Wabbaseka Easter Egg Hunt set
The Jason Irby Innovation Foundation will present a $100 Easter Egg Hunt at 3 p.m. Sunday at Wabbaseka United Methodist Church, 101 U.S. 79 in Wabbaseka. Youth in grades first through 12th are welcome to participate, Wabbaseka native and author Jason Irby said on StuffinTheBluff.com. A $100 egg and $200 in prizes will be awarded.
Sheriff’s office issues scam warning
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public to a widespread text message scam in which individuals are falsely claiming to represent an Arkansas court system and issuing fraudulent “final court summons” notices.
The messages instruct recipients to pay alleged traffic citations through a suspicious link and threaten consequences such as arrest warrants, driver’s license suspension, and additional fines if immediate action is not taken.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
This communication is fraudulent. Courts do not issue summons notifications via text message, nor do they request payment through unofficial links or digital platforms in this manner. The threatening language used in these messages is a common tactic employed by scammers to create urgency and fear in order to manipulate victims into complying, according to a news release.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office urges all residents to remain vigilant and to take the following precautions:
— Do not click on any links contained in unsolicited messages.
— Do not provide personal, financial, or identifying information.
— Do not respond to the sender.
— Individuals who receive such messages are encouraged to delete them immediately and report the incident to their local law enforcement agency.
“The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting the community and educating the public on emerging fraud schemes that target vulnerable populations, particularly senior citizens.
Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office directly for verification by dialing (870) 541-5351 Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. or through the non-emergency dispatch center (MECA) at (870) 541-5300.
Diabetes prevention effort sets free program
People with prediabetes are urged to join a free year-long National Diabetes Prevention Program.
The program aims to build lasting habits — weekly sessions for 16 weeks, then twice monthly for the rest of the year.
The facilitator is Nicole Bates, a nurse practitioner with the Diabetes & Kidney Disease Prevention Program (DKDP).
The program provides community-based education and prevention services across Southeast Arkansas.
“As a CDC-recognized organization, we deliver evidence-based lifestyle interventions through the National Diabetes Prevention Program in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — supporting individuals at risk for diabetes in reducing their risks and improving long-term health outcomes,” Bates said in a news release.
“In short, we operate at the intersection of community impact and national public health strategy — bringing trusted, evidence-based prevention directly to the populations who need it most. Let’s work together to turn your numbers around,” Bates said.
To register for the free program or for details, contact Nicole Bates at (870) 718-6329.
Police urge people to drive phone free
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign is reminding drivers of the deadly dangers and legal consequences – including fines – of texting and other forms of messaging behind the wheel. From April 6-13, Arkansas law enforcement statewide will work together to enforce laws prohibiting distracted driving behind the wheel. These efforts come during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Cell phone use, texting and other activities that don’t contribute to safe driving are all forms of distracted driving. In 49 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands, texting while driving is illegal, according to a news release.
According to NHTSA, in 2023 there were 3,275 people killed and an estimated additional 324,819 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. However, data collection limitations show that these figures are likely lower than the real figures.
“Distracted driving, mainly cell phone use, remains a major contributor to serious and fatal crashes,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “It is dangerous and illegal, and puts everyone on the road at risk. Our officers will increase enforcement and stop and ticket anyone who is texting and driving. If you drive distracted, you will face the consequences,” he said.
Safe driving can be adopted by these phone-free driving habits:
— Pull over and park in a safe location before using the phone to send or read a text message.
— Ask a passenger to be the “designated texter” and allow them to manage calls and messages during the drive.
— Avoid social media scrolling and any form of messaging while behind the wheel.
Use “Do Not Disturb” mode to silence notifications.
Drivers can put their phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat of the vehicle to break the habit of driving distracted.
For more information on distracted driving, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving or call the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136.