Maumelle Chamber to have annual banquet tonight
Daryl Fimple hired to lead Arkansas Tech’s Golden Suns basketball program' The Boys are Back: Travs baseball returns to North Little Rock plus headlines and sports
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MEETING: The North Little Rock School Board will have a special call meeting and workshop at 5:30 p.m. tonight at the district’s administration building. Among the agenda items is an executive session to discuss personnel. Given Daryl Fimple’s move from winning his sixth state title to taking over the Arkansas Tech women’s basketball program, that, along with a replacement, will very likely be discussed. For more on Fimple’s move, keep scrolling. As for his replacement, Kyra Collier is right there, and already on staff. A guard who won a state title for North Little Rock, and Fimple, then had a decorated four-year career at UALR and has been a college assistant at Grambling, among other stops. She makes sense, so just do it. The Maumelle City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube and the public is welcome.
EVENTS: Easter is this Sunday! There’s already a ham in the fridge. There’s also a bevy of other things with Holy Week – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday – going on, so just do as your faith tradition demands. Also, a blessed Pascha to the Orthodox, who will celebrate the following Sunday as the schism continues, at least for now. There’s also Easter Egg hunts and for more on that, keep scrolling.
God Speed, Artemis II
This country is a flawed mess that also does great things. One of those things lifted off Wednesday afternoon, the Artemis II and the U.S. is headed back to the moon. Or at least around it before returning to Earth.
Personally, I’d think I’d stay in space and given the comforts of home they have on board, they could sit a spell as the capsule has a toilet.
In news you can use, and win bar trivia with, that makes 10 toilets in space right now.
The breakdown is:
International Space Station: 4
Crew Dragon Docked at ISS: 1
Soyuz Docked at ISS: 1
Tiangong Space Station: 2
Shenzhou Docked at TSS: 1
Artemis II enroute to the Moon: 1
Lots of 1s and 2s in that mix, as is fitting for space toilets.
Maumelle Chamber to have annual banquet tonight
The Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce will host its highly anticipated Annual Banquet from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.tonight at Venue 10. The evening will celebrate the Chamber’s accomplishments in 2025 while recognizing the individuals and businesses that have made a lasting impact on the Maumelle community.
The event will begin with a networking reception from 6:00–6:45 p.m., providing attendees an opportunity to connect with local leaders, business owners, and community partners before the awards program begins.
The banquet will highlight the Chamber’s progress over the past year and honor outstanding members of the community through several prestigious awards, including:
Business of the Year
Person of the Year
Veteran of the Year
Student of the Year
Educator of the Year
In addition to these recognitions, the Chamber will present special honors celebrating individuals and organizations whose dedication has helped strengthen Maumelle’s business environment and community spirit.
The evening will also feature a special guest presentation from Arkansas author, historian, and public affairs leader Rex Nelson. A widely respected voice on Arkansas history, culture, and economic development, Nelson has spent decades highlighting the stories and people that shape the Natural State. His remarks will provide insight into Arkansas’ heritage, leadership, and the importance of strong local communities like Maumelle.
“This banquet is one of our favorite nights of the year,” said Kellie Wall, President and CEO of the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce. “It gives us the opportunity to reflect on the incredible accomplishments of our business community, celebrate the people who make Maumelle such a special place, and look ahead to the opportunities that lie before us.”
Adding excitement to the evening, the Chamber will also host a raffle for a stunning $10,000 flawless diamond, perfectly complementing this year’s “Fire & Ice” theme. Raffle tickets are available now, and participants do not need to be present to win.
Tickets for the banquet are currently on sale. Community members, business leaders, and supporters are encouraged to attend and take part in this special evening celebrating Maumelle’s achievements and those who help drive its success.
For more information or to purchase banquet or raffle tickets, please contact the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce at 501-851-9700 or bri@maumellechamber.com.
North Little Rock to host book signing with Bradford
The Patrick Henry Hays Senior Center, 401 Pershing Blvd. in North Little Rock, will host a special book signing event with Arkansas author and cancer survivor Lonenetta Bradford on Wednesday, April 8, from 10 a.m. until noon.
Bradford will be signing copies of her inspiring new book, Three Years in the Storm, a powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and the fight against lymphoma. Seniors attending the event will receive a special discounted price of $8.
Easter Egg hunts
North Little Rock community centers and parks are rolling out a full basket of spring fun, and you’re invited to hop in on every moment.
Easter Events happening across North Little Rock
Glenview City Park – Rose City Community Center Easter Egg Hunt
Sherman Park – Protho Lodge Annual Easter Egg Hunt
North Heights Community Center – Easter Egg Hunt with Levy UMC
Glenview Community Center – Eggstravaganza
Burns Park Soccer Complex 1 – Burns Park Easter Egg Hunt
For more details, click the flyers below.
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 from April 1‒30.
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
Daryl Fimple hired to lead Arkansas Tech’s Golden Suns basketball program
By Sam Strasner/ATU University Relations
It’s a circle that began in 1995 when Joe Foley asked a recently retired Arkansas Tech University men’s basketball player if he had an interest in coaching.
Thirty-one years later, that circle is now complete and one of the winningest programs in NCAA Division II women’s basketball history has its new leader.
Daryl Fimple, Arkansas Tech alumnus and six-time state champion at the highest classification of Arkansas high school girls’ basketball, is the seventh head coach in the half-century history of intercollegiate women’s basketball at Arkansas Tech.
Fimple’s appointment was announced on Monday, March 30, by Abby Davis, ATU director of athletics.
“Daryl has been preparing for this opportunity since he was 10 years old,” said Davis. “From his first exposure to Arkansas Tech through Marty Barnes’ basketball camps to his days as a player for the Wonder Boys and continuing through his service on Joe Foley’s women’s basketball staff as a student assistant, Daryl became encultured in Arkansas Tech basketball from an early age. He took what he learned from Coach Barnes and Coach Foley and became one of the most successful high school basketball coaches in Arkansas history. In Coach Fimple, we have identified an individual who has the knowledge, the relationships and the will necessary to add to the incredible championship tradition of Golden Suns basketball.”
Arkansas Tech will celebrate its 50th season of intercollegiate women’s basketball in 2026-27. The Golden Suns have won two NAIA national championships, earned one NCAA Division II national runner-up finish, made seven national tournament semifinal berths, won four NCAA Division II region championships, claimed 26 regular season conference titles and recorded 35 20-win seasons since the founding of the program in 1977-78.
Under the leadership of head coaches Jim Yeager (1977-82), Jim Dickerson (1982-87), Joe Foley (1987-2003), Carin Pinion-McNabb (2003-05), Todd Schaefer (2005-07) and Dave Wilbers (2007-26), the Golden Suns have earned 1,125 all-time wins, which ranks top 10 in NCAA Division II women’s basketball history.
Fimple won 668 games during a high school girls’ basketball head coaching career that included stints at Lonoke High School (1999-2005) and North Little Rock High School (2005-26).
North Little Rock had never won a state championship in girls’ basketball before Fimple’s arrival. The Lady Charging Wildcats won the title for Arkansas’ largest classification in his first season (2006) and his last (2026), with four more state championships (2010, 2016, 2018 and 2022) in between for a total of six state titles.
Fimple’s North Little Rock teams reached the state semifinals 17 times and the state championship game nine times. He led the Lady Charging Wildcats to 16 conference championships, and 56 of his players signed scholarships to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.
“I am deeply honored to accept the head women’s basketball coach position at Arkansas Tech University,” said Fimple. “Returning to the program where my career began as a student coach is a true full‑circle moment — I am committed to honoring the university’s proud tradition, developing champions on and off the court, and building a future our community can be proud of. Thank you for this incredible opportunity!”
Fimple graduated from Alma High School and enrolled at Arkansas Tech in 1993.
A reserve guard with the Arkansas Tech men’s basketball program from 1993-95, Fimple helped the Wonder Boys win two Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference championships and reach the semifinals of the 1995 NAIA National Tournament, matching the best national tournament finish in program history.
Shortly after he decided to stop playing following his sophomore year, Fimple was invited by Foley to become a student assistant with the Arkansas Tech women’s basketball program.
Fimple accepted the life-changing apprenticeship under Foley, who is the all-time leader in basketball coaching victories at Arkansas Tech (456), a two-time NAIA national champion (1992 and 1993) and a member of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.
“Like all of us, Daryl went through the growing process,” said Foley. “He started at Lonoke…he won there, and then he got to North Little Rock and turned it into a perennial powerhouse. He’s grown into a fabulous coach who has a great rapport with his kids. They love playing for him. He knows how to have fun, but he knows how to work hard, too.
“He will bring in good talent, and he knows how to work with it and get the best out of them,” continued Foley. “We recruited some of his kids (at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock), so I know how disciplined they are and how well-prepared they are. He’ll work hard at it. (ATU) has made a great choice. He’ll bring a great amount of enthusiasm to that program, and I think he’ll be great.”
The Boys are Back: Travs baseball returns to North Little Rock
The Arkansas Travelers open the 2026 season this week with a three-game road swing at Midland, deep in the heart of West Texas.
First game is at 7 p.m. against the Rockhounds, with the series concluding on Sunday.
Monday’s a travel and the Travs are at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock next Tuesday when they host the Wichita Wind Surge.
This marks the start of the 125th season of Arkansas Travelers baseball, one of the oldest and most storied teams in minor-league baseball history.
Double-A is again going with the six game series model with most weeks alternating between home and away but not always and not always six games, as this week’s three-game series stands as proof.
The Travs are again affiliated with the Seattle Mariners, but there’s been some changes at the top as Rich Thompson takes the helm as manager, Thompson was previously the head coach and athletics director at National Park College in Hot Springs. Joining him on staff are: José Umbria (Bench Coach), Cameron Ming (Pitching Coach) and Jordan Cowan (Hitting Coach).
Also returning to Arkansas are athletic trainer Dan LaBerry returns as athletic trainer, while Kyle Briggs is the strength coach.
Thompson’s background is a little bit different. A native of Australia, he spent parts of six seasons in the show, with 82 games as a relief pitcher. The bulk of which were with the Angels in 2011 with 44 appearances that season.
He also pitched for the Travs in 2006 and 2007, with a total of 63 appearances on the mound and also had a spot on the 2007 MLB All-Star Futures game in 2007. He also spent 12 seasons playing for the Australian National Team and won a Silver Medal in the 2004 Summer Olympics, and also appeared in two World Baseball Classics, and two International Baseball World Cups.
Given his Australian heritage, he’s probably tingly for Bluey Night. I’d wager one million dollarbucks on it.
“I’m excited to be back with the Travelers,” Thompson said in a press release. “I wouldn’t be an Arkansan without the Travs and I’m looking forward to making the jump back into professional baseball. It is great to give back to the game and these players. I am thrilled to be part of the future of the Travs and the Mariners.”
As part of the 125th anniversary celebration, the Travs will have a number of promotions this season. This is also the team’s 60th year in the Texas League, after a brief stint as the AAA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.
On to the games.
Upcoming games
Six-game homestand against Wichita
Tuesday, April 7, 6:05 p.m.
Opening Night!
Welcome the boys back to CHI St. Vincent Field at Dickey-Stephens Park as we kick off the 125th Year of Travelers Baseball! | Presented By Charbroil
Magnet Schedule Giveaway: Make sure your fridge knows when the Travs play! | Presented By Jacksonville Parks & Recreation | 1,000 Fans (one item per person)
Wednesday, April 8, 11:05 a.m.
School Day: Putting the “field” in “greatest field trip ever!” | Presented By Summit Community Care
Senior Day: Presented By ArchWell Health
Thursday, April 9, 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, April 10, 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, April 11, 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, April 12, 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