Starting today, Jan. 15, Fort Smith Public Schools will be switching to virtual learning until Tuesday, Jan. 19, due to increased staff absences.

• Students that choose to come in are able to work on-site virtually in the classroom.
• FSPS have raised pay for substitute teachers to $95 per day, adding 106 substitutes since August 2020.
• However, Alan Wilbourn with Fayetteville Public Schools says its still challenging. "The principals are scrambling, trying to get everyone's classes covered," he said. -KNWA/Fox24
• Teachers will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine next week as part of the state's Phase 1B rollout plan.

Arvest Bank in Fayetteville was the top U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lender in Arkansas in the fiscal year 2020. The ranking is based on 7(a) loan production for the SBA fiscal year ending Sept. 30. -Talk Business & Politics

• The bank has led Arkansas in both total number (84) and total volume ($14.1 million) of 7(a) loans for the last seven years. The 7(a) loan program is the primary program of the SBA for providing financial aid to small businesses.
• Mark Ryan, Executive VP and loan manager at Arvest, said that while it is always gratifying to help small businesses, 2020 seemed more rewarding due to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phase 1B of the state's vaccine distribution timeline is set to begin Monday, Jan. 18. Those who are 70 or older, work in healthcare or higher education, are approved to receive the vaccine according to the ADH.

• U of A Chancellor Joe Steinmetz confirmed Wednesday that faculty, staff and graduate students are considered eligible to receive the vaccine and can do so in a large-scale vaccination clinic on Jan. 23, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium from 10am to 4pm. -Arkansas Traveler

Tyson Food is partnering with Matrix Medical Network to launch mobile health clinics and expert clinical staff, administration, and counseling, at Tyson Foods facilities beginning in early 2021. -5 News

• Tyson said the company is confident and committed to their long-term goal of providing vaccines for all employees who want one, and strongly encourage them to do so.
• Dean Banks, CEO and President at Tyson Foods said, "Providing vaccine education and accessibility is a critical part of our ongoing commitment to put the health and safety of our team members first." -5 News

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.

The Benton County Assessor and Collector's satellite offices, located at 1428 W. Walnut St. in Rogers, are temporarily closing to due COVID-19 disruptions.

• Benton County leaders are encouraging the public to utilize the city's online services to handle all business with the two offices.

• The Gravette Police Department and City Hall are temporarily relocating beginning today, Jan. 15, and will reopen to the public on Tuesday.

• The city intends to purchase and remodel a nearly 10,000 square-foot space on Main St., which will house both City Hall and the police department. -5 News

• City Hall's temporary location will be at 110 2nd Ave. SE, and the police department will be located at 1512 Hwy. 72.

• Construction is expected to last nine months. BILD Architects in Fayetteville will be heading the remodel.