Listen Live

Lead Hill, other Area Communities Benefit from Arkansas Economic Grants

Photo courtesy Arkansas Economic Development Commission

Several area communities are among those benefiting from a pair of Arkansas Grant programs.

The complete release below from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission:

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Rural Services Division recently awarded grants totaling $692,435 to 49 Arkansas cities and counties through two grant programs.

AEDC Executive Director Clint O’Neal, AEDC Deputy Director Neil Greathouse, Director of Rural Services Becca Caldwell, and the Arkansas Rural Development Commission presented the grants to the recipients during the Arkansas Rural Development Conference, held May 23-25 at the Oaklawn Event Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

A total of $75,000.00 was awarded to the Lead Hill Fire Department under the Rural Services Block Grant Program. This grant program funds new construction or renovation of community centers, fire stations, or multi-purpose buildings, as well as the purchase of fire trucks (pumper, tanker, brush, or certain service trucks). Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas with low to moderate incomes of 51 percent or higher are eligible for up to $75,000 in funds under the program with a 10 percent match.

A total of $542,435 was awarded to 48 cities and counties under the Rural Community Grant Program to fund projects such as baseball fields, community parks, walking trails, community centers, fire stations, fire trucks, and other fire protection-related equipment. Applicants from incorporated towns of less than 3,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas are eligible for up to $15,000 in matching funds under the program.

Some area groups awarded Rural Community Grants include:
Green Forest $15,000
Jasper $15,000
Searcy County $15,000

More from Local News

  • College of the Ozarks reaffirms Sabbath observance, adjusts Sunday operations

    POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks, after carefully evaluating Sunday operations, is committed to upholding its foundational values by discontinuing Sunday brunch at The Keeter Center. This step, rooted in faith, tradition, and a desire to prioritize students and employees, aligns with the values of the College.

  • Rainy Day Before a Cool, Dry Weekend

    After a day off from the rain for most, precipitation chances pick back up today as another front will bring another round of showers.

  • Missouri teen swipes first state record fish of 2025

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) congratulates Riley Isaacs of Bradleyville for becoming the latest state record holder for redear sunfish. The 17-year-old was bowfishing at Lake Taneycomo April 18 when he shot a 2-pound, 3-ounce fish. The previous record under alternative methods was a 2-pound, 2-ounce fish also caught from Lake Taneycomo in 2022.

  • Hollister Schools Foundation donates $4,000 for Therapy Dog

    The Hollister Schools Foundation has presented a $4,000 check to the Hollister R-V School District, funds raised during last spring’s "Coins for a Cause" fundraiser. The generous donation will be used to help purchase two therapy dogs for the district, set to debut at the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The check was presented to Superintendent Dr. Brian Wilson and Assistant Superintendent of District Operations, Dr. Sean Woods, by foundation board members Katie Adams, Ryan Gdovin, and Denise Olmstead.

  • The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama to Celebrate 65th Anniversary on May 10th

    BRANSON, MO (April 17, 2025) – In 2025, the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama celebrates 65 years of bringing the historic performance to over 8 million attendees. This milestone marks the show as the oldest outdoor drama in the state of Missouri, as well as maintaining its title as the original show in Branson.