Good morning, Jonesboro.

Jonesboro residents can get free tax preparation and legal help for wills, deeds, power of attorney and record sealing at the Tax Filing Super Saturday event at St. Bernards Auditorium on East Washington Avenue this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

KASU launched a civil rights photo exhibit at Arkansas State University for Black History Month.

The exhibit, displayed in the Humanities and Social Sciences building, features 25 photos by Art Maripol and included a Wednesday reception with the United Voices Gospel Choir.

The Kevin Prater Band will perform traditional bluegrass and acoustic music on Monday, Feb.

23 at 7 p.m. at Collins Theatre (120 West Emerson St in Paragould) as part of KASU-FM’s Bluegrass Monday series; admission is $10 for adults and free for those 18 and under.

A WalletHub study showed Jonesboro households spent 2.44% of their income on groceries, prompting many to cut meat purchases—local food banks and butchers report increased demand.

The report follows the removal of the grocery tax, though high prices continue to strain budgets.

Gov. Sanders appointed Heather Maxey of Mountain Home to the ASU Board of Trustees for a seven-year term (until Jan.

14); her appointment builds on her work with the Higher Education Coordinating Board and will support campuses including Arkansas State University.

Nancy Benson Ward provided a $100,000 gift to create the Dr. Bill W.

Benson Memorial Scholarship at A-State for full-time veterinary students starting fall 2026. The award honors her late brother’s 40-year veterinary career in suburban Baltimore & will support the new College of Veterinary Medicine.

Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library is hosting weekly Storytimes for kids (themes include Construction Junction, Let’s Go Shopping, and Active Listening) and a Murder and Mayhem Book Club on March 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Civic League Room, with no Storytimes during March 23-27.

Valley View Intermediate School is helping its third graders adjust to the new LEARNS Act by using weekly fluency passages and the Accelerated Reader program (which offers incentives like extra recess) to build confidence for the end-of-year assessment.

Teachers also encourage daily reading practice to strengthen essential skills.

At its Feb. 17 meeting in Jonesboro, the JUH Lions Club awarded Bloesch, a second-year medical student at NYITCOM at A-State, a $1,000 scholarship to support Arkansas students committed to practicing medicine locally.

Jonesboro High School installed the first Next Grad college kiosk in Northeast Arkansas near the cafeteria exit to showcase dynamic graphics from partnering universities, trade schools, and the military (providing students with exposure to post-graduation options).

The Red Wolves beat the Bobcats 75-61 on Wednesday evening at Strahan Arena in San Marcos (Zyion Shannon led with 22 points to build an early lead).

Arkansas State will play a road game at Louisiana on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Chi Omega Run for a Wish 5K

9 AM — Arkansas State University Pavilion — Registration fee applies — Participate in the 18th Annual Run for a Wish 5K to support local wishes.

Honk! Jr

2-3 p.m. — The Foundation of Arts- Forum Theater — Tickets available — Enjoy the delightful family musical based on the Ugly Duckling.

Honk! Jr

2-3 p.m. — The Foundation of Arts- Forum Theater — Tickets available — Experience the fun and whimsy of Honk! Jr, a delightful performance for all ages.