Pine Bluff Commercial

10/11/2025

Pine Bluff has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Arkansas Department of Transportation for the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Cultural District Pedestrian Trail initiative through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).

These funds will facilitate the construction of sidewalks around the epicenter of the Cultural District, enhancing connectivity with previously funded TAP sidewalk projects, according to a news release.

"The development of this pedestrian trail will not only enhance the Cultural District but also promote greater accessibility and safety for our residents and visitors," said Mayor Vivian Flowers.

Pine Bluff has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Arkansas Department of Transportation for the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Cultural District Pedestrian Trail initiative through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).

10/10/2025

Regardless of who is coaching, Pine Bluff High School has an important road game on Friday.

The Zebras will travel north to play Beebe at 7 p.m. at A.S. "Bro" Erwin Stadium.

Pine Bluff (1-4, 1-1 in 5A-Central) will be led by assistant head coach Tyrone Jones after Pine Bluff School District announced Wednesday head coach Micheal Williams had been "removed from leadership responsibilities," though the statement also said "no final decision" had been made regarding his position.

Regardless of who is coaching, Pine Bluff High School has an important road game on Friday.

10/10/2025

A Paragould lawyer has filed a motion to dismiss an appeal from Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson of an order by a special county judge to have her and her firm compensated for prior representation.

Kimberly Dale of the Branch & Thompson law firm filed a motion to dismiss and strike an Aug. 1 appeal from Robinson, whose lawyer appealed in a July 30 letter to special county judge Efrem Neely Sr. that Neely's appointment was limited to presiding over a case and that ordering vouchers for payment fell outside his scope.

Neely, who was appointed special county judge by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders for a case heard July 1, issued a ruling July 29 that Jefferson County Clerk Shawndra Taggart collect all outstanding invoices from the law firm for his approval and signature.

Eleventh West Circuit Judge Rob Wyatt on Aug. 4 ordered a stay of that ruling. Dale represented several individual justices of the peace in a legal battle that began on July 14, 2023, regarding the validity of Quorum Court meetings without an active ordinance and ended with a ruling in Robinson's favor filed Jan. 6 of this year.

In the motion filed Wednesday, Dale argues Robinson's appeal is "wholly without merit and should be dismissed pursuant to Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 12 and Rule 19." According to the suit, Neely indicated in a July 31 email to the county clerk, Robinson's lawyer Casey Castleberry of North Little Rock, and governor's office representative Lori Jordan that Robinson was not a party to the County Court matter. Jordan reportedly stated: "Upon his recusal, Judge Robinson ceased to be a party of interest, and concerns of conflict of interest should have been raised prior to the hearing if they were genuine. Their emergency only after an adverse ruling casts doubt on their merit."

A Paragould lawyer has filed a motion to dismiss an appeal from Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson of an order by a special county judge to have her and her firm compensated for prior representation.

10/09/2025

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff announced a $5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation toward transforming academic programs for visual artists through what the university calls "bold new learning and creative spaces."

In a news release, UAPB Chancellor Anthony Graham said the donation is the largest single investment in school history.

"The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is profoundly grateful to the Windgate Foundation for this pivotal and historic gift," Graham said. "This investment affirms the vital role of the arts in higher education and in the cultural life of our region. As we work to meet the needs of today's artists, this gift allows us to construct a cutting-edge facility, expand opportunities for creativity, and foster an environment where our students can thrive as scholars, innovators and cultural leaders. The Windgate Foundation's generosity strengthens our ability to prepare the next generation of artists who will shape Arkansas and beyond."

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff announced a $5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation toward transforming academic programs for visual artists through what the university calls "bold new learning and creative spaces."

10/09/2025

Pine Bluff High School football Coach Micheal Williams has been "removed from leadership responsibilities" within the athletic program, Superintendent Jennifer Barbaree announced Wednesday.

In a statement, Barbaree said the football program would be "under the direction" of assistant head coach Tyrone Jones effective Wednesday. Pine Bluff (2-3, 1-1 in 5A-South) will visit Beebe on Friday.

No final decision, however, has been made regarding the football program's leadership, Barbaree added. She declined to comment beyond the official statement.

Pine Bluff High School football Coach Micheal Williams has been "removed from leadership responsibilities" within the athletic program, Superintendent Jennifer Barbaree announced Wednesday.

10/08/2025

Last year, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff had to start nearly from scratch under a new women's basketball coach.

A year later, Coach Erica Leak said Tuesday during SWAC Media Day in Birmingham, Ala., she is anticipating a much better season in 2025-26.

"We basically have revamped our entire squad of having only three returners from last year, so you'll see a lot of new faces with great capabilities and very talented," Leak said. "We are looking for a complete 360 turnaround for this upcoming season."

Last year, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff had to start nearly from scratch under a new women's basketball coach.

10/08/2025

X'Zaeviun A. Sims, a 2025 graduate of Pine Bluff High School, received several lessons in leadership at a young age. The eldest of eight siblings, he was determined to be the best role model he could.

"Looking back, that was the first team I ever had to lead," he said. "When you're responsible for your siblings, you must be accountable for them. That means whatever you do, they're going to do -- so you have to get it right."

X'Zaeviun A. Sims, a 2025 graduate of Pine Bluff High School, received several lessons in leadership at a young age. The eldest of eight siblings, he was determined to be the best role model he could.

10/08/2025

The Pine Bluff Police Department is seeking information on the whereabouts of Kiyln Campbell, 22, who stands 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs 201 pounds.

His last known address was 517 White Hall Ave. in White Hall.

Campbell is wanted for Theft of Property (Felony) that occurred at Dollar General located at 1414 E. Harding Ave. in Pine Bluff.

Anyone with information is asked to contact The Pine Bluff Police Department Detective Division at 870-730-2090, the tip line at 870-730-2106 or the dispatch center at 870-541-5300.

10/07/2025

After last week's stunning loss, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will look to get back on track against a non-NCAA opponent.

UAPB will host Westgate Christian at 2 p.m. Saturday on SWAC TV for homecoming at Simmons Bank Field in Pine Bluff.

After last week's stunning loss, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will look to get back on track against a non-NCAA opponent.

10/07/2025

Communities Unlimited plans to expand entrepreneurship and housing efforts in Pine Bluff over the next two years with a new $500,000 grant from the Walton Family Foundation.

At the heart of this work is CU's Launch Local program that will activate vacant or underused storefronts in Pine Bluff by selecting local businesses through a competitive process and equipping them with small grants, technical assistance and training.

"In partnership with The Generator -- Pine Bluff's community hub and co-working space -- CU will help entrepreneurs grow their businesses while breathing new life into the city's commercial corridors," according to a news release.

Communities Unlimited plans to expand entrepreneurship and housing efforts in Pine Bluff over the next two years with a new $500,000 grant from the Walton Family Foundation.

10/06/2025

The Pine Bluff Police Department has officially achieved Tier 1 Accreditation through the Arkansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.

The police department remains committed to gaining full accreditation, reinforcing its mission to serve and protect the community with integrity, fairness and excellence, according to a news release.

"This milestone (Tier 1 Accreditation) follows the department's successful attainment of Tier 2 Accreditation in February 2024, marking continued progress in strengthening professionalism and accountability within the department," according to a news release.

The Pine Bluff Police Department has officially achieved Tier 1 Accreditation through the Arkansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.