Mandi Curtwright

Fresh eyes, strategic planning, youthful energy and cold, hard cash are shaking up Batesville, a college town on the jagged edge of the Ozarks that is burdened with many of the same challenges as the Delta that’s just minutes away. read more >

One of the state’s oldest theaters, the Melba Theater in Batesville, will reopen Aug. 12 with a grand opening, red carpet gala thanks to the restoration efforts of owners Janelle and Joe Shell and Mandi and Adam Curtwright. read more >

Janelle Shell said the curtain will rise again for the Melba Theater in Batesville. But before the doors open to the historic one-screen theater on the city’s Main Street, a long list of repairs has to be made. read more >