The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the date of its Business Expo, presented by Citizens Bank, scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This year's theme is "Fan Zone," encouraging businesses to bring the hype, show off their brand, and turn customers into fans! Vendors are invited to tailgate, celebrate, and showcase what makes their business a champion. The event will be held at the Batesville Community Center and is free and open to the public.

Vendors are encouraged to decorate their booths with a spirited, fan-centered theme highlighting their brand and engaging attendees. An award will be given to the most festive booth. Exhibitor registration is now open.

"We look forward to hosting Business Expo every year," said Crystal Johnson, BACC's CEO. "This event allows businesses to showcase their innovative products and services to potential and existing customers, connect with other business leaders, and create lasting relationships."

Vendors are encouraged to offer giveaways, hold creative contests, or demonstrate products/services to generate traffic for their booth.

"The event is free and open to the public," Johnson continued. "Our expo is filled with excitement and entertainment. You'll find fresh insights, valuable connections, and a chance at many prizes!"

The business-to-business trade show will be available exclusively to participating vendors from 10 to 11 a.m.

The Business Expo will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A Taste of the Chamber, featuring local cuisine served by Chamber members, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Business Expo also features a Kids Zone with activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., including a Mascot Dance Off competition.

"I am eager to see the excitement and energy our vendors bring," said Johnson. "The expo is a community tradition in Batesville and promotes the importance of businesses highlighting their products, brands, and voices."

The Chamber will once again host an interactive expo experience on its Experience Builder app, helping community members discover more local businesses and services participating in the Expo and allowing businesses enhanced ways to interact with guests.

"Our goal in creating this event has always been to spotlight our members' services and products to the community," concluded Johnson. "I am proud to be a part of the region's largest trade shows. This is a top-tier event year after year."

Citizens Bank presents the Expo with additional support from Bad Boy Mowers, the City of Batesville, Merchants & Planters Bank, Optimum, Peco Foods, RAWK Imprinting, Spartan Mowers & UTVs, the UPS Store, and White River Health. 

Learn more about the 2025 Business Expo at batesvilleareachamber.com or contact Amanda Roberts at membership@batesvilleareachamber.com.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Evolve Therapy Solutions, PLLC, marking a significant milestone for the mental health practice.

Originally opened in 2023, the practice has been dedicated to providing high-quality mental health care to the community. Now rebranded as Evolve Therapy Solutions, PLLC, the new name reflects its mission to support individuals on their growth, healing, and transformation journey.

“When I started my private practice in 2023, my goal was simple—to create a space where people could heal, grow, and truly evolve,” said owner Mary Banks, LCSW. “Over time, that vision became even clearer. Today is not just a rebranding but a reaffirmation of my commitment to providing compassionate, effective therapy for teens and adults.”

Led by Banks, Evolve Therapy Solutions offers a range of services, including individual counseling, family therapy, and personalized support to help clients navigate life’s challenges. Their approach integrates evidence-based practices with a warm and welcoming environment, ensuring every client feels heard, understood, and valued. Whether managing stress and anxiety, overcoming trauma, or facing major life transitions, Evolve Therapy Solutions empowers individuals and families to thrive.

“Whether it’s trauma, anxiety, depression, or other challenges life brings, my mission remains the same—to help people navigate their journey toward healing and transformation,” Banks added.

Located at 235 S 3rd Street in Batesville, Evolve Therapy Solutions is open Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled at marybankslcsw.clientsecure.me.

“Evolve Therapy Solutions represents growth, strength, and the power to change,” Banks concluded.

Ambassadors in attendance included: Silje Antonsen (Venture Realty Group), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District, Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Katelyn Holt (Family Chiropractic Care), Tammy Jeffrey (First Community Bank), Alexandra McClain (Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), and Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center).

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.

Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition Set for April 3-17 at Lyon College Kresge Gallery; Reception is April 10

Lyon College will showcase the artistic achievements of its students during the annual juried student art exhibition, set for April 3-17 in the Kresge Gallery in the Alphin Building on the Lyon College campus, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville.

A reception honoring the selected student artists and award recipients will be held Thursday, April 10, from 5-6:30 p.m., with the awards presentation at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The exhibition features 20 artworks by 14 students. It highlights a diverse array of pieces created over the past academic year and provides students with the opportunity to participate in a professional exhibition. A qualified juror selects the artwork and determines artistic merit awards, including the prestigious Presidential Purchase Award.

“The annual student exhibition is an exciting opportunity for our students to showcase their talents and gain real-world experience in the professional art world,” said Carly Dahl, Kresge Gallery interim director at Lyon College. “We are proud to celebrate their creativity and hard work.”

This year’s exhibition will be curated by professional artist Aneesah Rahman, programs director and director of curation at the Arts & Science Center in Pine Bluff. A Little Rock-based artist, Rahman has been creating art for most of her life. She holds both undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Rahman is currently represented at The ARTSpace on Main in Pine Bluff and Art DeCentrale in Springdale. Her work has been exhibited throughout Arkansas, including at Brandon House Cultural and Performing Arts Center and INTERFORM. A former art teacher at Mohammed Schools in Little Rock, she has been featured in multiple publications, including the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, The Idle Class Magazine, and Women United ART Movement Magazine.

For more information, contact Carly Dahl at Carly.Dahl@Lyon.edu.

Lyon College to Present ‘An Evening of Jazz’ with Jerry Fields Trio

The Lyon College Convocation Committee will present “An Evening of Jazz” with the Atlanta-based Jerry Fields Trio on Monday, April 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the Sloan Auditorium of the Brown Fine Arts Building, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville.

The free event is open to the public.

The evening will feature a diverse selection of jazz classics and contemporary pieces, including Mongo Santamaria’s "Afro Blue," Thelonious Monk’s "Well You Needn’t" and John Coltrane’s "Impressions." Other selections include "Beignet Boogie" by Bill Anschell, "The Love Theme from Spartacus" by Alex North and "Moose the Mooche" by Charlie Parker. 

The trio’s performance will highlight the rhythmic complexity and improvisational spirit of jazz. Dr. Eric South, who serves on the Lyon College faculty, will be a special guest performer.

About the Jerry Fields Trio

Jerry Fields is the percussionist and music director of the Afro-Cuban Jazz ensemble, Vecinos Del Mundo (Neighbors of the World). Known as the premier Latin jazz ensemble in the Southeastern United States, Vecinos del Mundo has shared the stage with Latin jazz giants, Tito Puente, Poncho Sanchez and Eddie Palmieri. In addition to Latin jazz, Fields also served as music director, composer and arranger for the Atlanta-based Calo Gitano Flamenco Dance Theater Company, as well as the flamenco fusion group, ¿Qué Compás?

Chris Riggenbach has a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music from Georgia State University. He has played double bass and electric bass with Josh Groban, Matt Catingub, Steve Moretti, Macon Pops, Jerry Fields and Vecinos del Mundo, Ted Howe, Gary Motley, Wycliffe Gordon, Jens Lindemann, Victor Goines, Geoff Haydon, Keith David, Karla Harris, Chloe Agnew, Sarah Partridge, Katie Deal, Orquestra Macuba, 4th Ward Afro-Klezmer Orchestra, Gold Sparkle Band, Marcus Lewis Big Band, Jazz Legacy Big Band, Larry Camp, Atlanta Pops Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera among others.

Born in the New Orleans’ cradle of jazz, pianist Tyrone Jackson embodies the spirit of the Crescent City. Blends of jazz, funk and Afro-Caribbean melodies are ever present in his work. Jackson’s teachers are a virtual Who’s Who of great jazz piano players, ranging from Ellis Marsalis and Kevin Bales to gospel legend Moses Hogan. His improvisational skills allow him to become a part of the song whether he softly highlights ballads or tears through fast-paced standards.

For more information, please contact Carol Langston at Carol.Langston@lyon.edu or (870) 307-7075.

White River Sinfonia Announces Inaugural Concert at Lyon College

The White River Sinfonia will present its inaugural concert featuring local string musicians at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, in Sloan Auditorium of the Brown Fine Arts Building on the Lyon College campus, 2300 Highland Road.

Admission to the concert is free and open to the public. 

Under the direction of conductor John Christian, Lyon College director of bands, this premiere performance will celebrate the artistry and musicianship of the Batesville community and beyond. The concert will feature a compelling selection of works by renowned composers, including Antonio Vivaldi and Johann Sebastian Bach, offering an enriching experience for classical music enthusiasts and first-time concertgoers alike.

“This event marks a significant milestone for the White River Sinfonia, which aims to engage and inspire audiences through the transformative power of live music,” Christian said. “The Sinfonia encourages collaboration between community members and Lyon College musicians, fostering a strong sense of connection. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music.”

The program includes Concerto in D Major (1717) by Antonio Vivaldi (1675–1747), featuring all three movements: Allegro Molto, Adagio and Allegro. Also on the program are Fan Dance (2008) by contemporary composer Soon Hee Newbold (b. 1974), and Air on the G String (c. 1730) by Johann Sebastian Bach (1600–1750). The evening will conclude with Six Italian Dances (1580) by Peter Warlock (1894–1930), a lively suite comprised of the movements Zorzi, La Gamba, Paduana Del Re, La Manfrolina, Le Forza D’Hercole and El Saltarello.

The White River Sinfonia is committed to promoting collaboration between community members and Lyon College musicians, aiming to foster a strong sense of connection through shared musical experiences.

For more information, contact the Lyon College Department of Music at (870) 307-7000.

Funding Your Business
A-State Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center director Laura Miller will be hosting a "Funding Your Business" seminar at the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, April 9. This session is designed to help you separate fact from fiction when it comes to business funding. We will cover specific loan programs and other financing options for both startup and existing businesses.

Topics: Business loan and guaranty programs, including SBA loans, Micro-loans, grants, and other options, and Business funding challenges and barriers and how to overcome them

To sign up visit: https://asbtdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/70372262 Or call: 870-972-3517

Lyon CollegeTheatre will present Yasmina Reza’s acclaimed comedy "Art" on Thursday through Saturday, April 10-12, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m. in the Holloway Theatre on the Lyon College campus, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville.

Directed by Professor and Director of Theatre Dr. Fonzie Geary, the production explores themes of art and friendship through the story of three longtime friends, Serge, Marc and Yvan. When Serge indulges his passion for modern art by purchasing a large, expensive, completely white painting, Marc is appalled, leading to intense debates about what constitutes "art." Caught in the middle, Yvan attempts to mediate the escalating conflict.

The cast features Lyon College senior Liam Selhorst of Sherwood as Marc, junior Weston Derden of North Little Rock as Serge and senior Luke Bridges of Lakeland, Tennessee, as Yvan. Senior Lillie Hall of Ash Flat serves as stage manager.

Originally premiering in 1994 at the Comédie des Champs-Élysées in Paris, "Art" has received widespread acclaim, including the 1995 Molière Award for Best Commercial Production, the 1997 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and the 1998 Tony Award for Best Play. The play has been staged in London’s West End and on Broadway, earning multiple accolades.

Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and students. Lyon College students, faculty and staff receive free admission.

Due to mature content, the play may not be suitable for all audiences.

🪁📚 SOAR INTO STORIES Batesville Community Schools is excited to collaborate with First Community Bank for the annual Kite Festival! This family-friendly event offers a range of enjoyable activities that highlight reading, creativity, and community spirit.

📅 Saturday, April 12th

📍 Pioneer Stadium - #1 Pioneer Drive

⏰ Time: 11:00-1:00

J

oin us for a day of fun, including:

🪁 Free Kites

🌭 Hot Dogs, Chips & Water

🍧 Tropical Snow

📖 Book Giveaways

🎉 Exciting Activities & More

*While supplies last

Join Lyon College for the Annual Scots Spectacular!

Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, this unforgettable evening is set for Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 6 p.m. in Becknell Gymnasium. Get ready to celebrate Lyon College Athletics with all the fun, excitement, and delicious food you’ve come to love!

🎟 Denim & Diamonds – Dress to impress and embrace the theme for a fantastic night supporting Lyon College student-athletes!

🎶 Live Music by KC Johns & other talented artists
🎁 Silent Auction & Raffles with incredible prizes
🍸 Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres to sip and savor
👨‍🍳 Live Chef Stations serving up delicious bites all night

All proceeds directly support our amazing student-athletes—help us make this year’s event bigger and better than ever!

👉 Secure your table or tickets now: Click here!

Lyon College to Host 6th Annual Bad Boy Mowers Scots Spectacular on April 12

Lyon College will present the 6th Annual Bad Boy Mowers Scots Spectacular, an unforgettable evening of entertainment, dining and celebration in support of Lyon College student-athletes on Saturday, April 12, at 6 p.m. in Becknell Gymnasium on the Lyon College campus, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville.

This year’s Denim and Diamonds theme invites guests to don their best Western-chic attire and enjoy an exhilarating night of live music, chef-crafted cuisine and spirited fundraising—all for a great cause.

Presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Scots Spectacular is the largest annual fundraising event for Lyon College, bringing together alumni, supporters and the community for a lively celebration of the Scots. The evening will feature a silent online auction with exclusive items, multiple food and beverage stations, and entertainment that includes a mechanical bull and live performances by Nashville recording artist KC Johns and local favorite Drasco.

A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Lyon College Champion Award to Ronnie Brogdon, a 1970 graduate of then-Arkansas College. Brogdon was a four-year basketball letterman, served as president of student government and was the first varsity athlete to receive the Coffin Medal for the highest GPA. He later spent 40 years in education, including 32 years in the Highland School District, serving as a teacher, coach, high school principal and superintendent. A 1991 inductee into the Lyon College Athletics Hall of Fame, Brogdon has remained an active supporter of the Scots.

“Ronnie exemplifies what it means to be a Lyon College Champion,” said Kevin Jenkins, director of athletics. “His leadership, dedication and outstanding support of our athletics program have left a lasting impact on our college and community.”

The silent auction will feature a variety of one-of-a-kind items, including sports memorabilia, exclusive vacation getaways, experiences and outings, fine jewelry and handcrafted items from local artisans.

Guests will be treated to six Denim and Diamond-themed tasting stations, where they can enjoy a variety of  selections--from a custom carving station to decadent desserts, there will be something to satisfy every palate.

Johns is a dynamic country-rock artist known for her powerhouse vocals and infectious energy. Blending influences from Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow and Brandi Carlile, she delivers heartfelt storytelling with a bold, modern sound. A seasoned performer, Johns has toured nationally, opened for major artists, and gained recognition with her hit single Rodeo Queen, which climbed the Texas Country charts.

In addition to live music from Johns and Drasco, guests can test their cowboy skills on the mechanical bull, adding a fun, high-energy twist to the evening.

“Scots Spectacular is a special night for our community, alumni and supporters to come together in celebration of Lyon College Athletics,” said Cindy Barber, executive director of alumni engagement. “It’s always exciting to see the enthusiasm of our Scots fans and friends as they rally behind our student-athletes.”

All proceeds from Scots Spectacular directly support Lyon College student-athletes. Funds raised help provide upgraded athletic facilities and enhanced programs that allow student-athletes to excel both on the field and in the classroom.

To purchase tickets or reserve a table, please visit www.lyon.edu/spectacular.

For more information, contact Cindy Barber at (870) 307-7527or cindy.barber@lyon.edu.

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Quapaw Quartet will perform a selection of classical music at Lyon College’s annual West Endowed Concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, in the Bevens Music Room of the Brown Fine Arts Building on the Lyon College campus, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville.

Thanks to the generosity of former Lyon president Dan West and his wife, Sidney, who endowed an annual classical music performance, the concert is free and open to the public.

The program will feature Joseph Haydn’s String Quartet Op. 20, No. 4 in D major, including the movements "Allegro di molto," "Un poco adagio affettuoso," "Allegretto alla zingarese" and "Presto scherzando." The performance will continue with Philip Glass’ String Quartet No. 3 "Mishima," featuring "1957 Award Montage," "November 25 – Ichigaya," "1934 – Grandmother and Kimitake," "1962 – Body Building," "Blood Oath" and "Mishima/Closing." The concert will conclude with Darius Milhaud’s String Quartet No. 1, Op. 5, with movements "Rythmique," "Intime contenu" and "Vif tres rythme."

The Quapaw Quartet consists of Charlotte Crosmer, violin; Meredith Maddox Hicks, violin; Timothy MacDuff, viola; and Travis Scharer, cello.

About the Musicians

Hicks joined the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra in 2002 after receiving her master’s degree in Music Performance and completing doctoral work at Florida State University. A native of Nashville, Tennessee, she graduated from Belmont University with a bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance before studying at the Russian Academy of Music. She has held positions with the Memphis, Jacksonville, Naples and New World symphony orchestras. Hicks is also an instructor of violin and viola at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a member of Meshugga, Arkansas’ only Klezmer band.

Crosmer, an Arkansas native, began her violin studies at age four and has a background in both classical violin and old-time fiddle music. She completed a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance at the University of Central Arkansas and later earned master's degrees in Chamber Music and Violin Performance from the University of Michigan. Crosmer has performed with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra since 2009.

MacDuff discovered his passion for chamber music at the New England Music Camp in Maine. He has performed with various chamber ensembles, including the Anacostia String Quartet and Loon Lake Live. MacDuff joined the Quapaw Quartet in 2019 and has performed in orchestras such as the National Repertory Orchestra, the National Orchestra Institute Philharmonic and the Texas Festival Orchestra at Round Top.  He is also an experienced music educator.

Scharer grew up in Salem, Oregon, and studied at Indiana University and the New England Conservatory. He has taken part in many music festivals, including the Marrowstone Music Festival, and the Meadowmount School of Music. Scharer joined the Arkansas Symphony and the Quapaw String Quartet during the 2023-24 season.

Founded in 1980 as the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s resident string quartet, the Quapaw Quartet provides musical and educational entertainment to thousands of music lovers each year. From school programs to full-length recitals, the Quapaw Quartet is considered an Arkansas treasure.

The Dan C. and Sidney Childs West String Endowment was established in May 1981 to offer live musical performances and stringed instrument instruction at Lyon College. Since then, the endowment has supported free concerts by many distinguished ensembles. Dan West served as president of Lyon College—then Arkansas College—from 1972 to 1988.

For more information about the West Endowed Concert at Lyon College, please contact Carol Langston, director of college communications, at Carol.Langston@Lyon.edu or (870) 307-7075.

Hop on over to Pioneer Stadium on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. for the Easter Egg Drop! This free community event will feature 20,000 eggs, delicious food, fun games, exciting prizes, bounce houses, and more! Bring your baskets and get ready for an egg-citing day of family fun! 🐣🎉

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. Thank you for your support of this BPA + EAST Collaboration. 

• 6,654 visitors walked through our doors—an average of 317 per day
• 7,151 items checked out, including 4,720 eBooks
• 99 new library cards issued to eager readers and learners
• 28 programs brought in 647 attendees of all ages
• 223 volunteer hours donated to support patrons and programs
• 246 computer sessions provided vital tech access
• Genealogy help offered to 12 patrons researching their roots
• Over 43,000 social media views, including 41,348 on Facebook and 2,381 on Instagram

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.