UAM classes, business online
Due to winter weather resulting in unsafe travel conditions, the University of Arkansas at Monticello, the UAM College of Technology-Crossett and the UAM College of Technology-McGehee will pivot to virtual learning and virtual business operations on Wednesday.
Notices concerning the operation of each of UAM’s campuses can be obtained on the UAM website, on local TV and radio stations and through UAMAlert, according to a news release.
Local club to observe Optimist Day
The Optimist Club of Pine Bluff will celebrate Optimist Day by volunteering at the third annual Black History Knowledge Bowl at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Boys and Girls of Jefferson County’s location at First Methodist Church.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Black History Knowledge Bowl is an event sponsored by the Lay Organization of St. John AME Church, according to a news release.
The club will also launch its 2026 Scholarship Awards Project. Scholarship applications will be made available to all high schools in Jefferson County, with awards being presented at the club’s Youth Appreciation Banquet in May.
The Optimist Club of Pine Bluff is a volunteer-driven organization committed to value every child and helping them reach their full potential.
By fostering hope and positive vision, the club strives to bring out the best in kids, according to the release.
Each year, Optimist Day is celebrated worldwide on the first Thursday of February.
This special occasion invites everyone to embrace optimism through action and to join in recognizing Optimist Clubs and their members for their continuous dedication to uplifting youth, strengthening communities, and encouraging personal growth.
Optimist International Clubs and their members mark Optimist Day by undertaking efforts to raise awareness about their positive impact on young people.
Typical observances include wearing apparel featuring the Optimist logo and hosting community events.
Some clubs also choose public locations to distribute copies of the Optimist Creed, inspiring others to adopt a more optimistic outlook.
Local governments often support these celebrations by issuing proclamations in honor of Optimist Day, encouraging their communities to look forward with hope.
On this day, volunteers are celebrated for sharing their enthusiasm, skills and talent, all of which help to build a brighter and more peaceful future, according to the release.
Locally, Patricia Berry serves as the Optimist Club president.
Keith Horton is the vice president. Sharon Fletcher holds the position of scholarship chair and secretary. Barbara Boyce is treasurer.
Mary Liddell is the Optimist Arkansas State lieutenant governor.
St. John to give away food Feb. 14
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will provide food boxes to those in need Feb. 14 from 9 a.m. until all food has been distributed.
State ID’s are required to receive one box per family.
Pickup will be in front of the church on Cherry Street.
For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks, according to a news release.
The event is sponsored by St. John’s Soul Food for the Mind, Body, and Spirit Feeding Ministry along with community partners Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Youth Group Violence Intervention of Pine Bluff and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
To help support this ministry, donors may mail financial contributions to St. John AME Church-Feeding Ministry, 1117 W. Pullen St., Pine Bluff, Ark., 71601, or give electronically through Givelify St John AME Pine Bluff.
To volunteer, donors may also contact Pearl Matlock at pearl1948@sbcglobal.net.
St. John also welcomes the community to join them during the regular Sunday worship service at 9:45 a.m. follwed by Church School. The Rev. Charlene N. Boone is the pastor.
IRS opens 2026 filing season
The Internal Revenue Service has opened the 2026 tax filing season and began accepting and processing federal individual income tax returns for tax year 2025, according to an IRS news release.
The IRS expects about 164 million individual tax returns for tax year 2025 to be filed ahead of the April 15, federal deadline.
Taxpayers can find a range of tools and filing options on IRS.gov to help them prepare and file their returns.
Filing electronically and choosing direct deposit remains the fastest way to receive a refund.
IRS Free File offers eligible taxpayers brand-name tax preparation software at no cost, according to the release.
Free File Fillable Forms are available to taxpayers who are comfortable preparing and filing their own returns, regardless of income level.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.
In accordance with Executive Order 14247, the IRS began phasing out paper tax refund checks on Sept. 30, 2025, meaning most taxpayers must provide their routing and account numbers to receive refunds directly deposited into their bank accounts.
Taxpayers can track refund status using Where’s My Refund?, the IRS2Go app, or their IRS Individual Online Account.
While the IRS issues most refunds in fewer than 21 days, some returns require additional review and may take longer.
The IRS expects most refunds for the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit to be available in bank accounts or on debit cards by March 2 for taxpayers who chose direct deposit and have no other issues with their returns.
Details: IRS.gov.