Editor’s note: Representatives of local agencies, churches, civic clubs or other programs may send cancellation notices to pbcnews@pbcommercial.com .
Several local organizations are cancelling events or closing offices because of concerns over the coronavirus.
Chamber office closes
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is temporarily closed to walk-in traffic as a safety precaution for the staff and community members. However, staff are there and working. Details: Lynette Bloomberg, at lynette@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or 870-535-0110.
Jefferson County offices closed to public
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
In the wake of the coronavirus epidemic, Jefferson County Judge and Chief Executive Officer Gerald Robinson has issued an Executive Order restricting public access to county facilities through April 4 to protect the health of county employees and the public. Public access to the Jefferson County Courthouse and Juvenile Court Complex building will be limited to county employees, court employees and elected officials having offices in or conducting business in the respective buildings. The county will provide reasonable accommodation on a request of the judge of the courts.
Arsenal reports closures
Several areas of the Pine Bluff Arsenal are now closed until further notice. This includes: hunting and fishing areas (Details: Wes Sparks at 870-540-3247) and recreation services gymnasium (Details: 870-540-3778). The Pine Bluff Arsenal’s Military Personnel ID Card Office is closed until March 23 (Details: 870-540-3787.)
Senior centers closing until March 28
The Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will close its senior centers March 16-28. They will reopen on March 30, according to a news release.
Railroad Museum closing until April 7
The Arkansas Railroad Museum in Pine Bluff will be closed through April 7, according to a news release.
PB employment office closes to public
The state employment office at Pine Bluff has closed to the general public because of coronavirus concerns. The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS), 1001 Tennessee St., will still assist clients by phone, email or online, according to a news release from William Campbell, ADWS local office manager. To file an unemployment claim or repay unemployment benefits, call 870-534-1920.
Altheimer city hall lobby closes
The lobby at Altheimer City Hall will be closed due to the coronavirus concerns, according to a news release from Altheimer Mayor Zola Hudson. Residents may use the drop box at the front door to leave information. For any questions or concerns, Altheimer residents may call 870-766-8229 or 870-329-4963.
Health concerns prompt closure of Pine Bluff library
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System closed the main library at the Civic Center and the Altheimer Library at Altheimer due to health concerns. The other branches remain closed for renovations, according to a news release March 18. People may call the library to request books that can be picked up outside the Main Library between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Library officials also suggest the use of electronic resources that are available with a library card. Details: 870-534-4802.
UAPB cancels events
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has cancelled or postponed events:
Current exhibits in the Leedell Moorehead-Graham Art Gallery;
University Museum and Cultural Center;
Lion Fever Day, and Founders Celebration events, including Honors and Awards Convocation, Educational Access Conference, and the Alumni Breakfast;
The Annual Student and Faculty Research Forum and Chancellor’s Scholarship Gala. Details: www.uapb.edu/covid19 .