Paragould Daily Briefing: Scholarships, Felony Cases, and Weekend Events

Morning roundup

Good early Saturday from Paragould. As the weekend gets underway, local headlines are focused on new scholarship money for students, several felony cases in the courts, and a full slate of downtown events.

$150,000 in scholarships for Greene County students

A regional philanthropic foundation has opened more than $150,000 in scholarship opportunities for students from Greene County, with applications accepted through March 15. The program is administered through an online portal and is aimed at helping Arkansas students pay for two- and four-year colleges, vocational schools, and technical programs.

Several endowments are designated specifically for local graduates, including funds connected to Paragould civic groups and Greene County schools. High school seniors and current college students are encouraged to work with their school counselors and submit applications early in the window.

Police: man accused of pointing rifle at parent

In public safety news, a Paragould man is jailed on a $75,000 bond after officers say he pointed a rifle at a parent during a disturbance at a home on North 14th Street. The incident reportedly happened Monday, Feb. 3, when relatives told police the man appeared to be under the influence and raised the rifle toward a family member during an argument.

Responding officers arrested the 34-year-old on suspicion of aggravated assault on a family or household member. No injuries were reported, and the case now moves through Greene County District Court.

Mail theft case affects local businesses

Earlier this week, another Paragould resident was charged after investigators say dozens of pieces of mail containing checks were taken from local post office boxes. According to court filings summarized by local news reports, a business owner noticed missing mail after a postal worker said the box should have held far more envelopes than were found.

Investigators say the suspect gave some of the letters to an acquaintance he believed was struggling financially. A judge found probable cause for two counts of mail theft, a felony offense. Businesses and residents who use post office boxes are being urged to monitor their accounts and report any irregularities.

Weekend events around town

For those looking to get out today, the city calendar lists a Build a Valentine workshop this morning at The GIN on North Pruett Street, offering families a chance to make pop-out Valentines together. Later this afternoon, the Collins Theatre is scheduled to show the classic film “The Princess Bride,” with family-friendly ticket prices at the door.

On Sunday, a local entertainment center is hosting a community watch party for the big game, and downtown businesses are gearing up for the upcoming Chamber Showcase, blood drives, and other February events. However you spend the weekend, expect plenty of ways to connect with neighbors across Paragould.