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Pandemic deaths back to ‘0’
The state Department of Health, on its Covid dashboard, showed that in the past week, there were no new deaths reported. The numbers were updated Tuesday, Nov. 21.
The total number of reported dead Arkansans remains at 13,360 or the state’s 30th largest city, passing Harrison’s 13,338.
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
The Headlines
Meetings: The North Little Rock City Council meets at 6 p.m. next Monday night at City Hall.
Events: Thanksgiving is Thursday and city offices in Maumelle and North Little Rock will be closed that day and Friday as well. Federal, state and county offices will also be closed. There’s no trash or recycling pickup on Friday and it will run one-day delayed through Saturday.
Football: CAC is the last North of the River team standing and will host undefeated Elkins on Friday at Mustang Mountain. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. and should be a barnburner. For more, keep scrolling.
Something to read: The New York Times and KFF Health News are collaborating on an extensive, lengthy project titled Dying Broke: A new jointly reported series on America’s long-term care crisis. Read the second installment here Extra fees drive assisted living profits
ICYMI: Elk spotting in Arkansas
Correction: Yes, we know it is dressing but sometimes our Illinois roots (Illi-annoying, am I right?) show through with things like stuffing. Also, of note, the Farm Bureau survey was for bagged, cubed stuffing mix, like what Pepperidge Farm or Stove Top makes. We apologize to the Southerners offended and regret the error.
Leftovers
There’s a pretty good chance you’ll have a mountain of food on Thursday but what to do on Friday?
Here’s a couple of things you could do make that are pretty tasty.
First up, leftover sweet potatoes. Get rid of any topping, then take three cups of that, mix with ½ cup sugar, three cups of self-rising flour and one teaspoon of baking powder. Mix until it looks like a shaggy ball of dough. Then flour your countertop, roll, fold and flip. Repeating a few times, so you get some nice layers, then use a biscuit cutter and it should make about 12. Bake at 375 degrees until golden. Should take about 12 to 15 minutes depending on your oven. Serve hot, with leftover ham. Also, with leftover turkey, toast raisin bread, or some other slightly sweet bread like cranberry walnut. Spread one slice with cream cheese, and the other with cranberry sauce. Then a suitable amount of turkey and you got a pretty good sandwich. We’ve tested, done both and the results are solid.
Public meeting set for Monday
A community meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. this Monday in the Miller Room at the Maumelle Center on the Lake. As per a recently passed ordinance, developers are now required to host a community meeting and this one is for a planned commercial development at 1605 Club Manor Drive, at the corner of Club Manor Drive and Carnahan Court.
Economic Development Lunch set for next Tuesday
The Commercial Real Estate Council of Metro Little Rock will host an Economic Development Q&A and Lunch at 11:30 a.m. next Tuesday, Nov. 28. It will be held at the Wyndham Riverfront in downtown North Little Rock.
Jack Thomas, who some might remember as the standout quarterback at CAC from a few years back, is now the Little Rock Regional Chamber’s vice president of economic development and will host the Q&A session.
The meeting will focus on the progress of metro Little Rock and recent economic development trends.
Tickets are $25 for members, $40 for guests, $190 for a member table of 8, and $300 for a guest table of 8, and are available at crecmlr.org/events.
For sponsorship, ticket, or other information, contact info@crecmlr.org or 501-539-0582.
Public hearing set by PCSSD
Notice is hereby given that the Pulaski County Special School District will conduct a public hearing on their facilities master plan that will be submitted to the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation as required by state law.
The public hearing will start at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14 in the Board Room of the Administration Building located at 925 East Dixon Road, Little Rock.
It is scheduled to last one hour.
The District will present information on their facilities master plan. All interested persons attending the public hearing will be given an opportunity to comment on the facilities master plan.
A December to remember with Very Merry Maumelle
Next month is going to be a busy one as it seems like there's something to do every weekend until the new year.
The big news is A Very Merry Maumelle, a new three weekend holiday celebration, will kick off that month, but more on that in a bit.
But, there's still November and there's more to do.
Thursday: Thanksgiving.
Friday: Black Friday and high school football.
Saturday: Small Business Saturday. Shop local and support some of the small businesses North of the River.
Tuesday, Nov. 28: Giving Tuesday is here and help out the nonprofit world with a gift. Click here to give to Methodist Family Health.
Wednesday, Nov. 29: North Little Rock will have a groundbreaking, above, for a new fire station at 1000 Blaze Drive, off Hwy. 165. The event will start at 1 p.m. and the building will cost $4.6 million to build. It is expected to be completed in 2024.
Friday, Dec. 1: More high school football as it is state championship weekend for 7A, 6A, 5A and 2A while 4A and 3A are in the semifinals.
Saturday, Dec. 2: A Very Merry Maumelle, above, starts at Lake Willastein with a Christmas parade and tree lighting. The parade will start at 5 p.m. and the event will conclude at 9 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 5: Spring show auditions will be held at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. The museum is seeking adult actors for its spring shows and audition appointments are not required, but actors are encouraged to RSVP by emailing theatre@arkmfa.org if planning to attend.
Saturday, Dec. 9: A Very Merry Maumelle continues with Mistletoe Market as it will open at 4 p.m., also at Lake Willastein, and will close at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 9: The Adult Spelling Bee, below, will be held at the Burns Park Hospitality House.
Saturday, Dec. 9: Frosting with Frosty, below, will be held at Laman Plaza at the North Little Rock Community Center at 2700 Willow St.
Saturday, Dec. 16: Holiday in the Park Movie night concludes a Very Merry Maumelle. The event starts at 6 p.m. and will conclude at 9 p.m. A Very Merry Maumelle is sponsored by the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce and the city.
Saturday, Dec. 16: The Hogs make the annual trip to central Arkansas and will face Lipscomb at Simmons Bank Arena in downtown North Little Rock. The good news? The game will be televised!
Sunday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve.
Monday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day.
Tuesday, Dec. 26: Happy Boxing Day to those who celebrate.
Sunday, Dec. 31: New Year's Eve.
Monday, Jan. 1: New Year's Day.
Cassandra Green files as challenger to Rep. Brandon Achor
Maumelle resident Cassandra Green recently announced she was going to challenge state Rep. Brandon Achor in House District 71, that covers most of Maumelle.
Green, above, an educator, is running as a Democrat and with her announcement, Green took some time and answered an email questionnaire from ArkansasNewsroom.com.
Her responses have been lightly edited and formatted for publication below.
» Have you run for public office before, and, if not, what inspired you to run this campaign cycle?
This election will be my first time running for public office. I have always been interested in national, state, and local politics; however, I have grown gravely concerned about which government involvement has affected the everyday Arkansan, so much so that I decided it was time to set up and do more by running for office.
» How long have you lived in the district?
I have lived in Maumelle for 17 years.
» Given your education and experience, what would you bring to the office if elected? What are some areas that are of particular focus for you as you look at this race?
As a 27-year career educator having worked in three Arkansas school districts and the state education agency, I have practitioner experience to effectively address the challenges of everyday Arkansans, especially in the areas of education, criminal justice, and healthcare with an emphasis on mental health. I would like to address concerns with Arkansas LEARNS as it relates to accountability, school choice, public education funding and access, and providing teachers support and efforts towards retention.
I’ve experienced firsthand the frustrating impact on my students and their families as they navigate the juvenile justice system. Arkansas has seen an increase in the number of juvenile incarcerations with an emphasis on juveniles charged as adults. As the next State Representative for District 71, I would focus on raising public awareness and craft appropriate legislation which supports a brighter future for juveniles involved in our state’s justice system.
Mental health needs of both children and adults is a crucial responsibility. As the next State Representative of District 71, I would champion legislation that prioritizes mental health for children and adults in Arkansas. My goal would be to make a lasting impact on the well-being of individuals of all ages within District 71 as well as contribute to a more supportive and equitable healthcare system.
» What is the biggest difference between you and Brandon Achor, the incumbent?
I have noticed that there is a difference in how we view legislation in the areas of School Choice, Arkansas LEARNS, Criminal Justice Reform, as well as his support for legislation negatively impacting low income families. I believe my candidacy will allow the opportunity to offer alternative perspectives and policies that resonate with a constituency seeking positive change and progress for ALL.
» Anything else you'd like to add?
I am new to the political scene, and I understand the importance of the constituents having an opportunity to meet and hear my concerns and ideas for a better District 71 and Arkansas. Collaboration is important and the key to my win in November 2024.
Playoff Primer
Black Friday football as CAC hosts Elkins
Central Arkansas Christian's remarkable turnaround continues as the Mustangs host undefeated Elkins in the quarterfinals of the Class 4A playoffs this Friday.
The game will kick off at 7 p.m.
CAC enters the game 9-2 and ranked No. 7 in the Class 4A poll from Hootens.com while Elkins (12-0) is No. 3.
The Elks are also one of three teams remaining in 4A that are undefeated with the others being Harding Academy and Warren.
But for CAC just to be here, is something. The Mustangs were 2-8 last season. The year before that, another 2-8 season.
So it has been some tough times at Mustang Mountain, then CAC took a positive step in hiring Ryan Howard to be the school's new head football coach.
Howard, a former UCA quarterback and college hand, entered the role with some enthusiasm and an eye on improving the team's offensive performance.
It worked.
In its 11 games this season, the Mustangs are averaging 49.9 points a game and have scored at least 40 in every game this season.
After a first-round bye, CAC exploded for 59 points in a 59-50 win against perennial power Nashville.
It helps to have Grayson Wilson at quarterback.
Wilson, a junior, has already committed to play for Sam Pittman at the University of Arkansas and is CAC's best at the position since Jack Thomas roamed the field a decade back.
Of course, Elkins is also a scoring machine.
The Elks enter the game averaging 54.1 games and beat Monticello, 56-0, last Friday.
The fewest points scored this season for the Elks was 38, when Elkins shutout conference rival Ozark, 38-0. The Hillbillies are also in the quarterfinals this Friday as well.
There's one common opponent between the two programs — Pottsville.
CAC beat the Apaches, 44-43, in a thrilling nail-biter. Elkins?
The Elks opened the season with a 51-0 win against Pottsville.
The winner hosts the winner of Harding Academy and Ashdown in the semifinals on Friday, Dec. 1.
On the other side of the bracket, Arkadelphia hosts Rivercrest, while Ozark, as previously mentioned, travels to undefeated Warren where Hillbillies head coach Jeremie Burns goes for career win 101 against the Lumberjacks.
The state championship game will be at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium.
7A: Undefeated Fayetteville hosts Conway, while Bryant will be at home against Bentonville. The 7A state championship will be played at noon on Saturday, Dec. 2.
6A: In an all-central Arkansas matchup, Benton hosts Little Rock Christian and on the other side of the bracket Greenwood hosts Pulaski Academy. The 6A title game is 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1.
5A: In a matchup of unbeaten teams, Camden Fairview travels to War Memorial Stadium to face Little Rock Parkview while Chiloho Christian hosts Pine Bluff. The 5A title game is 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.
All state championship games are at Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium.
Friday night lights
CAC Mustangs
Aug. 25 ... CAC 52, Lonoke 16
Sept. 1 ... CAC 40, Perryville 6
Sept. 8 ... CAC, 50 Bauxite 45
Sept. 15 ... Harmony Grove 43, CAC 42
Sept. 22 ... CAC 40, Little Rock Hall 27
Sept. 29 ... CAC 50, Mayflower 34
Oct. 6 ... CAC 44, Pottsville 43
Oct. 13 ... Clinton 53, CAC 50
Oct. 20 ... CAC 60, Dover 12
Nov. 3 ... CAC 53, Lamar 0
Nov. 10 ... CAC has a bye. First round of playoffs
Nov. 17 … CAC 59, Nashville 50
Friday, Nov. 24 … Elkins at CAC; Third round of the Class 4A playoffs
Friday, Dec. 1 … Fourth round of the Class 4A playoffs
BOLD indicates home game
For the roster, please click here.
Sports
Maumelle Charter basketball schedule
Nov. 27-Dec.2 …. Monday-Friday ... at Battle at the Cove … VG,VB
Dec 2 …. Saturday at Stuttgart (Jamboree) … 7G,7B … TBA
Dec. 4 … Monday at Dover … 7G, 7B, JHG, JHB … 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 5 … Tuesday … Dover … JVG, JVB, VG,VB … 5 p.m.
Dec. 8.... Friday ... at CAC … JHG, JHB, VG, VB … 4 p.m.
Dec. 11 … Monday at Mayflower … 7G, 7B, JHG, JHB … 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 12 … Tuesday … Mayflower … JVG, JVB, VG, VB … 5 p.m.
Dec 14 ... Thursday ... CAC … 7G,7B … 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 14 ... Thursday ... Malvern … VG,VB … 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 15.... Friday ... Abundant Life (Homecoming) … VG, VB … 5:30 p.m.
Dec 16 … Saturday at Perryville (Jamboree) … 7G,7B … TBA
Dec. 27-28 at Malvern Classic … VG… TBD
Dec. 27-29 at Episcopal Christmas Tournament … VB … TBD
Jan 2. … Tuesday … Danville … JHG,JHB,VG,VB … 4:30 p.m.
Jan 4. ... Thursday ... Lee Academy … JHG, VG,VB … 4 p.m.
Jan. 5.... Friday ... at Perryville … JHG, JHB, VG, VB … 4 p.m.
Jan. 8 … Monday at Lamar … 7G, 7B, JHG, JHB … 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 9 … Tuesday Lamar … JVG, JVB, VG, VB … 5 p.m.
Jan. 11 ... Thursday ... Baptist Prep … 7G, 7B, JHG, JHB … 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 12.... Friday ... at Baptist Prep … JVG, JVB, VG, VB … 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 16 … Tuesday … Atkins … JHG, JHB, VG,VB ... 4 p.m.
Jan 16 … Tuesday … Lisa West … 7G,7B … 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 18 ... Thursday ... Dover … 7G, 7B, JHG, JHB … 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 19.... Friday ... at Dover … VG, VB … 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 23 … Tuesday … CAC … JHG, JHB, VG, VB ... 4 p.m.
Jan. 25 ... Thursday ... Mayflower … 7G, 7B, JHG, JHB … 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 26.... Friday ... at Mayflower … JVB, VG, VB … 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 30 … Tuesday … Perryville (Senior Night) … JHG, JHB, VG, VB ... 4 p.m.
Feb. 1 ... Thursday ... Lamar … 7G, 7B, JHG, JHB … 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 2.... Friday ... at Lamar … JVG, JVB, VG, VB 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 3-7 … Jr. High District Tournament … JHG, JHB … TBA
Feb. 6 … Tuesday … Baptist Prep … JVG, JVB, VG, VB … 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 8 ... Thursday ... at Atkins … JVG, JVB, VG, VB … 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 12-17 … Sr. High District Tournament … VG, VB
Feb. 21-24 … Regional Tournament
Feb. 27- March 2 … State Tournament