North Little Rock e-Newsletter
Provided by Diane Whitbey, City Clerk and Treasurer
Found at Hioscar.com
10 Healthy Ways To Deal With Holiday Family Drama
For many of us, spending the holidays with family brings us comfort and joy. For others, holiday family time is anything but good tidings. From the stress of travel to the pressures of giftgiving, the holidays can trigger a flurry of bad habits and feelings that cause serious conflict. But family drama doesn’t have to run your season of joy off the rails.
1. Understand your expectations.
Before you pack your bags, you’ll want to get a clear sense of what you hope to get from your family visit and holiday travel. Do a personal inventory of the reasons why you’re spending time with family during the holidays. If you feel like you’re going home solely to meet someone else’s needs rather than your own, it might be time to adjust your plans or your expectations.
2. Set your personal boundaries ahead of time.
Don’t wait until you’re at the dinner table to set your personal limits. Determine for yourself what feels good and what doesn’t, and use this information to guide your decisions. Next, make a game plan for how you’ll establish and set your boundaries in real time during your trip, then communicate them to those involved. This will be useful for everything from airport travel to mealtimes, sleeping accommodations, and even gift giving. You can always clarify or adjust your boundaries as you go along, but it helps to establish them ahead of time.
3. Stay open to others' needs.
December 2025
pumping. Meditate or do some yoga. If you start to feel yourself getting stressed, it's okay to hit pause and reboot with some self care and relaxation. Just be sure to let others know that you’re coming back so they don’t misinterpret your absence or worry you got stuck in a chimney.
6. Speak for yourself, not for others.
One of the great things about family is that we all play different roles. Though we often share experiences and memories, we can have differing viewpoints. Remember that you don’t have to resign to your family role. Be patient.
When things get heated, try using “I” statements to identify what you’re feeling and what your unmet needs might be. For example, instead of saying "You're always stereotyping people from Los Angeles," you could say, "I feel misunderstood when you say everyone in LA is shallow."
“I” statements can help de-escalate an argument, and also give your family the opportunity to express their own needs and feelings, without putting them on the defensive.
7. Feel the feels.
Sadness and grief sometimes show up during the holidays. Family gatherings can remind us of those who are no longer there, too. If you recently lost a loved one, talk to your family about ways you can commemorate them or acknowledge their absence. Check your family’s barometer in terms of what feels comfortable. Anticipate that the holidays may be a time of grieving and longing, but that reminiscing with others can help heal your grief.
8. Tap into stress-busters.
Be open to having a dialogue with your family members about their needs, too. Depending on how aligned their needs are to yours, you might need to adjust your plans to accommodate theirs, if you’re willing. Once they communicate their needs, let them know that you’ve heard them and share how you’re willing to be flexible.
4. Be mindful of substances.
The holidays are an indulgent time of year. But don’t let sugar, carbs, and alcohol impose on your family dynamic. In large amounts, these substances can impair your mood and judgement, so it’s super important to be mindful of your intake and not go overboard. If you’re currently in a 12-step program, look into local meetings before your trip and build space in your schedule so you can attend them in person or have time to make calls.
5. Take a breather.
Breaks can be a great way to reset and let off some steam. Go for a walk. Get some fresh air. Take a jog to get your blood
Families often know just what buttons to push. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed by emotions in a given moment, try stress-busting techniques like silently counting backwards from 100, humming a song in your head, or conjugating verbs in foreign languages. You can practice light alternating tapping under the dining table on each of your knees. Rhythm can be soothing, and no one has to know! You could also try deep, slow breaths from your belly to shift your body out of reactive mode.
9. Take a family-free vacation.
Some people have family members that clash with their value systems, identity, and life choices. This can make the holidays a volatile time despite your best intentions and efforts. In some instances, taking a break from spending the holidays with your family might be the most caring choice for you right now. Try Friendsgiving this year, or skip the week-long visit before New Year’s and opt for a staycation instead.
10. Refuel and establish your routine.
Take time to refuel and re-establish your routine after the holidays. If you spent a ton of time with family, reconnect with friends when you’re back in town. If you have children and spent the holidays visiting extended family, carve out quality time with your nuclear family to regroup before you plunge back into normal life.
Sometimes, the holiday high can carry you through to the New Year. But if you need extra support planning before or during the holidays, try talking it out with a therapist or counselor.
North Little Rock Animal Services
For more information call 501-791-8577
The Power of the Human-Animal Bond
Found at onehealth.org
Written by Anna M. Heeckeren, DVM
Who do you think of when you hear the phrase “man’s best friend”? Your dog? Your cat?
These buddies are with us through thick and thin, adding joy and laughter — and a whole lot of other benefits — to our lives.
Animals and humans have a two-way relationship that goes deep and improves our lives. As a veterinarian, I take seriously my role of honoring the human-animal bond and sharing the emotional, physical, and psychological benefits of living with pets.
The Human-Animal Bond
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) defines the human-animal bond as “a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors essential to the health and wellbeing of both.”
The organization even offers Human-Animal Bond Certification through the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). It allows vets to dive into the science behind the human-animal bond, learn more about the benefits of living with pets, and discover new ways of facilitating these important relationships.
The Benefits of Living with Companion Animals
Positive human-animal relationships are good for us in many ways. According to AVMA, these benefits include:
Reduced anxiety and stress
Lower blood pressure
Decreased risk of heart disease
Allergy prevention for children
Support for kids with autism
Assistance for veterans with PTSD and other trauma survivors
Increased social interaction
Support for a longer life
We Solemnly Swear…
The human-animal bond is such a priority in my profession that the veterinarian’s oath includes references to championing the human-animal bond.
“Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.”
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) takes the animal-human bond seriously, too. The agency believes future studies of human health should only be considered comprehensive if the animals that share their lives are included.
What are some of those health benefits?
Positive Brain Chemicals
Scientists have been studying the effects of being a dog owner and found that a number of "positive" neurochemicals are elevated when we are with our dogs.
Phenylethylamine, which causes elation
Dopamine, which gives us energy
Endorphins, the chemicals that give us runner’s high
Oxytocin, which makes us feel happy
Prolactin, which causes nurturing feelings
Those chemicals are all elevated in human pet parents — and in dogs! At the same time, cortisol, the stress chemical, goes down.
Improved Heart Health
The American Heart Association tells us that pet ownership improves heart health.
Dog owners were 65% less likely to die after a heart attack than non–dog owners.
Dog owners generally had a 24% reduced risk of mortality.
Owning a cat makes you more likely to be alive one year after a heart attack.
Non–cat owners had a 40% greater likelihood of death.
Mental Health Benefits
In part because of the brain chemicals we talked about earlier, dogs have been shown to alleviate stress. That’s why we are seeing an increase in animal-assisted interventions, service animals, and emotional support animals. These are all different types of working animals; learn about the differences here.
Animal-assisted interventions have been used to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For an example of a military veteran whose life improved with the help of a service dog, read the story of Robert and Shadow.
Researchers have also found that pets provide a sense of security and comforting routines for people coping with long -term mental health issues. Continued on page 5...
North Little Rock Fire Department
2025 NLRFD Fire Fest was family fun for all ages!!!
Mayor Terry C. Hartwick holds a monthly department head meeting. Department heads provide a report of activities, projects, and accomplishments. October 2025
Senior Center—total core members 2,295. 455 extended members, 19 city employees. Volunteer Services—no hours provided.
Finance—city sales tax collections were higher than the same period a year ago by 1.5%. County sales tax collections were also higher for the same period by .5%. (October receipts represent retail sales from the month of August). Food and lodging tax collection for 2025 are approximately $31,000.00 above the same period of the previous year.
Sanitation—Garbage and yard waste crews collected 2,092.20 tons (4,184,400 lbs) of household garbage, rubbish and junk. Yard Waste crews also collected 76 loads (1,980.00 cubic yards) of green waste. 186 waste tires picked up. Sanitation Code performed 28 inspections, 13 re-inspections and issued 13 notices for non-compliance. No citations were issued. Recycling tonnage 147.72. Units 50 & 51 (Street Dept) picked up 422 bags of trash, other units picked up 198 bags of trash, along with car parts, buckets, shopping carts, etc.
Traffic Services—Barricade Permits—100, AR One Call—30, Signs/Post replaced–55, City Vehicles marked with logo—2. Speed study 4912 Edgemere.
Police—violent crime declined 30% from previous month, property crimes were down 17%. Be proactive...LOCK YOUR DOORS! Vehicle doors, house/apartment doors, storage building doors Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Do not leave your garage doors open if you are not at home or not in the yard. K9 Jared retired in September after 7 years of service.
Fire—1,195 incidents, 707 Rescue & EMS, 172 Good Intent Calls, 154 Service Calls, 85 False Alarm, 85 Fire. 141 Building Surveys. Training included Live Burns, Watercraft, Special Ops, Professional Standards, Confined Space.
Emergency Services/911—Incoming calls: 5,948—non911 calls, 6,473—911 calls, 610—abandoned 911 calls.
Planning—sign permits—8, banner permits—1, demolition permits—6, 4 commercial remodel — average $93,825, 1 new commercial—average $2,800,000, issued 17 new single family residence permits—average $160,871, 58 residential remodel—average $12,629, 3 residential additions—average $4,000, 0 new multi-family units. Planning Zoning Officer issued 0 citations, 204 inspections/site visits, investigated 22 sign code violations and investigated (none listed in report) complaints.
Code Enforcement—(October) assigned calls—68, initiated calls 540, citations—3, violation notices—739, vehicles tagged—96, vehicles towed—4, lots posted—30, signs removed—0, structures inspected—41, rental inspec-
tions—20, food service inspections—17, search warrants—0, structures condemned—2, houses demolished by city—5, houses demolished by owner—3, vacant lots cleaned/mowed—258, lots with structures cleaned— 104,lots with structures mowed—92, vacant houses secured—0, tires removed—1.
Parks and Recreation—Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum had 931 visitors. Group visits: Scott FFA (12), England High School (4), Camp Trinity 1 (28), Camp Trinity 2 (16), Joe T. Robinson High School (10). Overnight stays: Troop 174 (24). Special Events: Poker Run (9), Navy Chaplain Promotion (15), LR Fire Confined Training (20), Baptism (11), Navy Reenlistment (11). Field use: Soccer 89 practices/ 146 games/ 3 tournament, Youth baseball 17/0/1, Softball 19/71/1, Senior Baseball 12/10/0, Stone Links Cricket 2/0/0. Facility rentals: Pavilions—65, Hospitality House— 15, Idlewild—11, Stone Links—10, River House—8. Golf hosted ASGA Junior Golf Benefit, AR Senior Olympics, Fed Ex, -1 Boys State Champ practice round, and Championship, AR Home Builders Assoc, LPOA Scramble, VFW and US Kids Tour Championship. Tennis: High School Conference, PB Sisters Indoor tournament, 3a and 4a conference championships, Combo State Tournament, Overall High School Tournament, Level 4 doubles roll over from Rebsamen and State Combo II. ASPire Program participated in Afterschool Alliance’s Lights on Afterschool rally. Youth Basketball and Cheerleading Fall League underway. Community Centers held annual Halloween events., Therapeutic Recreation held 7th Annual TR BOO! Designed for adults with disabilities.
Animal Services—
Incoming: Adopted:
Dog 123/ytd 1,376
Cat 81/ytd 834
Other 3/ytd 49
Dog 29/ytd 382
Cat 73/ytd 697
Other 0/ytd 34
Reclaim: Euthanized:
Dog 24 /ytd 227
Cat 0/ytd 12
Other 0/ytd 11
Service calls: 605/ytd/4,922
Citations:29/ytd 280
Dog 64/ytd 736
Cat 9/ytd 96
Other 0/ytd 1
Vouchers (spay/neuter) issued: 35/ytd 318
NLR Electric—
Customers: 40,904
Revenue: $11,070,382
Peak Demand: 194,879 kWh
Territory: 60 square miles
RS (Residential Solar) Net Meter Customers: 394
Total RS solar panel capacity: 2,931 kW
Average RS solar panel capacity: 7.46 kW
Residents with solar arrays at least 10 kW: 77
Total capacity of customer-owned solar: 11,185 kW
Major outages: NLR Electric none, Entergy multiple trip/ reclose events affecting Galloway.
...continued from page 2...
Aging and Living Longer (and Better) with Pets
Living with a companion animal as you age can help provide emotional support and improve the quality of life for older folks. That’s why more than half of U.S. adults over age 50 have at least one pet. Older people with pets experience less depression, anxiety, stress, and dementia. They also have better physical health, exercise more, and are more likely to maintain a healthy weight.
A number of HABRI studies are looking at the benefits of therapy dogs and fostering cats for improving the mental and emotional health of older adults.
Living with a dog, especially when you don’t live with other people, actually extends your life. A study of more than 3 million dog owners who lived alone in Sweden found they had a 36% chance of living longer than people who didn’t have dogs.
And Don’t Forget the Kiddos
Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) also studied the impact of pets on children.
When young people grow up with family pets, they experience that feeling of unconditional love. Dogs and cats provide a shoulder to cry on when other humans aren’t there to provide that support. One study showed that children who had pets had a larger range of emotional expression and control. And just like adults, children also have lower stress levels when interacting with dogs.
When kids experience trauma, attachments to pets can promote healthy social development, improve communication, and provide a purpose.
Dogs and guinea pigs in classrooms have also helped children learn to read at their own pace and helped teach empathy.
Taking Better Care of Our Pets — and Ourselves
When people understand the importance of the humananimal bond, they take better care of their companion animals. They take them to the vet more often and are better about following the vets’ recommendations.
When we consider pets to be members of the family, we treat them like they deserve to be treated.
And both humans and animals live happier, healthier lives.
Julia Anne Coulter
Job 12:7–10 (NIV) “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you… In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”
Julia “Julie” Anne Coulter passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, in Bentonville, Arkansas, surrounded by love. Born on April 19, 1967, in Nampa, Idaho, Julie’s life was one filled with compassion, curiosity, and an unwavering devotion to the natural world.
After spending her early years in Idaho, Julie’s family settled in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she spent most of her life. She attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello, earning her degree in Wildlife Management in 1996. Her deep knowledge of plants, flowers, and trees was legendary among friends and family — she was always the first person to call when anyone had a question about a mystery leaf or visiting bird.
Julie began her career with North Little Rock Animal Control on December 2, 1996, and faithfully served for 22 years. During that time, she worked in nearly every position — Animal Control Officer, Chief Animal Control Officer, and, later, Lead Animal Control Office Assistant after becoming wheelchair bound. Her dedication and empathy made a difference in countless lives, both human and animal. There was truly nothing she hadn’t done during her years of service. Along the way, she made many friends she remained in contact with, especially Billy, Marilyn, and Joy. That list would not be complete without also including Jimmy Ard.
Her love for animals was unmatched. Julie’s heart was open to every stray, regardless of how full her home already was. She had a gift for nurturing — whether it was an injured bird, a lost dog, or a nervous cat, they all found comfort with her.
Julie also delighted in sharing her love of wildlife with her nieces and nephews. Whether taking them on impromptu field trips, showing them rescued animals, or
teaching them how to identify local species, she passed on her sense of wonder and respect for all living things.
In her later years, Julie made her home in Northwest Arkansas, where she was lovingly and selflessly cared for by her devoted sisters, Zivah and Sarah. She resided in Promenade Commons, where she made many special friends, including Bridget, Bobbie, Mike, and Carol, who brightened her days and shared in her laughter. Julie’s final days were spent at the Marie & John Carr Hospice Home in Rogers, where she was tenderly cared for by compassionate staff and surrounded by family.
Julie was preceded in death by her parents, James E. and Harriet E. Coulter, and is survived by her siblings Daniel Coulter, Sarah Farley (Lynn), Sam Coulter (Lisa), Zivah Criswell, and James Coulter (Mariza); nine beloved nieces and nephews; and six great-nieces and great-nephews. If you were to ask any of the nieces or nephews, Aunt Julie would most decidedly win the contest for Best Aunt.
She will be remembered for her kindness, her gentle humor, and the light she brought into every life she touched. She was a joy to be around and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. A private service will be held in her honor. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the North Little Rock Friends of Animals, 1 Championship Dr., North Little Rock, AR 72116
North Little Rock City Offices will be closed the following days in November: Wednesday and Thursday, December 24 and 25, 2025— in observance of the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Garbage and trash routes will be run as scheduled Wednesday December 24. Pickup will be delayed one-day, Thursday, December 25, 2025. Thursday’s routewill be picked up on Friday and Friday’s route will be picked up on Saturday.
Peddlers Permit
City of North Little Rock
Issued to: Mel Dun
Issued: 10/1/2025
Expires: 12/31/2025
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
Why do cities charge a privilege tax?
Cities charge a privilege tax for the right to engage in specific activities or operate certain businesses within their jurisdiction.
Here is a breakdown of why cities (and towns) use privilege taxes:
Revenue Generation:
Funding Public Services: The primary reason for privilege taxes is to generate revenue for the city.
Essential Services: This revenue helps fund essential public services like infrastructure, public safety, sanitation, parks, and other community amenities.
User-Based Funding:
Benefit Principle: Privilege taxes can align revenue generation with those who directly benefit from the city's services and infrastructure by engaging in specific activities or businesses.
Fairness: It can be argued that those who engage in certain profitable or impactful activities within the city should contribute to the city's upkeep and services.
Regulating Business and Activity:
Business Operations: Privilege taxes can function as a regulatory tool, ensuring that businesses operating within the city adhere to local rules and ordinances, according to L&Y Tax advisors.
Permits and Licenses: Many privilege taxes are levied in exchange for a permit or license to operate a particular business or engage in a specific profession, ensuring oversight and accountability.
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 three (3) door to door solicitors. Their permits will expire December 31, 2025.
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 homebased such as lawn care or internet sales.
**If a business operates 1 day into the new year (2026), it is required to obtain a business license at the full fee.**
All 2025 NLR Business Licenses will expire December 31, 2025. Renewal Invoices will be mailed December 31. Please return your completed renewal with payment to our office by February 2, 2026 If you have any questions, please contact the North Little Rock City Clerk’s Office at 501-9758617.
Examples of Privilege Taxes:
Business Privilege Tax: A tax on the gross receipts or other measures of a business operating within the city.
Occupational Privilege Tax: A tax on certain professions or occupations within the city.
Transaction Privilege Tax (like in Arizona): A tax on specific transactions, often on the seller, for the privilege of doing business in the city.
Other Examples: Could include taxes on specific activities like short-term rentals, or events, depending on the city.
In summary, cities charge privilege taxes to raise revenue for public services (like police, fire, streets, parks, drainage), ensure businesses contribute to the community, and regulate certain activities within their jurisdiction.
The North Little Rock City Clerk and Treasurers Office team works hard to ensure existing licenses are correct (reflecting the type of business being performed/offered), accurate (ensuring the business is being charged the correct fee based on services offered). Current (following up with existing businesses to ensure they are operating legally within the current year). Tracking new businesses (ensuring all businesses are treated equally and licensed).
If a state license or inspection is required (contractor, daycare, health inspections, etc.) our team will obtain a copy prior to issuing a license. This helps protect our constituents before they hire a contractor, sign up with a daycare or eat in a local restaurant.
We are here to serve our community! If you have any questions, give us a 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 December 2025.
Dec 1—5, recycle Dec 8—12 no pickup Dec 15—19, recycle Dec 22—26 no pickup December 29—Jan 2, recycle
City Offices located at 700 West 29th
Construction and Building Services
Mary Beth Bowman 501-975-8881
Finance, Ember Strange/Anita Worley 501-975-8802
Human Resources, Betty Anderson 501-975-8855
Fit 2 Live, David Baxter
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
Revenue Enforcement………. 501-975-8612 Officer David Pettit
Special Projects…….………….501-975-3737
Arnessa Bennett
