ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The United Methodist Church is dropping decades-long ban that impacts the LGBTQ community. Same-sex couples will now be able to get married in the church and LGBTQ community will be able to serve as clergy or bishops. “I am ecstatic. It's a change that ever since I started heading towards ordained ministry, I've been hoping and praying and working towards,” Rev. James Kjorlaug, lead pastor at First United Methodist Church in Rogers, said ..read more

SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Springdale police arrested a man on April 28 for allegedly shooting at a pregnant woman and threatening to kill her and her family. Jose de Jesus Ortiz, 20 (Courtesy: Washington County Sheriff's Office) Jose de Jesus Ortiz, 20, of Rogers is facing charges of first-degree attempted murder, first-degree terroristic threatening, and second-degree criminal mischief. According to a preliminary report, a woman told police she had been in a verbal and physical argument with De Jesus Ortiz with whom she had a sexual relationship. The woman said the argument began in Faye ..read more

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Fifth-grade teacher Syerra Steinhafel is April’s Golden Apple winner! Steinhafel teaches at Fairview Elementary in Rogers. The Golden Apple Award commends excellent teachers, other school leaders and role models for the positive influence they have on their kids. Steinhafel was nominated for her ability to connect with students in a way that inspires. You can read a couple of her nominations in their entirety below! "Syerra has changed my son’s life. He was beaten down by a different teacher and had zero self-esteem. She opened something up in my boy and he actu ..read more

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Onyx Coffee Lab opens a studio in Downtown Rogers for film crews, producers, photographers and creatives to use. According to a press release, 2nd Street Studio is located at 219 N. Second Street and is a permanent location for Onyx to shoot promotional and educational content and has space available for others to book. The release says the studio is managed by director and producer Kaylee Williamson and cinematographer Richard Williamson. “We’re excited to broaden opportunities for Arkansas’ creative and film ventures with the opening of 2nd Street Studio,” said Jon ..read more

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — MEGADETH is coming to the Walmart AMP later this year as part of their “Destroy All Enemies Tour“, according to a news release. The tour’s stop at the Walmart AMP will be on Friday, Aug. 2. Gates will open at 5 p.m. with music starting at 6:30 p.m. Special guests Mudvayne and All That Remains will also perform ..read more

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A Rogers bus driver accused of sexually assaulting a student pleaded not guilty on Monday, according to Benton County Prosecutor Joshua Robinson. Rafael Ballesteros-Trujillo, 59, was arrested on March 7 on two counts of second-degree sexual assault. Rogers police received a report about a sexual assault on March 5, according to an affidavit. That night, a detective with RPD went to the Benton County Child Advocacy Center to observe a forensic interview. A student said during the interview that Ballesteros-Trujillo, their bus driver, sexually assaulted them during the ..read more

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A Rogers principal was honored as Arkansas Middle School Principal of the Year, according to a news release from Rogers Public Schools. Molly Davis, the principal at Elmwood Middle School, was given the Arkansas Association of Middle Level Administrators (AAMLA) Principal of the Year award on Tuesday. The award is given yearly to an Arkansas middle level principal who has created a positive and motivating environment within the school community ..read more

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The '20 Years of Tears Tour' featuring Hawthorne Heights will make a stop at the Walmart AMP later this year, according to a news release. Thursday, Anberlin, Armor For Sleep, Stick To Your Guns and This Wild Life will also perform. The tour’s stop at the Walmart AMP will be on Sunday, July 28. Gates will open at 4 p.m. with music starting at 5 p.m ..read more

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Dave and Busters in Rogers was the sight of a sensory-friendly arcade day on April 14. The event was put on by Autism Involves Me and Hopebridge, two organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with autism. The arcade opened up for the event before its normal operating hours to allow for less crowds, higher lighting and quieter volumes on machines and music. Vanessa Boomer is the president of Autism Involves Me and says in the United States, there's a lack of sensory-friendly options for families. "A lot of our families are nervous about goi ..read more

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Chronic absence is happening to school districts across the nation, and the Rogers Public School District is trying to crack down on it. Chronic absence is defined as students missing at least 10% of the school year. In a school year that's 18 to 20 missed school days. It's been four years since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools, and education in the U.S. has struggled to recover. According to recent data compiled by the American Enterprise Institute, around 26% of public school students nationally were considered chronically absent last school year. This is up ..read more