Save the Hub: North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce steps up
Maumelle budget meetings continue; Domestic violence shelter gets grant for pets; high school state championship games start tonight plus sports and headlines
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MEETINGS: A special call meeting of the North Little Rock School Board will be at 5:30 p.m. tonight and will also include a workshop. The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed on the district’s YouTube page. The North Little Rock City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall. The North Little Rock A&P Commission will meet Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 600 Main St. in downtown North Little Rock.
EVENTS: The state capitol lighting ceremony is this Saturday. The event is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. and there’s also high school football state championships starting tonight and running through Saturday. For more, keep scrolling. I had also planned to write an advance on the Arkansas-Fresno State game this Saturday at Simmons Bank Arena, but I promised my wife I wouldn’t watch the Hogs game against Louisville on Wednesday as she was at choir practice, so I have no idea what happened. But, if you want carolers to come to your house on Saturday, Dec. 14, I know someone who could make that happen. Just let me know.
Save the Hub: North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce steps up
North Little Rock’s Laman Library recently announced that they would be closing the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub at the end of the year but the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce wants to keep that from happening.
The chamber, along with a group of local leaders, announced this week they were banding together to save the Hub from closure, or at least try with an advisory committee.
“The Innovation Hub has long been an engine for talent development and creative entrepreneurship in central Arkansas, which will connect perfectly with the North Little Rock Chamber business community,” said Chamber president and CEO Derrell Hartwick. “Our commitment is to strengthen that engine by expanding pathways for innovation, workforce skills, and economic growth.”
The hub first opened in 2014 and millions of dollars have been spent on the building as well as stocking it with top of the line equipment, something Hartwick noted, which is why the committee has asked for those assets to be transferred – equipment, tools and educational resources – to the relaunch effort.
“These assets were funded and built for public benefit,” he said. “Transferring them ensures uninterrupted access for the thousands of students, creators, and entrepreneurs who depend on the Hub’s resources.”
The Chamber also said it was working with Winrock International,the building’s owner, on the relaunch effort.
“This building represents a significant community investment, and its purpose is bigger than any single organization,” Hartwick said. “Our goal is to preserve that investment and ensure this facility continues to serve the people, businesses, and students who built its legacy.”
Crystal Gates, the chief librarian, said in late November that the system was looking at, “ moving equipment to other Library locations for free public use, partnering with other makerspaces, schools, and libraries, and even working with a potential buyer who may continue programming.”
The library board met on Monday but the Chamber’s proposal wasn’t on the online agenda. The next meeting of the North Little Rock City Council, the body that would ultimately make the decision, is Monday and nothing is on that agenda either.
The next Council meeting would be Monday, Dec. 22
For more information or to donate to the effort, click here.
Maumelle to continue budget meetings
The City of Maumelle has already started a series of budget meetings to discuss and plan for the 2026 General Budget. These meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube page.
All budget meetings will start at 6 p,m. And be held in the Blue Room at City Hall.
For more information, call City Hall at 501-851-2500.
Budget timeline
• Today: Budget Meeting No. 2
• Thursday, Dec. 11: Budget Meeting No. 3
• Sunday, Dec.14: If necessary, Budget Meeting No. 4
• Monday, Dec. 15: City Council approval at Regular City Council Meeting
Calipari to kick off tip-off event
Arkansas coach John Calipari will be in town this week for basketball on Saturdya but on Friday, Dec. 5, he’sll North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Tip-Off Event.
It will start at 3 p.m. at the Chamber’s building in downtown North Little Rock. This is in advance of the Arkansas Razorbacks facing Fresno State the next day at Simmons Bank Arena.
Tickets are now available at www.nlrchamber.org. Seating is limited, with ticket prices set at $30 for Chamber members and $40 for non-members.
Women and Children First: The Center Against Family Violence gets grant
Pulaski County’s Women and Children First: The Center Against Family Violence recently received a Purple Leash Grant from Purina and RedRover, a non-profit that helps animals in crisis.
The grant was one of several awarded around the U.S. for domestic violence shelters nationwide.
The goal of the grant is, “to ensure domestic violence survivors never have to choose between their own safety and the safety of their pets.”
The program began in 2019 and more than 60 grants have been given around the country.
The $60,000 grant to Women and Children First: The Center Against Family Violence will be used to build a new Safe Paws kennel with a grooming station and secure outdoor play area for survivors.
Other grants include:
International Women’s House in DeKalb County, Georgia, received a $24,200 grant to create two secure outdoor pet play areas.
Mountain Comprehensive Care Center in Floyd County, Kentucky, received a $26,360 grant to construct a secure outdoor pet play area for survivors staying in the shelter.
YWCA of Greater Cincinnati in Hamilton County, Ohio, received two grants – one for $60,000 and one for $55,000 – to renovate existing shelter rooms to become pet-friendly, create two pet-relief yards with privacy fencing, add indoor and outdoor enrichment activities, build waste stations and provide supplies.
One Safe Place in Tarrant County, Texas, received a $60,000 grant to build a secure pet relief area, veterinary exam space and provide pet supplies.
New Horizons Crisis Center in Sevier County, Utah, received a $60,000 grant to create indoor and outdoor covered sheltering spaces and equip the shelter with essential pet care items.
“As pet lovers, we know the bond between people and pets is a powerful source of strength, especially in moments of crisis,” said Nina Leigh Krueger, Purina CEO in a press release. “Through the Purple Leash Project, we’re working to ensure that survivors can begin their healing journey with the support of their pets by their side. We’ve made great strides so far, but there’s still more to do, and we remain committed to finding new ways to create even more safe nights for survivors and their pets.”
For more, go online to shop.PurpleLeashProject.com, where 100 percent of every purchase is a donation to RedRover to help keep abuse survivors together with their pets.
I was made to listen to this and, if you dare, so should you. It is weird.
Arkansas PBS to livestream state capitol lighting ceremony, Sounds of the Season
Arkansas PBS, as part of its Arkansas Live initiative, will livestream the 2025 Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony Saturday, Dec. 6, starting at 5:30 p.m. and Sounds of the Season Children’s Choir performances Dec. 8 through 19, starting at 9 a.m. each day, at myarpbs.org/arkansaslive.
This year marks the 87th Anniversary of the Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony and Secretary of State Cole Jester will lead this year’s festivities.
Beginning Dec. 8 through 19, Arkansas PBS will feature the Sounds of the Season Children’s Choir performances starting at 9 a.m. each day, showcasing students from across the state as part of the Capitol celebration.
For full livestream details, visit myarpbs.org/arkansaslive.
Christmas North of the River
The Ice Skating Rink at Lakewood is now open through Jan. 4 at 4500 Lakeshore Drive
On Saturday, Dec. 6, Simmons Bank Arena will host the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team when they face Fresno State at 3 p.m. Tickets are still available through TicketMaster among other ticket brokers.
The North Little Rock Christmas Parade is Sunday, Dec. 14 and will start at 2:30 p.m.
Click here to sign-up or for more information. For more information on all the exciting things happening in North Little Rock this holiday season, visit: https://northlittlerock.org/holidays/
A Very Merry Maumelle (Key dates)
Ongoing
The Whimsical Trail opens at Lake Willastein Park and features a lighted trail around the lake starting at dark:30 daily.
A Very Merry Maumelle holiday display competition has also started and open to all non-grinches. If your first name is Clark, and you have an elaborate Christmas display at your home, I will personally give you a cash prize. If there’s multiple Clarks, it will be a random draw. Let’s not get crazy here, this place isn’t made of money.
The city will also start a holiday stock the pantries drive.
Friday, Dec. 5
Christmas in the Park at Lake Willastein will feature the city’s tree lighting and the event is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. with the tree lighting near the scheduled conclusion at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6
The Maumelle Lions Club will again stage Breakfast with Santa at the Jess Odom Community Center. It is scheduled to start at 8 a.m.
The city’s annual Christmas parade is that evening starting at 5 p.m. The theme this year is “Reindeer Games” and to sign up for the parade, click here.
Spreading Christmas Joy
The annual Christmas at Methodist Family Health is underway and for more information click the logo above or here.
The site will give you a child’s wish list, along with the ability to purchase individual items as well as donate to the “Share the Light” Christmas campaign.
Sports
High school state championships kick off tonight
High school football state championship games begin tonight and Arkansas PBS will be there broadcasting the games live from Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium
The Arkansas PBS effort with high school sports was recently noted on HBO’s Last Week Tonight, the comedy news program hosted by John Oliver.
The games will be broadcast live and will also be available at myarpbs.org/live.
This week’s games are
8-Man - Cedar Ridge vs. Woodlawn, Thursday, at 7 p.m.
2A - East Poinsett County vs. Cross County, Friday, at noon.
7A - Bentonville vs. Bryant, Friday, at 6:30 p.m.
5A - Robinson vs. Hot Springs Lakeside, Saturday, at noon.
6A - Greenwood vs. Shiloh Christian, Saturday, at 6:30 p.m.
Class 3A and 4A games will be next week as those classifications are still in the semifinals.
Stats from the football championship games will be available at aaafootball.gamedaypreps.com.
Funding is provided by the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, UAMS, Image One, the University of Central Arkansas and Winrock Automotive.
Arkansas PBS also recognizes AAA’s sponsors for the state high school football finals, including Centennial Bank, Arkansas Farm Bureau, Everett Buick GMC and Summerwood Sports.
SEC Championship game
Georgia vs. Alabama
3:15 p.m., Saturday, Atlanta, ABC/SiriusXM: The National/Learfield IMG broadcast is available on Sirius 84. The Georgia broadcast is available on channel 106 on Sirius and XM 190, while the Alabama broadcast is available on channel 162on Sirius and XM 191.
Georgia (11-1, 7-1 SEC) is the #2 Seed and the visiting team. Alabama (10-2, 7-1 SEC) is the No. 1 Seed and the home team. Georgia comes into the game as the No. 3-ranked team in the nation in the Associated Press, USA Today Coaches polls and in the College Football Playoff. Alabama is the No. 10-ranked team in the nation by the Associated Press/USA Today Coaches polls and No. 9 in the College Football Playoff. It seems likely, regardless of the outcome, that both teams will make the College Football Playoffs later this month.
Live Statistics/Matchup/Preview: https://www.secsports.com/scores/football
Basketball schedules
Maumelle Charter
Boys
Today ... vs ... Malvern ... 8 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 5 ... vs ... Centerpoint ... 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 9 ... at ... Riverview ... 8 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 12 ... at ... Bald Knob ... 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 16 ... vs ... Pangburn ... 8 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 18 ... vs ... Harding Academy ... 8 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 19 ... at ... Wynne ... 2 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 22 ... at ... Ouachita ... 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 6 ... at ... Episcopal ... 8 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 9 ... at ... Lisa Academy North ... 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 13 ... at ... Rose Bud ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 16 ... vs ... Riverview ... 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 ... vs ... Bald Knob ... 5 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 23 ... at ... Pangburn ... 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 ... at ... Harding Academy ... 8 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 30 ... vs ... Episcopal ... 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 ... vs ... Lisa Academy North ... 8 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 6 ... vs ... Rose Bud ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 10 ... vs ... St. Joseph ... 7 p.m.
Girls
Friday, Dec. 5 ... vs ... Centerpoint ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 9 ... at ... Riverview ... 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 11 ... at ... Heber Springs ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 12 ... at ... Bald Knob ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 16 ... vs ... Pangburn ... 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 18 ... vs ... Harding Academy ... 7 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 22 ... at ... Ouachita ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 6 ... at ... Episcopal ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 13 ... at ... Rose Bud ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 16 ... vs ... Riverview ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 ... vs ... Bald Knob ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 23 ... at ... Pangburn ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 ... at ... Harding Academy ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 30 ... vs ... Episcopal ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 6 ... vs ... Rose Bud ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 10 ... vs ... St. Joseph ... 7 p.m.
Maumelle
Boys
Friday, Dec. 12 ... at ... Beebe ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 16 ... at ... Conway ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 19 ... vs ... Parkview ... 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20 ... vs ... North Little Rock ... 11 a.m
Friday, Jan. 2 ... at ... Morrilton ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 6 ... vs ... Jacksonville ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 13 ... at ... Sylvan Hills ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 16 ... at ... Greenbrier ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 ... vs ... Little Rock Christian Academy ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 23 ... at ... Vilonia ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 ... at ... Catholic ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 30 ... at ... Beebe ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 ... at ... Parkview ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 6 ... at ... Jacksonville ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 13 ... vs ... Sylvan Hills ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 17 ... vs ... Greenbrier ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 20 ... at ... Little Rock Christian Academy ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 24 ... vs ... Vilonia ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 27 ... vs ... Catholic ... 7 p.m.
Girls
Friday, Dec. 12 ... at ... Beebe ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 19 ... vs ... Parkview ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 2 ... at ... Morrilton ... 2 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 6 ... vs ... Jacksonville ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 13 ... at ... Sylvan Hills ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 16 ... at ... Greenbrier ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 ... vs ... Little Rock Christian Academy ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 23 ... at ... Vilonia ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 ... at ... Mount St. Mary Academy ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 30 ... vs ... Beebe ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 ... at ... Parkview ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 6 ... at ... Jacksonville ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 13 ... vs ... Sylvan Hills ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 17 ... vs ... Greenbrier ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 20 ... at ... Little Rock Christian Academy ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 24 ... vs ... Vilonia ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 27 ... vs ... Mount St. Mary Academy ... 6 p.m.
CAC
Boys
Friday, Dec. 5 ... at ... Bigelow ... 7 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 8 ... at ... Dardanelle ... 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 11 ... vs ... Beebe ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 19 ... at ... Lonoke ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 30 ... vs ... Catholic ... 5:15 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 6 ... vs ... Lisa Academy West ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 16 ... vs ... Morrilton ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 ... vs ... Robinson ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 ... at ... Heber Springs ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 30 ... at ... Lisa Academy West ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 10 ... at ... Morrilton ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 13 ... at ... Robinson ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 20 ... vs ... Heber Springs ... 7 p.m.
Girls
Today ... vs ... Pulaski County HomeSchool ... 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 5 ... vs ... St. Joseph ... 7 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 8 ... at ... Dardanelle ... 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 11 ... vs ... Quitman ... 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 12 ... vs ... White County Central ... 6:15 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 19 ... at ... Lonoke ... 6:30 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 5 ... at ... Mt. Vernon-Enola ... 6 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 8 ... vs ... South Side ... 7 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 12 ... at ... Faulkner County HomeSchool ... 7 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 15 ... vs ... St. Joseph ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 16 ... at ... Morrilton ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 ... vs ... Robinson ... 5 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 23 ... at ... White County Central ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 ... at ... Quitman ... 7 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 29 ... at ... South Side ... 7 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 2 ... vs ... Mt. Vernon-Enola ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 6 ... vs ... Bigelow ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 10 ... vs ... Conway Christian ... 5 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 13 ... vs ... Robinson ... 5 p.m.
North Little Rock
Boys
Saturday, Dec. 13 ... vs ... Benton ... 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 19 ... vs ... Fayetteville ... 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20 ... vs ... Maumelle ... 11 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 6 ... at ... Conway ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 6 ... vs ... Central ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 9 ... vs ... Conway ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 13 ... at ... Little Rock Southwest ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 16 ... vs ... Jonesboro ... 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 ... at ... Bryant ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 30 ... at ... Cabot ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 ... at ... Central ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 6 ... at ... Conway ... 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 10 ... vs ... Little Rock Southwest ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 13 ... at ... Jonesboro ... 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 24 ... vs ... Bryant ... 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 26 ... vs ... Cabot ... 7 p.m.
Girls
Friday, Dec. 5 ... vs ... Fayetteville ... 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6 ... vs ... Greene County Tech ... noon
Tuesday, Dec. 16 ... vs ... Nashville ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 19 ... vs ... Greenwood ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 6 ... vs ... Central ... 6:45 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 9 ... vs ... Conway ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 13 ... at ... Little Rock Southwest ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 16 ... vs ... Jonesboro ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 ... at ... Bryant ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 30 ... at ... Cabot ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 ... at ... Central ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 6 ... at ... Conway ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 10 ... vs ... Little Rock Southwest ... 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 13 ... at ... Jonesboro ... 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 24 ... vs ... Bryant ... 6 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 26 ... vs ... Cabot ... 6 p.m.
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