Closure scheduled on I-530 ramp
The Interstate 530 southbound exit ramp for U.s. 270/Arkansas 365 Spur (Exit 34) in White Hall is scheduled to close around the clock from 8 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Monday. Weather permitting, the closure will allow crews to perform a reconstruction of the existing southbound exit ramp, according to a news release from the Arkansas Department of Transportation.
A signed detour will be in place. Southbound traffic will detour at Exit 30 onto Arkansas 104 south to U.S. 270 east, back to I-530. Northbound traffic on I-530 will not be affected. Digital message boards, construction barrels, barricades and signage will be in place to notify motorists of the closure and detour route. Additional travel information can be found at IDriveArkansas.com or ARDOT.gov.
Local joins honor society at A-State
Allison Young of Pine Bluff was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Arkansas State University. Young is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated each year into Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, according to a news release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Business startup event set
Startup Junkie will host the Pine Bluff ARise Tech Commercialization Sprint as part of ARise (Arkansas Innovators, Startups, and Entrepreneurs), a statewide program that helps people start and grow businesses.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 9 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S Main St. The tech commercialization sprint will feature expert-led sessions on legal protections for ideas, funding pathways and early product development. The sessions will be led by experienced startup advisors who have worked directly with founders and understand what it takes to launch and grow a company, according to a news release.
After the sprint, ARise will continue working with participants through its 1-to-1 consulting services, which provide personalized, one-on-one business support. Participants will also gain access to subject matter experts, who are specialists in areas such as business law, consumer packaged goods development and capital fundraising.
“Entrepreneurs in every part of Arkansas deserve access to the same high-quality resources and guidance, regardless of where they live,” said Grace Rains, co-director of ARise. “The tech commercialization sprint is designed to meet founders where they are and help them take meaningful steps toward turning their ideas into real businesses. We’re excited to bring this opportunity to Pine Bluff and support the innovation already happening in the region.” In partnership with the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement at the University of Central Arkansas, participants who complete the training and follow-up consultations will earn a Rural Tech Commercialization Certificate, according to a news release.
“Building Arkansas’ innovation economy and supporting entrepreneurs is essential for growing our statewide economy and generating opportunities for Arkansans,” said Esperanza Massana Crane, director of AEDC’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Division. “The tech commercialization sprint from ARise will provide entrepreneurs with access and resources to help them succeed, ultimately strengthening our state’s economic competitiveness.” The event is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC), a national program that invests in organizations helping startups grow faster. Seats will be limited to a first come, first served basis with limited seats available. Those interested in attending the tech commercialization sprint can register at this website.
Art league announces events
Pine Bluff Art League announces its March events.
From 2-4 p.m. Sunday, the Pine Bluff Art League will host its monthly meeting at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Avenue. The community, ages 15 and older, is invited to attend, according to a news release. A demonstration, The Many Faces of Pastel, will be presented by Gerry Delongchamp and Claudia Spainhour. Attendees will learn techniques in pan and pencil pastel and soft tools. Participants will be encouraged to engage in the demonstration and will be provided with paper and the necessary tools to create their own small works. Also, the art league congratulates Greg Newsom on winning the People’s Choice award at the Square Foot exhibition reception. Members will turn in raffles and proceeds for the drawing of the painting “Bryce Canyon,” on display at Simmons Bank in downtown Pine Bluff. Details: Co-President Gerry DeLongchamp at (870) 692-5001. The art legue will host a new exhibition, “Deltascapes,” from April 12 through July 5 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center. This exhibition will depict local scenes by art league artists and will hang in the east wing of the center. For more information, contact Co-President Claudia Spainhour at (870) 718-1058. For details on the art league, visit pbal.org or email mediapinebluffartleague@gmail.com.