Phillips County, which has been singing the blues musically and economically for years, has unveiled a development plan to counter negative perceptions rooted in poor race relations, dilapidated storefronts and high unemployment.

Promoting the blues is part of the proposed solution. “Historic Helena” would be a cross between Williamsburg, Va., and Branson, Mo., allowing tourists to experience…

The Arkansas Development Finance Authority has many programs for Phillips County residents who are interested in home ownership. The American Dream Down-payment Initiative is now available to any person meeting the income limits set forth by HUD.

Low income families can save for asset of their choice

The Asset Builders IDA Program allows families with low incomes and low assets to save for the asset of their choice – buying a home, repair or renovation to their home, post-secondary education for themselves or their children or starting or expanding a small business.

Helena’s Code Enforcement Officer has put yellow caution tape around an old building being demolished on Cherry Street. The building most recently housed an annex to T-Shirts Plus and was damaged when the ceiling in the back part of the building gave way and fell in.

A Mississippi main Street project has transformed the city of Drew from a mass of deteriorated building and boarded-up stores into a revitalized center of commerce.

With its massive paddle wheel churning up the muddy waters of the Mississippi River – each revolution evoking the past – the steamboat seem an unlikely engine for progress in this Delta town.

Anyone driving past Wendy’s on Richmond Hill has likely seen a new sight at the Delta Fellowship Church. After nearly a year-and-a-half of careful planning and with the generous support of many in Phillips County and beyond, the Boys & Girls Club of Phillips County recently opened its doors to a capacity crowd and has maintained a full-house ever since.

Robert Sanders construction Co. employees construct a new sidewalk in front of the Robert Hornor home on Beech St. in Helena. Landscaping is part of the renovation project going on at the house, which belongs to the Delta Cultural Center.

Phillip N. Baldwin, president and CEO of Southern Bancorp (Southern), announced today that three rural communities (Elaine, Arkansas and Lula and Lambert, Miss.) will be the collective beneficiaries of a $20,000 grant provided by Southern’s Small Cities Technical Assistance Program.

A nearly $1 million, 10-unit condominium complex for people with developmental disabilities opened in Arkadelphia last week.