Fall 2026, Vol. 09, No. 03.
A Publication of the North Little Rock Mayor's Office
INSIDE:
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Progress in our City
The holiday season has begun and we continue to focus on the exciting things happening in our city. Progress continues downtown with the new Tempo hotel, Willy D’s Dueling Piano Bar and the Aloft hotel. The North Little Rock Event Center has hosted over 130 events since opening in March of this year and served over 30,000 guests. Children and families throughout our City continue to enjoy the programs at our community centers and the Patrick Henry Hays Senior Center for those over 50 years of age. Burns Park has so many opportunities for our residents and guests to North Little Rock. Don’t miss the annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting on November 17th in Argenta Plaza at 6:00 p.m. and the North Little Rock Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 13th at 2:00 p.m. The Zoppe Family circus and Northern Lights are both The picture on the cover was great attractions during November to attend with your family taken by Emilee Hagewood, and friends. North Little Rock continues to be a great place to Communications Coordinator for live, work and play. Our City employees work hard to make our the City of North Little Rock, at the 2026 Firefest held recently for the City great. Thanks for everything you do. community.
Mayor Terry C. Hartwick
Table of Contents Progress in North Little Rock...................3 Leaf Removal...................................... 12 Heritage Museum Opening....................4 Mayor's Youth Council......................... 13 Police Recruitment.................................6 City Beautification............................... 14 Event Center Video...............................8 Christmas in North Little Rock........... 18-19 Business License....................................9 Contact Listing....................................20
PROUD
north little rock
Publisher: Mayor Terry C. Hartwick Editor: Shara Hutchcraft, shutchcraft@nlr.ar.gov Photography and Contributing Editor: Emilee Hagewood Graphic Design: Mark R. Potter NLR PROUD
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PROGRESS IN NORTH LITTLE ROCK
A
nother exciting milestone is officially in the books! Work has begun on bringing the interior of the seven-story hotel to life! With electrical work underway, windows being installed, and lighting beginning to take shape throughout the property, each day brings us one step closer to seeing the vision become a reality. It's exciting to watch the transformation from the structural framework to the thoughtful Construction on the Aloft Hotel in downtown details that will North Little Rock’s Argenta District remains on make this hotel schedule for a fall 2027 opening, with fifth floor such a unique framing next, followed by the roof. Interior addition to the plumbing is underway, and grading for the Argenta Arts parking lot is expected to begin this month. District! There's still plenty of work ahead, but we're making incredible progress and can't wait to welcome guests to a fresh, modern hospitality experience in the heart of North Little Rock!
WILLY D’s Piano Bar is Coming to Argenta! W
illy D’s Piano Bar is preparing to bring its signature high-energy, interactive dueling piano entertainment to an exciting new home in North Little Rock's Argenta Arts Entertainment District! The expanded, multilevel venue will feature an upstairs mezzanine, outdoor seating areas, and new opportunities for private parties, corporate events, and special celebrations. Located near Simmons Bank Arena, Willy D’s is looking forward to becoming a gathering place. The team is targeting an early December opening, with an official grand-opening celebration planned for January 2027. We're excited to be part of Argenta's continued growth and look forward to welcoming everyone to the new Willy D’s! Visit www.willydspianobar.com for more info.
Eaton Industries,
State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility
I
ntelligent power management company Eaton intends to locate a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in North Little Rock. The facility represents an investment of more than $242 million and is expected to create 1,200 new jobs. Eaton will manufacture customized electrical enclosures for its Fibrebond business in North Little Rock to meet the growing demand across the data center, utility, industrial, and digital communications markets. The company expects to double its U.S. manufacturing capacity for electrical enclosures with the new North Little Rock facility. The company has not announced the location of the new facility or the project start date. 3
Fall 2026
Heritage Museum Grand Opening T
he North Little Rock History Commission is proud to announce the grand opening of the North Little Rock Heritage Center Museum in the heart of historic downtown Argenta. The museum features 1,600 square feet of local history exhibits, spanning the first floor of the North Little Rock Heritage Center at 506 Main Street in North Little Rock. Regular museum hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The museum exhibits cover North Little Rock’s history, from its beginnings as wilderness swamplands to a modern-day thriving city. Woven throughout the exhibits are stories of the generations of gritty, determined people who call North Little Rock home. Artifacts, photographs, maps, interactive stations, and videos bring the city’s history to life.
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City Leaders
W
e have highlighted many of our employees, volunteers and community leaders in the PROUD magazine. Pictured above are many of the city department heads who are dedicated to North Little Rock. Thanks for your perseverance and leadership.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
N
orth Little Rock Neighborhoods celebrated National Night Out recently. This annual community-building event is a chance for North Little Rock residents to meet North Little Rock Police Department officers and other first responders, connect with neighbors, and strengthen the partnerships that help keep our city safe and vibrant. From cookouts and games to community conversations and family-friendly activities, neighbors came together for a fun evening.
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Fall 2026
Unsheltered Fair T
he North Little Rock Unsheltered Fair brought our community together with one shared purpose: serving our neighbors in need with compassion, dignity and kindness. Thanks to an incredible outpouring of support and the leadership of the North Little Rock Unsheltered Liaison Officer Shay Cobbs, hundreds of unsheltered individuals received food, clothing, hygiene items and other essential resources. But beyond the items distributed, the day was about something even greater — making sure members of our community felt seen, supported and cared for. An event like this would not be possible without the generosity of so many. To the numerous sponsors, organizations and individuals who donated resources, and to every volunteer who gave their time to serve others: thank you. Your kindness made a direct impact on the lives of hundreds of people in our community. North Little Rock is a community that shows up for its neighbors, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s Unsheltered Fair such a success.
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F I R E PR OM O TIO NS
O
ver 310 years of experience recently retired from the North Little Rock Fire Department: Lieutenant Kenneth Sartin, Battalion Chief Heath Hoops, Captain Dennis Poole, Captain Michael Holley, Captain James Hooks, Captain Michael Thompson, Captain Kyle Simpson, Captain, Benjamin Evans, Captain Stephen Evans, Captain Jon Miller and Captain Mark Coleman. The following were promoted to Lieutenant: Randall Howard, Nicholas Walker, Coedy Gipson, Kyle Myers, Andrew Etherington, Dustyn Belcher, Chase Kehler, and Dustin Hahn. These Lieutenants were promoted to Captain: Josh Combs, Jason Roe, Robert Bryan, Corey Platt, Shane Dougan, Douglas Welter, Tyson Haddock, Jarrod Carter, and Andrew Kelley. Captain Josh Burks was promoted to Battalion Chief. Seven new firefighters were sworn in: Benjamin Smithhart, W. Carter Cochran, Dakota Brown, Tristan Boydston, Cahill Overstreet, Spenser Hecke and Cody Martin.
FIREFEST
H
undreds of residents joined the North Little Rock Firefest fun for an evening filled with family-friendly activities, safety demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with the firefighters who serve our community every day. Attendees explored fire trucks and equipment from departments across North Little Rock and neighboring cities, while representatives from the North Little Rock Police Department, Emergency Management, and Animal Shelter shared safety information, handed out treats, and visited with residents. Guests also enjoyed free giveaways from participating organizations and complimentary vision screenings courtesy of the North Little Rock Lions Club. Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make this year's Firefest a smokin' success! Special thanks to the surrounding fire departments, emergency management agencies, community organizations, and volunteers whose support helped make this event a success. 7
Fall 2026
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Business License Information F
ood vendors bring variety and convenience to our community. Whether you’re buying lunch or booking a vendor for an event, checking licensing is a simple step. Residents can visit the City of North Little Rock’s website at: www.nlr.ar.gov, then the City’s Business Licenses and Taxes page, select BSA Online, and choose “Business Licensing Search” under “Public Records Search.” Search by business name, address, or license number, then open the record for details. For help confirming a current license, call the City Clerk and Treasurer’s Office at 501-975-8617. Food vendors operating in North Little Rock must have: • Current-year fire and health inspections. • Valid driver’s license for the owner or representative. • Current North Little Rock business license. • Written permission for each operating location. • North Little Rock Advertising & Promotion (A&P) permit.
Location approval matters too. Private commercial or industrial property requires written owner permission. Event coordinators and planners are responsible for ensuring the vendors they invite to the City of North Little Rock are approved locations (Riverfront Park, Burns Park, etc.) are fully and properly licensed. Residents and event organizers should also ask to see the vendor’s Advertising and Promotion permit, which must be posted alongside the City business license. A business license search alone does not confirm every required approval. Taking a moment to check helps support safe, properly licensed vendors in our community. To request an up-to-date list of mobile food vendors properly licensed to operate in North Little Rock, please email CityClerkOffice@nlr.ar.gov
NEW APP & PORTAL We’re making changes to My Account. Access your account information in our new North Little Rock Electric App & Customer Portal.
REDESIGNED BILLS
Our bills have been redesigned so that you can easily see all of the key account information in one place. Bills will now feature barcodes that can be scanned at our brand new kiosk!
MORE WAYS TO PAY
Pay your electric bill your way! We’re adding popular payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Paypal, Venmo, & CheckFree Pay. You will have continued access to existing payment methods.
KIOSK UPGRADE
We’ve upgraded our Payment Kiosk, making it easier for you to make payments. No need to enter in your check information with our new check reader. You can scan your bill to quickly bring up your account.
NEW CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMING JANUARY 2027 Follow us at @NLRElectric on Social Media (Facebook/X) & NLRElectric.com to see the latest announcements and information as we get closer to our January launch! 9
Fall 2026
NLR Parks & Recreation Employee is
Inspiring Young Readers
by Emilee Hagewood
S
enior Office Assistant for North Little Rock Parks and Recreation Rachel Collins spends most of her day scheduling rentals and answering phones, but when a little reader walks through the doors, Rachel transforms into a librarian-like Santa Claus, handing out free books from her personally stocked collection. As an avid reader and thrifter herself, Rachel has made it her mission to find gently used children’s and young adult books to share with the children who visit the office. What started as a simple way to keep children entertained while their parents were busy quickly blossomed into a little free library of its own. A passionate advocate for reading, Rachel takes the time to learn what interests each child, searching for books tailored to their favorite subjects, stories and characters. Children are welcome to take their books home to keep or bring them back to exchange for another adventure. “It’s just a matter of, I think, inspiring kids, finding what they like. There’s so many kid books out there, and you never know what’s going to spark someone’s interest,” Rachel said. With no obligation to return the books, Rachel hopes each one finds a special place in a child’s home and helps foster a lifelong love of reading. In a world increasingly filled with screens, social media and endless scrolling, Rachel hopes her little library offers children something different: the opportunity to explore faraway lands, discover new ideas and get lost in stories that inspire their creativity. More than anything, she hopes to remind children of the simple joy of using their imaginations. “To me, reading is an escape and a way to use your imagination, which I don’t think we do that much anymore.” For Rachel, it’s about more than giving away books. It’s about opening the door to a world of possibilities, one story at a time. Rachel’s library is open to everyone, and she’d love to Become a North Little Rock Parks and Recreation member help your little reader and discover everything happening at a community center near you! find their next favorite book! Stop by Watch this video to learn more the North Little Rock about our community centers: Community Center at 2700 Willow Street and discover a new story to take home.
North Little Rock
Community Centers
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LIBRARY
September 2026 was the biggest library card sign-up month since 2018. A record 2,434 cards were new or renewed, Thank you for showing up, North Little Rock.
Mr. Fix-It Jr. teaches tweens ages 10-12 real tool safety and carpentry at Argenta, building projects like toolboxes and bookshelves from scratch.
Ready, Set, Kindergarten meets Mondays at 10 AM in Laman Kids. Free literacy, counting, and social skills for ages 4-5. No registration needed. Laman’s Tech Hub has a driving simulator anyone can book at no cost. Great for everyday, fleet, and CDL practice. Reserve at NLRlibrary.org/BAL.
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Fall 2026
Caring for an aging loved one? CALL CARELINK FIRST CareLink supports seniors and caregivers, offering essential services and guidance that help older adults live at home with dignity and independence
Central Arkansas’s Trusted Resource for Senior Services Meals on Wheels In-Home Care Information & Assistance NLR PROUD
Family Caregiver Respite Support Groups and much more 12
carelink.org
(501) 372-5300
Mayor’s Youth Council
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Fall 2026
City Beautification T
he North Little Rock City Beautiful Commission (CBC) was created by the North Little Rock City Council in 1958. Through the years, the commission has evolved and changed in scope and focus, but one thing has remained constant: a commitment to improving and beautifying our city. The mission of the CBC is, “to create an environment that is beautiful, clean, and current, so that citizens are proud and empowered to maintain the aesthetics of their neighborhoods…”. They meet this mission by accepting funding applications from nonprofits who are interested in beautification projects. In the past, they have funded projects such as public art at the Dark Hollow Community Garden, landscaping projects at the Patrick Henry Hays Senior Center, beautifying entries to neighborhoods, painting murals in Park Hill, and landscaping projects in Argenta. In 2026, the CBC hired local artist, Austin Young, to paint murals throughout the city. Over the spring and summer, he painted murals on 13 traffic boxes along East Broadway and Pike Avenue, as well as two murals on West 33rd Street in Levy. The CBC and Mr. Floyd hope to continue their partnership in the future with more art projects around the city. For nearly 70 years, the CBC has promoted North Little Rock beautification projects. With continued municipal and community support, they will keep growing, evolving, and promoting a beautiful city. Nonprofits interested in a beautification project can find the CBC funding application on the North Little Rock Neighborhood Services webpage (nlr.ar.gov/neighborhoodservices) under the “Applications and Forms” menu.
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please join us at a
RETIREMENT RECEPTION Honoring
Linda Robinson
Please join us in honoring City Council member Linda Robinson
for her 24 years of service and dedication to the City of North Little Rock.
December 14, 2026 4:00 p.m.
Ballroom of the Patrick Henry Hays Senior Center
2700 Willow Street, North Little Rock
Historic Finials Installed in Lakewood Submitted by Joe Whalen
I
n an act of historic preservation, two of the concrete finials from the steps of North Little Rock’s first high school have been saved and installed at the “lily pond” on McCain Boulevard in the Lakewood neighborhood. Each finial weighs about 100 pounds and looks like a concrete basketball sitting a square base. Mary Beth Bowman, North Little Rock’s former Director of Construction and Building Services, had the finials saved when the site for the new Central Fire Station at 13th & Main streets was being cleared for construction of the new building. The finials were originally installed when North Little Rock’s original high school building that once stood on the site was built in 1902. When that building was replaced with the Clendenin Grade School building that was completed in 1950, they were incorporated into the new school’s ground plan. Evan Blake, Director of the Lakewood Property Owners’ Association, said, “We are pleased and honored to provide a home for these items from North Little Rock’s past. Where they have been installed on McCain Boulevard will allow people to see them on a daily basis.” 15
Fall 2026
North North Little Little Rock Rock
Emergency Management The North Little Rock Emergency Services Team recently received the Arkansas State APCO Team of the Year Award and Cynthia Anderson (right) completed her Emergency Management Certification!
Kim Francisco, Manager of the Year
K
im Francisco, Director of North Little Rock Emergency Services was recently recognized as Manager of the Year by the Arkansas Emergency Management Association. Kim’s commitment to public safety spans 32 years, an entire career dedicated to serving others. Before assuming leadership of North Little Rock Emergency Services, Kim retired as a Captain with the North Little Rock Police Department. Throughout her career, Kim has exemplified integrity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the citizens she serves. Since taking the helm of North Little Rock Emergency Services, Kim has continued that legacy of service by maintaining a constant awareness of the challenges facing her community and advocating tirelessly for the safety and well-being of the City of North Little Rock. She is proactive, engaged, and always willing to take decisive action when her city needs her most. Kim's leadership was never more evident than during the devastating tornado that struck North Little Rock in 2023. The tornado caused millions of dollars in damage and significantly impacted the lives of countless residents. During this challenging time, Kim demonstrated exceptional emergency management leadership. She coordinated response efforts, worked tirelessly with local, state, and federal partners, and remained focused on helping her community recover. Her ability to navigate a complex disaster while keeping the needs of her citizens at the forefront exemplifies the very best of emergency management. Kim understands that successful emergency management is built on relationships and collaboration. She works exceptionally well with her Arkansas Division of Emergency Management Area Coordinator and other response partners. She is known for her willingness to put people to work and maximize every available resource to benefit her community. Her dedication to public service, proven leadership during crisis, and steadfast commitment to the citizens of North Little Rock make her exceptionally deserving of this award.
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AIR SHOW
T
hank you to the thousands of residents who recently joined us for an unforgettable weekend at the 2026 North Little Rock Airshow. From jaw-dropping aerobatics and the colorful wings of the NextGen Eagles to classic cars, food trucks, and fun for the whole family, it was a weekend to remember. We loved seeing so many smiling faces enjoying all the action in the air and on the ground. Thanks for helping make another North Little Rock Airshow a soaring success!
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Fall 2026
Stay tuned for North Little Rock Restaurant Month 2027!
NORTH LITTLE ROCK Northern Lights Festival Northern Lights Festival
Don’t Miss It!
Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus
Saturday, November 21 3:00PM - 7:00PM 501 Main Street North Little Rock, AR 72114 Visit NorthLittleRock.org/Holidays
In North Little Rock from 11/12 through 11/21
Free Pictures with Santa
GET TICKETS NOW! https://www.piccolozoppe.com NLR PROUD
Holiday Market
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Local Food Trucks
Live Music & & Entertainment
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Fall 2026
North Little Rock Contact Information Mayor Terry C. Hartwick City Clerk/Treasurer Diane Whitbey
501-975-8601
mayor@nlr.ar.gov
501-975-8617
cityclerkoffice@nlr.ar.gov
City Attorney Amy Fields
501-975-3755
nlrlegal@nlr.ar.gov
Judge (Traffic)
501-791-8562
melinda.johnson@nlrpolice.org
501-791-8559
christina.bowen@nlrpolice.org
Judge Randy Morley
Judge (Criminal/Civil) Judge Paula Juels Jones
C i t y Co u n c i l 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 Nicole Hart
501-960-2461
nhart@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 Scott Fowler
501-765-5868
sfowler@nlr.ar.gov
Departments 501-835-5654
vyoung@nlr.ar.gov
Animal Control Adam Tindall
Airport Virginia Young
501-791-8577
animalservices@nlr.ar.gov
Code Enforcement Felecia McHenry
501-791-8581
codedirector@nlr.ar.gov
501-975-8833
shutchcraft@nlr.ar.gov
Community Development Beau Cooper
501-340-5342
bcooper@nlr.ar.gov
Economic Development Colleen Bailey
501-442-5329
cbailey@nlr.ar.gov
501-975-8888
custserv@nlr.ar.gov
Communications
Shara Hutchcraft
Electric Ryan Wilson Emergency Services Kim Francisco
501-340-5365
emergencyservices@nlr.ar.gov
Engineering David Cook
501-371-8339
nlrengineering@nlr.ar.gov
Event Center Raul Fernandez
501-975-8866
nlreventcenter@nlr.ar.gov
Finance Anita Worley
501-906-6 332
nlrfinance@nlr.ar.gov
501-340-5385
nlrfd@nlr.ar.gov
501-371-0755
nlrhistory@nlr.ar.gov
Yulunda White
501-758-8911
director@northbridgehs.org
Human Resources Betty Anderson
501-975-8855
banderson@nlr.ar.gov
501-758-1720
crystal.gates@lamanlibrary.org
Fire
Gerald Tucker
History Commission Kelli Peters Housing (Northbridge) Library Mayor's Office
Crystal Gates Stacia Chastain
Mayor's Youth Council Jill Mills Neighborhood Services & Community Gardens
501-975-8601
schastain@nlr.ar.gov
501-804-8950
jillmillsnlrmyc@yahoo.com
Dan Scott
501-791-8500
nlrneighborhoodserv@nlr.ar.gov
Kenny Stephens
501-791-853 8
kastephens@nlr.ar.gov
Planning Shawn Spencer
501-975-8835
sspencer@nlr.ar.gov
Police Hayward Finks
501-771-7102
nlrpd@nlrpolice.org
Safety Kenny Stephens
501-371-8337
safety1@nlr.ar.gov
Parks & Recreation
Sanitation Condo Breedlove Patrick Henry Hays Senior Center
Jim Scott
501-371-8340
nlrsanitation@nlr.ar.gov
501-366-3289
jscott@nlr.ar.gov
501-975-3737
abennett@nlr.ar.gov
Street Patrick Lane
501-340-5355
nlrstreet@nlr.ar.gov
Traffic Kenny Stephens
501-340-5352
traffic@nlr.ar.gov
501-975-8842
dbaxter@nlr.ar.gov
Special Projects
Training Development & Fit2Live
Dr. Arnessa Bennett
David Baxter
Tourism Karen Trevino Unsheltered Community Vehicle Maintenance
501-758-1424
karen@northlittlerock.org
Officer Shana Cobbs
501-975-8780
nlrunsheltered@nlr.ar.gov
Kenny Brock
501-340-5371
nlrgarage@nlr.ar.gov