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LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Monday, Jan. 25 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 636 new cases; 17,792 active cases; 1,084 hospitalized, which is up 4 from Sunday; 187 on ventilators, which is up 17 from Sunday; deaths added today, 44, for a total of 4,650; a total of 284,702 cases; 211,684 recoveries; PCR tests, 6,486; antigen tests, 357...

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Friday, Jan. 22 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,162 new cases; 20,107 active cases; 1,142 hospitalized, which is down 18 from Thursday; 193 on ventilators, which is down 2 from Thursday; deaths added today, 53, for a total of 4,549; a total of 281,382 cases; 207,838 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,531; antigen tests, 6,059...

The Manila Public School has announced the following information is for the week of Jan. 25–29: "Due to the high number of quarantines within the district, kindergarten-12th grade Manila students will be given the option of face to face or at home blended learning. We will monitor the numbers closely, and with the assistance of the Arkansas Dept. of Education, make a decision for students' learning options on a weekly basis...

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Thursday, Jan. 21 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 3,106 new cases; 20,618 active cases; 1,160 hospitalized, which is down 19 from Wednesday; 195 on ventilators, which is down 17 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 55, for a total of 4,496; a total of 279,220 cases; 205,950 recoveries; PCR tests, 10,413; antigen tests, 2,825...

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Wednesday, Jan. 20 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,520 new cases; 20,391 active cases; 1,179 hospitalized, which is down 86 from Tuesday; 212 on ventilators, which is up 3 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 55, for a total of 4,441; a total of 276,114 cases; 203,991 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,184; antigen tests, 4,186...

Osceola City Council member Gary Cooper, chairman of the Public Works Committee, met with officials with Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad Thursday morning to survey areas along the rail line where issues exist regarding drainage. Cooper and a caravan of seven BNSF vehicles made several stops along the rail road...

The Osceola City Council discussed the city’s proposed budget and weighed the options of city raises/bonuses Jan. 13 at the Osceola City Hall. The proposed budget included a $292,452 surplus that the council agreed to partially grant to the city employees. There were several options presented by the council on how to grant the raises/bonuses including both one time payouts and salary increases...

The Osceola City Council approved a $23 million budget for 2021 Monday night. The budget includes a 3 percent raise for employees making 0-$50,000; 2 percent for employees making $50,000-$75,000; and 1 percent for all other employees. The cost to the city is approximately $141,000...

Express Mart #2 has opened in the former Gary’s Market location on W. Keiser Ave. The store is still being stocked but the public is welcome to come inside and make a purchase. The station sells Valero gasoline products and has been doing so for several months. The remodeled store has been closed since being damaged by a fire in 2019. The owners plan to hold a formal grand opening Feb. 1...

Virginia Chandler, 87, of Osceola, Ark., died Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021. Born June 11, 1933, in Cooter, Mo., she was a factory worker, working for both E.R. Moore and Fruit of the Loom. She was a member of Crossroads Church in Heber Springs, Ark. She enjoyed reading books and listening to music...

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Friday, Jan. 15 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 3,124 new cases; 25,613 active cases; 1,314 hospitalized, which is up 13 from Thursday; 226 on ventilators, which is down 15 from Thursday; deaths added today, 35, for a total of 4,263; a total of 267,635 cases; 194,855 recoveries; PCR tests, 12,937; antigen tests, 3,757...

A 2.8 magnitude earthquake occurred at 12:17 p.m. today in Blytheville according to the United States Geological Survey. The quake occurred at a depth of 8.4 kilometers.

The Osceola City Council discussed the city’s proposed budget and weighed the options of city raises/bonuses Jan. 13 at the Osceola City Hall. The proposed budget included a $292,452 surplus that the council agreed to partially grant to the city employees. There were several options presented by the council on how to grant the raises/bonuses including both one time payouts and salary increases...

Larry Gernhart On Saturday Jan. 9, 2021 the world lost a devoted husband, dad, grandfather, and family man. Larry Dwayne Gernhart, better knowns as "Poppy" by those closest to him, was the third of seven children born to Jim "Paps" and Louise "Grams" Gernhart. ...

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Thursday, Jan. 14 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,491 new cases; 24,740 active cases; 1,295 hospitalized, which is down 67 from Wednesday; 241 on ventilators, which is down 14 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 42, for a total of 4,228; a total of 264,511 cases; 193,321 recoveries; PCR tests, 12,294; antigen tests, 3,161...

Beginning on Jan. 18, Arkansans who are aged 70 or older and those who work in education will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines will be available either through clinics at your worksite or by appointment at a community pharmacy around the state...

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Wednesday, Jan. 13 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,467 new cases; 25,095 active cases; 1,362 hospitalized, which is up 8 from Tuesday; 255 on ventilators, which is up 4 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 65, for a total of 4,186; a total of 262,020 cases; 191,412 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,581; antigen tests, 4,778...

An internet petition made to the Arkansas Department of Education, started by a Cassandra Williams, was the topic of a conversation during Monday’s Osceola School Board meeting. The petition which is filed on behalf of educators states the staff of the Osceola School District have tried to convince the Department of Education and Secretary Johnny Key that virtual instruction needs to be implemented for the safety of the staff and all concerned. ...

Osceola Police Chief Ollie Collins recently announced 2020 award recipients. Lt. Ronnie Williams (left) was selected as Investigator of the Year; Sgt. Marvell Carr (center) was selected as Officer of the Year and Cpl. Fred Hendrix (right) was selected as Reserve Officer of the Year...

By SANDRA BRAND Times Editor Where were you at 1 p.m., Wednesday, January 6, 2021 when Trump protestors rampaged the U.S. Capitol? In 20, 30 and 40 years from now, this is the question America’s children will be asking. It will be a lot like “where were you when man landed on the moon and John F. Kennedy was killed”...

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Monday, Jan. 11 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,268 new cases; 25,534 active cases; 1,371 hospitalized, which is up 31 from Sunday; 268 on ventilators, which is up 31 from Sunday; deaths added today, 38, for a total of 4,081; a total of 256,344 cases; 187,194 recoveries; PCR tests, 7,302; antigen tests, 1,464...

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Friday, Jan. 8 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,944 new cases; 27,290 active cases; 1,342 hospitalized, which is up 16 from Thursday; 219 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Thursday; deaths added today, 40, for a total of 3,966; a total of 248,860 cases; 180,851 recoveries; PCR tests, 11,010; antigen tests, 3,743...

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Thursday, Jan. 7 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 3,323 new cases; 25,984 active cases; 1,326 hospitalized, which is up 5 from Wednesday; 218 on ventilators, which is up 1 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 25, for a total of 3,926; a total of 245,916 cases; 179,718 recoveries; PCR tests, 11,513; antigen tests, 3,796...

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Wednesday, Jan. 6 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 3,705 new cases; 25,092 active cases; 1,321 hospitalized, which is down 2 from Tuesday; 217 on ventilators, which is down 7 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 65, for a total of 3,901; a total of 242,593 cases; 178,025 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,741; antigen tests, 4,477...

At the age of 79, David Burnett, of Osceola, is taking on new duties. Burnett was appointed last week by the Osceola City Council to take over the position of city attorney. He will serve the remaining two-years of former city attorney Catherine Dean’s term. ...

All students enrolled in the Osceola School District will begin the second half of the school year attending school virtually. A post on the district’s Facebook page authored by Superintendent Alfred Hogan stated the delay in the return to on-site instruction is due to a spike in COVID-19 cases...

Party goers at two events held in Osceola Saturday evening had their night cut short when officers with the Osceola Police Department shut down events on E. Ford St. and at the Main Street Bingo Hall. Citing a directive regarding indoor venues from the Arkansas Department of Health, which took effect Jan. ...

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Monday, Jan. 4 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,306 new cases; 23,057 active cases; 1,296 hospitalized, which is up 62 from Sunday; 212 on ventilators, which is up 18 from Sunday; deaths added today, 51, for a total of 3,800; a total of 234,781 cases; 173,995 recoveries; PCR tests, 4,473; antigen tests, 439...

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Thursday, Dec. 31, update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,708 new cases; 22,189 active cases; 1,195 hospitalized, which is up 21 from Wednesday; 209 on ventilators, which is up 4 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 39, for a total of 3,676; a total of 225,138 cases; 167,893 recoveries; PCR tests, 13,666; antigen tests, 3,163...

Cotton is still king. The historic Lee Wilson & Co. Gin was chosen to receive this year’s Employer of the Year Award. The gin, located outside of Wilson, ginned its millionth bale of cotton on March 16, 2020. The bale was produced by D&L Farms Partnership (Jake Dodd and Drew Lawrence)...

Osceola School District legend Coach Roy Pugh retired in 2020 after 35 years. During his career, Pugh served the district as a football and basketball coach as well as dean of students and assistant principal. Leaving a lasting impact on generations of students, he receives The Times award for Educator of the Year...

In February, Andre Harris won the Residential Supervisor of the Year Award from the Arkansas Community Corrections for his work at the Osceola center. However, most people in Osceola know him for his volunteer work with youth sports. And, that’s why he has been chosen as The Times Volunteer of the Year. He steps in wherever he is needed...

This year’s Hero Award goes to all the doctors, nurses and others who have tirelessly worked to combat COVID-19. We would like to especially honor America Greetings. AG usually helps Osceola send greetings to the world. In 2020, they also sent protective gear. The manufacturer produced and donated 250,000 masks to help protect against the virus. Plant manager Shannon Sullivan is pictured presenting masks to Ammi Tucker, with the Mississippi County Hospital System...

Sandra Collins, the owner of Integral Enterprises, LLC, receives the “On The Move Award.” Not only does she own and operate her own business, but in 2020 she became the first African-American female to serve as president of the Osceola Kiwanis Club and was the first African-American female to be elected president of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In her spare time, she serves as a minister and can often be found walking the streets, praying for the community...

The Main Street Osceola Board of Directors wins the 2020 Community Spirit Award from The Osceola Times for their dedication, determination and genuine love for the community. The newly established board is working hard to turn around the program and re-establish downtown as the heart of the city. ...

Carolyn Ann Parsons, 75, of Osceola, Ark., died Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020. Born Dec. 15, 1945, in Luxora, Ark., she worked in retail sales and for several ladies clothing stores and was a volunteer for Make-A-Wish Foundation for many years. She was of the Baptist faith...

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Monday, Dec. 28 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,651 new cases; 20,831 active cases; 1,155 hospitalized, which is up 62 from Sunday; 201 on ventilators, which is up 15 from Sunday; deaths added today, 55, for a total of 3,537; a total of 216,528 cases; 162,787 recoveries; PCR tests, 4,382; antigen tests, 2,272...

At press time Monday evening, the Osceola City Council was expected to vote to name the local community center the “Dickie Kennemore Community Center.” Kennemore, who served as mayor of the City of Osceola for 28 years, passed away Saturday, Dec. 5 after losing a fight with COVID-19...

2020 has been hard, but many have stepped up to meet its challenges. That group includes DENSO employees in Osceola, AR, who have spent much of this difficult year doing what they can to help their neighbors: •DENSO’s Osceola facility donated 150 turkeys to local food banks for the holidays...

A swearing-in ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 1, 2021 at the Burdette Courtroom. Dan Ritchey will be swearing in officials. All Justices of the Peace and city officials are invited to be sworn in at this time.

Fred Hendrix was named the Osceola “Volunteer Firefighter of the Year.” Hendrix is an executive at American Greetings and also serves as an auxiliary officer for the Osceola Police Department. Hendrix’ grandfather, the late Fred Hendrix, served as Osceola Fire Chief for a number of years...

Osceola Fire Chief Peter Hill recently announced the 2020 “Firefighter of the Year.” Lt. Casey Cox received the award for the full-time Firefighter of the Year. Cox has followed in the footsteps of his father, Mike Cox, who is retired from the Osceola Fire Department...

Osceola Parks and Recreation has announced the cancellation of its youth boys and girls City League Basketball. With the current pandemic and rising COVID cases, Michael Ephlin director of OPAR said, “We could not find a way to make sure everyone could enjoy our league safely...

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Monday, Dec. 21 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Monday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 1,457 new cases; 22,158 active cases; 1,078 hospitalized, which is up 21 from Sunday; 174 on ventilators, which is up 4 from Sunday; deaths added today, 58, for a total of 3,295; a total of 203,107 cases; 152,176 recoveries; PCR tests, 9,178; antigen tests, 1,013...

The Osceola School District has announced Monday, Dec. 21 is a virtual day. Students should not report to campus. Any work that teachers are still allowing students to do should be done remotely. The campus will close at 11 a.m.

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Friday, Dec. 18 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Friday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,878 new cases; 22,392 active cases; 1,073 hospitalized, which is down 11 from Thursday; 181 on ventilators, which is down 7 from Thursday; deaths added today, 27, for a total of 3,139; a total of 197,421 cases; 147,953 recoveries; PCR tests, 13,816; antigen tests, 5,262...

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Thursday, Dec. 17 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Thursday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 3,039 new cases; 21,659 active cases; 1,084 hospitalized, which is up 5 from Wednesday; 188 on ventilators, which is up 4 from Wednesday; deaths added today, 38, for a total of 3,112; a total of 194,543 cases; 146,287 recoveries; PCR tests, 14,056; antigen tests, 3,275...

The City of Keiser has announced Tuesday, Dec. 22 will be the only day next week household garbage will be picked up. This is due to the Christmas Holiday. Garbage pickup will return to normal schedule the following week.

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson provided Wednesday, Dec. 16 update on Arkansas's COVID-19 response. In its Wednesday update, the Arkansas Department of Health reported 2,306 new cases; 20,774 active cases; 1,079 hospitalized, which is up 9 from Tuesday; 184 on ventilators, which is down 6 from Tuesday; deaths added today, 58, for a total of 3,074; a total of 191,504 cases; 144,621 recoveries; PCR tests, 8,885; antigen tests, 4,696...

The Federal Communications Commission Monday announced that an estimated 388,000 rural Americans living and working in Arkansas will gain access to high-speed broadband through the Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction, according to auction results released Monday...