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šŸŒ± How new city decisions could change Batesvilleā€™s water bills and public safety

Batesville, Arkansas Patch AM: a 4 min read

What's up Batesville! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ā˜€ļø

In today's newsletter:

  • How new city decisions could change Batesvilleā€™s water bills and public safety
  • Meet the new leaders now steering Batesville Public Schools
  • What the former Batesville superintendent alleges in her new federal lawsuit

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the Doctor ? šŸ¤” (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 97 and low of 74 degrees. šŸŒ¶ Hot!
  • Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 91, low: 71.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and hot, with a high of 98 and low of 72 degrees.

šŸ“° News we're reading

1. Batesville City Council Approves Police Upgrades, Banking Ordinance and Pool Repairs (arkansasradio.com) ā€” Batesvilleā€™s city council has approved nearly $15,000 for police facility upgrades, adopted electronic banking to speed payments on the new water plant, and greenlit replacement of the city poolā€™s diving board platform. Council members also reviewed major water and sewer system upgrades, considered new automated meters and leak-detection technology, and reminded drivers to slow down as Batesville schools reopen August 11.
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2. David Campbell Named Superintendent, Rachel Horn Selected as Assistant Superintendent for Batesville School District (arkansasradio.com) ā€” Batesville School District has tapped David Campbell as its new superintendent and Rachel Horn as assistant superintendent, filling the districtā€™s top leadership roles just before the 2026ā€“27 school year. The pair will guide academics, operations, finances and long-range planning for Batesville Public Schools, with more details on contracts and transition steps expected soon.
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3. Former Batesville superintendent claims due process violations (ktlo.com) ā€” Batesville residents should know that former School District Superintendent Dr. Ginni McDonald has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit claiming she was denied due process before being terminated earlier this year. She alleges constitutional and contractual violations tied to her suspension and firing after a preschool incident, and is seeking damages and a name-clearing hearing. The district has not yet responded in court.
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4. Chris Hill Completes Year 2 of Community Development Institute (arkansasradio.com) ā€” Batesvilleā€™s own Chris Hill, who leads marketing and communications for the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, has completed Year 2 of the Community Development Institute. He says the training will help bring fresh ideas for economic growth, tourism, and quality-of-life projects in Batesville and Independence County. Hill plans to finish the three-year program in 2027.
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5. Virginia J. Davis, age 78 (anaturalstatefuneralservice.com) ā€” Family and friends in Batesville are mourning Virginia J. Davis, a generous and spirited longtime resident originally from Batesville who passed away peacefully at age 78 in Jacksonville. Loved for her storytelling, flea-market adventures, and willingness to help anyone in need, she leaves behind a large, close-knit family. Cremation arrangements are through A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville.
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šŸ“ø Around Batesville

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šŸ“£ Batesville Shout Outs!

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šŸ—“ Events Nearby

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šŸ’¬ Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Kroger Family of Companies posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk in Batesville. Apply here.
  • Bath & Body Works posted a job opening for Retail Key Holder-EAGLE MOUNTAIN in Batesville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Batesville here.

Ok Batesville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Because he felt CRUMMY ! (Thank you Michelle S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Batesville

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Batesville

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.