Academics Plus COO Kyron Jones named Educator of the Year
Maumelle Planning Commission meets tonight; Touch Grass; The Long Road Home Project makes North Little Rock stop plus sports and headlines
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MEETINGS:The North Little Rock School Board will have a special call,meeting at 5:30 p.m. tonight at the district’s administration building. For the agenda, mostly executive sessions to discuss personnel, click here. The Maumelle Planning Commission also meets tonight but at 6:30 p.m. and for more on that, keep scrolling. The North Little Rock City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall. The quarterly meeting of the North Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Commission will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28 and will be in the Board Room at 600 Main St.
EVENTS: he Little Rock Zoo is hosting Wild Wines, a fundraiser, on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available by clicking here and both nights, the event starts at 7 p.m. There’s food, and booze, and a good time will be had by all. There’s also quite a bit more happening this weekend, so keep on scrolling.
Maumelle Planning Commission meets tonight
The Maumelle Planning Commission will have its regular, monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight at City Hall.
For the agenda, click here.
The agenda is another light one, with only one item of old business expected to be discussed at tonight’s meeting.
Previously deferred, the Planning Commission will hear the County Club of Arkansas Lot 70A development plan.
The plan involves a replat of Lot 700 RR and is part of the phase 15 development.
The area covers 9.422 acres with an average lot size of 1.599 acres for a total of six lots, all for commercial development.
The plan would require a “future road extension off of Paul Eells Drive and the staff recommendation is for approval.
The idea behind the design is to “avoid a strip center commercial look” and create “visual cohesion” and “promote density with interconnectivity and walkability.”
The development guidelines included in the packet, also noted that, “the intent is to maintain flexibility while enforcing quality.”
Hmm,
Renderings of the proposal were not included in the packet, as further development of the per lot submittals, “will require Planning Commission and City Council approval.”
Hmm.
The lot development plan is listed as an item of new business but Lewis Engineering has requested deferral to the May 28 meeting.
Tonight’s meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube page.
Academics Plus COO Kyron Jones named Educator of the Year
Kyron Jones, Chief Operating Officer of Academics Plus Charter Schools, was recently named an Alma J. Washington Educator of the Year by the Oscar Washington Jr. Educational Fund.
The Alma J. Washington Educator of the Year Award recognizes current and former Arkansas educators for their contributions to the state’s education system and their impact on students. Honorees are recognized annually at the Oscar Washington Jr. Educational Fund Scholarship Awards Ceremony and receive a $1,000 prize. Jones was one of five educators selected for the award this year.
He was recently named the incoming Chief Executive Officer of Academics Plus Charter Schools, succeeding Rob McGill, who announced his retirement.
“Kyron has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to students, staff and the mission of public education,” McGill said. “This recognition reflects not only his leadership, but the lasting impact he has on the school community every day. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.” Jones will assume his new role July 1.
The Long Road Home Project makes North Little Rock stop
North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick quite literally stepped into the moment on Wednesday and hopped on a horse to present a proclamation to the riders of The Long Road Home Project, an initiative promoting the foster care system.
The riders stopped in North Little Rock enroute to the state capitol as they carried hundreds of letters to deliver to state legislators and other leaders.
The ride covered more than 220 miles across the state.
To see photos, click here.
Touch Grass
On the wilds of the internet, a common refrain has been “touch grass.”
How people take that meaning varies as some consider it an insult to the keyboard warriors fighting the good fight with their memes and such. While others take it as a call, to get outside, enjoy the sun and the way grass feels on your bare feet on a pleasant spring day.
Truth be told, the meaning could go either way as it depends on the context, but for these purposes we mean the latter and not the former.
The weather, at least for here, has been an April delight with highs in the 70s and sunny skies.
The humidity is coming, that’s for sure, but for now, it is a good time to be outside.
And, Arkansas, generally, is as good as any place in the country to be outside in. There’s parks and creeks and rivers and forests and so much good stuff to enjoy.
It is also “honeysuckle season” and it just smells great outside. Even in the backyard the dog treats it as its toilet.
You don’t even need a ticket in your pocket to feel the southern breezes and the southern wind.
There is, however, a downside to being outside now.
Pollen.
Pollen so thick it feels like it crunches when you walk across the driveway.
It is also going to get worse, as AccuWeather released a report that said pollen has already ramped up and will get worse as spring turns into early summer.
As a matter of fact, the report listed 20 cities where a “pollen tsunami” is expected and Little Rock came in at No. 17.
Joy.
Pass the Kleenex and stock up on Claritan, or your preferred over the counter medication.
Eye on the Sky
Today: A 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms with a high near 80 and a low around 66.
Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 76 with a low around 61. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.
Saturday: A slight chance of showers, with afternoon thunderstorms, with a high near 79 and a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 82 and a low around 67.
Airmen of Note to make stops in central Arkansas
The U.S. Air Force’s “The Airmen of Note” is making a nine-day run through the south with two stops in Arkansas next week.
The concerts are free and open to the public, though tickets are required. Ticket information for these concerts is available at: https://www.music.af.mil/USAFBand/Events/National-Tours/Airmen-of-Note/
The central Arkansas stops are:
Tonight, 7 p.m. at the Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA campus in Conway.
Friday, at 7 p.m., Little Rock Central High School
Drug Take Back Day is Saturday
The National Prescription Drug Take Back day will be held this Saturday, April 25.
Among the locations where unused, or out-of-date prescription drugs can be dropped is the South Parking Lot of McCain Mall, where the North Little Rock Police Department will have a drop-off box. Both the Maumelle and North Little Rock police departments have 24-hour, 365 day drop off boxes in their respective lobbies at those cities’ police stations.
PCSSD hosts Showcase and Career Expo is Saturday
The Pulaski County Special School District will host its annual Showcase and Career Expo from 9 a.m. to noon, this Saturday, April 25, The event will be held on the campus of Mills High School at 708 East Dixon Road.
Families who are interested in registering their scholars may also visit the Showcase and Career Expo to begin the process or learn more about PCSSD offerings.
Representatives from the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, Good Groceries Mobile Market, and other food and community vendors will be on hand for the event.
Learn more about openings and apply online: https://www.pcssd.org/page/careers.
Spring Dance concert is April 30
The North Little Rock High School Theatre Arts Department will present its spring dance concert on Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. featuring performances by the school’s Dance Troupe, Theatre Dance I-IV classes, and participants from the Preschool/Elementary Dance Workshop in the new North Little Rock High School Performing Arts Center (201 West 22nd St.).
Tickets are $6 for students/seniors and $8 for adults.
Lender Quick-Connect is May 13 at UA Little Rock
Arkansas entrepreneurs looking to fund a new business, ongoing operations, expansion or acquisition can fast-track their search at Lender Quick-Connect: Find Your Funder.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center will host the free event on May 13, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Reynolds Business Center on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
In a single afternoon, aspiring and established business owners can connect with multiple Arkansas lenders in a fast-paced “speed dating” format.
Participants will be matched with lender appointments based on key business details such as their industry, business stage, credit history and project scope.
The event is designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the funding landscape and build relationships with funders who have a proven track record of small business lending.
Attendees can also:
Confer with credit counseling services to discuss financial readiness
Engage with ASBTDC business consultants and Small Business Administration representatives
Get expert tips on crafting a compelling funding pitch
“Outside of personal savings or contributions from friends and family, a loan is the most common way to get capital for launching or growing a business,” said ASBTDC State Director Laura Fine. “Lender Quick-Connect is an excellent opportunity to pitch a project to several potential funding partners in a short period of time and explore financing options available through banks, credit unions, microlenders and Community Development Financial Institutions.”
Participating lending institutions include ACC Capital, Arkansas Federal Credit Union, Arvest Bank, Chase Bank, Communities Unlimited, First Security Bank, FNBC, FORGE Community Loan Fund, Hope Credit Union, Regions Bank, Southern Bancorp Bank, Southern Bancorp Community Partners, Stone Bank and U.S. Bank.
Pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, go to tinyurl.com/3vthe5hr or contact Laterika Tooks-Staton at 501-804-4530 or lstooks@ualr.edu.
Through its offices around the state, the ASBTDC offers no-cost services and resources for Arkansas entrepreneurs and small businesses. For more information, call 800-862-2040 or visit asbtdc.org.
Sports
Upcoming Travs games
Six-game homestand against Corpus Christi
Tonight, 6:35 p.m.
$3 Thursday: Enjoy an amazing value for the whole family and the best patio in Central Arkansas! Get $3 General Admission or Beer Garden tickets at a WinChoice Box Office Window. Plus, feed the whole crew for less with select concession items for $3 each!
Singles Night: Let the Travs help turn a single into a double! Join us at the ballpark for a pre-game “Singles Mingle” event.
Friday, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks Friday: Presented By Metro Disaster Specialists
501 Night: Join us in celebrating Central Arkansas! | Presented By Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce
Saturday, 4:05 p.m.
Bluey at the Ballpark: Wackadoo! Bluey is coming back to the Ballpark -- for real life. Information on the meet and greet with your favorite Heeler will be available soon!
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game! | Presented By First Community Bank:
Sunday, 1:35 p.m.
Bluey at the Ballpark: Wackadoo! Bluey is coming back to the Ballpark -- for real life. Information on the meet and greet with your favorite Heeler will be available soon!
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game! | Presented By First Community Bank:
Baseball BINGO: Presented By Arkansas Brighter Future 529
Operation: Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window) | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
At Wichita, April 28-May 3
Six-game homestand against Tulsa
Tuesday, May 5, 6:05 p.m.
Dog Day: Human fans can get $3 Berm tickets by bringing their dog to the game (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window). NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the Berm areas | Presented By Hollywood Feed
Fiesta de Diamantes: The Travs will take the field as the Diamantes de Arkansas in salute of Hispanic Heritage!
Wednesday, May 6, 11:05 a.m.
School Day: Putting the “field” in “greatest field trip ever!” | Presented By Summit Community Care
Senior Day
Thursday, May 7, 6:35 p.m.
Mad Mallards Weekend: Join us in celebration of Central Arkansas’ obsession with waterfowl hunting! | Presented By Arkansas Ducks Unlimited
$3 Thursday: Enjoy an amazing value for the whole family and the best patio in Central Arkansas! Get $3 General Admission or Beer Garden tickets at a WinChoice Box Office Window. Plus, feed the whole crew for less with select concession items for $3 each!
Friday, May 8, 7:05 p.m.
Mad Mallards Weekend: Join us in celebration of Central Arkansas’ obsession with waterfowl hunting! | Presented By Arkansas Ducks Unlimited
Fireworks Friday
Saturday, May 9, 4:05 p.m.
Mad Mallards Weekend: Join us in celebration of Central Arkansas’ obsession with waterfowl hunting! | Presented By Arkansas Ducks Unlimited
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game! | Presented By First Community Bank
Trucker Hat Giveaway: Celebrate the Travs’ 125th Anniversary with some limited edition headwear! | Presented By Snapple | First 1,000 Fans (one item per person)
Sunday, May 10, 1:35 p.m.
Mad Mallards Weekend: Join us in celebration of Central Arkansas’ obsession with waterfowl hunting! | Presented By Arkansas Ducks Unlimited
Kids Baseball Clinic: Kids 13 and under are invited to join Travs players on field for a baseball clinic starting at noon! Instruction will last approximately 45 minutes. | Presented By Arkansas Brighter Future 529
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game! | Presented By First Community Bank
Baseball BINGO: Presented By Arkansas Brighter Future 529
Operation: Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window) | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
Family Sunday Deal: Get $3 General Admission tickets by presenting a physical or digital church bulletin (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window)
At Northwest Arkansas, May 12-17
Six-game homestand against Springfield
Tuesday, May 19, 6:35 p.m.
Dog Day: Human fans can get $3 Berm tickets by bringing their dog to the game (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window). NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the Berm areas | Presented By Hollywood Feed
Wednesday, May 20, 6:35 p.m.
Dog Day: Human fans can get $3 Berm tickets by bringing their dog to the game (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window). NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the Berm areas | Presented By Hollywood Feed
Thursday, May 21, 6:35 p.m.
$3 Thursday: Enjoy an amazing value for the whole family and the best patio in Central Arkansas! Get $3 General Admission or Beer Garden tickets at a WinChoice Box Office Window. Plus, feed the whole crew for less with select concession items for $3 each!
Friday, May 22, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks Friday: Presented By Bank OZK
Saturday, May 23, 6:35 p.m.
Cal Raleigh Bobblecard Giveaway: Presented By Hardee’s | First 1,000 Fans (one item per person)
Post-Game Fireworks
Sunday, May 24, 6:05 p.m.
Post-Game Fireworks
Baseball BINGO: Presented By Arkansas Brighter Future 529
Operation: Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window) | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
Six-game homestand against Frisco
Tuesday, May 26, 6:35 p.m.
Dog Day: Human fans can get $3 Berm tickets by bringing their dog to the game (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window). NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the Berm areas | Presented By Hollywood Feed
Wednesday, May 27, 6:35 p.m.
Dog Day: Human fans can get $3 Berm tickets by bringing their dog to the game (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window). NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the Berm areas | Presented By Hollywood Feed
Thursday, May 28, 6:35 p.m.
$3 Thursday: Enjoy an amazing value for the whole family and the best patio in Central Arkansas! Get $3 General Admission or Beer Garden tickets at a WinChoice Box Office Window. Plus, feed the whole crew for less with select concession items for $3 each!
Singles Night: Let the Travs help turn a single into a double! Join us at the ballpark for a pre-game “Singles Mingle” event.
Friday, May 29, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks Friday: Presented By Baldwin & Shell Construction
Saturday, May 30, 6:05 p.m.
Faith & Family Night: The perfect night for a church group outing! | Presented By Hickingbotham Investments
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game! | Presented By First Community Bank
Sunday, May 31, 1:35 p.m.
Fiesta de Diamantes: The Travs will take the field as the Diamantes de Arkansas in salute of Hispanic Heritage!
Kids Baseball Clinic: Kids 13 and under are invited to join Travs players on field for a baseball clinic starting at noon! Instruction will last approximately 45 minutes. | Presented By Arkansas Brighter Future 529
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game! | Presented By First Community Bank
Baseball BINGO: Presented By Arkansas Brighter Future 529
Operation: Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window) | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
Family Sunday Deal: Get $3 General Admission tickets by presenting a physical or digital church bulletin (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window).
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