Runoff draws near
Wesley to face Brown for Ward 1 seat in Maumelle; Upcoming events; Maumelle faces Parkview in football playoffs; A Christmas Story opens soon plus sports and headlines
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MEETINGS: The North Little Rock City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall. There is no Maumelle Planning Commission meeting this month as it was canceled due to the holiday.
EVENTS: The White Oak Bayou Wetlands Conservancy has postponed its tree replanting in the tornado damaged Burns Park. The organization has not yet set a new date. For more information, or to register as a volunteer, go to www.whiteoakbayou.com.
THANKSGIVING: The Thanksgiving holiday is next Thursday and the various government offices will be closed then and Friday. The two-day holiday means trash and recycling would be picked up on Saturday. Maybe. Seems like a choose your own adventure in regards to when it will actually be picked up, so could also be Monday. Or maybe the recycling won’t be picked up at all and will wait until the next time. Also, don’t throw out that turkey carcass! Use it to make broth for leftover soup. (Hattip, as always, to Michael Dukakis!)
Runoff draws near
Like sands through the hourglass, so are elections of our lives as counting and voting are still not done in this never-ending year.
First, the results from the General Election were certified on Tuesday night at the Pulaski County Election Commission and Maumelle Ward 1, Pos. 1 race saw more ballots cast as LJ Wesley and Barry Brown each gained four more votes.
Brown's count increased to 687, or 24.7 percent, while Wesley finished with 1,176 of 42.29 percent. It doesn't change the fact that there will be a runoff on Tuesday, Dec. 3 as the margin is still under 20 percent,
Michael Chastain's tally didn't change and he finished with 591 votes or 21.25 percent.
Chastain told ArkansasNewsroom.com that he endorsed Brown in the runoff race against Wesley and that he "Was surprised by razor-thin margin" but found the whole process educational.
A former POA head, this was Chastain's first foray into electoral politics.
Runoff elections are all about turnout as the vote counts tend to be low, especially in a single run-off that Maumelle will be having.
For comparison's sake, North Little Rock has many runoff elections, mostly in Ward 3 and for Mayor, but in 1994, Murry Witcher defeated Steve Goss, 31-26 in a Ward 4 race. Also, it is really important to vote for yourself as in one runoff election for Mayor in Alexander, the winning candidate won 31-0, meaning his own opponent either didn't vote, or voted for the winner.
"I’ve already hit the ground running," Wesley said of her runoff strategy. "I plan on continuing to stay in contact with my supporters, and encouraging them to return to the polls."
Wesley said her focus would continue to be "family, community, public safety and transparency" and "my only agenda is to serve people and help solve problems. I hope to keep my neighbors engaged and encouraged through this Runoff Election and Holiday season."
She added that she'll, "continue with community events, visibility, advertising, social media campaigning and direct voter contacts."
Brown was a bit wordier in response to ArkansasNewsroom.com’s questions. His responses, lightly edited and formatted for publication are below.
How do you plan to approach campaigning on the short schedule that is a runoff?
My campaign for the runoff election will continue as it has since the beginning. This is by relying on my family, friends, neighbors, and mentors to work hard and focus on getting my message out to the voters in Ward 1. We will continue to meet with as many voters as possible in the time we have. This means attending community events, knocking on doors, and having meaningful conversations with residents to ensure they are confident about my performing the job of Maumelle City Council member. We will also leverage digital platforms and social media to continue to share my vision for Maumelle and connect with voters who may not be able to meet in person. Most importantly, I'll continue emphasizing the core values of my campaign: safety first, thoughtful development, and fiscal responsibility-always.
Are there any areas, in terms of campaign issues, that you plan to focus on?
Yes, my focus remains on the key issues that matter most to Maumelle residents: Safety First, Thoughtful Development, and Fiscal Responsibility-Always. Safety is always a priority, ensuring our police and fire departments are well-supported and prepared for the city's needs. Thoughtful development means advocating for balanced growth that aligns with our community's character and opposing overreliance on high-density housing. Fiscal responsibility involves making smart financial decisions to keep Maumelle thriving without over-burdening taxpayers. These issues are the foundation of my campaign and will continue to be my focus throughout the runoff election.
Winning a runoff is all about turnout. How do you plan to get your voters out either early, or on the runoff Election Day?
Getting voters to the polls is critical, and we plan to focus on grassroots efforts to make it happen. We will personally reach out to as many supporters as possible, reminding them of the importance of their vote in this runoff election. My team will also use phone calls, emails, and social media to keep voters informed about early voting and Election Day details. This runoff is about showing up, and we’ll do everything we can to motivate and mobilize our supporters to make their voices heard.
Anything else you'd like to add?
The decision to vote is left to my fellow residents of Ward 1. Remember…...Your Vote, Your Voice, Your Maumelle. Vote Barry Brown.
Early voting information
Early voting will be Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, with Monday, Dec. 2 to follow. Early voting will be held at the Jess Odom Community Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. those three days. The Election Commission said that no voting will be held Thursday and Friday due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Early voting can also be done at the Election Commission building in downtown Little Rock, if that’s more convenient for voters.
Election Day voting information
Election Day for the Maumelle Ward 1, Pos. 1 race will be Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Polling location are:
5 - Hampton Inn of Maumelle, 11920 Maumelle Boulevard, Maumelle
6- Jess Odom Community Center, 1100 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle
Upcoming events
Now through the leaves get sucked up
North Little Rock leaf collection, as promised, has begun, and for more details check out the flier above.
Now through Dec. 13
The Methodist Family Health Christmas site is open and one of the best ways to help those in need this holiday season. I promise giving will make you feel great. For more, click the graphic above.
Christmas Story the Musical coming to North Little Rock
The Argenta Contemporary Theater will be having performances of its up-coming production of the holiday favorite A Christmas Story the Musical. This classic tale with book by Joseph Robinette and music and lyrics by Benji Pasek and Justin Paul is based on the movie classic that runs round-the-clock on TV every Christmas.
A Christmas Story the Musical is directed by Anna Kimmell of Asheville, North Carolina making her debut at ACT with music direction by Leann Jones. The show features Jaydon Clark as Ralphie, Craig Wilson as Old Man, Michele May Clark as Mother, Pate Wilson as Randy and Chris Flowers as Jean along with a talented cast of 20 other central Arkansas performers.
Performances start on Dec, 4 and run through Dec. 22 and includes three student matinees sponsored by Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Janna Knight & Blackberry Market. Evening performances begin at 7 p.m. and the Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $10-$88 and are available at argentacontemporarytheatre.org.
A Christmas Story the Musical is sponsored by Karla and Will Feland, The City of North Little Rock, The Tenenbaum Foundation, Legacy Termite & Pest Control, The Arkansas Arts Council, North Little Rock Tourism and The Insalaco Family. The VIP Balcony is sponsored by Gwatney Chevrolet and Colonial Wine & Spirits.
Sports
Friday Night Playoff Lights: Maumelle gets rematch against Parkview
Maumelle 10, Greenbrier 9
Last week: Sometimes being good is also being lucky and Maumelle was a little bit of both in beating Greenbrier in the first round of the playoffs, 10-9. Greenbrier scored first but then missed what turned out to be a game-deciding extra point. a two-point fire drill. The the Hornets responded with a 32-yard field goal by Cooper Forest, then Tari Ransom caught a 10-yard pass from Levi Warrior, followed by a Forest PAT. Greenbrier got a 25 yard field goal with 6:39 remaining in the third quarter to set the final margin. Maumelle had 310 yards of total offense in the win, while holding Greenbrier to just 156.
This week: Rematch time in the quarterfinals as Maumelle will face Little Rock Parkview in a game that will be played at J.A. Fair High School's stadium, behind the movie theater and the plentiful car dealerships. While Fair has been closed for a number of years, the Little Rock School District has maintained the top-notch athletic facilities there and have used the football stadium for junior high games, as well as the occasional high school game. Parkview typically plays at War Memorial Stadium, but it will be in use Friday as Catholic has a playoff game. Parkview offered to play the game there on Thursday night, as they did last season when they opened the playoffs against Alma, but Maumelle declined. This will be the second time the two teams have played this season with Parkview winning the Sept. 6 game, 51-6. Winner of this game would face the winner of Valley View-Morrilton in some Black Friday football action.
Records: Maumelle - 7-4, Parkview - 10-1
Playoff picture
Morrilton at Valley View
Little Rock Parkview - Maumelle (At J.A. Fair)
Hot Springs Lakeside at Joe T. Robinson
Camden Fairview at Farmington
Maumelle schedule
Aug. 31`: ... Maumelle 36, Sylvan Hills 0
Sept. 6 … Parkview 51, Maumelle 6
Sept. 13 … Maumelle 32, Vilonia 21
Sept. 20 … Bye week
Sept. 27 ... Beebe 22, Maumelle 0
Oct. 4 ...Maumelle 21, Pine Bluff 18
Oct 10 … Maumelle 50, Watson Chapel 12
Oct. 18 ... Maumelle 17, Jacksonville 0
Oct. 25 … Maumelle 55, White Hall 0
Nov. 1 ... Maumelle 24, Searcy 23 - OT
Nov. 7 … Robinson 37, Maumelle 15
Nov. 15 … First round of playoffs - Maumelle 10, Greenbrier 9
Friday, Nov. 22 … Second round of playoffs - Maumelle vs. Little Rock Parkview (At J.A. Fair)
For the online roster, click here.
Warren 35, CAC 13
Last week: All in all, given what CAC lost from last season, making the first round of the playoffs was a better than expected result. There's no shame in losing to perennial powerhouse Warren either. And. more importantly, the Mustangs kept respectable in the 35-13 loss.
This week: Football season is over. See ya'll at Coach Q Court.
Records: CAC - 3-8
CAC schedule
Aug. 31 … DeWitt 31, CAC 7
Sept. 6… Stuttgart 41, CAC 7
Sept. 13 ... vs. Harding Academy 53, CAC 20
Sept. 20 … Bye
Sept. 27 ... Heber Springs 31, CAC 29
Oct. 4 ... CAC 42, Riverview 14
Oct. 11 ... CAC 35, Little Rock Hall 28
Oct. 18 ... Lonoke 39, CAC 0
Oct. 25 ... CAC 49, Bald Knob 14
Nov. 1 ... Mills 49, CAC 7
Nov. 8 ... Forrest City 36, CAC 14
Nov. 15 … First round of playoffs: Warren 35, CAC 13
All games kickoff at 7 p.m. unless noted
Rankings from hootens.com
Saturday's SEC schedule
Ole Miss (8-2, 4-2 SEC) at Florida (5-5, 3-4 SEC): 11 a.m. • ABC; SiriusXM: 81 - 106/190
UMass (2-8) at Georgia (8-2, 6-2 SEC):11:45 a.m. • SEC Network; SiriusXM: 374
UTEP (2-8) at Tennessee (8-2, 5-2 SEC): Noon • SEC+ / ESPN+; SiriusXM: 119/191
Kentucky (4-6, 1-6 SEC) at Texas (9-1, 5-1 SEC): 2:30 p.m. • ABC;SiriusXM: 106/190 – 81
Wofford (5-6) at South Carolina (7-3, 5-3 SEC): 3 p.m. • SEC+ / ESPN+; SiriusXM: 111/192
Louisiana Tech (4-6) at Arkansas (5-5, 3-4 SEC): 3 p.m. • SEC+ / ESPN+;SiriusXM: 108/202
Preview: https://www.secsports.com/scores/football?start_date=2023-08-25&end_date=2024-01-08
Missouri (7-3, 3-3 SEC) at Mississippi State (2-8, 0-6 SEC): 3:15 p.m. • SEC Network; SiriusXM: 119/191
Texas A&M (8-2, 5-1 SEC) at Auburn (4-6 1-5 SEC): 6:30 p.m. • ESPN; SiriusXM: 111/192 – 381
Alabama (8-2, 4-2 SEC) at Oklahoma (5-5, 1-5 SEC): 6:30 p.m. • ABC; SiriusXM: 84 - 106/190
Vanderbilt (6-4, 3-3 SEC) at LSU (6-4, 3-3 SEC): 6:45 p.m • SEC Network; SiriusXM: 374 - 119/191
Pandemic deaths remain unchanged
The state Department of Health updated the state’s dashboard this week, but still shows 409 deaths for the year. The virus has now killed 14,053 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
The early voting times are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Confirmed with Pulaski County Election Department.