Summit church sets festival
Summit Baptist Church, 901 Ridgway Road, will host a Fall Fun Festival from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday. There will be games, bouncy blow-ups, and lots of food and candy!
“There will be something for the entire family. Wear your Halloween costume and enjoy a great event,” according to a news release.
New Community to give away food
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will give away Thanksgiving food boxes beginning at 8 a.m. Nov. 16. The 100 boxes will be given away on a first come, first served basis, according to a news release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Election panel meets Nov. 5-6
Michael Adam, chairman of the Jefferson County Election Commission, is calling two meetings of the Jefferson County Board of Election Commissioners.
The election commissioners will hold an election day meeting beginning at 7 a.m. Nov. 5. The commission will remain in session until unofficial election results are announced at the Election Center, 123 Main St., at approximately 10 p.m. In the event commissioners are required to make a decision requiring a vote while the polls are open, it will be at the election center, according to a news release.
The election commissioners will hold a regular meeting at 6 p.m. Nov. 6 at the election center. The agenda includes approve Oct. 16 meeting minutes and public comments on new business agenda items (two minutes per speaker).
New business includes adjudicate any provisional and absentee ballots, approve manual audit of unofficial election results, and any other business that comes before the commission.
“Parking is limited (at the election center) so please park on Second Street to allow workers access to the building and parking,” according to the release. “The county is having difficulty with the lighting in the meeting room and the men’s rest room and have not been able accomplish repairs. Please be aware and use caution in the building.”
Police plan Fall Festival Oct. 31
The community is invited to the Pine Bluff Police Department’s Fall Festival from 6:30-9 p.m. on Halloween at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The event is free.
“Bring the whole family out for a night filled with fun and treats,” a spokesperson said in a release from Stuff in The Bluff.com.
There will be candy, popcorn, cotton candy, drinks, games, as well as costume contests, prizes, bingo and a spooky room.
“Dress up in your favorite costumes and get ready to have a trick or treating good time with your friends and police officers,” the spokesperson said.
Sponsors include the city of Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Department, Pine Bluff Group Violence Intervention, Jefferson-Lincoln County Circuit Court – 6th Division, and Super 1 Foods. Details: (870) 730-2086.
Divine 9 sets All In Rally
The Divine 9 and community partners have united to present an All In Rally on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Jefferson County Courthouse. Early voting is underway at the Jefferson County Courthouse through Nov. 4.
This rally is open to the general public. Free hot dogs and hamburgers will be served to the first 250 people who early vote between those hours, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
Pine Bluff Transit will offer fare free rides from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you need a ride to the courthouse, contact Pine Bluff Transit director at (870) 543-5130 for details.
Free bus rides will also be available Nov. 5, election day.
The Divine 9 and community partners issued reminders on the importance of voting in this 2024 election:
Early voting began Oct. 21 and ends Nov. 4.
Vote at your precinct on Nov. 5. (Polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on election day.)
State law requires photo ID to vote.
Know your precinct; use VoterView.org to check your registration.
Discharged felons can get their voting rights restored.
N2N Bingo Burger Bash, auction set
Neighbor to Neighbor will hold its annual Bingo Burger Bash & Silent/Live Auction from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The event is the agency’s biggest fundraiser. All proceeds go to fulfilling their mission of feeding the hungry in Jefferson County and providing services to people in crisis, according to a news release.
Live auction items include a basketball signed by Coach John Calipari, a football signed by Coach Sam Pittman, a baseball signed by Coach Dave Van Horn and other specialty items. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Table sponsorships are also available. Tickets are limited. Pat Tate is executive director of Neighbor to Neighbor. Details: (870) 534-2883.
1st Ward pantry sets giveaway
First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry will present the 2024 Thanksgiving Giveaway from 1-3:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The giveaway will be set up at the glass doors south arena by the handicapped signs, according to a flier. Supplies will include turkey or ham and groceries. Food will be given away on a first come, first served basis. The event will honor Summit Community Care, according to a news release.
Partnerships also include LEAPS, Southeast Arkansas College, Tyson Foods, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Sixth Division Juvenile Court, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Arkansas Food Bank, and four private partnerships. Details: Debra Strickland Allen, executive director of First Ward Living Grace pantry, (479) 301-1096.