North Little Rock e-Newsletter
Provided by Diane Whitbey, City Clerk and Treasurer February 2025
Baby, it’s still COLD outside!
It’s February in Arkansas. Typically a chilly time of year! As this is being written, the outside temperature is 61 degrees and the sun is shinning! Just a couple of weeks ago we had 8—9 inches of snow on the ground! As we have heard it said many times “welcome to Arkansas, if you don’t like the weather today, just wait until tomorrow!”
With that in mind, here are a few things to do in our city regardless of the weather!
Advertising and Promotion—stop by our North Little Rock Tourism Offices at 600 Main Street where you can find out about upcoming events in the city while browsing through the gift shop which is full of items made right here in Arkansas! Argenta—the area of North Little Rock (downtown by the river) is know as Argenta. Come down and enjoy a meal at one of many restaurants along Main Street (and just off of Main). While you are here, take a stroll and check out some of the wonderful murals painted on the sides of businesses in the area. A favorite is the one on the side of the building at 4th and Main which features a group of dogs having a great time in “Dogtown”.
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum—visit our very own Inland Maritime Museum located on the North shore of the Arkansas River. There you will find a wonderful museum with many maritime artifacts. While you are
there, be sure to tour the USS Razorback (SS-394) US Navy submarine which was named after the razorback, a species of whale found in the far southern reaches of the Pacific Ocean. She is arguably the longest-service combat front-line submarine still existing in the world, having been commissioned by two different countries for 56 years of active duty. She was in Tokyo Bay during the surrender of Japan. In, 2004, former Mayor Patrick Henry Hays was joined by many others on a mission to bring the “Razorback” to North Little Rock. If going down the ladder isn’t your thing, take a tour of the USS HOGA (YT-146) US Navy Woban-class District Harbor Tug named after the Sioux Indian word for “fish.” She was launched in December 1940 and placed in service in May 1941 at Norfolk, Virginia. Hoga was assigned to the 14th Naval District at Pearl Harbor. At Pearl Harbor, Hoga was berthed at the Yard Craft Dock. Like other YTs, she carried firefighting equipment. Hoga was present during the attack on Pearl Harbor. She is one of the last surviving vessels from the attack.
History Commission—located at the Heritage Center at 506 Main Street (in downtown Argenta) in a former fire station, this building and the historic items are a must see! The first floor is currently under renovation. Look for the reopening notice soon! The newly designed museum area will take you on a walk back in time! (Fun Fact...NLR History Commission maintains records, artifacts and a whole lot of fun memorabilia from our city’s past! If you are doing a research project, give them a call!
Parks and Recreation—did you know there are 39 parks and 5 community centers right here in North Little Rock? If you didn’t, you do now! These include one of the largest parks in the US—Burns Park and Pugh Park where you will find The Old Mill! So what is there to do in these many parks? LOTS! Our parks include walking trails, bike trails, equestrian trials, skateboard park, Pump Track, Golf course, Pickle Ball Courts, Tennis Center and much more! To find out more about these parks, visit nlr.ar.gov/ departments/parks-and-recreation/parks.
North Little Rock City offices will be closed Monday, February 17, 2025, in observance of Washington’s Birthday and Daisy Gaston Bates Day. Sanitation routes will run as scheduled with no delays.
“Where’s Mel”? Be the first person to call 501-975-8617 and tell us where you found Mel hiding and win! 1
North Little Rock Animal Services
For more information call 501-791-8577
What Does It Mean to Surrender a Dog (or Cat)?
Found at adoptapet.com
Surrendering a dog (or other pet) means that you are relinquishing ownership of the pet to a shelter or rescue. Some pet parents think that when they surrender their pet to a shelter, the pet will be loved and spoiled for as long as it takes to find them a home. But the truth is often quite different. Depending on the facility, it can be hard to find space to care for the dog properly. When shelters run out of kennel space, sometimes even healthy, adoptable dogs are euthanized. Some shelters simply don’t have the manpower to spend time with each dog, so they spend most of their time alone in a small cage. Many shelters, of course, are wonderful places that do have the resources they need to provide a loving environment, but the sad reality is that some do not. What is true at every shelter is that when you surrender a dog, what happens to them is completely out of your hands.
Here’s how it works when you surrender a pet
After you pay a fee (if required) for surrendering your pet, you relinquish all rights. Even in the best shelters, some pets suffer from separation anxiety, fear, and confusion. Ideally, your pet will be placed in a loving home, but sadly, this is not always the case. Your pet was part of the family, so when you surrender them, it can be hard to know you have no control over what happens to them. Consider these alternatives:
Keep your pet
Whatever is causing you to consider not keeping the pet, including behavior issues or financial problems, you may be able to find help. Shelters are a great place to find such resources, and the shelter staff’s goal is always to help pet parents keep their pets. You can also view our Keep Your Pet guide here. It may not be possible, but responsible pet parents will try.
Find a rescue
When a rescue takes your pet, you are still surrendering them, but you are surrendering them to a private group that will give the dog as much time as they need to find a new home. It can be difficult to find a rescue with space, but this is certainly an avenue worth exploring. If your dog is purebred, look for a breed-specific organization, as this may increase your chances of finding a quality rescue that will take your pet.
Rehome the dog yourself
If you’re willing to put in a little time and work, you can find a loving home for your dog yourself. This is a great option because you remain in control of where your dog
ends up, you’re able to choose the family, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your dog is in a safe and loving home. Adopt a Pet’s program Rehome can assist with the process by allowing you to create an online profile that will be seen by people looking for a pet. If keeping your pet isn’t an option, this is the next best solution.
What does it mean to surrender your dog? Uncertainty. Instead, consider one of the other options above so your loving dog can go on being loved.
Also found at adoptapet.com
What Happens To Pets When Pet Parents Die?
What happens to pets when pet parents die depends on whether or not the person made some kind of plan for their pets. If not, the pets often end up at animal control. That’s why it is important for loving pet parents to make plans for what will happen to their pets after their death.
Preparing a pet trust
While you can’t legally leave your money and belongings to your pet, you can set up a pet trust that provides for your pet’s care after your death. In addition to the money left in the trust, you’ll also need to choose a caregiver. This is the person who will take custody of the pets and who will use the money in the trust for the pets’ care.
If there is money left after the pets die, you can specify where the leftover money should go, such as to another beneficiary, a charity, or the person who was the caretaker of the pets.
In 2024, there were 586 owner’s who surrendered their animals to NLRAC. In December alone— there were 54. Before you adopt a furry family member think about the commitment. Depending on the breed, the average life expectancy of a dog is 10—13 years. Cats average 13—17 years.
For those folks holding NLR chicken permits, the average lifespan of a chicken can be 5—10 years depending on environment, breed, diet, etc.
North Little Rock Fire Department February
is Heart Health Month!
Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States. Many 911 calls North Little Rock Firefighters respond to include heart attack and/or symptoms. Our first responders are trained in how to provide CPR and other life-saving procedures. In many cases, heart disease is preventable when people adopt a healthy lifestyle. Below is a chart with suggestion on improving your heart health!
Whether at work or at home, space heaters must be treated with care! We recently observed a space heater in one of our locations which was plugged in and the light was on. Naturally, we provided our space heater safety talk to the person who was in the office. We were asked to share this information with our employees...and are taking the opportunity to share with the public, too. Space heaters do warm up small spaces and can help in a chilly office or room in your home, BUT they must be handled with care! Many deaths are caused annual due to space heaters being left on overnight. Property loss is caused when they are left unattended and a fire starts. Below is a flyer with 5 important things you should always do.
and home!
City signs contract with North Little Rock Police Department Fraternal Order of Police (Lodge #5) and (NLRPD) Supervisors Association
North Little Rock Mayor Terry C. Hartwick was joined by members of the NLR Police Department Fraternal Order of Police (Lodge 5) and the NLR Police Supervisors Association, along with Chief Patrick Thessing and North Little Rock City Council members for an official signing of a two (2) year Statement of Agreement. With the new contract in place, it validates the City’s commitment to public safety and continued focus on recruiting and retention at the NLR Police Department.
The men and women of the NLRPD were grateful for the long standing support shown by the Mayor, City Council and residents of North Little Rock. Partnerships and trust between the organizations and city’s leadership help foster the quality of service the community expects and deserves.
Obituary—Debbie Caplinger
Deborah “Debbie” Carver Caplinger passed away December 24, 2024. She was born in DeWitt, Arkansas where she graduated from DeWitt, Arkansas. She attended the University of Central Arkansas and had a degree in business.
She was a property manager at Associated Management for 20 years. She then joined the City of North Little Rock Parks and Recreation team and later North Little Rock Animal Shelter. She retired in December 2023.
Her passions included country and 70s music and paper crafts. She made handmade cards which she shared with loved ones and donated to Fellowship North card ministry. Her thoughtfulness and creativity brightened the lives of many.
She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Caplinger (North Little Rock Communications Department), daughter Elizabeth Richardson and son-in-law, Cody Richardson of Levon, Texas, her mother, Jean Carver, brother, Mike Carver, sister Pam Carver (all of DeWitt). She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Henry Carver. Memorials may be made to Fellowship North Church c/o Card Ministry, 1 East 52nd Place, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116.
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 no licensed door to door solicitors in the city as of October 31, 2024.
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
Nicole Hart 501-960-2461
Ward 3 Steve Baxter 501-804-0928 Ron Harris 501-758-2877
Ward 4 Vince Insalaco III 501-951-0786 Scott Fowler 501-765-5868
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 February 2025.
Feb 3—7 no pickup Feb 10—7, recycle Feb 17—22 no pickup Feb 24—28, 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
