Pulaski County Thanksgiving Hours
Pulaski County offices are closed Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27.
Garbage routes will not run on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 26. Routes will resume on Friday and run one day late Friday and Saturday.
JDC Garden Featured in Arkansas Democrat Gazette
See original story: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2020/nov/21/fecund-chances/?latest
Check out the photos: https://www.arkansasonline.com/galleries/31609/album/
The youth garden at the Pulaski County Juvenile Detention Center is an example of successful collaboration between county departments, the cooperative extension service and volunteers.
The new program is the vision Chastity Scifres, formerly of the county attorney’s office and now the director of Pulaski County Human Resources, in partnership with Randy Forst, who heads the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture – Extension (UAEX) Pulaski County office. Scifres identified the underutilized space behind the detention center as ideal for a youth garden to feed and educate the young residents at the center.
Workers from various county departments and the sheriff’s department cleared the area and built the beds and additional infrastructure for the garden. Master Gardener volunteers assessed, developed, implemented, and now maintain the garden.
The COVID-19 crisis has prevented the residents from getting in the actual dirt in the garden but they have literally benefited from the fruits of the volunteers and others. It produced over 400 pounds this year! The garden also includes a chicken coop and a rabbit hutch. Plans continue to develop for the garden and the hope is for students residing in the detention center to work directly in the beds to coincide with their classroom instruction on health and nutrition.
Statement from Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde Regarding 2020 Election
The Pulaski County Election Commission and Pulaski County election staff have worked tirelessly to overcome many challenges in the 2020 election cycle—new election equipment, additional early voting locations, a huge increase in absentee ballots, losing more than 300 seasoned election workers and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In spite of all this, the election is now completed and the vote tally has been certified and sent to the Secretary of State. I commend the Pulaski County Election Commission and all involved in the election process including commission staff, election officials, poll workers and watchers and the Pulaski County Circuit and County Clerk and her staff. I’m proud to see the increased level of engagement in the election process by shattering our early voting, absentee and Election Day records.
It did get messy in the end. I was notified Thursday, November 12, 2020 that one box of ballots was mislabeled or misplaced resulting in 327 ballots mistakenly tabulated, 32 of which, were cast in House District 32. A lawsuit has been filed challenging the election.
Although the election is the responsibility of the election commission and carried out under their direction, the end result should be a fair, accurate and accessible process in which people can have confidence.
As County Judge, I am assembling an independent bipartisan group to conduct a top to bottom detailed review of this year’s election including the election process, training of the election commission staff and professional training available to election commissioners.
Pulaski County has had an impeccable election process for years and has been a model for other counties in Arkansas and I want to see that continue. Voting is one our most sacred rights, and must be valued and protected.
Barry Hyde
County Judge/CEO
Roundabout Funded to Improve Traffic Flow in West Pulaski County
Pulaski County was awarded $1.4 million in CARTS 2021 Surface Transportation Program Funds by Metroplan for the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Kanis Road at Denny and Stewart Roads. Construction will improve traffic safety, operation performance, access management and pedestrian safety.
PCSSD in partnership with Youth Services Launch School-Based Teen Court System
Pulaski County Youth Services is honored to partner with Pulaski County Special School District in the implementation of the PCSSD Teen Court Model for Restorative Justice. PCSSD recently held its Orientation and Swearing-in Ceremony for the Teen Court Students from the four High Schools in the district. PCSSD is the only district in the State of Arkansas to have a school-based Teen Court model where the students participate in the process as a class and receive class credit for their efforts.
“The Teen court program is a way for us to break the vicious cycle and focus on developing restorative justice policies,” County Judge Barry Hyde said. “It’s an opportunity for youth and adults to work together to ensure our students are provided with the necessary support and guidance they need to correct behaviors and develop healthy habits.”
Students and guests were welcomed by PCSSD Superintendent Dr. Charles McNulty and Dr. Sherman Whitfield, Director of PCSSD Pupil Services. Judge Mark Leverett, 6th District Court – 3rd Division and key partner in the PCSSD Teen Court process, performed the official “Swearing-in” Ceremony.
Also in attendance were PCYS Executive Director Jamie Scott; PCYS Staff Member and Arkansas State Teen Court Association President, Jimmy Warren; and PCSSD Assistant Superintendent for Equity and Pupil Services, Dr. Janice Warren.
Following the ceremony, PCYS staff passed out individual boxed lunches and provided the official Teen Court Shirts and “Mask-up for Justice” face coverings as a part of the state Juvenile Justice grant. Moving forward, PCYS will serve an integral part in the PCSSD Teen Court process by providing leadership training, key speakers for the class and serving as a continued resource for the program.
County to Close Two Rivers Park Trail for Safety Improvements
Pulaski County Public Works is closing the north entrance of Two Rivers Park Trail, Monday, Nov. 2. These safety improvements will temporarily close the connection between Two Rivers Park Bridge and Two Rivers Park.
Installation of a traffic calming circle at the north trail entrance will improve the flow of walkers and cyclists. Along with the traffic calming circle, a bypass trail is being installed for cyclists who want to avoid foot traffic. (See plan)
The goal of the project is to increase park safety and accessibility for visitors using the Two Rivers Park Trail.
County Asset Auction in Progress, Closes Nov. 9
Pulaski County assets including dump trucks, cars, trucks, mowing equipment and computers…all available for bid!
Monday, October 26 – Tuesday, November 9
Inspection:
Inspection days: 11/05/2020
Inspection Times: 10am – 3pm CST
Contact: Randy Standridge at (501) 607-3733
Payments Received at:
United Surplus Auctions
16523 MacArthur Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72118
Pick Up/Removal
Wednesday, November 10
Absentee Ballots: Three Options for Pulaski County Voters
Press Release from the Office of Terri Hollingsworth
Pulaski County Circuit and County Clerk
Media Contact:
Debrah Mitchell
dmitchell@pulaskiclerk.com
(501) 340-3404 office (501) 425-8974 mobile
(Little Rock, Ark.) – Pulaski County Circuit and County Clerk Terri Hollingsworth announces three convenient options beginning October 19 for Pulaski County voters who wish to return their absentee ballots to the Pulaski County Courthouse at 401 West Markham in Little Rock.
“Twenty-five days are left until the November 3 election, and the Pulaski Clerk’s Office have mailed over 20,000 absentee ballots with many more being mailed daily to Pulaski County voters. It is critical that our office provide accessible and secure means to safely return ballots in person to the courthouse during this pandemic,” said Pulaski County Circuit and County Clerk Terri Hollingsworth.
“Starting on the first day of early voting, absentee voters can return their ballot without leaving the safety of their vehicles by coming through our drive-thru area. This is an added convenience along with walking up to the tents that are located outside of the courthouse which is currently closed to the public due to Covid-19. Our office is committed to assist our citizens during these unprecedented times and the overwhelming demand to vote by absentee,” said Hollingsworth.
Option #1 Walk-up: (October 5 – November 2; Monday-Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Voters can return their ballot in person at the two tents that are set up on the 2nd Street (south) side of the courthouse between Spring and Broadway Streets. Voters* who utilize this option will be greeted by deputy clerks who will check their identification, have the voter sign a log, and then deposit the sealed ballot into a locked container.
Option #2 Drive-thru: (October 19 – 30; Monday-Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and November 2 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) The block of 2nd Street between Spring and Broadway will be closed to through traffic during the times listed. Voters* who utilize this option will be greeted by deputy clerks at their vehicles who will then check their identification, have the voter sign a log, and then deposit the sealed ballot into a locked container. (See enclosed maps)
Option #3 Mail in: (November 3 by 7:30 p.m.) Voters can return their completed absentee ballot by mail and it must be received by the county clerk by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
Voters utilizing the drive-thru option will access the entry point on 2nd Street beginning at Center Street. Suggested routes to the ballot return entry point:
From I-30: Take exit 141A and continue west on 2nd Street;
From I-630: Take exit 1A toward Center Street/Main Street, continue north on Center Street or north on Main Street, then turn and continue west on 2nd Street.
Voters who have questions regarding their absentee ballot are encouraged to call 501-340-6978.
* The voter who requested the ballot will have to return their own ballot unless selected as a Designated Bearer, Administrator, or Authorized Agent as defined by Arkansas Law.
Information from the Office of Terri Hollingsworth
Pulaski County Circuit and County Clerk
Debrah Mitchell
dmitchell@pulaskiclerk.com
(501) 340-3404 office (501) 425-8974 mobile
County Treasurer adds Walk-In Payment Locations at Walmart, Kroger
The Pulaski County Treasurer’s Office announced that it has signed an agreement with Centennial Bank for processing tax payments. Pulaski County taxpayers can pay their property taxes at 2922 S. University Ave in Little Rock, 4514 Camp Robinson Rd. in North Little Rock and 13910 Cantrell Road, Little Rock Centennial Bank locations. The county treasurer’s staff will work all three locations and provide drive thru service in Lane 4 only. Tax payments are not accepted in the bank lobby.
“We owe a huge thanks to Centennial Bank. Many of our citizens want to pay in person and want a physical receipt—in hand,” Buckner said. “It’s important that our citizens receive the same level of customer service that they’ve grown to expect.”
The Treasurer’s Office has also signed a Contract whereby cash payments can be made at many walk-in bill payment locations, such as Walmart, Kroger, Food Giant and others. This is the first time this has been offered in Arkansas for property tax payments. Please visit our website for 53 different locations in Pulaski County where customers may walk in and pay with cash – just ask for Bill Pay.
“The pandemic stifled or halted many businesses and activities in Pulaski County, our in-person services were no exception,” Pulaski County Treasurer, Debra Buckner said. “My executive staff and I worked tirelessly to find a solution that would allow in-person payments.”
In March 2020, as COVID-19 cases increased, the Pulaski County Judge issued an executive order restricting access to county buildings. All Treasurer locations are closed to the public. Until these agreements were made, tax payments could only be made electronically, by mail and the payment drop box on Second Street.
The property tax deadline is Oct. 15. If you need assistance please call our office at 501-340-6060 or visit our website at pulaskicountytreasurer.net where live chat is available.
Judge’s Cup CASA Classic, A Virtual Tournament
It’s time to register to play! Pulaski County Friends of CASA, Inc., along with Judge Barry Hyde, would like to invite you to the Judge’s Cup CASA Classic, a Virtual Tournament. The Judge’s Cup CASA Classic is our largest fundraiser each year and directly supports our mission to serve each child in the foster care system. This year in order to promote participant safety, we have changed our tournament to a virtual format. Our teams will register to play and then schedule their own tee times with Eagle Hill Golf and Athletic Club. Teams can play anytime during October. Scores will be submitted, and winners will be announced after all teams have played.
Today, there are almost 500 children in foster care in Pulaski County. Pulaski County Court Appointed Special Advocates is a non-profit welfare organization for abused and neglected children. We are a voice for children in foster care. In 2019, with your help, we were able to serve 266 children. That is 9% more children than we were able to serve in 2018! We are committed to serving every child in our community, and we are asking for your help – especially this year when non-profits have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and even more children have been put at risk due to the significant risk factors faced during the pandemic.
Please join us in October, at Eagle Hill Golf & Athletic Club. All participants and sponsors will receive a 20% discount for our Celebrity Tournament planned for April 2021.
Please consider becoming a SPONSOR of our event. Multiple sponsorship opportunities are available for the Judge’s Cup CASA Classic, a Virtual Tournament. See our list of sponsorship opportunities.