From left: Independence County Judge Kevin Jeffery, guest speaker Izzy Higginbottom, and Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh at last Thursday’s City-County Connections meeting.
by Emily Wang, White River Now
The latest City-County Connections meeting was buzzing with excitement as the community gathered for an update from local leaders and to hear from the guest speaker, Izzy Higginbottom, a proud Batesville native and accomplished athlete who has made significant strides in both her sports career and personal growth.
Mayor Rick Elumbaugh started the meeting by providing updates on various ongoing projects in Batesville. The city is in the midst of significant developments, from new sanitation trucks to an upcoming $100 million water overhaul. He also mentioned the excitement surrounding the construction of the new event center at Riverside Park. The projects are set to boost the local economy and community engagement, as Elumbaugh said, “Infrastructure is key to community growth.”
Independence County Judge Kevin Jeffery also shared updates on the county, which included the opening date of the new Independence County Senior Center being May 19, road improvements, and a series of successful community projects. He recognized the county’s progress with FEMA assistance for those affected by recent tornadoes, as well as new construction and updates at the Sheriff’s Youth Ranch in Bethesda.
As the floor turned to Izzy Higginbottom, it was evident that Batesville holds a special place in her heart as she spoke with pride about her journey from a competitive young athlete to a nationally recognized player.
She shared stories of her childhood, recounting her time on the basketball courts and how her competitive spirit was nurtured by her parents. Higginbottom credited her success to the support of her family, particularly her parents, who instilled in her the work ethic and determination that would later propel her to success. “All those nights in the driveway really paid off,” she said.
Higginbottom’s story captivated attendees as she recounted her path from Batesville High School to the University of Arkansas. After leading the Lady Pioneers to a Class 4A state championship in 2019 and earning Tournament MVP honors, she began her collegiate career at the University of Missouri. Subsequently, she transferred to Arkansas State University, where she was named Sun Belt Conference Newcomer of the Year and led the conference in scoring during her junior season. In 2024, she returned to her roots, joining the Razorbacks as a graduate transfer, where her prolific offensive campaigns made her a standout in the basketball world, averaging an impressive 24.4 points per game.
The pride in Batesville for her accomplishments was palpable as the mayor and judge presented Higginbottom with a proclamation declaring May 15 as “Izzy Higginbottom Day,” a testament to her impact on the community. Additionally, she was presented with the key to the city, a recognition of her outstanding contributions and representation of Batesville on the national stage.
When asked about her next steps, she shared that her future plans are still in the works. During a question-and-answer portion of the meeting, when asked about knowing when she should shoot the ball versus pass it, Higginbottom emphasized the importance of being a team player and making the right call for the team as a whole.
Attendees who witnessed Higginbottom’s growth from childhood spoke about her as a woman who is a role model for young women, which extends beyond basketball, showing them that with hard work, determination, and the right mindset, they can achieve their goals.
In her speech, Higginbottom expressed her gratitude to the people of Batesville for their unwavering support. “I’ll always be proud to be from Batesville, Arkansas, and it’s an honor to represent this town. No matter where my journey takes me, my roots will always be here.”
Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh (center) presents Izzy Higginbottom with a proclamation designating May 15 as “Izzy Higginbottom Day.”
Images: Emily Wang, White River Now
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