Mental health event set
The community is invited to attend the third annual Mental Health Wellness Suicide Prevention Summit from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14 at Southeast Arkansas College in the McGeorge Building, 1900 S. Hazel St.
The summit is hosted by the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project (DSOP). This summit is free to attend.
“Join the DSOP for an important summit focused on mental health wellness and suicide prevention, tailored for mental health professionals, emergency responders and first responders,” according to StuffinTheBluff.com.
Key experts in the fields of mental health wellness and suicide prevention will make presentations. The industry professionals, targeted age groups and topics include:
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Rugenia Hunt (Ages 8-12); “What is Mental Illness and How Do You Handle Stress?”
Jannie Cotton (Ages 13-30); “Trauma Informed Care”
Dr. Stephen Broughton (Ages 31 and up); “Stigma, Anxiety, Depression and our Toolbox”
Bessie Lancelin (Ages 31 and up); “Stigma, Anxiety, Depression and our Toolbox.”
Lunch will be provided. Registration is required.
“Remember, mental illness is treatable, and with the right support, you can live a fulfilling life and pursue your dreams,” said Kymara H. Seals, DSOP’s founder and chair of the board. “If you’re struggling, you don’t have to suffer alone — help is available. Join us at the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project as we work to spread love, empathy, and awareness, and to honor the memory of our beloved D’Andre, who will always be in our hearts.”
Register for the summit at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-health-wellness-suicide-prevention-summit-tickets-1368820602269?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Follow the D’Andre Seals Prevention Outreach Project on social media.
Generator sets free youth camp
The Generator, 435 S. Main St., will hold a free Inventioneer Summer Camp for youth June 16 through July 11 from 12:30-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
“Inventioneer Camp is a free, hands-on experience for youth ages 11-17, focused on engineering graphics using CAD and designing imaginative inventions in a fun, team-based environment,” according to the flier.
Participants can learn engineering graphics, have a summer invention challenge, as well as build confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Free lunch will be provided, according to the flier.
The camp is free but spaces are limited. To register, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4Z8Sg9uNLELke_R3H893OdKYNo1XJnKT6vDeIjMv5K880-w/viewform. Details: (870) 663-0200.
Melbourne burger named best
The Arkansas Beef Council announced that the winner of the second Annual Arkansas’s Best Burger Contest is the Big Daddy Burger from Johnson’s Country Cookin’ in Melbourne.
The five Bubba Burger at Momma’s Diner in Pine Bluff was among the top five finalists.
This statewide competition celebrates Arkansas restaurants and their commitment to using 100% beef in crafting their burgers, according to a news release.
The Big Daddy Burger features three half-pound beef patties stacked with triple bacon, triple cheese and a choice of toppings, all served on a toasted brioche bun.
Details: arkansasbeef.org/.
Ag department accepts grant proposals
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) through June 20.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), this program is designed to enhance the competitiveness of Arkansas’s specialty crop industry. Specialty crops are defined by USDA as fruits, vegetables, horticulture, floriculture and tree nuts.
Proposals for funding may be submitted by universities, institutions, cooperatives, producers, industry, community-based organizations and individuals with projects that potentially affect and produce measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution or individual.
Access the 2025 application, Request for Applications, and additional details on the Department’s website at https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/grants/.
The department will accept project proposals that request a minimum of $20,000. Projects to be included in Arkansas’s state plan will be selected by a review committee. For more information, contact Amy Lyman at amy.lyman@agriculture.arkansas.gov.
Westerman offices open
Fourth District Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) announced casework-specific office hours have been set for district office locations in June. Staff will be able to assist with issues for constituents addressing Veterans’ Affairs, Social Security, Medicare, IRS, USCIS and passports, according to a news release.
For casework specifically related to Veterans’ Affairs, the following dates and locations are available:
Pine Bluff
211 W. Third Ave. Suite 245, Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 12;
Russellville
500 W. Main St. Suite 110, Russellville, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 5;
Texarkana
Miller County Courthouse: 400 Laurel St., Texarkana, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 26.
For casework specifically related to Social Security, Medicare, IRS, USCIS and passports, the following dates and locations are available:
Russellville
500 W. Main St. Suite 110, Russellville, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 3;
Hot Springs
101 Reserve St. Suite 200, Hot Springs, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 10;
Texarkana
Miller County Courthouse: 400 Laurel St., Texarkana, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 24.