ARDOT has completed a draft Traffic Noise Study for Benton and Washington Counties that includes a series of main lane widening and interchange improvement projects along I-49.

• The study took an in-depth noise analysis of 18 different areas, which will be used to determine the need for future noise barrier construction at certain locations.
• A virtual neighborhood meeting will take place on Feb. 5, 2021, to present the data and results from the study. All that are interested are encouraged to view, listen, and provide feedback.
• Head over to the ADT's website for more information.

After two years of construction, the expansion of the Fayetteville Public Library is now open to the public - and trust us - you're going to want to move in. The newly designed space features a 700 seat performance hall, commercial kitchen, cafe and an expanded children's center.

• Good news! The center has been cleared by the City Board of Health and will limit capacity to 200 patrons at a time. Curbside pickup for all services, including book concierge is also an option.
• The expansion was paid for by a $26.5 million increase, which was approved by voters in 2016. -Fayetteville Flyer
• Library hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm.

Record welcomes a pop-up ping pong bar for the month of January! Don't miss the Florence & Flint Cookie Co. partnership, with entertainment by DJ Shortfuze on Saturday, January 23rd! (& there's more! A beer + shot + slice special for $11 hits the pop up this week!) A variety of Ping Pong themed cocktails are also available, including a whiskey mule from sponsor, Nine Banded Whiskey! We welcome guests of all ages, with an ID check and wristbands at the door.

• Open Thursdays-Saturdays starting at 5pm for the month of January. No entry fee excluding live music nights. Game rental fees apply. Masks are required.

• $20 per hour/per table.

• Thursday: *Half-off* play 5pm-10pm

• Friday: 5pm-11pm

• Saturday: (Live Music) $5 cover charge 5pm-11pm

• Looking to rent a table and lounge space for an after work get together, special occasion or celebration? Please contact sales@ropeswinggroup.com for more information.

Record is located at 104 SW A. St. Bentonville, AR. 72712. Free public parking is available nearby.

On Tuesday, the Fayetteville City Council approved an ordinance to extend the sunset clause for the outdoor drinking program, which was set to expire at the end of January. The program was extended for three more years, ending on April 30, 2024.

• While the clause was intended to be permanent, Council Member Teresa Turk said the future is unpredictable, and that the council will reassess the program in three years to prevent a "Bourbon Street" type of situation. -Fayetteville Flyer
• The legal outdoor drinking area is located roughly from Watson Street to the north, Mountain Street to the south, and from West to East avenues in the downtown entertainment district (It includes Dickson Street, don't worry).
• Businesses within this vicinity can serve drinks from 10am to 10pm, and customers must wear a branded wristband to walk outside.

In January, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville reported a cumulative 12.28% gain in sales tax revenue, totaling $7.032 million, compared to $6.263 million reported in 2020.

• Bentonville led the jump, with a 49% increase in revenue. Springdale followed with a 7.37% increase, Fayetteville saw a 6.04% increase, and Rogers trailed behind with a 1.44% decline in revenue reported for the month.
• However, Rogers set an annual sales tax revenue budget of $19 million this year, the same as 2020. This is the first time in six years that City of Roger's has held the budget steady. -Talk Business & Politics
• Fayetteville reported $2.06 million in sales tax revenue, compared to $1.943 million last year. This is the first year for more than $2 million revenue reported in January. -Talk Business & Politics

Keep supporting your local businesses!