Editor's Note: At press time, the following events and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com to make additions or changes.
Underway
Covid-19 testing sites
available
Details for getting the covid-19 test are available at the Jefferson County Health Department -- 870-535-2142; and Arkansas Department of Health's website -- https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-guidance-for-getting-tested. Scroll down until you see the map and enlarge the map. Click on each star to see where each testing site is located.
Early voting underway
thru Nov. 2
Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election is underway at the Jefferson County Courthouse through today (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.); Oct. 31 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.); and Nov. 2 (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Candidates on various ballots in Jefferson County include:
• Circuit judge District 11-West Division 3, Subdistrict 11.2, the nonpartisan judicial runoff race -- Mac Norton and Therese Free.
• Jefferson County Justice of the Peace District 8 -- Incumbent Roy Agee, R, and David Dinwiddie, L.
• Pine Bluff Ward 2 Position 1 City Council -- Steven Shaner (D) and Yvonne Denton (I).
• Pine Bluff Ward 3 Position 1 City Council -- Glen Brown Sr. (D) and Bill Brumett (I).
• U.S. Senate -- Ricky Dale Harrington Jr. (L) and Sen. Tom Cotton (R)
• U.S. Congress District 4 -- Rep. Bruce Westerman (R) William H. Hanson, (D) and Frank Gilbert, (L)
• State Senate District 27 -- Sen. Trent Garner (R) and Keidra Burrell (D).
State Representative District 14 -- Rep. Roger Dale Lynch (R) Rick Bransford (D) and Christia Jones (I).
• State Representative District 15 -- Rep. Ken Bragg, (R) Wayne Willems, (L).
• Altheimer City Council District 1 Position 2 -- Joycette Laws Strong, (I) and Jewel Vanderbilt (I)
• Altheimer City Council District 2 Position 2 -- Crystal Gridley (I) and Essie Robertson (I).
• Wabbaseka Ward 1 Position 1 City Council -- Melony J. Darrough (I) and Edward Spears Sr.(I).
Issues on ballots:
Issue 1 -- Making permanent a 0.5% state sales tax that currently funds state, county and city road work; Issue 2 -- the Arkansas Term Limits Amendment; and Issue 3 -- Changing Arkansas' Citizen Initiative Process, Votes Required for Legislative Ballot Issue Proposals and Publication Requirements.
Other election-related dates include:
Today -- Last day for a voter to transfer into Jefferson County.
Nov. 3 -- Election Day (voters may go to polling sites between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.)
Details: Jefferson County Clerk's Office: jeffersoncountyar.gov/county-clerk or 870-541-5322; University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture ballot guide, www.uaex.edu/ballot or the Secretary of State's office, www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections/voter-information.
New library offering
curbside service
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System began offering curbside service Oct. 26 at the new main library, Sixth Avenue and Main Street. The new library will begin checking out materials with curbside service from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Library staff and patrons will follow social distancing and public health recommendations during pickup. The facilities are still closed to the public as a precaution against Covid-19, according to a news release. Patrons may use their library cards to access the online catalog or call the main library at 870-534-4802 for curbside service. A staff member will contact the patron to arrange a curbside pickup time.
Through Friday, Oct. 30
Extension homemakers set pecan, peanut fundraiser
The Jefferson County Extension Homemakers are selling fresh 2020 crop shelled pecans and peanuts during their annual fundraiser. Orders will be taken Wednesday through Friday, Oct 28-30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service, 500 S. Idaho St. Customers may call the office at 870-534-1033. Checks should be made payable to Jefferson County Extension Homemakers and mailed to Delores Kelley, treasurer; 509 West St., White Hall, AR, 71602. Items and prices are: 5 pound box, shelled fancy pecan halves -- $50. 3 pound cloth bag of shelled peanuts -- $10. 1 pound chocolate double dip peanuts -- $9. 30 pound box, shelled fancy pecan halves -- $290. Holiday Foods Cookbook -- $5. The pecans, peanuts, and cookbooks will be available for pick up before Thanksgiving. Extension Homemaker Club (EHC) members will call customers when the items arrive. Details: Mary Ann Kizer, Extension Service agent, 870-534-1033.
Saturday, Oct. 31
Pine Bluff Police
set drive-thru treat stations
The Pine Bluff Police Department will host a free Fall Festival Scavenger Hunt from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at drive-thru treat stations. Youth should stop by each location for a treat. Clues to each treat are provided on the police department's Facebook page or parents can get a postcard from the schools or contact the department at 870-730-2086. The locations will be drive-thru treat stations and participants must remain in their vehicles, according to a news release. Sponsors include Walmart, Red Lobster, Super 1 Foods and the city of Pine Bluff.
New St. Hurricane sets drive thru trunk or treat
New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church and the Hurricane HYPE Center, 3319 S. Ohio St., invites the community to its fall festival and drive thru trunk or treat. Events will be held from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, according to a news release. Elementary and middle school age children may enter the Most Creative Costume Contest. Families may enter the Family Pumpkin Carving Contest. A $50 gift card will be given to winners of both contests. Participants should send pictures for each contest to nshmbc@gmail.com by 3 p.m. Oct. 31, according to the release. The church also invites people to come by and take family pictures at the decorated fall display. Details: http://newsthurricane.org/
Mt. Nebo Breast
Cancer Awareness set
Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church of Pine Bluff will observe the sixth annual Breast Cancer Virtual Event in memory of Billie Jean "B.J."Jackson. The event will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 31, via Zoom. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink to support and celebrate survivors, according to a news release. A 2K walk run is also being planned. The deadline is Oct. 15 for ordering commemorative T-shirts by visiting paypal.me/mtnebobreastcancerbj.
Head Start plans fall festival
A fall festival will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Blake Street Head Start Center, 308 S. Blake St. The Head Start and Early Head Start programs of the Community Services Office (CSO) will host the event. The festival will include free food and games. The community is invited to attend, according to a news release. Details: 501-693-6166.
Through Sunday, Nov. 1
Agriculture Hall of Fame seeks nominations
The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for its next class. The nomination deadline is Nov. 1. The Agriculture Hall of Fame recognizes Arkansans who have contributed significantly to the state's largest industry, while spotlighting their contributions to the state's economic development. Since its first class was selected in 1987, a total of 176 men and women have been inducted, according to a news release. Details: arkansasaghalloffame.org or 501-228-1609.
Beginning Monday, Nov. 2
White Hall collects names for Stars in the Park
The White Hall Chamber of Commerce will collect names Nov. 2-23 for Stars in the Park. The activity allows residents to purchase a star for $10 in memory of or in honor of a loved one. The stars will be turned on Dec. 4. Stars in the Park forms are available at the White Hall City Hall at 101 Parkway Drive.
CARES funds available for small businesses
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration received approval to proceed with a grant program utilizing $50 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funds. A Facebook Live question and answer session is set for the week of Nov. 2 and an applicant help phone line opens Nov. 9. All applications will be completed online. A link to the application is available at: www.ArkansasReady.com. The Arkansas Legislative Council approved a business interruption grant for certain Arkansas businesses in the personal care, tourism, travel, recreation and hospitality industries. The grant will provide reimbursement for a portion of specific eligible expenses incurred by businesses in these industries between March 1 and Sept. 30, according to press releases from the Arkansas State Chamber and Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Tuesday, Nov. 3
General election day set
The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3. Local races, ballot proposals as well as the presidental race are on the ballots. Polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Beginning Tueday, Nov. 3
Ivy Center sets November Zoom workshops
Ivy Center for Education will host workshops by Zoom in November. Sessions are primarily for 7-12th graders and meet from 6-7 p.m. on the following dates: Nov. 3 -- Future Medical Professionals -- Facilitator, Renisha Ward of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Nov. 8 -- Future Engineers -- Facilitator, Sederick Rice, Ph.D, UAPB associate professor; Nov. 17 -- The Black History of Pine Bluff and Jefferson County -- Lori Walker, historian; Nov. 24 -- Business/Entrepreneurial Workshop -- Chandra Griffin, realtor. To participate in the Ivy Center workshops by Zoom, enter meeting ID:856 8296 4187 and Passcode:351061. Details: mattie1908@gmail.com orPberry867@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Nov. 4
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday and the deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. Articles may be submitted by email to shope@adgnewsroom.com. Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing a religion column may submit articles for consideration by email. Please include your phone number, the name and location of your ministry or city where you reside, and your photo. Photos may also accompany church news by email.
Beginning Thursday, Nov. 5
Arts center announces
November events
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas 701 S. Main St., will host various programs. The "Ballots & Laughs: Political Cartoons of Ray Walters" exhibit will be on display and online Nov. 5-Jan. 23, 2021, featuring a light-hearted perspective of the 1930s and '40s political and social climate. Live@5 will host Wine & Roses in a live-streamed concert from 5-6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6, on ASC's Facebook page, facebook.com/asc701. Heart for the Arts: ASC Telethon 2020, a virtual fund-raising event, will feature area performers in a live-streamed event from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14, on ASC's website and social media. ARTWORKS!! Virtual Art Auction will open at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13, and close at 11:59 Sunday, Nov. 22. This year's auction and bidding process is completely online and open to all. ASC's next free Second Saturday Family FunDay will be held from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 14. Participants can see how to turn potential energy into kinetic energy through engineering balloon-powered bottle and cup cars. Details: asc701.org.
Celebrate! Maya hosts
virtual lecture series
The Celebrate! Maya Project invites the community to join its lecture series by Zoom. Cutwell 4 Kids founder Anthony Tidwell will present a lecture at 6 p.m. Nov. 5 on the role art plays in enhancing communities. The Build A Better World Through the Arts & Literature series, in partnership with the Arkansas Humanities Council, launched virtually Sept. 10. Details: https://www.celebratemayaproject.org/build-a-better-world-register.
Beginning Friday, Nov. 6
Women of Influence
reschedules conference
Women of Influence Rock - Reset and Still Rocking - was rescheduled for Nov. 6-7. The free event was originally planned for Oct. 9-10, as a virtual conference with the theme: "Rise Up and Walk" from the scripture John 5:8, according to a news release. Details: womenofinfluencerock@gmail.com or 870-489-4664.
Monday, Nov. 9
Janis Kearney hosts free virtual writing workshop
Well-known author and publisher Janis F. Kearney will host a free, virtual writing workshop at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9. A native of Gould, Kearney is a writer, publisher, journalist and instructor. She was also a diarist for President Bill Clinton. The session is part of Writing Out Loud: Creating Powerful Oral Histories. This workshop, for new or emerging writers, will include both lecture and interactive writing sessions, according to a news release from the Arkansas Arts Council. Kearney will discuss the importance of research and effective interviewing techniques as well as how to shape a story on the page and then transfer it to the microphone. Those interested in the Nov. 9 workshop are required to register. Registration is limited to 100 participants. Registration may be made online at ArkansasArts.org at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/108589277192065293. Details: Janet Perkins, 501-324-9775.
Saturday, Nov. 14
St. Luke UMC sets
drive-thru Taste of Fall
St. Luke United Methodist Church, 32 School St., will host its annual Taste of Fall as a drive thru and pick up event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 14. Participants may pre-order goods by Saturday, Nov. 7. Items will include frozen main-dish and vegetable casseroles, chicken and dressing, pies, cakes, cookies, jams, jellies and canned beets, according to a news release. Weather permitting, local vendor tables will also be available outside with handmade items, jewelry, makeup, wreaths and other items. All proceeds will be used for church missions, according to the release. Available items can be viewed at http://www.stlukeunitedmethodistchurchpinebluff.com under the Taste of Fall tab. For order information or details, call 870-692-2302 or 870-543-0585, or 870-692-8234.
Tuesday, Nov. 17
Enchanted Land of Lights & Legends opens
The 24th annual Enchanted Land of Lights & Legends, Arkansas' largest drive-thru holiday lights exhibit, will open at 6 p.m. Nov. 17 at Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Regional Park. The exhibit will be open from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 17 through Dec. 31. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted at the end of the drive-thru display, according to a news release. The Pine Bluff Festival Association Inc., a non-profit organization, welcomes visitors to Regional Park for the celebration, according to Kerry Battle, association director. Also, people may purchase a lighted star for $25. Stars "In Honor of" or "In Memory of" a person or organization will be displayed on Beachfront Drive at the park. Details: 870-536-7600.