1. “Sacrificing Children in Bible-Quoting and -Toting America”, by Wendell Griffen
2. Little Rock Adopts Initial Plan for Federal COVID Aid Funds
3. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas Names New CEO-Raymond Omar Long leads BBBSCA as Chief Executive Officer
4. Majestic Motions Studio Hosts Its Grand Opening
5. City of Little Rock Hosts Stuff The Bus School Supply Drive
6. Arkansas Department of Health and Junior League of Little Rock Host Drive-Thru Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic
7. AAHGS Arkansas Chapter Presents: A Book Signing and Reception with Author Calvin Wilbon
1. “Sacrificing Children in Bible-Quoting and -Toting America”, by Wendell Griffen
2. Little Rock Adopts Initial Plan for Federal COVID Aid Funds
PRESS RELEASE
Aug. 4, 2021
Contact: Spencer Watson | (m) 501 804 4822 | [email protected]
Little Rock Adopts Initial Plan for Federal COVID Aid Funds
LITTLE ROCK – The Little Rock Board of Directors on Tuesday night approved spending a portion of the city’s first tranche of $18.8 million received from the U.S. Treasury Department as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. Following federal guidelines, the funding will support ongoing COVID-19 response efforts, as well as crime prevention, new firefighting apparatus, and lost revenue due to the pandemic.
“I appreciate the Board for supporting the resolution to direct these one-time resources where our city has immediate need,” Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. said. “Thanks to the leadership of Little Rock’s Director of Strategic Operations Emily Cox, Chief Financial Officer Sara Lenehan, Chief Administrative Officer Bruce Moore, and Senior Adviser Kendra Pruitt, Little Rock is better positioned to handle this third surge of the pandemic we are currently experiencing. These monies prioritize public safety and the health and welfare of Little Rock residents and our city employees. I look forward to further discussion with the Board surrounding other pressing needs such as infrastructure and broadband access.”
The Board’s initial approval of $11.6 million was divided as follows:
- $3.4 million for critical IT infrastructure and cybersecurity upgrades
- $2.2 million for firefighting apparatus
- $1.5 million for community violence intervention programs
- $700,000 for COVID mitigation, vaccine distribution and community education
- Up to $3.2 million to fund a one-time bonus of $1,500 or $750 for full- and part-time, non-seasonal city employees, respectively, hired before March 1, 2021, including police and firefighter cadets who graduated training in July
- $605,000 to fund administration of federal aid
City staff will continue to refine a plan for spending the remainder of the tranche, which will be subject to Board approval. Plans include potential funding for programs to assist residents with job training, after school care, affordable housing, broadband and wireless internet access in city parks and park facilities, equipment to support virtual public meetings, software purchases for the Procurement and Planning and Development Departments, drainage projects, and water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.
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3. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas Names New CEO-Raymond Omar Long leads BBBSCA as Chief Executive Officer
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS NAMES NEW CEO
Raymond Omar Long leads BBBSCA as Chief Executive Officer
Little Rock, AR (August 2, 2021) — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas (BBBSCA) is
pleased to announce the selection of Raymond Omar Long to lead the organization as its new
Chief Executive Officer.
“I, along with the entire BBBSCA Board of Directors, am thrilled that we were able to hire a dynamic leader such as Raymond, who has both non-profit and private sector experience. We are confident that he is poised to take Big Brothers Big Sisters to new heights, serving more kids throughout Central Arkansas,” said Debbie Knight, BBBSCA Board Chair.
Click Here to Read Full Release
4. Majestic Motions Studio Hosts Its Grand Opening
5. City of Little Rock Hosts Stuff The Bus School Supply Drive
6. Arkansas Department of Health and Junior League of Little Rock Host Drive-Thru Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic
7. AAHGS Arkansas Chapter Presents: A Book Signing and Reception with Author Calvin Wilbon
Join the members of the Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society, Arkansas Chapter on Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 4:00 – 6:00pm for a book-signing and reception for Author Calvin Wilbon. Raised in Wrightsville, AR, Calvin has had a love for animals, mostly with dogs, since the age of two (2). This love grew into a passion, this passion into a profession.
Meet Primo, his 3 year old K-9! Primo will showcase his many talents as a service animal, executive protector, law enforcer and as a loving pet.
Enjoy the evening at the Millie Brooks Library, Central Arkansas Library System and purchase an autographed copy of the book: Understanding the Dog’s Mind Through Survival and Comfort.
