Batesville named a “Best Small Town in the South” finalist

Over the next month, Batesville will compete with ten other communities across the South to claim the title of "Best Small Town." Residents can vote daily and help Batesville win the competition. Voting will close at noon on April 1, 2024.

USA Today has previously named Batesville "a top 25 city." Batesville has also been repeatedly recognized as a "trendsetter city" by Arkansas Business and was called "one of the best places to raise a family in Arkansas" by HomeSnacks.

"I am thrilled to see Batesville recognized as one of the best small towns in the South by USA Today," said Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Crystal Johnson. "This honor underscores what we've known all along — Batesville is a gem of a community with endless possibilities."

In 2023, over 300,000 visitors made their way to Batesville. Forty percent of those trips were made by out-of-state travelers, attracting visitors from twenty states. Over 90,000 unique visitors viewed the Christmas Lights at White River Wonderland. Over 27 million dollars were added to the local economy by visitors who live more than 50 miles away.

"I am incredibly proud of our community's vibrant spirit and rich heritage. Being named one of the best small towns in the South is a testament to our residents' hard work and dedication," said Mayor Rick Elumbaugh. "Let's rally together and showcase the warmth, vibrancy, and hospitality that make Batesville exceptional. Every vote counts, so let's make our voices heard and bring home this well-deserved honor!"

Help us prove that Batesville is the Best 'ville' by voting daily until April 1 at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-small-town-in-the-south-2024/.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for Next Level Gym & The Jewel Spa.

Next Level Gym and The Jewel Spa offer 24-hour services in a clean and safe environment.  The trained staff conduct full fitness consultations with their clients, providing knowledge and guidance toward reaching fitness goals. They offer daily group fitness classes and a full-service spa to relax and ease sore muscles. The staff can assist with training plans and meal planning. 

“We’ve been in business 15 years, started small, grew and decided to build our to the size we needed,” remarked Melody Lopez, owner of Next Level. “We have expanded and now have a 24-hour spa with everything from a sauna to a cold plunge or a hydro massage chair.  We also have a variety of classes and offer a little bit of everything.” 

Ambassadors in attendance include Aaron Herndon (Citizens Bank), Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors - The Property Shoppe), Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Ashley Engles (Citizens Bank), Cassidy Mitchell (Lyon College), Caitlyn Guzman (First Community Bank), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Cori Perkey (Southern Bank), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Kendra Collier-McMahan (Approve Home Health and Caring Hands), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Mary Duvall (Bad Boy, Inc), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Peter Rouiler (First Community Bank), Rickie Westbrook (Centennial Bank), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Silje Antonsen (Venture Realty Group), Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank), Tiffany Traw (UACCB) and Jesse Cargill (UAMS). 

Next Level Gym and The Jewel Spa is located at 3600 Harrison Street in Batesville and is open 24 hours. 

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a groundbreaking ceremony for Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches’ new home.

Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches is celebrating a project to construct a new home. Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches has a long history of caring for children. Founded by the Sheriffs of Arkansas in 1976, ASYR provides hope and healing for children who need a place to call home. ASYR’s mission is to address, remedy, and prevent child abuse and neglect by creating safe, healthy homes for children.

“When we envisioned building another house, we waited about four years to bring the idea to Ray Dillon, our Board President. I was hesitant to take a step forward until I was sure it was the right thing to do,” said Nancy Fulton, ASYR CEO. “Once I realized it was time, I talked to Ray about doing this in a few years, and he replied, ‘What about this year?’ And so that’s what we’ve done.”

The new home will be named Beebe Hall in honor of former Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, in recognition of his nearly 30 years of service as a volunteer and advocate for the organization. 

“It was an easy decision when Nancy approached us because of the staff we have here. It was a blink of an eye to make the decision to move forward with [the new home],” commented Ray Dillon, President of the ASYR Board of Trustees. Mr. Dillon expressed gratitude to both the members of the campaign committee and the donors to the Ranch.

Capital Campaign committee members Micah Beard (Citizens Bank) Boris Dover (First Community Bank), Larry Stone (Stone Ward) and Sheriff Phillip Miller (White County) were recognized, among others. With the many generous donations to the campaign, the $1 million goal was achieved, which includes a $200,000 challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation.

Mike Beebe, Former Governor of Arkansas, praised Batesville, saying, “This community adopted me, embraced me, and endorsed me many years ago. It’s one of the best, most progressive communities in the whole state of Arkansas. Your support for the Ranch and the symbiotic relationship between the Ranch and Batesville is superlative.” He continued by thanking the Sheriffs for picking up the torch and commended them for carrying on the legacy of the Ranch. 

Shovel Holders include Former Arkansas Governor Mike Bebee, Ray Dillon (President of the ASYR Board of Trustees), Larry Stone (ASYR Board, Stone Ward), Micah Beard (ASYR Board, Citizens Bank), Boris Dover (First Community Bank), Greg Hartz (Foundation Resource Management), Patrick Schueck (Lexicon), Judge Kevin Jeffrey (Independence County), Sheriff Phillip Miller (ASYR Board, White County), Sheriff Shawn Stephens (ASYR Board, Independence County), Sheriff Phil Reynolds (ASYR Board, Woodruff County), Josh Stewart (StewArch Architecture), Nancy Fulton (ASYR CEO), Philip Ives (ASYR), Matthew Cleveland (ASYR) and Courteney Muse (BACC). 

Other major donors to the project and ASYR staff attended the ceremony along with Ambassadors, including Aaron Moody (Independence County Sheriff's Department), Amy Finster (White River Health), Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Ashley Engles (Citizens Bank), Cassidy Mitchell (Lyon College), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Kendra Collier-McMahan (Approve Home Health and Caring Hands), Kirsten Harvey (Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Mary Duvall (Bad Boy, Inc), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Rickie Westbrook (Centennial Bank), Roxanne Rananudo (United Way of North Central AR), Sarah Perkins (Mossy Oak Properties), Seanna Horn (Lyon College), Seanna Horn (Lyon College), Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank), and Julie Hinkle (Bank of Cave City).

To learn more about and support the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches, please visit youthranches.com. 

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Mossy Oak Properties, which is selling Arkansas–Southside. 

Mossy Oak Properties Selling Arkansas–Southside has opened a new real estate office in Southside. The knowledgeable team assists customers in buying houses, plots of land, commercial real estate, and agricultural holdings. The team focuses on listing and selling residential real estate, commercial real estate, and land, including hunting land, row crops, and horse farms. The realtors are set apart from traditional real estate firms by having a team composed of Certified Land Specialists.

“Our office brings to Southside a full-service, nationwide real estate company that has sold over $69 million in our Cave City branch, and we hope to bring that here to our Southside office,” said Pamela Welch, Principal Broker/Owner. “We help buyers and sellers come together. Services include property management, Certified Land Specialists, and a licensed drone operator to take professional photos.” 

Mossy Oak Properties began in 2017 when Pamela and Arlon Welch purchased the franchise. They expanded in 2023 and have appointed Sarah Perkins as the Executive Broker at the Southside location. “We look forward to serving Southside. If you need anything real estate, we’re here,” commented Sarah Perkins, Executive Broker. 

Ambassadors in attendance include Aaron Herndon (Citizens Bank), Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors - The Property Shoppe), Amy Finster (White River Health), Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Ashley Engles (Citizens Bank), Caitlyn Guzman (First Community Bank), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Jennifer Drummond (ProLand Title), Jordan Joslin (Choice Realty), Katelyn Holt (Family Chiropratic Care), Kendra Collier-McMahan (Approve Home Health and Caring Hands), Kristi Morgan (FNBC), Kirsten Harvey (Arkansas Sherriff's Youth Ranch), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lucy Rodriguez (George's Inc), Mary Duvall (Bad Boy, Inc), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Peter Rouiler (First Community Bank), Rickie Westbrook (Centennial Bank), Roxanne Rananudo (United Way of North Central AR), Sarah Perkins (Mossy Oak Properties), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Silje Antonsen (Venture Realty Group), and Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for Palomino Petals. The Ribbon-Cutting will occur at 12 Maple Lane in Newport on Tuesday, March 19, at 1 p.m. 

Palomino Petals is a full-service florist, plant, and garden nursery, along with a gift shop featuring local artists, bakers, makers, and crafters. In addition to stunning florals and artistry, Palomino Petals offers a selection of boutique clothing and home decor. The shop is located on a horse farm, where numerous horses have been rescued and given the name "Palomino." The farm is a venue for festivals, creative classes, and fun events hosted by Palomino Petals. 

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

On Monday, April 8, 2024, Batesville, Arkansas, will be at the epicenter of a rare cosmic event — the 2024 Solar Eclipse.

What makes this eclipse even more special is the duration of totality right here in Batesville. For a remarkable 4 minutes and 2.2 seconds, our town will experience the beauty of a total solar eclipse. It's a unique opportunity to showcase our community and attract visitors from near and far. 

Check out the Eclipse Guide for Businesses. It's full of key information and strategies to make the most of this event for your respective businesses. We are anticipating a boost in tourism and hope to provide assistance to capitalize on this unique opportunity. Stay tuned for more information and opportunities to make the most of this incredible event. Let's prepare to welcome guests and share the magic of the The Great North American Solar Eclipse in the Batesville area!

The Batesville Area Arts Council is pleased to present Leon Richmond’s Psychic Secretions, an exhibition by Robert Dohrmann, at the BAAC Gallery on Main (226 E Main St) through April 20, 2024.

Dohrmann, also known as Leon Richmond, creates art by repurposing found materials from thrift stores, including vintage paintings, LP records, and various 3D objects. His process involves cultural anthropology, exploring these stores as modern-day museums and consumer graveyards. Through remix and mash-up strategies, he breathes new life into these objects, addressing themes such as consumerism, mass production, domestic life, capitalism, climate change, patriarchy, and societal hierarchies, all encapsulated within the aged veneer of American consumer history. Dohrmann received his MFA in Painting and Drawing from Central Washington University and is now a professor at The University of Oklahoma, teaching drawing and collage.

Visit batesvilleareaartscouncil.org to read Robert’s full biography and artist statement.

BAAC will hold a closing reception on Friday, April 20, from 5 to 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 through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tickets are ON SALE NOW for this year's Red Hot Ladies Luncheon! This year's beneficiary is White River Health Oncology. With a delicious lunch, our popular silent auction and featured entertainment, this festive affair is a great way to give back to the community. Find our event on Facebook to learn more or swing by Citizen Bank Headquarters at 655 St. Louis Street, Batesville to get your tickets!

Join us at the selfie scene for an unforgettable experience. From vibrant backdrops to interactive installations, we've got it all. Need more info? Dial us up or hop on our website to secure your spot. Get ready to snap, smile, and make memories that shine!

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.

Students in the Class of 2027 and beyond are now required to complete community service to earn a high school diploma (Act 237 of 2023, pages 38-39). The law specifies students will earn 15 hours of community service in ninth grade and 20 hours of community service in each subsequent year of high school for 75 total hours.

We believe that parents should lead, guide, and direct service. We know it is a very personal, family lesson for life. We will be approving service vetted by parents for safety and all other protocols. Our training includes safety protocols and suggestions. See our website for the most up to date information and a recorded webinar or call us for more information.

Mr. Rogers Day for Lyon College will be Thursday, March 14. Lyon students, faculty and staff will take on small service projects and tasks in the neighborhood. The goal is to have Lyon community members helping immediate neighbors in the neighborhood. If you or someone you know have a small project or task that the Lyon College community can help with on Mr. Rogers Day, please contact Chaplain Maggie Alsup at Margaret.Alsup@lyon.edu or 870-307-7474.

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.