No Kings 2.0
North Little Rock tennis, Jones wins state titles; Remembering CM Stroud, Paul P. Holderfield Jr.; An Elegant Evening benefiting The White Oak Bayou is tonight plus sports and headlines
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MEETINGS: The Maumelle City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall. The North Little Rock School Board will meet tonight, at 5:30 p.m., in a regularly scheduled meeting.
EVENTS: No Kings, 2.0 is this Saturday across the state and country.. There’s at least 13 protests scheduled in Arkansas with Little Rock’s set to start at 10 a.m. downtown at the Federal Building. For more, click here.
Electronics recycling to be next week.
A free electronics recycling event will be held next Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 21 and Oct. 22, in the parking lot of Simmons Bank Arena in downtown North Little Rock. It is scheduled to start at 7 a.m. and end at 2 p.m. each day.
For more, check out the flyer below.
Obituary: Remembering CM Stroud
Christopher Michael Stroud, of Mayflower
Aug. 2, 1972 - Oct. 11, 2025
With deep sorrow, we announce the terrible loss of Christopher Michael Stroud, age 53. On Oct. 11, 2025, Chris lost a courageous battle to the cancer that ravaged his once athletic earthly form. Fighting alongside him were his loving children and partner, as well as friends and family. Chris transitioned from this life peacefully at his home in Mayflower.
He was born Aug. 2, 1972 in Dallas, Texas, the son of the late Charlie Stroud. He was the second of four brothers. The family later relocated to Mayflower, where the Stroud’s planted their roots and became a well-known name. Chris would return to Texas often throughout his adult life, where he cherished hunting with his stepfather, Alan Richman, of McKinney, Texas.
Chris led an eventful life and in 1999 he decided to follow in the footsteps of Alan and dedicate himself to public service when he became a 911 Dispatcher for the Maumelle Department of Public Safety. In 2002 he was hired as a sworn Law Enforcement Officer and has served in that capacity with integrity, compassion, honor, and distinction for 23 years, earning numerous awards and citations. A few that Chris was most proud of were Officer of the year 2008, Superintendent’s Hero Award 2014, and his second Officer of the year 2015. He held positions as a Patrol Officer, Detective (Criminal Investigations and Narcotics), and the one he grew to be the proudest of, School Resource Officer.
He loved fishing, basketball, hunting, the Razorbacks, Tori’s softball games and Maumelle High School basketball. At Maumelle he earned the honorary title of Director of Basketball Operations due to his ability to effectively provide security, record statistics, plan/pay for team meals, mentor student athletes and give coaching advice.
Chris is survived by his loving girlfriend, Kim Barksdale; his children, Alex Stroud and wife Jessica, of Little Rock; Sara Germscheid and husband Steven of Benton; and Caleb Stroud of Mayflower; his brothers, Steven Stroud and wife Carolyn of Mayflower; Jeremy Stroud and wife Jackie of Mayflower; Wesley Richman and wife Sara out of Texas; Jason Fisher and wife Bonnie of Conway; his buddy, Tori Barksdale of Mayflower; and stepmother, Janice Stroud of Mayflower.
He leaves behind special friends, Chris Lester and Jeff Senn, whom he taught much about fishing and life. In addition, he will forever live on in the memories of fellow Officers, countless students, and the many coaches whose jobs he made easier.
Chris is preceded in death by his wife, Allison Stroud and firstborn son, Joshua Stroud.
Visitation and a memorial service were held on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at First Baptist Church of Mayflower.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Maumelle Hornets High School Basketball Team.
For more, click here.
Obituary: Remembering Paul P. Holderfield Jr.
Paul Phillip Holderfield Jr. “Bro. Paul Jr.”, 73, beloved husband, father, brother, papa, and pastor of Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene in North Little Rock, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Oct. 8, 2025.
Born in North Little Rock on Aug. 11, 1952, Paul the oldest of three children, was a standout athlete in baseball and basketball, and played on four state championship teams at Ole Main High School, two for baseball and two for basketball. He was also an accomplished singer, in his own mind. Bro. Paul Jr. served in the Air National Guard and then went on to be a bread man for Colonial Baking Co. for 25 years. A career he loved, selling and serving Colonial Bread to his customers. At the passing of his father Bro. Paul Sr. in 1998, Bro. Paul Jr. took over the pastoral responsibilities of Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene and served the “Bread of Life” for 28 years to the community of North Little Rock.
Like his father, Bro. Paul Jr. lived his life fully in service to Jesus Christ, through serving God’s children, “others”. “Others, Lord, yes others, let this my motto be, help me to live for others that I may live like Thee”. Bro. Paul Jr.’s love and devotion to his family was his greatest personal passion! Never missing time with his wife Cathy, his children, and seven grandchildren. His crown of joy was his grandchildren; and his children knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, he hung the moon. Proverbs 17:6 “Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.” As senior pastor of Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene, Bro. Paul Jr. continued Bro. Paul Sr.’s legacy of serving the community through serving others with meals, clothing, and time devoted to sharing the word of God and His love for us through His son Jesus Christ; in whom all made equal in love. Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus”.
Bro. Paul Jr. is survived by his loving wife Cathy Holderfield of 43 years, four amazing children, Patty Camp (Mark), Courtney Bland (Chauncey), Krystin Cheatham (Lawrence), and Paul Phillip Holderfield III (Courtney); and seven incredible grandchildren, Lauren, Collin, Emma, Eli, Parker, Bryce and Tyler Paul “Cannonball “. Sister Paula Owens (Tom) and brother Phillip Holderfield (Donna), and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Barbara Jean Holderfield, and grandson John Paul Camp.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene, 116 S. Pine St., North Little Rock. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the church on Monday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m.. Burial will follow at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens in Beebe. Pallbearers include: Clark McGlothin, Allen Childress, Phillip Holderfield, Eugene Davis, Nate Martin and Greg Moore. Honorary pallbearers are: Parker Cheatham, Eli Holderfield, Bryce Holderfield and Tyler Paul Holderfield.
Two of Bro. Paul Jr.’s favorite scriptures are: 2 Corinthians 5:17 & Romans 8:28.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Paul’s life work.
Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene F.L.A.M.E. Ministries:
https://www.friendlychapel.org/f-l-a-m-e-ministries
Donations made to Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene or to Friendly Chapel FLAME are 501 (c)(3) tax deductible.
Checks may be mailed to: Friendly Chapel – Memorials116 S. Pine St. North Little Rock, Ark., 72114.
For more, click here.
Public Notice
The Maumelle Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at 550 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle to consider a proposed Code Amendment Update to Sec. 90-84(1) updating Road setback line for vegetation along Maumelle Blvd. For additional information, contact Planning & Permitting at the City of Maumelle at 501-851-2500.
An Elegant Evening benefiting The White Oak Bayou is tonight
The White Oak Bayou Wetlands Conservancy is proud to present the first annual Taste of the Boulevard: An Elegant Evening Benefiting the White Oak Bayou. This signature event will take place tonight, Oct. 16, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Venue 10 in Maumelle.
Guests will enjoy curated tastings from Cheers, Cypress Social, Maumelle Country Club and other favorites, silent and live auctions, entertainment, photo op, and a shared vision for transforming White Oak Bayou into a vibrant, accessible destination for the community. Proceeds will benefit the White Oak Bayou Wetlands Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, restoring, and reimagining one of North Pulaski County’s most beautiful natural spaces.
This year’s program will also feature Deputy Director Ben Batten from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as the evening’s guest speaker. With extensive experience in conservation and natural resource management, Batten will highlight the importance of wetlands, wildlife, and community partnerships in shaping the future of outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship in Arkansas.
“Taste of the Boulevard is more than an evening of food and fun - it’s about bringing the community together with a shared goal,” said Executive Director Kelly French. “Having Deputy Director Batten join us adds an incredible depth to the event, connecting the work of the Conservancy with the broader mission of conservation across the state.”
For more information, email Executive Director Kelly French at kellyfrench@whiteoakbayou.com or visit https://www.whiteoakbayou.com/news-events.
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.
Wall completes 75Strong training
Kellie Wall has completed the two-day International Economic Development Council (IEDC) course “Entrepreneurial & Small Business Strategies” as part of their participation in the statewide 75Strong program. This internationally recognized course equips leaders with tools to foster local entrepreneurship through strategies such as incubators, co-working spaces, accelerators, and broader ecosystem building.
The training is one of five required courses for participants to earn the Entrepreneurial Development Professional (EDP) Certification, a credential that prepares leaders to design and implement strategies to support small businesses and drive economic growth in their communities.
“Through this course, our cohort members now have stronger strategies for supporting entrepreneurs and building environments where new and small businesses can thrive,” said Drew Smith, Director of 75Strong. “I’m excited to see these strategies deployed across the 35 communities represented in 75Strong, where they will have a direct impact on job creation and innovation.”
“As a small community, this training has been essential in learning how to support our entrepreneurs. It was a total mindset change for the chamber of commerce” said Kellie Wall, CEO Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce.
As part of their ongoing two-year journey, 75Strong cohort members are working alongside local coalitions to design entrepreneurial ecosystem development strategies tailored to their communities with the end goal of making it easier for businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive across Arkansas. They will meet again in December for a day-long session focused on helping entrepreneurs access capital—another crucial pillar in building sustainable local economies.
Funded by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and led by Conductor and Startup Junkie, 75Strong provides participants with tools, training, and resources to address the unique challenges facing entrepreneurs and small businesses in Arkansas.
For more information about the 75Strong program, visit 75strongarkansas.com.
Laman Library to host genealogy workshop this Friday and Saturday
This October, North Little Rock’s William F. Laman Public Library is Celebrating Family History Month: From the Cradle to the Grave, a two-day workshop taking place Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18,
Both days will start at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 12:30 p.m. The event is free to attend.
The workshops are in conjunction with the Preservation of African American Cemeteries and the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society.
Friday’s sessions will feature guest speakers Patrick M. Oliver and Michael D. Mason, who will speak on conducting family history and cemetery research.
Saturday’s programming continues with Tamela Tenpenny-Lewis, who will present on the history and legacy of North Little Rock’s Odd Fellows Cemetery and that will be followed by a presentation and book signing with Kyzyl Tenpenny, author of Daddy Daddy, Son Son.
Admission is free and for more information, contact Jamie Middleton, North Little Rock Public Library Archivist, at jmiddleton@nlrlibrary.org or 501-758-1720.
Sports
North Little Rock tennis, Jones wins state titles
On Tuesday afternoon, North Little Rock claimed the 6A girls state tennis title in Fayetteville.
Caroline Jones, a senior, repeated as the 6A singles winner. Jones, paired with Georgia King, also won the doubles title.
Jones defeated King for the state title repeat.
Jones is the daughter of Judge Paula Juels Jones, who was an All-American tennis player at then North Little Rock Northeast High School, and who then went on to play college tennis at the University of Tennis.
Caroline Jones went undefeated in 6A conference play for her career and was recognized last year by Mayor Terry Hartwick with Caroline Jones Day on Nov. 12, 2024 for winning the state title, then overall state championship.
Jones, 5-foot-11, is ranked No. 182 nationally in the class of 2026 and has spent her summers playing in international tournaments.
Friday Night Lights
A mercy rule here, a mercy rule there, a mercy rule everywhere as Central Arkansas Christian, Maumelle and North Little Rock all won in convincing fashion, shutting out their respective opponents in Little Rock Hall, Watson Chapel and Little Rock Southwest last Friday night.
All three schools are back in action this week and for more, keep scrolling.
Maumelle
Last week: Maumelle 42, Watson Chapel 0
This week: Jacksonville (2-4, 0-3) at Maumelle (4-2, 3-0)
What to expect: The Hornets remain ranked No. 10 in Class 5A by hootens.com and host Jacksonville this Friday. Maumelle, since starting the season 0-2, has reeled off four consecutive wins. More importantly, they’re undefeated in the 5A-Central.
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 ... vs. Jacksonville* ... 7 p.m. … Hornets Nest
Friday, Oct. 24 ... at White Hall* ... 7 p.m.
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 41, Little Rock Southwest 0
This week: Little Rock Christian (4-2, 2-1) at North Little Rock (2-4, 1-2)
What to expect: As expected, North Little Rock got a resounding win at Little Rock Southwest. The ‘Cats reward? The enter the Class 7A poll for the first time this season at No. 10. This week’s opponent is No. 6 Little Rock Christian as the game is essential for both teams playoff hopes. Both teams are ranked by hootens.com.
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 ... vs. Little Rock Christian ... 7 p.m. … Wildcat Field
Friday, Oct. 24 ... ... vs. Central* ... 7 p.m. … Wildcat Field
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 50, Little Rock Hall 0
This week: Lonoke (4-2, 3-0) at Central Arkansas Christian (2-4, 2-1)
What to expect: CAC has won its last two games and averaging 56 points in the win, while giving up 0. Not bad. This week, league-leading Lonoke visits Mustang Mountain in some purple on purple violence. The Mustangs need at least one more conference win for a shot at the playoffs, so Friday is essential.
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 … 7 p.m. ... Mustang Mountain
Friday, Oct. 24 ... vs. Bald Knob … 7 p.m. ... Mustang Mountain
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
SEC Games: Week 8
SATURDAY
LSU (5-1, 2-1 SEC) at Vanderbilt (5-1, 1-1 SEC): 11 a.m. • ABC/SiriusXM: 108/191 – 84
Oklahoma (5-1, 1-1 SEC) at South Carolina (3-3, 1-3 SEC): 11:45 a.m. • SEC Network/SiriusXM: 94/190 - 99/204
Texas A&M (6-0, 3-0 SEC) at Arkansas (2-4, 0-2 SEC): 2:30 p.m. • ESPN/SiriusXM: 108/191 - 132/192 Live Statistics/Matchup/Preview: https://www.secsports.com/scores/football
Ole Miss (6-0, 3-0 SEC) at Georgia (5-1, 3-1 SEC): 2:30 p.m. • ABC/SiriusXM: 162/202 - 84
Mississippi State (4-2, 0-2 SEC) at Florida (2-4, 1-2 SEC): 3:15 p.m. ET • SEC Network/SiriusXM: 374 - 94/190
Texas (4-2, 1-1 SEC) at Kentucky (2-3, 0-3 SEC): 6 p.m. • ESPN/ SiriusXM: 108/191 - 162/202
Tennessee (5-1, 2-1 SEC) at Alabama (5-1, 3-0 SEC):6:30 p.m. • ABC/SiriusXM: 82 – 84
Missouri (5-1, 1-1 SEC) at Auburn (3-3, 0-3 SEC): 6:45 p.m. • SEC Network/SiriusXM: 94/190 - 99/204
Tickets on sale for Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens
Tickets for the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens – a PGA TOUR Champions playoff event – are now on sale to the public. For a complete listing of ticket options or to purchase tickets, please visit the tournament website at simmonsbankchampionship.com.
The Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens will be held at Pleasant Valley Country Club , Little Rock with activities throughout the week of Oct. 20-26. Tournament play will take place Friday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 26. The tournament will serve as the second round of the PGA TOUR Champions' annual Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs. The field will consist of the top 54 players in the standings competing for $2.3 million in prize money and a chance to earn their spot among the top 36 in the final event of the season.
General admission ticket options include daily Friday, Saturday or Sunday tickets for $30, Good Any One Day tickets for $35 or $85 weekend tickets for all three days of competition rounds. Children ages 15 and under will receive free general admission access with a ticketed adult. An upgraded 15th green shared hospitality ticket is also available to purchase for $300 per day or $850 for the weekend and provides access to an open-air venue with ballpark style food, beer, wine and seltzers. Liquor is available for purchase.
Active, reserve, and retired military will receive two (2) complimentary Good Any Day tickets (single use ticket good for one of Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) with an option to purchase up to four (4) discounted Good Any Day tickets. In order to checkout, military status will be verified through GovX. Complimentary military tickets are limited and only available while supplies last.
For more information, visit the simmonsbankchampionship.com or contact sales@simmonsbankchampionship.com.
For more information about the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens, to purchase tickets and to stay up to date on tournament news, visit the tournament website, simmonsbankchampionship.com.
Caddie Shootout presented by Saracen Casino Resort to debut at Simmons Bank Championship
The spotlight will be on the PGA TOUR Champions caddies as they participate in the inaugural Caddie Shootout presented by Saracen Casino Resort, happening Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 6-9 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Country Club.
This unique competition will randomly pair caddies in two-man teams for an alternate-shot shootout on Holes 16, 17 and 18 at Pleasant Valley Country Club. All teams will play simultaneously around the lake, with eliminations on each hole until one team claims the first-ever Caddie Shootout title.
Tickets are $75 and will include entry into the Western-themed event, access to the hospitality areas at holes 16, 17, and 18, live music by Gone Country, and food and drinks from popular Central Arkansas restaurants. Availability is limited, and fans are encouraged to secure tickets early via simmonsbankchampionship.com/tickets.
The Caddie Shootout is part of the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens tournament week, October 20-26, at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock.
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