The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for OA Gaming Emporium. 

OA Gaming Emporium is a new community-oriented tabletop gaming store. They sell a variety of tabletop games and accessories, from board games to dice, focusing on collectible card games.

Owner Austin Elkins explained why he chose to open a tabletop gaming store in Batesville: “We just wanted to bring a new place to the Batesville area for people to hang out and just do whatever you want to do. We have board games, card games, video games-- if you’re bored come hang out with everybody.”

OA Gaming Emporium has already developed a loyal customer base and made an impact on people in the community who are thrilled to have a place to socialize, meet new friends, and just be themselves. “My favorite thing about this place is that it gives people like us-- I’d say nerds-- a place to hang out, spend money, get along, really have great social experiences that otherwise you just would not have if the store wasn’t here. I really appreciate having that outlet, that place where all my friends can get together and just really spend a lot of time together,” said customer Rayden Markowski.

OA Gaming Emporium is open daily from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and has a weekly schedule of events which can be found on their Facebook page. 

Ambassadors in attendance included:  Dana Millikin (White River Now), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Brittney Harris (Independence Off Road), Justin Keister (Syngery, HR LLC), Courteney Muse (Southern Bank), Ashley Engles (Citizens Bank), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Kirsten Harvey (Arkansas Sherriff's Youth Ranch), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors - The Property Shoppe), Megan Renihan (Batesville School District), and Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 30th birthday of Carlee’s Hallmark and the completed renovation of Midtown Plaza’s second building. 

Located in Midtown Plaza, Carlee’s Hallmark is a one-stop gift shop for all occasions. They carry cards, gift baskets, toys, apparel, accessories, home decor, and more. In addition to Carlee’s Hallmark, Midtown Plaza houses a variety of other businesses, including eateries and apparel stores. 

“Thank you all so much for coming. We appreciate Batesville so much for supporting us through the first building, through the remodel, supporting us even when it wasn’t convenient,” began owner of Carlee’s Hallmark and Midtown Plaza, Patricia Cargill-Zelasko. Cargill-Zelasko continued by thanking Carlee’s Hallmark’s loyal customers, the local businesses who helped remodel Midtown Plaza, and all the businesses located in the shopping center.

“We are very thankful for Trisha and her mom Josephine. They’ve done a lot to beautify this area and provide opportunities to local business owners as well as the Batesville community,” said BACC Director of Membership and Programs Sarah Barnhill.

One way Midtown Plaza is providing opportunities is by hosting a local farmer’s market in the grassy space next to their buildings. On several mornings throughout the week, the Batesville community can stop by the market to browse and purchase local produce, plants, and art from various vendors. 

Carlee’s Hallmark is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Farm and Art Market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays. More information on other businesses located at Midtown Plaza can be found on Midtown Plaza’s Facebook page. 

Ambassadors in attendance included: Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Ashley Engles (Citizens Bank), Chad Whiteaker (White River Now), Kirsten Harvey (Arkansas Sherriff's Youth Ranch), Justin Russell (Bank of Cave City), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Jennifer Drummond (ProLand Title), Tammy Foster (First Community Bank), Mary Duvall (Bad Boy, Inc), Amanda Dickey (Block Insurance), Dana Millikin (White River Now), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), and Brittney Harris (Independence Off Road).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Sweet Tooth Frozen Delights.

Celebrating their one year anniversary in business as well as their acquisition of a new food trailer, Sweet Tooth Frozen Delights offers a variety of self-serve frozen yogurt options, ice cream, milkshakes, and more.  

“I’m here to give you the scoop,” said owner Leslie Milton. “One year ago, Ashley and I started this journey. It’s been really, really fun, and we just wanted to thank our friends, family, and everybody that’s supported us along the way and helped us bring this to Batesville. We’ve recently acquired this food trailer, and we’re hoping to be able to bring it to the community for birthday parties and other events.” 

Echoing Milton, co-owner Ashley Andrews also expressed her gratitude and appreciation, “We’re so excited to celebrate a year,” she said. The business wouldn’t be possible without the support of their families, and Andrews gives particular credit to Milton’s family for Sweet Tooth’s ice cream. Sweet Tooth is the only location in Arkansas to carry their particular brand of ice cream, and Milton’s family “goes and picks our ice cream up all the way from St. Louis, Missouri.” 

“We are open Monday through Saturday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., and we’d love for you to come try us out!” concluded Andrews. 

Ambassadors in attendance included: Tammy Foster (First Community Bank), Amanda Dickey (Block Insurance), Mary Duvall (Bad Boy, Inc), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Megan Renihan (Batesville School District), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Kirsten Harvey (Arkansas Sherriff's Youth Ranch), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), and Brittney Harris (Independence Off Road).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Batesville Community Center’s digital media sign donated by First Community Bank.

Operated by the City of Batesville’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Batesville Community Center offers residents and visitors a place to exercise, play sports, and hold events. Added six years after the completion of the Community Center, the digital media sign enables the Parks and Recreation Department to easily promote and raise awareness for local events and opportunities.

In the last twelve months, parks across Batesville had over 1.7 million visitors, with the Community Center having 80 thousand unique visitors. The road running beside the Community Center, where the digital media sign is on display, has an average of six thousand daily traffic counts. “Recreational opportunities continue to be the number one thing instrumental in increasing our quality of life, and we have an abundance of those in Independence County. We’re very, very lucky that we have a Parks and Recreation Department that supports and is continually seeking improvements and additions but more importantly, that is communicating what’s available to the people here, and the digital media sign helps us do that every single day,” said BACC Chief Operating Officer Jamie Rayford.

In addition to quality of life for residents, the Community Center and other parks in Batesville bring in outside revenue to support local businesses and funnel tax dollars into the city. “Just this last weekend, we had over 130 basketball teams here in Batesville for a tournament. We had another 20 teams at a baseball tournament at the North Complex,” said Mayor Rick Elumbaugh. Batesville’s parks and facilities bring thousands of additional people to Batesville, all of whom are spending money at local restaurants and hotels.

For six years, signage at the Community Center wasn’t in the budget. “We opened this building back in 2017. It took six years for us to be able to get a sign, and that is in great thanks to our wonderful partner, First Community Bank,” said Jeff Owens, Parks and Recreation Director. Mayor Elumbaugh explained how it happened: “Mr. Tommy Bryant, City Councilman, approached me and asked if he could go to Mr. Cole, Chairman and CEO of First Community Bank, and visit with him. I said, ‘Here we go again’. Mr. Cole has never told the city of Batesville ‘no’.”

“We are blessed in the amount of support that they have given to us over the last several years,” said Owens in reference to First Community Bank. “It has added up to several hundred thousand dollars. We couldn’t do the things that we do without their support, and I’m just here to say thank you. Mr. Cole and Mr. Dover, thank you very much for all your continued support.”

Ambassadors in attendance included: Amanda Bledsoe (Network of Community Options), Mary Duvall (Bad Boy, Inc), Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors - The Property Shoppe), Justin Keister (Syngery, HR LLC), Jennifer Drummond (ProLand Title), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Tammy Foster (First Community Bank), Peter Rouiler (First Community Bank), Brittney Harris (Independence Off Road), Justin Russell (Bank of Cave City), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Jesse Cargill (UAMS), and Kimberly Williams (First Community Bank).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Charlie’s Clips and Cuts.

Charlies’ Clips and Cuts is a full-service salon providing haircuts, styling, manicures, and pedicures. As part of their Grand Opening, Charlie’s Clips and Cuts held a Cuts for Cops event where first responders could stop by and receive a free haircut as well as door prizes, coffee, and lunch.

“For us personally, this is about a promise kept,” explained owner Charles Johnston. “My daughter Tyra graduated five years ago, and I told her to stick with it. She did, so now I’m in debt.” he laughed fondly. “But we’re excited about it, and we have high hopes.”

“We decided to do a charity event to launch our business and to honor our first responders. Our policeman, firemen, ambulance and medical personnel,” said Johnston. “We want to respect and appreciate our police officers for the work they do every day.”

Many other local businesses pitched in to provide food, coffee, and door prizes for the event, and Johnston gave a special thank you to them for their contributions. “We want to bring more community to our community. We want to give back. We want to be in our community, not just exist in it,” Johnston concluded.

Ambassadors in attendance included: Brittney Harris (Independence Off Road), Courteney Muse (Southern Bank), Kirsten Harvey (Arkansas Sherriff's Youth Ranch), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Justin Russell (Bank of Cave City), Carmen Waugh (Centennial Bank), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Dana Millikin (White River Now), and Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a Groundbreaking ceremony for Independence County Senior Citizens Program's Senior Center.

The Independence County Senior Citizens Program provides services to seniors sixty and older, including meal service and delivery, transportation, and social and wellness events. The new senior center, which will be located at 950 Elm Street, will be a modern, expanded facility that will increase the Senior Citizens Program's ability to provide wellness activities and simultaneous programming to seniors in Independence County.

"This is going to be an exciting addition to our county," said Independence County Judge Kevin Jeffery. "I've said this earlier, but the folks that are going to benefit from this, they've had their careers and paid their taxes. They need a healthy place to have activities, a meal, and fellowship. It's important to remember that demographic, and this will be a big way to accomplish that."

Among those Judge Jeffery thanked for their support and contributions to the new senior center were Independence County Senior Citizens Program Director Selina Wallis, White River Area Agency on Aging Director Ted Halls, White River Planning and Development, and AEDC, as well as local dignitaries who came out to support the groundbreaking including Batesville and Southside mayors, and State Representative Shad Pearce.

The funding and development of the new senior center has been a group effort. Independence County Quorum Court approved using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to go towards constructing the new facility. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission also contributed to the project. Batesville School District donated the land for the new facility, and the Batesville Fire Department helped clear the site of existing structures with a controlled burn, saving the project tens of thousands of dollars in demolition costs. 

"These things only occur with the cooperation of others. All these things are a matter of teamwork," said former Independence County Judge Robert Griffin. 

Ambassadors in attendance included: Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Courteney Muse (Southern Bank), Kirsten Harvey (Arkansas Sherriff's Youth Ranch), Peter Rouiler (First Community Bank), Justin Keister (Syngery, HR LLC), Justin Russell (Bank of Cave City), Amy Finster (White River Health), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Dana Millikin (White River Now), Tammy Foster (First Community Bank), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Aaron Moody (Independence County Sheriff's Department), and Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors - The Property Shoppe).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Grand Opening of JayBird Clothing Company. 

Family-owned and operated by mother and daughters trio Sissy, Shay, and Morgan, JayBird Clothing Company offers “clothing you want, in the sizes you need, at prices you can afford.” They carry clothing for men and women, including men’s big and tall and women’s plus sizes up to 6x. The store also proudly features several Arkansas-made products.

“Thank you all for coming to celebrate the opening of JayBird today,” began owner Sissy Wilson. “I do want to say a special thank you to my village. It takes a lot.” Wilson gave a special thank you to forty individuals and six businesses that have supported her through getting JayBird Clothing Company up and running. “When I say it takes a village to make this happen, I was not kidding,” she laughed.

“Opening a small business takes a lot of effort,” said BACC Director of Membership Sarah Barnhill. “JayBird Clothing Company is a great example of a new business with a fantastic network of supporters, and they’re very grateful for that.”

“These people that are up here with me have worked countless hours with me for two months, and we got it done, and I appreciate everyone up here very much. Thank you all for coming; now let’s go shopping!” concluded Wilson.

JayBird Clothing Company is located at 1255 E Main Street in Batesville and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ambassadors in attendance included: Brittney Harris (Independence Off Road), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Jennifer Drummond (ProLand Title), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Megan Renihan (Batesville School District), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Tammy Foster (First Community Bank), Courteney Muse (Southern Bank), Mary Duvall (Bad Boy, Inc), Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors - The Property Shoppe), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Amy Finster (White River Health), Julie Hinkle, and Ashley Engles (Citizens Bank).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Massage Oasis.

The Massage Oasis is a massage therapy practice focusing on relaxation and mental health. They offer various services, from Swedish, prenatal, and deep tissue massages to cupping and lymphatic drainage. The Massage Oasis has two mental health therapists on staff and is passionate about mental health and the power of massage to promote emotional and psychological health and healing through the release of stress and energy rebalancing. 

Owner Dawn Ermert dreamed of becoming a massage therapist. "About two years ago, we reached a point in our lives where a change needed to happen, and Dawn said, 'I really want to go to massage therapy school,'" explained Dawn's husband, Aaron Ermert, LCSW. "We looked at it, and it just wasn't possible. Gas was four dollars back then. I looked at her and told her she 'just wasn't hungry enough for this.' And that lit a fire under her. The next thing I know, she called me and said, 'I've enrolled'."

"All our friends and family were able to help us come up with a place to start and have supported us the whole time," said Ermert. "A year later, we're here in Batesville. We now have a great building with a great partner."

"Dawn has a very special way of massaging," Ermert continued. "She specializes in relaxation and is passionate about what she does." 

Ermert explained how Dawn had a dream to focus on the mental health benefits of massage and how to use massage to help people physically and mentally. "We're constantly learning how to bring those two aspects together," Ermert concluded.

Ambassadors in attendance included: Brittney Harris (Independence Off Road), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Justin Russell (Bank of Cave City),  Dana Millikin (White River Now), Jennifer Drummond (ProLand Title), Micah Moody (White River Health), Aaron Moody (Independence County Sheriff's Department), Peter Rouiler (First Community Bank), Chad Whiteaker (White River Now), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Justin Keister (Syngery, HR LLC), Mary Duvall (Bad Boy, Inc), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Megan Renihan (Batesville School District), Amanda Dickey (Block Insurance), Tammy Foster (First Community Bank), and Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors - The Property Shoppe).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The HUB, Batesville School District’s new family resource center.

Batesville School District (BSD), comprised of seven schools ranging from preschool to high school, has a mission to “empower today’s students for tomorrow’s challenges.” BSD opened its new facility, The HUB, to serve as its family resource center, enabling them to work towards its strategic goals of “maintaining effective facilities and increasing parent and family engagement.”

Batesville School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Hester recognized the community’s role in helping BSD achieve its goals, saying, “In my 38 years of experience, I’ve never had such a partnership and community-mindedness as I have experienced in Batesville.”

“Through our Chamber, with our board members and their vision and participation, [developing this space] for partnerships in the community and efficiencies in the district was able to happen,” continued Hester.

The HUB, located in the former Federal Building at 490 East College, was renovated with a $475,000 DHS grant and will be “the hub” for parent resources, student registration, and programs serving students and families attending Batesville School District. 

“Our plan and hope for The HUB is for this to become a place where families throughout Batesville can come if they need help with a job application or clothes for an interview,” said Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Douglas. “We want this to be a usable space for our entire community, and we want families to feel comfortable coming in.”

The HUB will house a food pantry, clothes closet, and offices for the district's fourteen home visitors, who offer parenting skills training and in-home visits. The HUB is a centralized location for parent education and engagement events, like the upcoming Safety Baby Shower, where every family can take home a car seat or other safety item for their child. 

“I am so proud of how much this District—from the staff to the teachers to the administrators, the leadership, the school board, everyone—puts students first, said BACC Chief Operating Officer Jamie Rayford. “But they don’t just put students first; they also put families first. And this space is all about that, and I'm very excited for this to be revealed.”

Ambassadors in attendance included: Mary Duvall (Bad Boy, Inc), Tammy Foster (First Community Bank), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Jesse Cargill (UAMS), Brittney Harris (Independence Off-Road), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors - The Property Shoppe), Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Ashley Engles (Citizens Bank), Amy Finster (White River Health), Kirsten Harvey (Arkansas Sherriff's Youth Ranch), Aaron Herndon (Citizens Bank), Dana Millikin (White River Now), Aaron Moody (Independence County Sheriff's Department), Megan Renihan (Batesville School District), Peter Rouiler (First Community Bank), Justin Russell (Bank of Cave City), Kimberly Williams (First Community Bank), Micah Moody (White River Health), and Lindsey Dingman (Bryants Pharmacy and HealthCare Center).

The "Stuff the Bus" event will take place on Saturday, August 5th at Walmart on Harrison Street in Batesville, from 9 am - 2 pm. We invite everyone, individuals and businesses alike to join us in this incredible initiative. Together, we can empower young minds and ensure every child has the tools to succeed academically. With many school items being covered by grant funding the need for food pantry items to send home each night in children's backpacks has risen. These items include fruit and cereal bars, fruit and vegetable cups, pop tarts, pudding, canned pasta, ravioli, applesauce, granola bars, ramen noodles, fruit snacks, cereal, peanut butter, Vienna sausages, beanie weenies, pop top soups instant mac and cheese, and peanut butter crackers among other non-perishable items that children can access and prepare themselves. Food insecurity within our community is a concern many children face. By equipping students with these essential items, we help eliminate barriers to learning and promote educational equality. Join us at the "Stuff the Bus" event and be a part of this incredible initiative. Let's demonstrate the power of unity and generosity by helping our students thrive. Together, we can shape a brighter future! Volunteer opportunities are available for this event, please contact our office for more information at 870-793-5991 or info@liveunitednca.org

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.

Join us for HealThy Self with Tammy Ferrell. This month, Tammy she will teach us about proteins.This program is free and open to the public; registration is not required to attend.

ATTN Non-Profits: The Toro Company and Intimidator Group have announced details about their Advancing Equitable Communities Grant

Toro's Advancing Equitable Communities Grant Program provides funds to non-profit organizations that promote equity within the communities they serve. This grant program is intended for organizations nominated by employees that support underserved and under-resourced communities, creating funding for shared prosperity and opportunity.

If you know of a deserving organization, please contact Wiley Osborn at wiley.osborn@intimidatorUTV.com before July 28.

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

The seventh annual Howard L. House Memorial Golf Tournament, presented by First Community Bank, will be held on Aug. 5 and 6 in Batesville at The Course at Eagle Mountain. Proceeds will benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County.

The tournament was established to honor the memory of long-time Batesville resident Howard L. House (pictured), who passed in 2014.

Mr. House was a beloved community member, a successful businessman, a strong advocate for children’s rights, and he was heavily involved in helping others in the community.

“We are excited to continue this annual tradition in honor of Howard’s memory,” said Dale Cole, chairman and CEO of First Community Bank. “This tournament is an excellent way for us to support the Children's Advocacy Center of Independence County and its important work.”

The Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) of Independence County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that opened in November 2018. In an effort to decrease trauma and re-victimization in child abuse victims, Child Advocacy Centers were formed around the country. The center provides coverage for Independence, Izard, Stone, Sharp and Fulton Counties. It is the 17th CAC in Arkansas and one of over 700 across the United States.

“The tournament is a great way to bring together our community to celebrate and remember my father’s life and legacy,” said Dianne Lamberth, daughter of the late Howard House and board member emeritus of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County. “What better way to honor him than by supporting an organization that helps children in need? Especially one he was so passionate about.”

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Independence County board of directors, comprised of a team of business leaders, includes Dr. Pat Mulick, board president; Dr. Katie Yarnell, vice president; Jason Taylor, treasurer; Amanda Reaves, secretary; Kyle Christopher and Jimmy Hodges. Emeritus board members are as follows: Dianne Lamberth, Beatrice Moore, Janis Walmsley and Arlene Martin.

The two-day golf tournament will begin at 10 a.m. each day. If you would like to know more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Justin Taylor at 870-612-3400 or justin.taylor@firstcommunity.net.

CONCERT LINEUP ANNOUNCED FOR 2023 LEVITT AMP BATESVILLE MUSIC SERIES 

The countdown to a memorable season of free concerts under the summer fun in Batesville, Arkansas, is underway! The Levitt AMP Batesville Music Series announced its impressive lineup of artists who will perform at Riverside Park each Thursday at 7 p.m. through August 3. So grab your family, friends, and neighbors and get ready to experience the power of free, live music to bring our community together! 
 
Sponsored in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, a social impact funder supporting nonprofits nationwide at the intersection of music, public space, and community building, the Levitt AMP Music Series injects new life into underused public spaces through free outdoor concerts across the nation. 
 
The Levitt AMP Batesville Music Series will present ten free, family-friendly concerts to the public this summer at Riverside Park. 
 
The series will feature a diverse lineup of high-caliber talent spanning soul, folk, indie, and rock and roll genres. Upcoming performances include Marcella and her Lovers, and Victor Wainwright and the Train.
 
The public is invited to bring their picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs to the concerts, which will have an open lawn setting. Along with free music, there will also be a kid zone designated for children to run and play, a vendor alley, food trucks, outdoor games, art, and more. 
 
The Levitt AMP concert series is located at Riverside Park in Batesville. Admission is free.

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.