UAPB alumni group names king, queen
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff AM&N National Alumni Association Inc. announces the association’s 2024 Royal Court.
The 2024 Alumni Queen winner is Danyelle Walker, who raised $64,690.20. Bessie McIntosh-Webb is the runner-up for Alumni Queen raising $34,344.00.
Marshawn Wilbourn is the Alumni King winner raising $6,816.28, according to the news release.
“Congratulations to all of our incredible honorees for raising a grand amount for Dear Mother (UAPB) and the UAPB AM&N National Alumni Association,” according to the release. Details: uapb.edu.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
City buses to offer free rides to event
Pine Bluff Transit will offer free bus rides in conjunction with a Soles to the Polls Rally from noon to 2 p.m. Monday at the Jefferson County Courthouse, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
The Divine 9 and community partners will host the rally. The target goal is 4,000 people voting on the first day of early voting Monday. This event is open to the general public, according to a news release.
Soles to the Polls is a nationwide effort that focuses on registration — expanding the electorate; education — knowing your voting rights; mobilization — encouraging voter participation in elections; and protection — ensuring all votes are counted.
NARFE to meet Oct. 28
Chapter 287 of NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) will meet at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 28 at the Donald W. Reynolds Building, 211 W. Third Ave. Tammy Blenden, federal employee representative from Blue Cross Blue Shield, will be giving updates on the 2025 health insurance changes.
Representatives from other insurance companies are expected to be in attendance. National-only members are invited to attend, according to the news release. Waymond Meins is Chapter 287 president.
Ivy Center postpones event
The Ivy Center for Education will reschedule its Suicide Prevention Workshop. The Oct. 22 event was to be led by Kymara Seals, founder and board chair of the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project.
Stay alert during high wildfire risk
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture urges Arkansans to stay alert as wildfire danger has increased significantly across the state. More than 75% of the state has been designated as high risk for wildfire and burn bans have been issued for 51 counties.
The increased threat is primarily due to strong winds from a cold front combined with low humidity and dry conditions, according to a news release.
To help residents understand the wildfire threat, the department maintains a county-by-county wildfire danger map with four risk levels: extreme, high, moderate, and low. Risk levels are determined by fuel conditions, drought status, and long-term weather forecasts. They are categorized by how easily fires can start and how hard they are to contain.
RISK LEVEL DEFINITIONS
Extreme: Fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. Every fire started has the potential to become large. Expect extreme, erratic behavior.
High: Fires ignite easily and spread quickly. Unattended brush fires and campfires are likely to escape. Fires may become serious if not attacked early.
Moderate: Fire can start from accidental causes. May not become serious, but caution should be taken.
Low: Fuels do not ignite easily. Weather conditions will lead to slow spread and relatively easy to control fires.
TAKE THESE PRECAUTIONS
Avoid Outdoor Burning: Arkansans should avoid outdoor burning, even in areas that are not under a burn ban. Avoid activities that involve an open flame including fireworks, campfires, trash burning, open flame grilling, and prescribed or controlled burns.
Exercise Caution: Arkansans should exercise caution when driving or operating machinery. Avoid vehicle operation in dry grass, make sure trailer safety chains are off the ground, and avoid driving on a flat tire.
Be Prepared: As the season changes, Arkansans should be prepared when participating in outdoor activities such as hunting and camping. Be aware of local conditions and always carry water to extinguish any sparks from muzzleloader guns or machinery.
Report Fires: The department is asking those who see fires to report them by calling 1-800-468-8834. Avoid flying drones in the area as these disrupt firefighting efforts.
Stay Informed: Keep up to date on conditions across the state by viewing the county-by-county map and following the department on social media.
The department is responsible for the protection of more than 15 million acres of non-federal forestland in Arkansas. Since Oct. 1, the department has suppressed more than 100 wildfires on 1,116 acres across the state. Department foresters and rangers engage daily in wildfire protection activities, including prevention, detection, and suppression efforts.