Cane Creek Lake closed Feb. 10-12
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will close all access to Cane Creek Lake in Lincoln County Feb. 10-12 to complete nuisance animal removals.
Nutria, exotic mammals similar to muskrats and beavers, have grown to levels during the last few years that could cause issues with the lake infrastructure and aquatic habitat, according to a news release.
The northern portion of Cane Creek Lake is held by an earthen levee that is susceptible to burrowing animals. In addition to vegetation destruction, nutria burrow in such levees and dams which can compromise dam integrity.
Ryan Mozisek, regional fisheries supervisor in the AGFC’s Monticello Office, said the control effort will require discharge of firearms, so the lake must be closed for public safety concerns.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Trapping is not efficient enough to remove the number of nutria we need to take away from the flooded habitat of the lake in a timely manner,” Mozisek said. “We waited until waterfowl season was over to prevent displacing any hunters who may have used the lake.”
Mozisek said February is the best time to schedule the nutria removals because the vegetation has died back, making the animals easier to spot, and occurs at a time when fewer anglers will be displaced.
Cane Creek Lake is part of Cane Creek Lake State Park east of Star City and accessed by Cane Creek Road off U.S. 425.
While Cane Creek Lake is closed, anglers wanting to get out on the water should look to the recently renovated Lake Monticello. Crappie and black bass populations in the lake are doing very well following the renovation that concluded in November 2021. Anglers are urged to follow posted catch-and-release regulations while fishing at Lake Monticello.
Foundation takes scholarship forms
Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships for students in Jefferson County from Saturday through March 15.
These scholarships are for area students pursuing higher education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Last year, $59,205 in scholarships were awarded.
Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, according to a news release.
“Funding for these scholarships comes from families, businesses and individuals who want to support higher education and invest in our students,” said Lawrence Fikes, executive director of the foundation. “These donors determine the size and eligibility criteria for the scholarships they create, and we manage the scholarship process on their behalf.”
High school seniors from Pine Bluff and Jefferson County are eligible to apply. The scholarships were established for, but not limited to, students in the general areas of sports, history, library sciences, English, education, health care and hospital administration.
Some scholarships include:
The Robert P. Atkinson Leadership Scholarship is for a student pursuing a master’s level or above degree with an emphasis in administration within the health care field.
The Betty Abbott Scholarship and Pinchback Taylor Scholarship are available through Southeast Arkansas Technical College.
The William A. and Genevieve H. Strong Scholarship is available through the Math Department at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
To see the available scholarships and to begin the application process, students may visit www.arcf.org/scholarships. The deadline to apply is March 15. Details: Lawrence Fikes at pinebluffarea@arcf.org or (870) 850-7934.
1st Ward pantry, partners to feed staff
The First Ward Living Grace Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road, will provide free groceries and hot plate lunches to Jefferson County employees Monday from 12:30-3 p.m.
This initiative, made possible through collaboration with FWLGP, Arkansas Food Bank, Hands of Niche’ and Moma Linda, aims to offer much needed relief to county employees who have yet to receive their pay. It is a gesture of support for those facing hardship and a reminder that the community stands together in times of need.
“Our goal is to ensure that no one in our community has to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said Debra Allen, executive director of the pantry. “We are incredibly grateful to those who have joined us in making this possible, and we hope this small gesture brings comfort and support to Jefferson County employees during a difficult time.”
Details: (479) 301-1096 or https://firstwardpantry.wixsite.com/fwlgp.
Neighbor to Neighbor sets soup sale
Neighbor to Neighbor will hold its annual SOUPer Bowl soup sale from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St.
Soups are $10 and seafood chowders and others are $15 a quart. Soups are limited and first-come, first-served, so come early. All proceeds go to feeding the community through the agency’s food pantry and daily lunches.”So, come get your soup and get ready to enjoy the big game,” according to a news release.
See the order form on Neighbor to Neighbor’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/n2nJeffCo.
Pilgrim church to give away food
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will open its Raven’s Nest Food Pantry Feb. 8 from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away.
Food will be given away on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. The pantry is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and an equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
UAPB to host National Signing Day party
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football team will host a National Signing Day party on Feb. 5 from 6-8 p.m. at the UAPB STEM Building.
UAPB head coach Alonzo Hampton and his staff will reveal their 2025 signing class and discuss the future of Golden Lion football, according to a news release.
The event is free to the public and will feature food and drinks, giveaways and a meet and greet with the coaches. Information about season tickets will also be available. Fans are encouraged to wear black and gold.