Stories by Laurinda Joenks

Springdale council to consider improvements to railroad crossing at Huntsville Avenue SPRINGDALE -- Drivers on East Huntsville Avenue might soon have a smoother ride over the railroad tracks.The City Council on Tuesday will vote on approving a $290,167 repair for the road on either sid... June 25, 2022

Schmieding Foundation gives $500,000 to Springdale program focusing on health careers SPRINGDALE -- The Schmieding Foundation has donated $500,000 to the Pathway Academy in Springdale Public Schools, a program of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.The statewide initiative ... June 24, 2022

Springdale commission approves $51 million contract for upgrades to wastewater plant SPRINGDALE -- The Springdale Water and Sewer Commission soon will start construction of upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant on North Silent Grove Road.The commission voted unanimously Wednesday... June 23, 2022

Bentonville wastewater plant expansion project scores $20M loan BENTONVILLE -- A state commission this month announced a $20 million loan to help the Northwest Arkansas Conservation Authority expand its wastewater treatment plant in south Bentonville.Mike Neil, pl... June 16, 2022

Springdale City Council approves subdivision that will use existing homes SPRINGDALE -- The City Council on Tuesday gave its approval 6-2 for the development of a unique subdivision.Scout Enterprises proposed to move in existing homes, update them according to city code, re... June 15, 2022

Springdale City Council to consider zoning change that allows transitional housing SPRINGDALE -- The City Council tonight is expected to consider a measure that will give it more options when dealing with housing facilities for people transitioning from prison into the community.Spr... June 14, 2022

Springdale set to spend HUD money in community SPRINGDALE -- The City Council is set to vote on giving $117,031 to be split among Springdale nonprofit agencies.The money is 13.6% of the $857,593 the city will receive for the state fiscal 2022 thro... June 13, 2022

Springdale Planning Commission denies one rezoning request, approves another SPRINGDALE -- The Planning Commission on Tuesday denied 4-3 a rezoning that would put multifamily homes on North Stultz Road, but commissioners approved 6-1 another project for the intersection of Mou... June 8, 2022

Springdale leaders consider American Rescue Plan money for technology, job training SPRINGDALE -- The City Council will consider upgrades to its computer systems and workforce education for the community during its next regular meeting June 14. The money would come from the city'... June 7, 2022

El Salvador to open consulate in Springdale SPRINGDALE -- El Salvador on Monday will open a consulate at 3861 W. Sunset Ave. in Springdale to help serve its citizens in Northwest Arkansas."We want them to be proud of our service," sai... June 5, 2022

Division on Natural Resources to fund Springdale cleanup of Bethel Heights SPRINGDALE -- The city of Springdale now has the plans and soon will get the money to clean up two decommissioned wastewater treatment plants in the former city of Bethel Heights.The City Council on T... May 30, 2022

Springdale prepares for cleanup of two sewer plants SPRINGDALE -- The city now has the plans and soon will get the money to clean up two decommissioned wastewater treatment plants in the former city of Bethel Heights.The City Council on Tuesday night u... May 30, 2022

Visitors getting to know Springdale’s newest park SPRINGDALE -- Shaw Family Park might be the city's best-kept secret.A couple of people were walking the paths Friday morning at the 120-acre park, which opened a year ago. A few children played at... May 29, 2022

Springdale council rejects purchase offer for downtown site on Emma Avenue SPRINGDALE -- The City Council on Tuesday rejected 6-2 an offer to sell land on East Emma Avenue in downtown, which the city is working to rejuvenate and make vibrant.Omar Kasim of Kasim Ventures offe... May 25, 2022

Durrett wins third term as prosecutor for 4th Judicial District, which includes Madison, Washington counties FAYETTEVILLE —Matt Durrett beat a political newcomer Tuesday to win a third term as 4th Judicial District prosecuting attorney.Durrett beat Stephen Coger, an attorney in Fayetteville.The judicia... May 25, 2022

Cantrell leading Washington County sheriff’s race FAYETTEVILLE — Jay Cantrell, longtime chief deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, won his race to become the next sheriff, according to incomplete and unofficial election res... May 25, 2022

Fight over phosphorus in Northwest Arkansas revived Wastewater treatment permits issued to the Northwest Arkansas Conservation Authority and Springdale Water Utilities have led to a lawsuit between the state and the EPA and revived a decades-long fight... May 23, 2022

ADEQ Asks Court to Overide EPA Objections to Wastewater Treatment Permits Wastewater treatment permits issued to the Northwest Arkansas Conservation Authority and Springdale Water Utilities have led to a lawsuit between the state and the Environmental Protection Agency and ... May 22, 2022

Springdale planners see first draft of downtown plan SPRINGDALE -- Tim Breihan's vision of downtown Springdale would see the area developed into three districts -- one for shopping and working on the west, an arts district to the south and an area o... May 18, 2022

Lowell seeks more wastewater capacity, would pay $4.3 million to get it in deal with Springdale SPRINGDALE -- Lowell needs to pump more sewage to Springdale and is set to spend nearly $4.3 million to do it.An agreement with the city of Springdale would provide Lowell with the ability to pump 1,9... May 17, 2022

Springdale City Council to consider adding fines to door-to-door solicitation policy SPRINGDALE -- The Springdale City Council knows a stranger knock-knocking on a front door of a city resident is no joke.The council on Monday will consider upgrading the city's door-to-door solici... May 15, 2022

Springdale police officers involved in fatal weekend shooting named SPRINGDALE -- The Springdale Police Department on Monday released the names of two veteran police officers who were involved in a shooting Sunday that left another man dead.Officer Dustin Hartley and ... May 10, 2022

Springdale to upgrade crumbling streets SPRINGDALE -- The city is preparing to start its annual program to repave some city streets.James Smith, director of the Public Works department, said city officials will consider bids from contractor... May 9, 2022

Springdale panel approves Frito-Lay warehouse plan SPRINGDALE -- A new warehouse for the Frito-Lay company was proposed Tuesday and received Springdale Planning Commission approval.The commission voted 6-0 to accept the large-scale development plan of... May 4, 2022

Suspect in fatal Springdale shooting arrested in Texas SPRINGDALE -- A man was arrested Sunday in a fatal shooting Saturday.Police have identified the victim as Olga Irene Huerta, 33, of Springdale, according to a news release from the Police DepartmentPo... May 3, 2022

Springdale committee of the whole continues plans for Dean’s Trail SPRINGDALE -- The City Council is set to take the next step on Dean's Trail.The council, working as a committee of the whole, Monday forwarded to the council vote agreements to pay matching funds ... May 3, 2022

Residents seek financial aid for tornado recovery in Springdale SPRINGDALE -- About 30 residents have reached out looking for financial aid in restoring their homes after a March 30 tornado.Representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Arkansas... May 1, 2022

Springdale hits end of the road with street bond money SPRINGDALE -- Drivers will have to wait in traffic a few more years until the city raises the money to build a bridge over Interstate 49.The planned extension of Har-Ber Avenue east to West Emma Avenu... May 1, 2022

Washington County residents seek financial aid for tornado recovery SPRINGDALE -- About 30 residents have reached out looking for financial aid in restoring their homes after a March 30 tornado.Representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Arkansas... April 30, 2022

Springdale renews contract with Downtown Springdale Alliance for development, promotion of the district SPRINGDALE -- The City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to renew the city's $100,000 contract with the Downtown Springdale Alliance.The city has charged alliance leaders "to promote, pres... April 27, 2022

UA students lend officers a helping hand SPRINGDALE -- The Springdale Police Department received many calls about "Stevie." His angry outbursts were becoming increasingly violent, said Capt. Derek Wright.But a review of 911 dispatc... April 25, 2022

Tornado victims may apply for disaster relief funds SPRINGDALE -- Financial assistance is available for residents and businesses to help recover uninsured losses from the March 30 tornado.The federal Small Business Administration and the Arkansas Divis... April 23, 2022

Ukrainians find place to dance in Northwest Arkansas BENTONVILLE -- Arno-Stin Tsembenhoi and Anastasia Rodina are more than 5,000 miles from their homes in Ukraine.Professional ballet dancers, they don't have jobs.Family members remain in their home... April 22, 2022

Springdale plans to realign portion of greenway SPRINGDALE -- The city of Springdale wants to realign the Razorback Regional Greenway as it crosses over West Emma Avenue.The street sits at the heart of the city's growing downtown district.Counc... April 22, 2022

Northwest Arkansas tornado survivors eligible to apply for state, federal aid SPRINGDALE -- Residents whose homes were damaged by the March 30 tornado soon will be eligible to apply for state aid.Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Friday declared Washington County a disaster area in the wa... April 19, 2022

Springdale plans realignment of Razorback Greenway SPRINGDALE -- The city of Springdale wants to realign the Razorback Regional Greenway as it crosses over West Emma Avenue.Emma sits at the heart of the city's growing downtown district.Council mem... April 19, 2022

Museum Looks to Join Downtown Revitalization Efforts New Landscaping Would Tie Grounds to Turnbow Park SPRINGDALE -- The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History and the Springdale Public Library both are working to grow with the city.The museum plans new entrances to the building and landscaping tying the campu... April 18, 2022

Springdale City Council approves new voting ward map SPRINGDALE -- The City Council on Tuesday night approved new voting wards for the city 6-2.The map for the new wards puts Elm Springs all in Ward 1 covering the northwest corner of town and moves the ... April 13, 2022

State, federal officials tour Springdale tornado damage to determine recovery funding SPRINGDALE -- State and federal assessment officers toured tornado damage in Springdale on Tuesday, but they said it might be a week before they can determine if the city will qualify for financial ai... April 13, 2022

Northwest Arkansas farmers market growers, shoppers anxious for season SPRINGDALE -- Local farmers market organizers are celebrating more than just spring this year.A new state law allowing the sale of home-produced specialties helps the markets expand their offerings.Or... April 11, 2022

Former Springdale Har-Ber teacher guilty of assault, battery SPRINGDALE -- Kyle Smith, a former geometry teacher at Har-Ber High School, was found guilty Thursday of misdemeanor assault and battery charges in Springdale District Court.District Judge Jeff Harper... April 9, 2022

Governor Hutchinson tours Springdale tornado damage, discusses options for assistance SPRINGDALE -- Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Thursday said the state's assessment of the damage a March 30 tornado left in Springdale should be completed next week.Hutchinson toured the damaged areas and ... April 8, 2022

Governor tours Springdale tornado damage SPRINGDALE -- Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Thursday said the state's assessment of the damage a March 30 tornado left in Springdale should be completed next week.Hutchinson toured the damaged areas and ... April 7, 2022

Springdale planners nix plans for subdivision of recycled homes SPRINGDALE -- The Planning Commission rejected 7-2 a subdivision with a concept unique to Springdale during its meeting Tuesday night.The developers of Hawksview Subdivision on East Brown Road in the ... April 7, 2022

Springdale City Council considers new voting ward maps SPRINGDALE -- The City Council, working as a committee of the whole on Monday, considered new voting ward maps for the city.Jeff Hawkins, executive director of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning... April 5, 2022

City seeks help to log storm damage SPRINGDALE -- The city of Springdale says it needs residents to report damage to their homes or businesses from the tornado that struck Wednesday morning.This will help city and state officials determ... April 3, 2022

Officials documenting Springdale tornado’s impact SPRINGDALE -- The city needs residents to report damage their homes or businesses sustained in the Wednesday morning tornado.This will help city and state officials determine how much damage the torna... April 2, 2022

Tornado assistance available Where to get helpPeople and businesses impacted by Wednesday's tornado can find assistance at the following places:General• Businesses in Springdale damaged by the storm are asked to call the... April 2, 2022

Number of homes in Springdale damaged by tornado estimated at 60; utility says power should be back for all customers by 8 p.m. SPRINGDALE -- An estimated 60 homes in Springdale received significant damage Wednesday morning when an EF3 tornado cut a five-mile path through the eastern part of the city, according Capt. Joshua Ro... April 1, 2022

Help available for tornado victims in Northwest Arkansas People and businesses impacted by Wednesday's tornado can find assistance at the following places:General• Businesses in Springdale damaged by the storm are asked to call the Springdale Chamb... April 1, 2022