The League of American Bicyclists has named Fayetteville a gold-level bicycle-friendly community.

• Golden: Fayetteville was recognized for its extensive infrastructure of trails for recreation and transportation and its efforts to promote biking through community education programs and events.
• A first: Eight Arkansas cities have been named bicycle-friendly communities, but Fayetteville is the first in the state to achieve gold-level status, a designation that lasts four years.

Find more on the story HERE.

This week, the Alice L. Walton School Of Medicine continued its progress toward bringing a world-class medical facility to Bentonville by appointing nine board members, including Dr. Lloyd Minor, the dean of Stanford Medicine.

• The search continues: The appointment of such a distinguished board will bring discernment in the national search for a dean and support the school's process toward accreditation, which will be determined in January.
• Building begins: Construction of the 154,000 sqft facility will start in the spring of 2023, and the school hopes to welcome its first class of medical students in 2025.

Learn more about the medical school's plans HERE.

Six Walton MBA students from the University of Arkansas teamed together to create Student Launch – Northwest Arkansas with the dream of helping local high school students pursue further education.

• Got you covered: Student Launch aims to eliminate financial barriers to applying for college or trade schools by covering application fees, study materials, and registration fees for standardized tests such as the ACT.
• Do good: The idea emerged from the "Do Good Project," an assignment in Adam Stoverink's Business Leadership and Ethics class in which MBA students were instructed to find something good to do and go do it.

Read more on the story HERE.

This weekend will be the last chance to find handcrafted gifts designed by local artists and makers in Fayetteville's various holiday markets.

• Farmers Market: Pick up a natural wreath, browse handcrafted items, and find plenty of delicious treats for sale during the Fayetteville Farmers Holiday Market at the Downtown Square this Saturday, Dec 17, from 11a-3p.
• Holiday Market: Shop unique handmade creations by local artists at the Community Creative Center at Walton Arts Center's Nadine Baum Studios for the last weekend of the CCC Holiday Market, open Saturday, Dec 17, from 9a-5p.

Find more information HERE.

The Famous Hardware Store presents art experiences right in the heart of Downtown Springdale, making art accessible to the community and visitors.

• Through the window: Famous Hardware Store art curations began in 2021 through a partnership between CACHE and the Downtown Springdale Alliance, with support from the Tyson Family Foundation.
• On display: Currently on display, Come By is a collection of silhouettes of locals featuring quotes, poems, and other writings that explore the emotional terrain of our community. Meet the artist, Risa Puno, on Feb 9 for an artist talk and reception.

Read the artist's statement HERE.