News & Press Releases

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 [email protected].

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.

EVENT • Oct 21, 2026

Experience America’s history, freedom, and future with the Freedom Truck America 250, hosted by the Jackson County Library. The exhibit will be parked at 117 Hazel Street across from M&P Bank in downtown Newport. The traveling exhibit will be open October 21 from 1:00–6:00 p.m. and October 22–24 from 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Bring the family and take advantage of this special opportunity to explore an interactive celebration of America’s history and its 250th anniversary.

EVENT • Oct 18, 2026

EVENT • Oct 17, 2026

The Jackson County Community Theatre proudly presents On Golden Pond, a classic play by Ernest Thompson, October 17–25 at the ASUN Center for the Arts. Performances will be held on Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Directed by Jake Eddington, the production features a talented local cast. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online or at the door.

EVENT • Oct 15, 2026

Celebrate fall with ASU-Newport’s Fall Festival on Thursday, October 15, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 7648 Victory Boulevard in Newport. This free family event will feature bounce houses, food, pumpkin painting, snow cones, hayrides, carnival games, cotton candy, a cake walk, live music, cash prizes, and more. Bring the whole family and enjoy an evening of fall fun at ASU-Newport!

EVENT • Oct 15, 2026

First Baptist Church Newport will host a Blood Drive on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 217 Main Street in Newport. Donors can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting RedCrossBlood.org.