Elm Grove to install 12th pastor
The historic Elm Grove Baptist Church, 3114 S. Mississippi St., which will celebrate its 183rd anniversary later this year, will install its 12th pastor Sunday.
The installation service for the Rev. Bobby E. Butler Sr. will begin at 2 p.m., according to a news release.
Butler will succeed the Rev. Jesse C. Turner as pastor, who served Elm Grove for 31 years. Turner retired in November 2025 and now holds the title of Pastor Emeritus.
During the installation service:
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Rev. Charles Hawkins, pastor of Bailey Chapel Baptist Church in Little Rock, will deliver the installation sermon.
The Rev. Larry C. Battles, moderator of the Consolidated St. Marion Baptist District Association and pastor of Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, will administer the charge to Butler. The service will be officiated by Turner.
All members, former members, community leaders, and friends of Elm Grove church are invited to share in this historic and sacred occasion. Details: Elm Grove Baptist Church, (870) 413-6345.
Area Agency announces menu
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas offers lunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays at the senior centers. Here’s next week’s menu:
Monday — Vegetable beef soup, Oriental slaw, cornbread, fruit and milk.
Tuesday — Lemon pepper chicken, baked corn casserole, zucchini and tomatoes, chocolate pie, and milk.
Wednesday — Pork roast, sliced potatoes, glazed beets, wheat bread, cake, and milk.
Thursday — Swiss steak, rice, okra, roll, apricots, and milk.
Friday — Chicken dumplings, green beans, stewed tomatoes, butterscotch bars, and milk.
March is National Reading Month
Reading a book opens the door to imagination, builds confidence, and sparks a lifelong love of literacy and learning.
“This month, we have the opportunity to celebrate the powerful moments that happen when stories are enjoyed individually or shared out loud — between parents and children, teachers and students, and caring communities that come together to nurture young minds,” according to a news release.
“With your assistance, through the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Literacy Program, we are helping ensure that every child has access to books and educational resources that inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and lay the foundation for brighter futures. Every story read is a step toward opportunity, hope, success, strengthening relationships, and fostering love,” according to the release.
The Toys for Tots Spring Book Drive runs through April. Toys for Tots is looking for books in any new condition: reading books, picture books, cookbooks, activity books, and Christian fiction and non-fiction for youth, ages 0-18.
There are many drop off locations, including local libraries. Your local church can even start a collection and help. If you’d like a flyer, write to pine.bluff.ar@toysfortots.org. You can also assist us financially. Checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders can be made out to Toys for Tots and sent to TfT Coordinator Matthew Yarnell, PO Box 199, Rison, AR. 71665, or dropped off at the Cleveland County Hearld Office or Rison United Methodist Church.
You can also donate online. All donations are tax-deductible. Details: Matthew Yarnell, Toys for Tots coordinator for Cleveland, Dallas, Jefferson, and Lincoln counties, (509) 675-3420.
Cotton growers to get boll weevil rebate
The Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation board of directors voted to authorize the distribution of a $1 per acre cash rebate to growers for assessments paid on the 2025 cotton acres verified with the Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Program.
Approximately $487,000 will be returned to Arkansas cotton growers with delivery expected by end of April, according to a news release.
“Arkansas cotton producers persevered with the same hard work and dedication they bring year after year,” said Joe Mencer, a grower from Chicot County and ABWEF chairman. “We’re pleased to once again support their efforts through the rebate program.”
The foundation verified 486,798.3 acres from Arkansas’s cotton producers for the 2025 season. The crop remains a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural economy, with Arkansas holding the third-highest cotton production ranking in the nation, according to the release.
The Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation began eradication operations in Arkansas in 1997, making annual expansions that ultimately grew to include all cotton-producing areas in the state. ABWEF successfully eradicated the boll weevil in Arkansas in 2008. Since then, ABWEF continues to operate under a maintenance program monitoring the state for the presence of boll weevils, which is entirely a prevention effort. Details: ABWEP.org.