NLR PROUD Fall 2024 Vol 7 No 4

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Whata year we have had in North Little Rock! We opened the new Baptist Health Family Clinic in Rose City, unveiled the new Conference Center, and opened Blaze Drive Fire Station 11 in the east part of our city. We continue to focus on the three P’s: Public Safety, Public Works and Parks. The Park Hill Jumpstart and McCain Boulevard projects are now complete and construction is underway at the new Central Fire Station 1 and the main Community Center on Willow Street. The expansion and renovation of the Animal Shelter is scheduled to be completed this month. In closing the year and my second term as Mayor, I am proud of everything we have accomplished together. I look forward to serving our city for the next four years. Cherish time with your family and friends during the holidays.

Mayor Terry C. Hartwick

Publisher: Mayor Terry C. Hartwick

Josie Nicole Tucker is pictured at the Mayor’s Tree Lighting.

National Night Out

Mayor Hartwick, North Little Rock police officers and fire fighters visited events throughout our city during the annual National Night Out in October! This annual event is a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to help make our neighborhoods safer and improve the quality of life. Cookouts, block parties, children’s events, and ice cream socials occurred simultaneously throughout North Little Rock. If your neighborhood is interested in organizing an event for the 2025 National Night Out in October, please contact North Little Rock Neighborhood Services at 501-791-8500.

NLR CONFERENCE CENTER

Unveiling

Mayor Terry Hartwick and the North Little Rock City Council unveiled the North Little Rock Conference Center in a special ceremony in October. The 31,000-squarefoot conference center will be constructed at 120 Main Street, the former North Little Rock City Services Building site. Former North Little Rock Mayor Joe Smith and Derrell Hartwick, President and CEO of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, attended with hundreds of hospitality representatives, residents, and business owners. The new center, expected to be completed in early 2026, will feature a ballroom, a pre-function area, and a prep kitchen. The center will accommodate up to 1,000 for dinner and 1,500 for an event or show. “For years, I have turned people away to other cities that wanted a venue of this size. We are excited to welcome vendors, exhibits, and various shows to our city,” said Mayor Hartwick.

The2024 Airshow held in October was a huge success! All ages enjoyed the thrilling performances, static displays, food vendors, and a classic car show. More than 5,000 attended the two-day event, which included more than twenty performers. A spectacular Friday night show captured everyone's attention! Children enjoyed the kid’s zone, which included “Plane Train” rides, a bucking bull, and bounce houses. A special thanks to everyone who contributed to making the show a success, especially Mayor Hartwick and the City of North Little, airshow coordinator David Repp, sponsors, and the many volunteers who donated their time. Keep your eyes on the skies for the return of the next one!

The North Little Rock Youth Coalition was co-founded in May, 2021 at the Argenta Contemporary Theater by Pastor Darrell Montgomery and NLR Council Member Linda Robinson. It’s mission is to work to increase “Communication Awareness, Resources, Engagement and Services” (CARES) for young people in North Little Rock. It has sponsored several youth events in the past three years, most recently, Family Fun Day this past August at the Sherman Park Community Center along with North Little Rock Parks and Recreation and Seis Puentes. It has sponsored the North Little Rock High School Job Fair this past year and will do so again in April 2025. This worthy organization has worked with the North Little Rock Mayor’s Youth Council, Shorter College and the North Little Rock School District as well as other non-profit organizations, churches, city government and workforce programs in our area to reduce youth violence.

August 9, 2025 is the date for the 2025 Family Fun Day.

Forty Years of Service

Iam proud to have served the citizens of Ward 2 on the North Little Rock City Council since 2008. I have lived in North Little Rock since 1971 and am glad to have had the opportunity to give back to our city and country while serving for 25 years in the United States Army. Instead of closing Faulkner Lake Road, I worked with Mayor Hartwick to make the necessary improvements to keep it open along with many other street and drainage improvements throughout Ward 2. Many dreams became a reality this year for me when we opened the Baptist Health Family Clinic in Rose City and the Blaze Drive Fire Station 11 in the east part of our city. Working as a team to improve the infrastructure of our city is key. It was great to see Arkansas Highway 165 widened, and the Colonel Maynard Road exit stripped, increasing residents' safety. I am most proud of organizing and creating The Argenta Art Connection which later became The Innovation Hub. It provides a venue for creativity that is necessary for so many. Moving forward, I will continue to passionately serve as a mentor, leading and serving my community and country through my Real Estate business and school. I look forward to spending more time with my family and traveling.

Thank you.

Maurice Taylor

On Wednesday, December 31, my service as a North Little Rock City Council member will end. What started on January 1, 2001, became an extremely rewarding, truly fulfilling, and unbelievable journey of 24 years to help and serve not only the residents of Ward 4 but all citizens of our great city. It has truly been an honor to have been elected and reelected five times to represent the residents of Ward 4. I wish to thank everyone who has helped me during this fabulous journey. So, THANK YOU for the last 24 years and the great “ride” I have experienced while serving. I told our Mayor and fellow council members, “This is not goodbye; I am still here when needed.” And finally, join me in saying, North Little Rock is a great place to live, work and play.

Thank you.

Charlie Hight

North Little Rock City Council members Charlie Hight and Maurice Taylor have served our community for a total of 40 years. You’re invited to a reception honoring both Council member Hight and Council member Taylor.

Christmas in North Little Rock : Mayor's Tree Lighting

New FIRE STATIONS

CENTRAL FIRE STATION 1

in construction

Construction is progressing at the new Central Fire Station located at 13th & Main Streets. The retaining wall behind the station is complete. This week, the concrete slab pour will be conducted for the living area and offices. Installation of the sewer line began in early December. Estimated completion date: early spring 2026

Animal Shelter Expansion & Renovation

Construction on the Animal Shelter expansion and renovation is almost finished. Completed to date: siding, new adoption area, painting, awnings, and countertops. Look for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in January 2025. Estimated completion date: December 2024.

Main Community Center

U pdates are taking shape at the main North Little Rock Community Center on Willow Street. Many updates throughout the facility are refreshing to members. New saunas have been ordered, painting continues inside and out, and the entrance has been extended. The gym, cardio and weight rooms, and the two restrooms next to the gym are now open for members. Estimated completion date: March 2026

Helpful Numbers

Central Arkansas Water

501-372-5161

customerservice@carkw.com

Recycling

501-565-0191

cscmidsouth@wm.com

Rock Region Metro

501-375-6717

www.rrmetro.org

Summit Utilities

800-992-7552

customerservice@summitutilities.com

Waste Water

501-945-7186

nlrwu@nlrwu.com

Flip the Switch with Solar Power!

In November, North Little Rock Electric and Today’s Power Incorporated flipped the switch on a new 16,000-panel solar array, adding another renewable power source to the electric portfolio in North Little Rock. The newly implemented array is expected to deliver up to seven (7) megawatts of energy, serving around 1,200 customers across the service area. The City of North Little Rock is excited about this partnership and what it brings to our community.

NEW Business

NorthLittle Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick and CFS Technologies Chief Executive Officer Chip

and others are pictured during the mayor's recent visit to the company's recently opened 50,000-square-foot manufacturing plant on MacArthur Drive in North Little Rock. With connectivity and data analytics capabilities, CFS Technologies specializes in high-quality chemical dispensing, foaming and spraying equipment, and cleaning solutions. Their legacy in producing top-tier dispensing equipment is embodied in their esteemed brands: Lafferty Equipment, Knight Equipment, and Lavo Solutions. The products and solutions carried by these brands cater to a wide array of end markets and industries, transforming complexity into simplicity.

UNITY PINK 3K RACE/WALK

The City of North Little Rock teamed up with the City of Little Rock, ARORA and the Arkansas Army National Guard to host the third annual community breast cancer awareness 3K race/walk, "UNITY PINK" at Dickey Stephens recently. The entire community was welcome to participate. The race began at Dickey Stephens and participants either walked or ran the 3K. "We had a great turnout for the third annual event and expect an even larger crowd next year. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide a community for anyone impacted by breast cancer. Whether you are in treatment, celebrating survivorship, or a family member, friend or loved one, we are thankful you joined us," shared Betty Anderson.

Community Gardens

Rachelle

Kelly is the new Community Garden Program Manager for the City of North Little Rock. A central Arkansas native, Rachelle brings over four years of experience managing one of the largest community gardens at St. Joseph Farmstead and serving on the North Little Rock Community Garden Advisory Committee. Passionate about the power of community gardens, Rachelle shares, “What I love most about gardening is how it brings people together. It’s not just about growing plants—it’s about growing connections, learning from each other, and creating something beautiful as a community.”

One of Rachelle’s favorite things about gardening is the connection it offers to nature. For questions about the North Little Rock Community Garden Program, you can reach Rachelle at RKelly@nlr.ar.gov or 501-351-0184.

Private gardens at Iris Park are planted with herbs, vegetables, and flowers to attract pollinators.
The North Heights Garden Club celebrates a bountiful day with bags full of freshly harvested basil.

LIBRARY Highlights!

Rover’s First Birthday!

In August, the Mobile Library, Rover, celebrated its first birthday at Burns Dog Park with an enthusiastic turnout from dogs, kids, and adults! Mayor Terry Hartwick joined the festivities and picked up his very own NLRPLS library card. Check out Rover’s upcoming stops via the QR code.

New STEAM Program: Mad Science Lab

This fall, Laman Kids introduced Mad Science Lab, an engaging STEAM series created by North Little Rock High School Senior Kayden Ousley. Kayden led interactive science lessons with experiments, themed books, and activities that sparked excitement for science among young learners.

Mrs. Ropers Take Over Laman Library!

Laman Library had a lively visit from the International Order of Mrs. Ropers. They added their flair to storytime, a Three’s Company Trivia night, and even joined our Saturday Line Dancing Class!

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Laman Library hosted a beautiful performance by Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, bringing culture and joy to the community.

Upcoming: Animal Shelter Supply Drive

Both libraries are accepting donations for the North Little Rock Animal Shelter during December. Needed items include blankets (no stuffing), towels, pet food, slip leashes, and cleaning supplies.

North Little Rock Contact Information

Mayor Terry C. Hartwick 501-975-8601 mayor@nlr.ar.gov

City Clerk/Treasurer Diane Whitbey 501-975-8617 cityclerkoffice@nlr.ar.gov

City Attorney Amy Fields

Judge (Traffic) Judge Randy Morley

501-975-3755 nlrlegal@nlr.ar.gov

501-791-8562 melinda.johnson@nlrpolice.org

Judge (Criminal/Civil) Judge Paula Juels Jones 501-791-8559 janet.hill@nlrpolice.org

Chief of Staff Mike Davis 501-975-8601 mdavis@nlr.ar.gov

City Council

Ward 1 Council Member Nathan Hamilton 501-952-7679 nhamilton@nlr.ar.gov

Ward 1 Council Member Debi Ross 501-753-0733 dross@nlr.ar.gov

Ward 2 Council Member Linda Robinson 501-945-8820 lrobinson@nlr.ar.gov

Ward 2 Council Member Maurice Taylor 501-690-6444 mtaylor@nlr.ar.gov

Ward 3 Council Member Steve Baxter 501-804-0928 sbaxter@nlr.ar.gov

Ward 3 Council Member Ron Harris 501-758-2877 ronharris@nlr.ar.gov

Ward 4 Council Member Vince Insalaco III 501-951-0786 vinsalaco@nlr.ar.gov

Ward 4 Council Member Charlie Hight 501-944-0670 chight@nlr.ar.gov

Departments

Airport Virginia Young

Animal Control Adam Tindall

501-835-5654 vyoung@nlr.ar.gov

501-791-8577 animalservices@nlr.ar.gov

Code Enforcement Felecia McHenry 501-791-8581 codedirector@nlr.ar.gov

Communications Shara Hutchcraft 501-975-8833 shutchcraft@nlr.ar.gov

Community Development Bailey Noland 501-340-5342 bnoland@nlr.ar.gov

Construction & Building Services Mary Beth Bowman 501-690-9657 mbowman@nlr.ar.gov

Economic Development Colleen Bailey 501-442-5329 cbailey@nlr.ar.gov

Electric Ryan Wilson 501-975-8888 custserv@nlr.ar.gov

Emergency Services Kim Francisco 501-340-5365 emergencyservices@nlr.ar.gov

Engineering David Cook 501-371-8339 dcook@nlr.ar.gov

Finance Ember Strange 501-975-8802 nlrfinance@nlr.ar.gov

Fire Gerald Tucker

501-340-5385 nlrfd@nlr.ar.gov

Health Lucille Rose 501-791-8551 lucille.rose@arkansas.gov

History Commission Sandra Taylor-Smith 501-371-0755 nlrhistory@comcast.net

Human Resources Betty Anderson 501-975-8855 banderson@nlr.ar.gov

Public Library System Crystal Gates 501-758-1720 crystal.gates@lamanlibrary.org

Mayor's Youth Council Jill Mills 501-804-8950 jillmillsnlrmyc@yahoo.com

Neighborhood Services & Community Gardens Dan Scott 501-791-8500 nlrneighborhoodserv@nlr.ar.gov

Parks & Recreation Kenny Stephens 501-791-853 8 kastephens@nlr.ar.gov

Planning Shawn Spencer 501-975-8835 sspencer@nlr.ar.gov

Police Patrick Thessing 501-771-7102 nlrpd@nlrpolice.org

Safety Kenny Stephens 501-371-8337 safety1@nlr.ar.gov

Sanitation Condo Breedlove 501-371-8340 nlrsanitation@nlr.ar.gov

Special Projects Dr. Arnessa Bennett 501-975-3737 abennett@nlr.ar.gov

Traffic Kenny Stephens 501-340-5352 traffic@nlr.ar.gov

Tourism Karen Trevino 501-404-0319 karen@northlittlerock.org

Patrick Henry Hays Senior Center Dustin Free

501-366-3289 dfree@nlr.ar.gov

Street Patrick Lane 501-340-5355 nlrstreet@nlr.ar.gov

Unsheltered Community Officer Shana Cobbs 501-975-8780 nlrunsheltered@nlr.ar.gov

Vehicle Maintenance Kenny Brock

501-340-5371 nlrgarage@nlr.ar.gov

Volunteer Services Angela Wirt 501-975-4297 awirt@nlr.ar.gov

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