The Saline Courier
Friend accuses Brumley, political groups of “unprecedented” moves in Saline County sheriff race
Richard Friend, chief of police in England and a candidate for Saline County sheriff, hosted a town hall styled event Tuesday, Jan. 13, at Bishop Park, where he accused County Judge Matt Brumley and local political groups of taking what he called...
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Bryant School Board to honor champions, consider bus purchase and academic updates
The Bryant School Board will meet on Thursday, Jan. 15 to discuss several agenda items and recognize student achievement. During the meeting, students from the Happy Club at Parkway Elementary will
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Big year for Bryant
As Bryant continued to grow in 2025, city leaders focused on strengthening long-term financial stability, improving transparency and maintaining essential services, while encouraging greater community involvement in shaping the city’s future. Mayor...
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Next level
Laci Bohannan stands with Susie Everett and Dwight Everett. Bohannan recently signed with the Arkansas Razorbacks after four years at the University of Central Arkansas, becoming the first Benton High School graduate to play volleyball for the program....
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Friday jerseys spark lessons in the classroom
On fall Fridays at Harmony Grove High School, students show up for their physics class wearing football jerseys and other school spirit gear. Physics teacher Shane Reed uses that game-day energy to his advantage, turning the motion of a spiraling...
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West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church celebrates 75 years of faith, fellowship and family
Before there was a building, there was a boarding house. The floors were dirt, and the congregation was small, united by strong faith and a shared commitment to one another. Seventy-five years later, West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church is still...
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Old River Bridge restoration completed
After more than a century standing over the Saline River, the historic Old River Bridge officially reopened on June 25 with a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating its restoration. The bridge originally opened in 1891 and closed in 1974 when a truck...
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Community generosity supports local programs
The Arvest Foundation announced $69,5000 in grant funding awarded to 10 organizations in Saline County. Among the recipients was the Bryant Youth Association, which will use its funding to expand programming in areas such as STEM education, music,...
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Top stories of 2025 CJCOHN serves record crowd as Saline County families struggle with food shortage amid shutdown
More than 2,300 individuals and 300 families in Saline County were served Wednesday, Nov. 4 during CJCOHN’S food distribution and registration event. The nonprofit opened its gates at 10 a.m. and were forced to close an hour early after running out of...
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“Santa Claus is Coming to town”
The North American Aerospace Defense Command was busy tracking Santa on December 24, 2024 for the program’s 69th year in the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center located on Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. NORAD is a U.S. and Canada bi-national...
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Benton School Board approves 2026-27 calendar, recognizes student achievements
The Benton School Board met at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, and approved all action items on its agenda. During announcements, the board recognized multiple students and groups with Panther Pride awards. Mountain View Elementary School students were...
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Benton council approves fees for new animal services, adoption center ahead of February opening
Reduced-cost veterinary services and expanded shelter capacity moved one step closer Monday night when the Benton City Council approved fee rates for the new Benton Animal Services and Adoption Center, scheduled to open in February. In addition to...
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Remembering Lynda Hollenbeck
Throughout life there are well-known people and others that are remembered for this or that. For select company, there are household names and those that are never forgotten. Lynda Hollenbeck is the latter. On the morning of Jan. 5, the world lost...
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Bryant Athletic Hall of Honor inducts 10th class, celebrates athletes, teams and community leaders
The Bryant Athletic Hall of Honor welcomed its 10th class on Friday, Dec. 12. This year’s class included Brandy Duncan Delee for her outstanding achievements in dance; the late Herman Thompson for his vision, support and leadership; and Ben Wells for...
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Saline County ballot draw sets order for 2026 primary, judicial, school races
Republican candidates for Saline County sheriff joined others in the countywide ballot draw on Dec. 2. This event set the order of names for the 2026 preferential primary, nonpartisan judicial general, and annual school election ballots. The draw...
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Giving season
The Saline County Library announced Republic Services as the winner of its 2025 “Battle of the Businesses” charity drive after the company donated 3,478 items, surpassing last year’s champion, First Security Bank, which collected 2,028. “Republic...
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F.A.C.S. marks fifth year as Christmas in the City returns Dec. 21
For five years, Fighting Against Childhood Starvation (F.A.C.S) has grown from a one-woman effort helping five families in the community, into a community-wide movement that now helps dozens of families throughout Saline County. The organization’s...
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Nurse Memorial Tree Ceremony honors 30 Saline County nurses lost in 2025
Legacy Keepers Nurse Honor Guard honored the 30 nurses the community lost in 2025 during its second annual Saline County Nurse Memorial Tree Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 5, inviting families to gather and pay tribute to their loved ones. Candles were lit...
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Saline County leaders outline growth strategy built on unity, safety at leadership summit
At the 2025 Leadership Conference, held Dec. 4 at the Benton Event Center, Saline County officials highlighted financial wins and infrastructure improvements achieved without increasing taxpayer costs this year and outlined a vision for economic growth...
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Keep Saline County beautiful
Thirty-three volunteers gathered at Lyle Park on Friday for the 14th Annual Black Friday Cleanup, joining Saline River Canoe, the Arkansas Watertrails Partnership and ACC BOATR to remove trash along the Saline River. Participants split between a...
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Santa in the Park set for Saturday
Holiday season is here in Benton, and with it comes a variety of activities planned throughout December. Benton Parks and Recreation will kick off the festivities Saturday, Dec. 6, at the River Center with its annual Santa in the Park from 9 a.m. to 2...
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Benton Panthers football 2025 final statistics
Logan Hipskind 13–15–16–9–53 Gunner Deaton — defensive stats listed separately above — Ayden Bateman 9–8–7–3–27 Noah Roberson 7–13–5–1–26 Corey Anderson 7–5–21–0–33 Drake Woodard 11–16–3–5–35 Avain Beard 5–19–5–2–31 Carson Conyers...
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Bryant to face Bentonville in 7A title game Friday; state finals air on Arkansas PBS
CONWAY — Bryant will meet Bentonville for the Class 7A state championship at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, as Arkansas PBS begins live coverage of the 2025 Centennial Bank High School Football Championships from War Memorial Stadium. Games will air...
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Turkey Trot 2025
The Saline County Striders held their second annual Strider Turkey Trot 5K in Downtown Benton on Saturday, Nov. 22, with 266 runners taking part in the holiday race. With competitive runners, families, walkers and participants decked out in festive...
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Downtown Benton Christmas tree lighting ceremony set for Sunday
The City of Benton will kick off the Christmas season with their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 30 at Owens Mooney Park in Downtown Benton from 5 to 8 p.m. The community is encouraged to gather together to help light the...
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Manor at Benton staff earn Willow honors for compassionate care
On Nov. 19, Renisha Mcdowell, a CNA at the Manor at Benton, was presented the Willow Award recognizing excellence in end-of-life care. Mcdowell was nominated for the award by the family of the late Al Eddins, a resident and friend, for her...
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SRPWA to receive $7.7M loan for Ouachita River pipeline serving growing Saline County
The Saline Regional Public Water Authority (SRPWA) will receive a $7.7 million loan to advance its wholesale water system using water from the Ouachita River, part of a statewide funding package announced Wednesday, Nov. 19 by Governor Sarah Huckabee...
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Trial
in January 2024, nearly eight years after the shooting. Testimony was heard from Partridge, Ellison, multiple officers on the scene, Benton Police Chief Scotty Hodges, and several expert witnesses. Following the six-day trial in Little Rock, an...
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CJCOHN serves record crowd as Saline County families struggle with food shortage amid shutdown
More than 2,300 individuals and 300 families in Saline County were served Wednesday, Nov. 4 during CJCOHN’S food distribution and registration event. The nonprofit opened its gates at 10 a.m. and were forced to close an hour early after running out of...
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Bryant battalion chief earns respect as firefighter, mentor and guardian
A small hand gesture from Battalion Chief Brian Watson made a monumental difference for Bryant firefighter Chris Abney. Abney was at the scene of a vehicle accident when he noticed Watson signaling for him to put his Bourke eye shields in place. He...
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Candidate filing opens for 2026 Saline County primary elections
Candidate filing for the 2026 Preferential Primary Election, Annual School Election and Nonpartisan General Election began Monday, Nov. 3, at the Saline County Vote Here building in downtown Benton. The filing period will conclude at noon Wednesday,...
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Glitz and Garland returns to Benton Event Center Nov. 6-8
BENTON — The Benton Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Everett Buick GMC to host the 2025 Glitz & Garland holiday shopping event Nov. 6-8 at the Benton Event Center. The three-day event will kick off Thursday, Nov. 6, with a private Girls...
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Bryant Council tables rate ordinances, plans workshop on proposed water, sewer increases
The Bryant City Council voted to table the second reading of two ordinances that would set new rates for Bryant’s water and sewer services at their city council meeting Tuesday, Oct. 28. Both ordinances reflect the rates that were proposed in the...
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‘Kuimeaux’s World’ to open Nov. 14 at Historic Arkansas Museum
LITTLE ROCK — More than 50 works by Arkansas native and Harmony Grove High School alumnus Dwight “Kuimeaux” Drennan will be featured in a solo exhibition opening Nov. 14 at the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock. The show, titled Kuimeaux’s...
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CASA spices up chili cookoff with “Battle of the Decades” on Nov. 4
As the weather gets colder and drearier, Saline County CASA is preparing to bring warmth and cheer with its 2025 annual 2025 Annual Chili Cookoff. The event will be held Nov. 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Benton Event Center, with tickets available...
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Bryant board honors students for leading district peanut butter drive
The Bryant School Board met Thursday, Oct. 23 and approved several agenda items as well as recognized students and staff members. The board honored Bryant Elementary for donating the most amount of peanut butter during the district’s annual peanut...
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Bryant Chamber welcomes first responders
First responders enjoy a luncheon hosted by the Bryant Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, October 23.
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Homecoming set for Friday in Bauxite
The 2025 Bauxite Homecoming Court poses for a photo ahead of Friday night’s matchup against Genoa Central. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with the coronation ceremony at 6:20 p.m. Pictured, back row from left: Rylee Ferrell and Asa Perry, sophomore maids;...
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Benton’s Stephanie Williams named Arkansas Teacher of the Year
Stephanie Williams, music teacher at Mountain View Elementary was named the 2026 Arkansas Teacher of the Year (ATOY) on Tuesday, Oct. 21 during a school-wide assembly. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob...
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Benton community leader leaves legacy of love, lifelong service
Tommie Adams lived a quintessential American life, born on July 4, 1933, it’s as if he was destined to be the perfect example of the “American Dream.” Jan Adams said the first time she realized her dad wasn’t just a “regular guy” was when he was...
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Bryant Chamber to host annual First Responders Luncheon Oct. 23
BRYANT — The Bryant Chamber of Commerce will host its ninth annual First Responders Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 23, to honor local police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel for their service to the community. The luncheon will take...
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Mayor Farmer honors Arkansas Rehabilitation Services’ mission to expand opportunities for workers with disabilities
Benton Mayor Tom Farmer read a proclamation in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) on Tuesday Oct. 14, recognizing the mission of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) to prepare individuals with disabilities across the...
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Benton Parks honored with state award
The Benton Parks and Recreation Department was recognized with the 2025 Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association Sports Management Programming Excellence Award, highlighting the department’s success in sports programming for their youth. Currently,...
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Bauxite freshman star Wyatt Foreman talks breakout season
After the first game of the season, Bauxite freshman Wyatt Foreman was called up to play on the varsity team for the game against Monticello on Sept 5. He shocked the state when he led the Miners to win that game and has been turning heads ever since....
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Benton’s Paxton Lane captures second golf state title
Paxton Lane looks over the course at Pine Bluff Country Club during the 5A golf state tournament on Wednesday, October 8.
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Rivendell Behavior Health Services makes company history
During a recent visit to Rivendell Behavioral Health Services in Benton, heads of the facility’s parent company, United Health Services, Inc., announced the hospital had earned a distinction not reached by other facilities within the...
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Benton Athletic Memorial Museum celebrates 30 year anniversary this Saturday
BENTON — The Benton Athletic Memorial Museum will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a community tailgate and alumni reunion from 12 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, in front of the Tom Hardin Building on the Benton High School campus. The event will...
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Women Equipped awarded $5,000 grant to empower local women
Women Equipped, also known as Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) of Saline County, is the proud recipient of the Union Pacific Railroad Community Ties Giving Program grant. “This grant will impact women’s lives for a brighter future,” said Susie...
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Youthful generosity
Children and youth from Salem United Methodist Church present a donation to Habitat for Humanity of Saline County for the Apostles Build project at 1616 S. Market St. in Benton.
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Paid in full Saline County retires $43.5 million bond six years early
A bond burning ceremony was held Wednesday at the Saline County Career and Technical Center (SCCTC) to celebrate the early retirement of the 3/8-cent sales tax that funded its construction. Voters approved the tax in 2018 to support a $43.5 million bond,
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Old Fashioned Day returns to Benton for 51st year Oct. 11
Saline County’s oldest festival, Old Fashioned Day hosted by the Saline County Council on Aging, will return for its 51st year on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Benton. The festival will include a cornhole contest, vendor booths,...
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Fall Fest returns to Bryant
The Bryant Chamber of Commerce’s 38th annual Fall Fest is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bishop Park. Shane Knight, President and CEO of the Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce said he is excited to once again be a part of this...
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Benton School Board approves 2025-26 budget, recognizes Panther Pride honorees
The Benton School Board recognized several students and a teacher with Panther Pride awards and approved the district’s 2025-2026 budget during its meeting Monday, Sept. 15. The Panther Pride awards honor academic achievement, professional growth, and...
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Hundreds attend Saline County vigil for Charlie Kirk
On Sunday, Sept. 14, hundreds gathered at the Saline County Courthouse gazebo for a vigil dedicated to the life of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The event was organized by the Arkansas Federation of Young Republicans. “The Arkansas Federation...
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Community comes together on 9/11 to honor its own late hero
Members of the Saline County community gathered to remember one of their own fallen first responders on Thursday, September 11. Section 22 of the Interstate 30 bridge in Benton was named in honor of late Turtle Creek firefighter Paul Baker. Baker died...
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Pam Balding reflects on 41 years in education at Harmony Grove
Pam Balding, Westbrook Elementary second grade teacher, has spent 41 years in the Harmony Grove School District, making her the longest-serving teacher on staff. Growing up, she had always imagined she’d become a veterinarian; however, her career path...
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BAMM bids farewell to outgoing board members, welcomes two new ones
The Benton Athletic Memorial Museum Board of Directors had their first meeting of the year this week electing officers and acknowledging board members. Donnie Burks, Executive Director, recognized outgoing board members Cindy Hogue and Steve Mcguire...
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The Royal Theatre to stage ‘Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical’ Sept. 11–21
The Royal Theatre will present “Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical,” Sept. 11 through Sept. 21. Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 Gothic horror novella, “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” the production explores the evil side of human...
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Karen Hilborn reflects on 38 years of teaching, coaching and mentoring
Karen Hilborn, Mentor for Benton Public Schools New Teachers and Director of Cheer and Dance, has spent 38 years dedicated to the Benton School District, wearing several hats, and impacting thousands of students along the way. Raised in Benton, she...
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Ceremony to dedicate I-30 bridge as Paul Baker Memorial Bridge set for Sept. 11
Nearly two decades after Turtle Creek Volunteer Firefighter Paul Baker lost his life in the line of duty, the community will gather to permanently honor his sacrifice. On Thursday, Sept. 11, Section 22 of the Interstate 30 bridge spanning the Saline...
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Saline County Fair and Rodeo set for this week
The Saline County Fair has returned to the Saline County Fairgrounds, offering the community a chance to take part in several activities. Volunteers have spent countless hours preparing for the annual event. The Junior Livestock Show will be at 6 p.m....
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Preview
does, it’s great for your offense.” Receivers Karson Collatt and Will Carter return, while Harris is also high on junior Bryson Griffis, who has been transitioned to running back. “We feel like he’s very dynamic,” Harris said. “He runs the ball...
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Coaches, players share expectations at Salt Bowl press conference
The Salt Bowl, Arkansas’ largest high school football rivalry, returns to Saline County on Friday night for the first time in 25 years as Benton hosts Bryant at Panther Stadium. The coaches’ and players’ press conference was held Wednesday at the...
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Benton, Bryant set for Salt Bowl clash Friday at Panther Stadium
The highly anticipated Salt Bowl, featuring the Benton Panthers and the Bryant Hornets, takes place at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at Benton Panther Stadium. This will be the first time in many years the rivalry is not held in Little Rock. The Panthers and...
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Sonic Drive-in on Military Road in Benton to close for renovation
David Hull, a partner in a business group that owns twenty-seven Sonic Drive-ins in Arkansas, has announced plans for a complete tear down and rebuild of the Military Road location in Benton. Hull and his group have purchased the adjourning properties...
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Southern Trace Rehab & Care earns 2025 AHCA/ NCAL Bronze National Quality Award
BRYANT — Southern Trace Rehab & Care has been named a 2025 recipient of the Bronze Commitment to Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The award recognizes the facility’s commitment...
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Saline County, Benton crews clear roads as power restoration continues after storms
The Saline County Road Department, Benton Street Department and utility crews continued recovery efforts Wednesday after severe storms brought down trees and power lines across the county the day before. “We’re grateful for the quick action of our...
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From Howard Perrin to Hollywood, Jett Fleeman is living the dream
It all started when theneleven-year-old Jett Fleeman walked into the living room where he lived with his parents, Michael and Christy, big sister Payton and oldest sibling Preston. What happened next was the first step on a path that leads to the...
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ACLU lawsuit over Brumley’s firing of Hector moves toward 2026 trial
LITTLE ROCK — U.S. District Judge James M. Moody Jr. has scheduled an initial pretrial conference by Aug. 28 in the federal lawsuit filed on behalf of former Saline County Library Director Patty Hector, with a joint report due by Sept. 11 and a jury...
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City of Bryant unveils strategic plan
The City of Bryant has unveiled its 2025-2026 Strategic Plan, outlining priorities such as strengthening infrastructure, driving economic growth, enhancing transparency and creating a more connected community. “We all know Bryant is a great place to...
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Three Arkansas veterans honored with Quilts of Valor
Three Arkansas veterans were honored Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Bryant Senior Center with handmade quilts from the Central Arkansas Quilt of Valor Foundation in recognition of their service. Delton Gibbs, Edward Malone and Terry Webster were recognized...
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Mayberry will not seek re-election in 2026
State Representative Julie Mayberry has announced she will not seek a sixth term in the Arkansas House of Representatives. She has served in the house since 2015, representing District 92 which includes all of Grant County and a portion of Saline...
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A new chapter begins
Mountain View Middle School will open its doors to students for the first time on Aug. 13 at the start of the next school year in Benton. The Benton School District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, June 24, to celebrate the completed...
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Harmony Grove band builds momentum, energy ahead of fall season
Harmony Grove High School band is in the midst of summer practices. Band director Mark Trickey says there is a “certain energy around this season specifically that I think is going to make it really, really fun and really, really special,” though does...
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