Good morning, Springdale.

The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas named 52 people to Leadership Arkansas Class XXI, including 11 local leaders from Northwest Arkansas and Fort Smith metro, to nurture talent for a program running from 2026 to 2027.

Springdale-based Harps Food Stores announced that J.

Max Van Hoose will succeed CEO and chairman Kim Eskew in early 2027, with Eskew set to retire Jan. 15 after nearly 50 years. Van Hoose, a Springdale High School graduate who started at Harps in 1997, will lead 7,200 employees and 177 stores across multiple states + ensuring the employee-owned company continues its legacy.

Walmart AMP has launched a contest inviting local artists and designers to create collector ticket designs for the 2027 concert season.

Entries submitted by Oct. 18 will compete for a $500 honorarium or VIP experience (winner announced Nov. 6).

Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville plans to use a $680,000 grant from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council to build campus trails and recreation spaces.

Construction will start mid January and finish by the close of June while the college contributes an additional $120,000 from its athletics fee.

The Benton County Circuit Court hosts Passport Saturday event this weekend from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Benton County Administration Building (215 E.

Central Ave in downtown Bentonville) where residents can apply for a new U.S. passport by completing required forms and bringing necessary documents and payment.

Marilyn Edwards, Washington County’s first woman elected judge, passed away Thursday in Springdale.

County officials remember her decades of public service (including 26 years as county clerk and three terms in the state House) and note that a graveside service is scheduled at 11 a.m. Thursday at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville.

Boaters and anglers are advised to prepare their gear and verify Coast Guard-approved red + green lights before launching on local lakes after dark to beat the summer heat.

They should secure loose items, file a float plan, and ensure children wear approved life jackets for safe night navigation.

ESPN 5-star prospect AJ Williams has narrowed his college list to 10 schools and Arkansas is among his choices as he sets up official visits.

The 6-foot-6 power forward and top 2027 prospect plans to schedule these visits soon.

Arkansas football players Caleb Wooden and Sean Williams received a preliminary injunction on Monday, Sept.

14 from Washington County Circuit Judge Doug Martin that stops the NCAA from enforcing bylaw 12.6 and the rule of restitution, keeping their eligibility intact.

Arkansas will face a talented Georgia football team at Razorback Stadium Saturday; the Bulldogs have built a starting lineup with top high school recruits & experienced players to challenge the Hogs.