What a big, beautiful damn mess it was. The recent blizzard certainly left its mark: Busted pipes, no mail delivery, food running low, car wrecks and feeling a bit trapped. But, hey, we’re used to that.
It was all part of a short-lived reminder of winters past. There was also a lot of sledding, sliding and snowballs, although there was no break from school because they have the virtual thing down pretty well.
And then it was spring one week later. Welcome to Arkansas weather.
I’ve observed some of the last two Maumelle City Council meetings, particularly the dog ban ordinance discussion. I don’t have the patience to report everything that has happened, but it seems to have developed into a comedy of errors including the hypnotic shot of Ken Saunders’ ceiling fan whirling throughout the meeting.
One ordinance was introduced and then another. Parliamentary procedure confusion ensued. Some Council members read the revised ordinances and some seemingly didn’t. And, as expected, it’s certainly caused division among locals. Social media is abuzz, and the tension is evident. Seems as many are against the proposal to revise the vicious-dog ordinance as are for it. Some are indignant and some are insulted. The revised ordinance is confusing and complicated. I’ll leave it to you to do your own research, including watching the last two Council meetings and trying to understand what has happened and read the proposed ordinance. When you figure it out, let me know. It’s all at www.maumelle.org.
I have my opinion, but I’d like to save it for a vote of Maumelle residents in a referendum that could be folded into the next primary election in May. I’m telling Council members to let the people decide. It’s our town and we all need more information before anyone makes a decision. There should be more discussion and less politicking. Perhaps a series of town hall meetings featuring real experts would be appropriate leading up to an election. I’m not sure if the Council can truly represent the people’s wishes at this point. And they have done a disservice to the voters by making it their personal battle instead doing the will of the people.
Where is the leadership?
Antique Show Set for This Weekend
The Antique Alley Arkansas Antique Show will be Friday and Saturday, March 5 - 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 9300 Maumelle Boulevard, North Little Rock. Over 100 exhibitors from 10 states will bring architectural salvage, old advertising, antique toys, linens, primitives, glassware, antique furniture and more from the 1950s and before. Friday’s admission is $8 for adults. Saturday and Sunday's admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Admission is good for the weekend and parking is free.
The McClard’s BBQ Truck will be returning to the Boulevard at Brandon Moving and Storage (10505 Maumelle Boulevard) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 3 - 6 and March 10 - 13.
Drama Kids Takes It Outside
When it comes to signing your child up for summer activities, check out the creative arts right here in Maumelle. Drama Kids International has announced its in-person classes in the community to offer a program designed to build the speaking skills and confidence of children and high school students.
According to Melissa Diller, owner of Drama Kids of Pulaski County, Drama Kids’ curriculum emphasizes activities that focus on confident acting skills, creative movement and dialogue development.
“I am very excited to offer an opportunity for children to take part in face-to-face outdoor drama activities that will enhance their socialization after the past year!” Diller said. “In addition, we will be getting some fresh air and sunshine.” Classes start May 5 and run until mid-August. The tuition is $225 for most classes.
Kinderkids Program (4-6 years): Introduction to the long-term benefits of dramatic arts participation. New scenes and activities are held in each class.
Elementary programs (K-2 and Grades 3-5): Participation in a wide range of creative activities including speech, creative movement, and improvisation.
Comedy Club: Friday Night Out (Middle and High School): Activities include speech training, mini-scripts (in pairs or threes), monologues, small group improvisations and character analysis.
Extremely limited spots. Socially distanced. Masks required. Outdoor covered locations throughout Maumelle. For complete information visit www.DramaKids.com/AR1 or call 501-420-4024.
The Fight Is Not Over
The fight against the Covid-19 virus is far from over despite Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s easing up on directives and now calling them “guidelines.” People are still getting sick and dying and the UK variant is here. Some restaurants are already packed with disregard for the mostly unvaccinated restaurant waiters and staff. It’s too soon.
Fortunately, I got my vaccine, and I would urge you who are eligible to do so as soon as you can get it. Trust the science. I do.
The regular flu numbers are way down because we’ve worn masks, kept our distance and avoided large gatherings. Keep it up. Keep it covered.
I agree that it should be put up to the voters. I’ve been emailing city council members as I found out that although one of aldermen seemed to give the impression that Cabot and Little Rock were “getting along just fine” with their policies. In fact, they are much more restrictive. Although the ban is lifted in Cabot, they require registration of any pit bull breeds, as well as photos taken with owners, microchips implanted, stickers on windows alerting people there is a pit bull in the residence, requirements that owners provide at least $300,000 in liability insurance, sterilization, etc. As I read it, Maumelle’s only requires $100,000 liability insurance which as one aldermen stated won’t come near the hospital costs and reconstructive surgery expenses for children and adults attacked. Little Rock’s policies are more restrictive as well and mirror the policies of Cabot far more than the ones proposed in Maumelle. I don’t think enough thought and research has been applied in the creation of this ordinance.
Let's encourage the council to come together for the greater good and put the ban question to the voters next May. They can amend ordinances later and work out the policies and procedures on implementation after the election. Other cities have voted on this issue. Why can't we?
I agree that it should be put up to the voters.
I agree that it should be put up to the voters. I’ve been emailing city council members as I found out that although one of aldermen seemed to give the impression that Cabot and Little Rock were “getting along just fine” with their policies. In fact, they are much more restrictive. Although the ban is lifted in Cabot, they require registration of any pit bull breeds, as well as photos taken with owners, microchips implanted, stickers on windows alerting people there is a pit bull in the residence, requirements that owners provide at least $300,000 in liability insurance, sterilization, etc. As I read it, Maumelle’s only requires $100,000 liability insurance which as one aldermen stated won’t come near the hospital costs and reconstructive surgery expenses for children and adults attacked. Little Rock’s policies are more restrictive as well and mirror the policies of Cabot far more than the ones proposed in Maumelle. I don’t think enough thought and research has been applied in the creation of this ordinance.
Let's encourage the council to come together for the greater good and put the ban question to the voters next May. They can amend ordinances later and work out the policies and procedures on implementation after the election. Other cities have voted on this issue. Why can't we?
Thank you for sharing about Drama Kids!