Arsenal names Howard to new role
Amelio Howard, chief of the Customer Support Division, was named director of Pine Bluff Arsenal’s Directorate of Information Management.
Howard, a native of Winstonville, Miss., has been at the Arsenal 37 years. He replaces Amanda Kight who retired in December 2024, according to a news release.
A Pine Bluff resident, Howard is pastor of Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church where he has been a minister since 1993. He is married and has two adult children and four grandchildren.
“Mr. Howard brings a proven track record of knowledge, experience, leadership and interpersonal skills to the director position,” said Roch Byrne, the Arsenal’s Deputy to the Commander. “I look forward to working with him in his new leadership role. I think he will do an outstanding job.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Howard began his government civilian career in March 1989 as an intern with the U.S. Army Materiel Command. He has worked for the Arsenal’s DOIM his entire career, starting as a GS-7 computer specialist/computer system administrator. He helped the directorate install the first computer network on the installation.
Graduating in 1988 from Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Miss., Howard has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology (building construction).
He said he initially set out to become an OSHA inspector.
“I wanted a hands-on type of job, and the AMC intern coordinator said I had the potential to learn computers,” he said. “The job here at the Arsenal is what brought me to Arkansas and Pine Bluff, and I’ve been here ever since.”
Synergy grant applications available
Synergy Forum Inc. is accepting grant applications for their 2025 grant cycle. Registered non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. These include IRS 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, government agencies, and the hospital in Jefferson County, according to a news release.
Synergy grants fund projects for the benefit of residents in Jefferson County in the areas of the arts, education and social services.
Created in 1985, Synergy Forum is an independent organization of women in Jefferson County providing small grants ranging from $500 to $1,500. Synergy’s funding comes only from the dues and contributions paid by members. In 2024, Synergy awarded 11 grants totaling $15, 530.
Synergy grant applications should be requested by March 11 and completed and submitted by April 3. For grant applications and details, email Amy Hunt at synergyforumgrants@gmail.com.
Toys for Tots to provide books
The Toys for Tots Literacy Program will be providing free books to Title 1 schools in the area this year. Title 1 school officials interested in receiving books should send an email of inquiry to literacy@toysfortots.org. Then, applications will be sent at the beginning of March.
“The Toys for Tots Literacy Program not only brings the joy of reading to less fortunate children, but also serves as an important tool in breaking the cycle of poverty,” according to a news release. “We aim to help area youth compete academically and to succeed in life by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively. Yet, we need your help in order to make this happen. Please share your love of reading with others and help lay the tracks for area youth by jumping on the Toys for Tots train today.”
The literacy program will hold a book drive through March to collect new or like-new picture books, reading books, activity books, etc., for youth 0-18 years old.
The project is also seeking financial donations to help with this book drive and their Foster Care Initiative in May. Checks or money orders can be made out to Toys for Tots and sent to P.O. Box 199, Rison, AR 71665, or dropped off at the Cleveland County Herald Office or Rison United Methodist Church, or donate to the the local chapter online at https://pine-bluff-ar.toysfortots.org.
Art center cancels Bingo Night
The ARTx3 Campus cancelled Bingo Night: Fun, Prizes, and Good Times! that was scheduled Feb. 28, at The ARTSpace on Main, according to a news release. Details: (870) 536-3375.