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).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Jay Chafin State Farm's new location, 2199 Harrison Street, in Batesville.

Jay Chafin and his team at State Farm are celebrating their one-year anniversary and recently relocated their office. Jay Chafin has been with State Farm for 27 years, 13 of which were in agency. 

The dedicated team is ready to continue serving the Batesville community and surrounding areas for their insurance and financial service needs. They are a trusted place for excellent customer care and educate existing and future customers on what insurance is all about—protecting what you value most.

"We've been in Batesville a year now, and the warm reception we've received has been truly heartwarming. Despite the challenges of rate increases, the community has been incredibly understanding and supportive. I have never seen a kinder community of people to understand what's going on and to work with us and all the insurance companies," said Jay Chafin.

The ceremony concluded with the cutting of the ribbon and a delightful spread of refreshments, adding a touch of warmth and hospitality to the event. 

Jay Chafin State Farm offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ambassadors in attendance included: Aaron Herndon (Citizens Bank), Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Alexandra McClain (Myers-Davis Life Coaching ), Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors - The Property Shoppe), Amy Finster (FARCO), Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Ashley Engles (Citizens Bank), Cassidy Mitchell (Lyon College), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Cori Perkey (Southern Bank), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Jordan Joslin (Choice Realty), Katelyn Holt (Family Chiropractic Care), Kendra Collier-McMahan (Approve Home Health and Caring Hands), Kristi Morgan (FNBC), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Lucy Rodriguez (George's Inc), Mary Duvall (Bad Boy, Inc), Meredith Simmons (Home Instead), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Rickie  Westbrook (Centennial Bank), Sarah  Ring (Southern Bank), Silje Antonsen (Venture Realty Group), Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank), Amanda Dickey (Acrisure), Chad Whiteaker (White River Now), Jesse Cargill (UAMS), Julie Hinkle (Bank of Cave City) and Dana Millikin (White River Now).

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.

 Each winter, the light display that earned Batesville recognition as the Christmas Capital of Arkansas® takes over Riverside Park for locals and visitors to experience a magical holiday season on the White River.

Last year, ninety-nine thousand people visited White River Wonderland. Batesville's Holiday activities drew the interest of travelers from 50 states and 105 countries, reaching over 2.8 million online impressions.

Batesville's White River Wonderland has been recognized for contributing to Arkansas's growing tourism industry. It has been named the Ozark Gateway Region's "Festival of the Year" and an Arkansas Tourism "Attraction of the Year" Award finalist.

"We're super excited about the 2024 display," said Johnathan Abbott, City of Batesville Landscape Supervisor. "City crews have been hard at work getting Riverside Park ready with expanded displays and interactive attractions."

The City of Batesville announced that the White River Wonderland would open its 2024 display on Wednesday, November 27, at 5 p.m. The lights display will be on daily from 5 p.m. to midnight. The final chance to see the lights will be Tuesday, January 2, 2025.

The show features millions of dancing lights synchronized to holiday tunes. Admission to White River Wonderland is free; however, donations are accepted.

As always, visitors will have numerous options for viewing the lights.

"You can walk or drive through the display or ride on a horse-drawn carriage, custom-built train, or the Ferris wheel. That's what makes us different," continued Abbott. "Most other displays in the state are either drive-thru or walk-thru. We are a little bit of everything in Batesville."

Visitors can watch the show from the warmth of their cars as they listen to their favorite Christmas tunes on White River Wonderland's radio station. The entire display is also walkable, with illuminated sidewalks and walking trails. A fully lit walking trail leads visitors to the light show from the overflow parking lot at the Batesville Community Center.

Visitors may also ride through the display in one of the White River Wonderland's horse-drawn carriages. Carriage rides will run from November 29 through December 30, except December 25. Carriage rides are $10 per person ages two and up.

The custom-built White River Express train will return from November 29 through December 30, except December 25. Train rides are $6 per person ages two and up.

The synthetic-surfaced skating rink is a family favorite and will return to the Riverside Park amphitheater. It will be open from November 29 through December 30 and closed on December 24 and 25. Ice skating is $6 for one hour; skates are provided.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce is bringing back the 70-foot LED Ferris Wheel for a limited time. Last year, over 6,700 riders enjoyed the Ferris Wheel. The Ferris wheel is $6 per rider, regardless of age, and will operate from December 13 through 21. Tickets for the Ferris Wheel will be available for pre-order online on December 1.

Santa Claus will return to the Christmas Capital of Arkansas® to visit the White River Wonderland lights display. Each weekend, visitors will be able to take Selfies with Santa. Visitors will get to spend 3 minutes with Santa for $6.

"This year will be the best lights display yet," continued Abbott. "We invite families to build life-long memories with a trip to Batesville's White River Wonderland."

Learn more about the Christmas Capital of Arkansas® at whiteriverwonderland.com or by liking and following the Christmas Capital of Arkansas Facebook or Instagram pages.

NADT presents their 20th Anniversary performances of The Nutcracker.  There will be three beautiful performances: November 22nd at 7 & November 23rd at 2:30 and 7.  Featuring NADT company members, special professional guests, and community cast members, the 20th Anniversary performances are a perfect way to start your holiday season!  Tickets and merchandise will be available at the door.

Let’s work together to create positive change for our families and community! We’re excited to share how the 100 Families initiative is making a real difference in the lives of local families who face challenges in accessing critical resources like education, housing, and healthcare. This meeting will bring together community leaders, organizations, and residents to take collective action and create lasting change!

The Lyon College Gospel Choir will present “Unplugged,” an evening of gospel music and celebration, on Friday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Bevens Music Room of the Brown Fine Arts Building on the Lyon College campus, 2300 Highland Rd. The event, scheduled just ahead of Thanksgiving, aims to uplift and inspire audiences through heartfelt performances and expressions of gratitude.

The program will feature a variety of gospel favorites performed by the Lyon College Gospel Choir under the direction of Barretta Robinson. Mistress of ceremonies Sicily Kentner will introduce the evening’s program, which begins with an opening prayer, followed by a welcome message.

The Lyon College Gospel Choir will perform songs of thanksgiving and praise, including “Everyday is a Day of Thanksgiving” by Dr. Charles G. Hayes and the Cosmopolitan Choir, “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake, “I Shall Wear a Crown” by Thomas Whitfield with arrangement by Trey McLaughlin of The University of St. Thomas, “My Life is in Your Hands” by Kirk Franklin, “A Heart That Forgives” by Kevin LeVar, “Jesus Promised” by Timothy Carpenter and made popular by the Chicago Mass Choir, “Use Me” by the Motor City Mass Choir and “Revelation 19” by Jeffrey LaValley and made popular by Stephen Hurd.

Choir members include sopranos Sheila Avant, Amy Hardin, Elisabeth Meadows, Carol Anderson and Roberta McGuffey; altos Karen Ford, Brianna Krantz, Makayla Brooks Bales and Sicily Kentner; and tenors Emma Campbell, Chance Lopez, Hunter Hall, Luke Palmer and Paul Houck. Accompanist is Hunter Hall.

The Lyon College Gospel Choir is a vocal ensemble open to students and community members regardless of their faith. The ensemble performs a variety of song forms drawn from the African American religious tradition, including traditional and contemporary gospel, anthems and spirituals. The choir is devoted to using its art not only to entertain, but also to worship.

For more information on membership in the Lyon College Gospel Choir, please contact Barretta Robinson at Barretta.Robinson@lyon.edu.

The Kresge Gallery at Lyon College will host “This Woman’s Work,” an exhibition showcasing the artwork of Aneesah Rahmaan, through 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.

The Lyon College Symphonic Winds will join forces with the Subiaco Academy Jazz Ensemble for a concert at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, in Sloan Auditorium of the Brown Chapel and Fine Arts Building on the Lyon College campus, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville.

The concert is free and open to the public.

The Lyon College Symphonic Winds, made up of music majors and students from various disciplines, regularly performs a mix of traditional and contemporary selections. Under the direction of Lyon College Director of Bands John Christian, the ensemble consistently delivers engaging and enjoyable performances.

“We are thrilled to share the stage with the Subiaco Academy Jazz Ensemble,” said Christian. “It’s always exciting to collaborate with other musicians, and Subiaco’s jazz program is exceptional. I know our audience will be blown away by the energy and musicianship these young performers bring to the stage.”

Subiaco Academy, an all-boys Benedictine boarding and day school in Subiaco, Arkansas, is known for its academic rigor and strong arts program. 

Under the direction of academy chaplain and Fine Arts department chair Roy Goetz, a 1985 graduate of Lyon College, the Subiaco Academy Jazz Ensemble gives students the opportunity to explore jazz styles ranging from classic big band tunes to modern improvisation. The group has performed at numerous events across Arkansas, showcasing their skillful interpretations of jazz standards and creative arrangements.

For more information, please contact John Christian at john.christian@lyon.edu.

The Batesville Community Theater is proud to brring The Maltese Antidepressant to the stage! Written by BCT board member Steven Norris, The Maltese Antidepressant takes inspiration from the old TV show, "Whose Line is it Anyway?" A down on his luck PI goes undercover looking for a cutting edge pharmaceutical he calls: The Maltese Antidepressant, but soon realizes "the cure", won't be easy to find. You don't want to miss this show coming to Batesville Community Theatre November 15-17th! Tickets are $10.

In a moving ceremony, Lyon College honored veterans and active military members today, uniting students, faculty and local residents to pay tribute to those who have served the nation.

Lyon College President Dr. Melissa P. Taverner welcomed the gathering, expressing the college’s deep gratitude for the service and sacrifices of veterans. Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Robert Carius gave the keynote address, reflecting on the essential value of peace.

In a solemn moment, Bowling and the ROTC highlighted the symbolism of the POW/MIA table, explaining each element honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action. The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Bowling and a benediction by Chaplain Alsup.

The annual Veterans Day ceremony at Lyon College stands as a tradition of remembrance, honoring the dedication and sacrifices of the nation’s veterans and military members.

View a video of the ceremony and Rear Admiral Carius's speech at https://www.youtube.com/live/fbv-XQJs8Ec.

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.