District Court to resume Monday

Blytheville Police Chief Ross Thompson said that Chickasawba District Court proceedings will resume on Monday, May 18.

During Monday’s COVID-19 press conference, Thompson said the Blytheville Police Department is preparing for the resumption of court next week.

“If you have a court date since this has begun you can call the District Court Clerk’s office at (870) 763-7513,” said Thompson.

Thompson advised those cited to court that they should not call BPD; questions should be directed to the district clerk’s office.

According to Thompson, the only ones allowed in the courtroom will be those who are on the docket.

He said the courtroom will have a limited occupancy and be controlled.

The chief suggeted that those on the docket come early to check in.

He also stated that more officers will be close by to provide security.

Thompson added that all officers are healthy and that they are continuing to take applications for positions at the police department.

Meawhile, Blytheville Mayor Sanders started out the press conference Monday with a proclamation for National Skilled Nursing Care Week for the week of May 10-16.

Sanders also introduced 2020 Census worker Willie D. Williams who said the Census is needing more field agents because the pandemic has caused a number of workers to have second thoughts about going door-to-door.

Williams stated that the Census field agent job pays $20 an hour and $0.57 a mile.

He added that the Census opened on March 15, but closed field agent operations on March 18, with it now resuming getting respondents.

Williams also mentioned that field agents will start coming by and will have proper PPE on and have a name badge on to show they are with the Census.

He said 53.55 percent of Arkansans have filled out their information, with 44 percent of residents of Mississippi County responding thus far.

Williams added that the city of Blytheville was at 43.3 percent, Manila 35.5 percent, Osceola 49.3 percent, Gosnell 49.8 percent, Wilson 55.8 percent and Luxora 22.4 percent.

For more information or to become a field agent Williams stated to call Darrel Young at (870) 623-6355.

As of press time Tuesday, Arkansas had 4,043 cumulative cases with 3,149 recoveries and 94 deaths.

The United States had 1,351,200 cumulative cases with 232,733 recoveries and 80,897 deaths.

The Arkansas Department of Health website shows Mississippi County with 52 positive cases, 515 negative cases and 18 recoveries with no deaths.

Craighead County had 98 positive results, 1,808 negatives and 72 recoveries at press time, while Poinsett County had 25 positives, 280 negatives, 19 recoveries and two deaths at press time.

Sanders stated there will not be a press conference on Friday, however, there will be another roundtable with healthcare professionals.