Arsenal festival canceled
The Pine Bluff Arsenal Fall Festival 2025 has been canceled due to the government shutdown, according to a spokesman. The even had been planned for Oct. 30 at the Plainview Soccer Field.
Civic panel to meet
The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission meeting will be held in person and via Zoom on Tuesday at noon. Participants are asked to RSVP to confirm attendance. To attend by conference call, dial (978) 990-5002 with access code: 7020010, according to a news release. Details: Pine Bluff Convention Center, (870) 536-7600.
Health agency plans fall festival
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
ArchWell Health, 2801 S. Olive St., will present a fall festival from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 30. People are urged to join the agency and other vendors for people 60 and older to discover local resources available as well as visit with other residents.
Refreshments will be served and participants may wear costumes, according to a flier. To RSVP or for details, contact Sarah Ann Bost (501) 484-9552 or sarahann.bost@archwellhealth.com.
Local earns Ole Miss scholarship
Abby Long of DeWitt, majoring in biological sciences, will receive the Ole Miss First Scholarship at the University of Mississippi.
The university has 45 Ole Miss First scholars who receive $25,000 over four years — $4,500 per year, with the remainder going to their programming opportunities. Students are selected for the scholarship based on their high school record of academic excellence, leadership and commitment to service, according to a news release.
Entergy shares fall safety tips
Entergy Arkansas is reminding customers to stay vigilant about safety. Whether tackling yard tasks, decorating, or preparing heating systems, these seasonal activities can pose hazards if not handled carefully, according to a news release.
Here are some safety tips to help prevent accidents and contribute to a safe fall season.
OUTDOOR SAFETY
Prep walkways and lighting — With Halloween and other fall festivities approaching, ensure sidewalks, driveways, paths, and steps are clear of leaves, debris, and trip hazards. Use properly rated outdoor extension cords and always turn off exterior lights or decorations when you’re away or asleep.
Costume and visibility safety — Guide children to wear costumes with light-reflective materials or safe LED options. Parents and guardians should accompany younger trick-or-treaters and carry flashlights.
Tree trimming and ladder safety — Always assume overhead wires are energized. When trimming, place ladders away from power lines. Never attempt to move fallen wires — call 1-800-ENTERGY immediately. Use sturdy ladders on level ground and wear slip-resistant, stable footwear. Have someone nearby to assist or stabilize the ladder.
Dig safely — When planning to plant bulbs, shrubs, or other landscaping, call 811 and proceed with caution before you dig to prevent accidental damage to underground utility lines or service interruptions.
INDOOR AND HOME SAFETY
Adjust clocks and batteries — With the end of Daylight Saving Time, fewer daylight hours will impact visibility during commutes. When you “fall back,” also check and replace batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Heating system maintenance — Before turning on furnaces or HVAC systems, schedule inspections by certified professionals. Replace dirty filters and clear debris from outdoor units so systems operate efficiently and safely.
Safe use of space heaters, candles, fireplaces — Space heaters should stay at least three feet away from flammable objects (rugs, curtains, furniture). Never leave candles unattended, and always extinguish them before leaving a room. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, have chimneys cleaned and inspected before use. Accumulated leaves, nests or debris can block ventilation and lead to dangerous smoke backflow into your home.
Entergy Solutions helps customers save energy and lower their monthly bills through no-cost energy assessments, rebates, and incentives on energy-efficient upgrades. The program offers resources for homes, businesses, and schools such as installing LED lighting, improving insulation, and upgrading heating and cooling systems, all designed to reduce energy use and make communities more sustainable. Visit entergyarkansas.com/energyefficiency to learn more.
Don’t let guard down on storms — While temperatures cool, severe weather or strong storms can still occur. Have an emergency plan and kit ready — include flashlights, batteries, water, nonperishable food, and a battery-powered radio.
MANAGE ENERGY USE WISELY
Entergy’s Bill Toolkit remains available to help customers monitor and manage electric usage, compare energy-saving options, and explore financial assistance or payment plans. Details: https://billtoolkit.entergy.com/arkansas/