Maumelle Chamber to have annual banquet
North Little Rock eyes return of Brad Bolding; White Oak Bayou Wetlands Conservancy gets land donation; Snow report plus sports and headlines
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MEETINGS: A special call meeting of the school board for the North Little Rock School District is at 5:30 p.m. tonight. The meeting will discuss personnel, among other things, and for more, keep scrolling. The Maumelle City Council will meet next Tuesday night at City Hall. The meeting is one-day delayed due to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday on Monday.
EVENTS: With the MLK Day holiday being on Monday, that means trash and recycling routes will be one-day delayed for North of the River next week. Also, there’s a King Day celebration planned in North Little Rock and for more, click on the flyer below.
PUBLIC NOTICE: MAUMELLE PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY
The Maumelle City Council is accepting resumes from residents interested in serving on the Maumelle Planning Commission. The Council will make an appointment to Position 1 for a four year term ending Jan. 31, 2029. Resumes should be submitted to Tina Timmons, City Clerk/Treasurer, and 550 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle, Arkansas 72113 no later than 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. Resumes can be emailed to cityclerk@maumelle.org. All applicants will be interviewed by the City Council at the next scheduled Council meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 at 6 p.m. The City Council will appoint immediately following the interviews. For additional information please call Scott Grummer at 501-851-2500.
A Bold (ing) move
Unless the North Little Rock School Board gets cold feet or zigs instead of zags, Brad Bolding will be the next head football coach at North Little Rock High School.
The meeting to approve his hire, as well as other personnel, is at 5:30 p.m. tonight. It can be streamed here.
Bolding, a Conway native, previously coached at North Little Rock but was fired by the district after recruiting and financial irregularities emerged during his tenure. A lawsuit ensued, but Bolding lost his case.
The recruiting was about and around KJ Hill, who transferred to North Little Rock from Bryant. Hill was a star wide receiver for the ‘Cats, as well as a guard on the basketball team, and went on to become the career leading receiver at Ohio State before spending some time in the NFL.
Hill’s basketball career at North Little Rock was during Johnny Rice’s multi-state title run and one of those state championships, that came during Hill's junior season, was sort of taken back by the AAA but, now, they as well as the school acknowledge that title, which was always kind of weird.
The financial irregularities was John Rogers related and Rogers, now at the federal prison in Forrest City, had been using the Quarterback Club as a way to launder various ill-gotten gains. The details are cinematic in scope, and frankly, hard to believe but such was North Little Rock in the teens of the 21st century.
Back to Bolding. He’s been winning nothing but state titles the last few years at Parkview and what got him in trouble before, at least on the recruiting side, is perfectly fine now thanks to the LEARNS Act.
Maumelle Chamber to have annual banquet
The Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce is set to host its Annual Banquet at 6 p.m. tonight at The Venue at Westwind.
This year’s event will be especially exciting, featuring a celebratory dinner to honor Maumelle’s 40th anniversary and announce the prestigious Maumelle Person of the Year award.
Attendees will celebrate Maumelle’s incredible growth since its incorporation in 1985. Now home to nearly 20,000 residents, Maumelle is a dynamic and engaged community, earning recognition as one of Arkansas’ Volunteer Communities of the Year for 17 years. The city also boasts thriving industries, including Tractor Supply’s largest distribution center, three premier golf courses, multiple scenic lakes, and vibrant community and senior centers.
In addition to honoring the Maumelle Person of the Year, the Chamber will also recognize outstanding individuals and businesses with awards for Volunteer of the Year, Business of the Year, Educator of the Year, Veteran of the Year, and Ambassador of the Year.
This year’s keynote speakers are Connie Raley and her daughter, Alex. Connie Raley, founder of MGC Kids, has played an integral role in the community since launching the business in 1985. MGC Kids has shaped the lives of countless young athletes through its cheerleading, competitive gymnastics, Ninja, tumbling, summer camps, and after-school programs. The company recently expanded with a second location and attributes its continued success to Maumelle’s supportive business climate.
“We are excited to celebrate Maumelle’s legacy and the individuals who make our community special,” said Kellie Wall, CEO of the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce., in a release “This banquet is not just about looking back on our achievements, but also about inspiring future growth.”
Wall emphasized the importance of recognizing those who contribute to the city's success. “Each year, our awards honor the people and businesses that go above and beyond to make Maumelle a great place to live and work,” she said. “We look forward to an evening of celebration and appreciation for all they do.”
Approximately 200 guests are expected to attend the dinner. Tickets are available for $60 and can be purchased by calling the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce at 501-851-9700.
White Oak Bayou Wetlands Conservancy gets land donation
The developers of Devoe Bend subdivision, Eric Holloway and Aaron Reynolds, have donated 16.89 acres along the White Oak Bayou to the Conservancy Dec. 23, 2024, the organization announced this week.
The land, valued at $675,000, is the largest gift made to the Conservancy since its founding in 2018. The land is in the 72113-zip code area of Maumelle and North Little Rock.
Devoe Bend is a thoughtfully designed residential subdivision celebrated for its vast green spaces and natural trails that aim to reconnect families with nature.
The donated land includes access to a key section of the White Oak Bayou that is made up of three functional wetland classes including what is likely the thickest and most beautiful stand of water tupelo on the bayou. It has an abundance of wildlife habitat for terrestrial, aquatic and avian species. Several species of waterfowl are commonly seen in this area of the bayou.
The White Oak Bayou consists of 42 square miles of land and water in north- central Pulaski County. The 1,400 acres of wetlands fall entirely within the confines of Pulaski County and portions of the cities of Maumelle and North Little Rock as well as portions of Camp Robinson. It represents eight different hydrogeomorphic (HGM) subclasses. The wetlands provide valuable wildlife habitat and perform essential functions such as flood attenuation, sediment retention, pollutant removal and nutrient cycling.
The future wetland park on the property will improve access to the bayou for outdoor recreation like bird watching, fishing and paddle sports.
"Our vision is to create a space where people can explore, learn and enjoy the beauty of the wetlands," Holloway said in a release. He also serves as the President of the White Oak Bayou Wetlands Conservancy.
He added that his hope is that the donation will serve as a catalyst for enhancing public access to Maumelle's natural landscapes.
"This donation is a step toward building a legacy of conservation and recreation for generations to come.,” he said.
The White Oak Bayou Wetlands Conservancy and Devoe Bend Development invite the community to support this exciting project, which aligns with their shared commitment to environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation. The White Oak Bayou Wetland Conservancy is dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the White Oak Bayou as a sustainable natural resource, benefiting the cities of Maumelle and North Little Rock as well as portions of Camp Robinson.
Maumelle police fatally shoot Conway man in North Little Rock
The Arkansas State Police have been asked to investigate the fatal shooting of a Conway man by a Maumelle police officer in North Little Rock.
The shooting, the state police said., happened around 2 p.m. on Saturday at the 10000 block of Crystal Hill Road.
Maumelle police arrived at the scene to assist MEMS after a disturbance was reported there and officers tried to take Benjamin Powell, 34, of Conway, into custody. Powell, who “brandished a knife” resisted and was shot.
Powell was taken from the scene to UAMS where he was pronounced dead at approximately 4 p.m. on Saturday.
The Maumelle officers were placed on paid administrative leave, according to department policy and were not identified. The state police’s involvement was at the Maumelle Police Department’s request.
Powell’s body was sent to the state medical examiner for an autopsy and the state police will develop a case file for Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones to evaluate and see if the use of force was justified. Spoiler alert, it will be justified, as police shootings always tend to be.
The shady side of the street
There's still in and around central Arkansas and North of the River after last week's massive snowstorm dumped as many as 14 inches of the white stuff over Thursday and Friday.
The snow just started Thursday evening and didn't stop until Friday afternoon for this part of the state.
While it disrupted school, as classes were cancelled for Friday and Monday of this week, the actual impact was fairly minimal as the electricity stayed on and the heavy, damp snow didn't lead to much ice.
Also, the various city and state agencies lept into action with road treatments and positioning of heavy equipment that then cleared the roads over the weekend.
The greatest amount of snow recorded in Pulaski County where 10 inches was measured by a National Weather Service employee in rural Gibson.
The snow was still hanging around with two inches of ground covered measured on Wednesday afternoon and the snow is still plainly visible if you live on the shady side of the street or if you look in any parking lot, as it is mounded up and off to the sides at local businesses.
It is likely to hang around as the forecast is for more cold weather this weekend and into next week. Expect warming centers to be open in North Little Rock and Little Rock for the unsheltered and anyone else needing some heat.
Eye on the sky
Today: Sunny, with a high near 52 and a low around 30.
Friday: Some showers with a high near 54 and a low around 41.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 47 and a low around 22. Wind chills will be near 0.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 32 and a low around 14. Wind chills will be at or below 0.
M.L.King Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 28 and a low around 15.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 25 and a low around 17.
WednesdayMostly sunny, with a high near 34.
Sports
North of the River basketball
Friday’s games have all been postponed with school being closed due to the Winter Storm Warning forecast.
Maumelle Charter boys
Conference: 3A-6
Record so far: 8-18 and 0-5 in league play
Last week: The Falcons split a pair of games last with Lisa Academy North being moved to Wednesday night and was a loss, while Charter beat Rose Bud on Tuesday.
What’s ahead: Friday’s game is a trip to Riverview then back to White County to face Bald Knob on Tuesday.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent ... Score
Friday, Jan. 17: At Riverview ... 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 21: At Bald Knob ... 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 24: Vs. Pangburn ... 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Vs. Harding Academy ... 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 31: Vs. Episcopal ... 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. . 4: At Lisa Academy North ... 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. . 7: At Rose Bud ... 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 11: At St. Joseph ... 8:30 p.m.
Maumelle Charter girls
Conference: 3A-6
Record so far: 11 -14 and 1-5 in league play
Last week: Maumelle Charter beat Rose Bud on Tuesday.
What’s ahead: A White County double dip with games at Riverview and Bald Knob on, respectively, Tuesday and Friday. Going? Go to the Bulldog in Bald Knob. It is worth a double dip as well.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent ... Score -
Friday, Jan. 17: At Riverview ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 21: At Bald Knob ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 24: Vs. Pangburn ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Vs. Harding Academy ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 31: Vs. Episcopal ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. . 7: At Rose Bud ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 11: At St. Joseph ... 7 p.m.
Maumelle boys
Conference: 5A-Central
Record so far: 14-5 and 3-0 in conference play
Last week: The Hornets beat Sylvan Hills on Tuesday.
What’s ahead: The Hornets host Greenbrier on Friday.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent ... Score
Friday, Jan. 17: Vs. Greenbrier ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 21: At Little Rock Christian ... 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 24: Vs. Vilonia ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Vs. Catholic ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 31: At Beebe ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. . 4: Vs. Parkview ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. . 7: Vs. Jacksonville ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14: At Sylvan Hills ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 18: At Greenbrier ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 21: Vs. Little Rock Christian ... 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 25: At Vilonia ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 28: At Catholic ... 7 p.m.
Maumelle girls
Conference: 5A-Central
Record so far: 5-12 and 0-3 in conference play
Last week: Lost to Sylvan Hills on Tuesday
What’s ahead: Greenbrier on Friday, then Little Rock Christian next Tuesday.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent ... Score
Friday, Jan. 17: Vs. Greenbrier... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 21: At Little Rock Christian ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 24: Vs. Vilonia... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Vs. Mount St. Mary ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 31: At Beebe ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. . 4: Vs. Parkview ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. . 7: Vs. Jacksonville ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14: At Sylvan Hills ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 18: At Greenbrier... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 21: At Little Rock Christian ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 25: At Vilonia ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 28: At Mount St. Mary ... 7 p.m.
Central Arkansas Christian boys
Conference: 4A-5
Record so far: 3-10 and 0-1 in league
Notable wins and losses: CAC lost at home to Pulaski Academy on Tuesday.
What’s ahead: This Friday, CAC travels to Morrilton for the fearsome Devil Dogs, then at Robinson next Tuesday.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent ... Score
Friday, Jan. 17: Ar. Morrilton ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 21: At Robinson ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 24: Vs. Clinton ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Vs. Heber Springs ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 31: Vs. Lisa Academy West ... 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. . 7: At Pulaski Academy ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 11: Vs. Morrilton ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14: Vs. Robinson ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 18: At Clinton ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 21: At Heber Springs ... 7 p.m.
Central Arkansas Christian girls
Conference: 2A-5
Record so far: 1-18 and 0-7 in conference action.
Last week: CAC is on a 15-game losing streak and last won in November.
What’s ahead: CAC visits Robinson next Tuesday and there’s been some weather-related adjustments to the schedule with CAC hosting Conway St. Joe next Thursday, Jan. 23.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent ... Score
Tuesday, Jan. 21: At Robinson ... 6 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 23: Vs. St. Joseph … 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 24: Vs. White County Central ... 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Vs. Quitman ... 6 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 30: Vs. South Side ... 6 p.m.
Monday, Feb. . 3: Vs. Jacksonville Lighthouse ... 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. . 6: At Bigelow ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. . 7: At Conway Christian... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14: Vs. Robinson ... 7 p.m.
North Little Rock Boys
Conference: 6A-Central
Record so far: 9-4, 1-0 in league play
Last week: North Little Rock has been on a snow break and hasn’t played. since beating Little Rock Central two weeks ago.
What’s ahead: First game back is a trip to Jonesboro this Friday, with a trip to Conway to follow next Tuesday.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent ... Score
Friday, Jan. 17: At Jonesboro … 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 21: At Conway ... 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Vs. Bryant ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 31: Vs. Cabot ... 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. . 4: Vs. Central ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. . 7: Vs. Conway ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14: Vs. Jonesboro ... 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 25: At Bryant ... 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 27: At Cabot ... 7:30 p.m.
North Little Rock girls
Conference: 6A-Central
Record so far: 12-7, 1-1 in league
Last week: North Little Rock beat Little Rock Southwest by 60 on Tuesday.
What’s ahead: The ‘Cats travel to Jonesboro on Friday.
For the roster, click here.
Date ... Opponent ... Score
Tuesday, Jan. . 7: At Central ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 14: Vs. Little Rock Southwest ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 17: At Jonesboro... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 21: At Conway ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Vs. Bryant ... 5
Friday, Jan. 31: Vs. Cabot ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. . 4: Vs. Central ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. . 7: Vs. Conway ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 11: At Little Rock Southwest ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14: Vs. Jonesboro... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 25: At Bryant ... 5
Thursday, Feb. 27: At Cabot... 6 p.m.
Health
The journey
A quick check-in, accountability as they say, and the first week of January was a good one.
In terms of percentages, I dropped about 3.5 percent of total body weight and about 25 percent of my 12-week goal. All in week 1, but that kind of success is a bit of a mirage.
First, everytime you focus and hunker down, you see fast results when you really want to see less but with a more sustained effort. As these things go, this isn’t my first rodeo.
So, I know that in the next week, I won’t see such a dramatic drop and maybe even a rebound.
Spoiler alert, since I’m writing this a bit delayed, that’s pretty much what happened. The dumb snow, and days at home with nothing but Trader Joe’s treats and an inability to get out and exercise was actually quite predictable.
But that’s for next week.
Part 2 of a 12-part series.
Pandemic deaths unknown
The state Department of Health didn’t update the state’s dashboard this week, and still shows 510 deaths for the past year. There’s no tab created for 2025 either. The virus has now killed 14,144 Arkansans since the pandemic began more than four years ago. 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