Featured
Hope Juneteenth Celebration
The annual Juneteenth celebration was held June 19th at the Dr. Roscoe Smith Northside Park in Hope. There was a great crowd for the activities and fun was had by all ages!
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Hope Lions Hold Annual Banquet
The Hope Noon Lions Club held their annual banquet Monday (7-6) at Hempstead Hall. The banquet marks the installation of new officers and also awards. Josie Carlton assumed the office of President from outgoing President […]
Featured
Prescott Farmers Market Held Every Friday
The Prescott Farmer’s Market started at the beginning of June with new vendors and a lot of excitement. The Chamber of Commerce celebrated two new vendors, a brother and sister who brought their creative ideas […]
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Spit to Win! Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest returns to the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival
HOPE – t’s time to pucker up and launch some seeds! The always-entertaining Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest is back at the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival – Golden Jubilee Celebration, and it’s open to all […]
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Fire damages residence in McCaskill area this morning
MCCASKILL – At 9:45 this morning, McCaskill Volunteer Fire Department was paged out to a house fire on Hempstead 29. The fire started in the kitchen and did extensive interior damage. Fortunately, we were able […]
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Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce presents 3rd Annual Melon Jams Open Mic Night
HOPE – The Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of Melon Jams Open Mic Night as part of the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival – Golden Jubilee Celebration. Back by […]
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Hope Public Schools opens nominations for Educator Hall of Fame 2026
HOPE — Hope Public Schools is now accepting nominations for the Educator Hall of Fame 2026. The Educator Hall of Fame recognizes retired educators who have made a lasting impact on students, families, schools, and […]
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Watermelon Eating Contest returns to the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival
Who Will Be Crowned the 2026 Watermelon Eating Champion? Hope – Get ready to dig in and show off your watermelon-eating skills! The Watermelon Eating Contest is back as part of the 50th Annual Hope […]
Obituaries
Bobbye Nivens Calhoon – Updated
Bobbye Nivens Calhoon died at home on Sunday morning, June 28, 2026, as she wanted, holding her daughter’s hand. She was born at home in Hempstead County Arkansas on May 10, 1931, to Add & […]
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Human remains found in wooded area in Hope
HOPE – On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at approximately 8:02 p.m., the Hope Police Department responded to a report from a citizen who was cleaning property in a wooded area and discovered what they believed […]
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Entries being accepted for the Miss & Mister Watermelon Festival Pageant and Beautiful Baby Contest
HOPE – Applications are now available for the Miss & Mister Watermelon Festival Pageant and Beautiful Baby Contest; two beloved events held in conjunction with the 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival – Golden Jubilee Celebration. […]
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2026 Hope Watermelon Festival 50th Annual Golden Jubilee T-shirts have arrived
HOPE – The official 2026 Hope Watermelon Festival 50th Annual Golden Jubilee T-shirts have arrived and are now available for purchase at the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce! Celebrate 50 years of sweet tradition in one of this […]