Simmons foundation promotes Morgan
Simmons First Foundation promoted Shannon Morgan as executive director of the nonprofit. In this new role, Morgan will guide foundation employees, strategy, policies and procedures, according to a news release.
“Shannon brings a wealth of experience and passion to Simmons First Foundation, which will be leveraged to even greater effect in her new role,” said Tommy May, chairman of the Simmons First Foundation. “Her passion for building relationships within the communities we support make Shannon a great fit to lead our team.” Morgan has been a member of the foundation team since its inception in 2014. She previously served as grant coordinator, navigating the grant process across Simmons Bank’s six-state footprint. Prior to joining the foundation, Morgan worked 25 years at Simmons Bank.
She is also vice president of the Jefferson County Young Professionals Network, past president and current board member of the Pine Bluff Festival Association, and a decade-long board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson County. She is a graduate of Southeast Arkansas College.
Entergy to give one-time credit
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Entergy Arkansas customers will get a break on their August bills.
Residential customers will receive a one-time bill credit of approximately $78 – a decrease of about 63% for a residential customer using 1,000 kwh. Commercial and industrial customers will also receive a one-time bill credit in August. Small general service customers will receive a credit of approximately $221, and large general service customers will receive a credit of approximately $12,158.
The bill credit is applied in August and coincides with July energy consumption, which is usually one of the highest months from an energy usage and bill amount standpoint. It also comes months after residential customers saw their bills decrease an average of 7.5% in April, or about $10 a month, because of lower prices for the fuel used to generate electricity for customers. Commercial and industrial customers saw anywhere from a 1.6% to 17.7% decrease, depending on their usage.
The credit, known as the “Grand Gulf Bill Credit,” stems from a lawsuit settlement between the Arkansas Public Service Commission and System Energy Resources Inc., which operates the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station.
Only current Entergy Arkansas customers who began service in December 2023 or earlier will qualify for the bill credits. Entergy Arkansas has also recently debuted the new Bill Toolkit site that helps customers find ways to manage energy usage, get assistance paying their utility bills and find other ways to save through energy efficiency, including free or low cost Entergy Solutions programs. Details: BillToolkit.entergy.com.
Pilgrim pantry to give away food
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will be open Aug. 10 from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. This facility is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and equal opportunity provider.
Sigma Gamma Rho to provide book bags
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Alpha Chi Sigma Alumnae Chapter, will host its annual Back to School Operation Big Book Bag Giveaway from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 10 at RJ’s Sports Grill and Bar, 128 S. Main St. Book bags will be distributed on a first come, first served basis until they’re all handed out, according to a news release.
Central Park neighbors to meet
The Central Park/Shady Grove Community Watch Group will meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 8 at Family Church, 2309 S. Poplar St. Residents are urged to make plans to attend, according to a news release. Joyce C. Brown is president.
EASI makes Third Ward donation
Josh Bishop, CEO of Emergency Ambulance Service Inc., recently donated $2,500 to support the restoration efforts at Third Ward Community Park, 2201 S. Arlington Ave.
The city of Pine Bluff invites the community to attend a check presentation at 10 a.m. Monday at EASI, 514 W. Fifth Ave. “We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Josh Bishop and EASI for their generous support,” City Council member Lanette R. Frazier said. “This donation will make a substantial impact on our efforts to restore and improve Third Ward Community Park, creating a better environment for families and residents to enjoy.”
“This significant contribution will play a vital role in enhancing the park’s facilities, ensuring it remains a vibrant and welcoming space for all residents,” according to the news release. “The donation underscores EASI’s commitment to the Pine Bluff community and its dedication to supporting local initiatives that promote health, well-being, and community engagement.”
Details: City Council member Lanette R. Frazier, (870) 575-3619.