Summer Sips: A Swig adventure
Jones to run for Maumelle City Council; Beshear endorses Chris Jones for Congress plus headlines and sports
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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 Travs are back in town this week and there’s good news for those looking to keep cool as the Splash Pad at Dickey-Stephens Park will be free every home game in July thanks to a sponsorship by First Security Bank. Because of the All-Star break, there’s a three-game homestand starting on Friday and for more keep scrolling.
SOCCER: Scott Faldon weighs in on the World Cup final and read it by clicking here.
ICYMI: Norris sets reelection bid
Running for office? Let us know by replying to this email or sending a note to jeremyarkansasnews@gmail.com.
Jones to run for Maumelle City Council
John Jones, a longtime Maumelle resident and the city’s Planning Commission Chairman, recently announced his candidacy for the Maumelle City Council representing Ward Three.
What follows is the press release Jones sent to ArkansasNewsroom.com .
With a robust background spanning corporate technology expertise, the discipline of collegiate athletics, and a record of civic leadership, John Jones brings a unique blend of executive leadership and real world problem solving skills to his campaign.
Jones has built a diverse career leading senior IT and systems engineering roles at Verizon, Alltel and Acxiom Corporation. Beyond his corporate achievements, Jones has dedicated 24+ years to mentoring student athletes through collegiate coaching at the University of Central Arkansas and Ouachita Baptist University as an Assistant Track and Field Coach. He and his wife, Crystal, have three children: Jimmy, Rebecca, and Jordan.
“I am running for City Council because I believe our local government should always put Citizens First. This means being responsive, listening to constituents, and staying informed about the issues which impact our community. Every decision I make will start with the same question: How does this impact the daily lives of our residents and how does this improve our community?”
PUBLIC NOTICE
A public meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23 before the start of this month’s Maumelle Planning Commission meeting. The hearing will be to discuss a preliminary development plan for lot 700A, Little Caesars at Gateway Plaza. This property is located at the east end of Maumelle Boulevard and south of Orleans Drive, Maumelle. The public is invited to attend.. For more information, call City Clerk Tina Timmons at 501-851-2500. This is the second public meeting as one was held last week at City Hall.
Summer Sips: A Swig adventure
It was real. Some may remember last month a call for a taste tester to try out drinks from Swig, the implausibly trendy soda and drinks shop that’s taking the nation by storm.
There’s four locations in Arkansas, with the closest to here being Conway. The other three are in northwest Arkansas with the most intriguing being in the new Walmart corporate headquarters. It might have been a press release about that location opening that caught the attention or it might have been a random YouTube video that popped up.
Who’s to say?
Anyway, doing something on Swig might be fun. So the call for a taste tester went out with the mission being fairly straightforward. Go to Swig, order some drinks, write down how they taste and send it back. ArkansasNewsroom.com will pay for the drinks and also compensate you for your time. That means, in very practical terms, you’ll get $50 by Venmo, order four or five and keep whatever what’s left over for your troubles, mileage or other assorted expenses.
Katherine Covington said that was fine with her, so she was dispatched. Covington has a degree in community nutrition, so that was helpful and her report follows but first a Q&A on the experience.
>> How often have you been to Swig before this?
About five times.
>> Were they fast or did orders take their time?
Extremely fast. You order with an employee that is standing outside. By the time you move to the window, your order is ready.
>> On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate Swig?
10/10
>> Do you think a Swig could work somewhere else in central Arkansas?
Yes
>> Anything else you’d like to add?
The only thing that could make SWIG better in my mind is if they had gluten free pretzel bites ;)
Some notes, Swig is an upscale-ish soda fountain that’s drive-through only. Even though we suspect the one in Walmart is a walkup because it is Walmart and they also have a Wright’s BBQ.
The soda drinks start with Coke or Dr Pepper, in the leaded (sugar) and unleaded (sugar-free versions) then mixed with various fruit purees, some kind of cream, and the good ice. The kind that Sonic has, for those unfamiliar.
The creams can be in different flavors, say vanilla, but they’re most famous for adding coconut cream, which in Swig speak makes it “Dirty.”
Swig started in Salt Lake City, which though some research has a median income of $100,000 and a million people, who drive around and also don’t drink coffee or tea. Because Mormons.
They used to not drink soda either, but things change and soda’s fine now.
What follows are the drinks Katherine ordered along with size, the ingredients and cost. We thank her for her efforts and might enlist her to try the weird snacks from Aldi and Trader Joe’s but not right now.
16 ounce Hula Girl
Sprite, lemonade, strawberry, mango, pineapple, vanilla cream
Cost $3.84
Very light, fruity, sweet but not too sweet
8/10
Would get again in a larger size
24 ounce Birthday Girl
Dr Pepper, blackberry, vanilla cream, fresh lime
Cost $4
Crisp, you can taste each individual flavor as they compliment each other
10/10
Would get again because it’s my own creation and it’s amazing!
24 ounce Ring King
Dr Pepper, cupcake, strawberry puree, vanilla cream
Cost $4.25
Crisp, very sweet, taste like a vanilla birthday cake
7/10
Would get again
24 ounce Poppin’ Pineapple
Sprite, pineapple, watermelon, strawberry popping pearls
Cost $4
Crisp, light flavor, not very sweet, popping pearls may be a choking hazard so drink at your own risk, pearls explode with flavor
6/10
Would get again but it’s not my favorite
24 ounce Just Peachy
Coke Zero, pineapple, peach puree, fresh lime, vanilla cream
Cost $4.65
A little flat, subtle flavor, chunks of peach remind me of a fruit cup
4/10
Would not get again-not a fan of Coke Zero
Photos are from the Swig website
Beshear endorses Chris Jones for Congress
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear recently announced his endorsement of Chris Jones for Congress in Arkansas’s 2nd Congressional District, throwing his support behind one of the most competitive House races in the country.
“Chris Jones is a problem-solver who is ready on day one to fight for good jobs, fair wages, and keeping rural hospitals open,” said Beshear in a press release. “Chris is three points ahead in the polls and this district is one of the most winnable on the map. Flipping AR-02 is critical to taking back the House majority.”
Jones, a nuclear engineer and minister, is challenging Republican incumbent Rep. French Hill, the most powerful banker in the country, in a district that national observers have identified as a key pickup opportunity for Democrats. With Democrats needing just three seats to regain the House majority, Arkansas’s 2nd District is emerging as a top-tier battleground.
“Washington isn’t working for us, and my opponent has had his chance,” Jones said. “I’m running to bring affordability and accountability for all and to build an economy that lifts every family. Governor Beshear’s endorsement is yet another powerful signal that this race matters, and that we can win.”
Beshear, who has twice won statewide office in Republican-leaning Kentucky, has been actively building a national profile and supporting Democratic candidates across the country. His endorsement of Jones adds to growing momentum for the Jones campaign, which has also drawn support from former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Jones won the Democratic primary on March 3 with 93 percent of the primary vote, and will face Hill in the general election on Nov. 3.
Maumelle Community Partners host Back to School Bash on July 24
Students, teachers, and families from across the Maumelle area are invited to attend the 2026 Maumelle Back to School Bash on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lake Willastein Park.
Hosted through a partnership between the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Maumelle, Maumelle Parks & Recreation, Maumelle Police Department, Maumelle Fire Department and Maumelle Community Partners, the event is designed to help local students and educators prepare for a successful school year while connecting families with valuable community resources.
“The Back to School Bash is one of our favorite community events because it brings together local organizations, businesses, volunteers, and families to ensure students and teachers have the resources they need to start the school year strong,” said Kellie Wall, President & CEO of the Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce in a release. “This event truly showcases the spirit of collaboration and generosity that makes Maumelle such a special place to live, work, and play.”
The Back to School Bash will feature the distribution of free backpacks and school supplies for students and free classroom supplies for teachers, while supplies last. Students must be present to receive supplies, and teachers are asked to bring a valid school ID.
In addition to school supplies, attendees can enjoy a variety of free activities and attractions, including:
Free haircuts provided by local barbers
Bouncy houses and kids’ activities
Maumelle Library craft station
Temporary tattoo station
Photo booth
Community resource booths
Free new and pre-owned school spirit shirts
Adoptable pets from Maumelle Animal Services
“One of the things that makes Maumelle special is how our community rallies around families,” said Courtney Dunn, Community Engagement Director for the City of Maumelle. “The Back to School Bash is more than a supply giveaway, it’s an opportunity to connect families with resources, celebrate our students, and ensure they start the school year with the tools they need to succeed. We look forward to welcoming hundreds of students, teachers, and community members to Lake Willastein Park on July 24.”
Organizers are currently seeking sponsors, donors, and community partners to help support the event and expand the number of students and teachers served.
For sponsorship opportunities, donations, or additional information, please visit the event donation page www.maumellechamber.com
Sports
Upcoming Travs games
The Splash Pad at Dickey-Stephens Park will be free every home game in July thanks to a sponsorship by First Security Bank.
Three-game homestand against Wichita
Friday, July 17, 7:05 p.m.
Re-Opening Night: Welcome the Travs back to Dickey-Stephens Park after a long time away from home!
Fireworks Friday: Salute to Sci-FiPresented By Arkansas State University
Saturday, July 18, 6:05 p.m.
Star Wars Night: A short time from now in a ballpark really, really nearby...
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, July 19, 1:35 p.m.
Kids Takeover Day: Children are in charge of the ballpark! Along with kid PA announcers and kid-themed games, fans 12 and under can get $2 General Admission tickets at a WinChoice Box Office Window.
Kids Run the Bases: Children 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 homestand against the Tulsa Drillers
Tuesday, July 21, 6:35 p.m.
Brews & Tunes - The Rocktown Sparks: Join us in the Beer Garden for some pre-game music! Gates will open at 5:05 PM, and The Rocktown Sparks will play until 6:05 p.m.. | More Info
Wednesday, July 22, 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, July 23, 6:35 p.m.
Otey Bobblehead Giveaway: Presented By Dr Pepper | First 1,000 Fans (one item per person)
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!
Friday, July 24 7:05 p.m.
Christmas in July: Celebrate the holidays a few months early! Enjoy festive music and activities all game long.
Post-Game Drone Show: Join us as we light up the sky over CHI St. Vincent Field at DSP after the game! | Presented By CHI St. Vincent
Saturday, July 25, 6:05 p.m.
Christmas in July: Celebrate the holidays a few months early! Enjoy festive music and activities all game long.
Post-Game Drone Show: Join us as we light up the sky over CHI St. Vincent Field at DSP after the game! | Presented By CHI St. Vincent
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!
Sunday, July 26, 1:35 p.m.
Sizzle Sunday: It’s the 100 Degree Guarantee! When you buy a ticket to this game, you’ll get a free ticket to another Travs game if the official temperature is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit at first pitch. Must be present to receive your free ticket.
Ticket Offer: 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)
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
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