Community Briefs

The Red Cross sees about a 21 percent decline in blood donations during holiday weeks, including Independence Day. When blood donations drop, so does the blood supply, making it extremely challenging to ensure blood is available when hospitals need it.

By scheduling and keeping appointments in July, donors can help provide for those in immediate need of lifesaving care. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Night at the Aquatic Center

The Paragould Aquatic Center is hosting Greene County Night every Thursday this summer, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event features contests, theme nights, giveaways and music each week. The cost is $7 per person and proof of residency is required. For more information call the Paragould Parks and Recreation Department at 870-239-7530.

Plan for the future

Do you want to have a part in helping plan the future of Paragould? The Economic Development Corporation of Paragould is holding a Discover Paragould 2042 Planning week. It is scheduled for July 11-14, 2022. There are two opportunities to participate in helping plan Paragould’s future.

The Paragould Future Forum will take place Monday, July 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. The Concept Plan Presentation will take place Thursday, July 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Both events will take place at the Paragould Community Center at 3404 Linwood Drive and are open to the public. These events will also be available online. To find out more, visit www.discover paragould2042.com or call 870-236-7684.

Soybean challenge

Each year the Grow for the Green Soybean Yield Challenge recognizes and rewards Arkansas’ top soybean producers. The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, Arkansas Soybean Association and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture unite to implement and promote this contest.

The board sponsors the yield challenge, which provides information and tools to Arkansas soybean producers, such as a look at how top yields are reached.

Enrollment for 2022 is now open. The entry deadline is Aug. 1. More information, including the application to apply, can be found online at www.the miraclebean.com/research/grow-for-the-green/.