The Walmart Foundation's Local Community Grant program has awarded grants to three Newport-area organizations. Recipients include the Newport Parks Department for playground improvements, the Jackson County Library for a new computer lab, and the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce for small business development workshops.

The grants, totaling $15,000, reflect Walmart's ongoing commitment to the communities where its associates live and work. Newport holds a special place in Walmart history — Sam Walton operated his first retail store here before opening the first Walmart in Rogers.