Mayor Harold Copenhaver encourages residents to remain vigilant in preparations for unyielding frigid temperatures forecast in Jonesboro through the coming week.
Barring unexpected precipitation, City offices will be open for business at 10 a.m. Friday. JET bus service and sanitation routes also will run.
Sanitation Department garbage pickup will resume, depending on whether Legacy Landfill is open Friday. If the landfill is open, Thursday’s regular trash and recycling routes will be run Friday, and Friday’s regular routes will be picked up Saturday.
As temperatures will only grow colder through the weekend, Copenhaver expressed the need for residents to continue to stay warm and safe, and travel only when necessary.
“Between our Streets Department and ArDOT, we have cleaned a lot of miles of streets and highways,” Copenhaver said. “But don’t let down your guard just because a street looks clear. Ice remains out there, and the most dangerous ice is the ice you don’t see. Drive slow and keep distance from other vehicles.”
Fire Chief Kevin Miller said it will be a while before roads become easier to travel, but he was encouraged by motorists’ response to the sleet covering streets around Jonesboro Thursday morning.
“The caution shown by our motorists has so far resulted in fewer calls than we anticipated,” Miller said. “We don’t expect more precipitation until Monday, but the weekend could still be dangerous because of the severe temperatures.”
Copenhaver checked on staff and those staying at the Salvation Army on Thursday, and he thanked all for working together to make the experience both warm and friendly. So far, Salvation Army has not seen a need that exceeds capacity, but the City is working with public and private partners to provide more overnight space if necessary.
City recreation centers continue to serve as warming centers.