Welcome Collin Scott
Wing takes flight to Arkansas PBS; Letter to the Editor; North Little Rock to lose two Starbucks plus headlines and sports.
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MEETINGS: The School Board for North Little Rock is having a special call meeting tonight and for the agenda, click here. The Maumelle City Council will meet next Monday night at City Hall.
EVENTS: The Six Bridges Book Festival has started in Little Rock at different locations around town. For the complete list of events, click here. Most intriguing is Mississippi writer W. Wright Thompson, who will be talking about his book, “The Barn” at 7:30 tonight at the Ron Robinson Theater. And because it is October, really!, this Friday and Saturday is the Greek Food Festival at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in west Little Rock. Both days the festival will start at 11 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Get your gyro on.
Welcome Collin Scott
Collin Scott, a senior journalism major at the University of Central Arkansas, is joining ArkansasNewsroom.com, as an intern.
Scott, below, will be covering sports and news for the site with writing assignments starting this week and look for his byline next week. Scott will be around for the remainder of the fall semester and maybe some into the spring semester.
Thanks to Rob Moritz, a journalism instructor and internship coordinator at UCA, for making this happen.
Letter to the Editor
The following is an update on Tree Clearing and Traffic Light at Riverland.
As an important update, I attended the Planning Commission meeting held on September 25th. During the session, Planning Director Scott Grummer acknowledged that nearly the entire 50-foot tree buffer—mandated by City Code 90-84—had been bulldozed in violation of municipal regulations. This unlawful clearing affected approximately half of the commercial lots within that plat along the Boulevard. In response, the City has issued a halt to further grading activities, which remains in effect until officials can assess the extent of the damage and determine the scope of restoration and replanting required from the developer. Additionally, the Commission deferred consideration of development plans for the corner lot within that plat for one month, pending resolution of the buffer issue.
Regarding accountability, while not being specific, the City has largely attributed the violation to the developer and its engineering firm. However, it is evident that City leadership — including the Planning Director and the Mayor — must also bear responsibility for insufficient oversight and lack of familiarity with applicable codes, particularly given the prominence of this location as a gateway to Maumelle.
At this stage, no final decisions have been made concerning the project, including the proposed entrance and traffic signal at the Riverland intersection. Therefore, if you are concerned about this situation and wish to make your voice heard, now is the time to act. I encourage residents to attend upcoming Planning Commission and City Council meetings, and to communicate directly with the Planning Director, Council Members, and the Mayor. A petition is also being circulated by Genoveva Gilbert, President of the Turtle Creek Home Owners Association, for those who wish to express their support for enhanced landscaping, including trees, on the property and concerns about the proposed stop light.
Steve Mosley, Maumelle
Public Notice
The Maumelle Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at 550 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle to consider a proposed Code Amendment Update to Sec. 90-84(1) updating Road setback line for vegetation along Maumelle Blvd. For additional information, contact Planning & Permitting at the City of Maumelle at 501-851-2500.
TASTE OF THE BOULEVARD: An elegant evening benefiting the White Oak Bayou
The White Oak Bayou Wetlands Conservancy is proud to present the first Taste of the Boulevard: An Elegant Evening Benefiting the White Oak Bayou.
This signature event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Venue 10 in Maumelle.
This year's program will also feature Deputy Director Ben Batten from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission as the evening's guest speaker. With extensive experience in conservation and natural resource management, Batten will highlight the importance of wetlands, wildlife, and community partnerships in shaping the future of outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship in Arkansas.
Spots are limited for this elegant evening. For more information, to become a sponsor, or to purchase tickets, contact Kellie Wall at 501-851-9700, email Kelly French or visit https://www.whiteoakbayou.com/news-events.
Sparklight opens applications for its giving fund
Sparklight, a leading high-speed internet provider that serves Maumelle, is once again inviting local nonprofits to apply for its Charitable Giving Fund. Applications opened on Oct. 1, 501(c)(3) organizations across the 24 states served by Sparklight can submit applications for fall 2025 grants through Oct. 31.
Each year, Sparklight awards $250,000 in grants to nonprofits that are helping communities grow stronger and more connected. Funding is focused on three key areas where the need is great and the impact is lasting:
Education and Digital Literacy
Hunger Relief and Food Insecurity
Community Development
“Strong communities are built when we lift each other up,” said Julie Laulis, President & CEO. “Every day, local nonprofits in our communities are on the front lines — teaching kids, feeding families and creating brighter futures. It’s an honor to stand beside them and help expand the hope and resilience they bring to our neighborhoods.”
Since launching the Charitable Giving Fund in April 2021, Sparklight has awarded more than $1 million in grants. Maumelle charitable groups are among those who have received funds in the past.
For more information or to apply for a fall grant, visit www.sparklight.com/charitablegiving.
End of an era
As part of a corporate restructuring, Starbucks is closing its two locations in North Little Rock at 4824 John F. Kennedy Boulevard and 418 E. Broadway St.
To be honest, I don’t remember a time that the Starbucks at JFK and McCain wasn’t there, while the Broadway location, in front of Simmons Bank Arena is more of a recent variety and opened in the last three years
Three other locations in Arkansas will also be closing, with those being in Jacksonville, Jonesboro and Paragould with more than 900 Starbucks locations closing nationwide.
There’s seemingly no limit to the desire to drink coffee though as 7Brew, which has a location two doors down from the JFK store, is still going strong, while Scooter’s Coffee has two locations on Maumelle Boulevard and near the Morgan I-40 exit.
Wing named Arkansas PBS Executive Director and CEO
Arkansas PBS recently announced former State Rep. Carlton Wing has been selected as the agency’s new executive director and chief executive officer, bringing more than three decades of leadership experience in broadcasting, media and public service to the state’s only public media network.
Wing, who has represented North Little Rock in the Arkansas House of Representatives since 2017, most recently served as Speaker Pro Tempore of the 95th General Assembly. He also chaired the House Management Committee across multiple sessions, managing internal staff, salaries, budgets and hiring.
A former sportscaster at KARK, among other stations, Wing, below, has most recently been an owner and president of Wing Media Group since 2008.
Wing, a member and leader in the North Little Rock Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, has a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from Harding University for the exceedingly rare degree holder from the country’s most prominent Mormon and Church of Christ schools.
“I am honored to join Arkansas PBS at such a pivotal time,” Wing said in a release. “This agency has a nearly 60-year history of educating, informing, and inspiring Arkansans, and I look forward to building on that legacy with new opportunities to engage and serve our state.”
Wing succeeds Courtney Pledger, who resigned in May.
Sports
Friday Night Lights
Maumelle improved to 2-2 on the season by beating Beebe, 27-14, but it was all frowns elsewhere as both North Little Rock and Central Arkansas Christian lost their conference openers.
Maumelle
Last week: Maumelle 27, Beebe 14
This week: Maumelle (2-2) hosts Pine Bluff (1-3) in a 5-A Central game.
What to expect: The Hornets remain ranked No. 10 in Class 5A by hootens.com and host No. 15 Pine Bluff this Friday. The Zebras got their first win of the season last week while Maumelle easily handled Beebe.
For the roster, click here.
Thursday, Aug. 28: Sylvan Hills 55, Maumelle 54
Thursday, Sept. 4 … at Parkview 42, Maumelle 15
Friday, Sept. 12 ... Maumelle 38, Vilonia 24
Friday, Sept. 26 ... Maumelle 27, Beebe 14
Friday, Oct. 3 ... ... vs. Pine Bluff* ... 7 p.m. … Hornets Nest
Friday, Oct. 10 ... at Watson Chapel* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 17 ... vs. Jacksonville* ... 7 p.m. … Hornets Nest
Friday, Oct. 24 ... at White Hall* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 31 ... vs. Searcy* ... 7 p.m. … Hornets Nest
Thursday, Nov. 6 ... at Robinson* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 14 … First round of the playoffs
North Little Rock
Last week: Pulaski Academy 45, North Little Rock 31
This week: North Little Rock (1-3), Conway (3-1)
What to expect: North Little Rock had its chances last week against PA and held the lead at halftime before getting overwhelmed in the second half. Life doesn’t get any easier with Conway coming to town this Friday. The Wampus Cats are ranked No. 5 in Class 7A by hootens.com and Conway is favored to win.
For the roster, click here.
Friday, Aug. 29: Rogers 41, North Little Rock 3
Friday, Sept. 12 ... vs. Benton 24, North Little Rock 7
Friday, Sept. 19 ... North Little Rock 42, Little Rock Catholic 13
Thursday, Sept. 25 ... Pulaski Academy 45, North Little Rock 31
Friday, Oct. 3 ... vs. Conway* ... 7 p.m. … Wildcat Field
Friday, Oct. 10 ... at Little Rock Southwest* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 17 ... vs. Little Rock Christian ... 7 p.m. … Wildcat Field
Friday, Oct. 24 ... ... vs. Central* ... 7 p.m. … Wildcat Field
Friday, Oct. 31 ... at Bryant* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 7 ... at Cabot* ... 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 14 … First round of the playoffs
CAC
Last week: Heber Springs 21, CAC 17
This week: CAC (0-4) travels to Searcy to face Riverview.
What to expect: CAC is 0-4 and Riverview is 1-3, having won its first game of the season last week by beating Little Rock Hall. CAC found its offense last week but is still looking for that first win of the season. Hootens.com has the Mustangs favored to do just that this Friday.
For the roster, click here.
Friday. Aug 29: DeWitt 38, CAC 8
Friday, Sept. 5 ... vs. Stuttgart 48, CAC 14
Friday, Sept. 12 … at Harding Academy 48, CAC 27
Friday, Sept. 26 … Heber Springs 21, CAC 17
Friday, Oct. 3 … at Riverview … 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 10 ... vs. Hall … 7 p.m. ... Mustang Mountain
Friday, Oct. 17… at Lonoke … 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 24 ... vs. Bald Knob … 7 p.m. ... Mustang Mountain
Friday, Oct. 31 … at Mills … 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 7 ... vs. Forrest City … 7 p.m. ... Mustang Mountain
Friday, Nov. 14 … First round of the playoffs
Sports
SEC Games: Week 6
SATURDAY
Kentucky (2-2, 0-2 SEC) at Georgia (3-1, 1-1 SEC): 11 a.m. • ABC/SiriusXM: 374 - 84
Vanderbilt (5-0, 1-0 SEC) at Alabama (3-1, 1-0 SEC) : 2:30 p.m. • ABC/SiriusXM: 137/190 - 84
Texas (3-1, 0-0 SEC) at Florida (1-3, 0-1 SEC): 2:30 p.m. • ESPN/Network/SiriusXM: 113/191 – 145
Kent State (1-3) at Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0 SEC): 3 p.m. • SEC Network/SiriusXM: 111/192
Mississippi State (4-1, 0-1 SEC) at Texas A&M (4-0, 1-0 SEC): 6:30 p.m. • SEC Network /SiriusXM: 374 - 137/190
Open dates: Arkansas (2-3, 0-1 SEC); Auburn (3-2, 0-2 SEC); LSU (4-1, 1-1 SEC); Ole Miss (5-0, 3-0 SEC); Missouri (5-0, 1-0 SEC); South Carolina (3-2, 1-2 SEC); Tennessee (4-1, 1-1 SEC).
Tickets on sale for Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens
Tickets for the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens – a PGA TOUR Champions playoff event – are now on sale to the public. For a complete listing of ticket options or to purchase tickets, please visit the tournament website at simmonsbankchampionship.com.
The Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens will be held at Pleasant Valley Country Club , Little Rock with activities throughout the week of Oct. 20-26. Tournament play will take place Friday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 26. The tournament will serve as the second round of the PGA TOUR Champions' annual Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs. The field will consist of the top 54 players in the standings competing for $2.3 million in prize money and a chance to earn their spot among the top 36 in the final event of the season.
"There's so much momentum heading into this year's Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens," said Freddie Black, Tournament Chair of Simmons Bank Championship. "Being selected for the PGA Tour Champion's Player Award last year – a recognition voted on by the players themselves – speaks volumes about the experience we're building here. We can't wait to welcome fans back this fall for another incredible week of golf."
General admission ticket options include daily Friday, Saturday or Sunday tickets for $30, Good Any One Day tickets for $35 or $85 weekend tickets for all three days of competition rounds. Children ages 15 and under will receive free general admission access with a ticketed adult. An upgraded 15th green shared hospitality ticket is also available to purchase for $300 per day or $850 for the weekend and provides access to an open-air venue with ballpark style food, beer, wine and seltzers. Liquor is available for purchase.
Active, reserve, and retired military will receive two (2) complimentary Good Any Day tickets (single use ticket good for one of Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) with an option to purchase up to four (4) discounted Good Any Day tickets. In order to checkout, military status will be verified through GovX. Complimentary military tickets are limited and only available while supplies last.
For more information, visit the simmonsbankchampionship.com or contact sales@simmonsbankchampionship.com.
For more information about the Simmons Bank Championship presented by Stephens, to purchase tickets and to stay up to date on tournament news, visit the tournament website, simmonsbankchampionship.com.
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