Sheriff’s office reports phone scams
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office issued a public warning about recent phone scams from people claiming to be from the sheriff’s office.
The caller claims the person has a warrant for their arrest or did not show up for a court date.
Recently, citizens were being called by someone claiming to be Lt. Williams with the JCSO and that the person had missed being a witness in Judge Kim Bridgforth’s court.
Other callers claim to be Deputy Johnson stating that there is a warrant for arrest of the person.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“We want the public to know that at no time will the JCSO call regarding missing a court date, missing jury duty, or being a witness,” according to a JCSO news release. “Neither will the sheriff’s office call any citizen about a warrant of arrest or a fine’s to be paid.”
“It is the sole purpose of these phone calls to get money from those they are contacting. These persons may threaten that you will be arrested but it is to strike fear in the person and get them to pay the amount they are asking for.
“If you should receive such a call, do not give them any personal information. Do not give them any credit card or bank account numbers or comply with getting any type of gift or prepaid cards,” according to the release.
Residents can report such scams to the JCSO’s Criminal Investigation Division at (870) 541-5496. Report any phone numbers that show up on your phone when the scammer called.
“We are thankful for those citizens calling and reporting these scams and our hopes are that no one will fall victim to them,” according to the release.
LR event to honor victims
A candlelight service for loved ones lost to violent crimes will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at The Mercy Church in Little Rock.
Speakers include Jarvis Carrigan, crisis care coordinator/law enforcement co-responder with Arisa Health and the Conway Police Department; Christopher Harvey, senior advisor for Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr..
Candles will be provided if you do not have one to bring. Details: Flossie Lee at (501) 353-7673.
DAV sets Virtual Career Fair
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the Central Region Veterans Career Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 29. The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve.
More than 35 employers will be on-site. In addition to employment assistance, the veterans can utilize career counseling and resume assistance, network with fellow veterans and military personnel, and get support with their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and claims assistance — all at no cost. To register for the career fair and access free resources, visit jobs.dav.org.
Russ foundation sets Mayfest
The Carnell Russ Foundation’s annual Mayfest celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 3 at the Carnell Russ Vision Center in Star City. The community is invited to attend.
The foundation will honor its 2025 high school book scholarship recipients and host a financial management workshop by Orville Abrams, a certified public accountant.
Scholarship winners are chosen based on academics, community involvement, and character. Applicants are required to submit their topic based essays on how unity will impact their chosen professions, according to a news release.
“The scholarship program is an esteemed initiative through which the foundation continues to move communities forward in unity,” said Barbara Wilborn, chair of the foundation scholarship committee and board chair.
The foundation has awarded scholarships in Lincoln, Drew, Bradley and Desha counties for the last five years.
“The workshop will cover Social Security benefits, retirement changes, investment strategies, and other financial topics,” said Lea Russ-Glenns, Carnell Russ Foundation executive director. “We welcome public attendance for this event.”
Drug Take Back Day Saturday
The first of two National Prescription Drug Take Back Days led by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 2025 is on Saturday.
Residents can use these do’s and don’ts to help prepare to participate in local, statewide and national take-back events, according to a news release from QualChoice health insurance.
DO YOUR PART TO HELP REDUCE DRUG ABUSE.
DEA reports that prescription drug and opioid addiction is a growing problem across the U.S. Removing unused medicines from your home and returning them at a collection site can help prevent this problem. Prescription drug abuse can cause medical emergencies and deadly overdoses, so it is critical to limit access to these medications.
DON’T LET A POISONING ACCIDENT HAPPEN.
Poisonings from prescription and over-the-counter medicines are on the rise, and it is essential to dispose of them properly. Be sure to find a drug take-back site and dispose of them properly to prevent any accidental poisonings.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT.
According to recent studies, medicines that are not on the FDA’s flush list can contaminate lakes and streams, which is harmful for fish and other wildlife, and also end up in drinking water when flushed down the drain. Many drug collection organizations incinerate unused medicines.
DON’T TAKE BACK UNAPPROVED ITEMS.
Make sure you only return unused items that are approved by DEA. Prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, pet medicines, medicated ointments or lotions and medicine samples are safe to return at a collection site. Items you should not take include needles or syringes, thermometers, aerosol cans, empty containers, infectious or business waste and other non-medicine-related items.
Visit dea.gov/takebackday or artakeback.org to find collection sites in Arkansas and more details.