Good morning, Jonesboro.

Jonesboro Public Library partnered with Keep Jonesboro Beautiful for Earth Month litter kit distribution.

The library hosted a table on Wed., Apr. 22 (10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and will host another on Thu., Apr. 30 (10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) while kits remain available at the circulation desk.

City leaders in Jonesboro are planning a new 22-acre park in the northeast that will offer a playground, dog park, trails, splash pad and athletic fields, with phase one scheduled to break ground later in 2026—partly funded by a $1 million state grant.

The project aims to boost recreation while preserving green space.

The Family Crisis Center held a ribbon cutting on Wednesday afternoon for its new Sexual Assault Support Services Center in Jonesboro, which offers forensic exams and follow-up care.

The center hosted its 3rd Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Seminar on April 22 at First United Methodist Church.

Residents shared ideas to guide Jonesboro’s growth at Design Week, held from March 30 to April 2, where open houses and pop-up discussions focused on improved streets, parks, and community spaces — feedback that city leaders will use as they refine the comprehensive plan.

Abby Cakes will close its bakery on May 1 at 3500 E.

Highland Drive following a Facebook post by owner Abby Shannon (marking eight-and-a-half years of local service); all pre-placed orders will still be fulfilled as the store thanks customers and staff.

Arkansas State University students earned 55 awards at the Arkansas College Media Association's annual spring convention.

The Herald from Jonesboro received top honors (including Website of the Year) while staff and ASU-TV were recognized for their excellence in media.

The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund awarded spring scholarships totaling $108,000 to 75 low-income single parents in Northeast Arkansas, including 42 in Craighead County, to help cover tuition and basic needs as they work to complete their degrees.

Around 200 grade school students gathered on the Arkansas State University campus lawn for an Earth Day celebration, where they learned about recycling, conservation, and sustainability through wildlife, art, and interactive booths (sponsored by the Keep Jonesboro Beautiful Commission and Unico Bank). It has been held for 15 years.

The American Lung Association reported that nearly half of U.S. children breathe polluted air and more than 2,000 kids in Craighead County have asthma.

The group advised residents to keep cars maintained and avoid burning waste near homes to lower exposure.

Arkansas State scored 16 runs in the fourth inning in a 20-10 win over Central Arkansas on Tuesday at Tomlinson Stadium-Slayton Family Field.

The record inning was rare in team history (only 38 games reached 16 runs) and A-State will face Louisiana on Friday, April 24 at 6 p.m.

Oasis Art Festival

12-6 p.m. — Downtown Jonesboro Alliance — Free entry — Celebrate creativity with local art, poetry, music, and food.

Butterflies and Bloom Celebration

7-11 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Jonesboro Red Wolf Convention Center — $125 per ticket ($25 for kids 6-12) — Enjoy a night of dinner, live music, and auctions at this charity event supporting families through infant loss.