HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. — The Helena-West Helena School District welcomed families from across Phillips County to Central High School on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, for a Family Literacy Night centered on one powerful goal: helping children develop a love of reading long before they enter a kindergarten classroom. The event was part of the district’s partnership with the Arkansas Imagination Library and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, an initiative providing eligible chi

by Candace Williams Dozens of young children and their families gathered September 1 for Phillips County’s first Books, Bonds and Bright Futures event, kicking off a new series of monthly gatherings focused on early literacy and helping families make reading a meaningful part of everyday life. Dr. Xavier Hodo and the Helena-West Helena School District hosted the inaugural event, which brought together families, preschool educators and community partners for an evening of food

Martin Rawls Digital Media Coordinator Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Thursday that Helena-West Helena has faced its share of challenges, but she believes continued investment in infrastructure, education and health care can help position the community and Phillips County for growth. Sanders, whose first trip outside Little Rock after taking office was to Helena, returned Thursday as Helena-West Helena served as Arkansas’ Capital for a Day. The program brings the governor a