July 2024

The 85th annual St. Francis Picnic was held on Saturday, July 20 along with the St.

The Northeast Arkansas Intermodal Authority is in the process of developing an Economic Development Strategic Plan to guide its efforts in fostering regional economic development within its service area for the next five years. Boyette Strategic Advisors has been engaged to lead the development of this plan, with involvement from stakeholders.

JONESBORO – The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the institutional accrediting body for Arkansas State University, has notified Chancellor Todd Shields of its decision to accept the visiting team’s report on A-State, thereby reaffirming the institution’s accreditation. The HLC team visited the campus for a comprehensive review in April.

The Secretary of State’s office must count signatures collected by volunteer canvassers by Monday BY: ANTOINETTE GRAJEDA; ArkansasAdvocate. com The Arkansas Supreme Court Tuesday night ordered Secretary of State John Thurston to count signatures collected by volunteer canvassers for a proposed ballot initiative to expand abortion access. The state’s high court ordered (https:// arkansasadvocate. com/wp-content/uploads/ 2024/07/AFLG-v-Thurston-AR-Supreme-Court-Order.pdf) the count to be completed by 9 a.m. Monday.

Entergy Arkansas customers who need help paying their summer energy bills can apply now for up to $475 through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) on a first come, first served basis. The program’s application period opened July 8 and runs through Sept. 30 or until funds are expended. LIHEAP is funded through several federal programs and helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist with energy costs and lower the energy cost burden for low-income customers, who pay a higher proportion of household income for home energy costs. The Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment manages the program in the state, but applications for assistance must be made through a local community-based organization. Eligibility is determined by household size and income. For example, a single individual with a maximum monthly countable income of $1,859 and a family of four with $3,574 would both be eligible. The program is offered in all 75 counties in the state through community-based organizations, which can be found online at https:// www.adeq.state.ar.us/ energy/initiatives/ pdfs/ LIHEAP_Flyer.pdf , along with a complete list of eligibility and required documentation to complete the application. Bill assistance is available for all utilities, with an online application available for many Entergy Arkansas customers at GetLIHEAP. com, based on which community action agency serves them. Applications can also be made in person at local community- based organizations. Once approved for LIHEAP funding, Entergy Arkansas allows agencies the opportunity to “pledge” on an account to prevent disconnection. LIHEAP funds can also be used to reconnect a customer account. Our new Bill Toolkit empowers customers with resources and available assistance options through a onestop online shop at Bill-Toolkit.entergy.com.