Good morning, Jonesboro.

Ribbon cutting ceremonies highlighted Jonesboro’s growing business scene as out-of-state entrepreneurs invested in new shops and services, officials said.

The events took place earlier this week and boosted the local economy.

Jonesboro Public Library & Bradbury Art Museum will host a free sun-powered art workshop for grades 4-6 on Tuesday, March 17 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the library’s Round Room at 315 West Oak Avenue.

Craighead Electric Cooperative will round all cash payments up to the next whole dollar starting Monday, March 9, crediting extra change to members’ accounts.

The policy is designed to address a decreasing number of pennies in circulation.

Jonesboro EAST students at International Studies Magnet School and Northeast Arkansas Career & Technical Center (NEACTC) experts began production Thursday on durable, aluminum emergency playground boxes stocked with essential first-aid supplies to reduce long walks to the nurse during recess.

Japanese students arrived in Jonesboro this week to study American healthcare after COVID-19 delayed the program for six years.

Arkansas State University announced the Charles Kruse Scholarship (designed for full-time agriculture students in the College of Agriculture) to support Delta Theta members who show academic excellence, leadership and need.

Annual awards will come from a $1.8 million endowment to help build local careers in agriculture.

Craighead County Road 862 between Highway 135 and County Road 849 will close for four weeks beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, Mar.

9 as crews replace a bridge — detour signs will guide drivers.

The Craighead County Road Department will close CR 862 (connecting Highway 135 and CR 849) Monday at 8 a.m. for road work expected to last four weeks; detour signs are posted, so drivers should allow extra travel time.

The regional boys high school basketball tournament is progressing as early rounds are wrapped up and teams prepare for semifinals and finals scheduled at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs on March 12, 13, and 14 & a close Wednesday game in Jonesboro showed local high school talent in action.

Arkansas State men's basketball (20-12) lost to Georgia Southern 80 to 77 at Pensacola Bay Center on Thursday night during the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.

Matt Hayman led scoring with 21 points.

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.