eNewlstter August 2024

North Little Rock e-Newsletter

Provided by Diane Whitbey, City Clerk and Treasurer

10 Back-to-school tips for kids and parents

Found at the personal.com/blog/

The new school year means new friends, teachers, clothes, and classrooms. It’s normal for kids (and their parents) to feel anxious about returning to school. Here are some simple ways to ease the transition from vacation-mode to school-mode. Tips for getting kids ready for back-to-school

Whatever their age, many kids are apprehensive about starting school or going back to school. The good news is there’s a lot you can do to ease their minds and help them get ready for a new school year.

1. Early to bed, early to rise

August 2024

Getting back into a school sleep schedule won’t happen overnight! A few weeks before school starts, get your child into the habit of going to bed earlier. Gentle winding-down activities such as bath time and reading before bed can help your child relax.

2. Re-establish a routine

Establishing a consistent routine is important for kids. Write out the steps in the routine and rehearse them with your child. In the evening, this could include doing homework, playtime, brushing their teeth, having a bath, and reading before bed.

3. Encourage independence

Children who play an active role in preparing for back to school – such as choosing and organizing school supplies and new clothes – are more likely to get excited about going back to school, which in turn eases their jitters. Is your child old enough for chores like emptying the dishwasher or making lunches? Daily, ageappropriate tasks will help your child gain independence and confidence.

4. Choose the right backpack

Backpacks that are too heavy or worn improperly could result in muscle strain, headaches, and neck pain. Try to choose a backpack made of sturdy, lightweight fabric with wide, padded straps that will support your child’s shoulders. Watch that they don’t sling it over just one shoulder.

5. Talk about safety

Review outdoor safety rules – things like looking both ways before crossing the street, taking the same route every day if they are walking, familiarizing themselves with crosswalk rules, and being cautious in talking to strangers.

6. Establish healthy habits

Involve your children in choosing and preparing healthy lunches and snacks. Help them find physical activities they enjoy. Take them shopping for healthy snacks and lunch items they can pack themselves. Try to stick to regular meal times.

7. Limit screen time

Back to school is the perfect opportunity to re-establish screen time limits. Why not have the whole family “unplug” in the evenings before bedtime? Choose a spot where everybody can charge their devices overnight. Use an alarm clock instead of a cellphone to wake up in the mornings.

8. Map it out

If your kids are starting at a new school, practice walking or driving to the bus stop or to the school building a week or two before school starts. You could even play in the school playground before school starts. This creates fun memories associated with the school before summer vacation ends.

9. Talk about first-week jitters

Reassure your child that being nervous is natural – even for teachers. You can help your child cope with these feelings when you:

 Let them express their fears. Perhaps you can offer stories of your own first-day jitters when you were a child.

 Teach them to breathe deeply and slowly to calm their nerves.

 Discuss the scenarios that worry them. For example, if they’re worried about who to sit with or talk to on the first day, help them plan a strategy and rehearse it so they’ll know what to do.

10. Celebrate the start of a new school year

If you celebrate the first day of school, your kids will see back-to-school as a transition they can really enjoy. Try a back-to-school party the day before school starts, complete with cake, balloons and educational gifts. And don’t forget to take a picture on the front step in their first-day-of-school outfits. It’s going to be a great year!

North Little Rock Animal Services

For more information call 501-791-8577

Hot Weather Safety Tips

Found at aspca.org

We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but it’s important to remember that like any season, summer comes with its hazards. To make sure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way this summer, check out this list of summer safety tips from our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC).

 Visit the vet for an early-summer checkup. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworms if they aren’t on year-round preventative medication.

 Give pets plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors as pets can get dehydrated quickly. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.

 Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.

 Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, but it’s illegal in several states!

 Know that animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

 Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool. If you plan on spending time near a pool, lake or beach with your pet, make sure you give them fresh water and avoid letting them drink from the pool, or ingest ocean or lake water. When swimming, introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from their fur.

 Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured. Open unscreened windows pose a real danger to pets, who often fall out of them.

 Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog. The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more

often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.

 Don’t let dogs linger on hot asphalt when the temperature is very high. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

 Use caution when using herbicides and insecticides. When applying these products to your yard it is best to keep your pet away from the area being treated, follow directions on the packaging and prevent your pet from accessing the area until it is dry or has been appropriately watered. Fertilizer exposures are also more common in the summer, and while typically not serious, they can cause some stomach upset and should still be treated seriously. Keep fertilizers out of reach and your pet out of the treated area until it is dry. Additionally, keep citronella candles, tiki torch products and insect coils of out pets’ reach as well.

 Be mindful of what you are planting in your garden. Being outdoors means more exposure to different types of plants—both ornamental and garden plants. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the plants in your yard or garden and the potential hazard they may pose to your pets. Identifying possibly harmful plants ahead of time may prevent unwanted exposures. Always keep an eye on your pet when they are outside as even non-toxic plants can cause stomach upset if ingested.

 Remember that food and drink can pose one of the biggest threats to pets. To keep them from having food that is too high in fat, or ingesting a food item that may be toxic, it’s best that your pet sticks to their normal diet and treats. Be sure to also keep the garbage out of reach, as snooping noses can find their way to hazardous items. If you’re enjoying alcoholic beverages at your festivities, be sure to keep your drinks up and away from pets and clean up any spills before they have a chance to take a taste.

 Never use fireworks around pets. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and even unused fireworks can contain hazardous materials. Many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared or disoriented, so it’s best to keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area of your home.

Follow these expert tips to have a happy, healthy and fun summer with your furry friends!

Our shelter is full of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in need of a furever home. Please consider adopting a shelter pet for your next pet.

North Little Rock Fire Department

There is hot, and then there is hot! Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

Older adults, children and people with certain illnesses and chronic conditions are at greater risk from extreme heat.

Humidity increases the feeling of heat.

Prepare for Extreme Heat

 Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.

 Identify places in your community where you can go to get cool such as libraries and shopping malls or contact your local health department to find cooling options in your area.

 Cover windows with drapes or shades.

 Weather-strip doors and windows.

 Use window reflectors specifically designed to reflect heat back outside.

 Add insulation to keep the heat out.

 Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing out hot air.

 Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.

 Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

 Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible.

 Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.

 Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

 Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.

 Heat waves may cause you to lose power.

Heat-Related

Illnesses

Know the signs of heatrelated illnesses and ways to respond. If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for advice and shelter in place if you can. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 9-1-1.

HEAT STROKE

Signs:

 If you are unable to afford your cooling costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.

Be Safe DURING

 Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.

 If air conditioning is not available in your home find a cooling option.

 Take cool showers or baths.

 Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

 Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.

 If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.

 Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) taken orally

 Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat

 Rapid, strong pulse

 Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness

If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. If possible: move the person suffering from heat stroke into a cool, shaded area; remove any outer clothing; place a cold wet cloth or ice pack on the head, neck, armpits and groin, or soak the person’s clothing with cool water; elevating their feet.

HEAT CRAMPS

 Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs

HEAT EXHAUSTION

 Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, fast or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting

If you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to a cooler location and cool down by removing excess clothing and taking sips of sports drinks or water. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

The City of North Little Rock will open a cooling center during extreme temperatures from time to time at the Community Center 2700 Willow. For information please call NLR Unsheltered Liaison 501-975-8780.

Mayor Terry C. Hartwick holds a monthly department head meeting. Department heads provide a report of activities, projects, and accomplishments.

Senior Center—9,112 members visited with 501 being the highest one-day total, 121 new members. Volunteer hours: 573. Trips: Junk Fest, Professor Bowl, Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival, Hot Springs Mountain Tower.

Sanitation—Garbage and yard waste crews collected 2,043.06 tons (4,086.120 lbs) of household garbage, rubbish and junk. Yard Waste crews also collected 95 loads (2,545.00 cubic yards) of green waste. 175 waste tires picked up. Sanitation Code performed 15 inspections, 4 reinspections and issued 1 notice for non-compliance. No citations were issued in June. Recycling tonnage was not provided by Waste Management.

Traffic Services—Barricade Permits—98, AR One Call— 14, Signs/Post replaced–58, City Vehicles marked with logo—3.

Police—violent crime increased 11%, property crimes decreased 14% (breaking and entering and vehicle thefts). Spike in robberies occurring during private sales involving Facebook Marketplace. Ongoing reminder LOCK doors to your home, storage building and vehicles! If you have an alarm, be sure you arm it! DO NOT LEAVE ANY VALUABLES IN YOUR VEHICLE!!! Officer Don Dukes retired after 28 years with NLRPD. Real Time Crime Center instrumental in apprehending suspect who fled from officers after a pursuit. Incident monitored in real time to see suspect run into a neighborhood, remove outer shirt which was hid inside a grill. Suspect casually walked back towards officers and was taken into custody without incident.

Fire—1,334 incidents, 751 Rescue & EMS, 196 Good Intent Calls, 211 Service Calls, 88 False Alarm, 53 Fire. 3,8849 Fire Training hours. 96 Building Surveys.

Emergency Services/911—Incoming calls: 4,698—non911 calls, 6,243—911 calls, 575—abandoned 911 calls.

Planning—14 sign permits, 2 banner permit, 18 demolition permits, 12 new single-family permits—average $189,516, 49 residential remodel permits—average $20,234, 6 residential addition permits—$5,417, 4 new commercial permits—average $1,242,707, 3 commercial remodel permits—average $9,667, 0 new multi-family permit.

Code Enforcement—assigned calls—110, initiated calls 608, citations—11, violation notices—593, vehicles tagged—71, vehicles towed—0, lots posted—166, signs removed—1, structures inspected—42, rental inspections—22, food service inspections—17, search warrants— 1, structures condemned—10, houses demolished by city—12, houses demolished by owner—13, vacant lots cleaned/mowed—248, lots with structures cleaned/ mowed—80, vacant houses secured—0, tires removed— 33.

Parks and Recreation—SAPling summer camp (session 1) completed—featured Arts & Creative Expression, Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Sports, Physical Fitness and Healthy Youth Promoting Excellence. Tennis hosted at Rose City and North Heights. Burns Park Tennis Center hosted USTA League State, Southern 16’s Tournament, USTA League State II and Junior Team Tennis State. Coming soon—daytime Pickleball League. Senior Baseball– 1st tournament since March 2023 tornado. Repairs along River Trail complete. Burns Park Golf held several outings—Junior Invitational, L’oreal, Knights of Columbus, PGA Junior Tour and Chip and Putt Qualifier. Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum had 1,563 visitors— groups: Pulaski Academy After School Program (33), Child Care Network (37), Group Tour (14), Jacks Gym (10), Little Scholars School (14), Congo Road Church (15), American Exchange Project (11). 1 overnight group—Troop 87, Nasville, TN (18). Special Events: Amateur Radio event— Museum Ships on Air May 31 through June 2—USS Razorback and USS Hoga—Razorback made contact with 266 (3 countries and 7 museum ships—Hoga made contact with 528 (9 countries and 8 museum ships.

Animal Services—

Incoming:

Dog 149/ytd 1,017

Cat 93/ytd 522

Other 0/ytd 1

Adopted:

Dog 64/ytd 370

Cat 56/ytd 289

Other 0/ytd 6

Reclaim:

Dog 27/ytd 171

Cat 0/ytd 5

Other 0/ytd 0

Euthanized:

Dog 82/ytd 495

Cat 16/ytd 177

Other 0/ytd 2

Service calls: 574/ytd/3,228

Citations: 37/ytd 237

Vouchers (spay/neuter) issued: 41/ytd 258

NLR Electric—

Customers: 40,116

Revenue: $9,205,825

Peak Demand: 227,436 kW

Territory: 60 square miles

RS (Residential Solar) Net Meter Customers: 369

Total RS solar panel capacity: 2,798 kW

Average RS solar panel capacity: 7.58 kW

Residents with solar arrays larger than 10 kW: 64

Total capacity of customer-owned solar: 5,901 kW

Major outages: 6-9—tree fell on North Hills between 19th and I-40—power out 1 hr 48 min.

What causes power outages? All kinds of things...an animal in a transformer, a falling tree limb or tree, a vehicle hitting a pole, severe weather. July 31 the city had a significant outage caused by a vehicle accident, see picture on the next page (page 5). Continued on next

...continued from previous page… July 31, 2024, a motor vehicle accident occurred on AR-107. The accident resulted in damage to an electrical pole (see photo). To make repairs, power had to be cut from three circuits in the area which effected over 5,000 customers.

North Little Rock Electric crews worked as quickly and safely as they could to restore power.

Thank you to NLR Electric!

Visit nlrairshow.com/attractions, scroll to the bottom of the page and click Buy Tickets, then select

For more information contact: airshownlr@gmail.com Tickets on sale now!

The past couple of weeks have been busy here at North Little Rock Fire! From intense training sessions and offsite classes to tackling structure fires and handling emergency responses, our firefighters do it all. But it's not just about the work. Sharing meals, sharing a laugh, a story, and building bonds, these incredible firefighters spend a third of their lives with their firehouse family. Do you feel like you could be part of this incredible team? Join a family like no other. Join the best fire department in the state. Join North Little Rock Fire Department today!

The City of North Little Rock recently honored the following volunteers who offer their time and skills in various city departments throughout the year:

Lavern Andrews

Annette Arnold

Ethel Baker

Vertina Banks

Fred Bledsoe

Artis Boykin

Merrill Brannon

Linda Brimley

Virgil Brimley

June Brown

Marleene Calvin

Renee Gray

Michael Chavis

Carol Evans

Christopher Ganahi

Eliza Godwin

One-Pot Lemon-Pepper

Chicken Pasta

Found at bettycrocker.com

Ingredients:

1 Tblsp olive oil

Billy Gosvener

Thomas Goza

Kathy Harrill

Dwight Henderson

Ruth Hendrix

Ladonna Henry

Pat Jackson

Phyllis Killeen

Phyllis Kirklin

Cathryn Lane

Hiawatha Lewis

Jim Lewis

Linda Naugher

Jeanne Plunkett

Anna Pool

Emma Purifoy

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bitesize pieces (16 oz)

1 tsp lemon pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 Tblsp finely chopped garlic

1 carton (32 oz) chicken broth

8 oz spaghetti pasta, broken in half (from 16 oz box)

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

2 Tblsp butter

1 Tblsp lemon juice and 2 tsp grated lemon peel from 1 large lemon

2 bags (5 oz each) baby spinach

Steps:

In a 5 to 6 quart Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with lemon pepper, salt and black pepper. Cook chicken in oil 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink. Remove chicken to plate; cover and keep warm.

Refreshing Watermelon Sorbet

Found at allrecipes.com

Ingredients:

8 cups cubed seeded watermelon

2 medium limes, zested and juiced, divided

2 Tblsp honey

1 pinch chili-lime seasoning (such as Tajin®)

Directions:

Place watermelon cubes in a single layer on a sheet pan. Freeze at least 5 hours or overnight.

Zest limes; set aside for garnish. Juice limes until you have 2 tablespoons juice.

Place 1/2 watermelon cubes in food processor with 1

Chad Richmond Gail Schulte

Jenny Schumate

Sandra Smith

Patti Stigall

Norma Taliaferro

Linda Tharp

Freeda Thompson

Karon Toliver

Claudette Votor

Judith Wallis

Dolores Wilk

Ruby Young

Suzanne Yung

Add garlic to Dutch oven; cook 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned. Add chicken broth and spaghetti; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to medium; simmer uncovered 13 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and pasta is al dente.

Stir in 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, the butter, lemon juice, lemon peel and cooked chicken. Remove from heat. Gradually add spinach; stir just until starting to wilt. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve with remaining 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.

tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Blend until smooth and creamy and transfer to a large bowl. Repeat with remaining watermelon, honey and lime juice.

Stir the 2 batches together and serve

immediately, garnish with lime zest and Tajin® (if desired). Or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for a firmer texture.

Peddlers Permit

City of North Little Rock

Issued to: Mel Dun

Issued: 7/1/2024

Expires: 10/29/2024

Sex: Male

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Dun

Height: 15 hands

Employer: Equine sunglasses

Type of Goods Sold: Sunglasses for horses

City Clerk and Treasurer Diane Whitbey

By: _SAMPLE ONLY— only valid with signature

____________________________

Deputy City Clerk / Treasurer, Revenue

To see a list of issued permits, visit the city website at nlr.ar.gov, then click City Departments and scroll down to City Clerk and Treasurer. Look for the dark box and click on Current Door to Door Peddlers.

To see an individual ID/Permit, click on the person’s name. All licensed door-to-door peddlers are required to have the ID issued by the City Clerk’s Office with them at all times

**Currently, we have 11 permitted door to door solicitors (4 pending revocation) representing Shrike Pest Control, Exceed Marketing Inc Visionary Associates on behalf of AT&T and Edward Jones.

All persons doing business of any kind within the city limits of North Little Rock are required to have a Business/Privilege License. This includes home-based such as lawn care or internet sales.

**If a business operates 1 day into the new year, it is required to obtain a business license at the full fee.**

All 2023 NLR Business Licenses expired December 31, 2023. A grace period was allowed for renewals in 2024. A 50% penalty will be applied to any invoices paid after July 1, 2024

If you have any questions, please contact the North Little Rock City Clerk’s Office at 501-9758617.

If someone does business within our city limits, they are required to have a city business license.

If you operate out of your home you are required to have a business license.

If you operate a mobile business you are required to have a business license.

If you sell products like cosmetics, kitchen items, etc. you are required to obtain a “home-based” business license.

Insured and Bonded. Make sure you do your homework on anyone you are thinking about doing business with. Check to see if the person working for you has a state license (if required) city license (required), and insurance bond (to cover any damages that may occur on your property.

ALL PERSONS DOING BUSINESS OF ANY KIND IN THE CITY OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A CITY BUSINESS LICENSE

Below is a list of a few new questions...

Q&A...I closed my business but the city didn’t let the county know and they assessed taxes? The business owner/operator must contact our office and let us know the business closed. The owner/operator will be provided a form to complete stating the date the business closed. A copy of the completed form can be provided to the county as proof the business was closed.

Q&A My business is physically located in North Little Rock, if I work in other cities, will they honor my NLR BL?. Arkansas law requires other cities to honor licenses issued by another city within the state. However, in the case of a Food Truck, another license may be required.

Q&A I have hired an out of state contractor to work on my property, will NLR honor an out-ofstate license? No. The contractor will need to obtain a license from a city/town within the state. We will honor a current business license issued by another city.

Q&A...If my contractor has a state license is that considered a business license? No. Anyone doing business within the City must also hold a city issued business license. What happens if I operate a business without a license? You will be issued a citation and have to appear in court. You are then subject to a fine and any court costs associated with the same. Failure to appear could result in a warrant and revocation of your driver’s license

If you want to check to see if a business is licensed with us, please call 501-975-8617.

North Little Rock

City Council Schedule

The North Little Rock City Council meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers in City Hall (300 Main Street, North Little Rock).

For more information, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 501-975-8617 or email Diane Whitbey at Dwhitbey@nlr.ar.gov.

The City Council Agenda can be found at nlr.ar.gov, then click on the Elected Officials tab, followed by City Council then scroll to upcoming City Council Agenda.

City Council Members

Ward 1 Debi Ross 501-753-0733

Nathan Hamilton 501-952-7679

Ward 2 Linda Robinson 501-945-8820

Maurice Taylor 501-690-6444

Ward 3 Steve Baxter 501-804-0928 Ron Harris 501-758-2877

Ward 4 Charlie Hight 501-758-8396 Vince Insalaco III 501-951-0786

Other Elected Officials

Mayor Terry C. Hartwick 501-975-8601

City Clerk/Treasurer Diane Whitbey 501-975-8617

City Attorney Amy Fields 501-975-3755

Dist Court Judge Randy Morley 501-791-8562

Dist Court Judge Paula Juels Jones 501-791-8559

North Little Rock Curbside Recycling schedule for the month of August 2024.

July 29—Aug 2, recycle

Aug 5—9 no pickup

Aug 12—16, recycle

Aug 19—23 no pickup

Aug 26—30, recycle

City Offices located at 700 West 29th

Construction and Building Services

Mary Beth Bowman 501-975-8881

Finance, Ember Strange 501-975-8802

Human Resources, Betty Anderson 501-975-8855 Fit 2 Live

Legal, Amy Fields, City Attorney 501-975-3755

Planning, Shawn Spencer 501-975-8835

Utilities Accounting, Terrell Milton 501-975-8888

Utility Payment Assistance and Other Numbers

Central AR Development Council……..501-603-0909

Little Rock Catholic Charities...501-664-0640 ext 459

Saint Francis House…………………....501-664-5036

Watershed……..………………………..501-378-0176

Helping Hand of Arkansas……………. 501-372-4388

River City Ministries…………………….501-376-6694

Arkansas Metro………………………....501-420-3824

Arkansas Food Bank…………………...501-565-8121

American Red Cross…………………...501-748-1021

Salvation Army………………………….501-374-9296

Telephone Numbers for City Hall Mayor’s Office…………………501-975-8601

Terry C. Hartwick

City Clerk & Treasurer………..501-975-8617

Diane Whitbey

Communications………………501-975-8833

Shara Hutchcraft

External Relations…………….501-975-8605

Margaret Powell

Revenue Enforcement………. 501-975-8612

Officer Jim Scott

Special Projects/DEI………….501-975-3737

Arnessa Bennett

August Anniversaries

Arkansas bus laws to remember as school traffic begins found at thv11.com

As the first day of school approaches, parents and kids aren’t the only ones who will need to adjust to a new routine...drivers will also have to adapt to more traffic and school buses on the road. Arkansas law requires drivers to stop 30 feet away from a stopped school bus with its flashing red lights on.

When driving on a two-lane road with no median, a road with a center turn lane or a four-lane with no median, drivers in both directions must stop

If you’re caught breaking the law, the fine can be up to $1,000.00, 90 days in jail...or both Driving during school hours can be a frustrating experience. You have an increased volume of parents taking kids to school and then trying to get to work. You’ve got a group of new drivers driving themselves to school and we’ve got increased traffic from school buses. So this is a good time to wake up a little early. Give yourself a little more time to get to your destination and just have patience with other people.” said Robert Bennett with Thompson Driving School.

August Anniversaries

...continued from previous page

North Little Rock School District 2024—2025 Calendar (notable dates)

First Day of School: August 19 (Teacher’s return on August 12)

Early Release: every Wednesday

School will be closed the following days: Labor Day: September 2 Parent Conference: October 18 November 8

November 25-29 Christmas

Last Day of School: May 30

Information regarding employee anniversaries and birthdates is provided by Human Resources the prior year (i.e. 2024 was provided in 2023). So if an employee name is on the list that has retired or resigned, please disregard. Also, typos happen! Please let me know if a name is spelled wrong and a correction will be included next month! For employees who leave the city and come back in a different capacity or department, your length of service may change as well. Example, I worked in the Mayor’s Office 10 years, then was elected City Clerk. I have been in the City Clerk’s Office 23 years. My total service with the city is 33 years. If this scenario applies to you, please email me at least one month before the month of your anniversary month so I can include your total service to the City of NLR! Diane (Dwhitbey@nlr.ar.gov)

13

Seis Puentes

Little Scholars Youth Program (in conjunction with Pulaski County Youth Services) recently completed a 4-week Summer Education series. The curriculum focused on “life-skills” and being part of the community. Speakers included North Little Rock City Officials and employees and local business owners. Topics included how to start a small business, how to manage money, safety, inclusion and social skills, including proper dress in the workplace. Participants became life-long friends who will always remember their new friends.