Batesville Breaks Ground on Reimagined Riverside Park

The City of Batesville, in partnership with Clark Contractors, Taggart Architects, and Ecological Design Group, broke ground on a transformative $25 million renovation of Riverside Park.

Funded without increasing taxes, this milestone marks a bold new chapter in Batesville's ongoing commitment to healthy living, recreation, and quality of life for all residents. The project, which voters overwhelmingly supported in a 2023 special election, will transform Riverside Park into a regional destination for outdoor activities, inclusive play, and community gatherings.

"This is about building a better Batesville for everyone," said Crystal Johnson, CEO of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce. "This park has served our community for decades, and now, with the vision and backing of our residents, it will become a space we can all be proud of — for generations to come."

Reimagined Features Designed to Serve All

The reimagined Riverside Park features a diverse range of thoughtfully designed elements to meet the needs of a growing and diverse community:

• Events Center: Located near the intersection of North Saint Louis Street and Myers Avenue, the all-new Events Center will anchor the entire park. This multi-purpose facility will host weddings, corporate conferences, galas, reunions, civic ceremonies, and community celebrations. With sweeping views of the White River and flexible indoor-outdoor space, it is designed to function as "Batesville's front porch" — a central gathering place that welcomes residents and visitors alike.

"The new Events Center is more than just a building — it's a symbol of what's possible when a community invests in itself," said James Meyer, Taggart Architects’ Managing Partner. "Inspired by the surrounding natural beauty of Arkansas’ rivers, woodlands, and native wildlife, the architecture blends contemporary design with organic influence. Large expanses of glass and open interior volumes invite daylight and frame views of the White River to the south and the existing tree canopy and stream to the east. This intentional connection to the landscape reinforces the building’s role as both a destination and an extension of the park itself. Whether it's a wedding, a festival, or a civic celebration, this space will bring people together and showcase the best of Batesville."

• Sports Courts: Near the park entrance, a new court sports complex will include fully-lit courts for pickleball, tennis, and other court-based recreation. These spaces will foster friendly competition and promote physical fitness. Seating areas and adjacent restrooms will make it easier for spectators and participants to enjoy extended time at the park.

• Skate Park: Designed and built by the nationally renowned American Ramp Company, the new Riverside Park Skate Park will provide a modern, safe space for skateboarding, scootering, and BMX biking. Designed for users of all ages and skill levels, the facility will encourage active lifestyles and create a welcoming, creative outlet for youth.

• Water Play and Nature Play: Near the playground, children will find interactive water and nature play areas that celebrate the park's riverside setting. These elements enable children to splash, climb, and explore, helping them learn through unstructured outdoor play — a proven method that enhances problem-solving, emotional regulation, and physical health.

• Inclusive Play: The new playground at Riverside Park is designed to serve children of all ages and abilities, ensuring universal accessibility. Unlike traditional playgrounds, it will feature a sensory-rich, nature-inspired environment that encourages creativity, imagination, and social connection. Thoughtful grading, materials, and equipment selection ensure that all children can play together in the same space, including those with mobility, sensory, or cognitive challenges.

• Amphitheater & Expanded Greenspace: Batesville's beloved riverside amphitheater will see expanded greenspace, allowing the park to host larger concerts, festivals, movie nights, and community events, making it a premier outdoor venue in the region. Additional uninterrupted stretches of greenspace will provide room for unstructured recreation — like flying kites, playing catch, or laying out a picnic.

• Trail System: The park’s extensive trail system includes loops for walking, jogging, and biking. Winding along the banks of the White River, these trails will offer moments of quiet reflection, scenic views, and physical activity — supporting both individual wellness and environmental awareness.

• Additional Parking and Updated Restrooms: The reimagined park features a 2.5 times increase in parking capacity, ensuring easy access for both daily visitors and major event crowds alike. Clean, modern restroom facilities will be conveniently located near major activity zones — something longtime park-goers have overwhelmingly requested.

Investing in Health, Happiness, and the Future

"This is what happens when a community says yes to progress, accessibility, nature, and health," said Mayor Rick Elumbaugh. "We're investing in our people and our place without raising taxes. That's a win across the board."

Elumbaugh credited residents for their decisive support at the ballot box: "In 2023, Batesville voters overwhelmingly approved measures to support water and recreation infrastructure. These projects are a direct result of that support."

Damon Johnson, Public Works Engineer for the City of Batesville, acknowledged the Chamber's role in public education: "The Chamber helped our residents understand the value of these projects. We're not just adding new amenities — we're building something that reflects who we are and where we're going as a community."

"From inclusive play to large-scale events, this park has been intentionally designed to serve a wide variety of community needs," said Tanner Weeks, principal and co-founder of Ecological Design Group (EDG). "It's more than a park — it's an investment in quality of life and economic opportunity."

"The design team has done an excellent job collaborating with community stakeholders and city leadership," said William Clark, CEO of Clark Contractors. "We're honored to help bring this vision to life with the help of talented subcontractors like Atlas Asphalt, Wade's Heat, Air, and Electric, and Smith Plumbing."

Why It Matters

This project is more than bricks and blueprints — it's about health, connection, and long-term well-being. Time outdoors is a critical part of a thriving life. Research shows that:

• Children who play outside are more confident, less anxious, and better at focusing in school.

• Nature-based play encourages creativity, collaboration, and physical activity.

• Adults who spend time in parks report lower stress levels, improved moods, and stronger community bonds.

• Green spaces drive economic growth by making communities more attractive to residents, workers, and visitors.

“Parks are where memories are made — first bike rides, family reunions, little league championships, neighborhood games, and quiet walks. Parks and green spaces give us all opportunities for freedom, friendship, and fresh air,” said Lowen Lermitte, City of Batesville Parks Director. “A creative, active and engaged community starts with access. This transformation of Riverside Park will cultivate unforgettable memories for generations. Batesville’s parks are yours to explore!”

Riverside Park is currently closed for construction and is expected to reopen in December 2026. During this time, residents are encouraged to explore Batesville's other parks and outdoor spaces. 

"When we say we're building a better Batesville, this is what we mean," said Mayor Elumbaugh. "A place where our kids grow up exploring trails, learning about the White River, and playing freely together. A place that says we care about our future."

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for All Things Possible (ATP) Business Services, on July 1st at 1pm at the Chamber office. ATP is locally owned and operated by Barretta Robinson who holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership.

“ATP’s business services come from my heart,” said Robinson. “Many small businesses start up everyday but fail as quickly as they get started. I want to share my experiences through ATP and teach business owners how to stay afloat and grow in scale."

"I am following in the footsteps of my parents who were serial entrepreneurs which helped give me the confidence to begin my own enterprise. My goal is to help people perform the back office work and learn the operational side of managing a business” continued Barretta. 

Services offered by ATP include assistance with creating the legal foundation for businesses, establishing a non-profit organization’s 501 ( c ) 3 status, and feasibility studies to determine the need for a service or product in predicting the success of a business. For a consultation, contact Barretta at (870) 251-6904 or barretta.robinson@gmail.com to learn how she can help you reach your fullest potential.

The ATP’s website is located at http://atpbusinessleader.com.

Ambassadors in attendance include: Alexandra McClain (Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Roxanne Rananudo (Family Violence Prevention), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank), and Tiffany Traw (UACCB).

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for The Fairfield Bay Conference Center to welcome them as new members to the Chamber and share what the Fairfield Bay community has to offer. The ceremony will take place on Tuesday, July 22, at 1 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office located at 409 Vine Street in Batesville.

The Fairfield Bay Conference Center, located in Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, is a full-service event center. With over 13,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, Fairfield Bay Conference Center can comfortably accommodate groups of up to 350 guests in theater-style seating and 220 for seated banquets. Fairfield Bay Conference Center offers in-house food and beverage service and on-site lodging

“The Fairfield Bay Conference Center team can’t wait to welcome you to the beautiful Ozark mountain lake community,” says Benny Baker, Director of Sales. “Our team provides everything in one location – resort-quality lodging, award-winning catering, and spacious meeting areas with virtual capabilities – so you can be free to focus on your event”, explains Benny.

Local amenities include Greers Ferry Lake, which offers year-round fishing, water sports, hiking, and golf at the Indian Hills Golf Club & Mountain Ranch Golf Club. Additionally, there are hundreds of miles of woodland trails for ATV/UTV and mountain biking, as well as several parks featuring festivals and live music events.

Join us on July 22 to meet the Fairfield Bay Conference Center team to book your next vacation, family reunion, team building retreat, or conference here in the Natural State! You can contact Benny at bennyb@ffcc.com or call 501-215-7136.

Visit the FBCC website for more information www.FFBConference.com.

Introducing the Chamber’s Non-Profit Roundtable

We’re excited to launch the Chamber’s Non-Profit Roundtable — a new initiative designed to bring together our local non-profit leaders to collaborate, coordinate, and strengthen our collective impact.

The goal of the Roundtable is to:

• Share resources

• Understand each other’s goals

• Identify opportunities for collaboration

• Tackle shared challenges

Quarterly Meetings | First Session: Wednesday, July 23
📍 North Heights Church of Christ Fellowship Hall
🕐 1 – 2:30 p.m.
📍 200 Warrior Road, Batesville

Our first meeting will focus on identifying your top current needs or challenges. Whether you're seeking volunteers for an upcoming event or looking for equipment another group might have, this is your space to share and discover how we can support each other. The direction of the Roundtable will grow organically based on what we learn together.

Bonus Opportunity: Lunch at Limitless Café!
Plan to arrive early and enjoy lunch at the Limitless Café, a summer pop-up restaurant run by Myers-Davis high school students with disabilities, in partnership with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services. This inspiring program gives students real-world experience in food service, customer interaction, and teamwork.

Let’s build stronger connections and create more impact — together.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for KJ Virtual Assisting. KJ Virtual Assisting is a new business, locally owned and operated, working to redefine the traditional virtual assistant experience.

“As a proud Chamber member, we’re excited to connect with local businesses and offer exclusive member rates to help our community grow together,” said Victoria Reicheneker, Co-Owner & Founder. 

“While KJ Virtual Assisting serves the United States and some parts of Canada, we want to change the way of virtual assisting by integrating into our local communities and offering a hybrid service you just don’t get with our industry,” explained Victoria. “Often with virtual assisting, you think it is a task-based situation, and that’s not what we do. We provide a team-based approach.”  

KJ Virtual Assisting is HIPAA certified and helps people in the medical field with credentialing and billing; assists bank managers with B-list activities; supports the operation of small, solo, and medium enterprises with full-service reception, scheduling, social media, document generation, and more.  

“With over 56 years of combined experience on my team, I am proud to say that there is nothing that someone could present us with that we cannot figure out and help you navigate. So, it may not be today; maybe it’s down the road that you think I’m overwhelmed, and I should call Victoria to figure out how we can work together,” stated Victoria, who was joined at the ceremony by her husband, Braxton, and their daughter, Keelie. 

Join Victoria and her team to learn more about their specialized areas of work and how you can partner with KJ Virtual Assisting to take your business to the next level in service and efficiency. For more information, contact Victoria Reicheneker at 531-289-8893 or assistingkjvirtual@gmail.com.

Ambassadors in attendance include: Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Alexandra McClain (Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Amy Crouch-Howard (Weichert, Realtors - The Property Shoppe), Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Chad Whiteaker (White River Now), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Eva Henriksen (Merchants & Planters Bank), Julie Hinkle (Bank of Cave City), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), and Sarah Ring (Southern Bank).

Introducing the all-new Experience Builder app—your ultimate guide to Batesville!
 
Plan personalized itineraries, explore top attractions, and stay updated on local events. With features showcasing the area’s culture, history, and natural beauty, you’ll never miss a thing.
 
Now available on the Apple and Google Play stores, the app enhances visits while supporting local businesses with exclusive deals and prizes for those who check into destinations with the Batesville Insider’s Pass.

Limitless Café is back for its third summer at 200 Warrior Road in Batesville, open Tuesdays through Thursdays until July 31. But this isn’t your average lunch spot. Limitless Café is a pop-up restaurant experience designed to provide real-world job training for high school students with disabilities.

Created through a partnership between Myers-Davis Life Coaching and Disability Services and Arkansas Rehabilitation Services, the program offers sophomores through seniors hands-on experience in food service, customer interaction, and teamwork in a supportive, inclusive setting.

The menu offers something for everyone. Each day features grilled chicken salads and wraps, along with a rotating plate lunch special, such as Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Loaded Baked Potatoes, Enchiladas, or Mexican Chicken. Meals are just $11.99, with fresh-made desserts available for an additional purchase.

This program is called Limitless because that’s exactly what these students are. They’re gaining skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose while serving up some of the best lunches in town.

Whether you’re coming for the food or the mission, Limitless Café is a summer favorite you don’t want to miss.

Café Hours:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (June 24 – July 31) 11a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Location: 200 Warrior Road, Batesville, AR 72501

For more information regarding this event, please contact Charity White (Program Director) at (870) 569-1052.

The Batesville Area Arts Council is pleased to present Truffles on Fried Eggs: Reflections of Italy, an exhibition by Karen Barker, at the BAAC Gallery on Main (226 E Main St), June 17 - August 1, 2025. In the Community Gallery, we’re also showcasing dwellings, a new body of work by Dustyn Bork, now on display through August 1.

Join us for a gallery reception this Friday, July 18, from 5 - 7 p.m, with brief artist talks beginning at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free and open to the public.

Karen Barker’s vibrant pastel, oil, and mixed media works reflect her experiences and impressions from a recent trip to Italy. “Whether in broad vistas bathed in autumnal light or closer views of daily life,” Barker says, “I tried to capture the Tuscany region of Italy.” This exhibition is sponsored by FNBC Community Bankers.

In dwellings, Dustyn Bork explores themes of home and place through a series of paintings depicting downtown Batesville homes at night. He was inspired to “capture the moment and feeling of peace expressed through architecture.”

Gallery hours: Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Reception: Friday, July 18, 5 -7 p.m. (Artist talks at 6 p.m.)

The Batesville Area Arts Council is excited to announce registration is open for its Summer Art Camp, led by instructor Dustyn Bork. Students will explore the work of various influential artists and practice a wide range of art techniques in a fun, hands-on environment.

Camp for Students Entering Grades K–3

Dates: July 21–25

Choose from two sessions:

• Morning Session: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Afternoon Session: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Participants will showcase their artwork at the BAAC Gallery on Main from August 5–8, with a reception on Friday, August 8, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Camp for Students Entering Grades 4–12

Dates: July 28–August 1 Sessions:

• Grades 4–6: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Grades 7–12: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Artwork will be displayed at the BAAC Gallery on Main from August 12–15, with a reception on Friday, August 15, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The registration fee for each week is $95, and snacks will be provided. Classes will be held at the BAAC Work/Shop on Main, located at 246 E Main Street. Due to limited space, pre-registration is required.

For more information or to register, please call (870) 793-3382 or visit www.batesvilleareaartscouncil.org. This program is generously supported by The John Herman Hickman Foundation and First Community Bank.

Back to School Vaccine Clinic Announced

On Tuesday, July 29th, the Independence County Health Unit of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will offer back to school vaccinations at no charge; their clinic is located at 120 Weaver Ave. Batesville AR 72501. The event will be from 8 AM to 6 PM. People should bring their insurance cards with them to the vaccine clinic. If they do not have insurance, or the insurance does not cover shots, vaccine will still be available at no charge.

“We want Independence County students to stay healthy during the school year, and getting vaccinations is the best line of defense,” José Balderas, Independence County Health Unit Administrator, said. “We encourage parents to bring their children to the local health unit to get their immunizations.”

Vaccines are the safest way to protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. They protect both the person getting the shot and the entire community. ADH is dedicated to controlling and preventing the spread of infectious diseases by providing these vaccines through its local county health units.

Vaccines provided at local county health units include DTap, HIB, Hepatitis A and B, MMR, Meningococcal, Polio, Varicella, and pneumococcal conjugate. You can find more information about each of these vaccines and a list of required immunizations for daycare, school, and college at: Immunizations Arkansas Department of Health.

Lyon College Seeks Local Businesses for Annual Community Fair

Lyon College is inviting local businesses and organizations to participate in its annual SCOT Week Community Fair on Monday, Aug. 18, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Edwards Commons student center on the Lyon College campus, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville.

The community fair is an exciting kickoff to the academic year, offering local businesses, service providers, churches and community organizations the opportunity to engage with Lyon College students, faculty and staff.

The event is designed to introduce students to the Batesville area and showcase the many opportunities available to them in the local community.

Participating businesses are encouraged to bring promotional items, offer samples or conduct giveaways to attract students to their booths. Tables and chairs will be provided at no cost, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To reserve a booth or learn more about the event, interested businesses should contact Carol Langston at Carol.Langston@lyon.edu by Friday, Aug. 8.

Tease that hair, break out the blue eyeshadow, and get ready to serve your best 90s glamour shot face for a great cause. The Myers-Davis Foundation invites the community to its first-ever Glam for Good fundraiser on Saturday, August 23, 2025. This one-of-a-kind event blends throwback fun with meaningful impact, raising funds to provide brand-new shoes for students in need across the region.

UACCB Cosmetology students and instructors are generously donating their time and skills to create the vintage look of your dreams. Discover your look in our Glamour Shots-inspired costume closet, and cap off the experience with photos by the incredibly talented Emma Fryman of EmmaG Photography.

Location is TBD, but appointments are required and must be booked in advance. Slots are extremely limited.

Photo Package Options:

• Group Glam (2–3 people): $100 | 1 group pose, digital copy for each
• Group Glam (4+ people): $150 | 2 group poses, digital copies + printed 5x7 for each
• Add-Ons: Keepsake Prints (starting at $10), Full Digital Gallery ($50)

Whether you're reliving your glamour shot glory days or discovering the joy of vintage makeup magic for the first time, Glam for Good is your chance to shine while helping students start the school year on the right foot.

Reserve your session now at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/glam-for-good-tickets-1470691209999?aff=oddtdtcreator

Unable to attend but want to help students kick off the school year right? Support at: https://myersdavisfoundation.org/donate/

For more information regarding this event, please contact Alexandra McClain (Foundation Director) at (870) 569-1052

The NCAA Division III Membership Committee has approved Lyon College’s active Division III membership, effective Sept. 1, paving the way for the college’s student-athletes to compete in national championships beginning with the 2025–26 academic year.

“This is a major milestone for Lyon College and a moment of pride for our entire campus community,” said Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner. “Active NCAA Division III membership affirms our deep commitment to student-athlete development, academic excellence and ethical competition. I could not be prouder of our athletics staff and the many students, faculty and staff members, and fans who supported this journey.”

The NCAA Division III Membership Committee praised Lyon College for its thoughtful alignment with Division III values. In its feedback, the committee commended the college’s leadership for its transparency, attention to detail and strong institutional commitment to athletics.

Dr. Kurt Grafton, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, emphasized the role of athletics in the broader educational mission of the college.

“At Lyon, athletics and academics go hand in hand,” said Grafton. “Our students are scholars and competitors who learn to lead with integrity and resilience. Becoming an active NCAA Division III member ensures that our athletics programs will continue to thrive within a framework that values learning, leadership and service.”

Kevin Jenkins, director of athletics, expressed gratitude for the support of campus partners and NCAA representatives who helped guide Lyon through the multi-year transition.

“Our move to NCAA Division III has been intentional and mission-driven,” said Jenkins. “I’m proud of the work our coaches, student-athletes and staff have done to meet the rigorous standards of active membership. This designation opens the door to championship opportunities and elevates the entire student-athlete experience.”

Lyon College is a member of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The football program competes in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.

For more information about Lyon College athletics and its transition to NCAA Division III, please contact Jenkins at kevin.jenkins@lyon.edu.

Lyon College Professor and Students Collaborate on Migraine Study

Dr. Mayron Faria, assistant professor of Exercise Science at Lyon College, is a principal investigator on a new study examining how migraines affect brain activity and autonomic regulation.

Published in Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria, the research compares untreated migraine patients with healthy controls to explore how neurological and cardiovascular changes may affect long-term health. The study is a collaboration between Lyon College, the University of Fortaleza in Brazil and VO2 Care.

The study focused on various aspects of brain function in migraine patients, including cognitive abilities, reaction time and brain activity during tasks. The findings revealed significant differences between migraine sufferers and healthy individuals, shedding light on potential long-term health effects.

In addition to the initial research, a follow-up study was conducted at Lyon College with a team of undergraduate Exercise Science students leading the project. The students presented their findings at the 67th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society in Minneapolis in June.

“This opportunity allowed students to engage in high-level research and present their work at a prestigious national conference, enhancing their academic experience and professional portfolios,” Dr. Faria said.

Dr. Faria emphasized the broader impact of the research: “Both of our studies highlight that cognitive impairments in migraine patients may not always be evident in traditional tests, but underlying brain activity and autonomic regulation are distinctly altered. This insight could inform future treatment strategies beyond pain management.”

Lyon College alumna Juliana Novakovic, who contributed significantly to the research, said, “Doing research with Dr. Faria has helped me in many ways, from applying to jobs to preparing for graduate school. Having the connection to the real world really helped me solidify that this is where I want to be. By conducting research and asking questions, we can make a real difference. Our research helped others see that not only the brain is affected by a migraine, but the body, too. It gave us hope that more research on how migraines affect the body might one day help someone out there.”

Dr. Faria and his team hope the research will lead to more effective treatments for migraine sufferers.

For more information about the study or the Exercise Science program at Lyon College, contact Dr. Faria at Mayron.Faria@Lyon.edu.

The Batesville Area Arts Council (BAAC) hosted its annual Summer Celebration fundraiser on Saturday, June 28, at The Loft on Main Street, generously presented by First Community Bank. This year’s theme, Bringing BAAC Prom, turned back the clock for a night of nostalgic fun and community spirit — and raised over $12,000 to support local arts programming.

“Bringing BAAC Prom was an unforgettable night for BAAC,” said Abby Perrine, President of the BAAC Board of Directors. “The community showed an incredible amount of support for our organization — and had a blast while doing so!”

Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by The Station and danced the night away with live music by Luke Middleton and Trevor Graddy. DJ Colyn Bowman kept the energy high and the dance floor full. A silent auction featured original artwork from local artists and unique experience packages donated by downtown Batesville businesses.

One of the evening’s highlights was the crowning of this year’s Prom Royalty: Edmond Hetrick and Trevor Graddy. Attendees nominated themselves or friends for Prom King or Queen and voted by donating to BAAC, raising over $1,000 through this fun and impactful campaign.

During the event, Executive Director Carly Dahl and Board President Abby Perrine also announced the 2025 BAAC Board Member of the Year — Victoria Hutcheson. “Victoria has been a dependable and enthusiastic board member,” said Dahl. “She’s led workshops at our new Work/Shop on Main, represented BAAC at a Mayor’s meeting, and is a constant presence at gallery receptions and events.”

BAAC extends heartfelt thanks to its Summer Celebration sponsors for their generous support, including: First Community Bank, Bad Boy Mowers, Citizens Bank, Lyon College, Precise, Spartan Mowers & ATVs, Merchants & Planters Bank, and Batesville Printing.

Together, the community continues to make a lasting impact on the arts in Batesville.

The CFO Network, an accounting firm based in North Little Rock, has announced the launch of a program providing free financial guidance to nonprofits across Arkansas.

We believe that when nonprofits succeed, communities thrive. The CFO Network recently created The Impact Hour, a new pro-bono program designed to bring financial clarity and strategic guidance to nonprofits.

During one of their Impact Hour sessions, nonprofit organizations can discuss the following information with a member of the CFO Network's team:

• Creating realistic budgets
• Managing cash flow effectively
• Simplifying financial reporting for stakeholders
• Identifying cost-saving opportunities

The City of Batesville has been awarded a $250,000 matching grant from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism to enhance outdoor recreation in our community! 🌳🏞️

This funding will help construct a new inclusive play area at Riverside Park and install a new swing set at Westside Park, creating more opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors together.

This is part of $3.85 million in FY2025 Outdoor Recreation Grants awarded across Arkansas, supporting projects that enrich communities and strengthen local economies.

📸 Pictured: Mayor Rick Elumbaugh alongside Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation Katherine Andrews, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism Shea Lewis.

We’re excited to see these improvements come to life! Stay tuned for updates. 🙌

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.

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.