PBPD enforcing distracted driving laws
The Pine Bluff Police Department has launched a high-visibility enforcement campaign in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to deter distracted driving.
Pine Bluff’s STEP (Selected Traffic Enforcement Program) team will work to enforce texting and distracted driving laws and remind drivers to “Put the Phone Away or Pay.” April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
“Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads, and most of this distraction can be attributed to cell phone use,” PBPD Public Information Officer DeShawn Bennett said. “People know using their phone while driving is dangerous and often illegal, but they do it anyway, and put themselves and others at risk. Drivers will see increased police efforts, as officers will be stopping and ticketing anyone who is caught texting and driving. If you text and drive, you will pay.”
First responder luncheon on April 17
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Emergency Ambulance Service Inc., Foster’s Towing and Midtown Auto & Tire present a luncheon for first responders April 17 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The luncheon will be held at 514 W. Fifth Ave. in Pine Bluff and includes free food, live music, a raffle and more.
Anyone with questions, who would like to participate or are interested in volunteering may contact Nyeshia Aldridge at (870) 53600734 or info@easimedics.com.
Food pantry presents Easter Egg Hunt
First Ward Living Grace Pantry has partnered with local organizations and businesses to create a citywide Easter Egg Hunt, scheduled for noon April 18.
The egg hunt will take place at 1201 Commerce Road in Pine Bluff. It will feature a variety of activities designed to entertain children of all ages, including fun games, delicious food and an egg hunt with prizes.
“This event is completely FREE, FREE, FREE!” a news release reads. “We encourage families to come out and enjoy a day of community spirit and celebration.”
The pantry has collaborated with Pine Bluff City Hall, Pine Bluff Police Department, Jefferson County sheriff’s office, Group Violence Intervention and other community partners.
Details: (479) 301-1096.
AGFC urges caution in remote areas
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is still assessing much of the damage from five days of rain and storms that dumped more than 2 feet of water in some portions of The Natural State. The AGFC asks hunters and anglers to exercise additional caution when driving to their favorite turkey hunting location or boat ramp this spring.
The AGFC’s Special Youth Turkey Hunt is Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13. The regular statewide turkey season begins Monday, April 21.
“We know there are still some roads underwater right now that will block access to some wildlife management areas, and we’re still receiving reports on county roads and roads within WMAs that have been washed out or otherwise compromised to vehicle traffic,” AGFC Operations Division Chief Mike Cantrell said. “All of our areas will remain open for turkey season and other access so that people can enjoy the outdoors and reengage with nature, but please be patient and observant as downed trees, washouts and other dangers may be present until our crews and various partner agencies have a chance to address them.”
Hughes retires at UAM
MONTICELLO — After 42 years of service in both public and higher education, Jay Hughes, vice chancellor for Student Engagement at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, will retire on June 30.
The university has announced Landon Grimes will fill the role, effective July 1. Grimes currently serves as the vice chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Engagement at UAM, a position he has held since March 2024.
As Hughes approaches retirement, he is celebrated for his lifelong commitment to education. A 1983 alumnus of UAM, he began his career as a history teacher and later served as principal of Monticello Middle School, among other positions. He started working at UAM in 2005, serving in many roles at the university, including dean of students, director of Housing, officer of Alumni and Development and multiple vice chancellor positions.
UAM Chancellor Peggy Doss celebrated Hughes and his wife, Laura Hughes, director of Counseling Services at UAM, who will also retire in June, for their contributions to the university.
As Hughes’ successor, Dr. Grimes will bring 16 years of combined experience in both public and higher education to his new role. His career began at Monticello Intermediate School as a fifth grade teacher before he became the training coordinator at the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at UAM. He would go on to teach seventh grade English and serve as assistant principal at Monticello Middle School and then spend five years as the junior high principal at Harmony Grove in Haskell, Arkansas. In 2021, he became the partnership coordinator for the UAM School of Education and later became the assistant dean of the school. Since March 2024, Dr. Grimes has served as the vice chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Engagement at UAM.
Grimes earned multiple degrees from UAM, including a Bachelor of Arts in English degree in 2008, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in 2009 and a Master of Educational Leadership degree in 2014. He also earned an Education Specialist degree from Arkansas State University in 2019 and a Doctorate of Education degree from Harding University in 2023.