Sheriff congratulates WH police chief
Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. congratulated White Hall Police Chief Mickey Buffkin on his recent appointment to the role by White Hall Mayor Noel Foster.
“Mickey has been a consummate professional throughout his 28 years in law enforcement, including his tenure as a criminal investigator-sergeant at Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and detective with the Pine Bluff Police Department,” Woods said in a news release.
“His contributions during his service with us were deeply valued, and since his separation from the JCSO on April 19, 2016, Mickey has continued to demonstrate his commitment to law enforcement and community service,” he said.
The city of White Hall is fortunate to have a leader like Buffkin, Woods said, adding that Buffkin’s integrity, expertise, and leadership skills will propel the White Hall Police Department to new heights.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
His new role will enhance community relations and promote a safer environment for all residents, Woods said.
“On behalf of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, I wish Chief Buffkin great success in his new role. We look forward to working together with him and the White Hall Police Department to further our shared goals of peace, safety, and community partnership.
“Congratulations, Chief Buffkin. Your leadership journey is a beacon of inspiration, and your new role is a testament to your relentless dedication and exemplary service,” Woods said.
Mental health summit set
A Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Summit will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 4 at Southeast Arkansas College in the McGeorge building, 1900 S. Hazel St.
The community is invited to attend the event hosted by the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project, according to StuffinTheBluff.com.
Experts in the fields of suicide prevention and mental health wellness will make presentations to people age 8 to adult. Speakers and their targeted age groups include: Dr. Abeer Washington (ages 8 to 12); Dr. Rhonda Mattox (ages 13 to 18); Leonardo Glover (ages 19 to 30); Dr. Stephen Broughton (ages 31 and up); Bessie Lancelin (ages 31 and up).
This summit is free, lunch will be provided and registration is required. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-health-wellness-suicide-prevention-summit-tickets-877029427627.
“Remember, mental illness is treatable, and with the right support, you can live a fulfilling life and pursue your dreams,” said Kymara H. Seals, DSOP’s founder and board chair. “If you’re struggling, you don’t have to suffer alone – help is available. Join us at the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project as we work to spread love, empathy, and awareness, and to honor the memory of our beloved D’Andre, who will always be in our hearts.”
Quorum Court Community Chat set
A Quorum Court Community Chat will be held at 6 p.m. April 30 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. (Suite A and B.) The community is invited to attend, according to StuffinTheBluff.com.
Alfred Carroll Sr., Justice of the Peace District 1 and spokesman, said he hopes this will be the first of a series of community meetings.
The event will be facilitated by local author John Proctor and Kim Jones Sneed, founder and publisher of Stuff In The Bluff.
This event will serve three purposes: Reconnect County elected officials with local citizens; provide more factual information concerning Jefferson County government inner workings; and hear concerns of Jefferson County citizens.
Attendees may also sign up to receive a Quorum Court Community Chat newsletter. Security will be provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Details: (870) 692-9039.
Future of pesticides topic of event
Court decisions and policymakers are reshaping pesticide use in the United States, and a recent California proposal, the Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap for California, is designed to phase out certain pesticides altogether.
Brigit Rollins, National Agricultural Law Center staff attorney, will examine what is on the horizon for Western pesticide use during the NALC’s Western Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference.
The conference will be held June 13-14 at the University of Nevada, Reno. Registration is available at https://nationalaglawcenter.org/western2024/ and a livestream option for the program is available, according to a news release from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“California’s proposed policy would result in the state phasing out use of ‘high-risk’ pesticides by 2050,” Rollins said. “If that policy comes to fruition, it will of course have major ramifications for Western producers.”
Her session, “The Future of Pesticides in the Western States: The Latest Legal Developments & Trends,” will discuss the California proposal and other policy developments from recent years that could impact Western agriculture.
The Feb. 6 decision from the U.S. District Court of Arizona resulted in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency vacating the 2020 registration allowing over-the-top use of dicamba-based pesticides XtendiMax, Engenia and Tavium. Following the federal court’s ruling, EPA released a memo stating that farmers are able to use existing dicamba stocks during the 2024 growing season.
Rollins will also explain EPA’s new policy approach for protecting endangered species from pesticide exposure, and what those changes could mean for pesticide users.
For information about the National Agricultural Law Center, visit nationalaglawcenter.org.