About
The first settlers in what is now Jonesboro and Craighead County were the Indians. When white men began to arrive in Arkansas, they found the territory inhabited by Osages, Caddoes, and Quapaws. The Osages were warlike buffalo hunters who roved over northern Arkansas and the upper valleys of the Arkansas River. The Caddoes were peaceful farmers who lived along the streams of southwest Arkansas. The Quapaws (or Arkansas) Indians inhabited the east central part. It is from them that the name Arkansas (land of the Arkansas Indian) came. Voyagers, trappers, Indian traders, and adventurers were here shortly after 1800 trafficking with the Indians for furs and pelts, but no attempt at permanent settlement was made prior to 1815.
Jonesboro, located on Crowley's Ridge and bordering the Mississippi delta, was selected as permanent seat of justice in 1859 when the county was formed out of parts of Mississippi, Greene, and Poinsett counties. Jonesboro was named after William A. Jones for his support of the legislative act creating the county. The county, itself, received its name through a practical joke. Senator Thomas B. Craighead, who represented Crittenden and Mississippi counties, was against the formation of the county and campaigned actively against it. Senator Jones waited until a day when Craighead was absent to call for a vote on the act. Senator Craighead didn't know anything about it until he got back and found that the county had been named for him.
Mayor Copenhaver met with South African members of the A-State Red Wolves Rugby Club today about career opportunities for foreign students after graduation and how to retain them locally. They presented Copenhaver with a signed rugby ball. Left…
Read More »Sanitation doesn't pick up large, bulky items placed beside trash containers but, thankfully, Code Enforcement has been bringing the landfill to neighborhoods to help residents get rid of these items. **Ord. no. 3445, Sec. 54-38. (e)The…
Read More »New Shade Canopies at Archery Range
Two new shade canopies have been installed at the Jonesboro Shooting Sports Complex archery range to provide sun protection.
Jonesboro was awarded as Education Workforce Development Trendsetter City of the Year in Arkansas for 2022 today at the Arkansas Municipal League convention in Little Rock. Mayor Harold Copenhaver and Chamber of Commerce Vice President Shelle…
Read More »Spreading Cheer Our city departments came together and adopted senior citizen residents at Liberty Park Senior Living of Jonesboro to ensure they each had a gift this holiday season. Executive Director Laura Courtois and Wellness Director Krista…
Read More »Groundbreaking for ASTATE to Downtown Bike Trail A groundbreaking was held yesterday for the new bike trail that will connect Arkansas State University to Downtown. The current project will use the Marion Berry Overpass as a means to get over the…
Read More »Two pieces of exercise equipment were installed this morning at City Water and Light Park located at 1123 South Culberhouse Street. They will be set in concrete to join with the sidewalk.
Read More »Mayor Copenhaver attended the annual Veterans Program today presented by the students of EAST at Nettleton High School and visited with those who have served our country. The program featured refreshments, performances and tributes as well as guest…
Read More »It was a great morning for the annual Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Jonesboro as we honored those who have served our country. Following the parade was a ceremony featuring speakers including Mayor Harold Copenhaver, Craighead County Judge Marvin…
Read More »Mayor Judges Halloween Costume Contest at Pathfinder, Inc. Mayor Copenhaver had the pleasure of judging the Halloween costume contest today at the Pathfinder, Inc. Jonesboro Adult Development Center. Participants were dressed in a wide variety of…
Read More »Students Visit Municipal Center University Heights School of Medical Arts, School of Innovation scholars visited the Municipal Building this morning and learned about city government from Mayor Copenhaver as well as his experiences as mayor and the…
Read More »Having pets is great, but did you know there was a limit? Ord. no. 3179 Sec. 10-10 – Limitations and restrictions on keeping domestic animals and/or fowl (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to own or possess more than five domestic…
Read More »The October "Salute to the City" award recipient is Cam Robinson. He has worked as the Social Media Specialist & graphic designer in our Communications Department since 2018. Thank you and congrats on a well deserved honor! S/O to First…
Read More »Craighead County has declared a burn ban, which means no burning of leaves, limbs or other items until further notice. However, you can still use your BBQ grills and backyard fire pits ONLY if the fire pit has a…
Read More »Mayor Copenhaver made a proclamation this morning for National Patriot Day, urging everyone to join Jonesboro Elks Lodge 498 and VFW Post 1991 in expressing gratitude for American freedom and honoring the nation.
Read More »Trick or Treating in Jonesboro We've been asked a bunch about Halloween recently and we just want to let everyone know that barring hazardous weather, Halloween (including trick or treating) will be celebrated on Halloween day, Oct. 31,…
Read More »Affordable Connectivity Program FCC Affordable Connectivity Program Govt Agency Poster The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. Find more information…
Read More »Comparion Insurance Agency Ribbon Cutting The Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Comparion Insurance Agency, a Liberty Mutual Company. You can visit www.comparioninsurance.com to learn more about…
Read More »Quintessential Lighting Ribbon Cutting A ribbon cutting was held for Quintessential Lighting, located at 3106 Southwest Drive. They offer a wide array of lighting and home décor options with hours being: Mon. thru Fri. 8:30 am- 5:30 pm &…
Read More »Red Wolf Express for ULM Game JET will be providing Red Wolf Express service to and from the game. Return service to the downtown area at the beginning of the 3rd quarter and continue until 20 minutes after end of game. Drop-off & pick-up will…
Read More »A ribbon cutting was held today for the Northeast Arkansas District Fair happening now through October 1 at 7001 Johnson Avenue in Jonesboro. For more information, visit…
Read More »Our Parks and Recreation Department is planting flowers this morning to help beautify Downtown Jonesboro.
Volume 26, Issue 10 The newsletter is provided as a resource to help keep our community informed as to the current/upcoming events an other items pertaining to your City. Newsletter Highlights: Halloween Spooktacular Brunch at City Green…
Read More »Mayor Copenhaver along with Paragould Mayor Josh Agee helped kick off the Arkansas Realtors Association 98th Annual Convention and Tradeshow this morning at Embassy Suites by Hilton Jonesboro Red Wolf Convention Center. The rapidly growing…
Read More »NEA Baptist held an appreciation breakfast this morning for first responders in recognition of all that they do. We thank NEA Baptist for their generosity and salute our first responders as well!
Read More »Forum Theatre Improvements Complete
Improvements are complete at The Forum Theatre, a city-owned building that hosts many great events by The Foundation of Arts downtown.
CITY COUNCIL VACANCY AND APPOINTMENT The City of Jonesboro is seeking applicants for appointment to the Jonesboro City Council to complete the unexpired term of former Ward 6 Councilmember Bobby Long. To apply you must include: 1 - Proof of…
Read More »The City of Jonesboro was honored to win the Best of the Best Award this evening for the Paint the Town Red decorating contest by the A-State Committee of the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce! Congratulations to all the winners and…
Read More »Paint the Town Red City staff was in full force today showing their A-State spirit as the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce judges came by to see the window display at the Municipal Center for Paint the Town Red! Go Red…
Read More »The City Building and Maintenance Department is doing $100,000 of improvements in the coming month to The Forum, a City-owned building that hosts many great events by The Foundation of Arts downtown. Mayor Copenhaver surveyed the work yesterday with…
Read More »Wishing a Good Season to A-State Football Mayor Copenhaver was excited to drop by A-State Red Wolves football practice this morning where Athletic Director Jeff Purinton and former governor Mike Beebe helped see them off to a good…
Read More »As the 2022 school year begins this week, please remember in the morning as well as the afternoons, to prepare for increased traffic and longer commute times. Practice caution around school buses and drop off/pickup areas as students cross the…
Read More »A City of Jonesboro grant application of $878,584 for five low- or no-emission trolley-style buses was approved today by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Mayor Harold Copenhaver said the funding will help Jonesboro’s long-term JET…
Read More »First day on the job for the Street Department's new excavator with rotary cutter for mowing hard-to-reach areas of large ditches. This improves drainage and keeps Jonesboro looking clean. Visit The…
Read More »Mayor Copenhaver and Assistant Chief of Police Lynn Waterworth spoke at the Arkansas Prevention Summit on substance abuse this morning at Embassy Suites. The conference is part of the Rise Above Alcohol and Drugs (RAAD) campaign to bring statewide…
Read More »Keeping Jonesboro Beautiful Mayor Copenhaver met with Director Colbie Jones of Keep Arkansas Beautiful and Chairman Beverly Parker of our own Keep Jonesboro Beautiful today to review ways to partner and maximize beautification…
Read More »Code Enforcement has been pushing to ensure unstable structures are removed and properties cleaned up. This morning, a demolition took place at 308 Vine. "We are getting serious about blight in our city and I appreciate our Code Enforcement…
Read More »Councilman LJ Bryant was presented with a 5-year service pin by Mayor Copenhaver at last night's City Council meeting. Thank you LJ for your years of dedication and service!
Read More »The Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission’s Downtown Jonesboro BBQ and Music Festival announced plans for two nights of music this year with Queensryche performing Friday, September 23, and the Gin Blossoms performing Saturday the…
Read More »Click here to Read More Information About City Of Jonesboro Main Street Board E-Newsletter - July 21, 2022
Read More »Every five years the City of Jonesboro has to present a new Community Development Block Grant consolidated five-year plan. The 2022-2026 Consolidated Plan, as well as the Fiscal 2022 Annual Action Plan, are available for review and comments until…
Read More »July Employee of the Month Congrats to Kristina Hattenhauer in our Collections Dept. on being the July "Salute to the City" award recipient. She has played a vital role in the Collections office for quite some time and has helped to seamlessly…
Read More »A reception was held yesterday for the retirement of Jonesboro Fire Chief Kevin Miller after 34 years of dedicated service! Many friends, family members, and colleagues gathered to celebrate and wish him a happy one. Congratulations Chief Miller…
Read More »New A-State Vice Chancellor for Athletics Jeff Purinton addressed the Northeast Arkansas Mayor’s Caucus at Mayor Copenhaver’s invitation Wednesday, telling mayors from surrounding counties a little about the future of Red Wolves…
Read More »After learning that Jonesboro High student Bennett Young attended Girls State, where she was elected by her peers as mayor of her Girls State city, and later Speaker of the House in the Girls State Legislature, Mayor Copenhaver invited her to his…
Read More »Mayor Copenhaver invited entomologists Dr. Tanja McKay and Laura Starkus to talk about creating a partnership with A-State to find resources and messaging in the continuing and future fight against mosquitoes in our city. The season is coming, and…
Read More »Miss City Lights Apple Dennie and Miss Arkansas Elementary Taelor Calloway talked about the future for both of them and Jonesboro with Mayor Copenhaver today. Both will be in Little Rock next week for the Miss Arkansas festivities and competition. …
Read More »A proclamation was made by Mayor Copenhaver at last night's City Council meeting declaring Valley View Lady Blazers Day in the City of Jonesboro for winning the Class 4A State Softball Championship last month. Congratulations…
Read More »A send-off was held this morning at Prospect Baptist Church for local athletes, unified partners, and coaches headed to the Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, June 6-11. Team members came from Craighead, Poinsett, Mississippi, Greene, Lawrence,…
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