Stuttgart bank promotes Maynard
Farmers & Merchants Bank of Stuttgart has named Alex Maynard as president of the bank’s Commercial Banking Division, effective Dec. 1.
In the new role, Maynard provides strategic leadership for commercial banking activities across the organization, supporting businesses, professionals and community presidents throughout Arkansas, according to a news release.
Maynard, based at the bank’s headquarters in Stuttgart, brings more than a decade of banking experience to the role.
Since joining Farmers and Merchants in 2012, he has served as a commercial lender, private banking director and, most recently, Stuttgart market president.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Leading our community presidents is an opportunity I truly value,” Maynard said. “Community banking is built on relationships, and I enjoy getting to know people personally and supporting their growth as bankers and leaders. Coming from a family-owned business gives me a unique perspective — one grounded in real-world experience and an understanding of the communities and customers we serve.”
Before entering banking, Maynard was a partner in his family’s furniture business, Mayn-Mart, and later owned ASM Appraisals, where he was a licensed certified residential appraiser in Arkansas.
A Stuttgart native and 1994 graduate of Stuttgart High School, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He is currently completing the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking and is scheduled to graduate in May.
Maynard serves on the Baptist Health Stuttgart Advisory Board, the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce Board and Executive Committee, ICCM Food Bank Board, Stuttgart Unlimited, Stuttgart Country Club Board and St. Alban’s Episcopal Church Board.
Jon Aaron Jackson, a 30-year banking veteran who joined Farmers and Merchants in 2021, will succeed Maynard as Stuttgart community president. Details: GoFM.Bank.
Council to hold called meeting
The Pine Bluff City Council is scheduled to hold a called meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. Council members will address a proposed resolution to override the mayor’s removal of Mitzi Ruth, director of the Inspection and Zoning Department, and reinstate her, according to the agenda.
Area Agency tells menu
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas offers lunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays at the senior centers. Here’s next week’s menu:
Jan. 12 — Chicken strips, cauliflower and cheese sauce, peas and carrots, cookie and milk.
Jan. 13 — Meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, green beans, wheat bread, fresh fruit and milk.
Jan. 14 — Smothered pork chops, black-eyed peas, greens, cornbread, cake and milk.
Jan. 15 — Chicken parmigiana with sauce, spinach salad, corn, garlic bread, spiced peaches and milk.
Jan. 16 — Lean hamburger patty on a bun, Mexicali corn, lettuce, tomato, onion, baked beans, fruit and milk.
TOPPS to give away food
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will hold its monthly food distribution at 10 a.m. Jan. 13. This event is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants should bring proof of ID and address. Only one food box will be provided per household. You must be present to receive a box. Please remain in your vehicle during the distribution, according to a news release.
Sponsors include Canaan Christian Center, Calvary Baptist Church, Little Rock; Super 1 Foods (Dollarway Road and 28th Avenue stores); Dollar General (University Drive), Walmart Supercenter, Arkansas Food Bank and TOPPS donors.
TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service) Inc., is a nonprofit organization. Annette Howard Dove is the founder/director.
Locals on SNHU Dean’s List
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) in Manchester, N.H., named area students to the fall 2025 Dean’s List.
Honorees include: Elizabeth Batson of Jefferson, Myla Rawls of New Edinburg and Gerra Manning of Lake Village.
The fall terms run from September to December. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean’s List, according to a news release.
Locals on SNHU President’s List
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) in Manchester, N.H., named Southeast Arkansas students to the fall 2025 President’s List, according to a news release.
Honorees include:
PINE BLUFF — Laquetta Thompson, Dana Langel, Alyshia Shaffer, Angela Bullard;
WHITE HALL — Hayley Funderburg;
SHERIDAN — Andrea Cox, Justin Cox, Erica Dellimore;
PRATTSVILLE — Heidi Ashley, Denisha Olds;
ALTHEIMER — Rhondra Harris;
WARREN — Madison Wells;
STAR CITY — Anthony DeJarnette;
RISON — Brent Morris;
MONTICELLO — Ricky Owens;
MCGEHEE — Tiffany French;
DUMAS — Shantrell Burgess;
DERMOTT — Candace Taylor.
The fall terms run from September to December. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.7 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List.
Local graduates Cattlemen’s course
Casie Greenwood Smith of Bradley County was among 2025 graduates of the 2025 Arkansas Cattlemen’s Leadership Course. They completed a year-long, five-session program to learn about the ACA, legislation, the industry, advocacy and leadership, according to the ACA newsletter.