2 PBHS students finalists in event
The 400 Years of African American History Commission of Washington, D.C., named X’zayviun Sims and Takiyah Smith finalists in the inaugural 400 Years of African American History Ambassador Program.
As regional ambassadors they will participate in a two-day training session in Washington where they will meet with members of Congress, the 400 Years of African American History Commission, National Student Ambassadors, and other ambassadors from across the country in monthly teleconferences or Zoom sessions.
They will discuss community and educational issues and develop student-led solutions for presentation to local and national officials, according to a news release.
“This is huge for our Pine Bluff High School scholars, and we take immense pride in our scholars for reaching the final competition to represent Arkansas’ PEN OR PENCIL Mentoring Movement and our city and Pine Bluff schools on a national stage,” said the Rev. Jesse C. Turner, Arkansas’ lead PEN OR PENCIL affiliate.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Emancipation program set Jan. 1
The Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP invites the community to its Emancipation Proclamation Service at 9 a.m. Jan. 1 at St. Peter’s Rock Baptist Church, 1201 S. Catalpa St.
The Rev. Darren Edgerson, pastor at St. Peter’s Rock, will serve as the featured speaker for the program. Ivan Whitfield is the president of the Pine Bluff Branch NAACP, according to a news release from Stuff in The Bluff.com.
“Don’t miss the 2025 Emancipation Proclamation Service,” a spokesman said.
Charter school topic for Wabbaseka
The town of Wabbaseka will hold a community town hall meeting to discuss a charter school in Wabbaseka. The meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Wabbaseka Community Center and the community is invited to attend.
“This is your opportunity to share your ideas, ask questions, and learn how this initiative can impact our community,” according to a news release. “Your voice matters.”
Residents will hear updates, future plans, and be allowed to share their thoughts and concerns. Details: Wabbaseka Mayor Andrew Goodloe Sr., Wabbaseka City Hall, (870) 766-4262.
Christmas closings set
Several agencies have announced their closing schedules for the Christmas holiday.
Pine Bluff City Hall and related offices — Closed through Wednesday.
Jefferson County Courthouse and related offices — Closed through Friday.
State offices — The state Capitol offices and all state buildings will be closed today and Wednesday.
Area Agency on Aging for Southeast Arkansas — The main office and senior centers will be closed today and Wednesday. Southeast Arkansas Transportation will run for dialysis and cancer appointments today, but will be closed Wednesday.
Waste Management — WM customers normally scheduled for Wednesday through Friday will have their service delayed one day. This delay will affect all WM customers in Jefferson and Pulaski counties’ unincorporated areas as well as in Pine Bluff and White Hall.
Area Agency sets menu
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas offers lunch from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays at the senior centers. Next week’s menu and holiday closings include:
Dec. 30 — Chicken Strips, macaroni and cheese, beets, peaches with whip topping, and milk.
Dec. 31 — Ham with pineapple sauce, yam patty, green beans, roll, pecan dessert, and milk.
Jan. 1 — Closed. (Area Agency’s main office will also be closed Jan. 1, however Southeast Arkansas Transportation will take clients to dialysis if there are scheduled appointments.)
Jan. 2 — Loaded baked potato, with meat, cheese and vegetables, Roasted Brussels sprouts, peanut butter silk pie, and milk.
Jan. 3 — Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, pears, and milk.
X’zayviun Sims