Fire and Ice: Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce has awards banquet
AVID Awards today at Sylvan Hills High School; Travs in town plus headlines and sports
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MEETINGS:The North Little Rock School Board will have a workshop at 5:30 p.m. tonight at the district’s administration building. The North Little Rock City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall. The meetings will be livestreamed on the respective YouTube channels and the public is welcome.
EVENTS: There’s still ham in the fridge! And a blessed Pascha to the Orthodox, who will celebrate Saturday night and into Sunday morning for Orthodox Easter. In less blessed news, the deadline to file taxes is next week. So get on it, if you haven’t.. In somewhat better news, the Harlem Globetrotters will be at Simmons Bank Arena in downtown North Little Rock in a rescheduled game from this winter. You may have forgotten, but they were supposed to play the night the snowcrete hit.
Fire and Ice: Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce has awards banquet
The Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Awards Banquet last week at Venue 10, bringing together business leaders, community members, and elected officials to celebrate a year of growth, service, and achievement across the Maumelle community.
For an online photo gallery, click here.
The evening featured a networking reception, a year-in-review presentation, remarks from Maumelle Mayour Caleb Norris, and a keynote address from Arkansas native and renowned commentator Rex Nelson. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Chamber’s annual awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact in Maumelle.
“This event is one of our favorite nights of the year because it allows us to pause and celebrate the people and businesses that make Maumelle such a special place,” said Chamber President & CEO Kellie Wall. “Each of our award winners represents the very best of our community.”
2026 Annual Award Winners
The Chamber proudly recognized the following honorees:
Business of the Year: Ski Brothers Heating & Air
Person of the Year: Adam Xaysuda – Maumelle Lions Club
Veteran of the Year: Fire Chief Beau Buford
Educator of the Year: Michael Williamson – Maumelle Middle/High School
Student of the Year: Kendyl Forte – Maumelle High School
Volunteer of the Year: Sandra Finley – First Service Bank
Ambassador of the Year: Christie Drake - Dyermark
Impact Award: Rob McGill – Academics Plus Charter School
In addition, a special Guardian Award was presented to Police Chief Cory Pickard in recognition of his distinguished career and service to the Maumelle community.
The awards program highlighted the extraordinary leadership, service, and dedication demonstrated by this year’s recipients, from business innovation and educational impact to volunteerism and public service.
Recognizing Our Sponsors
The Chamber extends its deepest appreciation to all sponsors who made the evening possible. A special thank you to our top sponsors:
Venue 10 (Diamond Sponsor)
First Service Bank (Diamond Sponsor)
Ski Brothers Heat & Air (Reception Sponsor)
MidArk Insurance Maumelle – Waylon Biggs Agency (Award Sponsor)
Their continued investment in the Chamber and the Maumelle community plays a vital role in supporting events and initiatives that drive connection and growth.
The Chamber also recognized numerous additional sponsors and partners whose contributions helped bring the event to life.
A Night to Remember
The banquet also included the ceremonial passing of the gavel, welcoming Abbey Redmon as the 2026 Chairwoman of the Board, and recognizing the leadership and service of outgoing Chair Adam Cunningham.
As the Chamber looks ahead, the success of this year’s banquet reflects the strength of the Maumelle community and the shared commitment to building a vibrant future.
For more information about the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce and upcoming events, please visit www.maumellechamber.com or contact the Chamber office.
AVID Awards today at Sylvan Hills High School
The Pulaski County Special School District will host an AVID award ceremony at 10 a.m., today, at the Performing Arts Center at Sylvan Hills High School.
More than 100 graduating seniors from each of the district’s four high schools will be presented with an AVID stole and the total scholarship amounts offered to each will also be announced. The total for all the students is more than $8.8 million.
The 108 graduating AVID seniors are from Joe T. Robinson, Maumelle, Mills and Sylvan Hills high schools
Mountain View to host folk festival
The 64th annual Folk Festival will be held in Mountain View on April 17 and 18 and the Artisans Market on the Square will be open for business.
Located on the grass north of the Courthouse next to Mountain View Music, hours are Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The market will feature arts and crafts from Arkansas Craft Guild members and guests and among the items on sale will be jewelry and pottery, Ozark woodcrafts, quilts, glass beads, stained glass, whipped candles, and leather bags.
Among the artisans are Dana Finimore, at Rare Birds Studio, who makes functional and art pottery, Metalsmith Cindy Kopack, with Whippoorwill Mountain Jewelry, has a selection of hammered silver, copper and brass earrings, necklaces and bracelets, some combined with precious stones. Master glass artists Tom and Sage Holland, Glass Beadmakers, bring colorful flame-worked bead jewelry and sculptural pieces to share with the public. Michael and Ethan Hicks, ro’ark leather return to the Market with hand-stitched leather bags and wallets.
Also, Oddbowlz Ceramics’ Greg Hall will bring functional pottery bowls, mugs and soup bowls. Mike Mowery, MTM Woodworking, shows his turned wooden kitchenware, cutting boards, and board games. Norma and Martie Matthews, NM Quilts and Embroidery, with Martie’s useful and decorative wooden wares have been at Artisans Market for years. Gynna Sutherland, A Touch O’Glass, brings custom stained glass and hand-cut scrollwork frames.
New to the mix is CJ Huber, with Money Bender, who makes rings, earrings, and necklaces from antique and modern coins, including motorcycle gremlin bells and keychains, plus Epoxy/wood charcuterie boards. Cristina Wilcox, Whipped Candle Co. makes handcrafted whipped candles that combine dessert-inspired artistry with CleanScent fragrance and clean-burning wax, designed to be both beautiful and functional. Author John Sajdak’s Whisker Tales is a series of dual-perspective illustrated storybooks written and art-directed by John in both hard and soft covers.
The Arkansas Craft Guild & Gallery, 104 E. Main, is sponsor of the Artisans Market. Demonstrating wildlife painting on cedarwood in the Gallery during Folk Festival will be Loretta Babak, Herpel Heritage, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Loretta Babak will be demonstrating painting April 18 inside the Arkansas Craft Guild & Gallery, 104 E Main, Mountain View, where her art can be purchased. T
Her subject matter ranges from wildlife, natural scenery, and seascapes to pet portraits. She paints in oil, acrylic and watercolor on canvas, cedarwood, and on glass in reverse. Locally her best selling pieces are trout and turkeys painted on cedarwood. Reverse glass painting is almost a dying art, yet she continues to enjoy this method, shown here, the “Red Dot Butterfly.’
Loretta has served as Vice President of the Arkansas Craft Guild for three years and is currently on the Board of Directors. She volunteers once a month as hostess of the Gallery, helping customers with their purchases, usually on a Friday or Saturday.
Loretta maintains membership in the Mountain View Art Guild, Mid-Southern Watercolorists, the Palette Art League, American Women Artists, American Impressionist Society, as well as the Arkansas Craft Guild, which gives her the opportunity to participate in functions with like-minded people. She also participates in the Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour on Sept. 25-27/
Sparklight opens Spring 2026 Charitable Giving Fund applications
Sparklight, a leading high-speed internet provider, is now accepting applications for its Spring 2026 Charitable Giving Fund. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Sparklight’s 24-state service areas are invited to apply for funding now through April 30.
Each year, Sparklight awards $250,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations working to strengthen the communities they serve. Funding supports initiatives in three key areas where the need is significant and the impact is lasting:
Education and Digital Literacy
Hunger Relief and Food Insecurity
Community Development
“Local nonprofits are the backbone of strong communities — meeting pressing needs, creating meaningful opportunities and making a lasting difference every day,” said Jim Holanda, Sparklight CEO. “Through our Charitable Giving Fund, we’re proud to support their work and help extend their impact in the communities we serve.”
Since the Fund’s inception in 2020, Sparklight has awarded more than $1.2 million in grants to more than 275 nonprofits. These investments have supported initiatives in digital literacy, hunger relief, child and senior advocacy, housing and broader community programs.
For additional information about the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund or to apply for a grant, please visit www.sparklight.com/charitablegiving. To learn more about Sparklight internet and mobile services, visit www.sparklight.com/internet.
Sports
Upcoming Travs games
Six-game homestand against Wichita
Today, 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, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks Friday: Presented By Baptist Health
Magnet Schedule Giveaway: Make sure your fridge knows when the Travs play! | Presented By Jacksonville Parks & Recreation | 1,000 Fans (one item per person)
Saturday, 6:05 p.m.
Post-Game Wrestling: Time for the Main Event! Stick around after the game for post-game matches featuring the stars of Memphis Wrestling. | Presented By Midtown Billiards
Replica Jersey Giveaway: Take home a replica of the Travs’ 125th Anniversary jersey! | Presented By Pinnacle Structures | First 1,000 Fans (one item per person) | Select sizes available while supplies last
Magnet Schedule Giveaway: Make sure your fridge knows when the Travs play! | Presented By Jacksonville Parks & Recreation | 1,000 Fans (one item per person)
Sunday, 1:35 p.m.
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 Tulsa, April 14-19
Six-game homestand against Corpus Christi
Tuesday, April 21, 11:05 a.m.
School Day: Putting the “field” in “greatest field trip ever!” | Presented By Waste Management
Senior Day
Wednesday. April 22, 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: 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. April 23, 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, April 24, 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, April 25, 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, April 26, 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