SEAEDD among 25 DRA OK’d projects
Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District Inc. was awarded more than $2 million for a railroad infrastructure improvement project that will accommodate a grain storage elevator in Chicot County, providing access to reliable and affordable transport and ensuring economic resiliency within the area.
The funding was included in a list of 25 approved projects announced Monday by the Delta Regional Authority (DRA).
DRA announced an investment of more than $25 million toward projects through its Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF). These projects span seven states within DRA’s eight-service region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri and Mississippi, according to a news release.
Funding for this program was made available, in part, by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden, a part of his Investing in America agenda.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Tyson plans event at UAPB
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will host a meet and greet event with representatives from Tyson Foods from 2-4:30 p.m. Friday at the 1890 Auditorium.
All MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), 1890 Scholars and UAPB School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences students are encouraged to attend. Dinner will be served after the meeting.
“You will learn about the company and career opportunities and have the opportunity to network,” according to a news release.
Housing board to meet
The Housing Authority of the city of Pine Bluff will hold its board of commissioners meeting at at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Colonial Steakhouse, 111 W. Eighth Ave., according to a news release. Details: (870) 541-0706.
Club Scrub workshop set
The Ivy Center for Education’s Future Medical Professionals, “Club Scrub,” Workshop will be held Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences South Central campus, at 1601 W. 40th Ave.
The topic will be Careers in the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program. The presenter will be Corrine Hollingsworth from the UAMS College of Health Professionals, according to a news release.
Students in seventh through 12th grades interested in medical careers are encouraged to attend. Parents are always welcome. Everyone is encouraged to arrive by 5:45 p.m. and enter at the rear of the building.
Those who cannot attend in person may join on Zoom with Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. Details: mattie1908@gmail.com.
Area Agency plans menu
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas is serving lunches from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays at the senior centers. Next week’s menu includes:
Nov. 4 — Chicken strips, macaroni and cheese, beets, peaches with whipped topping, and milk.
Nov. 5 — Ham with pineapple sauce, yam patty, green beans, roll, pecan dessert, and milk.
Nov. 6 — Chili cheese coney dog, coleslaw with grated carrots, fruit, cookie, and milk.
Nov. 7 — Loaded baked potato with meat, cheese, and vegetables, roasted Brussels sprouts, peanut butter silk pie, and milk.
Nov. 8 — Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, pears, and milk. Details: Strachota Senior Center, (870) 543-6323.
Entergy prepares for election day
As Arkansans prepare to head to the polls next week, Entergy Arkansas has been working on a preparedness plan to help ensure power reliability to voting locations across the state.
Entergy’s election preparedness plan includes monitoring the weather and mobilizing workers and equipment throughout the service area to quickly and safely respond if issues arise. While widespread power outages are not expected, Entergy stands ready to restore power if needed, according to a news release.
“For the last several months, Entergy Arkansas has been working in collaboration with state and local election officials to assure continuity of operations during this year’s election,” said Adam Effrein, Entergy Arkansas’ vice president for power delivery.
Although there are no known specific or credible threats to the electric grid in conjunction with the election, the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation maintain a posture of hypervigilance in the days leading up to and following the general election.
Entergy Arkansas joins federal and state officials in encouraging customers to remain alert as they visit polling places and other public gatherings related to the election.