CONGRESSMAN TO VISIT, VOTING WRAPS UP, THANKSGIVING ARRIVES

BY THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

This week residents will return to the polls to choose a Pine Bluff mayor and other officials, the 4th District Congressman will visit Pine Bluff and local offices will be closed to observe Thanksgiving Day.

Today is the last day to vote early in the run-off election to choose a Pine Bluff mayor, two aldermen, city treasurer and a Redfield alderman. Early voting will be held at the Jefferson County Courthouse.

Mayor Carl A. Redus Jr. and City Treasurer Greg Gustek face each other in the mayor’s race.

Sam Whitfield and Chris Castoro are vying for the treasurer’s office.

Justice of the Peace Glen Brown and Alderman Derwood Smith are running for the 3rd Ward alderman’s race.

Fourth Ward Alderman George Stepps is being challenged by Steven Mays.

In Redfield, candidates Brenda Carmical and Sandra Garrett seek to fill the city’s Ward 2, Position 2 alderman seat.

The runoff election will be held Tuesday. Polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Also Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Mike Ross will address the Jefferson County Manufacturing Council at 8 a.m. at the Economic Development Alliance of Jefferson County, 510 Main St.

Ross will also be the guest speaker for the Pine Bluff Rotary Club at noon Tuesday at the Pine Bluff Country Club.

Meanwhile, several agencies will be closed during Thanksgiving. Area schools and Southeast Arkansas College will be closed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday while the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will be closed Thursday and Friday.

The Jefferson County Courthouse and related offices as well as Pine Bluff City Hall and related offices will be closed Thursday and Friday. Waste Management of Arkansas will be closed Thursday and garbage routes will run one day behind schedule.

Traditionally, Thankgiving is a time to help others. People in need of a meal are invited to attend the following: