Good morning, Springdale.

Rodney Tillman, 18, a Little Rock man arrested for shootings in Springdale and Marianna, pleaded not guilty during his Aug 18 arraignment while his trial is set for Oct 21—he faces charges of criminal mischief, a terroristic act and aggravated assault and is held on a $50,000 bond.

UAMS is expanding its nurse anesthetist program to the Fayetteville campus this fall—designed to meet the growing need for cost-effective anesthesia care in Northwest Arkansas—and it will help keep local students in the area for future careers.

Springdale will begin a $7 million Don Tyson Parkway extension—extending from the roundabout at Gene George Boulevard to Highway 112 with a 12-foot sidewalk—after the city council approved a $6.96 million contract on Aug 12.

Construction is set to start in September and will take 18 months to complete, so drivers should be alert near road crews.

Coach Sam Pittman told the Little Rock Touchdown Club that his Razorbacks are ready to surprise critics if the polls do not rank them and are eager for the new season.

The team will open on Aug.30 against Alabama A&M — with a key home game against Notre Dame on Sept.27 marking an exciting start.

Arkansas coach Sam Pittman has led the Razorbacks to bowl games in four of his five seasons, but his 30-31 record has raised concerns among fans and officials as he plans to boost the team with new transfer players like quarterback Taylen Green.

Pittman said he will rely on offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino & a tough SEC schedule with upcoming games against Memphis and Notre Dame to show improved performance.