KATV, Entergy partner for day-long telethon

Aug 25, 2011 | News

In a day-long effort, KATV–along with Entergy Arkansas–is hosting a ‘Spirit of Arkansas Telethon’ to help raise money for the Arkansas Energy Network and The Power to Care Fund. Both entities offer financial assistance to utility customers on...

Arkansas development project getting $1.9M grant

Aug 24, 2011 | News

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded a $1.99 million grant to help fund an economic development project in Helena-West Helena in Arkansas. HUD officials said Tuesday the grant from the Rural Innovation Fund will be given to Southern Bancorp...

HUD awards $2M grant to promote affordable housing and economic development in Helena-West Helena

Aug 23, 2011 | News

Thanks to a nearly $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, affordable housing and economic development in Helena-West Helena will receive a real shot in the arm. HUD announced Tuesday that it had awarded a $1,998, 621 grant to...

High Electric Bill Help for Elderly, Disabled Arkansans

Aug 23, 2011 | News

Weeks of running the air conditioner on high equals a high electric bill for most Arkansans who will need to make budget adjustments to pay the power company… As part of the initial corporate donation, McDonald presented a $130,000 check to the Arkansas Energy...

PCCUA announces new Southern Bancorp-SBT Award recipient

Aug 22, 2011 | News

Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) announces that Carol Brocato, of Helena-West Helena, has received an award being provided by Southern Bancorp. Brocato is the 2011 recipient of the Southern Bancorp – Sarah Beth Taylor...

Where’s the Nonprofit Sector in the White House Rural Council Report?

Aug 17, 2011 | News

…For example, in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, where 40 percent of the population is below the poverty level, the area is reportedly on the upswing in a big way, with credit going to nonprofit partners such as Southern Bancorp Capital, the Walton Family...

Bridge to Somewhere: Anniston's lessons from Arkansas

Aug 16, 2011 | News

…Southern Bancorp, a rural development bank with a Helena subsidiary, took action in 2003 by leading the effort to create a comprehensive strategic plan. Since then, Helena has made slow but steady progress.

Bridge to Somewhere: Families in this Arkansas town are offered another option for their children's education

Aug 15, 2011 | News

…After decades of a dwindling population and an ailing economy, Helena-West Helena, a Mississippi River town of around 15,000, has experienced a renewal. Perhaps no one is more responsible for this renaissance than Joe Black, the president of Southern Bancorp...

Bridge to Somewhere: Eastern Arkansas town plots a path to prosperity

Aug 14, 2011 | News

Sporting an emerald polo shirt and a sable mustache, the bank executive reclines in his desk chair until it creaks. His right leg, bent at a 90-degree angle, rests on his left. His head is cocked back, supported by interlocked palms. Joe Black is relaxing, and...

Clark County farmer's market likely to open in 2012

Aug 11, 2011 | News

A group of Clark County residents are working to establish a farmers and artisans market in Arkadelphia that would attract customers looking for locally grown produce and handmade items…. “Each class chooses a project, and the idea for a farmers market in...