Single Parent Scholarship Fund makes impact in central Arkansas
Spring Dance concert is tonight; First Farmers Market this Friday in Maumelle; Splash! plus headlines and sports
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MEETINGS: The Maumelle City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall.
EVENTS: North Little Rock will be having a spring garden party and Earth Day celebration starting at 5 p.m. today at the North Heights Community Center. Things to do there include: Community gardening, learn gardening tips, family-centered activities and celebrate this very fragile planet we all live on. The event is, of course, free and is scheduled to last until 7 p.m. For more details, click the flyer below.
SOMETHING TO READ: Concerned about the tennis situation at the University of Arkansas? Well, Matt Brown at the Extra Points newsletter did an extremely deep dive into the economics, as well as some very interesting accounting, into the life of the athletics department in Fayetteville. To read it, click here.
Spring Dance concert is tonight
The North Little Rock High School Theatre Arts Department will present its spring dance concert tonight, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. featuring performances by the school’s Dance Troupe, Theatre Dance I-IV classes, and participants from the Preschool/Elementary Dance Workshop in the new North Little Rock High School Performing Arts Center (201 West 22nd St.).
Tickets are $6 for students/seniors and $8 for adults.
First Farmers Market is Friday in Maumelle
Maumelle’s new Millwood Station will host the first Farmers Market of the year this Friday. It is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. and last until 7 p.m.
The Farmers Market will be held on the first Friday of each month starting in May. Friday, for the calendar adverse, is May 1. The Farmers Markets will continue through October. Additional dates may be added based on the interest of shoppers and vendors.
Splash!
The Burns Park Splash Pad opens this Friday at 10 a.m. and will close at 7 p.m. The city of North Little Rock will have the Splash Pad open Friday through Sunday at the hours above and after May 25, the Splash Pad will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Also, choo-choo as the Funland Train at Burns Park will start running this Saturday at 10 a.m. and running through 7 p.m. And will also be open on Sunday on the same schedule. Train rides begin at the top of each hour.
Notices
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION VACANCY
The Maumelle City Council is accepting resumes from residents interested in serving on the Maumelle Civil Service Commission. One appointment will be made to fill a six-year term ending May 31, 2032.
Applicants must be a qualified elector and a resident of Maumelle for more than three years. Applicants must not hold or be a candidate for any political office and must not be connected in any official capacity with any political party or organization.
Resumes should be submitted to the City Clerk/Treasurer’s Office, 550 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle, Arkansas 72113, no later than 4 p.m. on May 13, 2026. Email submissions will also be accepted at cityclek@maumelle.org.
Applicants will be interviewed by the City Council at its regular meeting on May 18 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. The appointment will be made following the interviews.
PUBLIC FACILITIES BOARD VACANCY
The Maumelle Public Facilities Board is accepting resumes from residents interested in serving on the Board. One appointment will be made for a five-year term ending May 31, 2031. Applicants must be residents of Maumelle.
Resumes should be submitted to the City Clerk/Treasurer’s Office, 550 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle, AR 72113, no later than 4 p.m. on May 13. Email submissions will also be accepted at cityclerk@maumelle.org.
All resumes will be reviewed by the Public Facilities Board. A recommendation will then be made to the Mayor and City Council for appointment. The appointment will be announced at the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on May 18.
For additional information, please contact Cheryl Schulterman at 501-258-7129.
Contact Maumelle City Clerk Tina Timmons at 501-851- 2500 if you have additional questions
Balancing Motherhood and Medicine: Kadeshia Cooper reaches nursing milestone
For Kadeshia Cooper, above, the road to becoming a nurse has been anything but easy. From raising a child as a single mom to balancing long clinical hours and coursework, the North Little Rock native relied on determination and perseverance to reach this milestone.
Cooper will earn her Associate of Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in May. She earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts and sciences from Pulaski Technical College in May 2024.
Cooper followed a strategic academic path to achieve her nursing degree.
“I did 2+2. I did two years of prerequisites at Pulaski Tech and the two-year nursing program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock,” she explained. “I plan to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing by December 2026.”
Although nursing ultimately became her passion, Cooper said circumstances initially required her to think practically about her future.
“Becoming a mother at 18 motivated me to pursue a stable career, which led me to nursing,” she said. “During my journey, I developed a true passion for the field, and this experience has shaped both my career and who I am today.”
Beyond academics, Cooper managed parenting and household finances.
“Balancing school while raising a child and handling bills on my own made it even more challenging,” she said. “I spent long hours studying, and the library truly became a second home for my son and me. I am very thankful for the support I received along the way.”
She received an Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship and used resources such as the CARE Team, the Academic Challenge Scholarship, and the campus food pantry at UA Little Rock.
Her coursework and clinical experiences allowed her to develop practical nursing skills that strengthened her confidence in patient care. Throughout her college experience, Cooper said family support - especially from her big sister, Shacora Cooper - played a key role.
“She is like a second mother to me without the title, as well as a sister, friend, and my personal therapist,” she said.
During her time in college, Cooper has built community and celebrated personal milestones. She was on the Little Rock Dance Team during her first year of college.
“I enjoyed being at the games, being loud, and cheering on the basketball players,” she said. “My son also enjoyed coming with me to the games, which made the experience even more special.”
Cooper also pushed herself physically outside the classroom.
“I ran my first 10K in February at the Little Rock Marathon,” she said. “That was a big accomplishment for me, and it showed me that I can push myself to do things I did not think I could do.”
Cooper said graduating with her associate’s degree in nursing and later earning her bachelor’s will mark a historic moment.
“I hope I’ve created a cycle of education and financial stability that continues with my son and future generations,” she said.
After graduation, Cooper wants to spend more time with her son and involve him in activities he enjoys. She also plans to celebrate her accomplishment.
“My first plan is to take a vacation and get some rest, maybe even a week-long nap,” she said. “After that, I plan to work as a registered nurse in the operating room while also finishing my remaining bachelor’s coursework.”
Cooper said her university experience helped her prepare for professional success and personal growth.
“While going through nursing school, I was able to build meaningful connections with people and network,” she said. “I also had the opportunity to volunteer and gain valuable hands-on clinical skills. I learned how to be punctual, organized, and how to manage my time wisely.”
Cooper hopes her story encourages others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.
“Everyone has a story or something in life that can hold them back, but I encourage people to find their purpose and stay determined,” she said. “Don’t make excuses for why you cannot do something, make reasons for why you should.”
With about 9,000 students and 100 programs, UA Little Rock offers learning, research, service, social and career opportunities that can only be found at a metropolitan university located in Arkansas’s capital city.
Single Parent Scholarship Fund makes impact in central Arkansas
The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund raised $61,000 during its second annual Day of Giving on March 20, showing strong statewide support for single parents working toward a college degree.
This fundraising effort came as the organization awarded $659,600 in Spring 2026 scholarships to 453 single parents, helping student parents across 69 counties stay enrolled in college or trade school while supporting their families.
In Pulaski County, they awarded $124,400 in scholarships to 85 single parents this spring, including Tamira Watts, who is studying for her associate degree in radiography at University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College.
“This scholarship helped relieve the financial burden I had been carrying on my own,” Watts said. “It gave me a moment to breathe and the ability to focus more fully on my education instead of constantly worrying about finances. Because of this support, I was able to get ahead rather than just trying to keep up.”
The scholarships can be used for expenses that often stand between a single parent and graduation, including child care, transportation, housing, utilities, and school-related costs. The financial aid is paired with support services to help these nontraditional students successfully balance school, work, and parenting.
“Day of Giving showed how deeply Arkansans believe in the determination of single parents who are working to create a better future for their families,” said Jenn Morehead. “Every gift helps remove barriers that can keep a student parent from finishing school and moving into a career with family-supporting wages.”
This year’s Day of Giving exceeded the nonprofit’s $45,000 goal, and the campaign raised nearly twice as much as last year.
The fundraiser coincides with National Single Parent Day and brought together donors, volunteers, community partners, and local supporters across the state to invest in the success of single parent families.
For many recipients, that support means more than financial help. It means knowing someone believes in their future.
Maumelle City Council Member Christine Gronwald serves as the organization’s Chief Development Officer.
For more information, visit aspsf.org or contact Jen Lawrence at jlawrence@aspsf.org or 501-550-6304.
Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame names Tenth Class of Inductees
The Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame has released the names of its tenth class of inductees — seven women who have made significant contributions to the state and their respective fields and stand as positive examples for women everywhere.
The inductees, who will be honored at a special ceremony on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 27, at the new North Little Rock Event Center, Centennial Bank Ballroom, in North Little Rock, are:
Contemporary:
Cynthia East – Cynthia East founded Cynthia East Fabrics in 1977, growing it into a well-known and lasting business. She has been deeply involved in community service, with leadership roles in organizations such as the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, Camp Aldersgate, and the Junior League of Little Rock, and a strong commitment to Little Rock Public Schools. A breast cancer survivor, she has also supported others facing similar challenges.
Marsha Martin – Marsha Martin is a creative product designer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, and the founder of Onyx Brands, Inc., a leader in professional-quality beauty products since 1990. A dedicated philanthropist, she has served in leadership roles with organizations including the American Heart Association and remains active in University of Arkansas initiatives.
Cynthia Nance – Cynthia E. Nance is Dean and the Nathan G. Gordon Professor of Law at the University of Arkansas School of Law, where she has served on the faculty since 1994 and led as dean in two terms. A dedicated leader and philanthropist, she has been honored with numerous lifetime achievement awards for her service, scholarship, and commitment to expanding access to legal education.
Historical:
Sharon Allen (1944-2021) – Sharon Allen was a trailblazing leader in Arkansas’s health insurance industry, spending more than four decades with Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Beginning as a claims clerk in 1968, she rose through the ranks to become the company’s first female president in 2002.
Phyllis Brandon (1935-2020) – Phyllis Dillaha Brandon was a pioneering Arkansas journalist who discovered her passion for writing early and earned a journalism degree from the University of Arkansas in 1957. In 1986, she founded the High Profile section of the Arkansas Democrat, where she spent more than two decades highlighting influential Arkansans. Widely honored for her impact, she left a lasting legacy in journalism, public service, and storytelling.
Dorothy Caldwell (1935-2023) – Dorothy Reddell Caldwell was a pioneering leader in child nutrition, education, and community service whose work transformed school meal programs at every level. Beginning as a teacher and later serving as Director of Food and Nutrition in Lee County, she modernized school meal systems and expanded access to breakfast and healthier options. Widely honored for her impact, her legacy continues through the policies she shaped and the countless children she helped serve.
Vada Sheid (1916-2008) – Vada Webb Sheid was a pioneering Arkansas legislator and the first woman to serve in both the state House and Senate, with a public career spanning five decades. She began her service as Izard County welfare director and later entered politics, winning election as Baxter County treasurer before serving in the House and Senate.
The nonprofit Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame began as a partnership between the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and Arkansas Business Publishing Group. The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce currently manages the event.
The hall has inducted new members each year. Nominees are not limited to a certain field or accomplishment and can include pioneers, philanthropists, educators, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, business leaders, and political figures.
Tables and tickets to the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony can be purchased at ARWomensHallofFame.com. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are also available through the website.
Lender Quick-Connect is May 13 at UA Little Rock
Arkansas entrepreneurs looking to fund a new business, ongoing operations, expansion or acquisition can fast-track their search at Lender Quick-Connect: Find Your Funder.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center will host the free event on May 13, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Reynolds Business Center on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
In a single afternoon, aspiring and established business owners can connect with multiple Arkansas lenders in a fast-paced “speed dating” format.
Participants will be matched with lender appointments based on key business details such as their industry, business stage, credit history and project scope.
The event is designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the funding landscape and build relationships with funders who have a proven track record of small business lending.
Attendees can also:
Confer with credit counseling services to discuss financial readiness
Engage with ASBTDC business consultants and Small Business Administration representatives
Get expert tips on crafting a compelling funding pitch
“Outside of personal savings or contributions from friends and family, a loan is the most common way to get capital for launching or growing a business,” said ASBTDC State Director Laura Fine. “Lender Quick-Connect is an excellent opportunity to pitch a project to several potential funding partners in a short period of time and explore financing options available through banks, credit unions, microlenders and Community Development Financial Institutions.”
Participating lending institutions include ACC Capital, Arkansas Federal Credit Union, Arvest Bank, Chase Bank, Communities Unlimited, First Security Bank, FNBC, FORGE Community Loan Fund, Hope Credit Union, Regions Bank, Southern Bancorp Bank, Southern Bancorp Community Partners, Stone Bank and U.S. Bank.
Pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, go to tinyurl.com/3vthe5hr or contact Laterika Tooks-Staton at 501-804-4530 or lstooks@ualr.edu.
Through its offices around the state, the ASBTDC offers no-cost services and resources for Arkansas entrepreneurs and small businesses. For more information, call 800-862-2040 or visit asbtdc.org.
Sports
Upcoming Travs games
At Wichita, now through May 3
Six-game homestand against Tulsa
Tuesday, May 5, 6:05 p.m.
Dog Day: Human fans can get $3 Berm tickets by bringing their dog to the game (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window). NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the Berm areas | Presented By Hollywood Feed
Fiesta de Diamantes: The Travs will take the field as the Diamantes de Arkansas in salute of Hispanic Heritage!
Wednesday, May 6, 11:05 a.m.
School Day: Putting the “field” in “greatest field trip ever!” | Presented By Summit Community Care
Senior Day
Thursday, May 7, 6:35 p.m.
Mad Mallards Weekend: Join us in celebration of Central Arkansas’ obsession with waterfowl hunting! | Presented By Arkansas Ducks Unlimited
$3 Thursday: Enjoy an amazing value for the whole family and the best patio in Central Arkansas! Get $3 General Admission or Beer Garden tickets at a WinChoice Box Office Window. Plus, feed the whole crew for less with select concession items for $3 each!
Friday, May 8, 7:05 p.m.
Mad Mallards Weekend: Join us in celebration of Central Arkansas’ obsession with waterfowl hunting! | Presented By Arkansas Ducks Unlimited
Fireworks Friday
Saturday, May 9, 4:05 p.m.
Mad Mallards Weekend: Join us in celebration of Central Arkansas’ obsession with waterfowl hunting! | Presented By Arkansas Ducks Unlimited
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
Trucker Hat Giveaway: Celebrate the Travs’ 125th Anniversary with some limited edition headwear! | Presented By Snapple | First 1,000 Fans (one item per person)
Sunday, May 10, 1:35 p.m.
Mad Mallards Weekend: Join us in celebration of Central Arkansas’ obsession with waterfowl hunting! | Presented By Arkansas Ducks Unlimited
Kids Baseball Clinic: Kids 13 and under are invited to join Travs players on field for a baseball clinic starting at noon! Instruction will last approximately 45 minutes. | Presented By Arkansas Brighter Future 529
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
Baseball BINGO: Presented By Arkansas Brighter Future 529
Operation: Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window) | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
Family Sunday Deal: Get $3 General Admission tickets by presenting a physical or digital church bulletin (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window)
At Northwest Arkansas, May 12-17
Six-game homestand against Springfield
Tuesday, May 19, 6:35 p.m.
Dog Day: Human fans can get $3 Berm tickets by bringing their dog to the game (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window). NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the Berm areas | Presented By Hollywood Feed
Wednesday, May 20, 6:35 p.m.
Dog Day: Human fans can get $3 Berm tickets by bringing their dog to the game (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window). NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the Berm areas | Presented By Hollywood Feed
Thursday, May 21, 6:35 p.m.
$3 Thursday: Enjoy an amazing value for the whole family and the best patio in Central Arkansas! Get $3 General Admission or Beer Garden tickets at a WinChoice Box Office Window. Plus, feed the whole crew for less with select concession items for $3 each!
Friday, May 22, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks Friday: Presented By Bank OZK
Saturday, May 23, 6:35 p.m.
Cal Raleigh Bobblecard Giveaway: Presented By Hardee’s | First 1,000 Fans (one item per person)
Post-Game Fireworks
Sunday, May 24, 6:05 p.m.
Post-Game Fireworks
Baseball BINGO: Presented By Arkansas Brighter Future 529
Operation: Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window) | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
Six-game homestand against Frisco
Tuesday, May 26, 6:35 p.m.
Dog Day: Human fans can get $3 Berm tickets by bringing their dog to the game (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window). NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the Berm areas | Presented By Hollywood Feed
Wednesday, May 27, 6:35 p.m.
Dog Day: Human fans can get $3 Berm tickets by bringing their dog to the game (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window). NOTE: Dogs are only allowed in the Berm areas | Presented By Hollywood Feed
Thursday, May 28, 6:35 p.m.
$3 Thursday: Enjoy an amazing value for the whole family and the best patio in Central Arkansas! Get $3 General Admission or Beer Garden tickets at a WinChoice Box Office Window. Plus, feed the whole crew for less with select concession items for $3 each!
Singles Night: Let the Travs help turn a single into a double! Join us at the ballpark for a pre-game “Singles Mingle” event.
Friday, May 29, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks Friday: Presented By Baldwin & Shell Construction
Saturday, May 30, 6:05 p.m.
Faith & Family Night: The perfect night for a church group outing! | Presented By Hickingbotham Investments
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, May 31, 1:35 p.m.
Fiesta de Diamantes: The Travs will take the field as the Diamantes de Arkansas in salute of Hispanic Heritage!
Kids Baseball Clinic: Kids 13 and under are invited to join Travs players on field for a baseball clinic starting at noon! Instruction will last approximately 45 minutes. | Presented By Arkansas Brighter Future 529
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
Baseball BINGO: Presented By Arkansas Brighter Future 529
Operation: Military Appreciation: Service Members get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a Military ID (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window) | Presented By Mid-South Ford Dealers
Family Sunday Deal: Get $3 General Admission tickets by presenting a physical or digital church bulletin (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window).
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