Cicadas make noisy addition
High school all-star games this week; Education News for North of the River plus headlines and Travs in town and they're bringing Seattle along for the ride
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Pandemic deaths unknown
The state Department of Health again didn’t have a Covid report available for this week. The last report made available to the public was in April. As has become custom, the health department didn’t return requests for comment. The virus has killed 13,920 Arkansans since the pandemic began four years ago. That would mean the pandemic death toll has now passed Marion’s 13,635 people, the state’s 29th largest city.
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If you don’t want to get sick and die, there’s some things you can do:
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The Headlines
Meetings: The North Little Rock School Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. tonight. The North Little Rock City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall.
Events: The Arkansas High School All-Star games started on Wednesday at UCA with the boys and girls soccer matches. Baseball and softball doubleheaders will start at 4 p.m. on Friday with volleyball to follow at 6 p.m Saturday will feature three games – girls basketball at 1 p.m., boys basketball to immediately follow at 3 p.m. and football at 6 p.m. that night. North Little Rock's Jakory Withers and Jocelyn Tate, along with CAC's Sam Maddox are among the North of the River athletes expected to participate. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
Go to Van Gogh: The Van Gogh Immersive Experience will be coming to Little Rock this July. The exhibition will be located at 2616 S Shackleford Road, in the Shackleford Crossing Shopping Center. Tickets are not yet for sale and for more, click here. Hilariously, the directions to the shopping center listed on the site are not for Little Rock. Maybe Providence, Rhode Island, but, for locals, it is about where the former Babies “R” Us was located and near Main Event. To read more about the Van Gogh experience, click here.
Cicadas make noisy addition
They’re the worst neighbors you've ever had.
Loud. Very loud.
You let the dog out at night to use the bathroom and the sound covers you in a wave.
Not music.
Just noise.
The uncomforting buzzsaw-like call of cicadas waking up after a long slumber at about 100 decibels or about like standing in front of a hairdryer.
The good news is cicadas don’t live for particularly long, once they come out of the ground.
A recent article from the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension notes the insects will live for four to six weeks.
The current brood in Arkansas is XIX, the group where the adult insects emerge every 13 years.. Because, why not, the country is also seeing the emergence of Brood XIII, the one that emerges after 17 years underground. Only southern Illinois is expected to get both sets of broods emerge and both broods haven’t emerged in the U.S. in over 200 years with the last report being in 1803, or around the time of the Louisiana Purchase.
Not particularly superstitious but 2024 had been a weird convergence of total solar eclipses, earthquakes in unexpected places and now plagues of what some called in ancient times “locusts.”
So, just saying, if you see Four Horsemen cruising around, make right and prepare for the end.
The bugs themselves have large red eyes and hard-shell bodies. They’re also harmless as they neither sting nor bite. They’re also not harmful to dogs, or other pets, in case they decide to feast.
“I do not know of any poisonous or toxic effect that cicadas may have on pets that happen to eat one or more,” said Jeremy Powell. professor of animal science and veterinarian for the Division of Agriculture. “However, they do have that very heavy exoskeleton that could be hard for pets to digest and may lead to some minor intestinal upset. That scenario would likely be short-lived.”
The total number of cicadas in Arkansas is expected to be in the millions.
“The insect army poised to invade are still nymphs, in the very last stage of their development,” said Jon Zawislak, extension urban entomologist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “After feeding on fluids from tree roots for 13 years, slowly growing and molting underground, they will make their debut by crawling up and out of the soil when it warms to about 64 degrees Fahrenheit and is softened by rains.”
Cicadas, Zawislak said, at least the mature adults, “don’t feed and don’t even have functional mouthparts with which to bite. Having spent the last 13 years doing little more than eat, they emerge with the single-minded goal of making more cicadas.”
Nymphs, you know.
All that noise is to attract mates. Because, as typical, the adult males get loud to attract lady friends, with the females clicking in response to indicate they’re ready. Then after their business is concluded, the female cicada will cut a hole in a tree to deposit up to 20 eggs.
Then she gets really busy and will continue to mate over and over again, producing up to 600 eggs in three to four weeks.
Those eggs, Zawislak said, will hatch about six weeks later, falling harmlessly to the ground.
“They quickly burrow into the soil and will tap into plant and tree roots to feed,” Zawislak said. “They will continue to feed like this, sometimes moving to new food sources as they slowly mature. These nymphs will grow and molt four times over the next 13 years, when it’s time for the next generation to emerge.”
Education
Jenkins gets 2024-25 Stonewall Scholarship
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has named Courtlyn "Sunny" Jenkins, a senior from Sherwood, as the recipient of the 2024-25 Stonewall Scholarship.
The Stonewall Scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates knowledge of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) history, an understanding of current events as they relate to the LGBT community, and a commitment to advancing LGBT civil rights in the form of demonstrated substantial leadership.
Jenkins, who is earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in studio illustration, said she was extremely proud and grateful to receive the scholarship.
"I am proud of myself for who I am and what I've done for my community," Jenkins said. "This is one of the biggest scholarships I've ever received. I'm humbled, extremely grateful, and winning this scholarship has made me feel very proud."
Dr. Laura Barrio Vilar, head of the scholarship selection committee, noted the committee members were impressed by Jenkins' academic achievements and commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ rights in Arkansas.
This year's Stonewall Scholarship is $2,500, and Jenkins is grateful for the extra time it will allow her to concentrate on her artwork as she heads into her senior year.
"This scholarship will allow me to focus on my thesis project and not have to work as much," she said. "I hope to create something wonderful with the extra time I've been given to focus on creating art."
Jenkins does spend a lot of time creating. Not only does she work on commissioned mural projects, but she also runs her own small business where she creates her own personal designs for items like buttons, stickers, and stationery.
"I emphasize my work representing the Pride movement," Jenkins said. "That is a part of my own identity, and I want to make people feel represented. If I don't see myself represented, then I am going to make it myself and help other people feel represented through my art. It's a representation of myself and of my community. Every aspect of what I do is about trying to promote equality and a safe environment for people."
Jenkins has participated in Pride Month events for the last several years. At UA Little Rock, she serves as leader of artWING, a living-learning community for art majors. She was instrumental in leading a community-wide effort to advocate for gender-neutral living spaces in artWING.
"I proposed the idea, wrote a letter to the dean of students that was signed by all the students in artWING, and with the support of fellow students, we emphasized our need for a gender-neutral living space," Jenkins said. "With the combined effort of my peers, we were able to create a space that fully embraces inclusivity and human connections regardless of sex or gender identity. I am proud that we achieved this together, and it has really brought us together as a community.”
Alex Peterson graduates from Rhodes College
Alex Peterson of North Little Rock recently graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
The 175th Commencement Exercises of Rhodes College took place on campus May 11. The college conferred 406 degrees, including the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science in Accounting, and Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Equity.
UMGC students named to Dean's List
More than 15,000 University of Maryland Global Campus students were named to the Dean's List for the spring 2024 term. To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC.
The following North of the River students in the area earned the honors:
Brianna Hermann, Sherwood
Dustyn Hermann, Sherwood
Andrew Idenden, Sherwood
Christopher Izydorek, North Little Rock
Students named to Missouri State University's spring 2024 dean's list
Each semester, students at Missouri State University who attain academic excellence are named to the dean's list.
For undergraduate students, criteria include enrollment in at least 12 credit hours during the spring semester and at least a 3.50 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale).
More than 4,800 students were named to the spring 2024 dean's list. These North of the River students made the list:
Alyssa Diaz from Maumelle
Rebecca Forrest from Maumelle
Missouri State University is in Springfield
Ole Miss names Spring 2024 Dean's Honor Roll
The University of Mississippi announced students named to the Spring 2024 Honor Roll lists.
Reice Hicks, of Maumelle, majoring in Southern Studies, was named to the Dean's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.50-3.74.
Sloan Marak, of Sherwood, majoring in Pharm.D. - Pharm. Prct. Track, was named to the Dean's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.50-3.74.
Reagan Rabb, of Sherwood, majoring in Allied Health Studies, was named to the Dean's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.50-3.74.
To be eligible for honor roll designation, a student must have completed at least 12 graded hours for the semester and may not be on academic probation during the semester.
Ole Miss Spring 2024 Chancellor's Honor Roll: The University of Mississippi announced students named to the Spring 2024 Honor Roll lists.
Clarence Matthews, of Maumelle, majoring in Mechanical Engineering, was named to the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00.
Alden Lee, of North Little Rock, majoring in Public Policy Leadership, was named to the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00.
Peyton Price, of North Little Rock, majoring in Biological Science, was named to the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00.
Avery Stephens, of North Little Rock, majoring in Psychology, was named to the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00.
Anna Tuxhorn, of North Little Rock, majoring in Hospitality Management, was named to the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00.
Abby Vest, of North Little Rock, majoring in Finance, was named to the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00.
Jenna Villiger, of Sherwood, majoring in Psychology, was named to the Chancellor's Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00.
To be eligible for honor roll designation, a student must have completed at least 12 graded hours for the semester and may not be on academic probation during the semester.
Ole Miss is in Oxford, Miss.
Harding names honors lists
The following students are among more than 1,300 Harding University students recognized for their academic excellence from grades achieved during the Spring 2024 semester.
Rede Alexander of Maumelle is a Senior studying software development. Alexander has been named to the dean's list.
Ava Bramlett of Maumelle is a Senior studying English. Bramlett has been named to the dean's list.
Jacob Kirchner of Maumelle is a Junior studying computer science. Kirchner has been named to the dean's list.
Andy Landes of Maumelle is a Junior studying Bible and family ministry. Landes has been named to the dean's list.
Hunter Lillard of Maumelle is a Senior studying sport and recreation management. Lillard has been named to the dean's list.
Carson Stewart of Maumelle is a Senior studying biochemistry. Stewart has been named to the dean's list and president's list.
Jacob Carlin of Sherwood is a Senior studying interdisciplinary studies. Carlin has been named to the dean's list.
Julie Cmelik of Sherwood is a Junior studying software development. Cmelik has been named to the dean's list.
Liyah Davis of Sherwood is a Sophomore studying computer science. Davis has been named to the dean's list.
Megan Drause of North Little Rock is a Senior studying management and management and business ethics. Drause has been named to the dean's list.
Abbie Durham of North Little Rock is a Junior studying graphic design. Durham has been named to the dean's list.
Haley Flynn of North Little Rock is a Senior studying early childhood/special education integrated. Flynn has been named to the dean's list.
Ryan Grandgenett of North Little Rock is a Senior studying mechanical engineering. Grandgenett has been named to the dean's list.
Josie Hall of Sherwood is a Senior studying early childhood/special education integrated. Hall has been named to the dean's list.
Joanna Huff of North Little Rock is a Sophomore studying elementary education and theological studies. Huff has been named to the dean's list.
Ta'Mya Jones of Sherwood is a Senior studying elementary education. Jones has been named to the dean's list.
Emilyn Noel of North Little Rock is a Junior studying computer science. Noel has been named to the dean's list.
Jennifer Noel of North Little Rock is a Senior studying child development. Noel has been named to the dean's list.
Ayden Pritchard of North Little Rock is a Junior studying interdisciplinary studies. Pritchard has been named to the dean's list.
Aniya Quattlebaum of North Little Rock is a Senior studying Nursing. Quattlebaum has been named to the dean's list.
Macy Schultz of Sherwood is a Senior studying medical laboratory science. Schultz has been named to the dean's list.
Dawson Teague of North Little Rock is a Senior studying accounting and information systems. Teague has been named to the dean's list.
Mary Anna Westerman of Sherwood is a Senior studying social work. Westerman has been named to the dean's list and president's list.
Christian Wilson of Sherwood is a Senior studying mechanical engineering. Wilson has been named to the dean's list.
The dean's list is published each semester by Dr. Marty Spears, University provost, honoring those who have achieved high scholarship. To be eligible, a student must be carrying 12 or more hours with a 3.65 or higher grade-point average and no incompletes.
Students graduate from Harding University
More than 700 students received diplomas and were recognized as Harding University graduates during the Spring 2024 commencement ceremony on May 4.
Rede Alexander of Maumelle received a Bachelor of Science in software development.
Ava Bramlett of Maumelle received a Bachelor of Arts in English.
Carsyn Burns of Maumelle received a Bachelor of Arts in communication sciences and disorders.
SammyJo Chumley of Maumelle received a Master of Arts in Teaching in elementary education.
Kaleigh Kittinger of Maumelle received a Bachelor of Science in exercise science.
Hunter Lillard of Maumelle received a Bachelor of Science in sport and recreation management.
Carson Stewart of Maumelle received a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry.
Reed Wallace of Maumelle received a Bachelor of Business Administration in management.
Madelyn Cantrell of Sherwood received a Bachelor of Science Nursing.
Dennis Carroll of North Little Rock received a Master of Science in strength and conditioning.
Cydney Cypert of Sherwood received a Bachelor of Arts in English.
Megan Drause of North Little Rock received a Bachelor of Business Administration in management and a Master of Business Administration in management and business ethics.
Devan Floyd of North Little Rock received a Bachelor of Science in exercise science.
Ryan Grandgenett of North Little Rock received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering.
Mary Harris of North Little Rock received a Master of Arts in Teaching in elementary education.
Andrew Healy of Sherwood received a Master of Science and an Educational Specialist degree in clinical mental health counseling.
Ta'Mya Jones of Sherwood received a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education.
Dorian Kettle of Sherwood received a Educational Specialist degree in counseling.
Emma Kinder of Sherwood received a Bachelor of Science in molecular and cellular biology.
Dawson Teague of North Little Rock received a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting, a Master of Science in information systems and a Master of Business Administration in management and business ethics.
Mary Westerman of Sherwood received a Bachelor of Social Work.
Harding is in Searcy.
Sports
Upcoming Travs games
Opponent – Wichita
Today, 6:35 p.m.
$3 Thursday: Enjoy $3 Beer Garden Tickets and Concessions deals, including Hot Dogs, Soft Drinks, Cotton Candy, and a Select Canned Beer & Seltzer! The Travs will also be selling Pacific Northwest-themed concession items this week as part of the Salute to Seattle promotion for Saturday.
Friday, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks Friday - Music of Seattle | Presented By Farm Bureau Insurance
Saturday, 6:05 p.m.
Salute to Seattle & Jersey Auction: Join the Travs in paying tribute to the Mariners' hometown!
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game!
Jonatan Clase Bobblehead Giveaway: Presented By First Arkansas Bank & Trust | First 1,000 Fans (one item per person)
Sunday, 1:35 p.m.
Operation: Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID (only available at DSP Box Office) | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
Family Sunday: Get $2 General Admission tickets by presenting a physical or digital church bulletin (only available at DSP Box Office)
Kids Baseball Clinic: Kids 13 and under are invited to join Travs players on field for a baseball clinic starting at noon! | Presented By Hog Wash
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game!
At Springfield, June 25 - June 30