Bank hires ag business chief
Farmers & Merchants Bank announced the hiring of Grant Bonner as ag business development manager, working in the bank’s DeWitt and Stuttgart branches.
Bonner began his new role on Jan. 12 and will focus on agricultural lending, recreational lending and growing the bank’s agricultural portfolio. He will work with producers and customers across the DeWitt and Stuttgart markets, according to a news release.
Bonner brings nearly a decade of experience in agricultural equipment sales and agribusiness relationships. Recently, he was an equipment salesman at Alliance Ag Equipment in Forrest City and has been with Greenway Equipment in Weiner and Nutrien Ag Solutions in Clarendon.
“I’m excited to join Farmers and Merchants Bank and learn all aspects of the organization,” Bonner said. “I look forward to serving customers, building relationships and helping support agriculture and rural communities in any way I can.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Bonner earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural business marketing and management in 2016. A West Helena native, he now lives in DeWitt with his wife MiKayla and their two children.
Police chief to speak to chamber
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 4 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The speaker will be Pine Bluff Police Chief Shawn Davis, according to the Chamber newsletter.
Lunch will be $15 and catered by Rice First Class Catering. Lunch must be paid for in advance at the chamber. Details: (870) 535-0110.
EHC hosting pecan fundraiser
The Jefferson County Extension Homemakers are still selling Mammoth Georgia pecans and chocolate double-dipped peanuts in 1-pound bags from the new 2025 crop. These can be bought at the Jefferson County Extension Service, 500 Idaho St. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The 2025 Holiday Foods Cookbooks are also for sale, according to a news release.
Prices include: 1-pound bag Fancy Mammoth pecan halves — $15, 1-pound bag double-dipped chocolate peanuts — $15, and 2025 Holiday Foods Cookbook — $5.
Details: Brenda Robinson, Jefferson County EHC president-elect and pecan sale chairman at (870) 540-6970 or Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County Extension agent, family and consumer sciences, at (870) 534-1033.
Home and Garden Show set
The Jefferson County Master Gardeners will present the 2026 Home & Garden Show April 17-18 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The event will bring together garden enthusiasts, homeowners and industry professionals for a showcase of the latest trends, products and innovations in home and garden design, according to a flyer.
There will be workshops, demonstrations, vendor exhibits and opportunities to connect with local businesses and organizations dedicated to improving homes, landscapes and communities.
For details or to sign up as a vendor, contact the Jefferson County Master Gardeners at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service, (870) 534-1033.
Saracen Casino to host career fair
Saracen Casino and Resort will host a career fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Saracen Training Center, 2713 E. Harding Ave. Several positions are available, according to a flyer.
Urology Associates set women’s health lunch
Jefferson Regional Urology Associates will host a women’s health lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Pine Bluff Cooutry Club. The office invites women to attend a lunch and discussion about women’s health concerns and effecitve treatment options, according to a flyer. Topics include recurring urinary tract infections, kidney stones, pelvic health and urinary incontinence. Call (870) 541-7636 to RSVP and reserve a seat.
Alliance announces Draft Day
The Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County has partnered with Be Pro Be Proud to bring the Draft Day Southeast Arkansas event to Jefferson County on April 7. Draft Day for Southeast Arkansas will take place at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.
The Alliance is calling area employers to participate in the event. Draft Day strategically matches high school students with employers based on corresponding interests, talents and needs. There are currently 115 high school seniors signed up for interviews and 17 school districts registered to participate, according to the chamber newsletter.
Participating high schools include:
Arkansas Virtual Academy
Brinkley Public Schools
Clarendon Public Schools
Dermott School District
DeWitt High School
Drew Central School District
Dumas High School
England School District
Helena- West Helena Schools
Hamburg High School
Lakeside School District
Marvell-Elaine School District
Pine Bluff School District
Stuttgart High School
Warren High School
Watson Chapel High School
White Hall High School.
“This event is a great opportunity for your business to connect with area students and recruit new talent for your workforce,” according to the newsletter.
Visit the company and training resource guide at https://files.constantcontact.com/91329166001/4b06cd72-fd34-42f6-a54b-eedcca6c6a44.pdf?rdr=true for additional information or contact Nancy Lee McNew at nancy@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.