HOMETOWN HEROES: FIRST RESPONDERS REFLECT ON 2024 TORNADOES
Cartpath Social redefines the golfing experience by blending the art of the game with the warmth of community engagement.
Founded by two locals with a passion for golf, but no skill for it, this premier indoor golf facility caters to both accomplished golfers and newcomers alike. The name “Cartpath Social” pays homage to the golf cart, the social center of the course. Here, state-of-the-art technology meets traditional gameplay, providing a streamlined yet inclusive environment. Cartpath Social is more than just a place to play golf; it’s a sanctuary where the game is celebrated, relationships are forged, and the love for golf is shared among enthusiasts of all skill levels. Join us to experience a modern approach to golfing that allows you to enjoy the game all year round.
A Father’s Legacy Shapes Generations
Of all the men who’ve shaped the person I am today, no one stands out more than my father.
I see so much of him in myself—from the way I responsibly managed money even at a young age, to the strong work ethic he instilled in me, and the constant drive to try to do what’s right.
Growing up, he was the rock in my life, the person I could always count on. After graduating high school, I called to ask for his advice about everything—and continued to come home to get the oil changed in my car.
To this day, I call him when I need advice, although not nearly as much as when I was younger (probably to his relief). He was the first man I ever loved, and the one I will love the longest, and it’s hard to convey in words the difference he made in my life.
Now as the mother to two young boys, I hope to instill the same qualities in them that I’ve learned from my father. There’s no greater joy in the world than watching my two wild little men grow up, and all I can hope for is that they carry on at least some of their grandfather’s character.
There are times when life can feel tumultuous, and it’s those relationships that get us through—having support reminds us we’re not alone, even when everything else feels uncertain. In this issue, we shine a light on one of the many teams that sprang into action in the immediate aftermath of the Memorial Weekend tornadoes that tore through Rogers in 2024—offering help, hope, and a reminder that community shows up when it matters most.
We also share the story of a grandfather whose bond with his 16 grandchildren goes far beyond family ties. Through woodworking, he taught them the value of craftsmanship—and by guiding them in starting and running a business, he passed down timeless life lessons they’ll carry with them forever.
Whether it’s a family member, friend, mentor, or community member, it’s often the quiet strength of the people around us that shapes who we are—and reminds us what truly matters.
Retirement is a vibrant new season; we’re here to help yours flourish. With chef-prepared meals, weekly housekeeping, and maintenance-free living, you’ll have more time for what truly matters. Immerse yourself in enriching social events and wellness programs, enjoy top-tier amenities, and a community designed to help you blossom —all wrapped up in one easy monthly payment.
city scene
1: Collier and Associates are located in Pinnacle Heights. 2: JIA Communities Design Studio opens, showcasing Park 5, a new luxury neighborhood in Rogers. 3: JIA Communities recently opened in Pinnacle Heights at 4100 S. Grand Ave., B102. 4: The showroom at Heritage Motorcycles of Northwest Arkansas. 5: Confident Coffee in Pinnacle Heights, a great home away from home. 6: Masters Madness at Walker Brother’s new location in Pinnacle Hills, 3503 South 55th Street #101. 7: Signature Bank’s beautiful Pinnacle Hills location.
SAMANTHA FARNSWORTH
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Rogers Historical Museum Turns 50
The Rogers Historical Museum is commemorating its 50th anniversary with a special exhibit titled “The Rogers Historical Museum: Celebrating 50 Years!” on display through Jan. 10, 2026. The exhibit offers a scrapbook-style retrospective of the museum’s growth since its 1975 inception. Founded to preserve the area’s heritage amid rapid development, the museum invites the community to join yearlong celebratory events, including 1970s-themed summer crafts and a birthday celebration on Oct. 25.
Photography by Rogers Historical Museum
JIA Communities Design Studio Unveils Plans for Park 5 Neighborhood
JIA Communities is a new premier luxury home builder in NWA, dedicated to building timeless, connected, and modern neighborhoods. Its first residential project, Park 5, is located at 1499 W. Wallis Road in Rogers, with only 53 lots and a 12-acre landscaped central park. Discover the perfect balance of luxury and tranquility at Park 5—where every day feels like a retreat. JIA Design Studio is open to the public every other Wednesday from 4–6 p.m.
Savor the Experience at Ashleigh Wine & Sake Lounge
Ashleigh Wine & Sake Lounge was born from a vision of merging luxury and approachability. Set in the heart of Pinnacle Hills, it offers a tranquil yet sophisticated escape where patrons can savor carefully curated wines, sakes, and artisanal plates in a modern, moody setting. Ashleigh is an experience—designed for both connoisseurs and casual visitors to explore, relax, and celebrate with every sip and bite. Located at 5500 Northgate. Call (479) 391-4040.
Hassle-Free
One year later: First responders reflect on the May 2024 tornadoes
Hometown Heroes
ARTICLE BY KARA ISHAM PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH MASHBURN
In the early morning hours of Sunday, May 26, 2024, during the Memorial Day weekend, multiple tornadoes struck northwestern Arkansas, causing enormous damage and leading to the deaths of three people in Benton County.
Among the communities most impacted by the storms, the City of Rogers sustained damage to nearly 100 city locations, sustaining an estimated $45 million in damage.
The city’s emergency personnel—fire, emergency medical services and police— stepped up to help provide aid to those affected by the storm, acting as heroes in a time of great need. In particular, Rogers firefighters responded first to calls of help. The department took more than 300 calls in the first 12 hours following the storm, responding to medical calls, gas leaks, people trapped in their homes, fire alarms and other emergency situations.
To help coordinate the department’s overwhelming number of calls, Battalion Chief Brandon Howard personally took control of dispatch orders at the Rogers Dispatch Center.
Rogers firefighter Wes Partin served as driver for Engine 2, one of the first trucks that responded to the tornado around 2 a.m. He said that the first response was eye-opening.
“The damage was a lot worse than we expected,” Partin said. “On our way to our first call we had to drive around downed power lines, trees, pieces of fence and even roofs that had been blown off.”
He said every response on that first day required firefighters to clear the roads of downed trees in order to get to the response addresses. The amount of trees fallen on houses, power lines down and gas lines pulled out of the ground had
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“Nothing can prepare you mentally for seeing that amount of destruction ... but our training for major emergencies helped prepare me for this day.”
the entire department running from call to call throughout the night and most of that next day.
Thanks to lessons learned from previous storms, every Rogers fire truck was equipped with chainsaws, without which several addresses could not have been reached.
Partin said the city also benefited from having a very robust special operations program, having personnel trained in water rescue, structure collapse, and several other disciplines.
Firefighter and EMT medic Aaron Melson said the condition of the roads also made transporting those injured in the tornado to the hospital very challenging.
“Just to make it to the hospital I had to drive over curbs, through yards, and over debris,” Melson said. “As soon as we were cleared from that call we would instantly be dispatched to another emergency.”
He said daybreak helped him and his fellow firefighters see even more clearly the severity of damage to the city.
“Nothing can prepare you mentally for seeing that amount of destruction in such a short period of time, but our training for major emergencies helped prepare me for this day.”
Fire departments from surrounding cities also provided resources to help Rogers units respond to calls.
Carlie Martin was in the midst of completing the Rogers Metro Chiefs Fire Academy. Though she couldn’t yet respond to calls herself, she said she witnessed firsthand the tireless dedication of her brothers and sisters in the department, many of whom worked nonstop for over 24 hours.
“As a department, we are trained in every facet of emergency services,” Martin said. “In times of crisis, when no one else knows what to do, it’s the fire department that steps in.”
ANGLER’S PARADISE
A GUIDE TO YEAR-ROUND FISHING NEAR ROGERS
ARTICLE BY HEATHER JARVIS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
ISABELLA RAQUEL
Northwest Arkansas is a haven for outdoor adventure, with fishing standing out as a popular way to experience its natural beauty. Boasting abundant fishable waters and a mild winter season, the region provides anglers with rewarding opportunities year-round. Here are some of the best locations for yearround fishing in and around the Rogers area.
BEAVER LAKE
Beaver Lake offers a versatile fishing experience, with anglers reeling in everything from smallmouth and largemouth bass to white and black crappie, walleye, and catfish. While fishing on Beaver Lake is a treat by boat, there is 487 miles of shoreline along this 28,000-acre lake.
“The lake is also known as a trophy striped bass destination, and anglers can catch fish over 30 pounds,” says Jon Stein, district fisheries supervisor with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
For robust populations of largemouth bass and crappie, Stein recommends the south end of the lake from Blue Springs to Prairie Creek. This area has plenty of forage, which translates into a larger number of sportfish, he says.
WAR EAGLE CREEK
War Eagle Creek is a 20-minute drive from downtown Rogers, and is known for its smallmouth bass and largemouth bass populations.
It is a good option for those looking for a little solitude as one of the lesser-visited fishing holes, but still showcases Northwest Arkansas’ scenic bluffs. There are several areas to access the creek and Stein recommends fishing around Withrow Springs State Park.
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
Veterans Park is a 23-acre park located at 500 Veterans Parkway in Rogers. As part of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Family and Community Fishing Program, it gets stocked with channel catfish in the spring (April-June) and rainbow trout in the winter (November-February).
A perfect fishing hole for families, Veterans Park offers all the essentials for a day outdoors—drinking fountains, restrooms, pavilions, picnic spots, benches, paved trails, a dog station, and ample parking.
“Beaver Lake is known as a trophy striped bass destination.”
— JON STEIN
LAKE ATALANTA
Lake Atalanta is another easily accessible location for yearround fishing.
“Lake Atalanta has a good largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish and channel catfish,” Stein says. “The Arkansas Game and Fish stocks the lake annually with catchable-size catfish and catchable-size rainbow trout in the winter.”
The rainbow trout fishing is best in November through February when water temperatures are colder and fish are stocked once per month, he says.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock
Photo credit: Adobe Stock
Crafted with Purpose
POPKNOT WOOD: A GRANDFATHER’S LEGACY OF FAMILY, COMMUNITY, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Rogers resident John Adams never planned to start a woodworking business—he just wanted to keep his 16 grandchildren entertained. But what began as a simple woodworking project quickly grew into a thriving family venture, fueled by the kids’ excitement to create and sell their own products and their grandfather’s passion for teaching them the value of entrepreneurship.
The journey began in 2018, when John started teaching his grandchildren—then between the ages of 3 and 17—the basics of woodworking. Using his garage as their shop, he showed the children how to use the tools, starting with easy hand tools and moving on to power tools, progressively advancing from simple tasks to detailed projects.
As their skills grew, so did their ambitions—and soon, the grandchildren weren’t just making projects for fun, but preparing to share and sell their creations in their local community.
While some of the kids focused on handcrafting the products, others took the lead on building a website and developing a marketing strategy—with guidance from Startup Junkies, a Northwest Arkansas organization that supports budding entrepreneurs. Together, they laid the groundwork for Popknot Wood, a true reflection of a small, family-run business.
ARTICLE BY HEATHER JARVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH MASHBURN
Over the years, the family has created cutting boards, stools, exotic bowls, Bible boxes, jewelry boxes, coffee grinders, and other furniture and home decor. John uses each project as a lesson, letting his grandkids decide what they want to create, how much the materials cost, and if they have all of the equipment to make it, running through the entire process from ideation to sale.
“They have to figure out how much this would sell for. … How much money in materials did I have? How much do I want to make?” he says.
They mostly sell their goods at local farmers’ markets and craft fairs, and even have a few pieces displayed at the Rogers Historical Museum, John says. They also have online purchasing through the Popknot Wood website.
“I’ve sold zero stuff on (the website) for them,” John laughs. “Unbeknownst to them, there has been somebody mysterious who bought some of their stuff on there for encouragement.”
The family has also used the business as a way to give back to their community. They’ve given away a lot of their pieces to 4-H Clubs and other charities to support fundraising efforts. They also make wooden urns for Kaden’s Cause, a nonprofit organization established to support families who have lost a child.
A LEGACY OF HARD WORK AND COMMUNITY TIES
With 11 generations rooted in the Rogers area, John’s family history runs deep—woven into the very fabric of the community. Around 180 years ago, his family donated the land and built the church on Promenade Boulevard, long known as Oakley Chapel United Methodist. The work of his great uncles can still be seen in stamped ceiling tiles in businesses on First Street, and his family was responsible for the area’s first poultry heaters, waters, and feeders, he says.
“I hope that they’re more entrepreneurial-minded, at least they’ve got exposed to what it is (to run a business).”
“For my grandkids, I want them to experience different things in life and have fun at it. But more than anything, it’s all these things you have to think about, not just what you’re going to make, but will it sell— or is this practical?”
As a great-grandson of lumber millers, John grew up watching his grandfathers work the mills in the hills of the Ozarks. He learned many lessons along the way—but none more valuable than the worth of a hard day’s work done right. He hopes he’s passed those lessons along to his grandchildren.
“I hope that they’re more entrepreneurial-minded, at least they’ve got exposed to what it is (to run a business),” he says. “It’s not all collecting a paycheck and sitting back.”
As John’s grandkids have grown—some even starting families of their own—the number of projects has slowed, but the tradition continues. His youngest, now 10, still comes over every other weekend and enjoys building in the shop. The oldest, 24, joins in whenever he’s home. And during the holidays, most of them still love helping out with snowmen and Christmas tree projects.
“For my grandkids, the biggest thing is, I want them to experience different things in life and have fun at it,” John says. “But more than anything, it’s all these things you have to think about, not just what you’re going to make, but will it sell—or is this practical? … The whole gauntlet, if you will. I’ve enjoyed it.”
Menswear,
ARTICLE BY HEATHER JARVIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISABELLA RAQUEL
Rooted in tradition, driven by individuality, Walker Brothers outfits men for life’s biggest moments—and everything in between
Made Personal
Walker Brothers, a family-owned business and longtime staple of both Fayetteville and Rogers, has been woven into the fabric of Northwest Arkansas for decades. As the region has grown, so has the Cole family’s commitment to serving their community—most recently marked by the opening of a new 8,500-square-foot location in the heart of Pinnacle Hills.
The store at 3503 S. 55th St. curates a selection of the finest men’s apparel for every occasion, complemented by a comprehensive range of accessories.
From shoes and cologne to wallets, formalwear accents, and bracelets, Walker Brothers offers everything a man needs to complete his wardrobe—both for everyday life and special events.
To CEO and partner Thomas Cole, however, it’s not just about the apparel—it’s about their relationship with the community.
“We love clothes but more than anything we love people,” he says. “Whether you need a place to escape, to walk around and be left alone, or to hang out, talk, and have a drink, we want to make sure that experience is felt when you come in here.”
The welcoming atmosphere is immediately felt throughout the modern, pristine space, where cozy lounge areas, a fully stocked whiskey bar, and an espresso machine invite guests to linger. Just as Thomas once watched his grandparents build lasting relationships
with clients in their trio of department stores, that same spirit of service became the foundation of Walker Brothers—a legacy that began when his father, John, opened the original Fayetteville location in 1977.
“We are here for the hardest moments of life and the best moments of life,” Thomas says, whether that’s needing attire for the funeral of a loved one, or an outfit to celebrate the wedding of a child. “We make sure the last thing you have to worry about is your clothes.”
STYLE FOR EVERY OCCASION
At Walker Brothers, Cole takes pride in helping clients find apparel that’s perfectly tailored to their style and needs. He trains his
staff to be looking for ways to identify the individuality of the person and match them with clothing they’ll love and feel good in.
With this personalized approach, Walker Brothers ensures that every client, no matter their passion or lifestyle, finds apparel that speaks to their individual style and needs.
FOR THE GOLFER
Recommended: Greyson or Peter Millar
Whether you’re an avid golfer or just enjoy the occasional weekend round, Walker Brothers offers apparel suited for every golfing experience—rain or shine.
“We’ve got everything from really fun, loud patterns to very classic outfits and everything in between,” Thomas says. “Unfortunately we don’t make your golf game better—but we can make you look good.”
FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION
Recommended: Atelier Munro
Every employee at Walker Brothers is expertly trained to ensure formalwear fits not only how it should—but in a way that feels right to the client.
“The fashion world has ideas of how things should fit, but what really matters most is if you feel comfortable,” Thomas says. “If I’ve learned anything over the last 20 years in this business, it’s that if a guy doesn’t feel comfortable, he’ll wear it once and never wear it again.”
FOR THE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST
Recommended: Stio or Vuori
Whether it’s fishing, biking, working out, or hiking, Walker Brothers carries the quality apparel that not only looks the part, but provides the functionality needed to move well.
FOR THE BEST DRESSED MAN
Recommended: Isaia or Zegna
Whether it’s a night out in an exceptional sports coat, a perfectly tailored suit, or a polished casual look, the best-dressed man feels confident and comfortable in every outfit.
“Everybody has different opinions on what being the best-dressed man means. I think for us it’s making sure no matter where you go, you have an outfit that fits your personality and style while being relevant to the world of style,” Thomas says.
ARTICLE BY RILEY CRAIG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH MASHBURN
GOLF, REIMAGINED
CARTPATH
SOCIAL REDEFINES
GOLF IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Cartpath Social founders and lifelong friends Nate Gairhan and Christian Olsen grew up together in Rogers, Arkansas, and have been close since second grade. Their idea for Cartpath Social began during college, sparked by late nights in a student housing facility.
“As University of Arkansas students, we spent countless nights playing simulator golf in a student housing facility—we weren’t great, but we had a blast,” Olsen recalls. Years later, a trip to Las Vegas reignited that spark and led to launching Cartpath Social in Northwest Arkansas.
We caught up with the founders to find out more.
“As self-proclaimed ‘bad golfers’ ourselves, we want our facility to be a fun, social place for everyone, no matter the skill level.”
WHAT MAKES CARTPATH SOCIAL MORE SOCIAL THAN TRADITIONAL GOLF?
Simulator golf offers the advantage of year-round play, regardless of weather, and it’s much faster—18 holes take about an hour per person. Unlike traditional golf, where conversation is limited to the tee box or green, at Cartpath Social, you’re engaged the entire time, playing iconic courses from around the world. We also offer a range of events, from birthday parties to corporate gatherings, and competitive leagues where players can compete at their convenience with live leaderboards tracking progress. It’s a social, flexible, and enjoyable experience for everyone.
HOW DO YOU CATER TO BEGINNERS?
Our simulators offer real-time feedback, helping players understand their swing and improve. Rounds are customizable, so beginners can play at their own pace while still having a full golf experience with friends.
NO WAITING BEHIND SLOW GROUPS—HOW HAS THIS SPEEDY ADVANTAGE WON OVER YOUR CUSTOMERS?
NWA has incredible courses, but with demand so high, it’s tough to squeeze in a quick round, especially on weekends. At Cartpath, you can play 18 holes in just an hour. A group of four can finish a round in the usual four hours, without any delays from slow players.
YOU OFFER MEMBERSHIPS, TOO. HOW DO THEY WORK FOR MORE CASUAL PLAYERS?
Memberships aren’t required to play. But for $150/month, you get 50% off tee times, 15% off merch, and access to member-only events like
“Rounds are customizable, so beginners can play at their own pace while still having a full golf experience with friends.”
our “Cartpath After Dark” series. It’s a great deal if you plan to play more than six hours a month, and members can bring as many guests as they want.
WHAT SETS CARTPATH APART FROM OTHER SIMULATOR VENUES OR ENTERTAINMENT SPOTS IN THE AREA?
Our BYOB policy is a big draw—just like a public golf course, you can bring your own cooler. We also use professional-grade Uneekor EYE XO2 simulators, which provide 24 data points to give players a truly realistic experience, from driving to putting.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR LEAGUES AND WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TO JOIN ONE.
They usually involve two-person teams and run six to 10 weeks. We rotate formats like best ball, combined score, or scramble. Winners earn prizes and get a plaque on the wall. We’re always starting new leagues, and anyone interested can check our website or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
HOW DOES CARTPATH ENGAGE WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?
Supporting the community is huge. We partnered with the NWA LPGA Championship for the official watch party, hosted Har-Ber High School’s offseason practice, and are active members of the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce. We also donate to local charity auctions and collaborate with schools in the area.
Ready to experience a new way to play golf? Cartpath Social is open daily in Rogers. Book your bay today at www. cartpathsocial.com
JUNE 1ST
Blacktop Sunday
4204 S. Pinnacle Hills Parkway, Rogers | 8:00 AM
A gathering for automotive enthusiasts with a bit of everything: classic cars, supercars, trucks, metric motors, drag racers, drifters, motorcycles, overlanders, and rock climbers. Attendees can enjoy free donuts, live music, and a laidback family-friendly atmosphere. Free.
JUNE 6TH – 7TH
Live Music with Deadhead Productions
The Railyard
Two nights of live music with Deadhead Productions. Friday, June 6 is Bluegrass Night featuring Feed The Dog and Casey and the Atta Boys. On Saturday, June 7, catch The Dead Thing for Grateful Dead Night. Go to railyardlive.com for more information.
JUNE 13TH – 14TH
Father/Son Basketball Camp
Bud Walton Arena | 5:30 PM
The first John Calipari Father-Son Camp will be held Father’s Day weekend, offering hands-on instruction from University of Arkansas coaches, staff, and current players. The camp features skill work and competitions for father-son pairs, grouped by the son’s age. Participants will leave with drills and techniques to continue practicing together at home.
JUNE 14TH
Farm Fresh Father’s Day
4211 S. Champions Drive Parking Garage | 8:00 AM
Celebrate Dad at the Rogers Farmers Market. Shop farm-fresh produce and local artisan goods. Enter a Father’s Day Giveaway packed with handpicked market finds, and snap a memory at the Father’s Day Photo Spot. Birdie & Brews will be there with its virtual golf setup.
JUNE 17TH – 22ND
Northwest Arkansas Naturals vs. Amarillo
Arvest Ballpark | 7:00 PM
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals play the Amarillo Sod Poodles for a six-night run at home. Get tickets at mlb.tickets.com.
JUNE 19TH – 22ND
3rd Annual Ozark Mountain Rumble Rally
Pig Trail Harley-Davidson | 9:00 AM
The custom bike show will feature outside vendors and live music at the Pig Trail Harley-Davidson in Rogers.
JUNE 20TH
TobyMac
Walmart AMP | 7:00 PM
Live music with TobyMac, with opening acts Zach Williams and We The Kingdom. With more than 16 million units in career sales and seven GRAMMY Awards, TobyMac’s career continues on the fast track.
JUNE 25TH – 28TH
Rodeo of the Ozarks
Parsons Stadium: 1423 E Emma Ave., Springdale | 7:30 PM
Each performance of the rodeo will feature PRCA rodeo events—bareback riding, saddle bronc, bull riding, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and breakaway roping. Enjoy rodeo competitions, talented acts, a rodeo clown, children’s events, vendors, and food.
JUNE 29TH
Fireworks at the Crosses
Cross Church Pinnacle Hills Campus | 5:00 PM
A patriotic celebration featuring live music, food trucks, outdoor baptisms, and fireworks. Fireworks will begin at dark.
