Good morning, Springdale.

After several fatal motorcycle accidents in February raised concerns, Paul Kuehn—a local motorcyclist and part-time law enforcement officer—started teaching safety classes to help riders control themselves on the road; he uses his own riding experience and lessons learned from past crashes, including the loss of Benton County Detective Paul Newell, to stress that relying on luck can lead to tragedy. His Ride Like A Pro class gives bikers proper techniques to avoid life-altering accidents.

Florida-based singer-songwriter Rod MacDonald will perform at Hibernia Irish Tavern in Springdale this Saturday.

The Little Rock Folk Club arranged the show for local music lovers.

Severe storms on April 2 caused widespread damage across Arkansas with tornado warnings, hail, and flooding and left many communities without power.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency—local officials confirmed at least eight injuries in one county and expect more severe weather as the weekend approaches.

Weather experts advise Springdale residents to prepare for potential tornadoes later this week by gathering emergency supplies, checking for safe indoor shelters, and using weather radios—steps that can help protect lives in sudden storms.

The ICE offices in Fort Smith and Fayetteville closed unexpectedly, so people in deportation proceedings now must travel to Little Rock—Fayetteville residents face a 2 hour 42 minute drive while those from Fort Smith face a 2 hour 19 minute drive.

Local immigration attorney Nathan Bogart said the change, with appointment records now available only the first Wednesday of each month in Little Rock, will create challenges for those without proper transportation.

A legislative panel approved agreements with two consulting firms on Thursday — pending a law that will merge existing insurance programs for public schools, colleges and universities and other state-owned properties — to lower insurance costs.

At a luncheon held Thursday at Home 2 Suites by Hilton in Springdale, Prep Rally Sports Club honored nine winter sports athletes from prep schools.

Award winners included Shiloh Christian senior Jack Hooe, who earned the Jim Lindsey Leadership Award, Farmington’s Easton McCullough for girls basketball, and Springdale’s Isaiah Sealy for boys basketball—other sports awards were given in bowling, swimming, diving and wrestling.

Grupo Legítimo and Invasores de Nuevo León Concert

8-11 p.m. — Springdale Civic Center — Tickets available — Experience a night of vibrant performances and unforgettable music from popular artists.

Battle for the Paddle Charity Classic

7 AM – 4 PM — Springdale Recreation Center — $55 — Participate in a fun pickleball tournament while supporting local charities and community initiatives.

Regional NH3 Expo

6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. — The Jones Center — $65 entry — Enhance your ammonia refrigeration skills with hands-on training and expert sessions.

Earth Day Garden Market

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Botanical Garden of the Ozarks — Free entry — Celebrate Earth Day with local vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities at this enchanting garden festival.

Airetech Corporation Open House

8 AM – 4 PM — Airetech Corporation — Free entry — Explore the latest in technology and innovation with hands-on experiences and expert insights.

Demo Derby

3:30 a.m. — Rodeo of the Ozarks — Affordable tickets — Experience the thrilling excitement of a live Demo Derby event.