A Very Merry Maumelle
North Little Rock sets Northern Lights Holiday Festival for Nov. 22; High School football playoffs start Friday plus Education News and sports
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MEETINGS: The Maumelle City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall.
EVENTS: North Little Rock leaf removal will start on Nov. 17 in each of the city’s four wards. No bags required and, honestly, the best thing about living in North Little Rock. The high school football playoffs begin this week and all three North of the River teams – Maumelle, Central Arkansas Christian and North Little Rock – all qualified in their respective classes. Best of luck and safe travels. For more on football, keep scrolling.
A Very Merry Maumelle (Key dates)
Saturday, Nov. 15
Mistletoe Market will be held at the Jess Odom Community Center starting at 1 p.m. The free event features vendors selling various wares and such. It is scheduled to end at 4 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 1
The Whimsical Trail opens at Lake Willastein Park and features a lighted trail around the lake starting at dark:30 daily.
A Very Merry Maumelle holiday display competition will also start that day and open to all non-grinches. If your first name is Clark, and you have an elaborate Christmas display at your home, I will personally give you a cash prize. If there’s multiple Clarks, it will be a random draw. Let’s not get crazy here, this place isn’t made of money.
The city will also start a holiday stock the pantries drive.
Friday, Dec. 5
Christmas in the Park at Lake Willastein will feature the city’s tree lighting and the event is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. with the tree lighting near the scheduled conclusion at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6
The Maumelle Lions Club will again stage Breakfast with Santa at the Jess Odom Community Center. It is scheduled to start at 8 a.m.
The city’s annual Christmas parade is that evening starting at 5 p.m. The theme this year is “Reindeer Games” and to sign up for the parade, click here.
North Little Rock sets Northern Lights Holiday Festival for Nov. 22
North Little Rock Tourism announces the 10th Anniversary of the North Little Rock Northern Lights Holiday Festival on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Argenta Plaza at 510 Main St. in North Little Rock.
North Little Rock’s Northern Lights event is a magical winter celebration that transforms the Argenta Arts District into a festive wonderland. Held annually, this holiday event features stunning light displays, live entertainment, holiday markets, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy the dazzling lights, listen to carolers, take photos with Santa, and savor seasonal treats from local vendors. The event aims to bring the community together in the spirit of the holidays, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere that enchants residents and visitors alike.
A free holiday event for all ages, Northern Lights will have a holiday market, photos with Santa, live music by the band Bad Habit, and North Little Rock’s 38-foot Christmas tree. Food trucks, as well as Flyway Brewing, will have food and drinks available for purchase. For mixed drinks or more food options, restaurants and bars within the Argenta Outdoor Dining District allow patrons to order to-go beverages to consume within the dining district boundaries, which include Argenta Plaza.
For more information on all the exciting things happening in North Little Rock this holiday season, visit: https://northlittlerock.org/holidays/
Sports
Robinson defeats Maumelle
By Collin Scott
MAUMELLE — The Senators left no hope for the Maumelle Hornets as they got a crushing 42-0 victory at Charlie George Stadium to win the 5A-Central championship. Robinson was able to take control of the entire game from getting three touchdowns from Kevin Williams and a defense that would not let up on the Hornets offense.
Player of the Game
Senior running back Kevin “Deuce” Williams was the leader in touchdowns for the Robinson offense, scoring three in the first half alone to start the avalanche of points on the Hornets defense. Williams’ ability to break tackles very quickly helped set the tone for the Hornets that this was going to be a long night for their defense.
Team Records
With this loss, Maumelle finishes the regular season with a solid record of 7-3 despite this defeat. The Hornets will go into the playoffs on the road this week against Parkview. For Robinson, the Senators finish their regular season with a great win against the Hornets going into the postseason on a high note. Robinson will be playing on the road against Camden Fairview.
What’s Next
The Hornets are looking to bounce back and fix their mistakes on both the defense and offense. Robinson now goes into the playoffs as one of the teams that has been on a hot streak in Arkansas. The Senators confidence right now is through the roof as they look really good right now on both offense and defense.
What it Means
This game showed how much of a complete team Robinson has on both sides of the ball as they look to go far in the playoffs. The defense of the Senators absolutely put the Hornets offense on hold the entire night, while their ground attack burned time off the clock and got yards whenever they wanted it. Maumelle quarterback Levi Warrior was able to extend plays and receiver Christian Jackson made some good catches — but there were too many turnovers and called penalties that stopped them from scoring anything. Maumelle has a lot to work on if they are looking to capture a 5A state title.
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
Robinson: Williams rushing TD (kick good) 7-0
Robinson: Williams rushing TD (kick good) 14-0
Robinson: Williams rushing TD (kick good) 21-0
Second Quarter
Robinson: Frampton 100 yard interception return (kick good) 28-0
Robinson: Redman fumble return (kick good) 35-0
Fourth Quarter
Robinson: Cunningham rushing TD (kick good) 42-0
Friday Night Playoff Lights
Maumelle, Central Arkansas Christian and North Little Rock have all made their respective playoffs, with the Hornets facing Little Rock Parkview this Friday night at War Memorial Stadium. North Little Rock and CAC both head to Benton County in their respective classifications.
Maumelle
Last week: Robinson 42, Maumelle 0
This week: Maumelle (6-4) at Little Rock Parkview (7-3) at War Memorial Stadium
What to expect: Maumelle is coming off a tough loss to No. 1 Robinson last week and gets a rematch against Parkview this week. The Patriots beat Maumelle during the regular season. Winners this game is most likely at Valley View, a school that Maumelle seemingly catches in the post-season, regardless of the sport.
For the roster, click here.
Thursday, Aug. 28: Sylvan Hills 55, Maumelle 54
Thursday, Sept. 4 … at Parkview 42, Maumelle 15
Friday, Sept. 12 ... Maumelle 38, Vilonia 24
Friday, Sept. 26 ... Maumelle 27, Beebe 14
Friday, Oct. 3 ... ... Maumelle 21, Pine Bluff 7
Friday, Oct. 10 ... Maumelle 42, Watson Chapel 0
Friday, Oct. 17 ...Maumelle 49, Jacksonville 31
Friday, Oct. 24 ... Maumelle 55, White Hall 20
Friday, Oct. 31 ... Searcy 47, Maumelle 40
Thursday, Nov. 6 ... Robinson 42, Maumelle 0
Friday, Nov. 14 … Maumelle vs. Little Rock Parkview (at War Memorial Stadium)
Friday, Nov. 21 … Second round of the playoffs
North Little Rock
Last week: Cabot 41, North Little Rock 24
This week: North Little Rock (3-7, 2-5) at Bentonville West (7-3, 5-2)
What to expect: As the No. 6 seed from the 7A-Central, North Little Rock hits the road to face Bentonville West, aka Centerton, the No. 3 seed from the West. The winner travels to Conway next week. Things have dramatically improved for North Little Rock from last season when the Cats went O-10 and while some of that old swagger was back, when the games mattered, the other teams found ways to win.
For the roster, click here.
Friday, Aug. 29: Rogers 41, North Little Rock 3
Friday, Sept. 12 ... vs. Benton 24, North Little Rock 7
Friday, Sept. 19 ... North Little Rock 42, Little Rock Catholic 13
Thursday, Sept. 25 ... Pulaski Academy 45, North Little Rock 31
Friday, Oct. 3 ... Conway 31, North Little Rock 7
Friday, Oct. 10 ... North Little Rock 41, Little Rock Southwest 0
Friday, Oct. 17 ... Little Rock Christian 37, North Little Rock 36 OT
Friday, Oct. 24 ... North Little Rock 49, Little Rock Central 3
Friday, Oct. 31 ... Bryant 38, North Little Rock 7
Friday, Nov. 7 ... Cabot 41, North Little Rock 24
Friday, Nov. 14 … North Little Rock at Bentonville West
Friday, Nov. 21 … Second round of the playoffs
CAC
Last week: CAC 28, Forrest City 26
This week: Forrest City (5-4, 4-2) at Central Arkansas Christian (3-6, 3-3):
What to expect: CAC goes into the game riding a one-game winning streak after beating Forrest City last week to get the No. 4 seed from the conference. The Mustangs are playing well but travel to Gravette, in the wilds of Benton County, to face the No. 2 seed from the 1-4A. The winner would most likely be at Lonoke next week for the second round.
For the roster, click here.
Friday. Aug 29: DeWitt 38, CAC 8
Friday, Sept. 5 ... vs. Stuttgart 48, CAC 14
Friday, Sept. 12 … at Harding Academy 48, CAC 27
Friday, Sept. 26 … Heber Springs 21, CAC 17
Friday, Oct. 3 … CAC 62, Riverview 0
Friday, Oct. 10 ... CAC 50, Little Rock Hall 0
Friday, Oct. 17… Lonoke 50, CAC 14
Friday, Oct. 24 ... CAC 35, Bald Knob 8
Friday, Oct. 31 … Little Rock Mills 47, CAC 21
Friday, Nov. 7 ... CAC 28, Forrest City 26
Friday, Nov. 14 … CAC at Gravette
Friday, Nov. 21 … Second round of the playoffs
Education news
Two UA Little Rock Students selected for inaugural Arkansas Civic Leadership Academy
Two University of Arkansas at Little Rock students, Axton Tackett of North Little Rock, and Braden Carr, have been selected for the inaugural Arkansas Civic Leadership Academy, a statewide program backed by the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute that prepares the next generation of civic leaders.
The program brings together students from colleges and universities across the state for a yearlong course combining academic learning, civil discussions, practical training, and service-learning experiences. Participants work toward earning the Civic Arkansan Credential, which recognizes a student’s commitment to tackling societal challenges, promoting civic responsibility, and contributing to the public good.
The academy was developed with input from a statewide advisory committee that includes Dr. Derek Slagle, director of the UA Little Rock School of Public Affairs and associate professor of public administration.
With UA Little Rock helping to shape the program’s creation, two of its students are now among the first to experience it firsthand.
Tackett, a junior political science major from North Little Rock, said he is particularly excited about the academy’s election component.
“I have always been incredibly interested in campaigns, elections, and how the administration of elections shapes voter participation,” Tackett said. “Understanding the electoral process, from ballot initiatives to polling place accessibility, will help give me a clear picture of what strengthens or limits electoral participation among Arkansans.”
Through the program, Tackett hopes to deepen his understanding of civic engagement strategies and public policy while preparing for a career in public administration.
“My coursework at UA Little Rock has given me a solid foundation in how our institutions shape public policy and citizen representation,” he said. “The Civic Leadership Academy will help me connect government processes with civic needs and gain the professional experience and networking opportunities to bring together academic learning with practical public service.”
Carr, a junior from Paragould double majoring in political science and criminal justice, said he’s most looking forward to the program’s service-learning component.
“Applying the knowledge I’ve gained from my coursework and this program to make a positive impact in the community is exciting to me,” he said.
Carr said the academy’s emphasis on dialogue and empathy resonates deeply with him.
“I hope to improve at communicating with and understanding people who disagree with me,” he said. “I believe America can benefit from more empathy and open dialogue, and that change begins with each individual.”
Carr credits his experience in the School of Public Affairs and the Donaghey Scholars Program with preparing him to think critically and communicate effectively about the issues shaping society. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in public policy or political campaigns.
Slagle, director of the UA Little Rock School of Public Affairs and associate professor of public administration, praised Tackett and Carr for representing the university in the program’s first cohort.
“(They) exemplify the very spirit of the program - motivated, thoughtful, and deeply engaged in public service,” Slagle said. “As early-entry MPA students and political science majors in the School of Public Affairs, they are already bridging the gap between academic study and applied leadership, translating classroom knowledge into tangible civic impact. Their participation demonstrates the strength of UA Little Rock’s commitment to cultivating future public servants who think critically, communicate effectively, and act with purpose. Watching these students represent our university in this statewide network affirms the value of experiential civic education and underscores the promise of Arkansas’s next generation of leaders.”
The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute launched the Arkansas Civic Leadership Academy to build civic capacity and develop student leaders who can strengthen communities through dialogue, collaboration, and public service.
UCA Spring 2025 Dean’s List
The University of Central Arkansas congratulates more than 1,400 students who were named to the spring 2025 Dean’s List. Eligibility on the Dean’s List requires at least a 3.5 GPA with a minimum course load of 12 credit hours.
The following students are from North of the River:
Eric Nguyen of Maumelle
William McDonald of Maumelle
Kendal Peyton of Maumelle
Emma Gastineau of Maumelle
Kynia Jackson of Maumelle
Kameron Davis of Maumelle
Carly Joyner of Maumelle
Tymera Marsh of Maumelle
Landon Smith of Maumelle
Reilly McCann of Maumelle
Madison Wills of Maumelle
Vinit Patel of Maumelle
Benjamin Page of Maumelle
Jewell Callahan of Maumelle
Owen Starnes of Maumelle
Noah Johnson of Maumelle
Mallory Werner of Maumelle
Anya Willis of Maumelle
Hannah Matheny of Maumelle
Sarah Reeves of Maumelle
Emma Clenney of Maumelle
Jadan Moore of Maumelle
Olivia Oury of Maumelle
Elizabeth Roy of Maumelle
Evan Baumgartner of Maumelle
Andrew Carrington of Maumelle
Emma Davis of Maumelle
Chloe Kimzey of Maumelle
Zoe McLelland of Maumelle
Zoe McMillen of Maumelle
Tamara Bryant of North Little Rock
Cooper Horton of North Little Rock
Sierra Owens of North Little Rock
Grayson Meckfessel of Sherwood
Emmalee Bills of Sherwood
David Griffin of Sherwood
Truc Huynh of North Little Rock
Peyton Stafford of Sherwood
Jacob Barham of Sherwood
Linnea Blackmon of Sherwood
Paige Cordell of Sherwood
Savannah Crow of Sherwood
Sarina Patel of North Little Rock
Joshua Skipworth of Sherwood
Bevan Sober of North Little Rock
Julian Strain of North Little Rock
Piper Chun of North Little Rock
Jamie Jewell of North Little Rock
Hailey Richardson of North Little Rock
Gabrielle Stokes of North Little Rock
Arriana Teem of North Little Rock
Emily Winters of North Little Rock
Carlos Campanur of North Little Rock
Kylie Higgins of Sherwood
Lily Teng of Sherwood
Desean Williams of North Little Rock
Sierra Colclough of Sherwood
Regina Flud of North Little Rock
Peter Ha of Sherwood
Hannah Hughes of North Little Rock
Zaria Montgomery of Sherwood
Chance Phillips of North Little Rock
Rosa Santos Valle of North Little Rock
Micah Smith of Sherwood
Noah Strother of North Little Rock
Tyler Strazzinski of Sherwood
Peyton Davis of North Little Rock
Joshua Haley of North Little Rock
Jenna Ly of North Little Rock
Addison Pettit of Sherwood
James Rideout of North Little Rock
Claire Taylor of North Little Rock
Savannah Russell of North Little Rock
Jacob Hooper of Sherwood
Kayley Kennemer of Sherwood
Brenae Allen of North Little Rock
Marlie Dedmon of Sherwood
Jaci Donaldson of Sherwood
Christian Harrell of Sherwood
Thanh Phan of Sherwood
Bryce Riordan of Sherwood
Jacob Silva of North Little Rock
Caleb Stafford of Sherwood
Deneka White of North Little Rock
Ayanna Williams of North Little Rock
America Campos of North Little Rock
Arianna Dobson of Sherwood
Myron Nix of North Little Rock
Traven Spencer of North Little Rock
Keziah Stinyard of Sherwood
Callie Davis of North Little Rock
Jude Hurley of North Little Rock
Emily Martin of North Little Rock
Caleb Otieno of North Little Rock
Sophia Reniguntala of North Little Rock
Luke Skinner of North Little Rock
Tyler Summage of North Little Rock
Sophia Wells of North Little Rock
Jace Wooten of North Little Rock
Jiya Adams of North Little Rock
Israel Martin of North Little Rock
Taylor McFelson of North Little Rock
Gerardo Almazan of Sherwood
Terrell Andrews of Sherwood
Macayla Chandler of Sherwood
Briana Chatman of Sherwood
Jimyia Grandy of Sherwood
Kameela Haniff of Sherwood
Sharlotte Kim Lua of Sherwood
Addyson Moseley of Sherwood
Haley Schweigert of Sherwood
Taylor Spencer of Sherwood
Jet Van Cleve of Sherwood
Alexis Weeks of Sherwood
Erin Worthen of Sherwood
Sports
SEC Games: Week 12
SATURDAY
South Carolina (3-6, 1-6 SEC) at Texas A&M (9-0, 6-0 SEC): 11 a.m. • ESPN /SiriusXM: 380 - 84
Arkansas (2-7, 0-5 SEC) at LSU (5-4, 2-4 SEC): 11 a.m. • SEC Network/SiriusXM: 374 - 106/190; Live Statistics/Matchup/Preview: https://www.secsports.com/scores/football
Tennessee Tech (10-0) at Kentucky (4-5, 2-5 SEC): 12:30 p.m. • SEC+/SiriusXM: 161/192
Oklahoma (7-2, 3-2 SEC) at Alabama (8-1, 6-0 SEC): 2:30 p.m. • ABC/ SiriusXM: 138/191 – 84
New Mexico State (3-6) at Tennessee (6-3, 3-3 SEC): 3:15 p.m. • SEC Network/ SiriusXM: 106/190
Florida (3-6, 2-4 SEC) at Ole Miss (9-1, 5-1 SEC): 6 p.m. • ESPN/SiriusXM: 145 - 138/191
Texas (7-2, 4-1 SEC) at Georgia (8-1, 6-1 SEC): 6:30 p.m. • ABC/SiriusXM: 82 – 84
Mississippi State (5-5, 1-5 SEC) at Missouri (6-3, 2-3 SEC): 6:45 p.m. • SEC Network/SiriusXM: 374 - 106/190
Open dates: Auburn (4-6, 1-6 SEC); Vanderbilt (8-2, 4-2 SEC).
Health
Pandemic deaths unknown
The state Department of Health didn’t update the state’s dashboard this week, again, and deaths still total 532 for the past year. There’s no tab created for 2025 either and the virus has now killed 14,162 Arkansans since the pandemic began then. That would mean the pandemic death toll has now passed Marion’s 13,635 people, the state’s 29th largest city.
Covid toolkit
There’s now a one-stop shop to learn about vaccination sites and other Covid related information. Click here to learn more.
If you don’t want to get sick and die, there’s some things you can do:
Get vaccinated
Get boosted
Wear a mask
Avoid crowds