Profiling LJ Wesley
Friday Night Lights; Fidelity Communications to rebrand as Sparklight; Arkansas Urology to host free prostate screenings plus Travs in town, headlines and more sports
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Meetings: The North Little Rock City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall. The North Little Rock School Board will have a special call meeting and workshop at 5:30 p,m. tonight.
Events: The Maumelle Hornets host defending state champ Parkview this Friday that is a preview of either a playoff game or this year’s state championship. Be there or be square.
Tickets for sale: Tickets are now for sale for this fall’s Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock. To buy tickets, click here. Daily tickets start at $30. Packages will eventually be available as well but not yet.
Maumelle candidate profiles: LJ Wesley
Maumelle will have only one contested race in this November's election, for Ward 1, Pos. 1 on the City Council.
ArkansasNewsroom.com sent a questionnaire to each of the three candidates who have declared and will be running them weekly through September.
The order in which they will run, is the order in which they were submitted.
The Q&A has been lightly edited and formatted for publication.
Sneak peek
Maumelle candidate profiles: Mike Chastain (To be featured on Sept. 12)
Maumelle candidate profiles: Barry Brown (To be featured on Sept. 19)
First up is LJ Wesley, below.
What motivated you to run for City Council?
Having lived in Maumelle since 2006, I’ve found Maumelle to be a safe, family oriented community. I’ve always inquired of the city’s history and plans for the future. I’ve volunteered and served in a number of different capacities around the city and have built some great relationships. After conversations and prayer, I believe this is the season for me to offer my service to my neighbors and community.
>> Have you run for office before?
I’ve never run for public office before, however I’ve always had a willingness to serve in leadership. In high school, my run for leadership started when I ran for student government, having won as secretary and homecoming queen. Most recently, I have run for office and served as treasurer and vice president of my sorority.
>> What have you done in the community to be involved in Maumelle happenings?
I serve as chair of the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce FLEX Group-where we encourage young entrepreneurs to engage in community involvement and business networking.
I’ve volunteered on the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce 2024 Blackout the Boulevard planning committee.
I also serve with the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce in planning the 2023 Christmas Parade and tree lighting.
I am the co-chair of both the Empowering our Families and Building Economic Wealth committees within my local graduate sorority chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
I am and always have been an active volunteer at our son's schools - from making copies for teachers to holding various positions on the Parent-Teacher Fellowship Board, including VP of the High School, Secretary, and Parent Engagement Chairperson.
>> We’re nine-ish weeks out, and what kind of campaign events have you done and what do you have planned?
Heading up to the election, I’ve been able to meet with the Mayor, Fire Chief, Police Chief, and Director of Public Works to educate myself on the important issues the city is facing.
I’ve met with the City Mayor to gain insight and understanding of his thoughts, plans and vision for the city. During this meeting, I learned a lot about Mr. [Caleb] Norris as a person. He took time to explain his vision for the city and several of the current projects the city has in the works.
I've also had the opportunity to have lunch with our Fire Chief, Mr. Beau Buford where he took the time to explain his role and challenges our fire department faces. Mr. Buford also took time to brag on his team and department. I was wowed by the growth and progress our fire department has made. But also incredibly proud
I’m currently in the Maumelle Citizen’s Police Academy. And I’ve been intrigued by the changes the department has made in less than twenty years. Currently under the leadership of our friend, Chief Cory Pickard, the police department has acquired body cams for every officer, maintained and sustained a healthy team of staff and officers.
I’ve also had the opportunity to speak with local developers on their plans for Maumelle to continue to expand and bring potential economic revenue to the city.
Just last week, I met with Mr. Mike Hogan, director of public works. Mike openly and candidly spoke about the staffing challenges his department faces. This brought great concern to me. I know several residents upset and frustrated with grounds care and sanitation services. After meeting with Mr. Hogan, I would encourage supporting our public works department with their staffing and budgeting needs and plan.
I have upcoming plans to meet with the directors of economic development and planning committee.
>> If elected, what are some priorities for you and your ward, and do you have plans to sponsor any legislation in your first few months in office?
The Fire Chief mentioned the low hanging fruit of sales tax producing properties just outside the City's boundaries. TOGETHER we discussed creating an annexation committee filled with City officials and Maumelle Partners like Holloway Engineering and the Chamber Director to ensure we are realizing our full potential.
I talked with the Public Works Director about possibly outsourcing recycling to Waste Management. Given their chronic staffing issues difficult options such as this one need to be deeply discussed and considered immediately.
Council Member Gronwald has discussed the need for an Economic Development Committee to help the City address its underperforming sales tax revenue. I agree with Mrs. Gronwald and look forward to supporting this initiative. I believe growth numbers are necessary for Maumelle to offer competitive opportunities and secure economic stability.
>> You’re running for Steve Mosley’s seat and did you agree or disagree with his approach to service on the city council?
I have attended and watched Council meetings for a while now. Council Member Mosley is to be commended for his passionate service on the Council. I admire his willingness to challenge the status quo on many issues and to ensure the public was well informed on every issue. It was clear that he worked hard and took the position seriously.
>> As you’ve been out on the campaign trail, what are some of the complaints or concerns you’ve heard from your ward?
I am just now starting to canvass but many residents are concerned about economic development. Not only do they want more retail options but the benefits from the sales tax revenue as well. Some are worried about traffic management on White Oak Crossing as this area continues to grow fast. I am excited to meet with the City Planner to learn of the City's plan to manage this traffic in the future.
>> Anything else you’d like to add?
As the granddaughter, daughter, niece and wife of pastors, I’ve grown to know that we are called to serve one another. As a registered nurse, I have been trained to care for others. As the mother of two boys, I’ve learned to place their needs before my own. And as the Maumelle Ward 1 Council Member, I will speak up and advocate for my neighbors.
Fidelity Communications to rebrand as Sparklight
Fidelity Communications, a company that serves Maumelle and the surrounding area, will be rebranding as Sparklight.
It is just the name that will be changing and Sparklight will remain part of Cable One, the company that purchased Fidelity in 2019.
“The Sparklight brand reflects our dedication to delivering fast and reliable high-speed internet that meets the evolving needs of our customers and communities,” said Cable One President and CEO Julie Laulis in a press release. “We combine cutting-edge technology with the personalized customer experience you would expect from a neighbor. Whether they are working, learning, gaming or streaming from home, we are committed to providing our customers with a best-in-class experience.”
Over the past three years, the company has invested more than $1 billion in building a robust and reliable network with the power and capacity to support customers today and in the future. This investment lays the groundwork for 10 Gigabit (10G) speeds and ushers in a new era of innovation that will further enrich the lives of customers and contribute to the economic development of the communities it serves.
The transition to Sparklighhas already begun and will continue through the remainder of the year. Customers will receive ongoing communications through the end of the year to ensure a seamless transition.
“We are excited to welcome our Fidelity customers to the Sparklight brand,” Laulis said. “We’re honored to serve the cities and towns our associates call home and are always working to connect our customers to the things they care most about, including family, work, entertainment and community.”
Learn more about Fidelity’s rebrand to Sparklight at fidelitycommunications.com/Sparklight.
Arkansas Urology to host free prostate screenings this month
The Arkansas Urology Foundation will host a series of free prostate cancer screening events during September as part of Arkansas Urology's 20th annual Kickoff to Men's Health. These free men’s health screenings started Tuesday and will continue through Friday at 801 S. Bowman Road, Suite 4, in Little Rock.
The screenings start at 7 a.m. and continue through 9:30 a.m.
These events offer men the opportunity to receive a potentially life-saving prostate cancer screening at no cost. Each screening includes a blood test for Prostate Specific Antigen and a combination PSA-DRE prostate exam.
“In the 20 years of Kickoff to Men’s Health events, we have been able to make a real difference in people’s lives, and that’s something we don’t take lightly,” said Chris Shenep, director of the Arkansas Urology Foundation. “Arkansas Urology remains just as steadfast in its mission as it always has been, and we’re proud to serve our communities once again this year with these free screening events.”
Each of the other events will be from 4-7 p.m. Dates and locations are as follows:
Sept. 12 - Bentonville, Arkansas Urology, 400 SE Macy Rd Ste. #18, Bentonville
Sept. 16 - El Dorado, Arkansas Urology, 619 N. Newton Ave., El Dorado
Sept. 19 - North Little Rock, Arkansas Urology, 4200 Stockton Dr.. North Little Rock
Sept. 26 - Little Rock, Arkansas Urology, 1300 Centerview Dr., Little Rock
In particular, the events are aimed at reaching the uninsured or underinsured, those who shy away from typical screenings due to exam anxiety and individuals at high risk for prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, accounting for around 15 percent of all diagnosed cancer cases in male patients. Each year, approximately 2,000 Arkansans learn they have prostate cancer, and more than 300 will die from the disease. Early detection significantly increases the chance of survival, making it more important than ever for men to prioritize screenings as they age.
For more information or to register for one of the free events across the state, visit ArkansasUrology.com.
Friday Night Lights: Maumelle starts season with win
Maumelle 36, Sylvan Hills 0
Last week: The Hornets took care of business and knocked off county-rival Sylvan Hiils, 36-0, to start the season with a win.
Key to the effort was transfer running back Jacob Henry, who was at CAC last seaso, and rushed for 155 yards andand three touchdowns on 15 carries. Junior quarterback Andrew Bjork picked up where he left off last season and threw for 89 yards and a touchdown on an efficient 5-of-9 night. The Maumelle defense also stepped up in a big way and held Sylvan Hills to just 24 yards of total offense in pitching a shutout.
This week: No. 1 Little Rock Parkview travels to No. 7 Maumelle in a Class 5A showdown. Get there early. It should be a huge crowd.
Records: Maumelle 1-0, Parkview 1-0
Maumelle schedule
Aug. 31`: ... Maumelle 36, Sylvan Hills 0
Friday … vs. Parkview
Friday, Sept. 13 ... at Vilonia
Friday, Sept. 20 … Bye week
Friday, Sept. 27 ... at Beebe
Friday, Oct. 4 ...at Pine Bluff
Thursday, Oct 10 … ... vs. Watson Chapel
Friday, Oct. 18 ... at Jacksonville
Friday, Oct. 25 …. ... vs. White Hall
Friday, Nov. 1 ... at Searcy
Thursday, Nov. 7 … ... vs. Robinson
Friday, Nov. 15 … First round of playoffs
For the online roster, click here.
Rogers 43, North Little Rock 0
Last week: The 'Cats were shutout at home last Friday night by Rogers. The Mounties scored points on offense, defense and special teams last week in the win.
This week: North Little Rock has the week off.
Records: North Little Rock 0-1
North Little Rock schedule
Aug. 31... Rogers 43, North Little Rock 0
Friday… Bye
Friday, Sept. 13 ... at Benton
Friday, Sept. 20 ... at Catholic (War Memorial Stadium)
Friday, Sept. 27 ... vs. Pulaski Academy
Friday, Oct. 4 ... at Conway
Friday, Oct. 11 ... vs. Little Rock Southwest
Friday, Oct. 18 ... at Little Rock Christian Academy
Friday, Oct. 25 ...at Little Rock Central
Friday, Nov. 1 ... vs. Bryant
Friday, Nov. 8 ... vs. Cabot
Friday, Nov. 15 … First round of playoffs
For the online North Little Rock roster, click here.
DeWitt 31, CAC 7
Last week: The Mustangs struggled in the season-opeing road trip to DeWitt and only managed a single touchdown in the loss.
This Week: CAC is unranked and will travel to No. 15 Stuttgart. The Ricebirds handled CAC's conference rival Lonoke in its opener last week
Records: CAC 0-1, Stuttgart 1-0
CAC schedule
Aug. 31 … DeWitt 31, CAC 7
Friday … at Stuttgart
Friday, Sept. 13 ... vs. Harding Academy
Friday, Sept. 20 … Bye
Friday, Sept. 27 ... vs. Heber Springs
Friday, Oct. 4 ... vs. Riverview
Friday, Oct. 11 ... at Hall
Friday, Oct. 18 ... at Lonoke
Friday, Oct. 25 ... at Bald Knob
Friday, Nov. 1 ... vs. Mills
Friday, Nov. 8 ... at Forrest City
Friday, Nov. 15 … First round of playoffs
All games kickoff at 7 p.m. unless noted
Rankings from hootens.com
Sports
ICYMI: Arkansas overwhelms UAPB, 70-0
Travelers set 2025 home schedule
While the penultimate week of the regular season is here and the postseason is still very much a possibility, the Travs announced this week its home schedule for next season.
The team will again play 69 home games with the vast majority of games being the six-game homestands.
Opening Night is Tuesday, April 8, 2025 against the Tulsa Drillers.
The season will open on the road on April4 .
Game times, promotions and giveaways will be announced at a later date.
April 8-13 vs. Tulsa Drillers
April 22-27 vs. Midland RockHounds
May 6-11 vs. Springfield Cardinals
May 27-June 1 vs. San Antonio Missions
June 10-15 vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals
June 17-22 vs. Wichita Wind Surge
July 4-6 vs. Frisco RoughRiders
July 8-13 vs. Tulsa Drillers
July 22-27 vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals
Aug. 5-10 vs. Frisco RoughRiders
Aug. 19-24 vs. San Antonio Missions
Sept. 2-7 vs. Amarillo Sod Poodles
Upcoming Travs games
Opponent - Corpus Christi | Last regular season home stand
Thursday, 6:35 p.m.
$3 Thursday: Enjoy $3 Beer Garden Tickets and Concessions deals, including Hot Dogs, Soft Drinks, Cotton Candy, and a Select Canned Beer & Seltzer!
Friday, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks Friday - Fans' Choice
Saturday, 6:05 p.m.
Cal Raleigh Bobblehead Giveaway: Presented By Hardee's | First 1,000 Fans (one item per person)
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game!
Sunday, 1:35 p.m. | Last regular season home game
Brunch at the Ballpark: Get a special Brunch ticket (**available at a later date**) that comes with a Field Reserved seat! Pre-game 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.
Ticket Offer: 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 (only available at DSP Box Office)
Kids Run the Bases: Kids 13 and under are invited to run the same basepaths the Travs run after the game!
At Northwest Arkansas - Sept. 10 - Sept. 15: End of regular reason
Playoffs
Pandemic deaths unknown
The state Department of Health again didn’t have a Covid report available for this week and numbers for the year haven’t been updated for a couple of months now. The state’s dashboard has previously said there’s been 294 Covid-related deaths in 2024 but even that data was no longer available as the dashboard has appeared to been wiped clean as of Wednesday night. The virus has now killed 13,938 Arkansans since the pandemic began four years ago. 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