Free seminar on taxes set
Every year, families lose homes to unpaid taxes. Residents are invited to a free seminar to learn how to stop it from happening to them.
This event, which is entitled “Who’s Paying Big Mama’s Taxes,” will take place on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave.
Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. The seminar starts at noon. The seminar host is Makeisha Davis, a Realtor®, certified short sale/foreclosure specialist and tax deed mentor®, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
Topics include Arkansas Tax Deed Process, Transferring Heir Property, Reduce Tax Liability, Claim Funds to Properties Sold, Family Says NO — What’s Next? Health is Wealth — How Are YOU?
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“While the auction process is statutory, with recent economic changes, it’s more important for property owners, especially those with a primary residence, to understand their options. In 2023, the state became a nonredemption state, so there’s no longer a second chance. The cost of buying a home has nearly quadrupled over the past two years. So, if someone owns a home, then now more than ever, they need to strive to maintain it,” she said.
To register for this seminar, visit https://bigmamataxes.com/. For more information, call (501) 436-2590.
The seminar is being presented in partnership with Canvas Seven Foundation and United Way of Southeast Arkansas.
Caregivers meeting set
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will conduct its Caregivers Alzheimer’s Support Group Meeting from 11 a.m. to noon July 21. The speaker will be Carolyn Ferguson, Area Agency’s officer of community services, who will discuss the agency’s services, according to a news release.
To join the Teams Meeting virtually, use Meeting ID: 247 182 956 690 3 and Passcode: 6s3JA9Yy or call +1 312-625-2266,,477837334# Details: Carolyn Ferguson, (870) 543-6309.
Area school gets AGFC honor
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recognized 13 schools with the designation of “Schools of Conservation Leadership” at Thursday’s commission meeting in Little Rock.
Locally, the list included DeWitt Elementary School, according to a news release. To earn this designation, each school had to participate in a variety of conservation-based activities and curricula.
UAM Club earns $30,000 grant
The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Investment Club has received a $30,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to support the new Student-Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), an initiative launching this fall that will provide club members with real-world experience in investing in financial markets, conducting financial analyses and managing a live portfolio.
The SMIF will be managed by a select group of UAM Investment Club members under the guidance of faculty advisors. The group will be responsible for researching companies, analyzing market trends and executing investments using the $30,000 fund, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in a practical context with real financial stakes, according to a news release.
“Providing students with the opportunity to manage real investments not only builds financial acumen but also instills confidence and critical thinking skills that will serve them for life,” said Kevin Stephenson, trustee of the Knight Foundation. “We’re proud to support a program that turns classroom lessons into meaningful, hands-on learning.”
The Knight Foundation, a nonprofit organization known for its focus on journalism, media and fostering informed and engaged communities, awarded the grant as part of its broader mission to support civic engagement and economic opportunity. By helping students at UAM gain hands-on experience in managing real investments, the foundation aims to strengthen financial literacy and decision-making among future leaders in southeast Arkansas.
“Our goal is to give students meaningful, applied learning experiences that prepare them for careers in finance, business and beyond,” said Becky Phillips, associate professor of accounting at UAM and faculty co-advisor of the UAM Investment Club. “This fund will allow them to make real decisions with real money and learn powerful lessons in responsibility, strategy and financial stewardship.”
Shanna Knowles is assistant professor of business at UAM and faculty co-adviser of the UAM Investment Club.
“We deeply appreciate Knight Foundation’s support in bringing their purpose and vision of developing well-informed citizens to life for UAM students,” Knowles said. “Their contribution promotes financial sustainability and long-term success within our campus and community.”
Scott Saffold, executive vice president for Union Bank & Trust in Monticello and chairman of the University of Arkansas Foundation Inc., applauded the efforts.
“We’re grateful to Knight Foundation for its $30,000 gift in support of UAM’s new Student Managed Investment Fund. This continued investment in UAM’s students helps turn classroom learning into real-world experience,” said Saffold, who also serves on the UAM Board of Visitors and volunteers with the UAM Investment Club.
UAM Chancellor Peggy Doss thanked the foundation as well.
“We are deeply grateful to the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation for their generous support of the Student-Managed Investment Fund at UAM and their belief in the potential of our students,” Doss said.
“The foundation’s investment directly supports the important work our faculty and students are engaging in to connect academic knowledge with hands-on experience. This gift will have a lasting impact, providing our students the opportunity to develop financial literacy that will benefit them far beyond the classroom and contribute to the future economic success of our region.”