Good morning, Springdale.

Jeren Chandler worked at Central States for 11 years and now serves as operations supervisor at its new Springdale plant where an employee stock ownership plan gives workers a share in the company’s growth—helping them build wealth for their families—while the business hires additional talent. His story shows how the ESOP model offers a path to financial security for Arkansas workers.

Eric Wolfe is a veteran in supply chain and logistics who launched four start-ups and now leads Springdale-based Watco Logistics (which delivers 70,000 packages daily) as a key revenue driver for its parent company.

He plans to grow the business into a billion-dollar unit by the end of 2028.

Roger, Sherry and their son David Thomas launched Peak Tech Labs in Bentonville to offer inter-office IT services and plan to add full-time and part-time staff as they expand their business—The firm also aims to secure office space in Northwest Arkansas by the end of 2026.

The Northwest Arkansas CCC chapter, an invitation-only networking group for commercial real estate and construction executives launched in 2024, hosts quarterly events in Benton and Washington counties from 5 to 8 p.m. and will hold its next session in January at Fayetteville’s Garden Room—focusing on networking, speaker panels, and charitable donations.

Industry experts said a proposed federal rule—excluding several health-related fields from the federal definition of professional degrees—is expected to worsen Arkansas’ nurse shortage.

Washington County restaurant inspections found black and pink organic buildup in an ice machine—inspectors also saw rodent droppings and a dead rodent in a storage room, actions meant to reduce foodborne illness hazards.

These priority violations target issues like contamination, safe cooking, and proper cooling practices.

Polar Bear is a 2-year-old Anatolian Shepherd and Pyrenees mix weighing 94 pounds—available for adoption at Washington County Animal Shelter at 2859 S.

Tim Helder Drive in Fayetteville or by calling 479-695-3450.

Today, Arkansas women's basketball hosts Harvard at Bud Walton Arena with a 12:30 p.m. tip-off on SEC Network—Arkansas enters the game at 7-1 after two wins in Nashville while Harvard holds a 3-5 record.

The University of Arkansas will hire Memphis Tigers' Ryan Silverfield as the new head football coach after firing Sam Pittman following a loss to Notre Dame.

Silverfield earned a 50-25 record with Memphis, including a win over Arkansas this season, while interim coach Bobby Petrino ended the season at 2-10.

PERREOLAND Reggaeton Party

8:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. — Springdale Civic Center — Ticketed event — Dance the night away at the ultimate Old School VS New School Reggaeton Party filled with rhythm and excitement.