Schools, courthouse announce closures
The Pine Bluff, Watson Chapel and White Hall school districts have announced their offices and campuses will be closed Thursday and Friday due to the upcoming winter weather event.
All activities and athletic events are canceled or postponed and, if necessary, will be rescheduled at a later date.
“The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority,” the PBSD said in a statement.
The WCSD said further information on a possible school opening for Monday will be forthcoming this weekend.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Stay safe!” the WCSD said.
Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson also announced the courthouse will close at noon Thursday and remain closed Friday. The courthouse will resume normal hours of business operations Monday.
City opens warming center
The city of Pine Bluff opened a warming center at the Opportunity House (old First Ward School), 1305 E. Sixth Ave. The center will operate from 6:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily until further notice.
The center opened in partnership with DePaul USA, according to a news release.
“No one in Pine Bluff should endure the dangers of extreme cold weather,” Mayor Vivian Flowers said. “This warming center represents our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every resident has a safe place to turn during challenging times.”
The warming center will offer:
A heated, secure indoor space;
Sleeping accommodations available on a first-come, first-serve basis;
Essential amenities.
The city is seeking support from community organizations, faith-based groups, and volunteers. Contributions such as blankets, warm clothing, and non-perishable food items are needed and can be delivered to the Opportunity House. For details or to volunteer, contact the mayor’s office at (870) 730-2000 or email mproctor@cityofpinebluff-ar.gov.
Dates changed for SEARK games
Southeast Arkansas College has rescheduled its basketball games with Southern Arkansas University Tech due to the weather event expected to begin Thursday.
SEARK’s teams will travel to SAU Tech in Camden on Jan. 25, with the women’s game at 3 p.m. and men’s game at 5 p.m. SAU Tech will visit SEARK at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s H.O. Clemmons Arena on Feb. 10 for games at 5:30 and 7 p.m.
Arts events rescheduled
The ARTx3 Campus has rescheduled several events because of the wintry weather forecast, according to a spokesman.
GOLDEN HOUR: AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES — originally scheduled Friday was moved to Jan. 24 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. This free event is for ages 50 and older. Patrons can register here.
SECOND SATURDAY FAMILY FUNDAY — originally scheduled for Saturday was moved to Jan. 18. The community is invited to the Chromagraphy, Bubble Rainbow Foam event from 1-3 p.m. at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Using their hands, participants will mix foam in various hues and explore the world with sight, touch and scent.
MS. MADKIN’S LITERACY CLASS — originally scheduled Saturday was moved to Jan. 18. Ages 3-6 are invited to Come Read, Sing, Dance, and Play with Me! with Melanie Madkin from noon to 1 p.m. at the Arts and Science Center. “Madkin, of Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Program, aims to foster a love of the wonderful world of literacy in a quiet and nurturing environment with this monthly event,” according to the release. Patrons can register here. Details: (870) 536-3375.
Local on Missouri Dean’s list
State Technical College in Linn, Mo., recently named Avery Moore of White Hall to its Dean’s List for the fall of 2024. To be placed on the Dean’s List, a full-time student must earn a semester grade point average between 3.5 and 4.0 on a 4-point scale, according to a news release.
VA sets virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold a virtual claims clinic for Arkansas veterans from 4-6 p.m. Jan. 23. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. Jan. 22, according to a news release.
Veterans may speak one-on-one to staff of the Little Rock VA Regional Office regarding their claims for VA benefits. Staff will also answer questions about PACT Act benefits, existing VA benefits claims and assist with filing new claims. Details: http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ or call 800-827-1000.
UAPB to audition for ‘The Color Purple’
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will present “The Color Purple, The Musical” in partnership with the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas.
Auditions are set from 4-7 p.m. Jan. 13-17 in Dawson-Hicks Hall, room 312, at UAPB. The production is scheduled for April 9-13, according to a news release.
UAPB invites participation from UAPB students, faculty, staff, the community and surrounding areas to audition.
UAPB Theatre Instructor Taijee Bunch will direct the production alongside co-director Michelle Young-Hobbs.
“We encourage all interested participants to showcase their talent by performing a brief snippet of a gospel song,” according to the release. “Alternatively, those who wish to prepare a piece from the musical itself are more than welcome. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, auditions may extend beyond the initial week as needed.”
“Join us in fostering a vibrant artistic culture at UAPB and participate in this incredible theatrical experience,” according to the release.
For details about the audition process or more information about UAPB’s theatre program, email buncht@uapb.edu.