Editor’s Note: At press time, the following events and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com or use our newsroom email pbcnews@pbcommercial.com to make additions or changes.
Sunday, March 1
Art league hosts meeting
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. Details: Co-President Gerry DeLongchamp at (870) 692-5001.
Grady church honors pastor, wife
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
An Ear to Hear Worship Center, 10912 U.S. 65 South in Grady, rescheduled the first anniversary of its pastor and wife, the Rev. Antonio and LaTravia Iverson, from Feb. 1 to March 1. The anniversary will be observed at 2:30 p.m. March 1. The guest speaker will be the apostle/pastor, Patrick Lockett of New Community Church of Pine Bluff, accompanied by his congregation. The worship leader will be Keenon Coleman.
Underway
Closure scheduled on I-530 ramp in WH
The Interstate 530 southbound exit ramp for Highway 270/365S (Exit 34) in White Hall is scheduled to be closed 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.
Registration open for MASH Camps
Arkansas high school students can get hands-on health care experiences such as suturing workshops, field trips, CPR training and heart dissection at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences MASH camps across the state this summer. Application deadlines vary by camp, ranging from March 18 to May 8. A list of camps, their dates and application deadlines are available at bit.ly/3EITDy6. Medical Applications of Science for Health (MASH) camps are a free, two-week program for high school juniors and seniors where they can explore team-building exercises, visit health care settings, learn at various workshops, and shadow health care professionals.
Monday, March 2
WH doctor’s office relocating
Dr. Mark A. Ramiro’s family practice office is moving from White Hall to 4303 S. Mulberry St. in Pine Bluff. The first day in the new clinic will be March 2. The office will no longer be at the White Hall location, according to a news release. Details: (870) 247-9499.
Through Monday, March 2
Early voting set at courthouse
Early voting for Preferential Primary Election races and Nonpartisan General Election races is underway at the Jefferson County Courthouse until March 2. The election is March 3. Voters can find information about early voting and sample ballots by visiting the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website or contacting the county clerk’s office, according to a news release.
WH seeks award nominees
Nominations are now open for the 2026 White Hall Community Service Awards. The deadline is March 2, according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallChamber/. “Do you know someone who truly makes a difference? Nominate them today. This is your chance to recognize those who go above and beyond to make our community such a special place,” according to the post. The White Hall Community Service Awards Banquet will be held at 6 p.m. March 10 at the White Hall Community Center. Submit your nominations to https://forms.gle/f3QjpsBkBdZMfcWo6. Submit one form for each nominee. You are allowed to submit multiple nominations and do not have to be a member of the chamber to make a nomination. If you have any questions, email the chamber at whitehallchamber@gmail.com.
Beginning Tuesday, March 3
Ivy Center plans events
The Ivy Center for Education announces programs: March 3 — Future Medical Professionals, “Club Scrub Workshop,” meets from 6-7 p.m. at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences UAMS South Central Medical Center, 1601 W. 40th Ave. The topic will be From Plate to Purpose — “March is National Nutrition Month” presented by Tanya Hawkins, a registered nurse and case manager at UAMS South Central, according to a news release. Students in 7-12 grades and parents are encouraged to attend in person or on Zoom using Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. March 10 — Future Engineers Workshop will be held from 6-7 p.m. at The Generator, 435 S. Main St. The topic will be “Robots and Coding Activities” presented by Charles Colen, chair of the Department of Industrial Technology Management and Applied Engineering at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Students in grades 7–12 are invited to attend and learn about robotics and coding. Parents and students are encouraged to attend in person or on Zoom using Meeting ID 856 8296 4187 and Password 351061.
Wednesday, March 4
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.
Church news deadline set
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Fridays. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesdays. Pastors, ministers or others interested in writing for the Devotional Page may also submit columns for consideration. Column writers should have connections to Southeast Arkansas. Articles are accepted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, March 5
Arkansas Pathways forum set
Arkansas Pathways to Self-Sufficiency will conduct a forum from 5-7:30 p.m. March 5 at Indigo Blue Coffeehouse, 212 W. Barraque St. The community is invited to participate in the conversation. The forum will be facilitated by Kymara Seals of SDR Consulting LLC, who will guide a discussion designed to give insights, identify barriers, and explore solution-driven approaches that reflect the diversity of experiences across the state, according to a news release from Tomekia Moore, executive director of Arkansas Community Action Agencies Inc. (ACAAA.) This phase of Arkansas Pathways is centered on local voices and lived experiences.
Beginning Friday, March 6
St. John plans women’s retreat
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., invites the community to its “Shifting the Atmosphere: Fresh Start Women’s Retreat.” The services will be held March 6 at 6:30 p.m. and March 7 at 9 a.m. “The women’s retreat is designed for women of all ages, including youth, creating space for intergenerational fellowship, growth, and spiritual renewal,” according to a news release. The retreat aims to inspire females to embrace a fresh start in faith, purpose, and personal development. Registration is $25. Online registration can be completed on the St. John AME Church Facebook page or by contacting the church at (870) 535-3760.
Lenten Fish Frys underway
The Knights of Columbus Annual Lenten Fish Fry will be held from 5-7 p.m. Fridays through March 27 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, West Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street. People can dine in for the all-you-can-eat dinner or get carry out plates. Dinners for adults are $16 and children $10 each, according to a news release.
Saturday, March 7
PB author to review books
Gail Stith, an author and evangelist, invites the community to a review of her latest publication March 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Library downtown, 600 S. Main St., according to a news release. Her publications include Married Twice and Never Had a Husband, available Feb. 14. The book review is presented by Prayer Garden Christian Faith Center Church of God in Christ in Pine Bluff.
Beginning Saturday, March 7
Grand Prairie textile arts contest set
The Arts Center of the Grand Prairie in Stuttgart will conduct its 2026 Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts’ Textile Arts session March 7-8. Previously known as Decorative Arts, the session name has been updated to emphasize the collection of needle and thread arts to be exhibited, according to a news release. Adults, youth and children may register their textile arts entries online with the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie at https://www.grandprairiearts.com. An entry fee is required for each item, to be delivered to the arts center. Deliveries will be received 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 20, 21, 27, and 28. A guest judge will determine the first, second, third place winners and honorable mention, as well as select the Best of Show entry. The exhibit will be held in Salon A at the Grand Prairie Center March 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and March 8 from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. The March 8 event will include a short presentation by guest artist Natalie Mosher at 2:30 p.m., a Quilt of Valor ceremony at 3 p.m., and the awards presentation and reception at 3:30 p.m. Details: (870) 659-2873.
Sunday, March 8
New Jerusalem hosts Men’s Day
New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1317 S. Texas St., will celebrate Men’s Day on March 8. The 11 a.m. speaker will be the Rev. M. Kriston Wilson, pastor of New Jerusalem. The 2 p.m. speaker will be the Rev. Larry C. Battles, pastor of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. The guest choirs will be Mt. Nebo Male Choir and Men In Black. Choir rehearsals for the 11 a.m. service will be Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. and March 7 at 10 a.m. Everyone’s invited to share in these services, a spokesman said.
St. John hosts Pew Rally
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will host its annual Pew Rally at 3 p.m. March 8. The Pew Rally is a call to unity and revival, a call for the body of Christ to come together in fellowship, worship, and spiritual renewal. The special guests will be Elder Aaron Withers, pastor of First Trinity Church of God in Christ, along with his congregation. The community is invited to attend the service. The Rev. Charlene N. Boone is pastor of St. John. Details: (870) 535-3760.
Monday, March 9
UAM sets event for high school students
The University of Arkansas at Monticello Office of Admissions will host Weevil Welcome: College Preview Day on March 9, beginning at 9 a.m. Registration will be held in the Gibson University Center on UAM’s Monticello campus. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the program will run until noon. Prospective high school juniors and seniors who are interested in attending UAM, the UAM College of Technology-Crossett (UAM-CTC) or the UAM College of Technology-McGehee (UAM-CTM) are invited to attend the free event to learn about programs of study, financial aid, new scholarship opportunities, residence life, student organizations and more. Parents and guests are also welcome to attend, according to the news release. Registration is requested. Details: UAM Office of Admissions at admissionsoffice@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1026.
Tuesday, March 10
TOPPS to host food giveaway
TOPPS 1000 Townsend Drive, will give away food March 10 at 10 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis in a drive-through distribution. Participants are asked to bring proof of ID. One food box will be provided per household, and recipients must be present to receive their box, according to a news release. Details: Annette Howard Dove, founder/director of TOPPS Inc., (870) 850-6011.
Beginning Tuesday, March 10
Dog obedience class set
The Southeast Arkansas Kennel Club is sponsoring a seven-week dog obedience class starting March 10. The class will meet from 7-8 p.m. at Hestand Stadium. The cost is $65 for the seven weeks, and registration is due at the door. Details: (870) 879-3384 or (870) 209-3384.
Thursday, March 12
Health & Wellness fair set in WH
The 2026 Spring Community Health & Wellness Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 12 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. The community is invited to attend. The free event is hosted by LifeTouch Health (Arkansas Hospice) and Allheart Senior Care of Arkansas. The session will focus on healthy living, disease prevention, and wellness at each stage of life, according to a flyer. There will be more than 50 vendors. Participants will include Reflection Therapy Services, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, ArchWell, Elder Estate Protection of Arkansas and Jefferson HomeCare, The Heat magazine and Diamond Line Dancers.
Friday, March 13
Faith Scholarship deadline set
March 13 is the deadline to apply for the 2026 Faith Scholarship of Sister Friends United Inc. Applicants must plan to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, according to a news release. 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. To learn more, visit https://sisterfriendsunited.com/faith-scholarship.
Saturday, March 14
St. John to give away food
St John AME Church 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food March 14 from 9 a.m. until all food has been distributed. The church will provide food boxes to those in need. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family. Food can be picked up 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.
Through Sunday, March 15
Community Foundation offers scholarships
Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships for students in Jefferson County beginning Feb. 1. These scholarships are for area students pursuing higher education at two- or four year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. The deadline to apply is March 15. For details on all the available scholarships and to begin the application process visit www.arcf.org/scholarships or contact Lawrence Fikes at pinebluffarea@arcf.org, or at (870) 850-7934.
Beginning Monday, March 16
Gould church hosts revival
Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church of Gould will host its spring revival March 16-18 at 7 p.m. The theme will be “Renew, Restore, Revive” (Isaiah 57:15.) Guest ministers will be the Rev. Stanley Blair of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Moscow, speaking Monday; Apostle Patrick Lockett, pastor of New Community Church in Pine Bluff, speaking Tuesday; and the Rev. Ronald Neal of New Bethel Ministries in Winchester, speaking Wednesday. The Rev. Phillip Puckett, pastor of Mt. Moriah, is the host pastor.
T
he public is invited.
Beginning Thursday, March 19
Progressive Women host fundraiser
The Progressive Women’s Association (PWA) of White Hall will host its spring Rummage Sale Scholarship Fundraiser at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. March 19-20 and 9 a.m. to noon March 21. As with all their fundraisers, 100 percent of the proceeds go to the PWA’s Scholarship Fund. The nonprofit is accepting items until March 18 for the fundraiser and asks that clean clothes be on hangers or boxed, according to a spokesman.
Saturday, March 21
1st Ward pantry sets giveaway
The First Ward Living Grace Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road, will hold a Spring Break Giveaway and special presentation to a local business from noon to 2 p.m. March 21. Families will receive free groceries and resources to help support them during the school break. The event reflects the pantry’s ongoing mission to combat food insecurity and strengthen families throughout Jefferson County, according to a news release. During the giveaway, a proclamation will be presented by state Rep. District 65, the Rev. Glenn Barnes, to Highland Pellets for their continued commitment and contributions to the Pine Bluff community, according to the release.
Saturday, March 28
Pop’s to open new site
Pop’s Barber/Beauty Shop & More will hold its grand opening at its new location from noon to 4 p.m. March 28. The community is invited to attend. There will be giveaways, food, drinks, and drawings for prizes, according to a Facebook post. The new site is on Main Street in downtown Pine Bluff.
WH plans Easter Egg Hunt
An Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 10 a.m. March 28 in White Hall City Park. The event is presented by the White Hall Chamber of Commerce, according to a Facebook post. “Join us Saturday, March 28 at 10:00 a.m. SHARP at White Hall City Park for our annual Easter Egg Hunt,” a spokesman said. There will be thousands of eggs, Easter Bunny photos, bike giveaways in each age category and free family activitiesd. “Don’t be late; the eggs are gone in seconds.”
Through Monday, March 30
TOPPS takes applications for food program
TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service) is planning to apply for the Arkansas Special Nutrition Summer Food program. TOPPS is a sponsor if you are planning a summer program that needs to feed children 18 and younger and would like to participate under TOPPS, according to a news release. The deadline to apply will be March 30. TOPPS won’t take applications past the deadline. “You must identify your location. You and your staff must attend training, and your location must pass a DHS (Department of Human Services) approval and a fire inspection,” according to the release. For details, contact Paulette Barnes Purchase at (870) 850-6011. Annette Howard Dove is the founder/director of TOPPS Inc.
Through Wednesday, April 1
Black Hall of Fame offers grants
Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation, in partnership with Arkansas Community Foundation, is offering grants for nonprofits that serve African American or underserved populations in Arkansas. Eligible nonprofits with programs focused on education, health and wellness, youth development, strengthening families and economic development are encouraged to apply. Proposals will be accepted online now through April 1, according to a news release. Details: https://www.arcf.org/apply/nonprofits/apply-for-black-hall-of-fame-grants/.
Through Friday, April 3
AKA offers scholarships
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is accepting applications for the 2026 College Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Delta Omega Omega Chapter in partnership with First Sisters Outreach Inc. The program will award a minimum of $1,000 scholarships to graduating women from Pine Bluff High School, Watson Chapel High School and White Hall High School who plan to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Apply early and submit all required materials by April 3. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements outlined in the 2026 scholarship guidelines and complete the application online. For more information, students and parents may contact the scholarship chairmen at akadooscholar@gmail.com or lcarlock77@gmail.com.
Through Saturday, April 4
Unified Christian Alliance offers scholarship
The Unified Christian Alliance Inc. is accepting applications for the 2026 scholarships from area high school seniors who plan to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Applications can be obtained from the school counselors, according to a news release. Applications are due April 4 and guidelines must be met. For more information, contact Jennifer Lee, Unified Christian Alliance president, at jenniferlee1321@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, April 7
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. Visit the Company & 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.
Thursday, April 9
Business start-up 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. 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 https://luma.com/vrce42a0.
Beginning Thursday, April 9
Historical conference set at Monticello
The Arkansas Historical Association will hold its 85th annual conference April 9-11 at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, the UAM Trotter House, and the Monticello Country Club. A tour April 10 will take attendees to the Taylor House on the former Hollywood/Valley Plantation. More information and conference registration are available on the association’s website at www.arkansashistoricalassociation.org.
Saturday, April 11
Area Agency sets bass tourney
The Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas (AAASEA) will host its 28th annual Reeling for Meals Bass Tournament on April 11 at Regional Park on the Arkansas River. This annual tournament raises critical funds for AAASEA’s Meals on Wheels program. Tournament winners will receive a $2,500 cash prize, with cash prizes guaranteed for the top 10 places. The entry fee is $110 per two-person team, which also includes entry into the $500 Big Bass Pot. Day-of registration will include an additional $25 fee. Details: (870) 543-6300, toll-free at 800-264-3260, or email Samantha Stichert at sstichert@aaasea.org.
Beginning Sunday, April 12
Art league hosts ‘Deltascapes’ exhibition
The Pine Bluff Art League 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.
Through Monday, April 13
Synergy grant applications available
Synergy Forum Inc. began accepting grant applications Feb. 9 for its 2026 grant cycle. Registered non-profit organizations: IRS 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, government agencies, and the hospital in Jefferson County are eligible to apply. Synergy Grants fund projects for the benefit of residents in Jefferson County in the areas of the arts, education and social services, according to a news release. Grant applications should be requested by March 12 completed and submitted on or before 5 p.m. April 13. For grant applications and details, email Amy Hunt at synergyforumgrants@gmail.com.
Beginning Friday, April 17
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.
Saturday, April 25
Sports Hall of Fame Banquet set
The Jefferson County Sports Hall of Fame will be held April 25 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center arena. A new Legend will be inducted with 20 other athletes, four coaches and others into the Hall of Fame. The first class, inducted last year, was highlighted by six All-Time Greats. Bruce Maxwell is now the 16th Legend. Tickets for the JCSHOF induction will go on sale in February.
Thursday, May 7
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. For Expo questions, contact Chamber director Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or (870) 535-0110.
Saturday, June 13
John Legend to perform at Saracen center
Saracen Casino Resort will host its event center grand opening featuring an Evening With John Legend, A Night of Songs & Stories at 8 p.m. June 13. Tickets start at $149, plus fees, and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster. Legend is a multiplatinum artist and producer who has garnered 13 Grammy® Awards, an Academy Award®, a Golden Globe® Award, a Tony® Award and four Emmy® Awards, among others. Legend is one of only 19 people in the EGOT club.