Morrilton Visitor Guide 2023

Join us on a journey of our hometown as well as the Petit Jean River Valley — a great place to visit and the best place to call home!

This publication will familiarize you with many recreational offerings, restaurants and coffee houses, as well as a local craft brewery and wine producer. Morrilton offers excellent hotels and is a short drive from the famed Petit Jean Mountain, which is Arkansas’s first state park and is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2023.

For those considering relocating to the area, this guide will highlight businesses, schools and the local community college, which offers several technical certificate options. You will also read about people who moved to Morrilton and love it, including two entrepreneurs whose businesses are strongly supported by the community.

There are many benefits and opportunities in the region. City and county officials work together to make Morrilton a safe place that offers good jobs. This directory will introduce newcomers to all that Morrilton and the Petit Jean River Valley have to offer and includes a complete list of the Chamber’s membership.

We invite you to visit Morrilton! The Chamber of Commerce is here to assist visitors and residents, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Located in the heart of the beautiful Petit Jean River Valley, Morrilton is a friendly community “on the grow,” drawing new residents and visitors throughout the year. Scenic views, robust industries and people who know and care about their neighbors are hallmarks of Conway County.

2023-2024 RELOCATION AND VISITOR GUIDE

The Morrilton Community Profile is a collaborative effort of the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce and Make the Jump Media LLC, d/b/a 501 LIFE Magazine.

PUBLISHER/ART DIRECTOR

Jeremy L. Higginbotham

EDITOR

Stefanie W. Brazile

ADVERTISING SALES

Paulette Higginbotham

Donna Spears

Morgan Zimmerman

PHOTO DIRECTOR

Mike Kemp

COPY EDITOR

Andrea Lively

MORRILTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Call: 501.354.2393

Email: admin@morriltonchamber.com

Learn more: morrilton.com

Visit us at: 115 East Broadway St. Morrilton, AR 72210

MAKE THE JUMP MEDIA/ 501 LIFE MAGAZINE

For information on this publication, including advertising rates, please contact:

Make the Jump Media 920 Locust, Suite 104 Conway, AR 72034 501.327.1501

info@501lifemag.com No

Jump Media. info@501LifeMag.com or 501.327.1501.

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Small City. No Limits. This is the city of Morrilton, the county seat of Conway County. Our community lies in the Ozark foothills, with world-renowned Petit Jean Mountain as a breathtaking landmark nearby. On top of the mountain is Petit Jean State Park, considered the flagship of the Arkansas park system.

Visitors and locals alike will agree that there is much to do and see in Morrilton and throughout Conway County. The area features experiences that include excellent outdoor and recreational activities, historic landmarks, inviting shops and a wide range of flavorful dining options. Whether you are looking for a getaway in the heart of the Natural State or to relocate to a community that is continually growing, Conway County has much to offer. From a strong network of businesses, industries and farming operations to outstanding educational institutions and recreational opportunities, Morrilton and the Petit Jean River Valley are rich with resources.

On the Cover:

An 8-foot bronze sculpture of the late Winthrop Paul Rockefeller, who was the 17th Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas, stands outside the Morrilton Train Depot. Dedicated in 2011, it was sculpted by David and Bree Harris of Royal. Win Rockefeller was a dedicated family man, a proud Arkansan, a generous philanthropist and an accomplished businessman. As a boy, he spent summers with his father on Petit Jean Mountain.

Business & Industry

Morrilton is home to leading businesses that have made their mark in Conway County, the state of Arkansas and beyond.

Family-owned since 1928, Petit Jean Meats in Morrilton offers an array of products that are sold and shipped all across the country. The modern, wholesale business operates in a 56,000-square-foot facility and produces approximately 6 million pounds of product annually.

Koontz Electric is another homegrown success story. Headquartered in Morrilton, the specialty electrical contractor employs 185 people nationwide on projects involving dams, power plants, bridges and industrial facilities. Koontz is the largest heavy industrial electrical contractor in Arkansas and one of the top five in the region.

A full-service construction and engineering firm headquartered in Central Arkansas, TOLM Group, Inc. is another thriving local business that offers multiple job opportunities in a variety of divisions— industrial, water/wastewater, commercial and heavy civil. TOLM Group is the next generation of Crow Group.

The Morrilton and Conway County community has a strong industrial base, which is reflected in companies like Green Bay Packaging (GBP), one of the county’s top employers. As a full-service packaging company, they offer innovative corrugated packaging, folding cartons and coated label stock. GBP owns Arkansas Kraft Division in Morrilton, a paper mill, and the Pinecrest Lumber Division in Plumerville, which is near Morrilton.

Koontz Electric has completed more than 50 hydro electric power plants nationwide, including at the Hoover Dam.

In addition to business and industry, Conway County is a strong agricultural community with nearly 1,000 farming operations. It is also home of Winrock Farms, the agricultural enterprise founded on Petit Jean Mountain by Winthrop Rockefeller, the late Arkansas governor and philanthropist. Approximately 6,000 acres of Winrock Farms are used in the production of purebred Santa Gertrudis cattle.

Photos courtesy of UA Little Rock Center for Arkansas History & Culture

Economic Development

Conway and Perry counties have created partnerships to make the Morrilton area a prime prospect for capital investment

Conway and Perry Counties have formed the Central Arkansas Intermodal Authority to develop all areas of Intermodal Transportation. This group is exploring all options for port, rail and trucking to enhance the natural resources available. Dedicated to industrial and economic development in the region, the Authority is working diligently to retain and recruit new industries while promoting both the region and Arkansas.

The committee is comprised of county judges, representatives from each county and other civic leaders. A port is planned, and the Authority is working to secure all funds necessary to construct it. This will serve large industries because it offers another means to transport goods and alleviates diesel traffic on interstates.

The Conway County Economic Development Corporation is responsible for the development and implementation of a strategy that will improve the quality of life for Conway County residents. They work to expand the tax base by attracting new capital investment and by creating new, highly skilled jobs for the region’s residents.

At this time, they have land available that is shovel-ready and buildings available that are move-in ready.

Offices for the Morrilton Chamber of Commerce and Conway County Economic Development Corporation.

A Caring Community

Morrilton’s dedication to quality of life is evident through many volunteer opportunities and organizations

As a Main Street America Affiliate, Main Street Morrilton is part of a national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities that share a commitment to creating high-quality places and building stronger communities. Events organized by volunteer members of Main Street Morrilton include the local monthly Farmer’s Market and our downtown “Monsters on Main” Halloween Trick or Treat Event. The group has also been instrumental in downtown beautification projects, which include the production of murals and other public art projects. Main Street Morrilton is committed to economic vitality, promotion, beautification and organization for the downtown district.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) also has several active clubs in Morrilton, each with a different philanthropic focus. In addition, the Lions Club, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club and various churches also offer different volunteer activities.

Holyfield Place is a planned mixed-use park being constructed downtown. Main Street Morrilton is dedicated to promoting downtown as the hub of community life and is the fiscal agent for this project. The park is one of many improvement projects taking place across the city and county to prepare for the thousands of visitors expected for the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse.

Healthcare

CHI St. Vincent Morrilton is a vital partner in healthcare services for Conway County

CHI St. Vincent Morrilton has provided quality, convenient care to its community for decades. Being part of CHI St. Vincent means that the community has direct access to many centers of excellence, including the CHI St. Vincent Heart Clinic ArkansasMorrilton.

The emergency department includes updated technology, multiple exam rooms and other patient-centered amenities. Most patients experience minimal or no wait time. The hospital is a 30-bed faith-based, nonprofit community access hospital serving the healthcare needs of rural communities.

The medical staff includes physicians with expertise in family and general practice, general surgery and internal medicine. CHI St. Vincent Morrilton also offers convenient health care and ancillary services typically associated with larger facilities in larger cities.

When accidents happen, seconds matter.

If you need immediate medical attention, the last thing you want to worry about is where to go for care. So you’ll be glad to know that CHI St. Vincent Morrilton is recognized as a 4-star hospital for quality and safety by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.

Our providers are on standby 24/7 to care for you when you need it most.

From dining and family-fun to historical and unique attractions, there’s

Much To Do in Morrilton!

Big Cuppa Coffee Shop – As “Morrilton’s Place Since 2017,” Big Cuppa, located at 205 E. Broadway Street, is a local craft coffee and specialty beverage shop in historic downtown Morrilton that exists to promote community pride and provide a venue for new shared experiences.

501.289.6518 • bigcuppa.coffee

Parks and Recreation – The City of Morrilton Parks and Recreation Department operates many different parks for its citizens. The main complex at City Park Drive features the Morrilton city park, pool, splash pad, walking trail, skate park and ball field complex. The area also contains tennis, basketball and pickleball courts. Artwork, picnic tables, and pavilions are also available. The Parks and Recreation Department also hosts baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer and basketball leagues for area children and a softball league for adults.

501.354.4122 • cityofmorrilton.com

Morrilton Community Center –Located at 1307 East Harding St., the Center offers a complete fitness center and many youth, adult and elderly programs, including aerobics and aquatics classes.

501.354.4122 • cityofmorrilton.com

Morrilton Depot Museum – Housed in a 1915 Missouri-Pacific railroad depot, the Morrilton Depot Museum is located at 101 E. Railroad Ave. in downtown Morrilton. The museum is dedicated to the history of Conway County and includes displays on the Trail of Tears, railroad history, and the Civil War.

501.354.8578 • Facebook

The Morrilton Depot Museum is home to a hand-carved Trail of Tears sculpture. Petit Jean State Park is one of Arkansas’s certified Trail of Tears National Historical Trail Sites.

Artist Jason White stands in front of his

“Morrilton - Small

in 2023.

Photo by Morgan Zimmerman

Much To Do...continued

Morrilton Golf and Country Club – Established in 1928, it features an 18-hole golf course with Champion Bermuda grass greens. The course is on Highway 64 West, two miles west of Downtown Morrilton. This private club welcomes daily golfers as well as those visiting Morrilton and Petit Jean Mountain area, are welcome.

501.354.0324 • Facebook

Morrilton Historic District – Located along Church and Broadway streets, the area features the Conway County Courthouse and the Carnegie Library, which is one of only two public libraries in the state operating in its original Carnegie building. The area also features handsome churches, homes, restaurants and downtown shopping.

Playland Skating and Bowling – Located on Howell Drive in Morrilton, Playland Skating and Bowling is a family-friendly skating rink, bowling alley, arcade and café. Completely renovated by the city of Morrilton in 2022, Playland has quickly become one of the area’s top family entertainment centers.

501.477.4120 • cityofmorrilton.com

Point Remove Brewing Company – Just minutes from Petit Jean Mountain, Point Remove Brewing Company is a craft brewery and wine producer located on Highway 64 in Morrilton featuring products that are inspired by our surroundings in the Natural State. The patio is the perfect place to relax after a day spent in the outdoors, a space where patrons can enjoy hanging out and listening to live music while sampling the brewery’s craft beers, wine and artisan pizza.

501.477.4080 • pointremovebrewingcompany.com

Rialto Community Arts Center and Gallery – Located at 215 East Broadway St., the Rialto Theatre has a rich history spanning more than 100 years. The Rialto Community Arts Center, comprised of the theater and adjoining art gallery, is a subsidiary of the Arts Council of Conway County. The Rialto Theatre hosts several theatrical performances and musical acts each year and hosts auditions.

501.288.9259 • rialtomorrilton.com

We are Leaders in Learning

Educational opportunities abound in Conway County

Conway County residents can choose between public and private schools, beginning with early childhood education. The local opportunities continue through college-level courses, or students can complete technical certifications at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.

SOUTH CONWAY COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The South Conway County School District features studentcentered schools focused on student safety, learning and achievement.

The district’s schools are unique, according to superintendent Shawn Halbrook. “We are large enough to provide excellent learning opportunities to prepare all students for a 21st century world and economy,” he said. “Yet, we are small enough to offer personalized service in helping each student we serve. In addition, we have a dedicated staff that loves and cares for each student.”

Halbrook pointed out that a desire to improve to meet the learning needs of students sets the district apart, adding that the staff is dedicated to students, the district and the community.

“The South Conway County School District offers a variety of excellent programs ranging from gifted/talented services, fine arts, athletic, career and technical, technology and a rigorous curriculum to prepare the students we serve for a career and/or college.”

South Conway County School District Central Office

100 S. Baramore St. • 501.354.9400 • sccsd.org

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Since 1879, Sacred Heart Catholic School has strived to be a Christ-centered community dedicated to developing the whole child and serving families in the Arkansas River Valley. Faculty and staff collaborate to establish a safe, encouraging and welcoming environment where students are able to discover their individual gifts.

The school is committed to enlightening minds through a comprehensive and rigorous P-12 learning environment; enriching souls through the Roman Catholic faith, service to others; and spiritual growth as well as inspiring hearts through leadership and integrity.

One of only two Pre-K-12 Catholic schools in Arkansas, Sacred Heart provides a high-quality education in a faithfilled environment. Educational Freedom Accounts are now accepted, and assistance is available.

Sacred Heart Catholic School Administration

106 N. St. Joseph St. • 501.354.8113

sacredheartmorrilton.org

NEMO VISTA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Nemo Vista is a small, rural district located in the Center Ridge community in northern Conway County. The community is very supportive, which allows the district to offer the latest technology and up-to-date facilities.

Nemo Vista has been recognized for academic achievements by the National Catholic Educational Association as (NCEA) as a higher performing school and also by U.S. News & World Report for high achievement.

Nemo Vista offers many extracurricular activities, including athletics with numerous state championships. Nemo Vista has very active FFA (Future Farmers of America), FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) programs.

Nemo Vista Administration

5690 Highway 9 Center Ridge, AR 72027 501.893.2925 • socs.nemo.k12.ar.us

WONDERVIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Wonderview School District serves Pre-K through 12th grades in northwest Conway County, including the communities of St. Vincent, Hattieville, Old Hickory, Lanty, Center, Cleveland, Macedonia, Robertstown and Jerusalem. The district is dedicated to providing a quality education for all students, striving to ensure they are college/career ready and become lifelong learners who are responsible citizens. Wonderview Elementary has been recognized as a Solution Tree PLC Model School as well as an Arkansas Highly Effective School.

The Wonderview Daredevils compete in the state’s 1A classification, and the Lady Daredevils were the 2018 and 2019 State Champions in basketball. Student groups and activities include band, Beta Club, EAST (Environmental and Spatial Technology), FBLA , FCCLA , FFA, Quiz Bowl, student council, trap team and yearbook.

Wonderview Administration

2436 Hwy 95 • Hattieville, AR 72063 501.354.0211 • wonderviewschools.org

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT MORRILTON

Conway County is home to the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM), which aims to provide quality education programs at an affordable cost.

The two-year, public college primarily serves students and communities in west central Arkansas. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, UACCM’s academic programs allow students to complete an associate of arts or associate of science degree before transferring into a baccalaureate program at a state university.

The commuter college offers technical and occupational certificates and associate degrees, which provide career-specific training for direct entry into the workforce in one to two years.

The Workforce Development and Community Education department offers the flexibility to customdesign short-term training courses specific to the needs of individual employers. UACCM also operates four adult education centers in Morrilton, Perryville, Clinton and Conway. UACCM is home to the Dr. Larry D. Davis Workforce Training Center, considered one of the premier technical training facilities in the state. UACCM plans to break ground on a new Health and Science Center by the end of 2023.

UACCM University Center

112 Timberwolf Drive • 800.264.1094 • uaccm.edu

South Conway School District

Sacred Heart Catholic School

UACCM

The Greatest Oudoors

The view just doesn’t get better than Petit Jean Mountain

As the original and most popular state park, Petit Jean State Park is an Arkansas classic that has welcomed travelers for 100 years. The park mirrors the mountain’s rugged beauty with its rustic-style, native log and stone facilities constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) beginning in 1933. Today, visitors enjoy the scenic beauty of the area’s hiking trails and scenic overlooks, along with amenities like the renovated Mather Lodge and restaurant, cabins, campsites, yurts, picnic tables and pavilions.

One of the most popular and breathtaking experiences in the park is hiking to see the 95-foot Cedar Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the South. If you are unable to make the long hike, the Cedar Falls Overlook offers a vantage point to see the falls. Or you can meander through ancient geology on the Seven Hollows Trail, or enter Rock Hose Cave and view ancient pictographs.

The Mary Ann Richter Overlook on Red Bluff Drive offers views toward other mountains including Mount Nebo and distant Mount Magazine. Further down Red Bluff Drive, the CCC Overlook is on the bluff of Cedar Creek Canyon. This native stone overlook offers views of Cedar Creek Canyon and the Petit Jean River.

Watch the sunset over the Arkansas River Valley at the Palisades Overlook on Ark. 154.

501.727.5441 • arkansasstateparks.com

Barnyard Friends & Stables – Located at 110 Jones Lane, Barnyard Friends and Stables offers a fun, educational and true petting zoo family experience. Up-close, hands-on farm animal activities include pony rides, hayrides and trail rides.

501.208.7287 • barnyardfriendsandstables.com

Museum of Automobiles – More than 50 vehicles are on display, ranging from a 1904 Oldsmobile French Front to a 1967 Ford Ranchero. The museum is the headquarters for the Mid-America Old Time Automobile Association (MOTAA) and hosts several car shows and swap meets on the museum grounds annually. It is open every day except Christmas Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibits are changed periodically.

501.727.5427 • museumofautos.com

Petit Jean Coffee House and Mercantile –

Located on Petit Jean Mountain, Petite Jean Coffee House and Mercantile is a community and touristfocused coffee house that offers delicious coffee, breakfast, lunch, souvenirs and gifts.

501.306.5341 • petitjeancoffeehouse.com

Petit Jean Mountain Balloon Launch Field –

Fly Petit Jean offers the perfect ballooning adventure. Launch from beautiful Petit Jean Mountain and soar above the scenic Arkansas River Valley for an experience you will treasure for a lifetime!

501.208.2592 • flypetitjean.com

Winthrop Rockefeller Institute – Upholding the mission of the late Gov. Rockefeller, The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute develops civic and educational programming that create sustainable and positive change to benefit the quality of life for all Arkansans. As an ideal location for corporate conferences, the Institute serves the Rockefeller mission through a combination of place, people and process. The Institute also features several attractions open to the public: a museum honoring the life and legacy of Winthrop Rockefeller, a gift shop, and The Roustabout, a new coffee shop.

501.727.5435 • rockefellerinstitute.org

Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks & Tourism

MORE OUTDOOR FUN IN CONWAY COUNTY

Arkansas River – Fishing, boating, picnic sites, a playground and camping are available at Cherokee Park, south of Morrilton. 501.889.8964

Ed Gordon Wildlife Management Area (WMA) – As an 8,700-acre WMA, it includes 1,027 acres of herbaceous wetland waterfowl habitat, bottomland hardwoods and swamps. Most soil units and ponds are flooded seasonally and are accessible by boat, and hunting is allowed on most of the WMA. Dog training is allowed in the 140-acre field trial area. Firearms hunting for deer is by permit only, and Lake Cargile is managed for trophy largemouth bass, crappie, bream and catfish. Learn more at agfc.com

Lake Overcup – Located just north of Morrilton, the 1,025-acre lake is a favorite of crappie enthusiasts throughout Central Arkansas. Lake Brewer – Catch crappie, catfish, bass and bream on this lake.

A 1929 Marmon Coupe on display at the Museum of Automobiles.

2023-2024 MORRILTON CHAMBER MEMBER DIRECTORY

AGRICULTURAL CREDIT

Farm Credit Services

myaglender.com

501.354.2377

1329 Highway 9 Morrilton, AR 72110

First Financial Bank ffb1.com

501.354.0220

609 East Broadway

Morrilton, AR 72110

AIRPORT

Morrilton Municipal Airport airnav.com/airport/KBDQ

501.354.4555

1 Airport Road

Morrilton, AR 72110

ATTRACTION

Barnyard Friends & Stables barnyardfriendsandstables.com

501.208.7287

110 Jones Lane Morrilton, AR 72110

Charlie’s Hidden Harbor

501.354.8080

1 Riverview Road Morrilton, AR 72110

Fly Petit Jean flypetitjean.com

501.208.2592

1039 Winrock Drive Morrilton, AR 72110

Museum of Automobiles museumofautos.com

501.727.5427

8 Jones Lane Morrilton, AR 72110

Petit Jean State Park petitjeanstatepark.com

501.727.6500

1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road Morrilton, AR 72110

Rialto Community Arts Center rialtomorrilton.com

501.288.9259

213 & 215 E. Broadway

Morrilton, AR 72110

AUTO BODY SHOP

Koch’s Body Shop

kochs-auto-body-wrecker. business.site

501.354.4224

307 Howell Drive Morrilton, AR 72110

Ron’s Body Shop

501.354.1864

122 Monastery Ridge Road

Morrilton, AR 72110

Westside Auto & Truck Repair

501.354.3980

1410 West Broadway

Morrilton, AR 72110

AUTO PARTS

Crow Burlingame Company btbautoparts.com

501.354.4606

1701 N. Oak St.

Morrilton, AR 72110

Speights Auto Parts - NAPA napaonline.com

501.354.3571

1614 E Harding St

Morrilton, AR 72110

AUTOMOBILE DEALER

America’s Car-Mart of Morrilton car-mart.com

501.354.5933

510 E. Harding St.

Morrilton, AR 72110

Hagans Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep hagansdcmotors.com

501.354.4558

401 Builders Lane

Morrilton, AR 72110

AUTOMOTIVE GLASS REPLACEMENT

Arkansas Chip Repair & Mobile Glass

501.794.7292

Morrilton, AR 72110

Diamond State Dent Removal diamondstatedentremoval.com

479.747.2958

212 W. Broadway

Morrilton, AR 72110

BANKING

Arvest Bank

arvest.com

501.477.5310

1500 East Harding

Morrilton, AR 72110

Centennial Bank my100bank.com

479.498.0639

1302 East Harding Morrilton, AR 72110

Farmers and Merchants Bank mebanking.com

501.977.1000

1600 North Oak Street

Morrilton, AR 72110

Petit Jean State Bank

pjsb.com

501.354.4988

707 North St. Joseph Morrilton, AR 72110

Regions Bank regions.com

501.242.7100

300 North Moose Street Morrilton, AR 72110

BARBER SHOP

The Potter’s Touch Barbershop

501.269.2981

707 E. Broadway

Morrilton, AR 72110

BEAUTY SALON

Dani’s Beauty Studio, LLC 972.763.5904

104 East Railroad Ave

Morrilton, AR 72110

BEEF CATTLE RANCHING AND FARMING

GoodSoils Agroforestry goodsoils.org/

501.499.6000

1944 Highway 113

Morrilton, AR 72110

Winrock Farms, Inc

501.727.5421

256 Montgomery Trace Morrilton, AR 72110

BEER, WINE AND LIQUOR

D.A.D.’s Inc.

501.354.3223

308 East Commerce Morrilton, AR 72110

Petit Jean Liquor

501.354.2692

1833 Hwy. 9

Morrilton, AR 72110

CAR WASH

Sudzee Car Wash

501.208.3320

604 S. Moose Street Morrilton, AR 72110

CATERER

Kristi and Company Catering

501.242.3593 Hattieville, AR 72063

Personal Touch CateringVicki Harris

501.652.0825 Morrilton, AR 72110

Zimmerman Food Service, Inc.

501.354.1631

607 North St. Joseph Street Morrilton, AR 72110

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

EJB Tax Solutions, Inc

ejbtax.com

501.354.4626

101 N St Joseph Street Morrilton, AR 72110

Marchelle Foshee, CPA

501.354.4861

114 Shady Lane Morrilton, AR 72110

Shoptaw, Labahn & Co. P.A. shoptaw-labahn.com

479.967.3600

915 West Main, Ste B Russellville, AR 72801

CHIROPRACTOR

Bledsoe Chiropractic bledsoechiropractic.com

501.504.6999

775 Amity Rd, Conway, AR 72032

York Spinal Care yorkspinalcare.com

501.354.3232

# 9 Medical Services Dr Morrilton, AR 72110 0

CHURCH

Calvary Baptist Church

501.354.2117

101 East Clifton Morrilton, AR 72110

CT Church Morrilton

479.223.1040

1515 E Harding St Morrilton, AR 72110

First United Methodist Church

501.354.4077

201 South Chestnut Morrilton, AR 72110

Lonoke Baptist Church

lonokemissionarybaptist.org

501.354.5228

2662 Hwy. 9 Morrilton, AR 72110

St. Joseph Catholic Church

501.893.2889

343 Catholic Point Road Center Ridge, AR 72027

CIVIC AND SOCIAL

ORGANIZATION

Abundant Life Pregnancy Resource Center

abundantlifeprc.org

501.354.4141

120 N. Division Morrilton, AR 72110

Adelaide Club, GFWC

501.354.3417

Morrilton, AR 72110

American Legion

‘’Nathan G. Gordon’’ Post 39

501.940.7124

1800 West Broadway Morrilton, AR 72110

Century League of Morrilton centuryleague.weebly.com

501.208.7188

Morrilton, AR 72110

Children’s Advocacy Alliance hopeandjustice.org

501.328.3347

1107 Main St.

Conway, AR 72032

Community Service, Inc.

501.354.4589

100 South Cherokee

Morrilton, AR 72110

Conway County Branch

NAACP

501.215.1647

Morrilton, AR 72110

Conway County Care Center conwaycountycarecenter.com

501.354.1454

108 West Broadway

Morrilton, AR 72110

Conway County Community Foundation

arcf.org/conwaycounty

501.208.3697

115 East Broadway

Morrilton, AR 72110

Conway County

Retired Teachers

501.354.8480

327 Caney Valley Drive

Plumerville, AR 72127

Conway County School Counts ccschoolcounts.org

501.208.2771

Morrilton, AR 72110

Disabled American Veterans

501.208.2945

206 Maple Street

Morrilton, AR 72110

Kiwanis Club of Morrilton

501.354.2428

Morrilton, AR 72110

Main Street Morrilton mainstreetmorrilton.org

501.404.8604

115 E Broadway

Morrilton, AR 72110

Morrilton Lions Club

501.354.9911

Morrilton, AR 72110

Our Blood Institute

OBI.org

501.904.4608

4700 S. Bowman Road Suite 100

Little Rock, AR 72210

Pathfinder Club

Morrilton, AR 72110

Petit Jean Garden Club

501.977.0756

Morrilton, AR 72110

Republican Party of Conway County

501.208.7632

Center Ridge, AR 72027

South Conway County Public School Foundation

sccpsf.org

501.208.2826

Morrilton, AR 72110

The Rotary Club of Morrilton

501.354.4626

Morrilton, AR 72110

Tree City Morrilton

501.354.1556

Morrilton, AR 72110

VFW Post 4453

501.215.7725

98 City Park Drive

Morrilton, AR 72110

COMMERCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Nabholz Construction Corp. nabholz.com

501.505.5800

612 Garland

Conway, AR 72033

TOLM, Inc. tolmgrp.com

501.354.6511

210 N. Moose

Morrilton, AR 72110

COMPUTER SERVICES

Custom Network Solutions Inc chris-long-2emt.squarespace.com

501.764.0663

2355 Mountain Park Road

Conway, AR 72034

CONFERENCE CENTER

Winthrop Rockefeller Institute rockefellerinstitute.org

501.727.5435

1 Rockefeller Drive Morrilton, AR 72110

COSMETICS AND BEAUTY SUPPLY

Merle Norman & More ishopandmore.com

501.354.8092

106 S. Moose Morrilton, AR 72110

DAYCARE

Turquoise Squirrel Learning Center turquoisesquirrel.com

501.652.6233

104 West Elm Street Morrilton, AR 72110

DENTIST

Dixon Family Dental morriltondentist.com

501.215.4913

1700 University Blvd., Ste. 105 Morrilton, AR 72110

Morrilton Family Dental morriltonfamilydental.com

501.354.8800

9 Medical Services Dr Suite A Morrilton, AR 72110

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative archford.org

501.208.5433

101 Bulldog Drive Plumerville, AR 72127

Center for Exceptional Children

centerforexceptionalchildren.org

501.354.4484

1008 W. Childress St. Morrilton, AR 72110

Morrilton

Human Relations

Council/T. C. Vaughan

Senior Activity Center

501.354.8044

706 N. Division St.

Morrilton, AR 72110

The Safe Place, Inc. thesafeplacearkansas.com

501.354.1884

Morrilton, AR 72110

TANNING SALON

Beach N’ Reach

Tan and Shop, LLC

501.893.4004

5756 Highway 9 Center Ridge, AR 72027

TATTOOING

Hiatus Tattoo, LLC

501.306.5469

1401A East Broadway St. Morrilton, AR 72110

Paramedical Tattooing & Permanent Cosmetics pmpmutattoo.com

501.477.3133

240 N Moose St

Morrilton, AR 72110

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Cricket Wireless cricketwireless.com

901.340.7657

100 Walmart Dr.

Morrilton, AR 72110

Natural State Wireless, LLC nswireless.com

501.289.9350

17 Housley Dr Plumerville, AR 72127

Ritter Communications ritterbusiness.com

888.336.4249

2400 Ritter Dr. Jonesboro, AR 72401

THERAPIST

N’Speech, Inc. nspeechtherapy.com

501.208.2316

1510 E. Harding Street Morrilton, AR 72110

Therapy Monkey therapymonkey.cloud

501.697.9881

102 E. Harding St. Morrilton, AR 72110

TIRE DEALER

Roberson Tire Service, Inc. robersontireservice.net

501.354.0306

4 Bruce Drive

Morrilton, AR 72110

TITLE ABSTRACT AND SETTLEMENT OFFICE

Benchmark Title, LLC

501.477.2296

212 East Railroad Avenue

Morrilton, AR 72110

Perry County Title

501.889.2461

110 N. Pine St. Perryville, AR 72126

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

Perfectly Loved perfectlylovedtlc.org

501.242.9326

2196 Hwy 247

Hattieville, AR 72063

TROPHIES & AWARDS

Billy’s Trophies & Awards billysawards.com

501.358.6706

1155 Front Street, Suite 5

Conway, AR 72032

TRUCK TRANSPORTATION

Wayne Smith Trucking, Inc. wstrucking.com/home/

501.354.0995

41 WST Circle Morrilton, AR 72110

USED MERCHANDISE

HomeTown Flea Market & Bow-Teek

501.208.3009

207 E. Broadway Morrilton, AR 72110

UTILITIES

CARDS Recycling cardsrecycling.com

877.59.CARDS

1305 US Hwy 64 Morrilton, AR 72110

Conway County Regional Water Distribution District ccrwdd.com

501.354.3503

30 H20 Drive Plumerville, AR 72127

Entergy Arkansas entergy.com

501.730.6608

2650 Muskogee Drive

Conway, AR 72032

Lakeshore Recycling Systems

LRSrecycles.com

501.314.6454

2 Davis Drive Morrilton, AR 72110

Optimum

479.964.1076

127 North Elmira

Russellville, AR 72802

VAPE SHOP

Pipe Dreams, LLC

501.289.0096

1517 East Harding Street Morrilton, AR 72110

VETERINARY SERVICES

Liberty Acres Pet Services

libertyacrespetresources.com

501.336.4274

15 McDonald Lane

Oppelo, AR 72110

Magie Veterinary Clinic

magievetclinic.com

501.977.0063

404 E. Harding St. Morrilton, AR 72110

Morrilton Veterinary Clinic

morriltonvet.com

501.354.1738

1703 West Broadway

Morrilton, AR 72110

WAREHOUSE/STORAGE

Bruce Oakley, Inc

bruceoakley.com/

501.354.4684

1110 Hwy 9 S Morrilton, AR 72110

WELDING

Gangluff Welding, Inc.

501.354.2624

300 Howell Drive Morrilton, AR 72110

WINDOWS

Premier Windows, Inc.

premierwindowsar.com

501.327.8800

1600 Museum Road

Conway, AR 72034

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR INDIVIDUAL, RETIRED AND COUPLE MEMBERS

Ashley Congine

Barry and Phyllis McKuin

Bill & Crystal Vint

Bryce Mobley

Dana Williams

Dom and Joan Filomeno

Donna Beck

Dustin Taylor

Grant and Misty Summers

James Mason

Jerry Smith

Katherine Foust

Kay Osborne

Mike Roetzel

Representative Rick Beck

Romania Crain

Sharon Clarkson

Nature's ultimate show

Morrilton will be a national hot spot for the 2024 Great North American Eclipse

Looking for the best place to enjoy the Great North American Eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024? Join us in Morrilton and the Petit Jean River Valley, where the community is “rolling out the red carpet” for visitors. We invite everyone to enjoy the southern hospitality of our small, peaceful community, located at the foot of scenic Petit Jean Mountain.

Experts agree that Morrilton and the Petit Jean River Valley is one of the most ideal locations from which to view the Great North American Eclipse,

with up to four minutes and 17 seconds of total darkness. Located in Mid America where the “blue line” (the center of the eclipse path with the longest times of darkness) intersects with Interstate 40, Morrilton and the Petit Jean River Valley are in a rural area with fresh air and beautiful, clear skies. With this location, eclipse visitors can expect to experience a full eclipse with total darkness and the “halo” effect not available in most communities along the eclipse’s path that are not on the blue line.

See page 28 for many great things to see and do that the community has planned!

Dr. Clay Sherrod of the Arkansas Sky Observatories on Petit Jean Mountain says a solar eclipse remains one of the most spectacular and rarest of astronomical phenomena, and one that typically excites the general public more than any other.

Morrilton and the Petit Jean River Valley are going to great lengths to make the 2024 Great North American Eclipse a true experience, with a number of special events and activities planned for the weekend before and leading up to the day of the eclipse. The community will be hosting concerts, a food truck festival, a hot air balloon event atop Petit Jean Mountain, a pop-up market, kid’s games and activities, and much, much more as part of the fun in Morrilton and the Petit Jean River Valley during the eclipse.

Aside from the special events and activities, there are a number of things to see and do in the community that are sure to entertain visitors of all ages. Arkansas’s first and most popular state park, Petit Jean State Park, is located atop Petit Jean Mountain and offers amazing scenery, trails, interpretive programs and activities. Petit Jean Mountain is also home to the Museum of Automobiles classic car museum, Barnyard Friends & Stables petting zoo and horseback riding, and Fly Petit Jean hot air balloon flights.

The City of Morrilton is home to the Depot Museum, located in the Historic Downtown and offering a wide variety of exhibits on the history of Morrilton and the Petit Jean River Valley. Morrilton is also home to Playland Bowling & Skating Rink, Point Remove Brewing Company, a movie theater, the Rialto Community Arts Center & Gallery and a large number of other historic buildings and homes.

A Wide Variety of Accommodations and Amenities

Whether you are looking for a hotel room, vacation rental, or campsite, Morrilton and the Petit Jean River Valley have a variety of places to stay during the Great North American Eclipse. In addition to traditional lodging, a number of groups and landowners are setting up “Eclipse Villages” where visitors can camp and enjoy the eclipse and related activities.

In addition to many places to stay, Morrilton and the Petit Jean River Valley offer many places to shop and dine. Dining options range from local coffee shops and artisan pizza to wellknown chains; whatever you may want, there’s a good chance you can find it here. Shoppers love the small shops, boutiques and gift shops found in Downtown Morrilton, plus we have department stores, grocery stores, pharmacies and anything else you may need on your visit.

For more information on Morrilton and the Petit Jean River Valley and the 2024 Great North American Eclipse, including concerts, festivals and camping options from primitive camping to RVs, visit arkeclipse.com. You can also call the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce at 501.354.2393 and follow their Facebook page.

Making Morrilton Home

Amelia (from left), Mandi, Wilson, Andy and Eva Roller. The Rollers’ are pharmacists who love raising their children in Morrilton where people know their neighbors

Seven years ago, Doctors of Pharmacy Andy and Mandi Roller traded the city lights of Northwest Arkansas for quieter living in Conway County. Blessed with three children in 14 months, they discovered that Morrilton was the perfect place to relocate and raise their family while continuing their careers.

When they’re not juggling sports and gymnastics for their kids, the Rollers frequent the many festivities around town, and also enjoy the outdoors of the Petit Jean River Valley.

“From the Farmer’s Market to Oktoberfest to our annual bazaar, we love being a part of all the different events that Morrilton has to offer,” Mandi said. “We like going to the brewery on Friday nights and listening to music while the kids play Baggo, and our annual camping trip to Petit Jean Mountain is a big highlight for our family.”

“The cost of living is also very reasonable here,” Andy added. “We’re only 40 minutes from Little Rock, too. We can venture out and do whatever our hearts desire and still be home before midnight.”

A Cabot native, Andy was reluctant to move to a smaller town but quickly learned that Morrilton fit right into his collection of hobbies.

“At first, I was a little hesitant to move, but I couldn’t say no to all the support from family and friends,” Andy said. “It’s really laid back here, and I spend a lot of my free time golfing and hunting.

Looking back, we probably should have moved here sooner.”

For Mandi, a fifth-generation Morrilton native, the move meant their children could experience the same beauty and small-town feel of the 501 from her childhood.

“We had a good life and good friends in Fayetteville,” Mandi said. “However, we ended up sprinting back to Morrilton to be closer to family. Everyone knows everyone here, and there’s a deeper personal connection with those you see every day. There’s a lot to be said about knowing the people in your town and the people your kids are being raised with. If we lived in Little Rock or Fayetteville, our kids wouldn’t have the experiences I had growing up here.”

Today, the Rollers are fully involved in their Morrilton community. Andy serves as Treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce, is a board member for CHI St. Vincent and is a member of the Lions Club. Mandi is President of the Century League of Morrilton and serves on Sacred Heart’s advisory board. Their son Wilson and daughters Eva and Amelia attend Sacred Heart Catholic School, and Andy and Mandi work at different pharmacies in town, giving back to their friends, family and neighbors.

“It’s nice to be able to help friends and family I’ve known my whole life in a way that I’ve never been able to,” Mandi said. “Having that personal connection and being able to help them outside of work as well is a special feeling I couldn’t get anywhere else.”

A Southern Success Story

Stacy Drilling and Misty Willbanks are two of the busiest women in Conway County, and they wouldn’t have it any other way

Both married mothers of three boys, Drilling works as a healthcare worker for Conway Regional Health System while Willbanks works in marketing for Petit Jean Meats. Together, they have created three of Morrilton’s biggest attractions in recent years.

“One night, while working at the hospital, I learned about the concept of mobile bars,” Drilling said. “It was very classy and pretty and made bartending appear upscale. I messaged Misty with the idea and she was all in. My husband wasn’t sure that it would go over well in the community. I’m the kind of person that if someone tells you something won’t work, you go out of your way to prove them wrong, and that’s exactly what we did.”

Nearly two years later, business is booming at Morrilton’s traveling cocktail bar, The Southern Sippery Mobile Bar. Forged from a repurposed horse trailer named Jolene, the service is on pace to serve more than 100 events in 2023.

“What started as a weekend-only thing turned into our community hiring us for everything they could,” Drilling said. “It was simply meant to be. We love our community, and we feel like Morrilton is growing in a positive way.”

The success of The Southern Sippery inspired additional business adventures from Drilling and Willbanks. Earlier this year, the duo opened OrenWood Hall, an event center named after each woman’s father that hosts birthday parties, weddings, corporate events and more for the community of Morrilton. “As our mobile bar grew, we were looking for additional space and found a beautiful building across from Sacred Heart Catholic School that was perfect for our needs,” Drilling said. “With a little bit of paint, love and care, we turned an old building into the event center we felt that Morrilton needed.”

When OrenWood Hall isn’t reserved for events, it becomes Southern Social, a meeting place for women in the community.

Stacy Drilling (from left) and Misty Willbanks. Photos by White November Images

“OrenWood Hall is open Monday through Thursday for women to meet, work, have lunch with clients or even just to come get a nap,” Drilling said. “We also host multiple guest speakers each month to help women overcome obstacles such as grief and fear and cultivate skills like setting goals and improving mental health and selfconfidence. It’s a great place for likeminded women to interact and better themselves, their businesses and our community.”

Both Drilling and Willbanks have deep roots in Morrilton, from growing up and meeting their husbands in the community to enrolling their sons in Sacred Heart Catholic School. This made the idea of giving back to the city they’ve called home a no-brainer.

“I truly believe that Morrilton is about to grow in a big way,” Willbanks said. “We have great people here and even greater things in place to make this an even better place to live.”

For more information on The Southern Sippery, visit southernsippery.com. For more information on OrenWood Hall, visit orenwoodhall.com.

An imPORTant project

Proposed Port Facility will attract industries to Conway and Perry Counties

In late August 2023, the Morrilton Chamber of Commerce held a luncheon to introduce proposed plans for the construction of a new Arkansas River Port Facility that would be located at the Highway 9 Arkansas River Bridge in Perry County. The River Port will provide economic opportunities for both Conway and Perry Counties and could bring new businesses and jobs to the area.

The facility would encompass both the north and south sides of the bridge between Morrilton and Oppelo, with the majority of the facility located on the south side. The vision of the proposed facility is the product of the Central Arkansas Intermodal Authority (CAIA), a public corporation that was formed by Conway and Perry Counties; all members were appointed by County Judges Jimmy Hart (Conway County) and Larry Blackmon (Perry County). The chairman of the group is Dr. Don B. Bradley III, UCA Professor Emeritus of Marketing and Management.

The proposed port is possible through a partnership of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, Arkansas Department of Transportation, Arkansas Waterways Commission, Conway County Economic Development Corporation, Conway County Levee District No. 6, First Electric Cooperative, Green Bay Packaging, the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce and the West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District. Representatives from each organization were

present at the luncheon, where the structural port facility design concept was proposed, explained and discussed. It was developed by Garver Engineering. Also in attendance were local business, industry, and political leaders.

The land for the project has been acquired, and a utilities infrastructure is in place. The proposed River Port Facility would be built in phases, and the CAIA is still awaiting funding opportunities for the completion of each phase. They are in the process of applying for federal grant money.

The first phase would be the construction of the facility itself, and the second phase would be the construction of a slackwater harbor. The first phase would include the construction of a floating barge, although CAIA hopes to construct a fixed dock. Additionally, they would like to build a conveyor system to load and unload large trucks.

With the construction of the new port, another mode of transportation becomes available to industries, which reduces semi-trailer truck traffic on interstates. It also creates an alternate mode of transportation in case interstate roads are disabled.

The Arkansas River Port Facility in Morrilton is a unique opportunity, offering an abundance of potential for future growth that is advantageous to businesses, communities and citizens. Learn more at centralarintermodalauthority.com.

Members of the Central Arkansas Intermodal Authority and interested parties are Brad Harville, VP and GM of Arkansas Kraft Green Bay Packaging (from left), Rep. Mary Bentley (Dist. 54), Dr. Don Bradley, ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor, Rep. Rick Beck (Dist. 43) and Rep. Breanne Davis (Dist. 25).

Photo by Mary Eggart