Oak tree planting marks Arbor Day
A willow oak will be planted in the Laman Library Plaza on Friday in a joint observance of Arbor Day by members of the North Little Rock Tree Board and the William F. Laman Public Library board of trustees.
The tree will be planted next to the Veterans Memorial inside the plaza on the grounds of the William F. Laman Public Library, 2801 Orange St. The event is open to the public.
The site selected will allow replacement for a large willow oak tree cut down in October, which library trustees and city Parks Department officials later agreed was a misunderstanding related to the removal of other trees on library grounds. Cutting was halted before four other large oaks inside the plaza were taken down.
Tree Board members met with library officials the next month and recommended an assessment by a certified arborist be made of all trees on the library grounds. The Parks Department oversees part of the library grounds, including the plaza fountain.
The tree is being donated by the Arkansas Forestry Commission in recognition of National Arbor Day, observed on the last Friday of every April.
Armory demolition delayed by weather
Because of uncertainty with the weather through today, the start of demolition of the former Arkansas National Guard Fisher Armory, 2600 N. Poplar St., is being postponed until Monday, according to a North Little Rock Police Department spokesman.
The razing of the armory building was to begin Wednesday, depending on weather. Rain was forecast to begin Wednesday afternoon with thunderstorms today.
The site will become the location of a $30 million North Little Rock Police and Courts Building, estimated for completion in November 2020.
Drug take-back set to happen Saturday
North Little Rock police officers will participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday with a site available to the public from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Target store parking lot, 4000 McCain Blvd., North Little Rock.
Officers will accept unused, expired or unwanted prescription medications during that time. The intent is to provide a safe, responsible and convenient way for the public to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.
Those who drop off their unwanted prescription drugs will receive giveaways from Chick-fil-A and the North Little Rock Police Department while supplies last, according to a news release.
North Little Rock's Drug Take Back in October 2018 collected over 800 pounds of prescription medicines, the department's news release said.
City's cleanup day planned for May 4
May 4 is the date for this year's annual Great North Little Rock Cleanup, sponsored by Keep North Little Rock Beautiful.
The cleanup will be 8:30-11:30 a.m. An appreciation event for volunteers is to follow at noon at Pavilion No. 8 in Burns Park.
The event utilizes community volunteers to pick up trash and debris in neighborhoods and along city streets and trails. Civic clubs, neighborhood associations, church groups and individuals are encouraged to participate.
Online registration for individuals and groups is available online by visiting knlrb.org. More information can be found by emailing [email protected] or visiting the Facebook page Great North Little Rock Cleanup 2019.
Metro on 04/25/2019