Good morning, Springdale.

The Scott Family Amazeum and Northwest Arkansas National Airport announced a plan to turn a former moving walkway into a play space at the airport expansion—featuring interactive exhibits like a mini air traffic control tower and early learning zones.

The $250,000 investment will create a fun, relaxing area where children and families can explore while traveling.

On Thursday, Assembled Products Corporation rebranded as Kiefer Sage and moved into a new 118,000 square foot campus at 405 W.

Easy St. in Rogers—bringing together all 150 employees and reducing utility costs and truck miles while opening co-assembly services to boost future growth.

Octapharma Plasma has invested $6 million to turn a former bowling alley into a 13,000-square-foot plasma donation center at 1303 S.

Thompson St. in Springdale—its first Northwest Arkansas center that is expected to grow to support about 50 jobs.

Yesterday, University of Arkansas System trustees approved a new mission statement and welcomed North Arkansas College into the system in a meeting in Fayetteville—this move will broaden educational opportunities and share resources with local students and staff.

Springdale's Central Junior High School held its grand opening on Thursday morning with students, teachers, and officials—including U.S. Rep. Steve Womack and local leaders—gathering in the courtyard for a ribbon cutting.

The newly rebuilt 211,000‑square‑foot building nearly tripled the school's capacity and features new classrooms, an auxiliary gym, and modern learning spaces built at a cost of about $46.7 million.

Franklin County Sheriff Johnny Crocker said ICE is considering using the proposed prison site in Charleston as a detention facility, but the county and its deputies are not equipped to handle the project — local officials warn that a quick temporary build would strain resources.

The sheriff added that residents and the county oppose the plan due to safety and community concerns.

Arkansas officials confiscated 6,000 illegal hemp products and made two felony arrests after a July court ruling upheld the state ban on delta-8 while DFA agents made more than 2,800 in-person visits to retail stores to enforce the law—officials sent letters to affected retailers explaining the ban.

Pumpkin patches across Northwest Arkansas are preparing for fall events—some simply sell pumpkins while others offer hay rides, corn mazes, and wagon rides—and Springdale farms provide family-friendly activities for the season.

University of Arkansas will try to upset No. 22 NotreDame tomorrow at Reynolds Razorback Stadium and join a small group of SEC teams with a winning record against the Irish—Georgia leads three to one.

NotreDame has a mixed history in SEC games and key players on both teams are preparing for the contest.

Conrad Schmitz became Bentonville’s leading receiver after he caught 7 passes for 134 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Tigers’ win over Lee’s Summit North—he now leads with 15 receptions for 314 yards and 4 touchdowns while hoping college coaches notice his deep-ball skills soon.

Matt Jones hosted a Razorback panel discussion today at the Hawgs Illustrated Sports Club with Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports – joined by Christina Long and Ethan Westerman from WholeHogSports to discuss Arkansas football.

Jones Center Bike Festival

9 AM – 5 PM — The Jones Center — Free entry — Celebrate cycling with community festivities and a kickoff barbecue at this fun-filled 2-day event.

Arkansas Symbols Day at Shiloh Museum

8:30 a.m. — Shiloh Museum — Volunteer opportunity — Help engage young students with the state bird, the Mockingbird, at this educational outreach event.

Fall Fun at Farmland Adventures

3-9 p.m. — Farmland Adventures — Ticket required — Enjoy a giant corn maze, pumpkin picking, pony rides, and family-friendly activities this fall.

35th Annual Ozark Regional Arts & Crafts Festival

9 AM – 8 PM — Northwest Arkansas Convention Center — $18.6M predicted spend — Celebrate local artistry with a wide array of handcrafted goods at this beloved festival.