including self-employed contractors...

With schools closed and many workers temporarily unemployed or telecommuting due to the coronavirus pandemic, many families have a full house during times the home would normally be empty. The result is often an increased demand for energy to fuel daily lives, and that can quickly lead to a higher-than-normal energy bill...

With so many customers telecommuting and people depending on grocery stores, hospitals and other vital services, it is more important than ever for Entergy to keep the power and gas flowing to the people who are depending on us to provide reliable, affordable energy. To do this safely, Entergy urges the public to stay away from utility employees and contractors working in the field...

The ACLU of Arkansas issued the following statement regarding a ruling by U.S. District Judge Roy Wilson closing the Rodgers v. Bryant case that challenged state-level panhandling restrictions and making the preliminary injunction blocking the law permanent...

People confused about how far to stand from others when social distancing could learn a lot from an angler. Just act like you’re casting a fishing rod. Most common fishing rods are between 6 and 7 feet long, the distance the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend to space apart from others in public. Of course, the best way to practice this technique is to get outside and enjoy some angling...

The city of Tyronza and Mayor Charles Glover has recently applied for a grant from the Arkansas Department of Historic Preservation to help paint the water tower in town. The tower was opened in 1935 making it eligible for the historic preservation grant. Tyronza has also applied for a loan from the Natural Resources Division of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to help finish the project...

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge today announced allocating $3 million to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s (AEDC) Quick Action Loan Program for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will be in addition to the $4 million the Governor directed to the same program. ...

Poinsett County now has at least one confirmed case of COVID-19. Arkansas has around 200 confirmed cases of the virus affecting 34 counties in the state. Other counties include, Craighead, Cross and Crittenden counties. Weiner City Mayor, Mike Frazier, has confirmed the virus is in the Weiner community. Other members of the city may have also been exposed to the virus, those who may have been exposed are being tested and are waiting on conformation...

Trumann city offices will be closed. Due to the declaration of national and state emergencies, the offices of the City of Trumann are closed to public access and contact until further notice. All services will continue to be delivered and our departments will continue to function and operate. ...

Arkansas Division of Emergency Management Urges Families Statewide to Sign Up for Smart911 to Enable Coronavirus Awareness for 9-1-1 and Emergency Responders As Arkansas responds to the spread of the coronavirus, public health and safety officials ask all Arkansans to sign up for the Smart911 national safety profile registry, a free service that allows individuals and families to provide critical medical information to 9-1-1 and first responders. ...

I’ve seen a few tillers in the backs of trucks this past week. This is a sign that gardening plans are on the horizon. If we can get a few days without rain, the garden spots will begin to rapidly take shape. With social distancing in full swing, maybe it’s a good year to have a garden, so you’ll have something to do besides stare at the four walls of your house...

A new COVID-19 relief program was announced over the weekend that could benefit the non-profits in your legislative districts. The Arkansas Community Foundation announced a new grant program specifically for non-profit organizations. This program will provide $1,000 mini-grants to organizations who are working to respond to the needs of those impacted by the COVID-19 situation. ...

Three Harrisburg residents were arrested this past Friday at the Walmart on Parker Road in Jonesboro on various charges including drug possession. The three went before District Court Judge Tommy Fowler. Jordan S. Jones, 26, was asked to leave the store several times while waiting on two acquaintances before police were called to the store. ...

Southland Gin, Delta Farms, Craighead Electric Cooperative and Today's Power, Inc. (TPI) are partnering to develop the first farm energy project pairing two different solar technologies plus battery storage in Arkansas. The project will provide clean energy for the two facilities, which will result in energy and operations savings for over 20 years...

In an effort to help working families experiencing financial hardships as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Entergy Charitable Foundation has established the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. “The health and safety of our customers, employees and communities is Entergy’s top priority,” said Leo Denault, chairman and CEO of Entergy Corporation. ...

The following changes have been made to the district court appearance dates. The April 6, 2020 plea day has been continued to June 1, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. The April 13 plea day has been continued to July 6, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. and the April 20, 2020 plea day has been continued to July 13, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. If you have any questions, please call the Court Clerk’s office at 870-483-7771. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this trying of times...

As a precautionary measure in the interest of public health, the Poinsett County Democrat Tribune office is closed to the public effective Monday, March 23, until further notice. Business will still be conducted, and the newspaper will be published as usual during this time. ...

Due to Poinsett County's recent COVID-19 positive status, the County Judge has decided to put the courthouse and courthouse annex under restricted access. Signs will be posted on the doors with our county office phone numbers instructing citizens to call the office they need. We need people to do as much as possible by phone, mail, email or online...

Trumann City Council held a special meeting Thursday, March 12, to discuss the skate park. Mayor Barbara Lewallen was contacted by the owner of the American Ramp Company who wanted to partner with the city to build a new skate park. American Ramp Company had a team of licensed skate park contractors in Arkansas, of which arrived in Trumann by March 17. ...

Marked Tree Chamber of Commerce held a brief meeting to discuss the up-coming Chamber Banquet. The banquet was re-scheduled last month from March 19 to April 9. However, due to the outbreak of COVID-19, it has been advised to not hold gatherings of more than 50 people. ...

The safety of Arkansas State University-Newport students, faculty, staff and visitors is our top priority, and the institution is closely monitoring the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak and following protocols as set forth in our emergency response plan...

Here's what has been reported to the Poinsett County Democrat Tribune regarding local businesses' responses to the COVID-19 virus. Al's BBQ is serving the public only through their drive-up window (no lunch buffet or inside dining). Jerry's Steakhouse has reconfigured its seating to be at least 6 feet apart and restricted capacity to accommodate a much smaller number of patrons based on this reconfiguration. All employees are wearing gloves at all times, even when handling cash...

Shannon Bruner was on hand last Wednesday to talk the Trumann Lions Club about Girls and Boys State. Bruner, librarian at Trumann High School, is active with the selection process for those from who apply to attend. “Lions Club and American Legion Post #42 support our kids who are selected to attend and we are so thankful for both groups doing this for our kids,” Bruner said in opening.+...

The Poinsett County Quorum Court had an emergency meeting this past Monday to pass an ordinance setting guidelines for employees pertaining to COVID-19. Council member Dustin Mars and Elizabeth Schwarz were not present for the meeting. The ordinance states that an employee will be paid for the 14 days quarantine if placed by their physician or elected official. ...

Governor Asa Hutchinson this past Monday that there are six new positive COVID-19 cases in Arkansas, bringing the total to 22.  Four of the new cases are from Central Arkansas, where cases had previously been detected. The other two confirmed are in Cleburne County...

Although currently there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Poinsett County, Judge Bob Cantrell has issued a Disaster Emergency Proclamation to ensure that our county qualifies for aid if necessary. Poinsett County leaders are aware that citizens are concerned about the virus coming to our county and they are taking measures to limit the spread of the virus while safely maintaining County operations. ...

Upon reviewing the latest guidance regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Arkansas House and Arkansas Senate leadership have agreed to cancel the Arkansas Legislative Council (“ALC”) meeting and all ALC subcommittee meetings previously scheduled for March 18 and 19. ...

Harrisburg District Court will be cancelling court on Tuesday March 17, 2020 and is tentatively rescheduling court for Tuesday May 19, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.. Also Harrisburg District Court is closed to the public due to the Covid-19 situation. Employees are on site. Payments for fines,or tickets, can be made using the drop box located in the front of the Municipal Building, over the phone by calling 1-877-591-8768 or online at www.myfinepayment.com...

A body found south of Harrisburg is being sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock according to Poinsett County Sheriff Kevin Molder. The body was found Saturday afternoon and the death is still under investigation. Speaking to Molder on Tuesday, the sheriff said they are awaiting results from the crime lab as to cause of death. The Democrat Tribune will continue to follow this story...

Local Navy veteran presented with award.