News

Harris Healthcare in Osceola is taking every precaution possible to protect its residents, according to company CEO Boyd Wright, and that includes the addition of a new COVID-19 step-down unit. When a post appeared on Facebook stating Harris Healthcare was hiring staff for a specialty step-down COVID-19 unit being developed at the local nursing home facility, the community began to ask questions, immediately fearing the worse...

COVID-19 Update From Governor Governor Asa Hutchinson has just announced the number of COVID-19 cases in Arkansas have increased to 381. There are now 48 hospitalized and no new counties reported. Looking at the trend in other parts of the state, Gov. Hutchinson said Arkansas could have 3,500 cases within two weeks with as many as 700 being hospitalized...

Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson has announced Mississippi County Courthouses are suspending public access until further notice in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. All offices will continue to do business, but the public will not be allowed to enter the building. If anyone needs assistance call during office hours from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday...

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson announced Monday the deadline for individual tax filers has been changed from April 15 to July 15. This move mirrors one made by the federal government last week. The filing date for estimated taxpayer and corporate taxes remains April 15...

Local healthcare providers warn local residents to use common sense if they think they have contracted the COVID-19 virus. With symptoms of the virus being similar to the flu or a severe cold, they advise people to adhere to the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control...

In an effort to determine local availability and allocate resources, the Mississippi County Hospital System is asking local industries, businesses and individuals that might have extras of certain needed healthcare equipment and supplies should a shortage occur...

The spread of the COVID-19 virus has had negative consequences for Arkansas businesses. That negative trend was furthered Monday as state health officials announced the immediate mandatory statewide closure of barber shops, hair salons, nail salons, tanning salons, massage therapy and tattoo shops...

Have you ever been lost? I have; twice. Both times I was hunting and made a mistake. It’s hilarious to think about now, but there was a terrible feeling of panic when it happened. This morning’s trip to Walmart gave me that same kind of feeling; panic. Am I lost? Is this a dream or a new norm in which we are living?...

Encouraging Words for Your Journey… I was asked to write you all something encouraging for a column in the paper this week. I will tell you that I don’t know it all nor do I have all the answers. I do know we are all hurting in one way or the other. ...

Southfield, Mich. (March 23, 2020) – During these difficult times, DENSO remains committed to protecting the health and safety of its employees while ensuring business continuity. That is why the company has: •Aggressively increased sanitation of its facilities,...

Although Discovery Park of America is currently closed to the public and much of the staff is working from home, the museum and heritage park in Union City, Tenn. remains committed to the mission of inspiring children and adults to see beyond. While the coronavirus pandemic has closed down museums around the world, many of them, like Discovery Park, are using social media to provide a unique look at their collections...

Arkansas gas prices have fallen 10.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.88 per gallon per gallon, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 1,826 stations. Gas prices in Arkansas are 30.6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 48.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago...

Due to the coronavirus pandemic the Mississippi County Public Facilities Board has closed its lobby to the public until further notice. During this time, office hours will remain the same from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Income changes or to make requests should be made by email or fax. ...

The Osceola Times Will Continue To Serve The Community! Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, The Osceola Times office, located at 105 North Walnut in Osceola, will be closed to the public beginning Monday, March 23. We will publish the newspaper on its regular schedule. Copies will be available at Walmart, Dollar General, Gunns Supermarket, local gas stations and all other regular pick-up spots (if open.)...

The Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed 100 positive cases of COVID-19 in the state.

Governor Asa Hutchison has made the decision to extend the leave from school until April 17. This extension will impact Osceola High School in the following ways: 1. Students will complete assignments from core classes (math, English, science and history) on APEX. Students will receive instructions, usernames and passwords via email within the next 7-10 days...

Even during the coronavirus crisis, American Red Cross blood drives are important. Governor Asa Hutchinson has asked that Arkansans support the American Red Cross and give blood. This blood is vital to the survival of Americans throughout our State and Country...

Black Hills Energy’s number one priority is the continued safety of its customers, employees and communities. Black Hills continue actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and have measures in place to ensure it continues to serve its customers in a way that is safe for everyone...

The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals are needed now to donate to help patients counting on lifesaving blood...

The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals are needed now to donate to help patients counting on lifesaving blood...

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is working closely with the Arkansas Department of Human Services and the Arkansas Healthcare Association to address cases of COVID-19 in three nursing homes across the state. The nursing homes affected are Apple Creek Nursing and Rehab in Centerton, The Villages of General Baptist West in Pine Bluff and Briarwood Nursing Home and Rehab in Little Rock...

Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT), today announced that ADPHT is instituting closings and/or limited access to some of its parks and museums in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, effective March 20...

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, in cooperation with Gov. Asa Hutchinson, voted during a specially called meeting today to waive all fishing license and trout permit requirements for residents and nonresidents starting this weekend at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, March 21 through 11:59 p.m Sunday, March 29...

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas will tap Community Development Block Grant funds and the state’s Quick Action Closing Fund to support small businesses and nonprofits that are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced today during a press conference at the Capitol...

In these uncertain times, many Arkansas families are wondering how they will meet all of their family’s needs. Black Hills Energy would like to remind customers and residents of the assistance available through Hearts Warming Homes, a partnership with the Salvation Army...

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has, per the recommendation of the Arkansas Department of Health, manadated the following effective immediately: •K-12 schools in the state will remain closed through April 17. The status of schools will be re-evaluated at that time. Schools will continue to use Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) during this time frame...

Gunn’s Supermarket to offer special hours for elderly Mike Gunn, the owner of Gunn’s Supermarket in Wilson, has announced, effective Friday, March 20, his staff will be taking call-in orders between 8-9 a.m. from the elderly and vulnerable. These orders will be delivered if needed...

The current COVID-19 outbreak and the use of social distancing in responding to it have produced an immediate need for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Health Advantage to give fully insured members expanded health insurance benefits to promote greater access to remotely delivered services – including greatly expanded insurance benefits to help them deal with emotional/behavioral issues the outbreak may create or compound...

Arkansas Supreme Court orders all in-person court proceedings in appellate, circuit and district courts to be suspended until Friday, April 3, 2020, with few exceptions.

Kennemore Home Improvement is offering delivery services to those who are high risk for the Coronavirus and home bound. KHI offers more than just home repair items, they have cleaning supplies, trash bags, and disinfectant cleaning solution, sorry, no toilet paper. A truck with more supplies is expected...

As of 12 p.m. there are a total of 30 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in the State of Arkansas. 50 more citizens are under investigation. All of the cases are in central and southeast Arkansas, with the exception of one confirmed carrier in Fayetteville. We will have more information on this issue as they come available...

Visit Wilson, AR has announced due to COVID-19, the annual Wilson Crawfish Festival has been postponed from its originally scheduled date of April 18. Stay tuned for updates on the rescheduled date; the 6th annual Crawfish Fest will go on!

As certain courthouses and county offices are closed by County Judges, state Revenue Offices located within these locations must also close as the buildings are not accessible. Manila Revenue Office is closed until March 30. The remaining locations throughout the state are open normal hours. Find a full list of locations at https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office-locations/revenue-offices...

The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) is warning citizens that there are persons who are impersonating employees of the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) going door to door and offering COVID19 testing in exchange for money and personal information. ADEM has confirmed that the CDC is not going door to door for testing...

First Baptist Church in Wilson has cancelled all activities at the church until further notice. Sunday morning worship will continue via a live stream. Sunday service will be streamed on the church Facebook page starting at 11 a.m.

The Mississippi County Library System has extended due dates for all books checked out. Library patrons have until April 14 to return their books. Book drops are still open. All returned items are being placed in a 72 hour book quarantine before they are checked in, so accounts will not be updated right away...

Governor Asa Hutchinson has directed the Arkansas Department of Commerce to expedite unemployment benefits to assist Arkansans whose employment status may be impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, he announced at a press conference on Tuesday. Under current Arkansas law (Ark. ...

First Baptist Church in Keiser has canceled any events at the church for the next week including Wednesday, March 18, Sunday, March 22 and Wednesday, March 25. Sunday, March 22 the church will live stream Sunday morning services at 11. The Men’s Crawfish Boil will be postponed to a later date. Stepping Stones Learning Center is remaining open at this time...

By Revis Blaylock Special to The Times Mississippi County Judge John Alan Nelson and members of the Quorum Court met on Friday to take proactive action to safeguard the county employees as well as the community against the potential hazards of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)...

The City of Wilson is doing its part in the nation-wide effort to stem the coronavirus (COVID-19). The city is asking residents if they need assistance to call city hall instead of coming in. The phone number is 870-655-0102. Residents needing to pay their water bill are asked to mail payments to City Hall at 22 Adams Street, Wilson, AR 72395 or call city hall to make arrangements...

Arkansas Community Foundation announces the creation of the COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund will be used to direct resources to Arkansas nonprofits that are working to serve the state’s most vulnerable populations and those disproportionately affected by the coronavirus and its economic fallout...

The City of Osceola has announced new procedures at city hall due to the COVID-19. No one under the age of 18 is permitted in the building. If anyone has a child (children) with them they must use the drive-through. Only one person may enter the building at a time to pay a bill or request account information...

Amanda Adams, administrator of Mississippi County Senior Center released the following statement on how they are handling the COVID-19 outbreak. The senior centers are working to implement plans to make sure the seniors and employees are as safe as possible and work in preparation of the COVID-19...

Malco Theaters has joined competitors nationwide in the immediate closing of all of its theaters across the South including its drive-in locations. Movie theaters have been shuttered nationwide in response to the coronavirus pandemic. While Malco President and Chief Operating Officer David Tashie said they hope to reopen soon. The nation’s largest chain, AMC Theaters announced its locations would close for a period of at least six weeks and potentially up to 12 weeks...

LITTLE ROCK, AR. – March 16, 2020–The Arkansas Bankers Association (ABA) is working closely with its member banks across the state in proactively addressing the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As the COVID-19 situation evolves, Arkansas banks are taking aggressive steps to safeguard the health and safety of their customers, staff and communities while ensuring the delivery of important financial services such as money and credit availability. ...

Breakfast and Lunch for Osceola School District students for the week of March 16-20 are available for pickup.

The Wilson City Council will hold it's monthly City Council meeting at 6 p.m. tonight Monday, March 16 at the Wilson City Hall. The City Hall is located at 22 Adams Street.

Rivercrest School District announced it will have meals available for the district's school children using a "grab-and-go" meal bag format. The “grab-and-go” meal bag format will be used this week according to the schedule below. The meals will be provided to students ages 18 and below, and the student must be present to get a meal. ...

All Mississippi County Senior Centers will be closing to the public for two weeks. The closing will be in effect March 18-April 6. On April 6, the centers will hand out "grab and go trays" meals for any member who needs one...