Pantry holds inaugural Feed the Homeless
The First Ward Living Grace Pantry will hold its inaugural Feed the Homeless program today at 2 p.m. at the old Family Dollar parking lot, 1169 W. 16th Ave.
“In a collaborative effort to combat food insecurity in our community, Executive Director Deborah Allen of the FWLGP has partnered with Pastor James Rice Jr. of Greater Battle Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Together, they aim to provide nutritious meals and essential resources to those experiencing homelessness in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County,” according to a news release.
The Feed the Homeless program is a testament to the commitment of both organizations, according to the release.
“We are dedicated to fighting food insecurity and ensuring that no one goes hungry,” said Allen. “This partnership with Pastor Rice and his congregation allows us to extend our reach and make a meaningful impact in our community.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Mae Washington, board member of the FWLGP and spokesperson for this initiative, emphasized the importance of community involvement.
“We invite everyone in Pine Bluff to join us in this effort,” Washington said. “Whether through volunteering or donating food items, every contribution helps us serve those in need.”
The event will feature free meals for attendees as well as information about additional resources available for individuals facing food insecurity. Community members are encouraged to spread the word and participate. Details: Mae Washington at (870) 489-2376.
Area Agency collecting blankets
The Area Agency of Southeast Arkansas began its annual Share the Warmth Blanket Drive in Jefferson County on Friday. The blanket collections will continue until Jan. 4.
The purpose of the drive is collect and donate blankets to individuals who are elderly, disabled or sick and shut-in to keep them warm this winter, according to a news release. Details: Carolyn Ferguson, (870) 543-6309, or Pauline Jones, (870 543-6313, at Area Agency.
Entergy advises safe holiday lighting
Entergy Arkansas encourages customers to keep safety top of mind this holiday season.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated average of 835 home structure fires per year caused by decorations, excluding trees. These incidents result in an annual average of three civilian fire deaths, 30 civilian fire injuries and $14 million in direct property damage. Nearly 20% of these decoration-related fires are caused by lamps or bulbs, while candles account for 11%.
To help keep the holiday season safe and joyful, Entergy Arkansas encourages customers to keep the following tips in mind when decorating:
INDOOR LIGHTING:
Position your tree safely: Place a live tree in a stand with water and keep it away from heat sources like fireplaces. Check the water daily to prevent your tree from drying out.
Inspect lights carefully: Discard any strands with frayed cords or cracked bulbs to avoid shock hazards.
Choose energy-efficient LED lights: Cool-burning LED lights help you save on energy costs and stay safe.
Avoid flammable decorations: Don’t use candles on or near the tree and choose nonflammable decor.
Turn off lights when unattended: Always switch off lights when leaving the room or going to bed.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING:
Use outdoor-rated lights only: These lights are made to withstand weather conditions and keep your home safe.
Plug into GFCI outlets: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlets provide added protection from electrical shocks.
Choose UL-listed lights: UL labels ensure that your lights are tested for outdoor safety.
Keep connections dry: Use rubber gaskets to keep water out of sockets and keep lights off the ground by hanging them on stakes.
Switch off outdoor lights when away: Save energy and enhance safety by turning off outdoor lighting when you’re not home or are going to sleep.
For more tips on how to practice lighting and decoration safety during the holiday season, visit the National Fire Protection Association website at https://www.nfpa.org/
Action suspends business reporting rule
The deadline for millions of businesses across the country to report ownership information under the Corporate Transparency Act, or CTA — just weeks away — has been suspended.
The pause comes as the result of a court injunction issued Dec. 3, less than a month before a major CTA reporting deadline.
Established to combat financial crimes such as money laundering, the CTA was originally enacted in 2021 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Under the law, most corporations, limited liability companies, or LLCs, and similar entities are required to disclose their “beneficial owners” — individuals who own or control at least 25 percent of the business or exercise significant decision-making authority.
For businesses that existed before Jan. 1, 2024, the clock started ticking for submitting the required information with a deadline of Jan. 1, 2025, according to a news release from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant in the case Texas Top Cop Shop Inc. v. Garland determined that the “CTA is likely unconstitutional as outside of Congress’s power. Because the Reporting Rule implements the CTA, it is likely unconstitutional for the same reasons.”
The ruling was not a final determination of the case itself, but was in response to a request for a preliminary injunction, where the court considered whether the plaintiffs demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of their claims. The government may choose to appeal, although no statements have yet been made in response to the ruling. In the meantime, the injunction is in place nationwide.
The NALC is a unit of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.