Who knew coolers could get any smarter? On Tuesday, Jan. 12, Walmart announced yet another new and innovate partnership with HomeValet, a smart box equipped with three temperature-controlled compartments.

• So how does this add up? Walmart is now testing a new approach for home delivery by placing groceries in a smart cooler just steps away from the customer's front door.
• The service will be a convenient perk for the retail giant's new subscription service, Walmart+, which launched in September.
• The very first trials will take place right here at home in Bentonville, and consumers (like yourself) can join the waitlist on the Homevalet website.

The Downtown Springdale Alliance is launching an incentive program to design and create new murals in the heart of the city, all made possible by grant funding from the Walton Family Foundation.

• The incentive is intended to brighten the area's aesthetics and highlight local artists by enhancing facade curb appeal. Oo la la!
• Priority consideration will be given to applications that submit pictures of the wall proposed for a mural, a selected artist, a conceptual drawing of the desired mural, and a 1:1 match or more.
• Second consideration will be given to property owner(s) that would like to make an exterior wall available for a mural along with a 1:1 match. Apply HERE.
• Third consideration will be given to an artist submitting a concept or rendering of a mural and funding to support the work without a specific location. -Downtown Springdale

The deadline to apply is Jan. 15 and artists are expected to present a completed mural on April 15, 2021.

Record welcomes a pop-up ping pong bar for the month of January! This pop-up includes a handful of ping pong tables, darts, vintage lounge areas, a bar, and homemade pizza by the slice! A variety of Ping Pong themed cocktails are 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.

Farmington Public Schools were forced to pivot to completely virtual learning this week after a large COVID-19 outbreak among students and faculty.

• "Currently we have positive COVID-19 cases in most schools and numerous students and staff quarantined," Superintendent Jon Laffoon said. -4029 News
• High contact areas such as desks and classrooms will undergo enhanced sanitation.
• The school district is confident students will be able to return to school on Jan. 19.

Governor Hutchinson announced Tuesday that Arkansas will begin to roll out the second phase of its vaccine plan earlier than previously expected.

• Starting as soon as Jan. 18, teachers, school employees, places of higher educations, daycares, and those over the age of 70, will be able to receive the vaccine as part of Phase 1B. -4029 News
• Local pharmacies are hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics today, Jan. 13 from 10am to 4pm at Fellowship Fayetteville, located at 3447 AR-112 in west Fayetteville.
• Although the clinic is only available to healthcare workers, there is still plenty of availability.
• Individuals should bring proof of status as healthcare worker (for example, a copy of license or letterhead from healthcare office), a current insurance card, driver’s license, and an immunization consent form. -Fayetteville Flyer

Looking out for loved ones? Here's the COVID-19 Map of Phase 1A and 1B pharmacy locations across the state.