New Community to open pantry
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will open its pantry from 8-9:30 a.m. Saturday. “Come and receive your blessing,” a spokesman said. The pantry is open to the community. The apostle/pastor is Patrick Lockett Sr.
Local places in ATU contest
Savannah Brown of Rison was the second runner-up in the Miss Arkansas Tech pageant Feb. 6 at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. Kenleigh Garner, a 21-year old ATU senior from Hot Springs, was crowned the 70th Miss Arkansas Tech, according to a news release.
Faith Kelly of North Little Rock was the was first runner-up. Damaris Castaneda of Clarksville was third runner-up and Kylee Lineberry of Alma was fourth runner-up.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Chamber sets Business Expo 2026
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce invites participants to build their network at Business Expo 2026: Christmas in May.
Business Expo is the premier event for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations, according to the Chamber’s news release.
Business Expo 2026 will be held May 7 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Business Expo Breakfast will be sponsored by Simmons Bank. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. followed by the program at 8 a.m. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members and a seated table for eight will be $300.
The trade show featuring booths of area businesses and non-profits will start with the Business VIP Hour from 9-10 a.m. and will open to public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Booth fees will be $250 for members amd $360 for non-members.
“This is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow with fellow business professionals and community leaders,” according to the release. “Whether you’re looking to showcase your products, gain new clients, or strengthen your brand, the Business Expo is the place to be.”
For non-profit organizations, there are limited free spots in the Community Spotlight section sponsored by SEARK Heating & Air so agencies should sign up quickly, according to the release.
For Expo questions, contact Chamber director Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or (870) 535-0110.
Video contest set for youth
The Fort Smith International Film Festival, Ozark Media Arts Festival, Arkansas Cinema Society (ACS) and Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission will host a statewide video contest for high school students (grades 9-12) to create a video commercial of 30 seconds or less that promotes environmental responsibility in Arkansas. The contest will run until April 24. Winners will be announced at an ACS summer screening. There is no fee to enter the contest.
Students should focus their video on the Keep Arkansas Beautiful mission of inspiring Arkansans to improve their communities through education, preventing litter, promoting recycling and keeping Arkansas beautiful, according to the release.
Videos must be submitted to the Fort Smith International Film Festival on FilmFreeway at https://filmfreeway.com/FortSmithInternationalFilmFestival.
The winning student commercial will be featured on various television channels and showcased at the Fort Smith International Film Festival, Ozark Media Art Festival and an ACS screening. The teacher of the winning student(s) will receive a free, two-night stay for two at an Arkansas State Parks lodge of their choosing (based on availability at the time of reservation). If the winner does not have a teacher advisor associated with their project, then the winner can nominate a teacher for the Arkansas State Parks lodge prize.
The winning students will receive an award package including gift cards and various prizes.