Good morning, Rogers.

On Friday, volunteers from Sharing and Caring of Benton County handed out 45,000 toys to over 3,000 kids in 1,000 families, offering personalized boxes with clothing, toiletries, and essentials (including frozen meat, paper goods, and wipes from Tyson, Kimberly-Clark, and Nice Pack) amid growing poverty concerns.

Pea Ridge Police Department honored fallen officer Kevin Apple by hosting a memorial blood drive at City Hall on Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; residents also lit their homes blue (free lights available at Ace Hardware) to remember his service.

Local businesses and community members rallied at Arkansas Children’s Northwest on Friday for the Festival of Stars toy drive, donating toys to brighten hospital patients’ holidays including young ambassador Dean — the contributions support year-round clinical care and coping programs.

Health officials in Arkansas confirmed 486 whooping cough cases this year, the highest since 2013, and urge vaccinations, proper hygiene, and immunizations for expectant mothers to protect infants + others as the virus spreads.

Cassie Loyd was named the new head volleyball coach at Shiloh Christian, with the announcement posted Friday on the school’s Facebook account.

The Arkansas men's basketball team is set to rematch No. 16 Texas Tech today at 11 a.m. in Dallas at the American Airlines Center.

The game (a rematch of last season's Sweet 16 contest) features new roster changes and revised strategies from both teams.

The Rogers Mounties built an early double-digit lead but held on with a late bucket to edge Conway 58-57 at the 20th annual Arvest Hoopfest Thursday evening at Dr. Marlin Berry Arena.

Human Library

12:30-4:00 p.m. — Fayetteville Public Library — Free entry — Engage in enlightening conversations with diverse individuals sharing their personal stories and experiences.