Despite no active cases, Sharp Co. Jail still feeling COVID effects
Despite no active cases, Sharp Co. Jail still feeling COVID effects By Logan Whaley | April 21, 2021 at 6:21 PM CDT - Updated April 21 at 7:44 PM
SHARP COUNTY, Ark. (KAIT) - The Sharp County Jail has been fortunate throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with only one positive test among inmates since last year.
Despite this, theyâre still feeling the effects of the pandemic.
When COVID-19 hit, the jail hadnât been built. With a new jail and multiple vaccine options, the department is still dealing with the COVID effect.
Like many businesses today, finding workers is difficult during the pandemic. For Sheriff Mark Counts, itâs finding security workers.
Hardy hopes to build off increased tourism
Hardy hopes to build off increased tourism By Logan Whaley | April 1, 2021 at 6:39 PM CDT - Updated April 1 at 7:35 PM
HARDY, Ark. (KAIT) - As the weather gets warmer, the city of Hardy prepares for an increase in traffic, as Spring Breakers and those in Region 8 communities head out to the Spring River.
It’s this time of the year that Tim Knoblin, owner of River Wilderness Sports, gets excited about what’s to come.
“We’re hoping to have a really good year this year,” Knoblin said.
Knoblin has owned River Wilderness for the five years it has been in Hardy. He says business has picked up recently, which is a welcome sign after the way last summer started.
Nine Mile Ridge community âecstaticâ to see new bridge coming
Nine Mile Ridge community âecstaticâ to see new bridge coming By Logan Whaley | March 31, 2021 at 7:02 PM CDT - Updated March 31 at 7:02 PM
FULTON COUNTY, Ark. (KAIT) - Work has begun on a new bridge connecting Sharp County to Fulton County, a bridge that many in the community believe is a lifesaver.
Crews have been out clearing some trees and preparing the area near the Humphreyâs Ford Bridge for its replacement. For James Tubbs and William Smith, volunteer firemen at the 9 Mile Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, itâs something theyâve been waiting on for years.
Bob & Sandyâs in Hardy reopens one year after fire
Bob & Sandyâs in Hardy reopens one year after fire By Logan Whaley | March 16, 2021 at 6:37 PM CDT - Updated March 16 at 7:13 PM
HARDY, Ark. (KAIT) - It was in October 2019, when a fire destroyed Bob & Sandyâs Beach Club Barbecue in Hardy. Then, the pandemic hit.
Now, the restaurant is finally barbecuing again.
The restaurant is still re-building its location on JoJo Street in Hardy, but in the meantime, theyâre operating out of a trailer.
âIt feels great seeing all the customers,â Owner Bob Gilliland said.
For Gilliland, itâs been a long road.
Multi-million dollar upgrades coming to Spring River bridge
Multi-million dollar upgrades coming to Spring River bridge By Logan Whaley | March 4, 2021 at 9:46 PM CST - Updated March 4 at 11:08 PM
FULTON COUNTY, Ark. (KAIT) - A bridge that has connected Fulton and Sharp counties for over a century is about to have major upgrades.
The bridge, known as the Humphrey’s Ford Bridge, runs over the Spring River in Hardy. Officials say upgrades have been needed for a while.
Multiple vehicles have gotten stuck on the bridge. Sharp County Judge Gene Moore says the renovations are desperately needed, both for safety and conditions during the summer.