Editor’s Note: At press time, the following events, workshops and meetings were known to be still scheduled and/or continuing. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@ adgnewsroom.com to make additions or changes.
Underway
COVID-19 testing sites available
Details for getting the COVID-19 test are available by contacting: Jefferson County Health Department — 870-535-2142; Jefferson Regional Medical Center — 870-541-4911; Jefferson Comprehensive Care System at Pine Bluff — 855-543-2380 or 1-833-508-0774 for other community health centers;Arkansas Department of Health — Testing sites in Arkansas are listed on the department’s website at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-guidance-forgetting-tested . Scroll down until you see the map and enlarge the map. Click on each star to see where each testing site is located.
Absentee ballot applications available at Jefferson County Clerk’s Office
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office has absentee ballot applications available to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for people who would like to vote by mail. Voters may also download an application on the website at www.jeffersoncountyar.gov/county-clerk, according to a news release. The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3.The last day to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 27. The completed absentee ballot application can be mailed, faxed or scanned and emailed to the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office. The mailing address is: Shawndra Taggart, Jefferson County Clerk, 101 W. Barraque St., Suite 101, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. The fax number is 870-541-5324. The email address is jeffersonclerk@arkansasclerks.com. Residents have until Monday, Oct. 5, to register to vote in the November election. Details: Jefferson County Clerk Shawndra Taggart, 870-541-5322.
Thursday, Sept. 10
Pine Bluff Veterans Legal Clinic open
The Pine Bluff Veterans Legal Clinic will be open from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. The free service is located at the Pine Bluff First Assembly Life Center – West Campus, 3206 S. Hazel St. Walk-ins are welcome, according to a news release. Veterans will be able to receive free consultations on a variety of civil legal areas. Representatives from the Center for Arkansas Legal Services, the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs and the Little Rock VA Medical Center’s Justice Outreach Program will be available to consult with veterans. Veterans may also contact the Center for Arkansas Legal Services (CALS) Help Line at 1-800-950-5817.A mask or face covering is required to attend the clinic. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. Details: The Pine Bluff Mayor’s Office, 870-730-2000, ext. 7.
Beginning Thursday, Sept. 10
Arts & Science Center sets ‘Meet the Curator’
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host the “Meet the Curator” series online at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at facebook.com/ASC701/. Guests are invited to join Curator Chaney Jewell as she explores rotating topics and themes during the series. ASC will feature members from the Pine Bluff Art League during this session.
Parole Board to hold meetings
The Arkansas Parole Board will hold its regular board meetings at 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, and Thursday, Sept. 24. Both meetings will be held in the auditorium at 1302 Pike Ave, Suite B149 at North Little Rock, according to a news release. The board will deliberate on individual cases at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, in the office of the Chairman John Felts, also at the North Little Rock site. Pursuant to state law, deliberations on individual cases are closed to the public. The board will meet to receive victim input at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, and Wednesday, Sept. 30. Pursuant to state law, victim input is privileged.Victim input meetings are closed to the public.
Beginning Friday, Sept. 11
Tour de Bluff set
The Tour de Bluff 2020 bike race and other activities will be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12, according to a news release. Friday: Participants can pick up registration packets from 3-7 p.m. at 601 Main St. Plaza in Downtown Pine Bluff. Saturday: 7 a.m. Registration and packet pick up continues at 601 Main St. Plaza. Rest stops and rider support will be available.There will be no large group start. Riders can begin their ride as soon as they pick up their event packet. Route starts will be at the plaza.Also Saturday events will include: 10 a.m., Mayor’s Mile; 11 a.m., Kids Activities; noon, “BEST LOOKING BIKE” Contest. Details: www.TourDeBluff.com.
Saturday, Sept. 12
Tinkerfest set at arts center
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host its annual free Tinker-fest from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. This year’s activities will explore safety and care during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Learn to make hand sanitizer, no-sew face masks, and experiment with social distancing measures,” a spokesman said. Activities will be broken into 30-minute time slots, with a maximum of 10 visitors per time slot. Call ASC Visitor Relations Coordinator Matthew Howard at 870-536-3375 or visit asc701.org to register.
Through Saturday, Sept. 12
2020 Annual Pine Bluff Art League Exhibition open
The Arts & Science Center is hosting the 2020 Annual Pine Bluff Art League Exhibition.The exhibition will remain on display through Sept. 12. Details: asc701.org.
Sunday, Sept. 13
I-530 exit ramp to close for inspection
A routine inspection of the Interstate 530 overpass to Stuttgart (Exit
46) will require a temporary ramp closure from 6 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 13. Weather permitting, crews will close the off-ramp that takes traffic from I-530 eastbound to Stuttgart (Exit 46), according to an Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) news release. Traffic will be controlled by traffic cones and signage. Drivers should exercise caution when approaching and traveling through all highway work zones. Additional travel information can be found at IDriveArkansas.com or ARDOT.gov . Motorists can also follow the agency on Twitter @myARDOT.