Maumelle Charter is 3A golf state runner-up
Maumelle’s Putnam finds purpose with internship at Camp Aldersgate; Jones to kickoff campaign today; Laman Library to host genealogy workshop plus sports and headlines
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MEETINGS: The North Little Rock City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall. The quarterly meeting of the North Little Rock A&P Commission will be at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15 and will be held at 600 Main St., in downtown North Little Rock.
EVENTS: Chris Jones kicks off his campaign for Congress with a block party and town hall at the Dreamland Ballroom in Little Rock. The block party starts at 4:30 p.m. with the town hall to follow at 6:30 p.m. Dreamland Ballroom is located at 800 W 9th St., and will include food trucks, games for children along with various grilled meats. The event will also collect canned goods and other non-perishable food items to donate to local food banks. For more, or to RSVP, click here or on the flyer below.
Maumelle Charter is 3A state runner-up in golf
Maumelle Charter took home the 3A-State runner-up on Tuesday at Cooper’s Hawk Golf Course in Melbourne.
Fouke won the 3A state title with a 231, while Charter was one stroke behind at 232. They were one stroke better than Flippin, who finished in third with a 233.
Fouke’s Brody Bulkley earned medalist honors as he defeated Maumelle Charter’s Haydn Robertson on the first playoff hole.
Maumelle’s Putnam finds purpose with internship at Camp Aldersgate
Karoline Putnam, a junior mass communication major from Maumelle, spent her summer helping tell the stories of campers with special needs through an internship that’s deepening her career goals and expanding her skills.
Putnam is serving as a public relations and communications intern at Camp Aldersgate, a nonprofit organization in Little Rock that provides barrier-free outdoor experiences for children and young adults with special needs and medical diagnoses. Since beginning the internship in early June, she has helped tell Camp Aldersgate’s story by writing blog posts, crafting social media content, and communicating with the families of campers.
“I would say my biggest duty is creating the end-of-camp slideshows,” Putnam said. “I take the pictures our photographers have captured throughout the week and turn them into something parents, grandparents, campers, and staff can enjoy. It’s really rewarding to share those moments.”
Each week, she sees new photos of smiling campers who are enjoying activities designed just for them, photos that often tell the story of a life-changing experience.
“My favorite part is opening my computer every day and seeing the smiling faces of children,” she said. “This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some of these kids.”
Putnam discovered the internship through LinkedIn and was excited to find a hands-on communications role so close to home. Working under the mentorship of Brooke Wilson, Camp Aldersgate’s director of communications, has also been a highlight.
“Brooke has been incredibly inspiring,” Putnam said. “She is a very good leader, and I love working alongside her team.”
In addition to developing her writing skills, Putnam has gained experience with blog production, professional software, and social media analytics. These tools and strategies will serve her well in a future career in marketing or communications.
“I’ve already learned so much, and I know there’s still more to come,” she said. “This internship has absolutely helped prepare me for my future.”
An active student leader, Putnam serves as president of Kappa Delta Sorority and is a member of the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps. She plans to graduate from UA Little Rock in 2027.
Public Notice
The Maumelle Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at 550 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle to consider a proposed Code Amendment Update to Sec. 90-84(1) updating Road setback line for vegetation along Maumelle Blvd. For additional information, contact Planning & Permitting at the City of Maumelle at 501-851-2500.
TASTE OF THE BOULEVARD: An elegant evening benefiting the White Oak Bayou
The White Oak Bayou Wetlands Conservancy is proud to present the first Taste of the Boulevard: An Elegant Evening Benefiting the White Oak Bayou.
This signature event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Venue 10 in Maumelle.
This year's program will also feature Deputy Director Ben Batten from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as the evening's guest speaker. With extensive experience in conservation and natural resource management, Batten will highlight the importance of wetlands, wildlife, and community partnerships in shaping the future of outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship in Arkansas.
Spots are limited for this elegant evening. For more information, to become a sponsor, or to purchase tickets, contact Kellie Wall at 501-851-9700, email Kelly French or visit https://www.whiteoakbayou.com/news-events.
Sparklight opens applications for its giving fund
Sparklight, a leading high-speed internet provider that serves Maumelle, is once again inviting local nonprofits to apply for its Charitable Giving Fund. Applications opened on Oct. 1, 501(c)(3) organizations across the 24 states served by Sparklight can submit applications for fall 2025 grants through Oct. 31.
Each year, Sparklight awards $250,000 in grants to nonprofits that are helping communities grow stronger and more connected. Funding is focused on three key areas where the need is great and the impact is lasting:
Education and Digital Literacy
Hunger Relief and Food Insecurity
Community Development
“Strong communities are built when we lift each other up,” said Julie Laulis, President & CEO. “Every day, local nonprofits in our communities are on the front lines — teaching kids, feeding families and creating brighter futures. It’s an honor to stand beside them and help expand the hope and resilience they bring to our neighborhoods.”
Since launching the Charitable Giving Fund in April 2021, Sparklight has awarded more than $1 million in grants. Maumelle charitable groups are among those who have received funds in the past.
For more information or to apply for a fall grant, visit www.sparklight.com/charitablegiving.
Laman Library to host genealogy workshop
This October, North Little Rock’s William F. Laman Public Library is Celebrating Family History Month: From the Cradle to the Grave, a two-day workshop taking place Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18,
Both days will start at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 12:30 p.m. The event is free to attend.
The workshops are in conjunction with the Preservation of African American Cemeteries and the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society.
Friday’s sessions will feature guest speakers Patrick M. Oliver and Michael D. Mason, who will speak on conducting family history and cemetery research.
Saturday’s programming continues with Tamela Tenpenny-Lewis, who will present on the history and legacy of North Little Rock’s Odd Fellows Cemetery and that will be followed by a presentation and book signing with Kyzyl Tenpenny, author of Daddy Daddy, Son Son.
The Odd Fellows Cemetery was formerly the resting place for Blacks in North Little Rock, and its use was discontinued in 1961
The workshop will also launch a project to focus on the cemetery and the Military Heights neighborhood, which was home to many of the city’s Black people. There’s an eponymous park near North Little Rock High School to commemorate the neighborhood.
The effort is supported in part by a Curtis H. Sykes Memorial Grant from the Black History Commission of Arkansas and the Arkansas State Archives. The plan is for a public exhibit of findings next spring.
Admission is free and for more information, contact Jamie Middleton, North Little Rock Public Library Archivist, at jmiddleton@nlrlibrary.org or 501-758-1720.
Sports
Friday Night Lights
Maumelle improved to 2-2 on the season by beating Beebe, 27-14, but it was all frowns elsewhere as both North Little Rock and Central Arkansas Christian lost their conference openers.
Maumelle
Last week: Maumelle 21, Pine Bluff 7
This week: Maumelle (3-2, 2-0) at Watson Chapel (0-5, 0-2)
What to expect: The Hornets remain ranked No. 10 in Class 5A by hootens.com and travel to face a wine less Watson Chapel this Friday.Maumelle’s Levi Warrior, a junior quarterback, was cooking last week and finished with 238 yards passing and a touchdown, along with another score on the ground.
For the roster, click here.
Thursday, Aug. 28: Sylvan Hills 55, Maumelle 54
Thursday, Sept. 4 … at Parkview 42, Maumelle 15
Friday, Sept. 12 ... Maumelle 38, Vilonia 24
Friday, Sept. 26 ... Maumelle 27, Beebe 14
Friday, Oct. 3 ... ... Maumelle 21, Pine Bluff 7
Friday, Oct. 10 ... at Watson Chapel* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 17 ... vs. Jacksonville* ... 7 p.m. … Hornets Nest
Friday, Oct. 24 ... at White Hall* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 31 ... vs. Searcy* ... 7 p.m. … Hornets Nest
Thursday, Nov. 6 ... at Robinson* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 14 … First round of the playoffs
North Little Rock
Last week: Conway 31, North Little Rock 7
This week: North Little Rock (1-4, 0-2) at Little Rock Southwest (0-5, 0-2)
What to expect: North Little Rock couldn’t get its offense going but expect some points this Friday when the ‘Cats are at win less Southwest, which has some beautiful facilities but not a record to match. A win on Friday gets the ‘Cats one win closer to making the 7A playoffs, so pretty essential.
For the roster, click here.
Friday, Aug. 29: Rogers 41, North Little Rock 3
Friday, Sept. 12 ... vs. Benton 24, North Little Rock 7
Friday, Sept. 19 ... North Little Rock 42, Little Rock Catholic 13
Thursday, Sept. 25 ... Pulaski Academy 45, North Little Rock 31
Friday, Oct. 3 ... Conway 31, North Little Rock 7
Friday, Oct. 10 ... at Little Rock Southwest* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 17 ... vs. Little Rock Christian ... 7 p.m. … Wildcat Field
Friday, Oct. 24 ... ... vs. Central* ... 7 p.m. … Wildcat Field
Friday, Oct. 31 ... at Bryant* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 7 ... at Cabot* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 14 … First round of the playoffs
CAC
Last week: CAC 62, Riverview 0
This week: Hall (0-5, 0-2) at CAC (1-4, 1-1)
What to expect: Speaking of cooking, CAC’s Jackson Plumlee had a terrific game against Riverview last week with four total touchdowns, all in the first half. Plumlee, the son of coach J.D. Plumlee, threw for two touchdowns, ran for another and then added a punt return for a score. Hall is winless but also not getting much down on offense as the Warrios have scored just 12 points in five games this season.
For the roster, click here.
Friday. Aug 29: DeWitt 38, CAC 8
Friday, Sept. 5 ... vs. Stuttgart 48, CAC 14
Friday, Sept. 12 … at Harding Academy 48, CAC 27
Friday, Sept. 26 … Heber Springs 21, CAC 17
Friday, Oct. 3 … CAC 62, Riverview 0
Friday, Oct. 10 ... vs. Hall … 7 p.m. ... Mustang Mountain
Friday, Oct. 17… at Lonoke … 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 24 ... vs. Bald Knob … 7 p.m. ... Mustang Mountain
Friday, Oct. 31 … at Mills … 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 7 ... vs. Forrest City … 7 p.m. ... Mustang Mountain
Friday, Nov. 14 … First round of the playoffs
Sports
SEC Games: Week 7
SATURDAY
Alabama (4-1, 2-0 SEC) at Missouri (5-0, 1-0 SEC): 11 a.m. • ABC/SiriusXM: 119/191 - 84
Washington State (3-2) at Ole Miss (5-0, 3-0 SEC): 11:45 a.m. • SEC Network/SiriusXM: 106/190
Texas (3-2, 0-1 SEC) vs. Oklahoma (5-0, 1-0 SEC): 2:30 p.m. • ABC/SiriusXM: 84 - 119/191
Arkansas (2-3, 0-1 SEC) at Tennessee (4-1, 1-1 SEC): 3:15 p.m. • SEC Network/SiriusXM: 380 - 106/190
Live Statistics/Matchup/Preview: https://www.secsports.com/scores/football
Florida (2-3, 1-1 SEC) at Texas A&M (5-0, 2-0 SEC: 6 p.m. CT • ESPN/SiriusXM: 386 - 119/191
Georgia (4-1, 2-1 SEC) at Auburn (3-2, 0-2 SEC): 6:30 p.m. CT • ABC/SiriusXM: 132/192 - 84
South Carolina (3-2, 1-2 SEC) at LSU (4-1, 1-1 SEC): 6:45 p.m. • SEC Network/SiriusXM: 384 - 106/190
Open dates: Kentucky (2-3, 0-3 SEC); Mississippi State (4-2, 0-2 SEC); Vanderbilt (5-1, 1-1 SEC).
Tickets on sale for Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens
Tickets for the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens – a PGA TOUR Champions playoff event – are now on sale to the public. For a complete listing of ticket options or to purchase tickets, please visit the tournament website at simmonsbankchampionship.com.
The Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens will be held at Pleasant Valley Country Club , Little Rock with activities throughout the week of Oct. 20-26. Tournament play will take place Friday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 26. The tournament will serve as the second round of the PGA TOUR Champions' annual Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs. The field will consist of the top 54 players in the standings competing for $2.3 million in prize money and a chance to earn their spot among the top 36 in the final event of the season.
"There's so much momentum heading into this year's Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens," said Freddie Black, Tournament Chair of Simmons Bank Championship. "Being selected for the PGA Tour Champion's Player Award last year – a recognition voted on by the players themselves – speaks volumes about the experience we're building here. We can't wait to welcome fans back this fall for another incredible week of golf."
General admission ticket options include daily Friday, Saturday or Sunday tickets for $30, Good Any One Day tickets for $35 or $85 weekend tickets for all three days of competition rounds. Children ages 15 and under will receive free general admission access with a ticketed adult. An upgraded 15th green shared hospitality ticket is also available to purchase for $300 per day or $850 for the weekend and provides access to an open-air venue with ballpark style food, beer, wine and seltzers. Liquor is available for purchase.
Active, reserve, and retired military will receive two (2) complimentary Good Any Day tickets (single use ticket good for one of Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) with an option to purchase up to four (4) discounted Good Any Day tickets. In order to checkout, military status will be verified through GovX. Complimentary military tickets are limited and only available while supplies last.
For more information, visit the simmonsbankchampionship.com or contact sales@simmonsbankchampionship.com.
For more information about the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens, to purchase tickets and to stay up to date on tournament news, visit the tournament website, simmonsbankchampionship.com.
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