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September 15.2025
2 Minutes Read

Walking to End Alzheimer's: Local Support for Caregivers and Patients

Cheerful group in light purple shirts walking among colorful flowers at an Alzheimer's support charity event.


Understanding Alzheimer's: Community Support in Action

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are challenging conditions that affect not just the patients but their families and caregivers as well. Recently, two inspiring events took place in Fort Smith and Rogers, Arkansas, dubbed the "Walks to End Alzheimer's." These walks serve as vital fundraising opportunities while also fostering community support for those impacted by these diseases.


In 'Walks to End Alzheimer's in Fort Smith, Rogers support programs in the state,' the focus shifts to the importance of these community-driven events in supporting families and individuals affected by dementia.

Empowering Caregivers Through Walks

The funds raised from these walks remain in Arkansas, playing a critical role in supporting those facing cognitive impairment. According to Jill Thompson from the Arkansas Alzheimer’s chapter, these funds help provide free resources including educational programs, support groups, and counseling. With 25 support groups available across the state, the initiative emphasizes not just awareness but also comprehensive care for individuals and caregivers.

Finding Community and Connection

As participants gather for these walks, they find reassurance in numbers. It’s more than just walking for a cause; it’s a moment for family and friends of Alzheimer’s patients to realize they are not alone in their struggles. "It’s like the largest support group," Thompson notes, indicating the emotional solace that sharing experiences can bring. Support tables are set up at these events to provide attendees with direct assistance and information about available resources in their areas.

Education is Key

Beyond immediate support, these walks also facilitate ongoing education about Alzheimer’s, including understanding the ten warning signs and the caregiving journey. The Empowered Caregiver series focuses on equipping caregivers with effective strategies to manage daily challenges. It's evident that education, supported by community engagement, is essential in navigating the complexities of these cognitive conditions.

Join the Cause

These walks—which include the River Valley Walk this Saturday—allow the community to come together, support one another, and raise awareness about Alzheimer's. They provide a platform not just for fundraising but for fostering heartfelt connections among those affected.

If you are interested in making a difference or learning more about Alzheimer’s support, consider participating in upcoming events or reaching out for educational resources.


Northwest Arkansas Events Headline

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09.19.2025

LPGA Returns to Rogers: The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G

World's Best Women Golfers Converge on Northwest ArkansasRogers, Arkansas — Beginning this week, the world’s best women golfers converge on Pinnacle Country Club for the prestigious Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G. The 2025 edition of this LPGA Tour stop promises thrilling competition, community festivities, and plenty of storylines. History & VenueThe tournament has been held at Pinnacle Country Club since its debut in 2007, and it has grown into a cornerstone event on the LPGA schedule. NWA Championship+2Wikipedia+2Pinnacle is a challenging 18-hole course (Par 71), redesigned in 2008 by Randy Heckenkemper. Its layout features a demanding mix of long par 5s, tricky par 3s, and holes that reward strategic tee shots and precision. Wikipedia+1The purse for the tournament in recent years has been $3 million, with the winner’s share in 2024 at $450,000. Media+2Wikipedia+2 What’s New & What’s At StakeField & Players: Expect a strong field, including many of the top-ranked LPGA professionals. Arkansas alums and local favorites also add to the intrigue. NWA Championship+2LPGA+2Fan & Community Events: More than just golf — the championship week features side events like the BITE Experience food festival, the Walmart & P&G Kids Confidence Club, junior golf initiatives, and a 5K benefiting local causes. It’s become a significant event for the Northwest Arkansas area. 5 News Online+2NWA Championship+2Sustainability & Access: The event is GEO Certified for sustainability, one of only a couple LPGA tournaments with that distinction. Ticket pricing remains accessible with free or discounted access for children, military, first responders, and families. Rogers-Lowell Chamber+1Key Players & Past ChampionsThe reigning champion, Jasmine Suwannapura, claimed the 2024 title in dramatic fashion, using an eagle on the second playoff hole to edge out Lucy Li. LPGA+1Other recent champions include Atthaya Thitikul (2022), Hae Ran Ryu (2023), and Nasa Hataoka, which speaks to the level of competition and how tight the margins often are. WikipediaWatch for standouts in putting, experience in playoff situations, and those who can handle pressure over Sunday’s final stretch.What to Watch ForCourse conditions & strategy: Pinnacle’s re-design means the long par 5s and precise par 3s will test both length and accuracy off the tee. A windy day or firm greens could separate the leaders.Momentum players: Those coming in with recent strong finishes could use that confidence late in the season.Playoff potential: Given past history (e.g., 2024), this event often comes down to clutch moments. Expect nerves, opportunity, and possibly extra holes to decide the champion.Final ThoughtsThe Walmart NW Arkansas Championship is more than just another stop on the LPGA calendar — it’s a community event, a marker of prestige, and a test of skill under pressure. Whether you follow for the drama, the local flavor, or the golf itself, this week at Pinnacle Country Club will be one to remember.

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Justice for Gavin: Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Fatal Drunk Driving Crash that Killed 14-Year-Old Boy

A Garfield man, Gregory Payne, 47, has been sentenced to 15 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections for his role in a 2024 drunk driving crash that resulted in the death of 14-year-old Gavin Bivens. The tragic incident, which cut short a young life, has brought the issue of drunk driving to the forefront in the local community and highlighted the devastating consequences of such reckless actions.The fatal crash occurred on July 27, 2024, in Garfield, a small town in Benton County. Gavin Bivens was riding his motorbike on a side road, a route his mother testified he frequented and was considered safe. In a turn of events that would forever change the lives of those involved, Gregory Payne, driving under the influence, struck Gavin's motorbike.According to reports, Payne did not remain at the scene of the accident. A witness who heard the crash saw Payne standing over the boy, smelling of alcohol and appearing intoxicated, before walking away. The witness put the injured boy in Payne's truck and drove him to a nearby fire station, from where he was airlifted to a hospital. Tragically, Gavin succumbed to his injuries, which the Benton County Coroner's Office determined were consistent with blunt force trauma from the crash.The subsequent investigation revealed that Payne had a history of driving while intoxicated, with at least five prior DWI convictions dating back to 2004. He was found at his home, where he refused to take a field sobriety test. A search warrant was later obtained to test his blood, which confirmed he was intoxicated at the time of the crash.Payne was initially charged with negligent homicide, leaving the scene of an accident involving death, and driving while intoxicated. However, the negligent homicide charge was dropped shortly before the trial began on September 15, 2025. A charge of driving on an invalid license was added.After a trial, a jury found Gregory Payne guilty of leaving the scene of an accident involving death, driving while intoxicated, and driving on an invalid license. On September 17, 2025, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of over $1000. He was also ordered to have no contact with Gavin's mother.Following the sentencing, Payne offered an apology to Gavin's family, stating, "To Gavin's family, if I could trade places, I would. I'm sorry for this terrible tragedy."Benton County Deputy Prosecutor Justin Harper explained that the negligent homicide charge was dropped because it was a "tough charge from the start" and that based on their interpretation of the law, it "tended to be a DWI plus." He added, "Based on the crash reconstruction, the medical examiner's report other information we received, we decided we couldn't go forward with that charge."This heartbreaking case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the irreparable harm it can cause. The community mourns the loss of a young life and hopes that this verdict will bring some measure of justice to Gavin Bivens' family and friends. It also underscores the importance of organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and their continued efforts to prevent such tragedies.

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