Good morning, Jonesboro.

Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy announced an all-stock, tax-free merger that will create a $15.4B utility with 2 million customers in eight states including Arkansas.

The companies expect the deal to close in 12 to 15 months—NorthWestern shareholders will receive 0.98 shares for each of their shares while Black Hills shareholders retain their holdings and a new ticker symbol and name will follow.

Empower appointed Adrian Flye as Chief Broadband Officer; he has worked at Empower since 2022 and now will lead efforts to expand high-speed internet service in rural Northeast Arkansas+ Flye, a Jonesboro resident, will continue to build on his work as Vice President of Innovation and Technology.

A-State was redesignated as a StormReady campus community by the National Weather Service—this four-year certification confirms the university’s strong weather planning and alert system that helps staff, students and local agencies respond to severe weather and will expire in August 2029.

Jonesboro sanitation routes will adjust their schedule during Labor Day week from Sept.

1 to Sept. 7. City officials said that Monday will have no collection because offices are closed—Tuesday and Wednesday will include extra recycling routes—with normal service resuming on Thursday.

Faith leaders will attend a one-day workshop on suicide ministry on Saturday, September 20 at 8:30 a.m. at 710 Southwest Drive in Jonesboro—where clergy and lay leaders will learn tools for creating worship resources, discussing suicide awareness, and supporting those affected.

A-State Red Wolves Volleyball vs North Alabama

2:00 – 3:30 PM — First National Bank Arena — Check for ticket prices — Watch the Red Wolves battle it out in a thrilling volleyball match.