Editor’s Note: At press time, the following events and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com or use our newsroom email pbcnews@adgnewsroom.com to make additions or changes.
Underway
County under burn ban
Due to the current weather conditions, Jefferson County has been placed under a burn ban, according to a news release from County Judge Gerald Robinson. The wildfire danger has increased to a high level. It is with this in mind that a burn ban has been instated for all of Jefferson County including the cities of Pine Bluff, White Hall, Humphrey, Sherrill, Altheimer, Wabbaseka, and Redfield. This burn ban is in effect immediately and will continue until further notice.
Monday, Aug. 18
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
UAPB to host faculty, staff seminar
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will host its annual Fall 2025 Faculty and Staff Seminar at 8:30 a.m. Monday beginning with registration at 7:30 a.m. in the Kenneth L. Johnson Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Complex. The seminar will kick off with a welcome and opening remarks and conclude at 2:30 p.m., according to a news release. Highlights include a State of the University Keynote Address by UAPB Chancellor Anthony Graham, Ph.D., and a UAPB Executive Cabinet Roundtable featuring a future-focused conversation about the university’s strategic priorities. A luncheon program will include an introduction of new employees as well as recognition of tenured, promoted, and retired employees.
Caregivers support group to meet
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will host the Caregivers Alzheimer’s Support Group Meeting virtually from 11 a.m. to noon Monday. The presenter will be Tongia Gaston, customer services/account manager for Entergy, who will discuss Entergy bills and Entergy’s Tool Kit, according to a news release. To join the virtual meeting, use meeting ID: 261 753 660 379 and passcode: 6TQ7uf3H. To dial in by phone: call +1 312-625-2266,,133399809# and phone conference ID: 133 399 809# . Details: Call Carolyn Ferguson at Area Agency, (870) 543-6309.
City Wide Mission to meet
City Wide Mission will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 18 at Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, 3201 W. Second Ave. The guest speaker will be Donna Laws, first lady of Union Missionary Baptist Church in Altheimer, according to a news release.
Tuesday, Aug. 19
Civic panel to meet
The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission in-person meeting will be held on Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. For participants unable to attend, they may join the conference call by dialing (978) 990-5002 with access code: 7020010, according to a news release.
Harvesting Hope sets event
The community is invited to attend the Drew County Harvesting Hope Town Hall from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 19 at 311 S. Pine St. in Monticello. Harvesting Hope is a statewide initiative led by Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association (ACAAA), working to combat food and nutrition insecurity across Arkansas. This town hall will offer an opportunity to hear from community leaders, engage in dialogue, and learn how to create healthier and more resilient communities, according to a news release.
Third Ward group to meet
The Third Ward Community Watch Meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W. 28th Ave. The speaker will be a representative of ArchWell Health. The entire community is invited to attend, according to a news release. Evelyn Bass is the president of the group.
JRMC to hold blood drive
The Jefferson Regional Medical Center Blood Drive will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 19 in the Henslee Conference Center, sections J & R. Walk-ins are welcome. Donors will get a limited edition Hometown Showdown T-shirt and trucker hat. Participants may also win a grand prize tailgate package, according to a flier. Details: Our Blood Institute, 877-340-8777 or obi.org.
Wednesday, Aug. 20
UAPB continues new student orientation
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will continue new student orientation (NSO) sessions to welcome the fall 2025 class. The sessions include lunch and optional tours. All activities will take place in Henderson-Young Hall, according to a news release. The NSO sessions will include Aug. 20 (during Welcome Week). Each NSO date will include a Meet the Campus Team and Meet Your Academic Advisor session, covering what to expect, new student basics, and class schedules, as well as a Q&A session with campus administrators. Basic Academic Services will advise students with fewer than 30 college credit hours. Students with 30 or more credit hours will be advised by their academic department/major advisor. NSO is mandatory for all new and transfer students. Students must be fully admitted to register for the orientation. To register, visit UAPB.edu or call the admission office, (870) 575-8492. For details, email rigginsc@uapb.edu or call (870) 575-8732.
The Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Fridays. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesdays. Pastors, ministers or others interested in writing for the Devotional Page may also submit columns for consideration. Column writers should have connections to southeast Arkansas. Articles are accepted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Through Wednesday, Aug. 20
Consolidated St. Marion session set
Mt. Harmony Missionary Baptist Church, 812 E. Harding Ave., will host the Consolidated St. Marion Baptist District Association’s 157th Annual Congress of Christian Education. Events include Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Young People’s Auxiliary Classes and Activities; Sunday: 6 p.m. Official Opening/Women’s Auxiliary President’s Address; Monday – Wednesday Classes 5:30-7:15 p.m.; Monday: 7:15 p.m. Minister Missionary Team Reports/Laymen’s Auxiliary President’s Address; Tuesday: 7:15 p.m. District Dean Report/President of Congress Christian Education Address; Wednesday: 7: 15 p.m. Parent Body: Moderator’s Address. Class courses and registration are available at https://www.consolidatedstmarion.com . Onsite registration ends 30 minutes before each class.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Women’s group sets luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The special feature will be Rusty Parker of Redfield, the music director of Family Church in White Hall, according to a news release. The speaker will be Chris Dexter, an actress of Branson, Mo., discussing “The Dramatic Art of Falling Forward.”
Friday, Aug. 22
Suicide prevention event set for churches
The D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project (DSOP) will host Soul Shop for Black Churches from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Pine Bluff Public Library, 600 S. Main St. Participants will learn how to talk about suicide from a faith perspective. Admission is free. Workshop materials and lunch will be provided. “Soul Shop for Black Churches is specifically designed for pastors, church staff, faith-based clinicians and other lay leaders in Black and African American churches,” according to StuffinTheBluff.com. Register for this workshop at Eventbrite.com. For details, email Kymara Seals, DSOP founder and chair of the board, at DSOutReachProject@gmail.com.
Beginning Saturday, Aug. 23
St. John hosts Men’s Day weekend
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will present its annual Men’s Day Worship and Praise Services weekend. On Aug. 23, from 8-10 a.m. the men of St. John will host their annual prayer breakfast. Dr. Clifford Flowers is the chairman. On Aug. 24, Men’s Day will begin at 9:45 a.m. with regular worship and praise service featuring Xavier Wynn as the speaker. Church School will follow at noon. On Aug. 24 at 3 p.m. the annual Men’s Day Worship and Praise Celebration will feature the Rev. Roderick Dwayne Belin, president and publisher of the AME Sunday School Union, as its guest speaker. The Rev. Silvester S. Beaman, bishop of the 12th District of the AME Church, will introduce the speaker, according to a news release.
Sunday, Aug. 24
Kings Highway observes anniversary
Kings Highway Missionary Baptist Church, 2312 Fluker Ave., will celebrate its 104th Anniversary at 10:45 a.m. Aug. 24.. The Rev. Donnell McTyer of Kings Highway will deliver the message. The theme will be “104 years of being faithful to the mission and committed to the call.” (Matt. 28:19-20.) Everyone is invited to attend.
Thursday, Aug. 28
VA sets virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold a virtual claims clinic for Arkansas veterans from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 28. To reserve a time slot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. Aug. 27, according to a news release. Veterans may speak one-on-one to staff of the Little Rock VA Regional Office regarding their claims for VA benefits. Staff will answer questions about existing VA benefits claims and assist with filing new claims. Details: http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ or call 800-827-1000.
Chamber plans Junior Leadership event
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber will present Junior Leadership Conference 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff STEM Conference Center, 1500 L.A. Prexy Davis Drive. The opening keynote speaker will be Ryan Houston, a Pine Bluff native and morning news anchor at KATV Channel 7, according to the Chamber newsletter. There will be Level Up sessions, empowering students with personal, financial, and professional skills; professional development fashion showcase; and college, career and an entrepreneurship panel. Lunch will be provided. For details or to register, contact Jamal Gordon at (870) 535-0110 or jamal@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Friday, Aug. 29
Hot Springs college, UAM plan degree
National Park College (NPC) and the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) will announce the addition of a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems degree to their partnership. The presentation will be made Aug. 29 at 10:30 a.m. in the Student Commons at NPC. Leaders from NPC and UAM will speak. The event is free and open to the public, according to a news release.
First Ward Pantry sets event
First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road, will host a Labor Day celebration from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 29. There will be free food, music and activities. The community is invited to attend. Also, the Grassroots Revival Real Clean Team of Benton will offer free showers for homeless residents, according to a flier.
Alumni offer scholarships
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County UAPB/AM&N Alumni Chapter is offering scholarships. The deadline to apply is Aug. 29. The chapter will hold its 2025 scholarship gala at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Proceeds will go to the scholarship fund, according to a news release. The scholarships are available only to students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50. Eight scholarships of $1,000 per award will be presented. Submit your application to walkert@uapb.edu or deliver in person to: Dr. Tanya S. Walker, Scholarship Chairperson, UAPB – Corbin Hall Office 100. Details: Tanya Walker, (870) 575-8718; Chapter President Mary Liddell, (870) 643-2383.
Through Friday, Aug. 29
Registration open for fair judging school
The Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Council will be hosting a Fair Judging School from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Office, 500 S. Idaho St. The cost will be $20, payable at the door, and includes a fair judging manual and lunch. The school is open to all extension homemakers, according to a news release. Those interested in attending should register by calling Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County Extension Family & Consumer Sciences agent, at (870) 534-1033 or by email to mkizer@uada.edu to register by Aug. 29.
Sunday, Aug. 31
Kings Highway installs new pastor
Kings Highway Missionary Baptist Church, 2312 Fluker St., will hold its pastoral installation for the Rev. Donnell McTyer at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 31. The Rev. Phillip L. Pointer, pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, will be the featured speaker. The Rev. Orienthal J. Newburn Sr., pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Beloit, Wis., will be the guest speaker at the 10:45 a.m. worship service.
Through Friday, Sept. 5
NAACP seeks nominees for awards
The Pine Bluff Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is seeking 2025 nominations for the NAACP awards. The awards will be presented at the annual Dove Freedom Fund Banquet at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The deadline to submit nominations is Sept. 5, according to a news release. Nomination forms and details are available by calling Awards Chairman, Yvonne Denton at (870) 550-4247 or by emailing her at dentonym_tpe@yahoo.com. The Pine Bluff Branch NAACP president is Ivan Whitfield.
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 6
Blues by Budweiser concerts set
The 2025 Blues by Budweiser concert series will be held at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and concerts begin at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. There is a $5 cover charge for non-members, according to a news release. The line-up includes: Sept. 6 — Big Al & The Heavy Weights; Oct. 4 — Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 1 — Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain.
Sunday, Sept. 7
Gould church observes anniversary
Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Gould will celebrate its 109th Anniversary along with Friends and Family Day at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 7. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Donald Manning, pastor of Thomas Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Gould, along with his congregation. Everyone is welcome to attend this celebration. The Rev. Phillip Puckett is the pastor of Mt. Moriah.
Through Wednesday, Sept. 10
UAPB Season Ticket Challenge set
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff announced the Alumni Season Ticket Challenge, an initiative inviting UAPB alumni chapters nationwide to rally behind Golden Lion Athletics through friendly competition and support. This challenge — anchored in the theme “Stand Up. Show Out. Give Back.”– aims to strengthen alumni engagement while generating new revenue for UAPB Athletics, according to a news releasde from the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association. The alumni chapter that purchases the most general admission season ticket packages by Sept. 10 will receive 10 VIP Passes to the Athletic Director’s Touchdown Tent during Homecoming — complete with complimentary food, drinks, and exclusive sideline access. Chapters must purchase a minimum of 15 season ticket packages during the campaign period. Purchase a general admission season ticket package at the Alumni Season Ticket Challenge Link. Details: Quenton Moore at mooreq@uapb.edu or follow the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association on social media.
Friday, Sept. 12
UAPB alumni plan scholarship gala
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County UAPB/AM&N Alumni Chapter’s 2025 Scholarship Gala will be held Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The center has a clear bag policy, according to the news release. The theme of the gala is Journey of Knowledge: Empowering Minds, Igniting Futures. This event will recognize some outstanding community partners while the proceeds will reward some deserving University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff students (including 2025 graduates of Jefferson County high schools), according to a news release. Tickets are $40 per person or $400 per table. Contact the following for tickets, to submit print ready ads for the souvenir booklet, payments and donations: Shannon Hendrix (870) 718-3472 or (870) 692-3099. Checks are payable to PBJC UAPB AM&N Alumni Chapter, P.O. Box 9288, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. All monies for tickets and ads are due by Aug. 15.
Thursday, Sept. 18
Chamber plans Taste of SEA
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will present the Taste of Southeast Arkansas on Sept. 18 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The cocktail hour starts at 5:30 p.m. and tasting begins at 6:30 p.m., according to the Chamber newsletter. The event will include an open bar, dishes to taste, and live entertainment by Rodney Block Collective. The attire is Western cocktail. Tickets are $55 for Chamber members, $65 for non-members, and $500 for reserved tables. Details: The Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
Friday, Sept. 19
Denim, Diamonds event set
Denim, Diamonds, Boots & Bling, an evening under the stars, will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at Saracen Landing. This event will benefit the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Admission is $40 per person. Tickets went on sale Aug. 1. Details: https://www.thedsop.org/ or follow the D’Andre Seals Prevention Outreach Project on Social Media.
Saturday, Sept. 20
3 On 3 Basketball event set
A 3 On 3 Basketball Tournament is set for Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, 3319 S. Ohio St. The deadline to register is Sept. 17. Boys ages 12 to 17 are eligible to participate. The team size is four players, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The tournament is presented by Jefferson-Lincoln County Circuit Court, 6th Division, where Judge Earnest E. Brown Jr. is presiding. Sponsors include Pine Bluff Group Violence Intervention, Pine Bluff Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Hurricane HYPE (Helping Young People Excel) Center, New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church and Simmons Bank. Register for 3 On 3 Basketball Tournament at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWu1K2qe4ZSlzbHyP1TbiVvnkEPJ3FDZIyguP8HnUBDOtpBQ/viewform. Details: Tim Barnett at (870) 718-8968.
Through Tuesday, Sept. 30
Wildfire suppression kits available
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for wildland fire suppression kits through Sept. 30. Through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service, the department plans to distribute 75 wildland fire suppression kits to rural volunteer fire departments across the state this year. Since 2014, more than 830 kits have been provided to enhance local wildfire response capabilities, according to a news release. Applications can be submitted at https://www.cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/_2025ApplicationForWildlandFireSuppressionKit. Details: Kathryn Mahan-Hooten at kathryn.mahan@agriculture.arkansas.gov.
Wednesday, Oct. 1
UAPB plans Career Summit
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Fall 2025 Career Summit is scheduled for Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the H.O. Clemmons Arena of the Kenneth L. Johnson Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Complex. The event will feature 46 organizations representing business/industry, government agencies, graduate/professional schools, and school districts, the UAPB Office of Career Services said in a news release. The summit is open to all students currently enrolled at the UAPB and for alumni, according to the release. UAPB Career Services office encourages all attendees to bring copies of a well-prepared resume. While professional dress is preferred, it is not required. Participants are asked to not wear jeans, sweats, or mini-skirts. Details: Shirley Hampton at UAPB at (870) 575-8461.
Saturday, Oct. 4
John H. Johnson Day features Hutchinson, lawmakers
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson will headline the 20th anniversary celebration and tribute dinner for the John H. Johnson Museum, honoring nine lawmakers who sponsored legislation establishing John H. Johnson Day as a statewide memorial holiday. Presented by the Friends of the John H. Johnson Museum, in partnership with the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the event will be held at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock, from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 4. The community is invited to attend. Tickets are $40, according to a news release. The tribute will recognize Hutchinson for signing the John H. Johnson Day bill into law and the legislative sponsors of House Bill 1950, passed during the 92nd General Assembly in 2019, which officially designated Nov. 1 as John H. Johnson Day in Arkansas.
Beginning Thursday, Oct. 9
UAPB 1975 Class sets 50th reunion
The AM&N/University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Class of 1975 will host its 50th class reunion during UAPB’s Homecoming 2025. Reunion activities will include an invitation to the donor’s banquet on Oct. 9; recognition during the annual homecoming alumni assembly; banquet/gala on Oct. 10 from 6-9 p.m. in the STEM Building at UAPB; the annual homecoming parade and the football game. To sustain the class scholarship fund, each class member is asked to donate $1,000 to the Class of 1975 Scholarship Endowment Fund, according to a news release. The reunion registration form and donor form can be accessed via the AM&N/UAPB Class of 1975 Facebook page under “files” or members can email uapbclassof1975@swbell.net for additional information.
Friday, Oct. 10
Alumni luncheon set
The UAPB AM&N National Alumni Association will host the Alumni Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Tickets to the luncheon are available on a first come, first served basis, according to a news release. Tickets are $85 and can only be purchased the following ways: 1 — Mail a check or money order payable to UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association to 1200 N. University, Mail Slot 4813, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. (Call the office before mailing your check to ensure that seats are still available.) 2 — Purchase online at https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/alumni-luncheon–2025. 3 — Call the alumni office at (870) 536-2309 to pay by card over the phone. The clear bag policy is still in effect at the convention center. For details, follow the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association on social media.
Saturday, Oct. 18
WH to host Founders Day
White Hall will host its 2025 White Hall Founders Day Festival on Oct. 18, according to the White Hall Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page. The event will include vendors, food trucks, entertainers, as well as the annual parade. “Let’s make this year’s Founders Day bigger and better than ever — can’t wait to see you there,” according to the Facebook post. For details, visit https://whitehallfoundersday.com/showcase.html.
Through Saturday, Nov. 15
Brian Wolf exhibit on display
The ARTx3 Campus is hosting the 24-piece exhibition “Strange Awakening” by Brian Wolf at the Loft Gallery at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. “Strange Awakening,” his latest body of work, is the culmination of self-discovery, acceptance and artistic transformation that began in 2023. “Strange Awakening” will be on view through Nov. 15 by appointment. The exhibition is sponsored by the Kline Family Foundation, according to a news release.