1st Ward Living Grace sets giveaway
The First Ward Living Grace Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road, will conduct a city-wide Independence Day celebration on July 3 from noon to 2 p.m.
This celebration is open to the public and will feature a drive-through where attendees can pick up free food, drinks, snacks and more. The event will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so participants are encouraged to line up early at the old Belair school, according to a news release.
“Join us for a day of community, celebration, and free refreshments as we commemorate Independence Day together,” according to the release.
Details: First Ward Living Grace Pantry, (479) 301-1096 or https://firstwardpantry.wixsite.com/fwlgp.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Rhodes names local to honor roll
Nessa Blair of Stuttgart was named to the spring 2025 honor roll at Rhodes College in Memphis. To qualify for the honor roll, a student must be enrolled in at least 16 credits of academic work and achieve a semester grade point average of 3.85 or better, according to a news release.
Offices open, closed July 4th
Several agencies announced whether they’ll be closed or open the July 4th holiday:
Pine Bluff City Hall and related offices — Closed July 4 and July 7.
Jefferson County Courthouse and related offices — Closed July 4 and July 7.
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas — The agency offices and senior centers will be closed July 4, however Southeast Arkansas Transportation (SEAT) will be taking patients to their dialysis and cancer appointments.
State offices will be closed July 4. The state Capitol building will be open to the public from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Waste Management — Open July 4. Waste Management customers scheduled for July 4 will be serviced on their regular pickup day. The Commercial incorrectly reported recently WM would be closed as reflected on its corporate website’s list of holidays. “We hope everyone has a safe and fun Fourth of July,” Jamie Vernon, public sector manager for WM, said in a news release. “While the holiday is often celebrated with cookouts and fireworks, WM asks residents to ensure that no hot fireworks or coals are placed in their carts. WM encourages to soak both items in water and wait at least 48 hours before disposing in their solid waste cart.”
Corps urges water safety
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District, is urging everyone to prioritize water safety while enjoying the region’s lakes and rivers.
“Independence Day is a time to celebrate our freedom with family and friends in the great outdoors but safety must come first,” Col. Damon Knarr, commander of the Little Rock District, said in a news release. “Whether you’re boating, swimming or just relaxing near the water, simple precautions like wearing a life jacket and staying alert can save lives. Let’s make this Independence Day safe, memorable and tragedy-free.”
With an increase in recreational water activities during this holiday, it’s crucial to ensure that safety measures are in place to prevent accidents and injuries.
Expect more boats and swimmers on the water and maintain a safe speed and be vigilant for swimmers if you are boating. Remember to always wear your life jacket when on or near water, don’t drink alcoholic beverages and operate a boat, never swim alone and stick to designated swim areas.
USACE also reminds visitors that some lakes are still experiencing high water conditions. Floating logs, trash and other debris create serious hazards for boaters and swimmers.
Stay weather aware. Summer storms often build quickly, especially in the afternoon. Check the forecast before heading out, monitor weather apps while on the water, and identify shelter options in advance in case of lightning, strong winds or severe weather.
Details: www.swl.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/littlerockusace and on the USACE Little Rock water level mobile app at www.swl.usace.army.mil/Home/water-control-app/.
State Police: Drive sober
On this Independence Day, drive sober or get a sober ride home.
The Arkansas Highway Safety Office (AHSO) along with Arkansas law enforcement will partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement campaign.
The goal is to deter impaired driving and prevent the tragedies seen in previous Fourth of July holidays from happening again, according to a news release.
“Every year, the Fourth of July holiday stands out as one of the deadliest times on our nation’s roads,” according to the release.
From 2019 to 2023, there were 2,653 fatalities in traffic crashes during the holiday period. Of those fatalities, 1,679 were drivers and 38% (643) of those drivers were drunk. Of the drivers killed, the 21-34 age group had the highest percentage (48%) of drunk drivers.
In Arkansas, 48% of drivers in the fatal accidents that occurred during July 4th weekends (2019 to 2023) were intoxicated.
“We want to make it clear that on this Fourth of July holiday, we have a zero-tolerance policy against drinking and driving,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Col. Mike Hagar.
“We are well-trained to identify signs of drunk driving on the road. Driving under the influence is a violation of the law, and a reckless act that puts the lives of drivers, their passengers, and others on the road at extreme risk. We urge everyone to keep road safety in mind as they prepare for the celebrations. Make responsible choices to help us ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for all.”
Details: www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving or the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at (501) 618-8136, and go to https://www.tzdarkansas.org/.