Police change site of Fall Festival
The Pine Bluff Police Department’s annual Fall Festival will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 31 at 120 W. Fifth Ave. (former Bank of America building) at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Pine Street. There will be food, prizes, games and other activities. Attendees are welcome to wear family-appropriate costumes to the event, according to a news release. Details: (870) 730-2042.
New PAC sets news conference
A newly established political action committee (PAC), dedicated to driving meaningful change in Jefferson County, will hold a news conference Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the UAPB Incubator, 615 S. Main St.
The purpose is to officially launch the PAC and inform the public of its mission to empower citizens and promote proactive political involvement in the county, according to a news release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
With the guiding belief that “Change will not change itself,” the PAC is committed to cultivating a more informed electorate and supporting knowledgeable, community-minded candidates.
“This is not just about politics — it’s about progress,” said Eugene Hunt, a lawyer and the PAC’s executive manager.
Calvin Johnson, Ph.D, also serves as an executive leader.
“We want Jefferson County voters to understand their power and responsibility in shaping the future of our community,” Johnson said.
The public is encouraged to attend, meet the leadership team and learn more about how they can get involved in this growing movement for change.
The Voters PAC is focused on civic education, candidate support and advocacy for transparent, cooperative and accountable governance. The organization was founded in 2025 by concerned community leaders aiming to spark meaningful, community-driven change in county politics. Details: Eugene Hunt, 870-718-4280 or eugenehunt2000@yahoo.com.
Drug Take Back Day Oct. 25
Arkansas law enforcement agencies are preparing to team up with the community for the Arkansas Drug Take Back Day, a statewide effort to collect and dispose of unused or expired medications.
On Oct. 25, there will be 132 collection sites set up at police stations, sheriff’s offices, community centers and community gathering places across the state. Law enforcement officers will accept medications anonymously and provide information about the importance of the proper disposal of prescriptions and medications, according to a news release.
The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership, Arkansas Office of the Drug Director, the Counterdrug Joint Task Force of the Arkansas National Guard, Arkansas Sheriff’s Association and Arkansas State Police work with local law enforcement agencies each April and October to give Arkansas residents the opportunity to properly dispose of drugs they no longer use or need.
“Every pill we collect is one less that can be misused or stolen,” said Arkansas Drug Director Tom Fisher. “The impact of this effort goes so far as to strengthen families, protect communities and reinforce Arkansas’ prevention strategies that we’re proud to implement.”
According to Capt. Kevin Russell of the Benton Police Department, event organizers had to do a lot of education to raise public awareness about the importance of this issue when they started the initiative back in 2010. In the years since, Arkansans have turned in large numbers of prescriptions and medications for disposal at Arkansas Drug Take Back Days, contributing to the safe disposal of more than 329 tons of pills.
“The fight against opioid abuse and misuse persists to this day,” Russell said. “Participating in Arkansas Drug Take Back Day is a simple action of taking a few minutes to get rid of old, unused drugs that can help keep them from falling into the wrong hands. Showing up could help save the life of a member of your community or possibly even someone close to you.”
Residents are also welcome to utilize one of the nearly 300 permanent drop boxes available to the public across the state year-round. For more information about Arkansas Drug Take Back or to find nearby collection sites, visit ARDrugTakeBack.org.