By Keith Inman

JONESBORO — Thursday marked the launch of a series of events to celebrate Jonesboro’s and Craighead County’s sesquicentennial.

Act 171, which carved Craighead from portions of Mississippi, Poinsett and Greene counties, was approved by the Arkansas General Assembly on Feb. 19, 1859.

Mayor Harold Perrin hosted a proclamation ceremony on the front steps of City Hall.

Perrin read a joint proclamation signed by him and Craighead County Judge Dale Haas.

“Now therefore, we hereby proclaim Feb. 19, 2009, as Founders’ Day for Craighead County and the City of Jonesboro,” the proclamation concludes. “This day marks the launch of our 2009 Sesquicentennial Celebration and the beginning of our official partnership with Arkansas State University in celebrating its Centennial Anniversary. We congratulate the people of Craighead County, the City of Jonesboro and Arkansas State University on these significant milestones.”

Alderman Tim McCall, chairman of the Jonesboro 150 ad hoc committee planning sesquicentennial events, called on all local organizations to look for ways to celebrate.

“2009 will be a year when we have the opportunity to look back and reflect about our community’s past while educating the residents of Jonesboro about our history,” McCall said. “And hopefully bringing our community together as one and instilling the desire in our youth to make Jonesboro and Craighead County even better tomorrow than it is today.

“There are few times in each of our short lives that we have an opportunity to be a part of such a special event. As we recognize our sesquicentennial we also recognize the sacrifice of those who came before us. Sacrifice that has afforded us the opportunity to be here today, under the flags of freedom and the opportunity to live in an incredible city we call Jonesboro.”

McCall said the committee will announce a schedule of special events over the next few weeks. He said Perrin and the committee challenges everyone to find a way to acknowledge the county’s history.

Letter from Gov. Mike Beebe

Perrin also read a letter from Gov. Mike Beebe.

“Since their beginnings, Craighead County and its county seat, Jonesboro, have provided a place for people to raise their families and develop the strong bonds of community,” the governor wrote.

“For a century and a half, Craighead County has continued to grow and prosper, and today enjoys the distinction of being the ninth most populated of our 75 counties. The City of Jonesboro, home to my alma mater, ASU, is the largest community in Northeast Arkansas, serving as a regional center for education, economic growth, health care and industry.”

Craighead County Road Superintendent L.M. Duncan also read letters from other elected officials.

“Since 1859 Craighead County has been a place of ingenuity, expansion and economic development in the areas of retail, health care, agriculture and industry,” state Sen. Paul Bookout wrote.

“Without question, this occasion calls for jubilance and great pride,” state Reps. Joan Cash, Ray Kidd and Butch Wilkins wrote. “We join you in honoring those who have led the way in establishing and nurturing the growth of Craighead County and the City of Jonesboro. We are looking forward to the beginning of the official partnership celebrating Arkansas State University’s Centennial Anniversary.”

Roger Fisher, an aide to U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, read greetings from the senator.

“It is fitting that the county and the university are joined in the celebration as they have enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership for the past 100 years,” Lincoln’s letter said. “As Arkansans, we are heirs to a proud and unique history and heritage. During the coming months we will have opportunities to explore that history and enhance the understanding of our heritage.”

U.S. Rep. Marion Berry’s remarks were delivered by staff member Erica Krennerich.

“I sometimes think of [Jonesboro] as my second home,” Berry wrote, “not because of the amount of time I spend here, but because the people here are always extremely welcoming. This hospitality is one of the many reasons that Jonesboro will always be one of the best places to work and raise a family.

“Over the past 150 years Jonesboro has seen many changes, but one thing remains the same — the people of this city, throughout good times and bad, have always come together to cherish, celebrate and support one another.”

In addition to McCall, the committee includes Ruth Hawkins, Paula Miles, Danny Honnoll, Roy Ockert, Allison Whitley, D.J. Duckworth, Phyllis Burkett, Frank and Roberta Sloan, Sam Hummelstein, Lloyd McCracken Jr., Brad Edwards, Robbie Lyle, Sister Henrietta Hockle, Amanda McDaniel, Ginger Fears and Robert Houston.

inman@jonesborosun.com