Snakes!
Putt Chip Chill in North Little Rock opens Aug. 28; Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce to have bingo night; Ribbon cutting next Tuesday for Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame plus sports and headlines
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MEETINGS: The Maumelle City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall. That meeting will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube page and the public is also invited.
EVENTS: The North Little Rock Community Concert Band will perform a free concert this Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Patrick Henry Hays Senior Center at 401 W. Pershing Blvd in North Little Rock. The show will begin at 3 p.m. and last approximately one hour. The Music Director is Rico Belotti and the more than 100 members of the band are all volunteers. The concert is called, “America Sings” and for more information call 501-920-2539 or visit nlrcommunityband.com/ or the band's Facebook page.
FOOTBALL!: CAC hosts Fountain Lake on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at Mustang Mountain. The scrimmage is set to kickoff at 7 p.m. Also, on that same day, Maumelle travels to Pulaski Academy for a scrimmage game against the Bruins. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. That following Friday, Aug. 21, Robinson will travel to North Little Rock for a 7 p.m. kickoff. All kickoff times are contingent on weather conditions as teams will not play in extreme heat.
Eye on the Sky
Today: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 109. The low will be around 79.
Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Heat index values as high as 106. The low will be around 77.
Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 102, with a low around 78.
Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 102, with a low around 79.
Monday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 103, with a low around 78.
Tuesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101, with a low around 78.
Wednesday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100, with a low around 78.
Extreme heat advisory is a heat index under 109, and anything over 110 is a Extreme Heat Warning. Expect heat advisories or heat warnings for the next week.
Back to school
School calendar
First day of school for North of the River.
Maumelle Charter began school last week
Pulaski County Special School District began on Monday
Central Arkansas Christian began on Wednesday
North Little Rock School District begins today, Thursday, Aug. 13
Football
Benefit Games: Maumelle and Central Arkansas Christian have scrimmage games on next Tuesday, while North Little Rock will play next Friday.
Zero Week: Aug 24-30
Week 1: Thursday, Sept. 3, Friday, Sept. 4
Snakes!
There’s lots of things to dread about high school football practices. The heat being No. 1 on that list. Then injuries are also up there. Maybe getting chewed out by your coach is also on that list.
What’s not on that list, or at least wasn’t, was having a venomous cotton mouth snake curled up in your helmet’s padding, while you were wearing that helmet and practicing in it for about an hour before you decided something might not be quite right.
That last one might seem a little implausible until you know that, in fact, it happened. It happened to a Maumelle High School football player and it happened this week.
As for the player, he was fine. He wasn’t bitten. And went and got another helmet and didn’t miss much of practice as the Maumelle Police Department and the city’s Animal Services department were assigned the task of getting the snake out of the helmet and it was animal services that took the still living snake to the woods and let it go.
For video of the snake’s watery extraction click here, or the thumbnail below from The Associated Press.
Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce to have bingo night
Get ready to shout “BINGO!” as one of Central Arkansas’ most exciting new community events arrives this September.
The Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting Red, White & Bingo, a patriotic-themed bingo night featuring cash prizes ranging from $100 to $1,000, a 50/50 raffle, great food and beverage, and an evening of fun for the entire community.
The event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 3 at The Venue at West Wind, located at 7318 Windsong Drive in North Little Rock. Doors open at 5 p.m. to pick up bingo cards and opportunities for early bird game sales, with bingo beginning at 6 p.m.
Admission is $20 per person, which includes Games 1-16, giving players multiple opportunities to win throughout the evening. In addition to exciting bingo action, attendees can take part in a 50/50 raffle, enjoy food, and compete for cash prizes throughout the night.
“We wanted to create an event that brings people together for an evening of entertainment while supporting the work of the Chamber,” said Kellie Wall, President & CEO of the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce. “Whether you’re a seasoned bingo player or attending for the first time, Red, White & Bingo promises an energetic evening filled with exciting prizes and community spirit. One of the things that makes this event truly special is seeing grandparents, parents, and young adults all playing together, laughing together, and enjoying an evening that brings generations of families and friends together.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce and its efforts to support local businesses, strengthen the community, and promote economic growth throughout the region.
Tickets are now available and can be purchased by calling 501-851-9700 or by visiting the Chamber office at 115 Audubon Drive, Suite 14.
Putt Chip Chill in North Little Rock opens Aug. 28
Putt Chip Chill, a new 22-acre golf entertainment venue located at 5403 Northshore Cove, will officially open to the public Aug. 28.
The investment exceeds $5 million, expanding on the success of Northshore Golf Range and offering a new entertainment experience for golfers, families, groups and visitors seeking outdoor recreation in Central Arkansas.
The property features a mini golf course with 27 individual greens and 45 hole locations, creating a unique experience for players of all skill levels. Guests can also enjoy:
Food and beverage offerings
Permanent food trucks
Srixon and Cleveland Golf elite balls, wedges and putters
Indoor and outdoor seating
Multiple bars
A covered pavilion
An event lawn for live music and community events
Private event spaces for corporate outings, birthday parties and group gatherings
“Putt Chip Chill was designed to be a place everyone can enjoy,” said Nate Deakin, co-owner and general manager of Putt Chip Chill. “Whether you’re an experienced golfer, looking for a unique date night idea, meeting friends to watch a sports game or spending time outdoors with family, we wanted to create a destination that people will always want to come back to.”
Construction began in November 2025 on the 3,235-square-foot building and facilities. North Little Rock-based Hydco was the general contractor for the project.
Putt Chip Chill also partnered with several area businesses and that list includes Tacos Godoy, Lost Forty Brewing, Rock Town Distillery, Outlaw Brewery, Conway Fence and Oxford Graphics.
“This opening represents years of planning, investment and collaboration,” said James Barnes, co-owner and registered agent for Putt Chip Chill. “We’re excited to bring a new spot to the area that adds to Central Arkansas’ growing list of attractions and continued success.”
Putt Chip Chill will be open seven days a week:
Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to midnight
Sunday: 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
For additional information or to make a reservation, visit PuttChipChill.com.
Ribbon cutting next Tuesday for Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame
The Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame will have the grand opening of its newly relocated permanent exhibit with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 11 a.m. at the North Little Rock Event Center, 120 Main St.
The exhibit’s new home provides a prominent location where visitors can learn about the extraordinary Arkansas women whose leadership, innovation, and service have shaped the state’s history. The exhibit honors each inductee through photographs and biographical displays that celebrate their lasting contributions and inspire future generations.
“The Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame is proud to create a permanent space where these remarkable women’s stories can be shared year-round,” said Stacy Hurst, Chairman of the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame Board. “We invite the community to join us as we celebrate this exciting new chapter and the legacy of Arkansas women who have made an enduring impact.”
The ribbon cutting comes just days before the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame celebrates its milestone 10th Annual Induction Ceremony, presented by Centennial Bank, on Thursday, Aug. 27, at the North Little Rock Event Center.
The evening will honor the 2026 Class of Inductees:
Sharon Allen
Phyllis Brandon
Dorothy Reddell Caldwell
Cynthia East
Marsha Martin
Cynthia E. Nance
Vada Webb Sheid
The induction ceremony will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the induction program at 6:30 p.m.
For more information visit ARWomensHallofFame.com or contact the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce at 501-372-5959.
Sports
Upcoming Travs games
Six-game road trip to Tulsa, now through Sunday, Aug. 16
Six-game homestand with the Springfield Cardinals
Tuesday, Aug. 18, 6:35 p.m.
Brews & Tunes: Join us in the Beer Garden for some pre-game music! Gates will open at 5:05 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 6:35 p.m.
Walkaholic Wednesday: Get moving before first pitch! Fans who purchase a special $5 General Admission ticket will get early access to the ballpark, and the “Walkaholic” who logs the most steps before the 6th inning will receive a prize.
Wing Wednesday: Get $1 OFF Flyway Bluewing (19.2 fl oz cans) at any Grab & Go stand. Plus, Chicken Wings are available at Doubleday’s Depot! | Presented By Flyway Brewing
Thursday, Aug. 20, 6:35 p.m.
Ticket Offer: $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. More info coming soon!
Friday, Aug. 21, 7:05 p.m.
Fireworks Friday
Saturday, Aug. 22, 6:05 p.m.
Harry Potter Night: Enjoy a magical time at the ballpark, with your Travs wearing specialty jerseys!
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
Hogwarts House Hat Giveaway: Fans will receive a randomly-selected hat representing either Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. | First 900 Fans (one item per person)
Teacher Appreciation Night: Educators get $3 off General Admission and Field Reserved tickets by presenting a valid Teacher ID (only available at a WinChoice Box Office Window) | Presented By Arkansas Department of Education .
Sunday, Aug. 23, 1:35 p.m.
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 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)
Six-game road trip to Wichita, Aug. 25 through Aug. 30
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