The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate a new partnership between Batesville High School Charter and the Intimidator Group — the new Engineering Pathway. The ceremony will occur at The Hub at 490 East College Avenue, Suite 104, in Batesville, on Friday, August 11, at 1 p.m. 

Batesville High School Charter serves nine hundred ninth through twelfth-grade students. With an array of service clubs, collaborations with colleges, and valuable mentoring opportunities, the school ensures its students are well-prepared to tackle challenges beyond graduation.

Intimidator Group and its parent organization, The Toro Company, have an exceptional reputation for crafting products for outdoors enthusiasts. Boasting a diverse lineup of brands, including Intimidator UTVs and Spartan Mowers, the Intimidator Group offers top-tier mowers, UTVs, and accessory products that embody strength, reliability, and affordability.

The new Engineering Pathway partnership between Batesville High School Charter and Intimidator Group will be open to 9th-12th grade students beginning in the 2023/2024 school year. Designed to provide students exposure to engineering careers with hands-on learning opportunities, the Engineering Pathway will feature project-based learning experiences facilitated by The Toro Company and Intimidator Group engineers, including a mower accessory design and fabrication team competition. Other program highlights include a trip to The Toro Company headquarters in Minnesota, apprenticeship and post-secondary internship opportunities, and letters of recommendation for acceptance into post-secondary engineering programs.

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

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Groundbreaking ceremony for the new addition to Southside School District’s Junior and Senior High School. The Groundbreaking will occur at 70 Scott Drive in Southside on Monday, August 14th, at 10:30 a.m.

Serving students in pre-k through 12th grade, Southside School District maintains rigorous academic standards while providing a positive and safe learning environment. In addition to offering foundational core classes, Southside offers a range of extracurricular opportunities and programs in engineering, construction, art, journalism and more.

The result of a millage passed in 2021, the 146,000 square foot addition will contain modern, state-of-the-art classrooms, science and technology labs, multipurpose spaces for extracurricular activities and community events, a fine arts suite, upgraded athletic facilities, and a new cafeteria and dining bistro. 

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate Southside Family Chiropractic’s new location and expanded services. The ceremony will occur at 2319 Batesville Blvd in Southside on Tuesday, August 15, at 10:30 a.m. 

Southside Family Chiropractic offers both family and animal chiropractic adjustment. Owner Dr. Blake Taylor is board certified and committed to providing quality treatment to help patients, both human and animal, heal and improve their quality of life. 

Southside Family Chiropractic is celebrating its move into a new space located at 2319 Batesville Blvd and the addition to its team of a licensed massage therapist, Sherri Smith.

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

Ruddell Hill Baptist Church would like to invite the whole community to our free family fun "Back to School Bash Block Party" on August 19, 2023. Times are 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. We will have free back packs and school supplies (while supplies last), free food, a bounce house, free games, door prizes and more. Located at 805 Bethesda Rd. Batesville, AR. 72501. Bring your family and friends.

UACCB Celebrates the Success of Practical Nursing Students at Pinning Ceremony

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) hosted a Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony on July 21, 2023, to honor the graduating class of 2023. Thirteen graduates were celebrated during the event for their achievements and dedication to the nursing profession.

The graduates recognized during the pinning ceremony were Morgan Case, Jorge Cervantes, Kiley Davis, Katelynn Edington, Kenlee Gallegly, Brittany Harmon, Madison Hubbard, Sarah Knowles, Fallon Lewis, Dani Moore, Mason Pedigo, Gracie Pretty, and Abigail Sullivan.

Ms. Becky Warren, Dean of Health Professions, commended the graduates for their hard work and commitment throughout their nursing education saying, "Congratulations to the Class of 2023 on reaching this significant milestone in their nursing journey. The students’ dedication and perseverance are truly admirable, and I have no doubt they will make a positive impact in the lives of many as they embark on their nursing careers."

The pinning ceremony marked their transition from the academic environment to the practical aspects of nursing. UACCB's Practical Nursing Program continues to produce skilled healthcare professionals, and the Class of 2023 is expected to make a positive impact in the field of healthcare.

The UACCB Practical Nursing Licensure Examination pass rate for 2023 is 75%, as reported by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

First Community Bank has announced that Michelle Reesor has been promoted to executive vice president, chief risk officer for the financial institution. In her role, Reesor oversees the bank’s risk management function; strategic planning; project management, including entrance into new markets, branch construction and opening; bank acquisitions; and policy formulation.

Reesor said, "It is an honor to be recognized. Building a strong risk management strategy has remained one of our organization's top priorities—and this approach ensures that we remain secure as we grow."

Reesor has been in the financial industry for 36 years, and she was one of the original 14 employees that started First Community Bank when it opened in 1997. She is a member of the bank’s executive committee, product development team, and she serves on numerous bank committees. Reesor is a graduate of Lyon College and the School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

She is invested in community service and serves on the board of visitors for the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, and she is a past board member for United Way of Independence County. Her family includes husband, Jerry, two sons, Clint (wife, Whitney) and Cameron (wife, Hannah), and three grandchildren, Elliot, Opal Jane, and Auggie. In her free time, she enjoys reading, photography, and spending time with her family.

"Michelle is a valued member of our executive team who has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in her role,” said Boris Dover, president and chief operating officer for First Community Bank. “She is a tremendous asset to our team, and we are thrilled to recognize her with this well-deserved promotion."

Photo: “Seascape, Inspired by William Turner,” by Lathan Owens (1st Grade)

Stop by the Batesville Area Arts Council’s Gallery on Main this week to view artwork created by students in our Summer Art Camp. This exhibition, featuring the work by Kindergarten – 3rd grade students, is on display August 1 – 4, with a drop-in gallery reception on Friday, August 4, 5 – 6:30 p.m. During art camp, this group of students learned about artists Pablo Picasso, William Turner, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, and Edvard Munch. Participants created projects inspired by these artists using a variety of art techniques with instructors Donna Terrell and Thomas Osborn.

Students in grades 4th – 9th will be featured in an exhibition August 8 – 11, with a drop-in reception on Friday, August 11, 5 – 6:30 p.m. This group of students learned about color and value throughout the week, using various media, including oil pastel, acrylic, watercolor, collage, and ink stamp drawing. Stop by the gallery to see some great artwork made by local students! These events are free and open to the public. Thanks to the John Herman Hickman Foundation and First Community Bank for sponsoring the BAAC Summer Art Camp, and to Batesville Printing for donating all of our prints for art camp!

Low Power Community Radio Station
FCC will be accepting applications November 1 - 8 for a Low Power FM radio station that would cover Batesville and the surrounding areas. Pre-registration is required & only non-profit organizations with an education program may apply. Need not be tax exempt, just a state recognized non-profit. For more info call (870) 213-7179 or review the Public Notice at: https://www.fcc.gov/document/november-2023-lpfm-new-station-application-filing-window

Now Hiring Personal Lines Account Manager
We are looking for a new teammate for our Batesville office. If you love working with people and helping them with problems, then this might be the job for you. No experience necessary, but is a plus. Email me for more information or apply with the link below. Amanda Dickey ADickey@Acrisure.com 870-793-6391 Job posting link: https://acrisure.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Acrisure/job/BATESVILLE-AR/Manager--Personal-Account--Block-Agencies-_JR101632

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.

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.