Power's back as rebuilding continues
Power's back as rebuilding continues
North Little Rock, Little Rock on week two after EF3 tornado hit March 31; Maumelle Chamber banquet is tonight, Senior Fishing Derby is Friday; Travs at Dickey-Stephens and busy week in the Arts ahead
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Pandemic death toll drops to zero
The number of Arkansans who died from Covid in the last week was none, according to the state’s Department of Health. The dashboard showed “zero” for the past week. Emails to confirm the accuracy of information were not returned by noon Thursday.
The total number of dead Arkansans reported to the state also increased to 13,074. As a single death was added to the 2022 statistics.
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
The Headlines
Upcoming meetings: The Maumelle City Council meets next Monday night. Tonight, the North Little Rock School Board will hold a special meeting at 5:30 pm in the Administration Building Boardroom. Click here to view the agenda. The quarterly meeting of the North Little Rock A&P Commission will be Tuesday, April 18, at 3:30 p.m. The meeting will convene in the board room at 600 Main St., North Little Rock.
Events: The Commercial Real Estate Council of Metro Little Rock will host a Women in Real Estate Brunch on Tuesday, April 25, at 10 a.m. at Annunciation Cultural Center, 1100 Napa Valley Drive. The event will feature a panel of women with commercial real estate experience leading a discussion on issues that face women in the industry.
Panelists include:
Esperanza Massana-Crane, AEDC Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise
Cathey Cox, Eagle Bank
Lisa Ferrell, Rockwater Village
Gozde Gursoy, UA Little Rock Construction Management
Tickets are $10 for members and $30 for guests and are available at crecmlr.org/events.
Pascha!: Christos Anesti to those eastern Christians celebrating Easter on Saturday night and into Sunday morning.
Fidelity Communications opens spring grants: Fidelity Communications, along with the other Cable One® family of brands, will open spring 2023 applications for the company’s Charitable Giving Fund, which annually awards $250,000 in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, from now to Sunday, April 30. For more information about the Fidelity Charitable Giving Fund, visit www.fidelitycommunications.com/charitablegiving.
Free dental clinic this Friday, Saturday at Conway Expo Center: Arkansas Mission of Mercy is holding its two-day free dental clinic at the Conway Expo Center Frisday and Saturday for the first time since Covid. The clinic starts at 6 p.m. and the line for entry will begin at 3 a.m. The Conway Expo Center is located at 2505 E Oak St., Conway Learn more at ArkansasDentistry.org/armom.
A note about Notes: Twitter isn’t dead but getting close. Read more at Join me on Notes
Maumelle Chamber banquet tonight
The Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Community Awards Banquet today at the Venue at Westwind, 7318 Windsong Drive.
The reception will begin at 6 p.m. and the program will be at 6:30 p.m. This is a time of reflection over the past year’s accomplishments but also our kick-off to the coming successes of 2023!
Chamber director Kellie Wall wrote in press release last week that “due to the devastating storms from this [March 31] and the struggles our neighboring communities are suffering, the Maumelle Area Chamber Board of Directors feels it is our responsibility to assist these communities by donating all proceeds from next week’s event to a longstanding chamber member, the Arkansas Food Bank, who has been a part of the Central Arkansas community for nearly 40 years.
Wall added, “with so much loss and so many people displaced, the Arkansas Food Bank will be providing support for the recovery efforts to help those neighboring communities rebuild. We are grateful for the opportunity to help and for the partnership with the Foodbank.”
If you would like more information about the banquet, donations or sponsorships, contact Wall at the Maumelle Area Chamber office, 501-851-9700 or email kellie@maumellechamber.com.
Senior Fishing Derby this Friday
Maumelle Center on the Lake and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Family and Community Fishing Program invites all seniors to Lake Valencia in Maumelle for the largest senior citizen community fishing event in Arkansas this Friday.
The event is free; just bring your fishing license and gear. Come out and enjoy music door prizes and free food.
A fishing clinic will also be held at Maumelle Center on the Lake today.
Registration is required for each event. Register at Maumelle Center on the Lake by emailing seniorservices@maumelle.org or calling 501-851-4344.
Week 2: After the storm
Power’s back on across North Little Rock as electric repair work was completed on Monday.
That’s not the case for all of Pulaski County as there’s still 503 customers without power in Little Rock and rural parts of the county.
Click here to see an interactive,
aerial view of the storm damage.
There’s also still some homes, that while the power grid has been restored, are still without electricity as their residences have damaged meter loops that will need a licensed electrician to repair or replace.
Linemen came from across the state as a total of seven municipalities sent work crews. Jonesboro City, Water and Light sent their entire staff to North Little Rock.
“The tornado [March 31] had a devastating impact on North Little Rock,” Mayor Terry Hartwick said. “I want to thank our First Responders, Electric Department, Parks Staff, and all of our City employees who worked diligently to help meet the needs of those affected in our city. I am amazed at all of the hard work. Our city is one large family and together we will heal, rebuild and be stronger than ever.”
Among the buildings damaged was the new fire station in Burns Park. The station will be closed for repairs but is expected to be back in service by July 1 of this year, if not sooner. CBM Construction Company, the contractor that built the station, is repairing the damage.
Burns Park remains closed for the time being as crews are still working to remove debris with heavy equipment and oversized vehicles.
Among the areas that took damage were the trails, golf courses and the One Heart Playground took a direct hit as the tornado passed through it, as illustrated below.
President Joe Biden approved the state’s request for storm damage recovery to be fully funded by the federal government. The move means that the immense amount of debris removal will be paid for by the feds.
FEMA has already approved $1.3 million to help with disaster relief. So far, nearly 4,000 have applied for assistance. FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams have spent the last week in the county, working with those impacted
Those teams can also help survivors make connections with local, state, federal and voluntary agencies.
The fastest and easiest way to apply for assistance is by visiting www.disasterassistance.gov.
One can also call 800-621-3362. The lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4698.
By The Numbers
1,100 - Residents and businesses impacted by the tornado
400 – Suffered major damage
80 – Were destroyed
12,900 – Yards of debris that have been removed
4,500 – Yards of debris still being removed daily
30 – Organizations have volunteered to help with cleanup
Wanting to volunteer, donate or need help?
Volunteer sign-up and donation location for North Little Rock residents affected by the tornado is located at 1300 Pike Ave. The following resources are available at this location:
FEMA
Department of Health (birth certificates are available, free of charge)
Salvation Army (meals and other services)
Arkansas Legal Services
American Red Cross
Central Arkansas Development Council
Items needed: Diapers, toilet paper, baby wipes, work gloves, large trash bags, five-gallon buckets w/lids, laundry bags, rakes, sunscreen and shovels.
If you wish to donate to the North Little Rock Tornado Disaster Fund, please visit: ar.gov/nlrdisaster
All North Little Rock residents affected by the tornado should register with the American Red Cross to qualify for assistance by calling 800-Red-Cross or going online to RedCross.org
No mulch for you: Crowder Gulf has sent heavy equipment to help turn debris into mulch. That mulch will be disposed of in landfills.
Where can I take my trash?
North Little Rock Sanitation will continue to run their regular routes this week where accessible. You can also take trash to one of the two locations listed below:
Edwards Cash Savers parking lot, 3801 Camp Robinson Road
Fire Station #9 Indian Hills, 2309 Osage Drive
Beware of scammers
Scammers, the worst of us, are already hard at work in the state, trying to take advantage of people who were impacted by the storm.
The Attorney General’s office sends along tips on what to do:
Demand references from contractors and check them.
Let a contractor pressure you into hiring them.
Never sign a contract with blanks "to be filled in later."
Never pay a contractor in full until the work is finished.
Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance company.
Be sure you review and understand all documents sent to your insurance company.
Arkansans who want to report concerns can contact the attorney general's office at (800) 482-8982.
Tornado relief number for North Little Rock residents, 501-906-5014
Arts notes
Cinderella starts April 19
The Argenta Community Theater will present Cinderella starting on April 19.
The show’s run ends on April 29 and there’s a total of 13 performances with evening shows starting at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at p.m.
Tickets are on sale at ArgentaCommunityTheater.org, and prices start at $25.
There’s also a VIP upgrade with reserved seats in the balcony along with a separate bar. Student shows are booked through the office. They include include lunch and a Q&A with the cast.
Versions of the Cinderella story date back over 1,500 years with different takes on the story over the last 60 years for broadcast television and movies.
The version being performed is one of the older broadcasts. That choice was deliberate.
“The more modern versions are done and frankly, I grew up and was introduced to Julie Andrews as a child watching this version on TV,” said Producing Artistic Director Vincent Insalaco. “I think there are many people who will remember it. It has all of the songs that were originally written like ‘In my Own Little Corner’, ‘A Lovely Night’, ‘The Prince is Giving a Ball’, ‘Ten Minutes Ago’, and ‘Loneliness of Evening’ (written for 1965). Cinderella teaches us all how to behave in a world where kindness is rewarded and selfishness shouldn’t be.”
Playing Cinderella is Kristen Phantazia Smith and Caleb Allen stars as the Prince.
Other cast members include Katie Eisenhower as Stepmother, Kyra Hatley as Portia, Amelia Miligore as Joy, Emily Swenskie as Godmother, D.C. Miles as King Maximillian, Leslie Heister as Queen and Steven Jones as the Herald. Cinderella is directed by Insalaco, Jamie Stewart is vocal and assistant director, Shelly Hall is costumer, stage manager is Kaye Knight and Sara Cooke is technical director. Our choreographer is Brian Earles and music direction by Julie Cheek.
For group sales, call Sydney Wolfe or John Broadwater at 501-353-1443.
Lanterns light next week
Next week, Lanterns debuts at Wildwood Center for the Arts in rural west Little Rock.
It is Wildwood’s biggest event and features food, drinks and entertainment from around the world.
The featured vistas this year include:
China
Fairytale Forest
France
Jamaica
Las Vegas
Scotland
Ukraine
Lanterns starts Thursday, April 20 and runs through Saturday, April 22.
Online tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children and teens, 5 to 17, and those 5 and under are free.
Tickets at the gate can also be purchased but will be $15 for adults, while children will remain at $5 and those 5 and under will still be free.
On Thursday and Saturday, gates open at 5:30 p.m with vistas starting at 6 p.m. and the festival ends at 10 p.m.
Saturday, gates and vistas open at 4 p.m. with close being at 10 p.m.
Cash and cards will not be accepted by vendors with purchases being made with Wildbucks, the festival’s currency for those three days. They’re a one to one transaction with $1 buying 1 Wildbuck. Stations across the park will be accepting cash or card payments to buy the Wildbucks.
What if It Rains? Wildwood may not be able to control the weather, but there is a rain plan! If any day of the festival is rained out, we will extend the festival an additional day to Sunday, April 23. Tickets from any day that was rained out will be honored on this day.
Parking
No parking inside the park – pedestrians only
Overflow Parking on Denny Road
The Promenade Shopping Center: A Complimentary Shuttle will run all evening between The Promenade and Wildwood Park for the Arts. The Promenade pick up/drop off point is behind the store Altered State. The Wildwood pick up/drop off point will be near the Main Gate.
Sports
Baseball at Dickey-Stephens this week
Home series against Springfield
Today, 6:35 p.m.
$3 Thursday: Enjoy $3 Beer Garden Tickets and Concessions deals, including Hot Dogs, Soft Drinks, Red Bull, Cotton Candy, and a Select Canned Beer & Seltzer! | Presented By Red Bull
Noche de Diamantes: The Travs will take the field as the Diamantes de Arkansas in salute of Hispanic Heritage! | Presented By Modelo Especial
Magnet Schedule Giveaway, Presented By Midtown Billiards | First 1,000 Fans (one item per person)
Friday, 7:05 p.m.
Magnet Schedule Giveaway, Presented By Midtown Billiards | First 1,000 Fans (one item per person)
Fireworks, Presented By CHI St. Vincent
Saturday, 7:05 p.m.
Marvel's Defenders of the Diamond Night & Jersey Auction
Kids Run the Bases, Presented By Museum of Discovery
Sunday, 1:35 p.m.
Operation: Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID, and only available at theBox Office. | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
Family Sunday: Get $2 General Admission tickets by presenting a physical or digital church bulletin and only available at the Box Office.
Kids Run the Bases. Presented By Museum of Discovery
Road Trip, April 18 - 23: At Frisco
Six-game home series with Tulsa
Tuesday, April 25, 11:05 a.m.
School Day. Presented By Mathnasium
Treasure Hunt Tuesday, Presented By Arkansas Auditor of State
Wednesday, April 26, 6:35 p.m.
Dog Days of Summer: Human fans can get $3 Berm tickets by bringing their dog to the game and only available at the Box Office. NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the Berm areas | Presented By Moix RV Supercenter
Thursday, April 27, 6:35 p.m.
$3 Thursday: Enjoy $3 Beer Garden Tickets and Concessions deals, including Hot Dogs, Soft Drinks, Red Bull, Cotton Candy, and a Select Canned Beer & Seltzer! | Presented By Red Bull
Friday, April 28, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks. Presented By Travel Nurse Across America
Saturday, April 29, 7:05 p.m.
Dizzy's Birthday Bash: Join us in celebrating everyone's favorite ballpark pup! (NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the grass Berm areas)
Kids Run the Bases. Presented By Museum of Discovery
Sunday, April 30, 1:35 p.m.
Pre-Game Brunch Buffet: Get a special Brunch ticket that comes with a Field Reserved seat! Buffet will include select breakfast foods, juice, coffee, and soft drinks. (Alcohol will be available for purchase separately.) Food will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Presented By Picnic Brunch
Kids Baseball Clinic: Kids 13 and under are invited to join Travs players on field for a baseball clinic starting at noon! | Presented By Hog Wash
Kids Run the Bases. Presented By Museum of Discovery
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
Family Sunday: Get $2 General Admission tickets by presenting a physical or digital church bulletin and only available at the Box Office.