Good morning, Jonesboro.

Craighead County Master Gardeners, in partnership with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, will host a free plant swap at the local library's Round Room on Friday, May 29 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Attendees can bring seeds, cuttings, or potted plants to trade, share, or give away.

The Parker Park Community Center pool and the Youth Center pool on Nettleton will open for the season Saturday, May 23, with vendors and events including cannonball contests & a lifeguard demonstration to show safety measures.

Both pools will operate daily from noon to 6 p.m.

Arkansas State University’s Beck Center for Veterans will host its fourth annual Run to Remember on Saturday, May 23 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Lt. Col. Frederick C.

Turner Jr. Military Science Building—registration begins at 7 a.m. and proceeds support veteran transition and wellness services.

Despite rain on Wednesday, seniors at South Wind Heights enjoyed a block party – featuring over 25 booths, free bingo, food and live entertainment – that marked the community's first celebration and set the stage for future events.

Arkansas State University Chancellor Todd Shields was named 2026 Rural Advocate of the Year at the AEDC luncheon held Wednesday at the Red Wolf Convention Center during the state conference on rural progress.

He said the award recognizes Arkansans leading despite limited resources (echoing conference goals).

Arkansas State University + Epicenter Memphis launch EpicenterU, a program that offers students mentorship and resources to build business ideas with a chance at a $40,000 fellowship.

The initiative, funded by an $800,000 grant from the Delta Regional Authority, will begin this fall.

A-State's Red Wolf Steel team, led by Caden Grimmett, placed fourth in the Cast-in-Steel Competition in Grand Rapids, MI.

The students prepared with industry help from Southern Cast Products (a Jonesboro firm) and plan to start summer preparations for next year's contest when topics will be shared in June.

Kroger is recalling some packages of Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons sold in Arkansas due to potential Salmonella contamination from milk powder in the seasoning (no illnesses have been reported).

Consumers may return the product or contact Sugar Foods LLC for a refund.

Recent health data shows cases of alpha-gal syndrome—an allergy from Lone Star tick bites—have risen from 70 in 2023 to 345 in 2024 in Northeast Arkansas, and experts advise outdoor enthusiasts to use tick prevention measures such as DEET and tick checks when spending time in grassy or wooded areas.

Josh Allison reports that Valley View baseball has qualified for the state finals after a strong season, and the team will soon compete for a championship + community fans eagerly await the game.

Skirmish Fun Ride

9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Downtown Jonesboro Alliance — Free entry — Bring the family and enjoy a fun and friendly group bike ride.

RidgePointe Junior Golf Tournament

— — Ridgepointe Country Club — — Compete in a junior golf tournament at the scenic RidgePointe Country Club in Jonesboro, AR.

K-POP Warriors Live Show

4:00 – 5:30 PM — Fowler Center — Family-friendly fun — Experience high-energy music and colorful characters in an exciting K-Pop inspired live show.