Good morning, Jonesboro.

Jonesboro Firefighters host their second annual pickleball tournament today at 8 a.m. at Trim Gym to support Camp Sunshine, a camp for children recovering from severe burns.

Crowley’s Ridge College and Black River Technical College signed a new partnership on Friday morning to let BRTC students complete their bachelor’s in teacher education at CRC.

The move will help local students stay in the area and meet the growing need for teachers in rural communities.

Arkansas State University has announced a new scholarship for full-time students honoring Heather Goodwin and supporting strong academics and leadership.

Preference is given to those linked to Pi Kappa Alpha and Alpha Omicron Pi + the award alternates yearly.

Jonesboro faces enhanced severe weather risk Sunday when a cold front brings damaging winds that may exceed 75 mph (NWS warns) and possible quick spin-up tornadoes.

Residents are advised to secure loose items and follow local broadcasts to stay informed.

The Jonesboro Fire Department upgraded its thermal cameras (detecting heat as low as 150°F from its general budget) to help firefighters locate victims faster inside burning buildings.

The department is awaiting additional models to complete its equipment upgrade.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Jonesboro Fire Department used the former Lazzari’s Italian Oven building on South Caraway Road for live rescue training, practicing skills like hose handling and roof ventilation.

The Montano family bought the 6,661 sqft site for $1 million and plans demolition later this month to clear the way for new development.

At a special meeting on Thursday, the ASU System Board approved financing options, including a $15 million investment to begin the 26,000 sqft CREST Center in Jonesboro and a $5 million bridge loan for campus projects.

It also approved right-of-way easements for local infrastructure improvements.

The University of Arkansas Centers on Aging Northeast will host a free senior safety event on Wednesday, Mar.

18 at St. Bernards Auditorium, featuring speakers from AARP, Senior Medicare Patrol & Jonesboro Fire Department. The event offers breakfast, lunch for the first 75 RSVPs, door prizes and vendor booths.

St. Bernards held free colon cancer screenings Friday in Jonesboro to boost early detection during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

The event also offered tests (like blood pressure and BMI checks) and distributed food boxes to help community members facing food insecurity.

Seniors in Jonesboro are advised to take safety measures while gardening this spring, including stretching, hydrating, and using ergonomic tools (to reduce injury risk).

Experts say gardening is a healthy form of exercise that can lower stroke risks if seniors pace themselves and rest in shaded spots during outdoor sessions.