Meet the Neighbors: Mayor Joe Harris, Jr.

Joe Harris, Jr.

Mayor of Osceola, Ark.

When it comes to quality of life, having good neighbors ranks right up there with access to a high-caliber education and family-friendly amenities. Fortunately, Mississippi County is home to all of that and more! In our next Meet the Neighbors, we’re happy to introduce you to Joe Harris, Jr., Mayor of Osceola. A native of the city, a former state representative and owner of Joe Harris, Jr. Trucking and Excavating Company, Harris is also making history as the first African American mayor to be elected in Osceola. 

Read on to learn more about Mayor Harris and why he loves calling Mississippi County home. 

Q: What are some of your favorite things about this area? 

A: The rolling Mississippi River and the positive, can-do attitude of our people are my favorite things about Mississippi County and Osceola.

Q: Where do you like to eat in Mississippi County and what’s your favorite meal?

A: I regularly visit the Sandbar Grille and The Hog Pen Barbecue, both in Osceola. I love The Hog Pen’s ribs and Sandbar Grille’s fried catfish.

Q: What does a typical Saturday look like for you?

A: I love to sit at the Downtown Square in Osceola and visit with people. For several months during the spring and summer, Main Street Osceola hosts a downtown farmers market, and I enjoy seeing and purchasing fresh produce and homemade jars of jellies and pickles, and baked goods. I also enjoy just driving around our city, especially out by the Mississippi River. 

Q: What’s something that might surprise people about Mississippi County?

A: Most may not realize that we are the number one steel-producing county in the nation. We’re on a mission to make sure everyone knows. 

Q: Anything else you want people to know about Mississippi County?

A: The hospitality of our people is some of the best in the world!