Good morning, Jonesboro.

Jonesboro Animal Services is hosting Operation Santa Paws—its annual drive for pet food and warm blankets—at 6119 Highland Drive through Christmas Eve, with donations including one from Brookland’s JROTC group coming in today.

Applications for LIHEAP winter utility assistance have opened for eligible households including seniors, persons with disabilities, and families with children under five.

Interested applicants in Jonesboro can visit the CRDC office (2114 N. Church St.) on Mondays, and general applications will become available in early January.

Tops Bar-B-Q & Burgers will open its 19th location at 411 E.

Johnson Avenue in Jonesboro from January 15 to 17. Construction nears completion and the restaurant is hiring staff to offer classic Memphis-style bar-b-q, burgers and drive-through service.

The Jonesboro Symphonic Wind Concert Band won its first state championship at the Center for Performing Arts — former band director Grant Harbison returned with his students to celebrate.

Each member received a championship ring to honor their teamwork and achievement.

Entergy Arkansas unveiled its Next Generation Arkansas plan to boost grid capacity and create nearly 1,900 construction jobs + permanent roles.

The initiative is designed to attract major employers and strengthen the state’s energy infrastructure in the coming months.

Nick Meurrier donated $30,000 to create a renewable scholarship to support Arkansas residents pursuing full-time studies in veterinary medicine at A-State; the first award will be given in the 2026-27 academic year + construction on the new 56,000 sqft CVM began March 12.

Jonesboro announced adjusted garbage and recycling pickups starting next week for the Christmas and New Year holidays+ residents are advised to review schedules posted on social media for details covering Dec.

22-27 and Dec. 29-Jan. 3.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission announced state grants from the Community Assistance Grant Program, awarding the Northeast Arkansas Children’s Advocacy Center of Craighead County $480,000 and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County $131,651 to support child services, with funds dispersed in January.

Arkansas State won the XBox Bowl on Dec.

19, with Jonesboro fans gathering at local watch parties — a win that boosted community pride. The celebration shows how the victory energized local supporters.

Live at the 501 Steakhouse

6:30 PM – 12:30 AM — 501 Steakhouse — Cost varies — Enjoy a night of new tunes and classic covers in a cozy Arkansas setting.