Third Ward residents to meet
The Third Ward Neighborhood Watch Group will meet April 21 at 6 p.m. at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W. 28th Ave. Everyone is encouraged to attend. This will be the first meeting of the year. “Bring your ideas and concerns regarding the 3rd Ward,” a spokesman said.
Cooperative Extension sets Get Fit classes
Extension Get Fit (EGF) will start a new 12 week series at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service, 500 Idaho St., in the conference room. Classes will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday beginning April 15.
The exercises will be led by Mary Ann Kizer, Family & Consumer Sciences agent; Marilyn Lee and Jo Ann Carr, Certified Extension Get Fit leaders. EGF is appropriate for adults of any age who are either sedentary or very active.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Research shows that a program of strength training improves bone density, reduces falls, improves arthritis symptoms, improves brain activity, and increases flexibility and strength.
Participants are encouraged to continue the classes throughout the year. People can preregister by calling Mary Ann Kizer, at (870) 534-1033 or by email to mkizer@uada.edu.
Pleasant Grove health fair sets
Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1801 Indiana St., will host a health fair from 9 a.m. to noon April 18. The guest presenter will be Dr. J. Steven Blake, a gastroenterologist with Jefferson Regional G.I. Associates and member of the Jefferson Regional medical staff. The theme will be “Rooted in Faith, Growing in Health,” (Pro. 3: 5-8), according to a news release.
Participating vendors will include JLC Wellness, Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service (promoting healthy eating), Lupus Foundation, United Health insurance, and Archwell. Information will also be provided on Alzheimer’s, prostate cancer awareness, breast cancer awareness, and seniors exercise.
Pine Bluff youth attend national event
The Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration (PBICVR) PEN OR PENCIL (POP) Hustlepreneur Mentoring (H.E.M.) Team announced that Davion Shaw and Kavion Withers were selected to represent Pine Bluff at the National Returning Citizens Conference in Jacksonville, Fla., from April 8–10.
Jefferson County’s Juvenile Judge Earnest E. Brown Jr. praised the young men.
“Davion and Kavion are two exceptional young men, and the Sixth Division (juvenile court) staff and I are elated they will get this opportunity,” Brown said in a news release.
The Rev. Jesse C. Turner, PBICVR executive director, also applauded the young men.
“Shaw and Withers will share their inspirational experiences during a plenary luncheon on April 9, addressing an audience of approximately 400 attendees,” Turner said. “Their presentation will highlight how the PEN OR PENCIL (POP) Hustlepreneur Mentoring and Youth Diversion Curriculum has positively impacted their lives and supported their growth, leadership, and transformation. This opportunity celebrates Davion and Kavion’s remarkable achievements and highlights the PBICVR’s commitment to empowering youth and building community solutions that inspire young people.”
The National Returning Citizens Association is a national organization dedicated to advancing successful reentry, economic mobility, and community stability through policy leadership, workforce partnerships, and coordinated reform strategies, according to the news release.
The conference will include keynote addresses, panel discussions, and breakout sessions designed to foster collaboration and drive actionable outcomes. Attendees will engage with national leaders and practitioners across multiple sectors, including corrections, public policy, workforce development, education, healthcare, and community-based organizations. Details: www.nrcconference.org .
Veterans event set for April 15
A free veteran’s clinic is scheduled for April 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the DeWitt American Legion Post 158, at 3034 Arkansas 165 South.
The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) is teaming up with Post 158, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Legal Aid of Arkansas in conducting this event. The session is open to the public, according to a news release.
Legal Aid will offer a free civil legal clinic to Arkansas veterans for estate planning, criminal record sealing, landlord-tenant issues, family law, debtor-creditor issues, and other issues.
ADVA accredited veteran service officers will be on hand to assist veterans with claims and other benefits.
In addition to the Vet Center Van, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will have employees of its Arkansas health and benefits outreach program available to discuss VA Healthcare eligibility and VA benefits.
This is the first in a series of events in DeWitt planned for the third Wednesday of even numbered months. The next event is scheduled for June 17. Details: Sue Harper, veteran service officer, Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, (870) 623-6900.
Simmons announces savings program
Simmons Bank announced its automatic savings program, Round-Up, allowed more than 25,000 customers to save more than $5.9 million during 2025. This feature rounds up debit purchases to the nearest dollar and transfers the difference to a second account of the customer’s choice, according to a news release.
As households focus on building stronger financial habits during America Saves Week, the program highlights how small, consistent actions can lead to meaningful savings over time. Details: simmonsbank.com.