SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2026
For the members and customers of Ozarks Electric and OzarksGo
FRIDAY NIGHT, HOMETOWN LIGHTS For towns across the Ozarks, Friday nights shine a light on something bigger than football / 10
+T ransmission Upgrades Coming Soon / 4 +T eacher Shout-Outs / 7
the top line Volume 1, Issue 5 Ozarks Connections is published bimonthly by Ozarks Electric Cooperative. To subscribe, email editor@ozarksconnections.com. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Ozarks Connections, PO Box 848, Fayetteville, AR 72702. Executive Staff President/CEO Mitchell Johnson Chief Business Officer Derrick Redfearn Chief Financial Officer Barrett Breeding Chief Operations Officer Grid Operations Troy Scarbrough Chief Technology Officer Steven Bandy Board of Directors District 1 / Jerry Bolinger District 2 / Luke G. Parsons District 3 / Frank Ray District 4 / Dax Moreton District 5 / David Verucchi District 6 / Pam Smith District 7 / Lynn Carson Editor / Amy Merck Vice President of Marketing and Communications / Ashley Harris
THE VALUE OF A GAME PLAN
Like winning seasons, a strong cooperative is built years in advance Every successful football team begins the season with a game plan. Coaches do not wait until the first game to begin preparing. Long before kickoff, they evaluate their team, study the challenges ahead and build a playbook. They understand that many games are won because of the preparation that happens well before anyone steps onto the field. At Ozarks Electric, we approach our responsibility to you with that same mindset. Our cooperative serves one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation. Across Northwest Arkansas and Northeast Oklahoma, the pace of growth over the past decade has been remarkable. That growth brings exciting opportunities for our communities, but it also places greater demands on the electric system. As your electric cooperative, our job is not only to provide safe, reliable and affordable service today. Our responsibility is also to make sure Ozarks Electric is prepared to serve our members well into the future. This requires thoughtful planning, disciplined investment and the willingness to make important decisions before the need becomes obvious. Over the coming years, you will begin to see more of these long-term decisions take shape. Some projects will be easy to see, such as upgraded facilities or new construction. Other improvements will happen quietly behind the scenes.
Digital Editor / Caleb Fort
Together, these investments reflect our commitment to preparing rather than reacting. They are part of our effort to ensure Ozarks Electric remains a strong, reliable and forward-looking partner.
On the cover: An Ozarks sunset sets the stage for this issue's feature on the role Friday night football plays in our communities. (Cover photo by Trevel Young. Photo illustration by Ozarks Electric).
In the following pages, Troy Scarbrough, our chief operations officer of grid operations, shares one example of that commitment. He explains how investments in our transmission system are strengthening the electric grid, supporting continued growth and helping us maintain the reliability you count on every day.
Manager of Marketing and Communications / Erin Rogers
Just as successful football programs are built through years of preparation, Ozarks Electric Cooperative is built by making thoughtful decisions today that create lasting value tomorrow.
3641 Wedington Drive Fayetteville, AR 72704 479-521-2900 ozarksecc.com ozarksconnections.com editor@ozarksconnections.com
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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2026
Thank you for the trust you place in Ozarks Electric. It is a privilege to serve you.
Mitchell Johnson President/ Chief Executive Officer
IN THIS ISSUE
BUILDING THE GRID FOR THE FUTURE
Why investing in our transmission system today strengthens our communities for tomorrow By Troy Scarbrough Chief Operations Officer - Grid Operations Most members don’t spend much time thinking about the electric transmission system — and that’s exactly the way it should be. Every time you flip a switch, electricity has already traveled across an extensive network of transmission lines, substations and distribution equipment before reaching your home or business. When that system is planned well and maintained properly, it quietly does its job every hour of every day. As chief operations officer, one of my responsibilities is making sure our electric system is prepared not only for todayʼs needs, but for the communities Northwest Arkansas and Northeastern Oklahoma will become over the next 20, 30 and even 40 years. We study growth patterns, identify future demands and make strategic investments long before additional capacity is needed. Many of those investments are happening now with our transmission system. Ozarks Electric is making some of the cooperative’s most significant transmission improvements in decades — not because our system is falling behind, but because thoughtful planning allows us to stay ahead. These projects are designed to strengthen reliability, create more pathways for delivering electricity and support continued growth.
As a locally governed cooperative, every investment begins with one simple question: “How does this create lasting value for the members who own this cooperative?”
They also represent one of several important strategies we’re pursuing to help manage future costs in an environment where power supply, infrastructure, construction materials and virtually every aspect of our industry continues to become more expensive. While no single investment determines future electric rates, thoughtful transmission planning helps us make smarter long-term decisions, improve operational flexibility and maximize the long-term value of the infrastructure our members already own. Continues on next page ⊲
page 4
investing in our transmission system + What Youʼll See + Modernization Roadmap
page 6
light reading + Students See History up Close + Member Shout-Outs to Teachers
page 8
ozarksgo + TheatreSquared Inspires Students + Fiber Facts with Samantha
page 10
see you at the game
+ Friday Nights Draw Families from Across Our Communities
page 13
serving up support
+ G's Meaty Buns Fuels Elkins Spirit + Smoked Jalapeño Dip
page 14
ozarks happenings + Find Events in our Community Ozarks Connections
3
energy services
BUILDING THE GRID FOR THE FUTURE Continued from previous page
Strong infrastructure today helps support reliable service and greater financial stability tomorrow. Transmission is often compared to a highway system because electricity, like traffic, needs multiple routes to move efficiently. The illustrations on these pages show how additional transmission connections create a stronger, more resilient electric grid that better serves our members today and prepares us for tomorrow. Behind every transmission improvement are engineers, system operators, relay technicians, construction crews and lineworkers working together to coordinate projects that most members will never notice but benefit from every day. Together, these efforts help keep power flowing during maintenance, severe weather and periods of peak demand while supporting the continued growth of our region.
These projects also reflect our commitment to responsible stewardship. As a locally governed cooperative, every investment begins with one simple question: “How does this create lasting value for the members who own this cooperative?” That question guides every engineering study, every capital project and every long-range planning decision we make. As you begin seeing more transmission construction across our service territory over the coming years, I encourage you to view these projects as more than construction. They reflect thoughtful planning, responsible stewardship and a cooperative making strategic investments designed to strengthen reliability, support growth and help maintain affordable electric service for generations to come. ■
THE ELECTRIC GRID IS THE ROAD NETWORK FOR ELECTRICITY
The transmission grid has multiple paths to move power from where it’s generated to where it’s needed ONE TRANSMISSION PATH
ADD CAPACITY
CREATE ALTERNATE ROUTES
A STRONGER, CONNECTED TRANSMISSION NETWORK
1
2
3
4
ROAD
ROAD
ROAD
ROAD
ELECTRIC GRID
ELECTRIC GRID
If the only road or bridge is closed, no one gets through. ELECTRIC GRID
If electricity has only one path, an equipment failure can interrupt service to everyone downstream.
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Wider roads and better interchanges reduce congestion and keep traffic moving. ELECTRIC GRID
Upgrading substations and equipment increases the amount of electricity our system can carry.
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2026
Drivers have alternate routes when thereʼs an accident or construction ahead. Additional transmission connections create alternate paths so power can flow in more than one direction.
One accident doesnʼt stop the whole city — traffic keeps moving. If one part of the system has an issue, power can often be rerouted so fewer members lose service.
OZARKS ELECTRIC'S TRANSMISSION MODERNIZATION ROADMAP Investing today for reliability, growth and long-term value
2025–2026
2027–2030
2030–2033
2033 AND BEYOND
Laying the foundation through comprehensive planning and analysis.
Modernizing critical infrastructure to strengthen reliability and reduce outage impact.
Optimizing the grid for greater flexibility, efficiency and operational performance.
Delivering lasting value for our members and a stronger, more affordable future.
PLANNING & ENGINEERING
SYSTEM MODERNIZATION
GRID OPTIMIZATION
REGIONAL INTEGRATION & LONG-TERM VALUE
WHAT YOU’LL SEE IN OUR COMMUNITIES
STEEL TRANSMISSION STRUCTURES
EXPANDED SUBSTATIONS
NEW TRANSMISSION CONNECTIONS
MODERN EQUIPMENT AND AUTOMATION
Stronger, more durable structures support increased capacity and improved reliability.
Upgrades and expansions help manage growth and improve system flexibility and protection.
Additional lines create alternate routes and reduce the impact of outages and congestion.
Advanced technology enhances monitoring, speed controls and overall system performance.
“Ozarks Electric has consistently demonstrated a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to transmission planning, reliability and regional coordination within SPP.” — Don Martin
Manager of Stakeholder Relations, Southwest Power Pool (SPP)
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
Most members are familiar with the local electric distribution system — the poles, wires, substations and crews that deliver electricity directly to homes and businesses. Behind that local system is a much larger regional transmission network that moves electricity across multiple states and utility systems. In our area, that regional transmission network is coordinated by the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), which helps manage reliability, transmission operations and long-term planning throughout the region. In many ways, SPP functions like air traffic control for the electric grid — helping ensure electricity moves safely, reliably and efficiently where itʼs needed.
More options to keep power flowing Improved outage restoration
Capacity for future growth Better long-term value for members
Ozarks Connections
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light reading
HISTORY COMES ALIVE
Five local students attended Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. Five current seniors spent part of their summer at the monuments, museums and meeting rooms of Washington, D.C., during the 2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. Sponsored by Ozarks Electric Cooperative, the delegates spent a week focused on leadership, government, service and the cooperative mission. They joined more than 2,000 students, chaperones and staff representing more than 600 electric cooperatives nationwide. Each one returned with a different moment that stayed with them.
\ From left: Addison Gardner, Pit Caudle and Carsyn Williams represented Ozarks Electric's Arkansas territory at the 2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour this summer in Washington, D.C. (Photo provided).
PIT CAUDLE
ADDISON GARDNER
CARSYN WILLIAMS
Most Memorable Experience: Standing with my fellow Youth Tour delegates at the Lincoln Memorial at night. Seeing the monument illuminated while reflecting on its history was a powerful experience. It reminded me of the importance of leadership, service and working to make a positive difference in my community.
Most Memorable Experience: Visiting the U.S. Capitol and meeting Arkansas’ senators. It was incredible to stand in a place where so many important decisions for our country are made and to see firsthand the history and significance of our government. Seeing the Capitol in person was much more impactful than any picture or video could capture.
Most Memorable Experience: Seeing the Constitution. It’s the backbone of our whole federal government and is so essential to America as a whole. Seeing the actual document with the real signatures, knowing how old yet how kept up it was, took my breath away.
How I Grew: Youth Tour pushed me outside my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to connect with new people from across the country. It strengthened my leadership skills, encouraged me to share my ideas, and showed me the value of learning from people with different backgrounds and experiences.
What I Learned: The experience changed the way I think about leadership. I learned that leadership is not just about holding a position or being in charge. It is about serving others, listening to different perspectives, and working together to make a positive impact.
WEST FORK HIGH SCHOOL
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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2026
PRAIRIE GROVE HIGH SCHOOL
To Future Applicants: Apply, even if you’re unsure. I almost let the fear of not being chosen keep me from applying, but I’m so glad I took the chance.
FAYETTEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
I’ll Never Forget: Arlington National Cemetery and how many graves there were. They seemed to go on forever. Seeing all the graves really made that quote “Freedom is not free” a reality. I will never forget just how much was sacrificed for our freedom. Applications for the June 2027 Youth Tour open Oct. 1. High school juniors attending a high school within the Ozarks Electric service territory are eligible to apply. ozarksecc.com/community/youth-tour.
BRAYDEN DUNCAN WESTVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Most Memorable Experience: Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol. It was awesome to see Sequoyah representing Cherokee Nation, a tribe that continues to bring great respect and honorable qualities to Oklahoma. The First Night: I will never forget walking around and seeing the MLK Memorial, FDR Memorial and Jefferson memorial, already making deep connections with the friends I will have forever. I’ll never forget the confidence I felt walking around and knowing that people believed in me and I made it there. The Time of My Life: I miss it. It was the time of my life and I wish I could go again. I want this experience for every student at Westville.
KASELYN KILLER WESTVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Most Memorable Experience: The Holocaust Museum. It was very heart breaking to see what happened, knowing they were human beings just like me. It made me think differently on how I should treat other people no matter our differences. Genocide starts with words. Getting Out of My Comfort Zone: Youth Tour is a great way to get out of your comfort zone, talk to others and grow as a person. You get to see other people’s views on life. ^B rayden Duncan, left, and Kaselyn Killer represented Ozarks Electricʼs
Oklahoma territory at the 2026 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour this summer in Washington, D.C. (Photo provided).
We asked our readers to tell us about great teachers in their lives. Thank you to
these classroom leaders who are making a difference!
AMY MITCHELL Second Grade Happy Hollow Elementary, Fayetteville She provides consistent communication and addresses needs concerning our child. She truly cares about her students and their overall learning environment. We are grateful for her leadership at Happy Hollow. – Kara Newcomb
CRAIG LAIRD Head Football Coach Westville High School He has made such a difference in my grandsons’ lives since he came to Westville. They’re excited to go to school, gaining self-confidence and so excited about football season! He coaches football, but we regularly see him at other sporting events. He is a genuine, good man who wants the best for these kids! – Michelle Seay
BEVERLY WORKMAN Third Grade (Retired) Greenland Elementary She was so good with my grandson he still says she was the best teacher ever. She has been there many years and done so much and touched the lives of many children and parents. – Cindy Reed
BRITTANY FLORES Kindergarten Monitor Elementary, Springdale When I say she goes the extra mile – really, extra 100 miles – for these kids, it’s an understatement! She is the kindest, most caring teacher I have ever met! – Michelle Grosser
Ozarks Connections
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ozarksgo
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION THROUGH THEATER With the help of OzarksGo, TheatreSquared’s education program helps students on and off the stage By Abby Lee, OzarksGo Senior Marketing Specialist At TheatreSquared, the impact extends far beyond the stage. Through its Arts Education program, the organization helps people of all ages discover creativity, build confidence and form lasting connections.
students from sixth through twelfth grade from across Northwest Arkansas. Some had long resumes, while many had never been in a musical before. They all had met for the first time on a Monday, and within just a few days they had formed incredibly close bonds.”
As Northwest Arkansas’s professional nonprofit theater, education has been at the heart of TheatreSquared for over 20 years. What started as a few summer camps has ‛They all had met grown into a year-round program with for the first time opportunities for everyone. Whether you dream of performing, want to work backstage, or just hope to make new friends, there’s a place for you. TheatreSquared offers camps and classes in acting, improvisation, musical theatre, playwriting, Shakespeare and more. The organization also offers free residential camps, touring productions, school residencies, teacher training, apprenticeships and family programs throughout the year.
on a Monday, and within just a few days they had formed incredibly close bonds.’
Parents soon began sharing stories that truly showed what TheatreSquared is all about. “After camp each night, the students were going home and hopping on phone calls together for hours, running their lines, practicing their songs and cheering each other on,” she said. “The support was
Emily Tomlinson Director of Education, TheatreSquared
Emily Tomlinson, TheatreSquaredʼs Director of Education, believes the program is about much more than memorizing lines or performing. “In June we began working on our first-ever Musical Theatre Academy,” Tomlinson said. “It brought together
Fiber Facts with
\T he cast of Newsies Jr., top, and the TheatreSquared building at the
corner of West Avenue and Spring Street in downtown Fayetteville. (Photos provided).
Q. Why is my Wi-Fi slow if I have fiber internet?
Samantha A. Fiber is fast — but your Wi-Fi has
Answers to common questions from OzarksGo Customer Experience Manager Samantha Frye, an original member of the OzarksGo team with eight years of experience helping customers get the most from their fiber internet. 8
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2026
a job to do, too.
Many people think their internet and Wi-Fi are the same thing. They’re not. Your fiber connection delivers the internet to your home, while Wi-Fi carries that connection to your devices. Walls, distance and older devices can all affect your Wi-Fi experience.
Quick Tip: If one room is slower than another, your fiber is probably fine — it’s your Wi-Fi coverage that may need attention. Have a question about your home Wi-Fi? Our Customer Experience team is here to help you get the most out of your OzarksGo service.
astounding. They presented a beautiful production of Newsies Jr., but more importantly, I believe they left this experience with new friends they never would have met otherwise.” Those friendships reflect TheatreSquared’s larger mission: to change lives through theater while encouraging empathy, inclusion and lifelong learning. Along the way, students build communication, teamwork and creative-thinking skills while learning to see the world from different perspectives. Making programs accessible is a key part of TheatreSquared’s mission. Scholarships are offered for every program, and many performances and activities are free or low cost. Touring productions and school residencies bring theater to schools across Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri at no cost. TheatreSquared believes that everyone should have the chance to experience the arts, no matter where they live or what they can afford. Even those who don’t want to participate can still make an impact. Financial donations and volunteers help TheatreSquared continue expanding access to arts education throughout the region. The internet service at TheatreSquared is powered by OzarksGo. “One of the best parts of providing reliable internet service to our communities is seeing how it is being used,” said Coby Brown, manager of business development “We are proud that we can help TheatreSquared connect people together through the creativity and shared experiences of live theater.” To learn more or find out how to get involved, visit theatre2.org.
\T heatreSquared's education programs are designed
to promote teamwork, creative thinking and communication skills. (Photos provided).
THEATRESQUARED BY THE NUMBERS: 12,569 Students and teachers in 85 schools in 40 cities
reached through the T2 schools tour
1,311 Students attended student matinees at free or reduced prices 660 Students at camps,
classes and trainings
25 Teen council members 615 Students reached through in-school residencies at 11 schools
175 Scholarships given, totaling $32,000
309 Miles to furthest school visited on tour (West Memphis High School) 4 Apprentices in the competitively compensated T2 Apprentice program, helping launch the careers of the next generation of arts leaders
Did you know?
It is illegal to shoot power lines, fiber-optic cable, insulators or other electrical equipment. Shooting at lines can cause significant damage and service interruptions. It is a Class D felony, punishable by up to six years in prison, with fines up to $10,000. Ozarks Connections
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feature
SEE YOU AT THE GAME Friday nights bring generations together under the lights
By Amy Merck, Editor When fall comes to town, the Ozarks return to a familiar rhythm. School has started, the daylight is shrinking and summer nights are swapped for school activities. After spending weekdays driving to neighboring towns for work and chasing errands, Friday nights draw people back home. When a neighbor says, “see you at the game,” everyone knows what they mean. Friday night football.
1977 to 1982 before later becoming principal and superintendent. His mother, Pat Selph, was a longtime teacher and cheerleading coach.
“When you coach, you don’t really hear the band or the fans because you’re focused on the game itself,” Selph said. “Now I get to see how excited our fans get and see how our band and our cheerleaders engage them. They work hard, ‛It’s about the people. and Fridays are their night, as well.”
Grandparents will be there, and aunts and uncles are there. Everybody comes out to watch the kids play.’
Months of practices build toward just a handful of home games each fall. The same men leaning against the fence. Little kids mimicking the cheerleaders or playing their own football game behind the bleachers. Those traditions are as much a part of Friday nights as the game itself, Selph said.
Different towns. Different teams. Different times. But the rituals of Friday night stay the same. The referee’s whistle, the roar of the – Beverly Mabry crowd, chants from the cheerleaders. Retired Elkins teacher Friday night football belongs to Punchy notes of the school fight communities of every size, but in towns with song. The game isn’t the only thing one high school and generations of families happening under the stadium lights. who have worn the same colors, the line For many, Friday nights are as much about the people in between school and community can be especially hard the stands as the players on the field. to see. “You get to see people that you might not see during the week,” said Rodney Selph, who was the West Fork High School head football coach from 2008 to 2012, then again from 2022 to 2024. “They might work in Fayetteville or somewhere and then on Friday nights, you get together and watch the Tigers play football.” Selph’s family has a long history with West Fork football. His father, John Gail Selph, was the head coach from
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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2026
“It’s not anything probably different than anywhere else,” he said. “It’s our hometown. It’s West Fork. So to us, it’s special. It always will be.” And that doesn’t depend on the team’s record. “West Fork has had some really good years, and we’ve had some not-so-good years,” Selph said. “But the fans are always out supporting the team, no matter what.”
TRADITION TAKES ROOT
KEEPING THE STORIES
Winning does help, to be sure.
In Westville, Okla., assistant football coach Brendal Rector makes sure Friday night memories aren’t lost to time.
When Mark Johnson quarterbacked the Elkins High School team that came to be known as the Dirty Dozen in the mid-1970s, it wasn’t yet a football town. “A lot of people didn’t come because they thought we’d lose,” Johnson said. That changed in 1974, when running back John Bunch Jr. rushed for 608 yards in a game against Winslow, setting a national record that lasted for 20 years and remains the Arkansas state record. Soon, the bleachers weren’t big enough. Fans stood with players on the sidelines to watch the Elks, and a football tradition took root. Today, the Elks play at John Bunch Jr. Memorial Field, which opened in 2018 and has plenty of room for fans. Bunch’s No. 20 jersey is the only one ever retired at Elkins. He died of cancer in 1984.
Rector was a teenager when his curiosity about old football records sent him searching for Westville’s past. The work has taken him through old yearbooks, census records, newspaper archives and hours scrolling through microfilm. He has documented every Westville High School game from the program’s beginnings in 1924 to today. Through years of tracing former players and coaches, Rector has built relationships with families across the country, sometimes giving them pieces of their own family history they didn’t know existed. “I called one guy and said, ‘Hey, your dad was head coach in 1950,’” Rector said. “He had no clue that his dad coached at Westville. Zero clue.”
In 2025, the Elkins Elks won their first state championship. While the people on the sidelines have changed, the support hasn’t.
While researching Westville’s first homecoming queen, he tracked down her daughter in Oregon and shared a photograph of her mother that she had never seen.
Retired teacher Beverly Mabry taught three generations of students and coached cross country and track at Elkins. She said the draw of Friday nights has always been about more than football.
Rector understands what such a discovery can mean.
“It’s about the people,” she said. “Grandparents will be there, and aunts and uncles are there. Everybody comes out to watch the kids.” The players may occupy the field, but the band, cheerleaders and other students make Friday night their own. Friday nights remain one place that draws students and families from across the community. “A lot of them have grown up in the area,” Mabry said. “They may not have anybody that’s even related to them on the field. But their neighbor kid is.”
“My father passed away when I was 18,” he said. “If somebody could share something with me that I had never seen before, that would be really cool.” Sometimes those discoveries lead people back to Westville. “We’ve been in the middle of a game and somebody on the headset said, ‘Who’s this 80-year-old lady sitting on the front row? I’ve never seen her,’” Rector said. “I’m like, ‘Oh, I know her. She came to visit with me.’
Continues on next page ⊲
4 Opposite page: The Elkins Elks take the field at John Bunch Jr. Memorial Field. (Photo by Keith Cazer). ^ Below: The West Fork High School football team and cheerleaders draw fans to Friday night games. (Photos by Nhi Blansett).
feature � Continued from previous page
“The best part about this, to me, is I have connections with people all over the country that our only connection is that somehow their family was a Westville Yellow Jacket and I’m a Yellow Jacket,” Rector said. For Rector, the impulse to preserve those connections is the same one that keeps him coaching in the town where he grew up. “This place raised me,” he said. “Without those people, then where am I?”
TAKING THEIR PLACE The players on the field now may not understand that yet. During Rodney Selph’s second stint as head coach at West Fork, a former player from the school’s 2010 state semifinal team was passing through town, saw that people were in the weight room and decided to stop and say hello. Before leaving, he asked Selph if the school still had the old jerseys. “I said, ‘I do. You want yours?’” Selph recalled. “I went and got his jersey, and I handed it to him and he teared up.” Then the former player told him something Selph still remembers. “Coach, I just want you to know that the three years I played football were some of the most special times of my life.”
\T op: Westville High School players listen to coaches at a practice this summer. (Photo by Travis Cloud). Bottom: Marching bands, like the Elkins High School band pictured here, help make Friday nights memorable. (Photo by Keith Cazer).
That old jersey carried memories of teammates and coaches, practices and Friday nights, and all the people who showed up for him along the way. That’s what happens under the lights across the Ozarks. Each game lasts four quarters. What surrounds it can last a lifetime. And on a handful of Friday nights each fall, the lights illuminate something much bigger than football. ■
^W est Fork Tiger fans, left, are part of the Friday night environment. (Photo by Nhi Blansett). High Five Fridays are a way to keep West Fork football players involved with younger students. (Photo by Michelle Posey).
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taste connections SERVING UP SUPPORT
For G’s Meaty Buns, community is the key ingredient We caught up with George and Veronica Torres from Elkinsbased G’s Meaty Buns to learn about their family business and how supporting Elkins schools has become part of it. Q. How did G’s Meaty Buns get started? In 2017 we came across a food truck that was for sale. We thought we would invest in it or flip it. But a few months later we were researching barbecue recipes and developing our own sauce and homemade sides. We both had full-time jobs and originally planned to be open on Sundays only. We bought a second food truck for events and catering. George left his job to run the barbecue business and we opened the restaurant in 2020. Q. What do you like about owning a family business in Elkins? Our joy comes not just from making barbecue, but from the people we’ve met along the way. We’ve built relationships with everyone who has come through the restaurant or worked with us through catering events. We stay involved in the community and give back as much as we can. Q. What does a typical Friday night look like during football season? On Thursday and Friday nights during football season, you will find our restaurant closed early and find us at the games cheering for our Elks! Our son, George, is going into ninth grade and plays football. The last couple of years as our football team made it to the
playoffs, we’ve chartered a bus and filled it with Elk fans to show our support. Q. W hat would customers be surprised to learn about running a restaurant? Keeping it simple and consistent is key. A little compassion can go a long way. When someone comes in, you don’t know what kind of day they’ve had, so great customer service and great food can go a long way. Q. What menu item would you recommend to someone visiting G’s for the first time? Our most popular item is our loaded spud. Some people can get two or three meals out of it, that’s how large it is! Q. What recipe are you sharing and why? Smoked jalapeño popper dip. It's a family favorite recipe during football season.
\V eronica and George Torres go all out to support the Elkins Elks.
(Photo provided).
Smoked Jalapeño Dip
Ingredients
• 8–10 jalapeños, stems and seeds removed, diced • 12 ounces cream cheese, softened • 1 cup sour cream • ¼ cup mayonnaise • 10 strips bacon, cooked and diced, divided • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese, divided • 1 tsp. garlic powder • 1 tsp. onion powder • ½ tsp. salt • ½ tsp. black pepper
Smoker Directions • Heat smoker or grill to 250 F for indirect cooking. • Place jalapeños, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a 9-by-13-inch disposable aluminum pan. Add half the bacon and ½ cup each of the cheddar and pepper jack. The ingredients do not need to be mixed at this point. • Smoke uncovered for 1 hour. Stir until thoroughly combined, then spread the mixture evenly in the pan. • Top with remaining cheddar, pepper jack and bacon. Continue smoking for 30–60 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the dip is hot throughout. • Serve warm with crackers, tortilla chips or sliced baguette. Oven Option No smoker? Combine the ingredients as directed and bake at 375 F for 15 minutes. Top with the remaining cheese and bacon, then bake for another 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is heated through.
• Crackers, tortilla chips or sliced baguette for serving
Ozarks Connections
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ozarks happenings LEARNING NEVER RETIRES
A $50 annual membership isnʼt required, but it provides discounted class fees, exclusive events and social gatherings. Membership is tax deductible.
Retirement doesnʼt have to mean slowing down. At the University of Arkansasʼ Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), it can be the beginning of learning something entirely new.
Whether youʼre interested in meeting new people or discovering something new, OLLI offers a way to stay curious and connected.
U of A’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers adults a chance to learn, explore and connect
Tailored to adults 50 and older, OLLI welcomes participants from Arkansas, Oklahoma and beyond. The program offers noncredit classes and workshops with no grades or homework.
Featured This Fall: Behind the scenes of Fayetteville Bulldog Football Sept. 11. Learn More: olli.uark.edu
Classes range from Arkansas history and science to technology, literature, wellness and arts. Many classes are held at OLLIʼs Fayetteville center, while guided hikes, local tours and other activities take place throughout Northwest Arkansas. Registration for the fall semester is now open, with offerings including smartphone skills, tours of the University of Arkansasʼ innovative mass timber buildings and an inside look at the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine in Bentonville.
CANE HILL HOSTS HARVEST FESTIVAL SEPT. 19 | Historic Cane Hill
Cane Hill College and 1891 Cane Hill Presbyterian Church and visit the campus’ historic bur oak, a Trail of Tears witness tree. Donʼt Miss: Pie auction, horse-powered sorghum press Learn More: historiccanehillar.org
WINFEST STRIKES THE RIGHT CHORD SEPT. 19 | Winslow Step back in time during the annual Cane Hill Harvest Festival, where Ozark history, local traditions and family fun come together in Cane Hill, about 20 miles southwest of Fayetteville. The day starts with a country breakfast and features live music, food trucks, an Arts & Eats market, historic building tours and a pie auction. Throughout the day, visitors can watch sorghum pressing with an antique horsepowered mill, browse locally handcrafted goods and enjoy demonstrations of blacksmithing, weaving, lace tatting, beekeeping and other traditional Ozark skills. Families will find plenty to do in the Kids Zone, while quilt lovers can admire antique and contemporary quilts from across the region. Visitors can also tour the restored 1886 14
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2026
Winfest Music Festival has brought live music and community spirit to the mountain town of Winslow for 43 years. This yearʼs festival features Ozark favorites Big Smith, known for blending bluegrass, country, rock and folk into their signature sound. Over the past two years, proceeds from the festival have provided $32,000 to local organizations, including Ozark Folkways, the Winslow Community Center Association and Winslow Community Meals. Listen Up: Live music from Big Smith Learn More: winfestmusicfestival.com
ARKANSAS APPLE FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OCT. 2-4 | Lincoln Square
For 50 years, the Arkansas Apple Festival has celebrated Lincolnʼs apple-growing heritage with one of Northwest Arkansas’ most beloved fall traditions. The theme for this year’s 50th anniversary is “Honor the Past. Celebrate the Present. Inspire the Future.” The festival features apple treats, craft vendors, festival foods, a parade and an antique tractor display. Something Special: Free fresh apple slices Learn More: arkansasapplefestival.com
CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
ozarks happenings ST. PAUL PIONEER DAYS
Sept. 11-12 | Downtown St. Paul
Live music, arts and crafts vendors, games, plus a parade and chicken lunch on Saturday. New this year: pie contest and silent auction. stpaulpioneerdays.weebly.com WESTVILLE CRUISE NIGHTS
Sept. 12 and Oct. 3 | Town Square, Westville, Okla. An evening of classic cars, food vendors and hometown fun around Westville’s town square. facebook.com/westvillecruisenight WEST FEST
Sept. 12-13 | Downtown West Fork Fundraiser for local charities such as Shop with a Cop, Meals on Wheels, Child Safety Center, LifeWise and more. Find West Fest on Facebook.
OCT. 10 | Luther George Park, Springdale
MONARCH FLIGHT FESTIVAL
The Northwest Arkansas Hispanic Heritage Festival features live music, traditional dance performances, authentic cuisine, artisan vendors and family activities. Local organizations and businesses also share resources and connect with the community throughout the day.
A community gathering to raise awareness of pollinators and celebrate the annual butterfly migration from Canada to Mexico. downtownspringdale.org
Celebrating Culture: Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Learn More: hispanicheritagefestivalnwa.com
A NEW CHAPTER FOR OZARKS ELECTRIC Ozarks is taking an important step forward in shaping the future of reliable and affordable power for our members. The cooperative recently announced Ozarks Electric and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) have reached agreements that will establish a new structure for our long-standing relationship. Under the structure, Ozarks Electric will transition from being a member-owner of AECC to becoming a long-term wholesale power customer.
Sept. 19 | Luther George Park, Springdale
MIRACLE LEAGUE BURGER COMPETITION
Sept. 20 | Shiloh Square, Springdale
Sample burgers by amateur and professional chefs as they compete for a golden ticket to the World Food Championships. miracleleaguear.com WESTVILLE FALL FEST
Oct. 3-4 | Westville Park, Westville, Okla. Art show, vendors, bingo, carnival and live music are planned for the first Fall Fest hosted by the Legacy Committee of Westville. Find Westville Legacy Events Committee on Facebook. ARKANSALSA FEST
Oct. 3 | Luther George Park, Springdale Celebrate diversity and community with live music, food vendors, family activities and a Best Salsa Contest featuring Downtown Springdale restaurants. onecommunityar.org 3RD ANNUAL FALL FEST – INDIGENOUS DAY
Oct. 10 | Carson Park, Stilwell, Okla.
Celebrate Indigenous Day with the Fall-O-Ween Parade, chili cook-off, pumpkin decorating, dog costume contest, vendors and live music. cityofstilwell.com
We will continue to share more in the future. You can read the full announcement at ozarksecc.com/news Ozarks Connections
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3641 Wedington Drive | Fayetteville, AR 72704