Underway
Jefferson County under burn ban
Due to the current conditions, Jefferson County has been placed under a burn ban by County Judge Gerald Robinson. There is now an increased risk of wildfires. It is with this in mind that a burn ban has been issued for all of Jefferson County including the cities of Pine Bluff, White Hall, Redfield, Altheimer, Humphrey, Wabbaseka, and Sherrill. This burn ban is in effect immediately and will continue until further notice, according to Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management.
Thursday, April 9
UAM to Jazz One Concert
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1881.
The University of Arkansas at Monticello Division of Music will host “Jazz One Concert” April 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center, on UAM’s Monticello campus. The event is free and open to the public.
Under the direction of Kevin Bryson, assistant professor of music and director of jazz studies at UAM, the ensemble will feature special guest artist, Nathan Graybeal, on alto saxophone. Graybeal has gained international fame as a soloist and educator through his YouTube channel, Saxologic, according to a news release.
The concert will open with a performance by the Parkview High School Jazz Ensemble from Little Rock. Details: UAM Division of Music at (870) 460-1060.
Business start-up event set
Startup Junkie will host the Pine Bluff ARise Tech Commercialization Sprint as part of ARise (Arkansas Innovators, Startups, and Entrepreneurs), a statewide program that helps people start and grow businesses. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 9 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The tech commercialization sprint will feature expert-led sessions on legal protections for ideas, funding pathways, and early product development. The sessions will be led by experienced startup advisors who have worked directly with founders and understand what it takes to launch and grow a company, according to a news release. Seats will be limited to a first come, first served basis with limited seats available. Those interested in attending the tech commercialization sprint can register at https://luma.com/vrce42a0.
Beginning Thursday, April 9
Ivy Center plans educational events
The Ivy Center for Education will present several events in April.
April 9 — 6-8 p.m. — A free ACT boot camp will be held to review Science and Reading. The facilitator will be Charity Smith-Allen with Fetterman & Associates. The workshop is on Zoom only. Use Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061.
April 19 — 6-6:30 p.m. — Ivy Center College Tour meeting will be held for parents, scholars and chaperones on Zoom using Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061.
April 30 — 6-8 p.m. — Ivy Center Future Medical Professionals “Club Scrub” White, Green and Black Coat Ceremony will be held. The club’s graduating high school seniors will also be recognized. The speaker will be Dr. Brandi Wright, a local nephrologist. The community is invited to join the Ivy Center on Facebook Live and the Heat Magazine. Details: Mattie Collins at kencol1@msn.com or mattie1908@gmail.com.
Historical conference set at Monticello
The Arkansas Historical Association will hold its 85th annual conference April 9-11 at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, the UAM Trotter House, and the Monticello Country Club. A tour April 10 will take attendees to the Taylor House on the former Hollywood/Valley Plantation. More information and conference registration are available on the association’s website at www.arkansashistoricalassociation.org.
Beginning Friday, April 10
Canaan hosts Women’s Empowerment events
Canaan Christian Center, 7890 Middle Warren Road, will host the 2026 Women’s Empowerment Conference presented by host pastor Sheryl Banks. The sessions will be 7 p.m. April 10 for men and women and 9 a.m. to noon April 11 for women. Guest speakers will include Jessica Yarbrough, Sheilar Hatton-Bone, and Roslyn Burks-Adams. Psalmists will be Michelle Johnson and Zetoria Curry. Registration for the Saturday luncheon is $40 and payable by Cash App at $SherylLBanks1.
Saturday, April 11
Bowling for Babies set
The community is invited to bowl for a cause during Bowling for Babies from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at Thunder Lanes Bowling Center, 1600 E. Harding Ave. All proceeds will benefit the March of Dimes, according to StuffinTheBluff.com. The hosts will be Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. (Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter) and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. (Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter). Community health screenings will also be presented by Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc. Sponsorship packages are available. Vendor opportunities are available for $150 for two hours. All donations are accepted. Please make checks payable to Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter and mail to: P. O. Box 1161, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71613. Details: epsilonzz.pb@gmail.com or (870) 489-1262.
Pilgrim to give away food
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will be open April 11 from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be handed out on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. The pantry is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and an equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
St. John to give away food
St John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food April 11 from 9 a.m. until all food has been distributed. The church’s Soul Food for the Mind, Body, and Spirit Feeding Ministry, along with community partners, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, will provide food boxes to those who are in need. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family. Food can be picked up in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks.
Extension Service offers Child Care training
Free Best Care Child Care provider in-service training is set for April 11 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in the Parish Hall, 412 W. Sixth Ave. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with Best Care training starting at 9 a.m. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch. This training session will be provided free by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Jefferson, Dallas, and Cleveland county Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agents Mary Ann Kizer, JoAnn Vann, and Austin Compton. Five in-service hours are available by attending this event. The pre-registration deadline is April 8. Call Kizer at (870) 534-1033 or email mkizer@uada.edu to pre-register.
Area Agency sets bass tourney
The Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas (AAASEA) will host its 28th annual Reeling for Meals Bass Tournament on April 11 at Regional Park on the Arkansas River. This annual tournament raises critical funds for AAASEA’s Meals on Wheels program. Tournament winners will receive a $2,500 cash prize, with cash prizes guaranteed for the top 10 places. The entry fee is $110 per two-person team, which also includes entry into the $500 Big Bass Pot. Day-of registration will include an additional $25 fee. Details: (870) 543-6300, toll-free at 800-264-3260, or email Samantha Stichert at sstichert@aaasea.org.
Beginning Sunday, April 12
Art league hosts ‘Deltascapes’ exhibition
The Pine Bluff Art League will host a new exhibition, “Deltascapes,” from April 12 through July 5 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center. This exhibition will depict local scenes by art league artists and will hang in the east wing of the center. For more information, contact Co-President Claudia Spainhour at (870) 718-1058. For details on the art league, visit pbal.org or email mediapinebluffartleague@gmail.com.
Through Monday, April 13
Synergy grant applications available
Synergy Forum Inc. began accepting grant applications Feb. 9 for its 2026 grant cycle. Registered non-profit organizations: IRS 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, government agencies, and the hospital in Jefferson County are eligible to apply. Synergy Grants fund projects for the benefit of residents in Jefferson County in the areas of the arts, education and social services, according to a news release. Grant applications should be requested by March 12 completed and submitted on or before 5 p.m. April 13. For grant applications and details, email Amy Hunt at synergyforumgrants@gmail.com.
Beginning Monday, April 13
UAM slates priority registration
The University of Arkansas at Monticello will hold a priority registration event for summer 2026 and fall 2026 classes on April 13-14 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Student Success Center. This event is for new first-time freshman students and new transfer students. RSVP by April 9 to reserve a time to register for classes. In-person registration is required. Students must also apply to UAM by April 9 to participate, according to a news release. An RSVP link is available on the UAM Admissions Events webpage. Details: admissionsoffice@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1026.
Tuesday, April 14
TOPPS to give away food
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will give away food at 10 a.m. April 14. The first-come, first-served method will be used. Participants must provide proof of ID. One food box per household will be given and participants must be present to receive a box, according to a news release. TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service) is a non-profit organization. Details: Annette Howard Dove, TOPPS founder/director, (870) 850-6011.
Tuesday, April 14
Church news deadline set
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Fridays. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Tuesdays. Pastors, ministers or others interested in writing for the Devotional Page may also submit columns for consideration. Column writers should have connections to Southeast Arkansas. Articles are accepted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Wednesday, April 15
Veterans event set in DeWitt
A free veteran’s clinic is scheduled for April 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the DeWitt American Legion Post 158, at 3034 Arkansas 165 South. The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) is teaming up with Post 158, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Legal Aid of Arkansas in conducting this event. The session is open to the public, according to a news release. Legal Aid will offer a free civil legal clinic to Arkansas veterans for estate planning, criminal record sealing, landlord-tenant issues, family law, debtor-creditor issues, and other issues. ADVA accredited veteran service officers will be on hand to assist veterans with claims and other benefits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will have employees of its Arkansas health and benefits outreach program available to discuss VA Healthcare eligibility and VA benefits. Details: Sue Harper, veteran service officer, Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, (870) 623-6900.
Beginning Wednesday, April 15
Cooperative Extension sets Get Fit classes
Extension Get Fit (EGF) will start a new 12 week series at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service, 500 Idaho St., in the conference room. Classes will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday beginning April 15. The exercises will be led by Mary Ann Kizer, Family & Consumer Sciences agent; Marilyn Lee and Jo Ann Carr, Certified Extension Get Fit leaders. EGF is appropriate for adults of any age who are either sedentary or very active. Research shows that a program of strength training improves bone density, reduces falls, improves arthritis symptoms, improves brain activity, and increases flexibility and strength. Participants are encouraged to continue the classes throughout the year. People can preregister by calling Mary Ann Kizer, at (870) 534-1033 or by email to mkizer@uada.edu.
Through Wednesday, April 15
Superintendents’ scholarships available
The Anthony, Gathen, Rainey, and Tolbert Scholarship is now open for applications. This scholarship was established by retired former school district superintendents: Frank Anthony from Pine Bluff, Thomas Gathen from Dollarway, David Rainey from Dumas, and Andrew Tolbert from Warren. Interested students can obtain applications from their high school counselors. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is April 15.
Thursday, April 16
Women’s Connection luncheon set
The Christian Women’s Connection will hold its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 16 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The guest speaker will be Pat Smith of Lancaster, Texas. Her topic will be “The Red Room” and she will also be featuring some of her artwork and books. Smith speaks about her cancer diagnosis and getting her affairs in order, according to a news release. Everyone is invited to attend the gathering. The luncheon costs $20, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. For reservations and/or cancellations contact Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302. All participants are asked to honor their reservations.
Beginning Friday, April 17
Home and Garden Show set
The Jefferson County Master Gardeners will present the 2026 Home & Garden Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 17 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 18 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The event will bring together garden enthusiasts, homeowners, and industry professionals for a showcase of the latest trends, products, and innovations in home and garden design, according to a flyer. There will be workshops, demonstrations, vendor exhibits, and opportunities to connect with local businesses and organizations dedicated to improving homes, landscapes, and communities. For details or to sign up as a vendor, contact the Jefferson County Master Gardeners at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service, (870) 534-1033.
Saturday, April 18
Pleasant Grove health fair sets
Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1801 Indiana St., will host a health fair from 9 a.m. to noon April 18. The guest presenter will be Dr. J. Steven Blake, a gastroenterologist with Jefferson Regional G.I. Associates and member of the Jefferson Regional medical staff. The theme will be “Rooted in Faith, Growing in Health,” (Pro. 3: 5-8), according to a news release. Participating vendors will include JLC Wellness, Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service (promoting healthy eating), Lupus Foundation, United Health insurance, and Archwell. Information will also be provided on Alzheimer’s, prostate cancer awareness, breast cancer awareness, and seniors exercise.
Girls empowerment event set
The Glow Up Gathering: “BLOOM” Empowerment Experience for Girls ages 9-18 years old will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 18 at Peace, Hope and Mercy LifeCenter in Pine Bluff. Registration opens at 9 a.m. The Glow Up Gathering is a transformative, trauma-informed event designed to empower girls to grow in confidence, leadership, mental wellness, and purpose, according to a news release. The Bell & Bloom Foundation Inc., founded by Cynthia Bullard, a licensed professional counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor, will present the session. Registration is $25. To register, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoECUxhrRc8Zh-tWylCHuyujvZNoC3HU2LYf2hzUVK95u5rQ/viewform . To make a donation or be a sponsor visit: https://givebutter.com/help-girls-bloom-support-the-bell-bloom-foundation-tlvuoh. The deadline for the registration fee is April 4. Details: bell.bloomfoundationinc@gmail.com or (870) 489-4177.
Sunday, April 19
Gould church honors pastor, wife
Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Gould will celebrate the eighth anniversary of the pastor and wife, the Rev. Phillip Puckett and Jurmicka Puckett, on April 19. At 10 a.m., the guest speaker will be the Rev. Jarrett Miles, pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Grady. At 2:30 p.m., the featured speaker will be Rev. Glenn Barnes, pastor of Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff.
Tuesday, April 21
Third Ward residents to meet
The Third Ward Neighborhood Watch Group will meet April 21 at 6 p.m. at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W. 28th Ave. Everyone is encouraged to attend. This will be the first meeting of the year. “Bring your ideas and concerns regarding the Third Ward,” a spokesman said.
Saturday, April 25
Arsenal plans 5K Color Run/Walk
Pine Bluff Arsenal’s Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation will hold the second annual 5K Color Run starting at 8 a.m. April 25 at the arsenal. The event will begin at the Arsenal’s Fitness Center and the route is child stroller friendly, according to a news release. The deadline to register for the run/walk is Friday. The cost is $15 per adult, $5 per child under 10 years old. Registration by deadline includes a T-shirt, sunglasses and bandana. Details: Geraldine “Gigi” Robinson at (870) 540-3779 or geraldine.robinson36.naf@army.mil.
Museum sets reading retreat
A “Living Lyrics and Forgotten Feasts Reading Retreat” is planned for Lakeport Plantation Museum in Lake Village. The retreat, which will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. April 25, is part of the 250th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the United States. The event will focus on American music and food, according to a news release. The two books include “Songs of America: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music That Made a Nation” by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw and “Twain’s Feast: Searching for America’s Lost Foods in the Footsteps of Samuel Clemens” by Andrew Beahrs. The cost is $60. Registration includes copies of the two books and lunch. To register, visit bit.ly/LPRR26.
Dialoguing with Delta set
Dialoguing with Delta, an annual educational activity for students from elementary to college, is happening at 10 a.m. April 25 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The event is presented by the Pine Bluff Alumnae and Delta Eta chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. in collaboration with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Education, according to a news release. This event will include presentations on AI and its emerging trends and practical examples. The presentations will encourage discussion about opportunities and future implications. Registration is free and open for individuals and groups. To register, visit https://forms.gle/tE213tfY9GAgWtmw6.
Sports Hall of Fame Banquet set
The Jefferson County Sports Hall of Fame will be held April 25 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center arena. A new Legend will be inducted with 20 other athletes, four coaches and others into the Hall of Fame. The first class, inducted last year, was highlighted by six All-Time Greats. Bruce Maxwell is now the 16th Legend. Tickets for the JCSHOF induction will go on sale in February.
Through Thursday, April 30
Nominations open for historic places
Preserve Arkansas is seeking community input to identify endangered historic places for the 2026 Most Endangered Places List. The list highlights historically and architecturally significant properties throughout the state that are endangered and worthy of preservation. Anyone may nominate buildings, structures, sites, and other places in Arkansas to be considered for inclusion in the list. The nomination deadline is April 30. Nomination information, program guidelines and an online nomination form may be found at PreserveArkansas.org. Details: (501) 372-4757 or email info@preservearkansas.org.
Saturday, May 2
Respect for Life plans observances
The PBICVR Respect for Life Campaign, joined by members of the Pine Bluff Faith Community Coalition Ministerial Alliance Pastors on Patrol, is responding to the latest homicides in Pine Bluff. They planned to meet Thursday at 14th and Apple to place a cross, pray for the families of the homicide victims and have Drew Griffin, who has been shot 14 times, call for an end to gun violence and for young men to put the guns down. “We will meet at 14th Avenue at Apple Street to continue our call for OG’s to meet with us on Saturday, May 2, 2026,” according to the Rev. Jesse Turner, executive director of Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration. Details: (870) 413-6345.
Thursday, May 7
Chamber sets Business Expo 2026
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce invites participants to build their network at Business Expo 2026: Christmas in May. Business Expo is the premier event for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations, according to the Chamber’s news release. Business Expo 2026 will be held May 7 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Business Expo Breakfast will be sponsored by Simmons Bank. The breakfast speaker will be Alicia Payseno, chief executive officer of the Arkansas Hospitality Association. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. followed by the program at 8 a.m. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members and a seated table for eight will be $300. The trade show featuring booths of area businesses and non-profits will start with the Business VIP Hour from 9-10 a.m. and will open to public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Booth fees will be $250 for members amd $360 for non-members. For Expo questions, contact Chamber director Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or (870) 535-0110.
Through Friday, May 8
Registration open for MASH Camps
Arkansas high school students can get hands-on health care experiences such as suturing workshops, field trips, CPR training and heart dissection at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences MASH camps across the state this summer. Application deadlines vary by camp through May 8. A list of camps, their dates and application deadlines are available at https://bit.ly/3EITDy6. Medical Applications of Science for Health (MASH) camps are a free, two-week program for high school juniors and seniors where they can explore team-building exercises, visit health care settings, learn at various workshops, and shadow health care professionals.
Through Saturday, May 9
PBHS artists display works at ASC
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC), part of the ARTx3 Campus, will present “This Is Us,” an exhibition featuring artwork by Pine Bluff High School students, through May 9 in the International Paper Gallery at ASC, 701 S. Main St., according to a news release. Taught by Pine Bluff High School art teacher Shalisha Thomas, the exhibition features a collection of student-created portraits exploring identity, connection and influence. Works include Alyssia Isom’s drawing “The Girl In The Red”; Kadence Marshall’s drawing “Layzie Bone”; and Lucia Charcas’s drawing “Emma Myers.” Gallery admission is free and open to the public. Details: Matthew Howard, gallery and visitor specialist, at mhoward@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Through Friday, June 5
Architect to teach design camp
The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Arkansas Chapter President Chris East will teach architecture during the Alex Foundation’s annual architecture and design summer camp at the University of Arkansas Monticello’s Taylor House and Hollywood/Valley Plantation in Tillar. This free camp will convene from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20-24 and July 27-31 for rising 7th and 8th graders, according to a news release. The deadline to register for the summer camp is June 5 at www.alexfoundation.org. Details: Angela Courtney, Alex Foundation’s executive director, at angela@alex-foundation.org.
Saturday, June 13
John Legend to perform at Saracen center
Saracen Casino Resort will host its event center grand opening featuring An Evening with John Legend, A Night of Songs & Stories at 8 p.m. June 13. Tickets start at $149, plus fees, and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster. Legend is a multiplatinum artist and producer who has garnered 13 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award and four Emmy Awards, among others. Legend is one of only 19 people in the EGOT club.
Beginning Saturday, June 13
UAM to host summer band camps
The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Division of Music will host its “Summer Music Camps @UAM” in June and July for rising sixth through 12th graders. Students may attend one camp per session, with the option to stay on or off campus. Session I will take place June 9-13 and include camps structured to strengthen students’ performance skills on a variety of instruments and boost their confidence: “Beginner,” for rising sixth-graders, “Junior High,” for rising seventh and eighth graders, and “Senior High,” for rising ninth through 12th graders. Session II, which will take place July 7-11, is for rising ninth through 12th graders only. Students can participate in Jazz Band, Drum Major and Marching Band Leadership, Colorguard, or Marching Drumline. Jazz Band campers will focus on improvisation, theory, ear training, history and technique. Registration is required. To complete a camp application or view additional information, visit https://www.uamont.edu/academics/music/camp.html. Details: UAM Division of Music at bandcamp@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1060.
Friday, June 19
Downtown Juneteenth event set
The community is invited to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s third annual Juneteenth in the Bluff: An Arts and Culture Festival from 5-11 p.m. June 19 in the Delta Rhythm and Bayous Cultural District (Main Street and Third Avenue. This free, community-wide celebration is Southeast Arkansas’s largest Juneteenth festival, according to a news release. The Juneteenth festival will feature: live music and entertainment, arts, crafts, and interactive creative activities, regional food trucks and culinary showcases, family-friendly attractions and youth activities, and HBCU Line Dance Challenge.
Beginning Monday, July 20
Architect to teach design camp
The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Arkansas Chapter President Chris East will teach architecture during the Alex Foundation’s annual architecture and design summer camp at the University of Arkansas Monticello’s Taylor House and Hollywood/Valley Plantation in Tillar. This free camp will convene from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20-24 and July 27-31 for rising 7th and 8th graders. The program is in partnership with the Alex Foundation, AIA, and UAM’s Archeology Research Station, according to a news release. The deadline to register for the summer camp is June 5 at www.alexfoundation.org. Details: Angela Courtney, Alex Foundation’s executive director, at angela@alex-foundation.org.