Good morning, Jonesboro.

First Community Bank Sportsplex has announced Coca-Cola as the official beverage partner and Shadrachs Coffee as the coffee provider.

The 203,000 sqft facility on Race Street will serve drinks and coffee in its café and concession areas and is set to open in early 2027.

Rosanne Cash will host the fourth Sunken Lands Songwriting Circle with singer-songwriters Ruthie Foster and Rhett Miller and musician John Leventhal on Saturday, Sept.

19 at Riceland Hall on the Arkansas State campus. Tickets on sale later this summer will benefit preserving the Historic Dyess Colony, Johnny Cash Boyhood Home.

Jonesboro’s public transit system, which rebranded from JET to GOJO for its 20th anniversary, is preparing to install new bus stop signs that will display routes, a phone number, and a QR code.

Installation is planned soon as the system completes its rebranding across the city.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ waiver banning SNAP use for soft drinks & candy took effect on July 1 in Arkansas.

The rule, intended to boost nutrition choices, also launched a mobile app to help shoppers identify eligible products.

On July 1, the updated contract from Arkansas DHS went into effect (setting clear standards for crisis care, community treatment and coordination) for Community Mental Health Centers to support adults with severe mental illness in Craighead County.

The changes aim to improve local behavioral health services.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officials advise Jonesboro boaters to wear U.S. Coast Guard (approved) life jackets ahead of Fourth of July weekend, noting that most water fatalities occur when proper gear isn’t used.

Children under 12 must wear one at all times, and safe boat ramp procedures are urged.

Local health experts warn Jonesboro families and pet owners that a severe tick season is increasing cases of alpha-gal syndrome and other tick-borne illnesses; they recommend preventive steps like mowing lawns, using pet-friendly sprays, and checking for ticks (and seeking prompt treatment for any symptoms) after outdoor activities.

Arkansas State alum Thomas Schmidt earned an invite to compete in an upcoming DP World Tour event (details on timing and venue are pending).

Jonesboro Independence Day Fireworks

9:30 p.m. — Joe Mack Campbell Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with a dazzling fireworks display synchronized to patriotic music.

4th Annual Better Together Conference: Little Things Matter

9 AM - 3 PM — Greene County Tech High School — Free entry — A day of encouragement and professional development for educators and foster parents focused on personal well-being and impactful support strategies.