LR mask mandate extended a month
Members of the Little Rock Board of Directors on Tuesday opted to continue the city's mask mandate for city-owned buildings for at least another month.
At-large City Director Dean Kumpuris, who serves as chairman of the city's covid-19 task force, suggested at the meeting that the emergency declaration continue and said the city was doing the right thing.
Vice Mayor Lance Hines of Ward 5 raised a question about how the board was supposed to take action given that Tuesday's periodic discussion of the mask mandate was taking place during an agenda meeting.
Barring additional action by city officials, the local covid-19 emergency declaration that undergirds the mask mandate is to expire in late December.
Libraries to waive fines for food gifts
The Central Arkansas Library System will accept non-perishable food items at all libraries to offset overdue fines on patron accounts through its Food for Fines program, according to a news release issued Thursday.
Each non-perishable food item will result in a reduction of one dollar on the patron's account. Individuals can bring up to 25 items.
"CALS encourages patrons to donate to the food drive even if they don't have any fines and will apply additional 'funds' to randomly selected accounts," the news release said. "Fines accrued for billed items or replacement fees are not eligible under the program."
The library system requested no donations of glass or homemade items. Food will go to the Arkansas Foodbank and Perryville's Partners for Progress.
Police audit focus of virtual meeting
The public is invited to a Dec. 13 virtual presentation and question-and-answer session regarding findings from the independent audit of the Little Rock Police Department conducted by the organization CNA, according to a tweet from the city Friday.
The event is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Prospective attendees can register at bit.ly/LittleRockIRC.
Members of the city board heard the findings of the audit at a meeting in late October, and Police Chief Keith Humphrey later appointed nine people to a panel to assess its recommendations.