The future of Arkansas is in the hands of the children and education officials, along with Sen. Gilbert Baker, visited Sallie Cone Elementary School Friday to present a new way to make the future a little brighter.

The city of Helena-West Helena have submitted most of a list of documents to state auditors who in turn gave the city another 30 days to finish compiling the list. Mayor James Valley said that only three documents deep the city from fulfilling the order.

The economic development subcommittee of the Clark County Strategic Plan heard reports on the aviation program at Henderson State University and on a new university boulevard during its regular meeting Monday night.

It’s a process that has taken more than eight years, but construction has begun on a new auditorium and administrative complex on the Gurdon High School campus.

The Economic Development Corp. of Clark County now has banking and accounting services after the board approved proposals for them Tuesday night.

Summit Bank of Arkadelphia will provide two accounts, checking and money market, for the corporation’s funds. Summit presented the best proposal for the services, said Randy Turner, finance chairman EDCCC.

Many people responded to Internet surveys during the strategic planning process, and they revealed needs for certain types of housing. Both “high end” and “affordable” housing are needed in the county, according to the surveys. But significant projects have begun since those surveys were made, members of the subcommittee said.

Jimbo Boyd, president and CEO of First Bank of the Delta and the First Bank Board of Directors, recently announced promotions for three First Bank employees – Frances Davidson, Leigh Ann Lammers and Dana Worstell.

David A. Knopick of GouldEvans of Kansas City Missouri finished up the first community meeting held at Temple Beth El heritage hall to discuss ways of revitalizing Helena-West Helena and Phillips County. The next meeting will be held this evening at the heritage hall.

Southern Good Faith Fund and First Bank of the Delta, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service is proud to offer the VITA program to all residents of Phillips County and surrounding areas yet again.