ArDOT provides update on status of future I-57 The public meeting was held Friday morning at Williams Baptist University. (Source: KAIT-TV) By Logan Whaley | May 7, 2021 at 5:27 PM CDT - Updated May 9 at 9:22 PM
WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. (KAIT) - For the first time in months, an update was given on the status of the future I-57. The proposed interstate would connect Highway 67 from Walnut Ridge to the Missouri state line, which would be just over 40 miles.
Officials from the Arkansas Department of Transportation met with dozens of city and county officials Friday morning at Williams Baptist University.
ArDOT officials say the planning period for the future I-57 should be over by late 2022. This after they recently began an environmental study of three proposed routes: one utilizing much of the existing Highway 67, one creating a new central location, and the other running a new location, east of the Black River.
Sen. Boozman meets with Northeast Arkansas leaders
Sen. Boozman meets with Northeast Arkansas leaders By Logan Whaley | May 6, 2021 at 6:46 PM CDT - Updated May 6 at 8:31 PM
JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Parts of Northeast Arkansas received a visit from a U.S. Senator Thursday. Sen. John Boozman met with leaders in multiple Region 8 counties.
Sen. Boozman stopped in four cities in the area Thursday.
His first stop was at Paragould High School for National Teacher Appreciation Week, touring the school’s agriculture, band, and JROTC facilities while meeting with teachers and faculty members.
Then, it was on to Clay County, touring historical sights in Piggott and meeting with county officials in Corning to discuss the need for broadband.
Rural hospitals fighting to keep, attract nurses
Rural hospitals fighting to keep, attract nurses By Logan Whaley | April 16, 2021 at 6:07 PM CDT - Updated April 16 at 6:56 PM
POCAHONTAS, Ark. (KAIT) - We told you recently how White River Medical Center is balancing the high demand for health care workers, especially nurses.
St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center is dealing with a similar struggle.
Chief Nursing Officer Sydney Stevens says theyâve consistently had around 10 to 12 openings for nurses at the hospital throughout the pandemic.
âThe nursing shortage in rural areas has increased exponentially,â Stevens said. âNationwide, thereâs about a 9.9 percent [vacancy rate], and thatâs for small hospitals as well as large ones. For us, itâs about 17 or 18 percent.â
Vaccinate Region 8: Where you can get the COVID-19 vaccine a list of COVID-19 vaccine clinics available in Region 8: (Source: KEYC) By Region 8 Newsdesk | March 12, 2021 at 8:22 AM CST - Updated April 8 at 3:16 PM
JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Here is a list of COVID-19 vaccine clinics available in Region 8:
Batesville:
NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State University will hold a free COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Batesville April 13. The clinic will be from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Batesville High School gym, at 1 Pioneer Drive. All Arkansans ages 18 and up are eligible to participate. NYITCOM will be administering the Moderna vaccine, and the people who attend the event will be required to return on May 11 for their second dose. The follow-up event will also be held in the Batesville High School gym. Insurance is not required, and vaccines are free to those eligible due to a grant NYITCOM received from the Arkansas Minority Health Commission.