The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Leadership Batesville Program. This prestigious program seeks motivated individuals ready to make a lasting impact in Batesville and Independence County by developing their leadership skills and community involvement.

The Batesville Area Leadership Program, presented by Citizens Bank, is a transformative nine-month experience designed to prepare emerging leaders to serve their community. Rooted in the principles of IMPACT Independence County, the program equips participants with the tools and connections needed to address the region’s most pressing challenges.

Through interactive discussions, hands-on learning experiences, and collaboration with community leaders, participants will graduate ready to take action and drive meaningful change.

The program welcomes highly motivated individuals eager to expand their leadership potential and actively engage with community businesses, organizations, and leaders. Priority is given to members of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. Graduates will join a network of alums committed to making Independence County a better place to live and work.

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow as a leader and contribute to the future of Independence County.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for White River Commons on Wednesday, February 12, at 11 a.m. at 1325 North Saint Louis Street, Batesville.   

Founded in 2018 and based in Mountain Home, Arkansas, the Dels Corporation is committed to providing sustainable, community-focused housing. Inspired by minimalism and eco-conscious living, the company connects residents with modern, energy-efficient spaces designed for convenience and affordability.

White River Commons is the latest addition to the Batesville community. It offers studio and one-bedroom units with all utilities and internet included. This new complex aims to address the growing need for quality housing in the area, providing residents with an accessible and hassle-free living experience.

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

The City of Batesville, in partnership with Olsson Engineering Firm and Construction Manager TOLM Group, Inc., is excited to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for its new water treatment plant on February 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. This groundbreaking marks a significant step in improving the City’s water infrastructure, ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable water service for generations to come.

The current water treatment facility dates back to the 1960s. This new plant is a much-needed upgrade designed to meet the needs of a growing community while providing cost-effective and high-quality water service for the next 50 years. This project is the result of a strong collaboration between the City of Batesville, Olsson, and TOLM Group, Inc., all working together to create a system that supports both present and future demands.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. on Chaney Drive, near the existing facility at Riverside Park. This event is an opportunity to celebrate the beginning of a vital project that will enhance the City’s water treatment system and reinforce its commitment to modernizing its infrastructure.

Join us as we take this important step toward Building a Better Batesville. All community supporters, chamber members, ambassadors, board members, and staff are invited to attend.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) hosted its Annual Meeting and Gala, themed the “Alchemy Affair,” on Friday, January 24, at the Batesville Community Center. Over 500 guests gathered to celebrate the seemingly magical transformations shaping our community through creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

“Our presenting sponsor, First Community Bank, and event partners — Bad Boy Mowers, FARCO Construction, Hampton Inn, Peco Foods, the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville, and White River Health — helped us host our most vibrant Annual Meeting to date,” said BACC COO Jamie Rayford. “Their unwavering support underscores the importance of building momentum through events like this, which celebrate the power of collective progress.”

The Chamber recognized outstanding businesses and individuals whose efforts have fueled economic growth, advanced corporate stewardship, supported philanthropy, and inspired civic engagement. Honorees included: Rich Realty (Excellence in Business); AmigoFest (Community Collaboration); Whippoorwill Charm (Excellence in Customer Focus); Dr. JD Allen (Leader in Health Care); Lyon College’s Backyard Access Plan (Leader in Education); Polk & Paddle (New Member of the Year); and Andrea Bruno of Network of Community Options (Chamber Ambassador of the Year).

The evening also marked the graduation of the 2024 Leadership Batesville class, a 9-month program fostering community leaders. Graduates include Amanda Bledsoe (Network of Community Options), Darius Davis (Bad Boy, Inc.), Jace Dunegan (Batesville School District), Crystal Kimmer (White River Health Behavioral Health), Shawns Love (Citizens Bank), Melissa Mergy (Batesville School District), Cassidy Mitchell (Lyon College), Clayon O’Neal (Precise), Sherlyn Orantes (FNBC Bank), Brandon Patterson (The Toro Company — Intimidator Group Division), Natalie Patterson (Bad Boy, Inc.), Amy Pinkston (Child Care Aware of North Central Arkansas), Amy Plaster (University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville), Lauren Stott (First Community Bank), Megan Strother (George’s, Inc.), Kyle Temple (LaCroix Precision Optics), Julie Warden (Citizens Bank), and Ethan Wilson (White River Health).

Comedic hypnotist Randy Andrews and Steven Lemp, a scientist from the Museum of Discovery, provided the entertainment for the evening.

Guests enjoyed an electrifying celebration of the collaborations and innovations driving Independence County’s progress. With a nod to the groundbreaking experiments of community leaders, the event captured the spirit of transformation and unity that defines the region.

Lyon College Sets Black History Month Events

Lyon College will honor Black History Month this February with a series of special events hosted by the Black Student Association (BSA) to celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans. All events are free and open to the public.

“The events planned by the BSA shine a light on the rich history and accomplishments of Black individuals while encouraging important conversations, enhancing cultural awareness and building a stronger sense of community on our campus,” said Dr. Branndii Peterson, TRIO executive director and BSA adviser.

Observed annually, Black History Month serves as an opportunity to highlight the pivotal role Black individuals have played in U.S. history and to recognize their continued contributions to society. The campus-wide celebration features a variety of events designed to educate, inspire and engage the Lyon College community.

The following events are planned throughout the month:

Feb. 6: “Civil Rights” Presentation by Dr. Martha Beck
Dr. Martha Beck, professor of Philosophy at Lyon College, will present a talk on civil rights, exploring the movement's historical context and its ongoing relevance.
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Nucor Auditorium, Lyon Business and Economics Building

Feb. 7: Black History Month Trivia Night
Join the BSA for an evening of trivia centered on Black history, culture and achievements.

Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Patterson Dining Hall, Edwards Commons

Feb. 12: Scots Got Talent (Open Mic Night)
Celebrate the diverse talents of the Lyon College community during this open mic event. Students, faculty, staff and members of the general public are invited to share their music, poetry and more. Register online at lyon.edu/openmicnight
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Patterson Dining Hall, Edwards Commons

Feb. 18: Entrepreneurship Panel Discussion
This engaging panel discussion will feature Black entrepreneurs sharing their experiences, challenges and successes in the business world.
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Maxfield Room, Edwards Commons

Feb. 27: Movie Night Featuring “Selma”
The month’s programming concludes with a screening of “Selma,” the critically acclaimed film depicting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership during the historic 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Maxfield Room, Edwards Commons

[Batesville, AR] Independence County Library is proud to share its 2024 Year-in-Review, highlighting significant accomplishments and community engagement that demonstrate the library’s vital role in Independence County.

Throughout 2024, the library welcomed an impressive 89,757 patrons, with the library open 265 days to the public. This marks a daily average of 339 visitors, showcasing the library’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and service.

Circulation reached new heights, with 98,756 physical items borrowed and an additional 53,899 e-materials accessed through the library’s digital platforms, ensuring resources are available anytime, anywhere.

In 2024, 1,127 new library cards were issued, connecting even more community members to the wealth of resources and services offered by the library. The library’s dedicated volunteers generously contributed 2,340 hours, supporting daily operations and special projects.

The library also served as a hub for learning and community connection through its programming efforts. A total of 689 programs were hosted throughout the year, with a combined attendance of 12,369 participants. These programs ranged from educational workshops and cultural events to activities for children, teens, and adults.

The genealogy department remained a vital resource for patrons exploring their heritage, with 169 genealogy sessions facilitated by the library’s skilled staff. Technology access was another key service, as 4,013 individual sessions were logged in the public computer lab, highlighting the library’s role in promoting digital literacy and bridging the digital divide.

“Our 2024 statistics tell a story of growth, impact, and community connection,” said Sloane Lott, Community Engagement Liaison. “We are grateful to our patrons, volunteers, and staff for making these achievements possible. Together, we’re creating a space that fosters learning, discovery, and belonging for all.”

Looking at 2025, Independence County Library remains committed to innovation and service, continuing to adapt to the evolving needs of the community.

For more information about library services, programs, or upcoming events, please visit https://indcolib.com/ or contact Sloane Lott at 870-793-8814 or sloane@indcolib.com.

Lyon College broke ground Friday on Bad Boy Stadium, the future home of Scots football, set to open in time for the team’s first home game of the 2025 season on Sept. 13. 

“This is a historic day for Lyon College,” said President Dr. Melissa Taverner. “Bad Boy Stadium will not only elevate our football program but also bring students, alumni, and the community together in a shared space of pride and tradition.” 

The stadium’s first phase will include a regulation-size playing field, a press box, seating for 600 fans, a digital scoreboard, concessions and restroom facilities. Designed to be a hub for campus and community events, the facility will incorporate modern amenities and sustainable construction practices.

“This project is a game-changer for Lyon College Athletics,” said Director of Athletics Kevin Jenkins. “It will provide a top-tier experience for players and fans and help us recruit and retain talented student-athletes.”

The project is funded through significant community and corporate partnerships. Bad Boy Mowers has secured naming rights for the stadium, while Atlas Asphalt/White River Materials will name the playing field. 

“As I was coming up I was retrospecting on how we got here, and thinking about all of the countless hours of meetings, ideas, negotiations, commitments and things of that nature,” said Robert McIntire, chief financial officer at Bad Boy Mowers. “Being here makes it real. It gives a new sense of excitement, and being a fan of the game, I think that this is really going to be an awesome project to partner on.”

Additional major contributions have come from The Bank of Cave City, First Community Bank, and Merchants and Planters Bank. Local firm FARCO will oversee construction.

“This is more than a football stadium—it’s a statement about our commitment to student-athletes and the future of Lyon College,” said Head Coach Chris Douglas. “Our team is grateful for the support and excited to take the field in 2025.”

"The generosity and support from so many companies and individuals to bring our football Scots home is heartwarming and a testament to the deep connection between our community and Lyon College," said Provost Dr. Kurt Grafton. "This new stadium and plaza will not only benefit our athletics program but will also serve the entire college community. Lyon College's commitment to fostering strong, positive relationships will be greatly enhanced by these exceptional gathering spaces."

The $2.5 million project has raised $1.5 million to date, with fundraising ongoing. Future plans include expanded seating, visitor stands, a dedicated locker room for visiting teams, and a grand entry plaza for game-day and community events.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity that has made today possible,” said Dr. David Hutchison, vice president for advancement. “There are still opportunities to be part of this historic project, and we invite others to help us bring this vision to life.”

Naming opportunities remain for various elements of the stadium, including seating sections and additional facility features. For more information or to contribute, please visit http://www.Lyon.edu/StadiumChallenge or contact Dr. Hutchison at David.Hutchison@Lyon.edu or (870) 307-7208.

View the full groundbreaking album at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lyoncollegescots/albums/72177720323524865

The Rotary Club of Batesville brought joy and hope to nearly 120 families and almost 300 children through its inaugural sponsorship of the Angel Tree project. With the support of local businesses, community members, and dedicated volunteers, the project ensured that children aged 2 to 16 received bicycles, toys, and other essential items to brighten their holiday season.

“This year’s Angel Tree project was a resounding success thanks to the overwhelming support from our community and partners,” said Deanna Green, chair of the Angel Tree project for the Rotary Club of Batesville. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in making this project possible, especially our fellow Rotarians, whose dedication and hard work were instrumental in bringing joy to so many families this holiday season.”

The Angel Tree project, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Batesville this year, reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to community service. Through a wide network of contributors, the project provided vital support to families across Independence County.

Key contributors to the project were as follows:

• Intimidator Group/The Toro Company: Hosted the distribution event at its location, providing exceptional hospitality and employee participation in the gift-giving.
• FutureFuel: Transported gifts collected at their location and at Citizens Bank and First Community Bank. The FutureFuel employees also adopted angels and made a significant monetary contribution.
• Entergy: Ensured every child who requested a bicycle received one, with employee volunteers assisting at the distribution event.
• First Community Bank: Offered angel adoption opportunities for employees and the community, in addition to a significant monetary donation for the project.
• Citizens Bank, Bank of Cave City, and Centennial Bank: Served as adoption sites for community members and employees, providing valuable support for the project.
• LaCroix Precision Optics employees and leadership: Served as an adoption site and provided support for the project.
• First Presbyterian Church and Old Independence Regional Museum: Provided locations for community members to adopt angels.
• Lyon College Athletics: Hosted a toy toss event that contributed significantly to the project’s gift collection.
• Cave City High School: Organized a toy drive that expanded the project’s reach.Local media outlets: Promoted the Angel Tree project to ensure its success.

Additionally, breakfasts and lunches for volunteers were sponsored by Acrisure Insurance, Centennial Bank, Dorothy Hennings, Jay Chafin State Farm, and several anonymous donors.

Special acknowledgement goes to the Independence County Department of Human Services staff, who partnered with the Rotary Club in the application process, and the Rotary Club members who dedicated countless hours to the project. Their efforts ensured that the holidays were brighter for every child involved.

“The success of this project demonstrates the power of community collaboration and the true spirit of the season,” Green said. “We are already looking forward to continuing this meaningful tradition in the years to come.”

The Rotary Club of Batesville extends its heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the Angel Tree project, whether through donations, time, or resources. The project’s success highlights the community’s shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Batesville and its community initiatives, visit https://batesvillerotary.org/.

Lyon College recently received a $100,000 grant from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) through the 2024 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) to enhance the SCOTS Cross Country Trail. The award was announced on Dec. 4 as ARDOT unveiled the recipients for these programs, which are designed to support non-motorized transportation and recreational trail development across the state.

The funding will be used to resurface and improve accessibility on the college’s scenic bluff trails, ensuring safer and more functional pathways for students, faculty, staff and the community. These improvements will foster environmental stewardship, promote healthy lifestyles and enhance recreational opportunities in the Batesville area.

“This grant underscores the importance of fostering connections between our campus and the natural beauty surrounding us,” said Dr. Melissa Taverner, president of Lyon College. “By improving the SCOTS Cross Country Trail, we’re not only enhancing the experience for our students and employees but also supporting community access to outdoor recreation.”

The TAP, reauthorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, funds transportation alternatives for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorized forms of transportation. TAP is an 80 percent-federal and 20 percent-local match reimbursement program that supports projects such as trail construction, safety infrastructure and the conversion of abandoned railroads into trails. A portion of TAP funds is allocated to the RTP, which focuses on recreational trail development and maintenance. For 2024, ARDOT awarded 54 TAP projects totaling $16.7 million and 11 RTP projects totaling $2.5 million.

“This project represents a collaborative effort to enhance both safety and accessibility on the bluff trails,” said Dr. David Hutchison, vice president for advancement at Lyon College. “We’re grateful for ARDOT’s support and look forward to creating a resource that will benefit the entire community for years to come.”

The SCOTS Cross Country Trail is a central feature of the college’s outdoor recreational program, the Lyon College Education and Adventure Program (LEAP). The improvements will make the trails more inclusive and functional for a variety of users.

“Resurfacing and enhancing the trails will allow us to expand outdoor education and adventure opportunities for our students,” said Mac Harn, director of LEAP. “The upgrades align perfectly with our mission to connect students with nature and encourage active lifestyles.”

The project will also support the Safe Scots program, an initiative aimed at fostering a culture of safety and well-being on campus. Amanda Roberts, director of the Safe Scots program, emphasized the importance of accessible trails in promoting health and wellness.

“Having well-maintained trails is critical to encouraging outdoor activity and a sense of well-being among our campus and community members,” Roberts said. “These improvements will make a real difference in ensuring everyone can enjoy the trails safely.”

Earlier this year, Lyon College received a $30,000 grant from the Intimidator Group and The Toro Company as part of nearly $90,000 in funding to five local nonprofits, which also supports trail improvements.

Together, these grants represent a significant investment in the college’s outdoor infrastructure and commitment to community engagement.

The Batesville Area Arts Council is pleased to present Lowkey Mixtape Metaphysic, an exhibition by Justin Tyler Bryant, at the BAAC Gallery on Main January 21 – March 7, 2025. This exhibition is sponsored by First Community Bank.

Bryant is currently an Assistant Professor of Visual Art and Curator of the African Art Collection at Philander Smith University in Little Rock, AR. His recent work investigates the past and present imagery of African-Americans to reflect a multicontextual narrative. In his work, he uses found objects, paintings, drawings, and videos to suggest a fugitive notion of Blackness.

Lowkey Mixtape Metaphysic is a series of paintings that reflect on Black fugitivity and cosmology. It uses a multifaceted aesthetic approach to show a multitude of Black modalities as to say that we are multidimensional, ontologically bountiful, and quasi quasar like; as it is believed that a quasar is the brightest star and contains massive black holes.

Please join us for a reception on Friday, January 31, from 5–7 p.m. with a brief artist talk at 6 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Tuesday–Friday 10 a.m. – 4  p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Visit batesvilleareaartscouncil.org, to read the artist’s full biography and artist statement. Reception: Friday, January 31, 5 -7 p.m.

The Batesville Preservation Association has an exciting opportunity to present to the downtown residential and business district. The Sulphur Rock Elementary EAST Program has approached us with a project to create virtual tours for our historic homes and businesses within the historic district. This is at no cost and brings the benefit of access while promoting our area. I have attached an infographic with more details and included the links to apply for this service and an example tour. You may choose a portion, single room, exterior only, or entire structure. These tours will be uploaded to the brand-new BPA website www.historicbatesville.org. We are very proud to bring this initiative. These girls are very talented and we wish them success in their endeavor to create Timeless Tours. You can sign up today! Please share this as you see fit for any of your historic home/business owners. Thank you for your support of this BPA + EAST Collaboration. 

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 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.