Good morning, Bentonville.

The seventh annual Open Avenues SOAR NWA held Aug.

14-15 at the Benton County Fairgrounds raised $200,000 for disability employment services with hot air balloon rides, live music, wrestling shows and kids’ activities. Proceeds fund job training for adults with disabilities as organizers plan SOAR NWA 2027 for Aug. 20-21.

Visit Bentonville CEO Kalene Griffith was elected to the Destinations International board during a convention in Portland, while Simmons Foods, based in Siloam Springs, named Scott Salmon as its new chief commercial officer with Jacob Rogers promoted to Simmons Pet Food president.

First Community Bank announced today that Tyler Choate has been promoted to senior vice president, commercial lending, and Daniel Kemper to senior vice president, trust and wealth management officer.

On Saturday, Aug. 29, TheatreSquared in Fayetteville hosts free Season 21 Celebration from 3 to 7 p.m. with family-friendly activities and an open rehearsal of August Wilson’s Fences; in Bentonville, volunteers can join the Hand Cut Hollow Trail Work Day from 9 a.m. to noon at 2909 N.E. J St.

Arkansas author Kathleen Fuller will read from her novel 'Autumn at the Cat Café' at Yarn Alchemy on Aug.

28 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The free event, hosted with Two Friends Books, will let guests enjoy crafting and chat about Fuller's creative work.

The NCAA quiet period ended Aug.

20 as prospects began visiting campuses. Arkansas coach Calipari will not host visits until after football season + top 5-star recruits like Beckham Black and Cayden Daughtry remain on the radar for future trips.