Maumelle Food Truck Festival is Saturday
Halloween events set across North Little Rock; Alker leads from wire-to-wire, claims Simmons Bank Championship; Searcy and Maumelle to meet in game with playoff implications plus sports and headlines
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MEETINGS: The Maumelle City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall.
EVENTS: Halloween is Friday. Plan accordingly. There’s a bevy of events and festivals this weekend, for more, keep scrolling. Daylight savings time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday when the clocks fall back an hour. So also plan accordingly. Sunday is also an excellent time to replace your smoke alarm batteries. Election Day, for some, is on Tuesday but there’s no races of interest in central Arkansas. There is, however, a special election in Sherwood set for Nov. 18. That election is for local bonds, including $11.5 million for that city’s animal shelter and $79.8 million for parks. Improvements would include, “a multipurpose events center, a sports event complex, athletic fields and facilities, playgrounds, trails, picnic areas and pavilions, land acquisition, open space preservation and other recreational facilities and ancillary improvements such as restrooms, landscaping and parking.”
Maumelle Food Truck Festival is Saturday
This Saturday, Maumelle’s Lake Willastein Park will host the annual Food Truck Festival starting at 11 a.m. The free to enter event is scheduled to end at 6 p.m.
As part of the festival, parking at Lake Willastein will be limited starting on Friday but the park itself will be open during setup and also during the event.
The festival is a joint venture between the city of Maumelle and the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce. Organizers are expecting, “upward of 8,000 this year” after the event brought out roughly 6,000 last year.
“This event is truly for the whole family,” said Courtney Dunn, Community Engagement Director for the City of Maumelle. “With more than 40 food trucks, there is something to satisfy every appetite. And while the trucks serve up deliciousness, families can enjoy live music from our DJ, pet adoption, a dog show that welcomes every dog, a Kiddie Korner with games and bounce houses and much more.”
There’s several happenings inside the festival of note and they include:
The Blue-Ribbon Pie Baking Contest, judged by Maumelle Mayor Caleb Norris and other local celebrities, and cash prizes for first, second and third place.
The Hot Dog Eating Contest offers a $500 grand prize
Dog Show welcomes every dog to participate — even in a costume category that is a crowd favorite.
The Kiddie Korner, sponsored by the Maumelle Lions Club, features games, a sandpile, pumpkin painting and multiple bounce houses which require a paid bracelet to enter.
All other activities are free.
We’re proud to bring this event back even bigger and better,” said Kellie Wall, CEO of the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce. “The variety of food trucks is incredible — from comfort-food classics to fresh seafood and gourmet desserts — so there’s truly something for mom, dad, kids, and even the grandparents. Last year, The Boil sold out early, Saucy Tomato was a hit, and Sweet T’s Treats had their cinnamon rolls gone within hours. And this year, local favorite Overtime Lounge will be on hand serving beer and wine, adding another layer of fun for adults to enjoy.”
The festival will also feature a live performance by the MGC Kids, amongst the day’s entertainment lineup.
Local vendors will also have things ranging from pickles to art for sale as well.
“It’s a great way to start your holiday shopping,” Wall said. “You’ll find unique, handmade gifts while enjoying everything else the festival has to offer.”
Adoptable pets from Maumelle Animal Services will also be on-site, offering festivalgoers the opportunity to meet their new furry best friend.
Free parking is available around the park, with hay-ride shuttles running continuously from nearby parking zones to Lake Willastein. The hay rides will provide easy transportation to and from the festival area.
The first-ever Maumelle Foodie Fun Run has already sold out, with a course around the beautiful lake, but spectators are encouraged to come cheer on runners at 10 a.m.
“Last year was amazing; this year we’re raising the bar,” Wall added. “Don’t miss out on a Saturday filled with flavor, fun and family memories.”
Halloween Events will be held at the following locations in North Little Rock
All events on Friday, Oct. 31 and click on each flyer for more.
North Heights: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Glenview: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Rose City: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sherman Park: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Downtown Argenta: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
ARGENTA FALL CARNIVAL
Below is the graphic and the Trick-or-Treat map for the Argenta Fall Carnival in North Little Rock this Friday, October 31.
Below is the list of participating businesses for reference:
• The Innovation Hub
• Argenta Drug
• Chop Salon
• Skinny J’s
• North Little Rock City Hall
• Birdies Cabaret Theater & Lounge
• Blackberry Market
• PhD Salon
• Ristorante Capeo
• Argenta Public Library
Eye on the Sky
Today: Sunny, with a high near 60, with a low around 40.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 64, with a low around 46. (Happy Halloween!)
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 61, with a low around 41.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61, with a low around 44.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 66, with a low around 45.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 68, with a low around 46.
Alker leads from wire-to-wire, claims Simmons Bank Championship
LITTLE ROCK – The day started off foggy, but it didn’t matter to New Zealand’s Steven Alker who shot a 69 on Sunday in the final round of the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens at Little Rock’s Pleasant Valley Country Club.
Alker ended up shooting 196 over the event’s three-days and mostly had it wrapped up after shooting 61 on Friday.. That 61 is the lowest one-round score on the PGA Champions tour this season and the lowest score at Pleasant Valley ever,
The previous low was 62, and also shot by Alker, who seems to have a thing for Pleasant Valley..
“I played well here last year.” Alker said after the win.”I’m familiar with the golf course and I feel comfortable. That’s huge. Especially when you’re trying to win a golf tournament.}
Alker ended up shooting a 61-66-69 and was 20 under for the week.
In a tie for second place was Tag Ridings, a former University of Arkansas golfer, and Richard Green, who both shot a 203 for the week.
As a former Hog, Ridings had the support of the crowd at Pleasant Valley and that made a difference.
“You always hear the crowd get loud,” he said. “:But it really meant something to hear them get loud for me,”
Ridings doesn’t make his way back to Arkansas very often, but playing in Little Rock was a treat.
“Last time I was here, it was up in Fayetteville for the Hall of Fame, and I guess that was the last time, since this week,” he said.
Ridings was inducted into the Arkansas Hall of Honor in April 2019.
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
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.
Sports
Hornets defeat White Hall
By Collin Scott
The Maumelle Hornets were able to shake off an early mistake on the road Friday night as they went on to defeat the White Hall Bulldogs 55-20, making it into a game that started off as a shocker with the brutal kickoff return into one of the most complete performances from the Hornets this season.
Player of the Game
The Maumelle Hornets two-way player Senior Jacob Henry left it all out on the field — having a rushing touchdown, a catch and score, catching a two-point conversion, and closing the door shut on the Bulldogs with a game-ending interception. Henry’s imprint on the game helped set the tone for Maumelle’s big game changing plays.
Team Records
This win now gives Maumelle a strong playoff position as they look forward to the last two games of the season, improving their record in the conference. White Hall is now falling down in their conference standings after another brutal week of play.
Play of the Game
After Senior Tyrus Greene from White Hall returned a kickoff for a touchdown, Maumelle rallied and shifted the momentum midway through the second quarter after Hornets senior defensive back Jayden Baker stripped the football from the Bulldogs and returned it for a touchdown. After this scoring drive, the Hornets never relinquished the lead.
What’s Next
As Maumelle looks forward to continuing this momentum, they are preparing to face the Searcy Lions back at home in the Hornet’s Nest. Meanwhile, White Hall will get back together and regroup before their next matchup against the Jacksonville Titans.
What it Means
This win against the Bulldogs shows that the Hornets have enough depth on the roster and the maturity to compete against anyone they face. The Hornets ability to not panic after the mistake on the opening-kickoff showed their growth and stability. The offense being able to share the ball with everyone and the defense creating game changing turnovers is what is needed for a playoff push. For Maumelle, this victory was a statement that this team can overcome adversity and control the tempo of a game. For White Hall, this loss highlights the need for more discipline and the ability to play better against physical teams.
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
White Hall: Tyrus Greene opening kickoff return for touchdown (two-point conversion failed) , 6-0
Maumelle: Christian Jackson Touchdown pass from Levi Warrior (Dylan Moran kick), 7-6
White Hall: Tyrus Greene run (Xavier Wallace run), 14-7
Maumelle: Jacob Henry 5-yd run (Moran kick), 14-14
Second Quarter
Maumelle: Marshaun Wiley run, 22-14
Maumelle: Jayden Baker fumble return (conversion failed), 28-14
Maumelle -: Jacob Henry touchdown (Moran kick) 35-14
Maumelle: Jackson Hampton touchdown pass from Levi Warrior (conversion failed), 41-14
Third Quarter
Maumelle: Marshaun Wiley run (Henry run), 49-14
Fourth Quarter
Maumelle: Mohammed Qtouf run (conversion failed) 55-14
White Hall: Xavier Wallace 2-yd run, Final Score, 55-20
Friday Night Lights
Maumelle was the only winner last Friday but that’s a bit deceiving as North Little Rock should have beat Little Rock Christian. This week, Maumelle, North Little Rock and Central Arkansas Christian are all back in action and their opponents — White Hall, Little Rock Central and Bald Knob — are a combined 4-17 on the season.
Maumelle
Last week: Maumelle 55, White Hall 20
This week: No. 5 Searcy (7-1, 4-1) at No. 10 Maumelle (6-2, 5-0)
What to expect: A top 10 matchup with some combination of these schools plus Robinson in the mix for top 3 seeds from the 5A-Central. The winner of this game is likely the No. 2 seed, while the loser falls to the No. 3 seed and on the road for the first round of the playoffs.
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 ... Maumelle 42, Watson Chapel 0
Friday, Oct. 17 ...Maumelle 49, Jacksonville 31
Friday, Oct. 24 ... Maumelle 55, White Hall 20
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: North Little Rock 49, Little Rock Central 3
This week: No. 1 Bryant (8-0, 5-0) at No. 8 North Little Rock (3-5, 2-3
What to expect: Bryant is the state’s top-ranked team and also ranked nationally as the Hornets have been on a roll this season, again. North Little Rock, with two wins in the 7A-Central, are in the playoffs but the seed is still to be determined.
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 ... North Little Rock 41, Little Rock Southwest 0
Friday, Oct. 17 ... Little Rock Christian 37, North Little Rock 36 OT
Friday, Oct. 24 ... North Little Rock 49, Little Rock Central 3
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 35, Bald Knob 8
This week: Central Arkansas Christian (3-5, 3-2) at No. 13 Mills (7-1, 4-1)
What to expect: It could be a fun Halloween night for someone as CAC travels to Mills for a conference game. Both teams are in the playoffs and seeding is on the line for both but the Comets still have a shot at the conference championship while the Mustangs are looking more and more like the No. 5 seed from the conference. A win, however, would put all that in the blender.
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 ... CAC 50, Little Rock Hall 0
Friday, Oct. 17… Lonoke 50, CAC 14
Friday, Oct. 24 ... CAC 35, Bald Knob 8
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
AR PBS Sports to broadcast state high school volleyball championships this Saturday
Arkansas PBS will broadcast the 2025 6A-2A Centennial Bank State Volleyball Championships presented by Everett Buick GMC live from Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs beginning this Saturday at 11 a.m. in partnership with the Arkansas Activities Association. Games will be broadcast statewide over the air, on cable and on satellite on Arkansas PBS’s primary channel and will also be available to watch at myarpbs.org/live.
The Arkansas high school volleyball state finals will air live on AR PBS Sports at the following times:
4A – Saturday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m.
5A – Saturday, Nov. 1, at 1 p.m.
6A – Saturday, Nov. 1, at 3 p.m.
2A – Saturday, Nov. 1, at 5 p.m.
3A – Saturday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m.
Stats from the volleyball matches will be available at aaa.statbroadcast.com.
Funding for AR PBS Sports is provided by the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), the University of Central Arkansas and Winrock Automotive. Arkansas PBS also recognizes AAA’s sponsors for the state high school volleyball finals, including Centennial Bank, Arkansas Farm Bureau, Everett Buick GMC, Summerwood Sports and U.S. Army.
SEC Games: Week 10
SATURDAY
Vanderbilt (7-1, 3-1 SEC) at Texas (6-2, 3-1 SEC): 11 a.m. • ABC/SiriusXM: 82 / 84
Florida (3-4, 2-2 SEC) vs. Georgia (6-1, 4-1 SEC): 2:30 p.m. • ABC/SiriusXM: 84 - 160/191
Mississippi State (4-4, 0-4 SEC) at Arkansas (2-6, 0-4 SEC): 3 p.m. • SEC Network/SiriusXM: 374 - 113/190. Live Statistics/Matchup/Preview: https://www.secsports.com/scores/football
South Carolina (3-5, 1-5 SEC) at Ole Miss (7-1, 4-1 SEC): 6 p.m. • ESPN /SiriusXM: 380 - 132/192
Kentucky (2-5, 0-5 SEC) at Auburn (4-4, 1-4 SEC): 6:30 p.m. • SEC Network/ SiriusXM: 374 - 113/190
Oklahoma (6-2, 2-2 SEC) at Tennessee (6-2, 3-2 SEC): 6:30 p.m. • ABC/SiriusXM: 160/191 - 82
Open dates: Alabama (7-1, 5-0 SEC); LSU (5-3, 2-3 SEC); Missouri (6-2, 2-2 SEC); Texas A&M (8-0, 5-0 SEC).
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