Early voting underway
Early voting began Tuesday at the Jefferson County Courthouse for the primary runoff election March 31.
On Tuesday, 536 votes were cast and Wednesday’s count was 437, according to the Jefferson County Clerk’s Offce.
Early voting will be held this week from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will end at 5 p.m. March 30. Locally, runoffs will include: county judge candidates Efrem B. Neely Sr. and Judge Gerald Robinson; and Justice of the Peace District 1 candidates Jackie Tillmon and Alfred Carroll. In the Republican primary, a runoff in the Secretary of State’s race will be held between Sen. Kim Hammer and Bryan Norris.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
JRMC sets health fair at Expo
Jefferson Regional Medical Center will host a health fair during the Business Expo, a program of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Business Expo will be held May 7 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, beginning with the Expo Breakfast at 7:30 a.m.
The health fair will be held during the trade show event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Services will include screenings for cancer, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, as well as stroke awareness and weight and body mass index.
Housing Authority to meet
The Housing Authority of the city of Pine Bluff will hold its board of commissioners meeting at 6 p.m. March 31 at Leon’s Catfish and Steakhouse, according to a news release. Details: (870) 541-0706.
Simmons announces earnings date
Simmons First National Corp. is scheduled to release first quarter 2026 earnings after the market closing April 16. Management will conduct a live conference call to review this information beginning at 7:30 a.m. April 17. Interested parties can listen to the call by dialing toll-free 844-481-2779 and asking for the Simmons First National Corp. conference call, conference ID 10207627. The call will be available at simmonsbank.com under the “Investor Relations” tab. The recorded version will be available for at least 60 days following the date of the call.
UAM slates priority registration
The University of Arkansas at Monticello will hold a priority registration event for summer 2026 and fall 2026 classes on April 13-14 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Student Success Center. This event is for new first-time freshman students and new transfer students.
Students must RSVP by April 9 to reserve a time to register for classes. In-person registration is required. Students must also apply to UAM by April 9 to participate, according to a news release.
Students will be able to register for classes and have the option to visit any office related to attending school in the fall. Parents and legal guardians are welcome to attend. An RSVP link is available on the UAM Admissions Events webpage. Details: admissionsoffice@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1026.
St. John to give away food
St John AME Church, 1117 W Pullen St., will give away food April 11 from 9 a.m. until all food has been distributed.
The church’s Soul Food for the Mind, Body, and Spirit Feeding Ministry, along with community partners Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, will provide food boxes to those who are in need.
State IDs are required. Food can be picked up in front of the church on Cherry Street. Recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks.
To support this ministry, mail your financial support to: St John AME Church-Feeding Ministry, 1117 W. Pullen Ave., Pine Bluff, Ark., 71601, or electronically through Givelify St John AME Pine Bluff. To volunteer, contact Pearl Matlock at pearl1948@sbcglobal.net.
St. John welcomes the community to its worship service at 9:45 a.m. Sundays followed by Church School. The Rev. Charlene N. Boone is the pastor.
Girls empowerment event set
The Glow Up Gathering: “BLOOM” Empowerment Experience for Girls ages 9-18 years old will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 18 at Peace, Hope and Mercy LifeCenter in Pine Bluff. Registration opens at 9 a.m.
The Glow Up Gathering is a transformative, trauma-informed event designed to empower girls to grow in confidence, leadership, mental wellness and purpose, according to a news release.
The Bell & Bloom Foundation Inc., founded by Cynthia Bullard, a licensed professional counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor, will present the session.
The Glow Up Gathering will feature interactive breakout sessions, discussions, creative expression and conversations centered around identity, healing and self-worth.
“This isn’t just an event — it’s a safe space for girls to be seen, heard, and empowered,” said Bullard, who is also a trauma therapist. “We are planting seeds of confidence, healing, and purpose so that every girl who walks through those doors leaves knowing she has everything within her to bloom.”
Presenters and topics include:
Nikita Lowe, founder of RichKrew — “Rising”
Niesha Pratt, founder of Beautiful Broken — “Rising”
Kanesha Adams, director/founder of The Learning Lounge — “Rooted”
LaTaylor Rembert, assistant director of programs/director of mental health at TOPPS Inc. — “Rooted”
LaTasha Randle, vice president/director of community outreach at FBT Bank — “Money and Me”
Sonji Bell, owner of Danielle’s Beauty Salon — “Self-Care for Thyself”
Dr. Lacandian Spencer, clinical pharmacist and CEO of Dr. LaCandian Spencer Foundation — “The Couch Talk”
Contributors and support team members include Eplunus Colvin, community strategist and media professional, and Shanatay Alexander, owner of Be Dazzled By Naomi — door prize coordinator.
Registration is $25. The community is encouraged to sponsor a girl’s attendance or donate to the nonprofit foundation.
To make a donation or be a sponsor visit this website. Details: bell.bloomfoundationinc@gmail.com or (870) 489-4177.