MLK Marade becomes March for Peace
Jarius Higgins, a third grader from Gandy Elementary School in White Hall, will speak to the crowd following the 40th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade/Marade on Saturday.
The Marade, which will have an emphasis on peace, was rescheduled because of inclement weather. The Marade will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. and the lineup begins at 1 p.m. at Third Avenue and Walnut Street. The Marade will travel from east on Third Avenue to Convention Center Drive and south to the Pine Bluff Civic Center where there will be a short youth educational program, according to a news release.
“As a result of the recent homicide of a 16-year-old, we are placing great emphasis on Dr. King’s teaching on ‘Nonviolence,'” said Rev. Jesse C. Turner, executive director Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc., event sponsor.
“We call for the community of Pine Bluff to join in the MLK Marade to ‘March for Peace’ in 2024. Too many of our youngsters are dying too young and too soon. A ‘Respect for Life’ must become a priority in 2024.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Candidate forum set
The Pine Bluff mayoral and City Council candidates are expected to participate in a candidate forum from 6-8:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., according to a news release.
Arkansas Community Organizations and Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration will sponsor the forum. The public is invited to attend. Details: (870) 536-6300.
Foundation opens grant cycle
Arkansas Community Foundation’s Giving Tree Grant cycle is open and ends at 11:59 p.m. Feb. 15, according to a news release. All applications must be submitted through the foundation’s online portal at arcf.org/givingtree.
The following affiliates are accepting applications: Southeast Arkansas, Cleburne County, Conway County, Faulkner County, Fayetteville Area, Greene County, Johnson County, Lee County, North Delta, Phillips County, Pope County, Sharp County, St. Francis County, Twin Lakes Area, and White County. Details: arcf.org or (501) 372-1116.
Coon Supper reception funds scholarships
The 12th annual Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception was held at the Berry Farm Shop on Jan. 13. A preview to the annual Coon Supper fundraiser at Gillett, the reception honors former Arkansas Congressman Marion Berry.
Event proceeds fund the Marion and Carolyn Berry Scholarship awarded to qualifying Arkansas State University students with an interest in public policy and public service.
The 2023 scholarship recipients were Hannah Johns, Hannah Kimmer, NelleMae Rohrer, and Lindsay Lancaster who were each awarded a $500 scholarship and interned in Congressman Rick Crawford’s office, according to a news release.
AG warns of utility scams
Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin issued a warning about scams related to utility shut-offs.
“My office receives many complaints from consumers who have been deceived by utility impersonation scams. Imposters threaten to shut off utility service if the consumer doesn’t immediately pay a past due amount. It is important to be cautious and informed, so that you aren’t a victim of one of these scams,” Griffin said in a news release.
Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe from utility impersonation scams:
Utility companies must provide adequate notice when bills are past due to give consumers time to pay their bills and to avoid shutoffs.
Utility companies will often allow consumers to enter into delayed payment agreements so that the consumer doesn’t have to pay the overdue bill all at once.
Utility companies will usually send a shut off notice via mail or email. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a representative of your gas, electric, or water utility threatening to shut off your service, be alert and do not pay them.
Your utility company will never ask you to pay with gift cards, bitcoin, or app transfers.
If you receive such a call, hang up and call your utility provider at the number on your last account statement to verify or discuss the status your account.
If you did pay, call your financial institution and/or the source of the payment to try to stop the payment.
File a complaint with the AG’s office immediately.
Exercise caution when answering calls from unknown numbers, especially when the caller is threatening you or demanding money.
If you wish to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office, call (800) 482-8982, email consumer@arkansasag.gov, or visit ArkansasAG.gov.