WHSD extends school days
The White Hall School District board Wednesday approved an extension of the school day at each campus by 18 minutes in order to make up for the instruction time lost to the winter storm that arrived Jan. 23.
The district lost the next six scheduled school days due to icy road conditions created by the storm.
Beginning Monday and continuing through the end of the school year, the first bell will ring 9 minutes earlier and the final bell will ring 9 minutes later.
Vesper Choir plans tour
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The community is encouraged to support the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Vesper Choir as they prepare to go to Great Britain in March as part of the American Celebration of Music.
“This trip will allow our students to represent the university internationally while showcasing the rich tradition and excellence of American choral music,” Tanesha Thompson, president of the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association, said in a news release. “It is both an educational and cultural experience that will broaden their global perspective and deepen their musical training.”
The alumni association is asking alumni to consider supporting the Vesper Choir as they prepare for this journey. Contributions will help offset travel-related expenses and ensure that UAPB students can fully participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Every gift, no matter the amount, makes a meaningful difference and is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continued support of our students and for investing in experiences that enrich their education and elevate our university’s legacy,” Thompson said.
Donations may be made either through: Zeffy; CashApp: $uapbamnalumni; Check mailed to: 1200 N. University Dive, Mail Slot 4813 Pine Bluff, AR 71601; Card payment over the phone by calling (870) 536-2309.
Details: UAPB National Alumni Office, (870) 536-2309.
Batesville college, UAM plan degrees
The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville and the University of Arkansas at Monticello plan to announce a new partnership to award degrees.
On Feb. 26, the two institutions will unveil a program allowing UACCB students to earn bachelor’s degrees in Batesville. The announcement will take place at 1 p.m. at Independence Hall at UACCB. The event is open to the public and leaders from both universities are scheduled to speak.
The partnership between UACCB and UAM will integrate education and business programs, enabling UACCB students to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in K-6 Elementary Education degree starting in May 2026 and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree beginning in August 2026.
Both degree programs are currently pending approval from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Higher Learning Commission, according to a news release.
The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both institutions and combine resources to support student success and improve college completion rates within the region.
3 UAPB scholarship deadlines near
Deadlines are approaching for several scholarships available to University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff students. Students are encouraged to review eligibility criteria and submit their applications soon, as some Jefferson County-based scholarship opportunities have specific requirements and firm due dates, according to a news release.
EPSILON ZETA ZETA CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP
Current UAPB students are eligible to apply for the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter Scholarship. Applicants must possess a 3.0 grade point average. Two letters of recommendation, an essay about the student and an official transcript are required. The deadline to apply is Feb. 20. For more information, contact Shannon Hendrix at (870) 718-3472 or hendrixshannon91@gmail.com.
UNIVERSITY WOMEN SCHOLARSHIP
The Pine Bluff Branch of the National Association of University Women is offering its 2026 scholarship. Applicants must be female and a full-time resident of Pine Bluff or Jefferson County. Other requirements include having 30 or more credit hours and a minimum GPA of 2.5. The deadline to apply is Feb. 20. For more information, call (501) 712-5717 or send an email to pinebluffnauw@gmail.com. To apply, visit this website.
FAITH SCHOLARSHIP
Sister Friends United Inc. announces its 2026 Faith Scholarship. Non-traditional students interested in applying must be a minority female age 30 or older who lives in Pulaski, Saline or Jefferson County. The applicant must also have dependents. The deadline to apply is March 13. To learn more, visit this website.
For details on UAPB Scholarships, see information on the scholarship or visit the admissions website.
Chamber hosts Candidate Expo
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Candidate Expo was deemed an overwhelming success, according to the Chamber newsletter. The event underscored the power of civic engagement and informed leadership in the community.
“Thank you to every candidate, volunteer, partner, and resident who helped make this event impactful. We also extend a thank you to our Chamber member, Marty with Quick Printing, for assisting with the initial setup and helping us get the Expo off to a strong start,” the newsletter says.
Simmons announces program
Simmons First National Corp. on Tuesday announced that its Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program under which the company may repurchase up to $175 million of its Class A common stock currently issued and outstanding. The new program replaces the stock repurchase program that was originally authorized in January 2024 and that terminated on Jan. 31, 2026, according to a news release.
Under the new program, the company may repurchase shares of its common stock through open market and privately negotiated transactions, including, but not limited to, utilizing Rule 10b5-1 programs, or otherwise.