News & Press Releases

EVENT • Nov 15, 2026

The Jackson County Historical Society will continue its 2026–2027 program series on November 15 with a presentation on “Black Women’s Activism in Rural Arkansas,” featuring Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch of Arkansas State University. Join the Historical Society at Jacksonport State Park starting at 2:00 p.m. for this engaging program exploring an important part of Arkansas history. Be sure to follow the Jackson County Historical Society on Facebook for event details, updates, and information about future programs.

EVENT • Nov 12, 2026

Join St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Women (ECW) for their Food Fair Lunch Fundraiser on Tuesday, November 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 301 Hazel Street in Newport. Enjoy a delicious lunch of soup, cornbread, and dessert, with donations accepted as payment. Casseroles and sweets will also be available for purchase. Proceeds help ECW support several local organizations and programs, including Newport Service League, Jackson County Humane Society, School Backpack Program, Manna Food Pantry, and more. Come enjoy a great meal while supporting a great cause!

EVENT • Nov 10, 2026

The A-State ASBTDC will offer free Small Business Consulting sessions on Tuesday, November 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Newport Tech Depot, 209 Hazel Street. Consultants can assist with buying or selling a business, starting a new business, or growing an existing business. There is no cost to participate, but appointments are required. To schedule a session, call 870-972-3517 or email asusbtdc@AState.edu.

EVENT • Nov 6, 2026

Come out and support the Newport High School Band at its Annual Chili Supper on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Newport High School Cafeteria! Tickets are just $10 each, and proceeds will help support band students with supplies, travel, and program needs. Enjoy a delicious meal while supporting our talented Greyhound Band! Checks can be made payable to Newport Band Boosters.

EVENT • Nov 5, 2026

The Downtown Newport Farmers Market will host its first Flea Market on Thursday, November 5, at 201 Malcolm Avenue in Newport! Bring your treasures to sell or come shop for great bargains while supporting downtown Newport. Vendor setup begins at 3 p.m., with shopping officially starting at 5 p.m. Vendors may begin selling earlier once set up. Vendor spaces are FREE for this first event! Anyone interested in participating can call or text (630) 723-7469 to reserve a space. Come out and help make this new downtown event a success!

EVENT • Oct 31, 2026

EVENT • Oct 29, 2026

The Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign is returning to Jackson County for 2026! Last year, the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and community members helped provide toys and smiles to more than 230 children in Jackson County. Local businesses and organizations are invited to participate again this year by serving as a toy collection site, sponsoring a fundraising event, or making a donation. Collection boxes are scheduled to be delivered on Thursday, October 29, and picked up on Monday, December 7. To participate or learn more, call (870) 686-7216 and help make Christmas brighter for children in our community.

EVENT • Oct 28, 2026

The Arkansas Division of Correction will host open interviews for positions at the Grimes and McPherson Units on Wednesday, October 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Grimes Unit, located at 300 Corrections Drive in Newport. Starting pay is $50,845 per year ($24.44 per hour), plus excellent state benefits, including paid holidays, insurance, retirement, and advancement opportunities. Applicants should bring their high school diploma or GED, Social Security card, and driver's license or state ID. On-site assistance with state applications will be available, and applicants should be prepared for a background check and drug screening. For more information, contact Crystal Runsick at (870) 512-2214.

EVENT • Oct 26, 2026

Unity Health – Newport invites the community to be part of the conversation about the future of healthcare in Newport on Monday, October 26, at noon in Conference Room 1 at Unity Health Newport Hospital, 1205 McLain Street. Attendees will hear from Unity Health leaders and providers about current services, future plans, and ways the community can help support quality healthcare close to home. Lunch will be provided to the first 30 attendees. For more information, call 501-278-3191 or email foundation@unity-health.org.

EVENT • Oct 24, 2026

The Newport Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back Event on Saturday, October 24, from 8:00 a.m. to noon at iCareRx Pharmacy at Unity Hospital, located at 1117 McLain Street in Newport. Community members are encouraged to bring unused or expired medications for safe, environmentally responsible disposal. This event provides a convenient way to remove unwanted medications from homes and help prevent prescription drug misuse, especially among teenagers. Help keep our families and community safe by taking advantage of this free opportunity. For more information, call (870) 523-5555.

EVENT • Oct 23, 2026

The Newport Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for teams to participate in the annual “Trashiest Team” Cleanup Contest during the Great Arkansas Clean-Up on Friday, October 23, or Saturday, October 24. Gather a team from your business, organization, or community group and help clean approximately one mile of roadway while competing for the Trashiest Team trophy! Teams will meet at Lockwood Park at 9:00 a.m. on their selected day, and trash bags and disposable gloves will be provided, along with free T-shirts while supplies last. Registration is due Wednesday, October 21. Click here to register your team. Let’s work together to clean up Newport!

EVENT • Oct 22, 2026

The Arkansas APEX Accelerator will hold Office Hours at the Newport Tech Depot on Thursday, October 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with Davin Ryles and Tim Hicks. A special APEX Accelerator class will be offered from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., during which office hours will pause. This is a great opportunity for local businesses and entrepreneurs to learn more about resources and assistance available through APEX. The Tech Depot is located at 209 Hazel Street in Newport. Click here to register.