This week we can turn our attention away from one of the biggest snow jobs in history to simply – snow. DJT’s second impeachment resulted in an acquittal. Our two senators didn’t have the courage to vote to convict, so we move on. Their vote most likely won’t hurt their future prospects in a pro-Trump state. Now the Inciter-in-Chief has a whole host of criminal charges to face. Real juries might be harder to convince than the gutless senators. Especially if he keeps those brilliant attorneys.
Maumelle went into a widespread panic when the threats of snow were announced last week. My favorite Facebook post pre-snow apocalypse: “Lines 24 people deep, people screaming, and a fight broke out.” Not sure what they were fighting over. Perhaps the last loaf of bread?
But the snow really did come. It’s beautiful and it’s deep. And there’s more coming down.
The local news preempted the national news show for local weather specials, which amounted to switching to reporters standing stiffly outdoors around the area telling us it’s cold, drive safe, and how to dress. Oh, and they also stuck rulers in the snow to show us how deep it was.
I miss Walter Cronkite.
Quotes of the Week
“We shouldn’t have followed him.” -- Nikki Haley , former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Trump appointee
“There is no question that President Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of that day.” -- U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell following the impeachment proceedings
The Dog Debate Is Heating Up
I was surprised and somewhat puzzled why the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette has already weighed in with an editorial opposing changing the ordinance to allow dogs of certain origins back in our city limits. Is it more than a coincidence that the Council met on Monday, Feb. 8, the paper ran a lengthy article by Stephen Simpson on Feb. 9 and the paper ran their editorial on Feb. 10?
From the editorial:
According to one study, pit bulls make up only 6 percent of the dog population in the United States. But they are responsible for nearly 70 percent of dog attacks and more than half of deaths after dog attacks. We can’t imagine the people of Maumelle are clamoring to get the animals back inside the city limits.
When it comes to this ordinance, let’s not. Let’s instead, think of ways to improve the quality of life. Emphasis on life. -- Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Wednesday, Feb. 10
Another strange twist to the last Council meeting was the appearance of Eva Palmer, who presented a report she had prepared for a Girl Scout project. I’m not sure how she magically appeared and reported her findings as it relates to BSL (breed-specific legislation). I’m not sure she qualifies as an expert, but she did report at least one perspective. But who called her in?
The most logical idea I’ve heard so far would be to appoint a task force to study the issue and report its findings to the city leading to a vote by the people. Otherwise, the Council is going to spend hours of discussion hearing all of the “dog experts” state their positions, coupled with divisive online combat that is already taking place on Facebook and Nextdoor.
NOTE: The Maumelle City Council has moved their meeting to Monday, Feb. 22, due to inclement weather. The proposed dog ordinance change is scheduled to have its second reading at this meeting.
𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿, Winner Chicken Dinner
Local eatery Cypress Social racked up a slew of awards and recognition from the annual Arkansas Times 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards. They won the following categories: Best New Restaurant, Best Chef, Best Fun, Best Desserts, Best Catfish and Best Patio / Deck for Drinking. They were also named a finalist for: Best Cocktail List, Best Outdoor Dining, Best Burger, Best New Bar and Best Beer Selection. I’ve only had takeout from them, but I’ve heard many Maumellians sing their praises. I hope to visit soon.
Ink Custom Tee Nominated for Award
Ink Custom Tees, a screen-printing company in Maumelle, has been nominated as a finalist for Business of the Year sponsored by Arkansas Business each year. They were nominated in Category II, 31-55 employees. According to the write-up on the company, they’ve been in business since 1988 and are owned by Holt Condren and Scott Masters.
The company makes shirts for special events, local businesses and nationwide retail brands. According to the article, Ink has designed and printed up to 750,000 shirts annually and ships them worldwide. They employ 40 to 50 employees and, like most firms, their business has been affected by the pandemic. The award ceremony is March 3. We’ll let you know how it turns out. Congrats!
Double Up
Now they (scientists) are telling us maybe we need two masks for protection from the more contagious Covid variants. Let’s hope those who wouldn’t wear one mask will now at least wear one while those of us who aren’t worried about our “rights” will wear two.
Thanks for keeping us informed.