The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Batesville Parks and Recreation Department held a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the establishment of the West Park playground. 

The West Park playground, a unique and innovative project, is the result of a shared vision between community partners and the City of Batesville's Parks and Recreation Department. It stands as a physical testament to our community's dedication to enhancing children's developmental growth. The playground's interactive and engaging equipment is specifically crafted to foster the development of fine and gross motor skills. It's a space where families can enjoy outdoor play and exploration, knowing that they are nurturing their children's connection to nature and bolstering their overall development. 

Jamie Rayford, Chief Operating Officer of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, noted, "Connecting children to nature became an obvious and comprehensive strategy in supporting their developmental needs while realizing the city's vision for its parks."

Data collected from the Cities Connecting Children to Nature cohort and the Excel by 8 coalition was shared with Parks Director Jeff Owens. The goal was to explore how we could best ensure that young children in our community are developing fine and gross motor skills and social competence with their peers.

"Through the cohort, we decided to conduct a community parks audit," Rayford continued. "However, we needed experts to observe a variety of factors related to play. The then-5th-grade students at Sulphur Rock Elementary, along with their EAST Facilitator, Ms. Jenine Ottaway, assisted us in completing the parks audit and identifying gaps in the quality and features of our parks."

Community partner collaboration was instrumental in realizing the vision and establishing the playspace, which includes equipment specifically designed for younger children to enhance motor coordination, facilitate interaction with caregivers, and embrace a nature-based theme. The partnerships have greatly improved the park's appeal and functionality, making it a place where families can come together, and children can thrive.

Mayor Rick Elumbaugh recognized the partnerships and individuals who contributed to the park project, including Parks Director Jeff Owens, White River Planning and Development Community Development Coordinator Carrie McIntosh, Batesville School District Superintendent Dr. Ken James, and the Arkansas Parks, Tourism, and Heritage Department. "It's a win-win. You know you've done it right when you see school buses from various districts visiting the park. That's what it's all about. This neighborhood has so many kids who don't have the opportunity to walk to the community center or Riverside Park." The new playspace complements the existing pavilion and splash pad, which opened in 2022.

"With so much alignment these days between students, resources, and schools, everything comes together, and it's all about quality of life in Arkansas," said Shae Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and Director of State Park. "The Park is the perfect case study — that we can use to share with other communities across the state — of what happens when people come together and find solutions to provide recreational opportunities."

"West Park playground is an excellent example of Arkansans enjoying nature and participating in outdoor recreation, which aligns with Governor Sanders' focus on promoting outdoor activities," concluded Lewis.

The collaborative project, which brought together numerous partners like the City of Batesville's Park and Recreation Department, Excel by 8, Sulphur Rock Elementary EAST students, White River Planning and Development, The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, helps achieve IMPACT Independence County goals of increasing quality of life in Independence County and significantly contributes to our becoming the healthiest county in Arkansas.

The new playground is located by the West Splash Pad, near the intersection of North Hill Street and East Carter Street in West Batesville. This strategic location ensures that it is easily accessible for families and children in the neighborhood, making it a true community asset.

Ambassadors in attendance include Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Ashley Engles (Citizens Bank), Cassidy Mitchell (Lyon College), Katelyn Holt (Family Chiropractic Care), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Mary Duvall (Bad Boy, Inc), Meredith Simmons (Home Instead ), Megan Renihan (Batesville School District), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Rickie Westbrook (Centennial Bank), Seanna Horn (Lyon College), Silje Antonsen (Venture Realty Group), Tiffany Traw (UACCB), Jesse Cargill (UAMS), and Julie Hinkle (Bank of Cave City).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bruno’s Pizzeria.

Bruno’s Pizzeria in Batesville is the go-to spot for fresh pizza and delicious game-night or date-night flavors. The open-concept, two-story restaurant is perfect for catching a game on one of its big screens or hanging out with friends and family in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. With a solid selection of drinks on tap and a menu full of game-day favorites, Bruno’s is a local favorite for good food, great drinks, and friendly service.

Bruno Azemi, Owner of Bruno’s Pizzeria expressed his gratitude for the support he and his staff have felt from Batesville since the opening of the new restaurant. “It’s been a great journey for a year and a half at Bruno’s.” The mission at Bruno’s is to create the best Italian food and provide exceptional service that will leave guests feeling satisfied and ready to come back for more. 

Whether dining in person or looking for a quick bite to go, Bruno’s Pizzeria has it covered. Dine in-house or take advantage of online ordering for easy and fast Italian takeout or delivery in the Batesville area. Bruno’s is located at 2489 Harrison Street in Batesville. Learn more at brunopizzerias.com. 

Ambassadors in attendance include Aaron Herndon (Citizens Bank), Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Ashley Engles (Citizens Bank), Caitlyn Guzman (First Community Bank), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Cori Perkey (Southern Bank), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Justin Keister (Synergy, HR LLC), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Lucy Rodriguez (George’s Inc), Peter Rouiler (First Community Bank), Rickie Westbrook (Centennial Bank), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Sydney Wood (Main Street Batesville), Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank), Tiffany Traw (UACCB) and Jesse Cargill (UAMS). 

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Lyon College Garner Student Recreation Center.

Lyon College is a selective undergraduate liberal arts college located in Batesville. Founded in 1872, it is one of the oldest colleges in Arkansas. Lyon College celebrated the renovation of the former swimming pool room in Becknell Gymnasium into the Garner Student Recreation Center. The college plans to use the center for athletic competitions, practices, and events. 

“Thanks to the leadership of a number of people on our campus — David Hutchison (Vice President for Advancement), Kevin Jenkins (Director for Athletic), Kurt Grafton (Provost and Dean of the Faculty), and many others — we began to reimagine what this space could be, not a pool but instead a place designed for students for recreation, for learning new skills, for intramurals, and the larger community as an event space,” said Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner. “As our vision began to take shape, we invited others into our emerging project, and a key early supporter was Mrs. Jean Garner. Mrs. Garner’s late husband, Carl, was a proud alumnus of Arkansas College. With her leadership gift and commitments from Centennial Bank, White River Health, Bad Boy Mowers, Baldwin & Shell, and many others we were able to move from concept to reality, bringing to fruition this wonderful new space for the college.”

“The James C. Beckell Physical Education building has been home to Lyon College (formerly Arkansas College) sports, physical education, and intramurals since its opening in 1970,” explained Lyon College Athletic Director Kevin Jenkins. “In April of 2023, the college decided to fill in the pool to create additional space for student recreation, varsity athletics team practices, and special events. It is very exciting to see the project come together and we are very grateful to the Garner Family for helping pave the way.” 

Danell Hetrick, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Lyon College, expressed her excitement for the Rec Center by saying, “This project was a long time coming, and its completion signals the College’s and its supporters’ commitment to providing students with opportunities for growth both in the classroom and outside of it.” She continued by thanking those who contributed to the project and supported the vision of the new space. 

“The Garner Student Recreation Center is more than just a building; it represents a commitment to the health, well-being, and success of Lyon students. This beautiful space will serve as a hub for recreation, relaxation, and community building by providing us with a welcoming environment to unwind, socialize, and pursue our passions,” stated Aziza Takhi, Student Athletic Advisory Committee President. “Let’s come together to explore, play, and make the most of this incredible resource.”

Gina Garrett, Associate Vice President for Advancement, recognized the donors Centennial Bank, White River Health, Bad Boy Mowers, Jean Garner, and contributions received from the Scots Spectacular event. 

Ambassadors in attendance include Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors - The Property Shoppe), Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank) Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Mary Duvall (Bad Boy, Inc), Seanna Horn (Lyon College), Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank), Tiffany Traw (UACCB) and Dana Millikin (White River Now).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Polk & Paddle. 

Polk & Paddle is a cozy downtown restaurant and private club serving American cuisine with an occasional Vietnamese flair. Customers can choose from a selection of refreshing beverages on tap. Their limited menu consists of gourmet sandwiches that are unique and flavorful that won’t hurt your pocketbook. Polk & Paddle provides a rotating weekly menu, allowing customers to try something new and shake up their routine. Every visit brings an adventurous dining experience in an intimate setting. 

“Our dream evolved over time and has come to fruition,” said Dustin Dayberry, Owner of Polk & Paddle. “The community support has been overwhelming, not only from Batesville and Independence County. But also from other establishments like ours have been forthcoming and offered us advice along our journey. Our community extends far beyond our city and county boundaries.” 

Dayberry continued by recognizing the collaboration with Lyon College and extended his gratitude for the support they have felt. “We look forward to seeing customers come again and again. It is not just a place to eat; it’s an experience.” 

Through a unique partnership with Lyon College’s fermentation science program, they can serve locally brewed beverages — a facet quickly becoming a favorite among locals. 

Polk & Paddle is located at 146 North 3rd Street in Batesville.

Ambassadors in attendance include Aaron Herndon (Citizens Bank), Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors - The Property Shoppe), Amy Finster (FARCO), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Caitlyn Guzman (First Community Bank), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Cori Perkey (Southern Bank), Kendra Collier-McMahan (Approve Home Health and Caring Hands), Kristi Morgan (FNBC), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Meredith Simmons (Home Instead ), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Silje Antonsen (Venture Realty Group), Sydney Wood (Main Street Batesville) and Dana Millikin (White River Now).

Join Tolm Group and the City of Batesville for a Check Presentation Ceremony for the Batesville High School Charter Drone and Aviation Program. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 30, at 10:30 a.m. at the City of Batesville Municipal Building, 500 E. Main Street in Batesville. 

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Nature’s Market and RV Park on Thursday, November 14, at 1 p.m. at 897 Batesville Boulevard in Batesville. 

Nature’s Market and RV Park, formerly Breck’s RV Park and Country Store, is your go-to spot for fresh, local, and organic food. The grocery store offers a handpicked selection of organic fruits and veggies, preservative-free pantry staples, locally sourced meats, and a deli selection. Treat yourself to our mix of classic candies and modern flavors. Don’t miss out on the extra nutritious Microgreens grown onsite. With a clean, welcoming atmosphere, they are here to make healthy eating easy and enjoyable.

Don’t forget about the RV Park area! With 59 spacious lots, full hook-ups, renovated bathrooms with laundry facilities, a gym, and one of the area’s few propane filling stations, the RV park offers convenience and comfort for travelers. The onsite store provides essentials and treats, making it a perfect destination for an Arkansas getaway.

All community supporters, chamber members, ambassadors, board members, and staff are invited to attend.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The CALL in Independence County on Thursday, December 11, at 1 p.m. at 165 E Charles Street in Batesville. 

The CALL is a non-profit organization that mobilizes local churches to serve local children and youth placed in foster care. They provide a way for Christians to invite the mission field into their homes and serve those most vulnerable in their communities. The CALL partners with the Division of Children and Family Services to recruit, train, and support foster and adoptive families for children and teens in foster care. The CALL hopes to see a day when no children in Arkansas are waiting for families because what children and youth in foster care need most is a family to care for them as they heal.

All community supporters, chamber members, ambassadors, board members, and staff are invited to attend.

What can you expect at the Fall Festival? An array of festive games that are fun for the whole family. 🎃🎳 Join us for face painting, bouncy houses, crazy hair, pumpkin bowling & much more!

The Kresge Gallery at Lyon College will host “This Woman’s Work,” an exhibition showcasing the artwork of Aneesah Rahmaan, from Oct. 28 to Nov. 22. A reception is set for Thursday, Nov. 14, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., featuring an artist talk by Rahmaan at 5:30 p.m.

Rahmaan is a Little Rock-based artist who has been creating art throughout her life. A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with both undergraduate and master’s degrees, she currently works as a programs director and director of curation. Rahmaan's identity is deeply influenced by her diverse life experiences and her culture, heritage and traditions. She often draws inspiration from her family, with many of her portraits reflecting likenesses of her loved ones.

Rahmaan is represented at The ARTSpace on Main in Pine Bluff and at Art DeCentrale in Springdale. Her artwork has been exhibited across the state, including venues such as Brandon House Cultural and Performing Arts Center and INTERFORM. She is also a former art teacher at Mohammed Schools in Little Rock and has been featured in several publications, including the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, The Idle Class Magazine and Women's United Art Movement Magazine.

"My artwork primarily reflects cultural elements emphasizing components that contribute to and blend African American culture," Rahmaan said in an artist statement. “’This Woman’s Work’ explores themes of the strong African American woman and women who have contributed to the rich history and legacy of Black women in the United States. These images were created to induce memories that may be delightful or painful. The use of colorful lines serves to emphasize certain factors and to draw attention when viewing the art. This collection was created to teach some history as well as take the viewer on a stroll down memory lane."

The Kresge Gallery, located in the historic Alphin Building on the Lyon College campus at 2300 Highland Road, Batesville, invites the community to celebrate this exhibition and engage with Rahmaan's contributions to contemporary art.

The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. Kresge Gallery hours are Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Join the Batesville Community Theatre, located at 1295 E. Main St., for a Holiday Kick-off event featuring a silent auction of beautifully decorated Christmas trees donated by several supporting local businesses and individuals.

Proceeds will benefit BCT’s dinner theatre program. Live music will be provided by Kristian Ameigh, Danny Dozier, Batesville Community Choir, and the Southside Madrigal Choir. Christmas treats and beverages will be provided, with old-fashioned Christmas candy stockings for sale.

Tickets are $5 per person at the door, school age children are free.

Dates are November 8th from 5 to 8 PM & November 9th from 2 to 4:30 PM. Silent Auction Trees will be available to pick up at 5 PM, Saturday, November 9.

Get in the Holiday Spirit with BCT’s Festival of Trees! If you or your business would like to provide a tree for the silent auction or if you have questions, email us at bctarkansas@gmail.com or message on Batesville Community Theatre Facebook or Instagram page.

The Independence County Library, led by Director Carlene Morrison and Board Chair Bill Walmsley, is pleased to release its service statistics for September 2024.

Throughout the month, the library served a total of 7,367 patrons, with a daily average of 307 visitors. The library was open for 24 days, providing a welcoming space for the community to connect and learn. In terms of circulation, 7,893 physical items were borrowed, and an additional 4,804 e-materials were accessed by patrons, showcasing the diverse range of resources available to the community. The library also welcomed 112 new cardholders, underscoring its growing patron base.

Community Involvement: Fifteen dedicated volunteers contributed a total of 259 hours of service, helping to enhance the library's offerings. Additionally, genealogist Kelly Denison assisted 15 patrons with research, dedicating 22 hours to help them uncover their family histories.

Programs & Technology Usage: The library hosted 76 programs in September, attracting a total of 1,051 attendees. From educational workshops to engaging community activities, these events continue to enrich the lives of community members and visitors alike. On the technology front, 321 patrons utilized the library’s public computers, benefiting from free access to digital resources.

The Independence County Library is located at 267 E. Main Street, Batesville, AR, and is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about the library’s services and programs, please contact Sloane Lott at sloane@indcolib.com or by phone at 870-793-8814.

BATESVILLE AREA ARTS COUNCIL SEEKS GALLERY ASSISTANT

The Batesville Area Arts Council (BAAC) is seeking an energetic and organized professional to join us as a part-time Gallery Assistant for the BAAC Gallery on Main. As a Gallery Assistant, you will be involved in a variety of tasks, from assisting with exhibition installations and marketing efforts to providing excellent customer service. The ideal candidate will have a passion for contemporary art, strong communication and organizational skills, and proficiency with Mac computers.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to info@batesvilleareaartscouncil.org with the subject line "BAAC Gallery Assistant Application." Application review begins on October 28 and will continue until the position is filled. Visit batesvilleareaartscouncil.org/gallery-assistant for the full job description. BAAC is an equal opportunity employer.

The Batesville Area Arts Council hosted the eighth annual Artoberfest on Saturday, October 12. The festival featured over 50 vendors, including local and regional artists and makers, local food trucks, and live music by Ed Casper, Matthew Lebrato & Jon Healey, and The Natural Disasters. The festival also included a sidewalk chalk art competition and a coloring contest for students of all ages.

The winners of the 2024 Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest for K – 6th Grade include, 1st Place: Sloane Hodges, 2nd Place: Wyatt Muse, 3rd Place: Dathan Allen. The Junior High – College age winners include, 1st Place: Carlie Hubbard, 2nd Place: Keziah Wilder, 3rd Place: Tyson Williams..

Students in grades K through 12 participated in the Artoberfest Coloring Contest, and the 1st place winners in three grade categories were chosen by votes on our Facebook page. Coloring Contest winners included: Kinleigh Adair (9th grade), Emery Sandefur (5th grade), and Luke Dye (3rd grade).

We hope the community enjoyed this year’s Artoberfest and we look forward to the continued growth of this event each year! This year’s festival was proudly presented by Citizens Bank and sponsored by FutureFuel Chemical Co., Lyon College, Wood Family Dealerships, First Community Bank, and the Bank of Cave City.

Main Street Hideaway, a unique terrace studio apartment on Historic Main Street, is now offering a 20% discount on all stays booked by Chamber Members!

Family-owned since the 1940s and recently renovated, the space features an urban industrial feel with modern furniture and appliances. Enjoy easy access to local shops, restaurants, and attractions like Stella’s, Big’s, antique stores, and art galleries. Whether you park at ground level or enter from Main Street, you'll love being within walking distance of Batesville's best spots!

Mention your membership when you book online to redeem your discount.

The Batesville Area Arts Council is excited to announce renovations for our workshop expansion are officially underway. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have raised 88% of the funds needed to bring this project to life.

BAAC is witnessing an extraordinary level of interest and participation in arts programming in Batesville; as a result, our current workshop space has reached its capacity, limiting the number of participants we can accommodate and diversity of programming we can offer. The expanded workshop will address these needs and will allow more opportunities for adult arts programs, new art education programming, and enhance the experience of our art camp students. Additionally, this space will create a Community Gallery, generously sponsored by First Community Bank.

This new gallery will showcase a rotating array of local and regional artists throughout the year, in addition to our main gallery space, where we display artwork from both local and national artists. This project would not be possible without the support of our Corporate Sponsors: First Community Bank, Future Fuel Chemical Company, White River Health, and Bad Boy Mowers, and our Community Investors: Ray & Diane LaCroix; Abby and Zach Perrine; Racheal and Alex Roofe; and Bob Carius. Their contributions have been instrumental in reaching this milestone.

As construction begins, we are still actively fundraising to cover the remaining costs and ensure the project’s success. We invite those who believe in the transformative power of the arts to contribute to this project: Together, we can create a space where art truly has the ability to change lives.

To learn more about the expansion and how you can help us reach our goal, please visit https://www.batesvilleareaartscouncil.org/help-the-arts-grow.

Stanley Wood Chevrolet is proud to recognize and reward the exceptional educators in our community.

Fifteen dedicated teachers from the Batesville, Cave City, Midland, Concord, Cedar Ridge, and Southside School Districts were honored with $500 awards. These educators applied and were selected by a panel of representatives from their respective districts.

The award ceremony took place on Wednesday, September 4th at 4:00 PM at the Stanley Wood Chevrolet dealership located at 1674 Batesville Blvd.

During the reception, Mr. Scott Wood and Mr. Phil Brissey presented the awards, acknowledging the educators’ outstanding teaching skills, commitment to students, and positive impact on the community.

Congratulations to the following educators for their exceptional contributions:

• Chloe Martin (Concord School District)
• Amy Baker (Concord School District)
• Kerri Grace (Southside School District)
• Jessica Marks (Southside School District)
• Abby Barker (Southside School District)
• Matthew West (Midland School District)
• Kali Payne (Midland School District)
• Jalisa Milligan (Cave City School District)
• Tara Ball (Cave City School District)
• Dason Lee (Cedar Ridge School District)
• Lynnette McKinney (Cedar Ridge School District)
• Charlie Bridgeman (Batesville School District)
• Gloria Brown (Batesville School District)
• Ian Kerley (Batesville School District)
• Jamie McMinn & Kristen Luetschwager (Batesville School District)

There is Hope. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to connect with compassionate care and support for mental health-related distress. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, 988 provides a 24/7 connection to confidential support.

Interested in Employing a Student Intern from the Batesville School District? Click Here to Complete the 2024-2025 Work-Based Learning Partner Interest Form: https://forms.gle/BxikuHBYUsqWkpu28

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) and Reach University are creating pathways where practical job experience leads directly to a degree. This initiative is part of a national movement to increase apprenticeship programs to meet industry demand. Led by the National Center for the Apprenticeship Degree (NCAD), these programs will integrate work and learning, focusing on high-demand fields.

On September 6, 2024, members of UACCB and Reach University met with UACCB faculty and staff and regional industry partners to explain the new apprenticeship degree programs. This model blends on-the-job experience with academic learning, enabling employees to earn a degree while advancing in their careers. The goal is to create a sustainable system enabling local industries to partner with UACCB to leverage apprenticeship degree opportunities to cultivate a skilled workforce while providing employees with meaningful educational advancements. We encourage community and industry partners to join the conversation on how to transform the workplace into a powerful learning environment.

“The partnership between UACCB and Reach University, facilitated by NCAD, represents a significant step forward in addressing the workforce needs of our region,” said Dr. Holly Smith, vice chancellor for academic affairs at UACCB. “By aligning on-the-job training with academic achievement, we are not only providing individuals with a debt-free pathway to a degree but also meeting the pressing talent demands of our local industries.”

This innovative approach is not just about filling jobs but about creating sustainable career paths. Apprenticeship degrees offered through Reach University emphasize job-embedded learning, where students gain valuable experience in their field while simultaneously completing their academic studies. This method ensures that graduates are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their professions.

“We believe that by making the workplace a learning place, we can revolutionize how education and industry work together to develop talent,” said Dr. Brian Shonk, chancellor of UACCB.

“This partnership is about more than just earning a degree; it's about creating opportunities for individuals to thrive in their careers and for businesses to grow with a highly skilled workforce.”

For more information, please visit www.reach.edu/apprenticeship-degree.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice of business in Independence County, providing chamber members advocacy, promotion, and resources. The Chamber works to set the standard for service, collaboration, growth, and high quality of life in the Batesville area. We are unwavering in our commitment to strengthening our business community.