McGill honored for service to Academics Plus
State tournaments have begun; Commencements set to start commencing; Mailbag: Steve Mosley checks in plus sports and headlines
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MEETINGS: The Maumelle City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall.
EVENTS: They’re calling this Saturday, May 16, the busiest Saturday, May 16 in recent memory. OK, that was me, I’m the one calling it that but Saturday really is chock full of events and high school sports and high school graduations and for more, keep scrolling.
SPORTS: State tournaments have begun for baseball, softball and soccer around the state this week.
For brackets for each each click the link below:
Commencements set to start commencing
Graduation season has arrived and first up is Maumelle Charter High School.
That commencement will be this Friday and be held at the school’s gymnasium. It will start at 6:30 p.m. and is scheduled to end at 8:30 p.m.
Next up on the graduation calendar is Central Arkansas Christian. They’ll be having ceremonies starting at 2 p.m. this Sunday, and it will also be held at the school.
North Little Rock High School and the various affiliated campuses will be having graduation on Monday, May 18 and it will be held at the Jack Stephens Center on the UALR campus.. The ceremony will start at 6 p.m.
Last up is Maumelle High School and they will also be having graduation ceremonies at the Jack Stephens Center and the time slot is 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 23.
It is one of four graduation ceremonies for the high schools in the Pulaski County Special School District with the others being:
Sylvan Hills, 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 22
Mills, 9 a.m., Saturday, May 23
Joe T. Robinson, 5:30 p.m., Saturday, May 23
For more information or to watch the PCSSD graduation ceremonies the day of, click here.
McGill honored for service to Academics Plus
Over 200 friends, family and staff of Academics Plus Charter Schools recently gathered to salute and say farewell to CEO Rob McGill who will end his 33+ years in education and 16 years with Academics Plus Charter Schools Inc. at the end of June.
Chief Operating Officer Kyron Jones has been selected to succeed McGill.
The event was held at Venue 10 in Maumelle and began with remarks from APCSI Board Chairperson Adria Conklin, followed by an Arkansas House of Representative presentation recognizing McGill for his service. A proclamation was presented to McGill by state Reps. Brandon Achor and David Ray, both of Maumelle.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Secretary Daren Sweat presented outdoor enthusiast McGill with a shotgun and then unveiled an architect’s rendering of Maumelle Charter Elementary School announcing that the elementary campus will be named the “Rob McGill Elementary Building” in honor of his service. The signage is expected to be added to the building this fall.
Katie Johnson, Principal of Maumelle Charter High School, presented a special tribute video produced by the EAST students from the high school. The video featured testimonials from staff and students.
The evening concluded with McGill sharing humorous memories and summarizing his career in education. He then called upon incoming CEO Kyron Jones who thanked McGill for his leadership and mentorship dating back almost 20 years. Jones was then presented a CEO nameplate by Board Chair, Adria Conklin.
The event was sponsored by Nabholz Construction, Lewis Architects Engineers, Centennial Bank, Crews and Associates, First Security Bank and MK Distribution.
Mailbag
Letter to the editor: Update on Tree Clearing and Traffic Light at Riverland
Tree Clearing
If you will remember, the City previously cited Cypress Bay Development LLC (owner of CCA Phase 15) for illegal tree clearing across from Riverland, with an initial District Court appearance on January 6. The developer pleaded not guilty, and trial was scheduled for April 7 at 2:30 p.m. A negotiated settlement involving replanting and fines was being anticipated.
Meanwhile, City Planning Director Scott Grummer drafted a strengthened vegetation ordinance designed to prevent similar violations. Although the Planning Commission advanced it to the City Council, the Council voted it down. Instead, Council Member Chad Gardner introduced legislation eliminating tree‑buffer requirements for commercial development and effectively absolving Cypress Bay of its violation.
In my last update to you on March 14th, the Council was due to act on Councilman Gardner’s legislation at the March 16th Council Meeting, and based on Mr. Gardner’s historically pro developer stance at the Council and the recent tendency for other Council Members to simply go along, I was not at all optimistic that the Council would turn down Mr. Gardner’s legislation. At the March 16 Council meeting, Gardner’s legislation did, in fact, pass 5–3. Council Members Tierney and Shinn voted no, and Council Member Booker’s absence counted as a third no. Council Members Williams, Holt, Gronwald, and Wesley supported the measure. The ordinance is expected to take effect 60 days after passage, meaning remaining trees outside the highway right‑of‑way could be removed by mid‑ to late May.
Curb Cut and Traffic Light at Riverland Drive
Earlier this year, both the Planning Commission and City Council approved a curb cut and traffic light at Riverland Drive (which would benefit the developer involved with the tree issue). This was despite resident objections at meetings and a petition of roughly 300 Maumelle residents objecting to such submitted by Turtle Creek POA President Genoveva Gilbert.
The project now requires approval from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT). ARDOT’s review process evaluates need, safety, and traffic‑flow impacts, so approval is not a rubber stamp. Residents wishing to add their names to the petition may contact Ms. Gilbert at GenovevaGilbert@sbcglobal.net. The more people voicing opposition, the better.
Summary: Recent actions by the Mayor and City Council reflect limited interest in preserving Maumelle’s tree canopy or maintaining safe, uninterrupted traffic flow on Maumelle Boulevard. Also, after more than a decade without new apartment construction, developers are now proposing high‑density apartments and townhomes across remaining open areas. For residents concerned about home values, quality of life, and the City’s direction, the November elections present an opportunity for change. If you’ve ever considered running for office, and with current officials seemingly out of touch with voters, this would be a very good time to do so! I’m glad to help with the simple process of getting on the ballot.
Steve Mosley, Former Ward 1 Council Member (2012–2024) Maumelle, Arkansas
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
North Little Rock Animal Shelter to have free clinic this Friday
A free Spay & Neuter Canine Clinic will be held this Friday, May 15, at the North Little Rock Animal Shelter, located at 1 Championship Drive,
Requirements and Guidelines:
Proof of vaccination is required
No aggressive dogs
No dogs over 70 pounds
No dogs over 7 years old
No cats
To register, please scan the QR code on the flyer below. For questions, email spayneuter@lasthopek9.org.
Registration is required to reserve a spot. Walk‑ins will not be accepted.
General auditions this Saturday at the Argenta Contemporary Theatre.
The Argenta Contemporary Theatre will be having general auditions this Saturday.
There’s two time slots for auditions. They are:
Youth Audition, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Adult Audition, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with movement and dance from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and acting and singing from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
People are encouraged to participate, regardless of experience level. Wear clothing that allows for ease of movement.
If you’re unable to attend in person, self-tape submissions are also accepted.
For more information, click here.
Old Mill to celebrate 50 years as a City Park this Saturday
This Saturday, May 16, from 1 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Old Mill will celebrate being a North Little Rock Park for fifty years and party like it’s 1976.
Sponsored by Friends of the Old Mill, the City of North Little Rock, North Little Rock Tourism, and the Old Mill Master Gardeners, the public is invited to a party at the Old Mill (T. R. Pugh Memorial Park, 3800 Lakeshore Drive, North Little Rock). Visitors can expect refreshments, giveaways, children’s activities, tours, and talks throughout the afternoon.
Visitors will have a chance to learn what the Old Mill was like in 1976 and how it has improved in the fifty years since then. Visitors are encouraged to dress in 1976-era clothes. Donations to Friends of the Old Mill, a non-profit supporting the Old Mill, will be accepted.
Around 2 p.m., North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick, along with other city officials, will speak and assist with a tree planting in memory of the late Sandra Taylor Smith, former Director of the North Little Rock History Commission and founding member of Friends of the Old Mill.
Other talks that afternoon will address North Little Rock in the 1970s, facts you might not know about the Old Mill, how and why the Old Mill became a city park, the artwork of Dionicio Rodriguez at the Old Mill, and the gardens at the Old Mill.
North Little Tourism will sell Old Mill items, and a portion of the proceeds will go to Friends of the Old Mill for improvements to the park.
Street parking is available near the park, and additional parking, with a shuttle, is available at the Lakewood Property Owners Association park at 4500 Lakeshore Drive. Signs will direct visitors.
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
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