Maumelle honored by OpenGov
Chamber helps local business grow through 75Strong; Lender Quick-Connect is May 13 at UA Little Rock an injury rehab plus headlines and sports
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MEETINGS: The North Little Rock School Board will have a special call meeting and workshop at 5:30 p.m. tonight and the meeting is open to the public, and will also be livestreamed on the district’s YouTube page.. The North Little Rock City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall.
EVENTS: The North Little Rock Mayor’s Youth Council is hosting a “Suds for Scholarships” car wash and garage sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at McGee Park in the Lakewood Pool parking lot, 701 Crestwood Road, North Little Rock. A groundbreaking is to be held for the atg Pavilion in downtown North Little Rock. It will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday at the city’s Argenta Plaza. For more, keep scrolling.
You’re invited
See below for more.
SOMETHING TO READ: Care about Stephen Colbert? If the answer is yes, read this from The Hollywood Reporter. Just a terrific piece of reporting. Click here to read.
City of Maumelle honored by OpenGov
The city of Maumelle recently received the 2026 High-Performace Governemnt Award from OpenGov at a conference in Chicago.
Mayor Caleb Norris, above, accepted the award on the city’s behalf.
“We’ve been very intentional about building the systems that enable local government to perform at a high level,” Norris said in a press release after getting questions about the event from ArkansasNewsroom.com “That work isn’t always visible, but it shows up in how we handle growth, stay coordinated and deliver results. This recognition reflects the level our team is operating at and the standard we’re building in Maumelle.”
OpenGov is a system used by local and state governments around the country to manage finance operations as well as other internal processes and workflows.
Maumelle was honored for the work done by the city’s Planning and Economic Development Department’s work as it modernized as the city went annual permitting revenue of $2,000 to $123,000 and included a transition from a paper-based system to a digital process that allowed real-time monitoring of a citywide fiber expansion.
That digital process allowed the city to “review applications, map excavation activity, conduct inspections in the field and track compliance in one system.”
“This was a real-world test of a system we had been building for several years,” said Scott Grummer, Director of Planning and Economic Development. “We were able to manage a record level of activity without losing visibility or control. Everything – from permitting to inspections to resident concerns – was tracked and handled in one place.”
Grummer said the updated process also allowed the city to better align its permitting structure with the scale of projects taking place. “And by moving to a linear-footage fee model, the city created a more accurate and consistent approach to managing excavation activity.”
In addition to Maumelle, other governmental entities honored include:
The City of Arlington, Texas
The City of Burnsville, Minnesota
The City of Camarillo, California
City of El Segundo, California
The City of Kansas City, Missouri
The City of Killeen, Texas
The City of Kyle, Texas
The City of Miami, Florida
The County of Orange, California
The City of Sandy Springs, Georgia
The County of Walton, Florida
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Western Riverside Council of Governments, California: Transportation Department
Maumelle was, by far, the smallest city recognized by OpenGov.
“These organizations are setting the global standard for high-performance government,” said Thiago Sa Freire, CEO of OpenGov. “They are proving that when governments operate on a connected platform, they can deliver measurable outcomes at scale, without increasing resources.”
Chamber helps local business grow through 75Strong
The Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce is continuing its commitment to strengthening local businesses and entrepreneurs by helping connect chamber members to valuable growth resources through the 75Strong Business Building Program, led by Startup Junkie Consulting.
The Chamber is proud to support local entrepreneurs by ensuring they have access to tools, strategy, and expert guidance needed to scale and succeed. Through the Chamber’s Build Maumelle initiative, focused on entrepreneurship and small business development, the Chamber helped connect local businesses to this 24-week growth program designed to strengthen leadership, revenue systems, operations, and long-term strategy.
The Chamber is proud to recognize the following chamber and community members accepted into the program:
Chad Gardner – Benefit Concepts of Arkansas
Amanda Galbraith – Arkansas Property Management
Stephanie Burnett – Palarm Creek Farms
Christie Drake – Drake Window & Home Care
Perryn Andrews – PGA Creative
Ethan Andrews – Golden Oaks Development
Micheal Strack - CustomXM
The 75Strong Business Building Program includes a comprehensive company diagnostic, biweekly virtual growth sessions, and expert office hours that help businesses address real barriers to growth. The curriculum focuses on seven critical areas including financial disciplines, revenue growth, organizational effectiveness, leadership development, operational systems, digital readiness, and innovation.
For Maumelle, the impact extends far beyond individual businesses. By investing in local entrepreneurs and small business owners, the Chamber is helping create stronger job opportunities, increased local spending, and long-term economic resilience for the community.
“At the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce, we believe strong small businesses create strong communities,” said Kellie Wall, President & CEO of the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce. “Through our Build Maumelle initiative, we are intentional about connecting our chamber members and entrepreneurs with resources that help them grow, create jobs, and contribute to the long-term success of our local economy. We are excited to see these businesses take advantage of this incredible opportunity.”
In addition to supporting businesses through this program, the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce continues to expand entrepreneurial programming through Build Maumelle by offering educational workshops, networking opportunities, and access to capital resources for local businesses.
“One of the things I’m most proud of in this cohort is watching community and economic developers put their learning into action by making sure local businesses aren’t left on the sidelines,” said Drew Smith. “There are real resources available to Arkansas companies right now, and local leaders are doing the work of making sure those resources reach the businesses that need them most.”
By combining leadership development with direct business support, programs like 75Strong are helping communities like Maumelle build stronger economies from the inside out.
Groundbreaking to be Monday
The groundbreaking of the atg Pavilion will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 11 at Argenta Plaza in downtown North Little Rock.
The pavilion., inspired by renowned architect E. Fay Jones’ iconic Thorncrown Chapel, is described as a “beautiful, innovative addition” to North Little Rock.
It will feature 21 large bronze sculptures of iconic musicians from the state and will include Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Al Green, and Johnny Cash.
The atg Pavilion represents a bold cultural investment — one that honors Arkansas’ historic influence on American music while creating a dynamic, place-based public art experience,” said Karen Trevino, President and CEO of North Little Rock Tourism. “It reflects North Little Rock’s commitment to expanding cultural infrastructure, activating public spaces, and strengthening a shared sense of identity and pride.”
Scott Landers, Founder and CEO of ATG, added, “the atg Pavilion is a great example of what can happen when vision, collaboration, and community commitment come together. We’re proud to play a role in something that will serve this city for generations. Ruth and I truly appreciate the partnership, leadership, and shared belief in what North Little Rock can be.”
The public is encouraged to attend and celebrate the groundbreaking on Monday.
Notices
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION VACANCY
The Maumelle City Council is accepting resumes from residents interested in serving on the Maumelle Civil Service Commission. One appointment will be made to fill a six-year term ending May 31, 2032.
Applicants must be a qualified elector and a resident of Maumelle for more than three years. Applicants must not hold or be a candidate for any political office and must not be connected in any official capacity with any political party or organization.
Resumes should be submitted to the City Clerk/Treasurer’s Office, 550 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle, Arkansas 72113, no later than 4 p.m. on May 13, 2026. Email submissions will also be accepted at cityclek@maumelle.org.
Applicants will be interviewed by the City Council at its regular meeting on May 18 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The appointment will be made following the interviews.
PUBLIC FACILITIES BOARD VACANCY
The Maumelle Public Facilities Board is accepting resumes from residents interested in serving on the Board. One appointment will be made for a five-year term ending May 31, 2031. Applicants must be residents of Maumelle.
Resumes should be submitted to the City Clerk/Treasurer’s Office, 550 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle, AR 72113, no later than 4 p.m. on May 13. Email submissions will also be accepted at cityclerk@maumelle.org.
All resumes will be reviewed by the Public Facilities Board. A recommendation will then be made to the Mayor and City Council for appointment. The appointment will be announced at the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on May 18.
For additional information, please contact Cheryl Schulterman at 501-258-7129.
Contact Maumelle City Clerk Tina Timmons at 501-851- 2500 if you have additional questions
Lender Quick-Connect is May 13 at UA Little Rock
Arkansas entrepreneurs looking to fund a new business, ongoing operations, expansion or acquisition can fast-track their search at Lender Quick-Connect: Find Your Funder.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center will host the free event on May 13, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Reynolds Business Center on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
In a single afternoon, aspiring and established business owners can connect with multiple Arkansas lenders in a fast-paced “speed dating” format.
Participants will be matched with lender appointments based on key business details such as their industry, business stage, credit history and project scope.
The event is designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the funding landscape and build relationships with funders who have a proven track record of small business lending.
Attendees can also:
Confer with credit counseling services to discuss financial readiness
Engage with ASBTDC business consultants and Small Business Administration representatives
Get expert tips on crafting a compelling funding pitch
“Outside of personal savings or contributions from friends and family, a loan is the most common way to get capital for launching or growing a business,” said ASBTDC State Director Laura Fine. “Lender Quick-Connect is an excellent opportunity to pitch a project to several potential funding partners in a short period of time and explore financing options available through banks, credit unions, microlenders and Community Development Financial Institutions.”
Participating lending institutions include ACC Capital, Arkansas Federal Credit Union, Arvest Bank, Chase Bank, Communities Unlimited, First Security Bank, FNBC, FORGE Community Loan Fund, Hope Credit Union, Regions Bank, Southern Bancorp Bank, Southern Bancorp Community Partners, Stone Bank and U.S. Bank.
Pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, go to tinyurl.com/3vthe5hr or contact Laterika Tooks-Staton at 501-804-4530 or lstooks@ualr.edu.
Through its offices around the state, the ASBTDC offers no-cost services and resources for Arkansas entrepreneurs and small businesses. For more information, call 800-862-2040 or visit asbtdc.org.
Sports
High school baseball, softball state finals to air live
Arkansas TV (nee Arkansas PBS and before that AETN) will broadcast this year’s high school softball and baseball state championships live from Hot Springs.
The Arkansas high school baseball and softball state championships will air live on Arkansas TV Sports at the following times:
Game 1, baseball – Thursday, May 21, at 10 a.m.
Game 2, softball – Thursday, May 21, at 1 p.m.
Game 3, baseball – Thursday, May 21, at 4 p.m.
Game 4, softball – Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m.
Game 5, softball – Friday, May 22, at 10 a.m.
Game 6, baseball – Friday, May 22, at 1 p.m.
Game 7, softball – Friday, May 22, at 4 p.m.
Game 8, baseball – Friday, May 22, at 7 p.m.
Game 9, baseball – Saturday, May 23, at 10 a.m.
Game 10, softball – Saturday, May 23, at 1 p.m.
Game 11, baseball – Saturday, May 23, at 4 p.m.
Game 12, softball – Saturday, May 23, at 7 p.m.
Funding for Arkansas TV Sports is provided by the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Image One. Arkansas TV also recognizes AAA’s sponsors for the state high school basketball finals, including Centennial Bank, Arkansas Farm Bureau and Everett Buick GMC.
Additional information is available at arkansastv.gov/sports.
Upcoming Travs games
Six-game homestand against Tulsa
Today, 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, doubleheader, first pitch is 5:05 p.m. with the second game to follow
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