Pittman kicks off LR Touchdown Club on Monday
Community Development Institute had full class of Maumelle graduates; Evans joins Methodist Family Health plus sports and headlines
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MEETINGS: The Maumelle City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall.
EVENTS: Little Rock Touchdown Club gets rolling next Monday when Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman will speak in west Little Rock. For more, keep scrolling. School started back up in earnest this week as North of the River schools have started classes. Be gentle on the roads as that means the buses are back and lots of fun on the morning commute. Also, of note, back to school means fundraisers have returned and you have to look fresh at all the various sporting events you’ll be attending this year. OK, all the games you have a family connection to. Or maybe you want to support that kid at church. Regardless, buy a shirt. Or, if buying for a teen, a hoodie. They’re apparently now worn year-round, even if it is 110 degrees outside. For more, check out the flyer below.
Community Development Institute had full class of Maumelle graduates
Several chamber members and staff of the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce recently completed the Year 1 Class of the 39th annual Community Development Institute (CDI) at the University of Central Arkansas on Aug. 1.
They were joined by Maumelle City staff and Maumelle City Council members.
Graduates include:
Adam Cunningham (chamber chairperson)
Connie Raley (chamber secretary/Past chairperson)
Sandra Finley (board member)
Donna Green (chamber ambassador)
Kendria Parker (Director of Marketing and Membership)
Shatara Batemon (Maumelle Parks and Recreation)
LJ Wesley (Maumelle City Council).
CDI trains community leaders and economic development professionals on how to strengthen their local economies and build communities. This is achieved by developing the ability of participants to identify community assets, set goals, encourage collaboration and partnership with stakeholders, and bring communities, organizations, and businesses together to respond to a broad range of economic and quality of life issues.
The complete institute experience is a three-year program, with one week of training per year. Participants move through the program curriculum in cohorts and are exposed to a comprehensive, applied approach to the field of community and economic development.
UCA is the birthplace for the Community Development Institute, which started in 1987 in partnership with Entergy, Southwestern Bell, and ARKLA. Since that time, CDIs have been established in Texas, Idaho, Alabama, Illinois and Delaware, and a national governing and certification body, the Community Development Council, has been created.
More information about CDI can be found at www.uca.edu/cdi.
Evans joins Methodist Family Health
Methodist Family Health recently announced the appointment of Rev. Dr. Hammett N. Evans, below, as its new director of pastoral care.
Evans will lead and oversee pastoral ministry across the organization’s programs, providing spiritual support to children, youth, families and staff throughout the Methodist Family Health continuum of care.
Evans, is an ordained United Methodist pastor and has more than 30 years of ministry experience to the position, including extensive work in pastoral care, grief counseling and program leadership.
Most recently, he served as a chaplain resident at UAMS where he provided compassionate care in palliative, trauma, ICU, NICU and other hospital settings. He has also been a long-time volunteer with Methodist Family Health’s Camp Healing Hearts, offering bereavement support to children and families experiencing loss.
In his new role, Evans will develop and lead pastoral programs that foster healing, unity and spiritual growth for those served by Methodist Family Health. His responsibilities will include creating age-appropriate worship experiences, providing crisis counseling, coordinating community outreach and strengthening connections with Arkansas’s United Methodist Churches, the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church and other faith communities.
Evans has an undergraduate degree from Hendrix College and a master’s and doctorate from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta.
“I am honored to join Methodist Family Health in this important work,” said Dr. Evans. “I look forward to walking alongside our children, families and staff, helping them experience God’s love, healing and hope in tangible ways.”
Methodist Family Health provides psychiatric, behavioral, emotional and spiritual care to Arkansas children and families through inpatient, outpatient, residential and community-based programs. For more information, visit MethodistFamily.org or call 501-661-0720.
Obituary: Robert Benjamin Frost II
Robert Benjamin Frost II, 59, of Paron, Arkansas, passed away on Aug. 5, 2025. Born May 27, 1966, in Omaha, Nebraska, he was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Benjamin Frost I and Rita Olivia Frost.
A selfless and hardworking man, Robert was known for his love of cooking, the outdoors, and making others laugh with his quick wit. He spent many years caring for yards across Central Arkansas as he owned and operated his own Landscaping company, Frost Landscaping, which he took great pride in.
He is survived by his sons, Benjamin Frost of Paron and Nathan (Emily) Frost of Perryville; his siblings, Debbie Winningham of Texas and Chris Frost of Texas; and many friends who will miss his generosity and humor. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame to honor women in construction at Induction Ceremony
The Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame is proud to announce a new addition to its 2025 Induction Ceremony: a special recognition honoring the growing impact of women in historically underrepresented professions. This year, the Hall will spotlight the Construction industry as a field making significant strides in the employment and advancement of women.
“While women have long been underrepresented in certain sectors, we are thrilled to celebrate those industries where considerable progress has been achieved,” said Stacy Hurst, Board Chair of the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame. “The Construction field has shown notable growth in opportunities for women, and we want to shine a light on that accomplishment.”
As part of its Arkansas Live initiative, Arkansas PBS will livestream the ninth annual Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony Thursday, Aug. 21, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at myarpbs.org/arkansaslive.
Inductees include:
Contemporary:
Margaret L. Bogle, PhD – Dietitian.
Bettina E. Brownstein – Activist and attorney.
Paula J. Casey – Attorney and professor, dean and vice provost for UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law.
Regina H. Favors – Claims processor, president and CEO of Pinnacle Business Solutions Inc. and professor.
Stacie M. Jones, MD – Scientist.
Historical:
Maud R. Crawford (1891-1957) – Founder of Arkansas Girls State and attorney.
Rosa Zagnoni Marinoni (1888-1970) – Poet and activist.
Group:
All American Red Heads Basketball Team – Entertainment.
Additional information is available at arwomenshalloffame.com.
As part of this initiative, companies and agencies in the construction industry are invited to show their support by purchasing tickets for team members to attend the 2025 Induction Ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 21 at the Statehouse Convention Center-Wally Allen Ballroom. These participating organizations will be recognized during the event, with company and agency names featured as part of the Women in Construction tribute.
The Induction Ceremony honors the achievements of women who have made significant and lasting contributions to the state. This new feature aims to not only celebrate individual achievements but also to spotlight broader industry shifts that are creating more inclusive opportunities.
Tables and tickets to the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony can be purchased at ARWomensHallofFame.com. Visitors to the site will find more information about the event and the hall’s inductees. Find out more on the ceremony at http://www.arwomenshalloffame.com/inductionceremony/.
Education news
ASPSF accepting fall scholarship applications
Single parents enrolling in school for the Fall 2025 semester can apply for a scholarship from nonprofit Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) beginning Aug. 1.
To apply, single parents must go to aspsf.org/apply and fill out an online form with supporting documentation. Both new students and current ASPSF recipients can apply for a scholarship up to $1,600. The deadline is Sept. 1.
If awarded, single parents directly receive the financial aid and can use it to meet their real-life needs, such as rent, child care, gas, or groceries, while they go to school. Along with the scholarship, ASPSF staff and volunteers provide mentoring, career coaching, and workshops to help recipients balance school, work, and parenting.
Applicants must have a GED or high school diploma but have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. ASPSF awards scholarships to single moms and dads working toward skilled-trade certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees that lead to professional careers with family-supporting wages.
Recipients must be enrolled in at least one three-hour class online or in-person. They must also have a 2.0 GPA, earn medium to low income, and participate fully in the ASPSF scholarship program by attending workshops and communicating with their local program manager.
A full list of ASPSF’s eligibility guidelines is available at aspsf.org/eligibility.
For more information, visit aspsf.org or contact Jen Lawrence at jlawrence@aspsf.org or 501-550-6304.
Sports
Little Rock Touchdown Club to be livestreamed on Arkansas PBS
As part of its Arkansas Live initiative, Arkansas PBS will be the livestreaming provider for the Little Rock Touchdown Club 2025 season, giving viewers statewide a front-row seat in the room with veteran coaches, NFL Hall of Famers, analysts and others. Each week Aug. 18-Nov. 24, Arkansas Live will provide livestreaming coverage of the Little Rock Touchdown Club at myarpbs.org/touchdownclub.
“We are thrilled to have Arkansas PBS back again with the Little Rock Touchdown Club,” Little Rock Touchdown Club Co-Founder David Bazzel said. “They do such amazing work and have the same commitment our club does, giving all Arkansans the opportunity to see and hear the most compelling football personalities in America each week right here in The Natural State.”
Founded in 2004, the Little Rock Touchdown Club meets weekly this fall at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Little Rock during football season, featuring speakers ranging from college and professional football legends to ESPN hosts, SEC reporters and coaches. The weekly meetings begin Aug. 18 and will continue through Nov. 24.
The first speaker will be Arkansas coach Sam Pittman.
This year’s speaker lineup will include:
Monday, Aug. 18 – Sam Pittman, University of Arkansas Razorbacks Football head coach.
Tuesday, Aug. 26 – Jimmy Johnson, former University of Arkansas football player, two-time Super Bowl champion.
Tuesday, Sept. 2 – Lawrence Taylor, NFL Hall of Famer, two-time Super Bowl champion.
Monday, Sept. 8 – Darren McFadden, former NFL and University of Arkansas running back.
Monday, Sept. 15 – Hunter Yurachek, University of Arkansas director of athletics.
Monday, Sept. 22 – Tim Brown, Notre Dame Heisman Trophy winner, NFL and College Football Hall of Famer.
Monday, Sept. 29 – Craig James, "College GameDay” founder, former Southern Methodist University running back.
Monday, Oct. 6 – Butch Jones, Arkansas State University head football coach.
Monday, Oct. 13 – Nathan Brown, University of Central Arkansas head football coach.
Tuesday, Oct. 21 – Kelli Finglass, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader director and former cheerleader.
Monday, Oct. 27 – Holly Rowe, ESPN commentator.
Tuesday, Nov. 4 – Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner.
Monday, Nov. 10 – Madre Hill and Anthony Lucas, former Arkansas Razorbacks football players.
Monday, Nov. 17 – Mack Brown, former University of Texas and University of North Carolina football coach.
Monday, Nov. 24 – Mark May, College Football Hall of Famer, former ESPN analyst.
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, Arkansas 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.
"There's so much momentum heading into this year's Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens," said Freddie Black, Tournament Chair of Simmons Bank Championship. "Being selected for the PGA Tour Champion's Player Award last year – a recognition voted on by the players themselves – speaks volumes about the experience we're building here. We can't wait to welcome fans back this fall for another incredible week of golf."
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.
Upcoming Travs games
At Northwest Arkansas, Aug. 12-17
Six game homestand against the Springfield Cardinals
Tuesday, Aug. 19, 6:35 p.m.
No promotions scheduled
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 6:35 p.m.
No promotions scheduled
Thursday, Aug. 21, 6:35 p.m.
Little Rock Nine Weekend: Join us in commemorating the 1957 integration of Little Rock Central High School, with the Travs wearing special uniforms. More event information will be released soon!
Operation: Military Appreciation: $3 Thursday: Enjoy $3 Beer Garden Tickets and select Concessions deals!
Friday, Aug. 22, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks Friday - Celebrating Black Artists: End your week at DSP with a BANG!
Little Rock Nine Weekend: Join us in commemorating the 1957 integration of Little Rock Central High School, with the Travs wearing special uniforms. More event information will be released soon!
Saturday, Aug. 23, 6:05 p.m.
Cole Young Bobblehead Giveaway: Presented By Hardee's | First 1,000 Fans (one item per person)
Little Rock Nine Weekend: Join us in commemorating the 1957 integration of Little Rock Central High School, with the Travs wearing special uniforms. More event information will be released soon!
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, Aug. 24, 1:35 p.m.
Operation: Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID (only available at DSP Box Office) | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
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
At Wichita, Aug. 26-31
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