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SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS PREPARES FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

By The Commercial Staff
Monday, December 20, 2004 10:28 AM CST

As Christmas Day approaches this week, organizers of Arkansas' largest drive-through lighting display prepare to offer the exhibit for a few more days.

The Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends at Regional Park is open from 6 to 9 p.m. until Dec. 31. Last year, nearly 106,000 people visited the exhibit sponsored by the Pine Bluff Festival Association. Organizers hope to see that many or more this year.

Also this week, 4th District Rep. Mike Ross will deliver 40 turkeys to needy families in the Pine Bluff area.

Ross will deliver turkeys -- donated by the United Parcel Service -- to families who belong to the Neighbor to Neighbor program, a nonprofit organization that provides food and clothing to the needy.

Ross will arrive at the UPS distribution center about 8:30 a.m. today and deliver turkeys to Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 Pine St., at 9:15 a.m.

In other news, a decision is expected to be made this week on whether to drop a felony tax evasion charge against a Jefferson County Circuit judge.

Judge Fred D. Davis III claims he was the victim of selective prosecution and asked special judge David Bogard to dismiss the charge.

Davis was charged with using a dealer license plate on his vehicle to avoid paying sales and personal property taxes.

If the judge rules that Davis was singled out for prosecution because he is an elected official, special prosecutor Henry Morgan said the judge would order an evidentiary hearing where the burden falls on the state to rebut the defense.

In government matters, the proposed $31.5 million budget for Pine Bluff will be considered by the City Council when it meets today at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at the Pine Bluff Civic Center.

A resolution will also be made commending outgoing elected officials for their service to the city of Pine Bluff. Among those leaving office and presiding over the council meeting for the last time is Pine Bluff Mayor Dutch King.

Also this week:

n White Hall City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. today at City Hall.

n Dare2Share, a community-wide service facilitated by Family Church, will provide coats, toys and canned goods to needy people. The items will be distributed Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the church.

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