PARAGOULD – Tenneco, a long-standing factory in Paragould, has announced plans to cease operations, leaving hundreds of employees without jobs. The news was first reported by KAIT Television.

The announcement was made during a meeting with workers on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the Greene County Fairgrounds. In a statement to the station, the company said, “The company has made the difficult decision to close our manufacturing operations in Paragould, Arkansas.”

A timetable shared with KAIT by an employee outlined the phases of layoffs. The first phase is scheduled for around March 31, with additional layoffs planned for April 15 and April 30. These dates are subject to change within 14 days of the specified deadlines.

According to the Paragould Regional Chamber of Commerce, the plant is part of DRiV Motorparts’ aftermarket division, producing shocks, struts, and modular strut assemblies. Tenneco’s Paragould plant, which opened in 1970, employed over 1,100 people as of 2022.

This closure marks a significant loss for the community, impacting both the local economy and the families of those employed at the plant.

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MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, Ark. — A tragic multi-vehicle accident on Sunday evening near Big Lake on State Highway 18 left two people dead and two minors injured, according to the Arkansas State Police.

The crash occurred at approximately 5:25 p.m. when a 2024 GMC Yukon traveling east on SH 18 veered left, crossing the center turn lane. The Yukon struck a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder, which was heading west, head-on. The impact forced the Pathfinder into a 2005 Ford Ranger, which left the roadway to avoid the collision.

Patricia Edge, 37, of Leachville, the driver of the Nissan Pathfinder, and Keeley Wheeler, 72, of Blytheville, the driver of the GMC Yukon, both died at the scene. Their bodies were transported to Delancey Funeral Home.

Two female minors in the Pathfinder were injured and taken to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis for treatment. Their conditions remain unknown.

The crash occurred under clear skies and on dry road conditions, according to the report by Sgt. Brandon C. Bennett of the Arkansas State Police. The investigation into the accident is ongoing.

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Authorities urge drivers to exercise caution and remain alert while traveling on rural highways, especially in areas with limited visibility and high-speed traffic.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas lawmakers are considering changes to the state’s sales and use tax laws for motor vehicles, trailers, semitrailers, and motorboats. Senate Bill 49, sponsored by Sen. Justin Boyd (R-Fort Smith) and Rep. Lee Johnson (R-Greenwood), seeks to revise tax thresholds, introduce special rates for certain purchases, and outline new revenue allocations.

The bill proposes that sales of new or used motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers priced below $4,000 will remain tax-exempt. However, used motor vehicles priced between $10,000 and $15,000 and motorboats priced between $4,000 and $10,000 would be subject to a special tax rate of 2.875%. Purchases exceeding these thresholds would be taxed at the standard rate.

Additionally, SB49 eliminates the option to reduce taxable amounts using trade-in credits or proceeds from the sale of another vehicle or motorboat.

Revenue Allocation

The bill outlines how revenue from the proposed tax changes would be distributed:

• 76.6% would go to the state’s general fund.
• 8.5% would support the Property Tax Relief Trust Fund.
• 14.9% would benefit the Educational Adequacy Fund.

The measure also emphasizes compliance, requiring taxes to be paid upon registration for motorboats, whether purchased from a dealer or a private seller. Late payments would incur a 10% penalty. Nonresidents registering motorboats in Arkansas would be exempt.

If enacted, the new tax structure would take effect on the first day of the calendar quarter following its passage.

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SB49 is currently under review in the General Assembly and is expected to draw significant debate over its potential impact on Arkansas consumers and the state’s economy.