Publication
Bryant police dedicate new training facility to David J. Jones
BRYANT — The Bryant Police Department held a grand opening and open house Tuesday, September 1, for its new training facility, located on Roya Lane across from the Bryant Police Department. Dedicated in honor of David Jones for his service and...
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Benton water tower receives major refurbishment
Ever wonder what it takes to maintain the infrastructure that delivers water to your home every day? A 150,000-gallon water tower near Walgreens in Benton is undergoing a complete refurbishment, according to a post from Benton Utilities social media...
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Suit
to Act 372, later ruled unconstitutional, requesting that certain books be relocated. Hector again declined, citing First Amendment concerns. That August, the Quorum Court approved an ordinance changing library governance and granting Brumley...
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Hounds Lounge turns Salt Bowl rivalry into a “Kibble Bowl” benefiting Benton and Bryant animal shelters
Hounds Lounge Pet Resort & Spa in Bryant, a local doggy daycare, boarding and grooming facility, has launched its first Kibble Bowl, a monthlong pet food drive inspired by the annual Salt Bowl rivalry between Benton and Bryant high schools. Through...
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Fun at the Saline County Library for all ages
Every September, libraries across the nation participate in “Library Card Sign Up Month,” an effort to encourage people to sign up for a library card or renew an existing one. Five libraries in central Arkansas have branded their version of the...
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Saline County storm outages peaked at more than 13,000 homes
SALINE COUNTY— Power outages in Saline County peaked at more than 13,000 homes and businesses following severe thunderstorms Saturday evening, before crews worked through the night to restore electricity and clear debris across the county. By 10:10...
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Democratic candidates make case for ballot initiative rights, education accountability at town hall
Protecting Arkansas’ citizenled ballot initiative process and increasing accountability in education were among the issues Democratic candidates Josh Irby and Kelly Grappe emphasized during a campaign event in Saline County on Sunday, August...
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Bryant native Cara Brookins to keynote Little Rock scholarship fundraiser
LITTLE ROCK — Bryant native and best-selling author Cara Brookins will return to the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund more than 30 years after receiving a scholarship from the organization, this time as the keynote speaker for its fourth annual...
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Parkway Drug opens in Alexander
BRYANT — Parkway Drug officially opened Monday at 4707 Bryant Parkway in Alexander, bringing a new neighborhood pharmacy to the Bryant and Saline County community. The pharmacy was founded by Jon Martin, owner of Bryant Family Pharmacy, and is led by...
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Buc-ee’s opens first Arkansas store in Benton, drawing crowds from across the country
The doors of the first Bucee’s in the State of Arkansas opened at 6 a.m. Monday morning in Benton and hundreds of customers came flowing into the store to buy beaver nuggets, beef jerky, brisket sandwiches, and Buc-ee’s themed merchandise. Customers...
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Arkansas lawmakers, NAACP seek accountability over state trooper punching 18-year-old
The Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus and NAACP Arkansas State Conference are calling for answers about a traffic stop involving a state trooper punching an 18-year-old that has gained national attention. Rep. Jay Richardson, a Fort Smith Democrat and...
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Royal Players bring ‘Guys and Dolls’ to historic Royal Theatre
BENTON — The lights will come up Thursday on a classic Broadway musical as the Royal Players present “Guys and Dolls” at Benton’s historic Royal Theatre. Director and designer Matthew Burns described the production as “a spectacle that audiences have...
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Buc-ee’s ready to open its doors Monday in Benton
BENTON — The wait is almost over. After months of construction, anticipation, and plenty of attention from motorists traveling Interstate 30, Bucee’s will open its first Arkansas location Monday, Aug. 17, in Benton. The 74,000-square-foot travel...
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Bryant schools see literacy, science gains; math remains focus
Bryant School District students showed improvement in literacy, science and several end-of-course subjects on preliminary ATLAS assessment results presented to the school board July 16, while district leaders identified math achievement as a continuing...
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Benton Junior High teacher a finalist for Teacher of the Year
BENTON — Erin Green, an eighth- and ninth-grade physical science and biology teacher at Benton Junior High School, has been named one of the top 15 finalists for the 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year award. The recognition honors Green’s dedication to...
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Media Day with Arkansas Volleyball Network
BAUXITE — Bauxite head coach Haley Nelson and the Lady Miners were interviewed last week at a media day event hosted by the Arkansas Volleyball Network. Intensity has been high during the offseason as the team focuses on building confidence and moving...
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Bryant School Board appoints three new members
The Bryant School Board appointed three new members Monday night, bringing new perspectives to a board that will help guide decisions affecting students, families, teachers and the future of Bryant Schools. Terrah Alexander was appointed to fill the...
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Two Benton churches hold annual shoe giveaway for local families
BENTON — More than 400 pairs of new shoes were available for local families Saturday as members of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and First United Methodist Church of Benton held their third annual community shoe giveaway. The event was held from...
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Filing period enters third day for local elections
Twenty candidates have filed for municipal office across Saline County as the filing period enters its third day, with incumbents dominating the races so far in most jurisdictions. Tom Farmer, the Benton mayor seeking re-election, filed on Wednesday,...
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BYA Flight Academy sends students soaring on final day
Logan, who is heading into the fourth grade at Collegeville Elementary, flew in a private aircraft on Wednesday, July 29, after completing the Bryant Youth Association’s inaugural Flight Academy. “It was cool, very cool,” Logan said. “I could see all...
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Shoffner talks farming, Social Security, immigration at Bryant town hall
Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Hallie Shoffner hosted a town hall in Bryant at the Bishop Center on Monday. Among the issues and topics discussed were agriculture, social security, education, immigration, the rising cost of living, and promised...
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Salty Artists: Local therapist finds peace through painting
Taya Covey grew up in Paron, Arkansas in Saline County. Covey earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Ua-little Rock in 2022. After having her daughter, Covey returned to school to complete her Master of Social Work degree. Covey is now a licensed...
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Salt Bowl returns to Hornets Stadium for first time in more than 20 years
BRYANT, Ark. — The Salt Bowl will be held at Hornets Stadium on Aug. 28, marking the first time in more than 20 years that the annual Bryantbenton football rivalry has been played at the venue. Tailgate setup, including vendor booths and food trucks,...
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Board recognizes Panther Pride honorees, OKS $1.07 million roofing contract
BENTON— The Benton School Board approved every item on its agenda Monday night, including a roofing contract for Caldwell Elementary School and merit bonuses for nine teachers, while also honoring the district’s softball and baseball teams for their...
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SCCTC marks five years of growth ahead of hosting statewide conference
Five years after opening its doors, the Saline County Career and Technical Campus (SCCTC) continues to build on its mission of preparing students for successful careers. As the campus hosts the Arkansas Association for Career and Technical Education...
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Local officers among 22 graduates of ALETA basic training class
BENTON— Local law enforcement agencies are welcoming new officers home after the graduation of Basic Police Training Class 2026-B at the Central campus of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. Robert Forster of the Benton Police Department,...
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Quorum Court to consider new animal control ordinance Monday
BENTON— The Saline County Quorum Court is scheduled to take up a rewritten animal control ordinance Monday, the final step in a process that began more than a year ago after a series of dog attacks in the county, including one that killed a 15-year-old...
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Oltmans Roofing honors county teachers with $500 gift cards
Oltmans Roofing employees pose with the winners of the company’s Teacher Giveaway, which awarded a $500 gift card to one elementary teacher from each school district in Saline County to help with classroom supplies for the upcoming school year....
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Panthers’ 9th annual golf fundraiser draws 35 teams
BENTON -- The Benton Panther Football team held its ninth annual golf tournament fundraiser July 10. Head coach Brad Harris has been putting the fundraiser together for the players since his first year as head coach. The funds raised from the event...
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Young Players at the Royal Theatre present “Cinderella” Youth Edition
The prince is giving a ball, and you are invited. Sponsored by Everett Buick GMC, the Royal Theatre brings this “Cinderella” musical to life with a special youth edition. This isn’t just an ordinary version of “Cinderella.” This is a specially created...
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Bryant finance office earns GFOA budget award for ninth straight year
BRYANT — The City of Bryant has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2026 Budget Book, marking the ninth consecutive year the city has earned the honor. The award recognizes governments...
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Bryant Parks and Recreation takes over management of senior center
The Bryant Senior Adult Center is now under the management of Bryant Parks and Recreation following a recently approved agreement. The city says the new agreement will strengthen local oversight and ensure the center’s long-term stability....
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Committee advances new animal control ordinance after months of discussion
BENTON — After more than a year of work by a temporary committee and months of public debate, Saline County’s Public Works and Safety Committee voted Monday night to advance a new animal control ordinance aimed at addressing dangerous dog incidents in...
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Saline Memorial Hospital advances safe sleep initiative for newborns Families have access to Sleepsacks, safe sleep education and follow-up support
Families delivering at Saline Memorial Hospital now have the opportunity to enroll in a new safe sleep initiative designed to support families and encourage safe sleep practices. The program is a collaboration between Saline Memorial Hospital,...
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Yoakums’ patriotic yard blooms into Fourth of July honor
Keith and Lisa Yoakum have spent 11 years pouring their passion for gardening and community into their yard, a commitment recently recognized with the Yard of the Month award in their neighborhood. The couple has been married 44 years and has two...
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Saline County Library’s summer reading challenge continues through July, offers prizes and programs
BENTON — The Saline County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, themed “Unearth a Story,” is underway and will continue through Friday, July 31, offering free programs, activities and prizes to readers of all ages. The challenge, which began...
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Donating to the future
The Saline County Striders, a running and walking organization dedicated to promoting health and fitness in Saline County, presented the Boys & Girls Clubs of Saline County with a $7,000 check June 26 following completion of their Arkansas Runner...
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Pickleball tournament raises $4,000 for Saline County Imagination Library
BENTON – The Saline County Imagination Library raised just over $4,000 at its inaugural pickleball tournament fundraiser on Saturday, June 20, at Benton Parks and Recreation. Fourteen teams competed in the event, which was made possible by host Benton...
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Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church marks 144 years with homecoming celebration
BAUXITE— Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church will commemorate its 144th Homecoming Day on Sunday, June 28, marking one of the longest-running annual celebrations among Baptist congregations in Saline County. The event, open to members and non-members...
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Benton man elected president of Arkansas Land Title Association
Brian Perry, executive vice president of Proland Title Co. in Benton, has been elected president of the Arkansas Land Title Association. Perry’s election and installation took place during the association’s 118th annual convention June 4-5 at Oaklawn...
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Mr. Steven remembered for decades of service at Saline Health System
For more than a decade, visitors walking through the front doors of Saline Health System were greeted by the same familiar voice — warm, talkative and always ready with directions or a story. For children, there was often an added bonus: a teddy bear...
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Giving back
Everett Buick GMC is donating $500,000 to the city of Benton to install turf infields at all five softball fields at Riverside Park, the dealership announced Friday. Mayor Tom Farmer, Benton Parks & Recreation Director Stephanie Jones, Susie Everett...
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Saline County celebrates completion of Southwest Trail Segment
SALINE COUNTY — County officials and community members gathered Wednesday morning near Vimy Ridge Immanuel Baptist Church for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking a major milestone in
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Benton School Board approves $2.1M high school roof project, honors teachers, coach, Pre-k graduates
BENTON— The Benton School Board approved a project Monday night to replace the roof at Benton High School, awarding a $2,128,724 contract that officials say will save the district more than $1 million through a state partnership program. Baldwin &...
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Local youth take to the skies in new aviation academy
BRYANT — Fifty-five students are learning what it takes to fly this summer through a first-of-its-kind aviation enrichment program launched by the Bryant Youth Association. BYA Flight Academy, held at the Saline County Airport, meets weekly for eight...
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Bauxite valedictorian Zeke Young credits family, relationships for academic success
Zeke Young graduated as valedictorian of Bauxite High School’s Class of 2026 and will attend Ouachita Baptist University in the fall, where he plans to major in accounting and then after three years go to Fayetteville’s law school and work part time as...
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Student-designed fire hydrants celebrate America’s 250th anniversary
A dozen downtown fire hydrants have been transformed into red, white and blue works of art thanks to the creativity of Benton students. As the country prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Benton High School students have contributed to...
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Benton to celebrate Juneteenth with fifth annual event
Benton Parks and Recreation will host its fifth annual Juneteenth celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Ralph Bunche Community Center, 1600 Dixie St. According to the National Museum of African American History and...
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Personal touches help Glenns earn Yard of the Month
Seven years after moving into the Heritage Farm Subdivision, Matt and Amanda Glenn have transformed their yard into a calming, colorful retreat. Their dedication was recently recognized with the neighborhood’s June Yard of the Month award. When they...
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Benton educator Danny Revis retires after 28 years of service
BENTON— After more than three decades shaping young minds and building a legacy in special education, Benton native Danny Revis is closing the classroom door one final time. Revis, a 1985 Benton High School graduate, retires this month after 28 years...
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Arkansas crime lab recognized among world’s top-performing laboratories
LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory has received the Foresight Maximus Award, an international recognition presented to forensic laboratories operating at 90% or better of peak efficiency during the reporting year, according to a news...
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Bryant High School student’s design selected for city water tower
The Bryant City Council recognized Bryant Public Schools during its May 26 meeting with a “Year of Excellence” proclamation highlighting achievements in academics, athletics, fine arts, STEM, leadership and community service. Mayor Chris Treat...
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Bryant honors school district’s banner year with proclamation
The City of Bryant recognized Bryant Public Schools for what Mayor Chris Treat described as an “extraordinary” 2025-2026 school year during Tuesday night’s Bryant City Council meeting, presenting a proclamation emphasizing achievements across...
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Bryant valedictorian heads to Princeton to pursue law
David Salinas graduated as valedictorian of Bryant High School’s Class of 2026 and will attend Princeton University in the fall, where he plans to major in political science and pursue a career in law. Princeton accepted between 4.5% and 5% of...
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Dolly Parton Imagination Library to host pickleball fundraiser
The Saline County Imagination Library is rallying the community together through a pickleball tournament fundraiser on June 20 at the River Center in Benton aimed at supporting early literacy for local children. The fundraiser will help provide free...
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County committee focused on animal control to begin meeting this month
Saline County has officially formed a committee focused solely on animal control, with their first meeting taking place on Thursday, May 28 at 3 p.m. in Courtroom No. 3 of the Saline County Courthouse. The Animal Control Ordinance Temporary Working...
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Royal Theatre restoration aims to preserve Benton landmark for future generations
From seeing Disney’s “The Jungle Book” at Benton’s historic Royal Theatre as a child to watching her own son perform in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” decades later, Michelle Griffis’ life has long been tied to the downtown landmark. Now, as vice...
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Sawyer Crawford named Boys & Girls Clubs of Saline County Youth of the Year
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Saline County has named Sawyer Crawford as its 2026 Jeff Mattingly Foundation Youth of the Year, according to a news release from the organization. The Jeff Mattingly Foundation Youth of the Year honor is considered the...
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Saline County Library launches summer reading challenge with dinosaur-themed programs, community events
The Saline County Library is fighting against the “summer slump” with a variety of activities and programs offered throughout the summer through their annual Summer Reading Challenge. The challenge begins June 1 and ends on July 31. According to...
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First Presbyterian Church in Benton marks 200 years of resilience, community
This Sunday, the oldest member of Benton’s First Presbyterian Church will ring a chime to begin a 200-bell ceremony marking the church’s bicentennial celebration. The final chime will be rung by the congregation’s youngest member. Pastor Rev. Grant...
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Saline County students honored at Clinton Library for stock market competition success
A group of Saline County fifth graders was recognized May 7 during the Economics Arkansas Awards Ceremony at the Clinton Presidential Library for success in the Stock Market Game competition. The team, made up of students from Mountain View Middle...
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Benton opens new fire training facility years in the making
The City of Benton opened its new fire training facility Monday, May 11, with a ribboncutting ceremony marking the completion of a project years in the making. Located at 1201 S. Market St. in Benton across from the city’s Animal Services building, the...
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Hot Springs Village Fire Department welcomes new mini pumper with push-in ceremony
The Hot Springs Village Fire Department celebrated the arrival of its newest apparatus Wednesday, May 6, with a traditional push-in ceremony at the Cortez Fire Station in Hot Springs Village. The ceremony was held at 11:30 a.m. at the station, located...
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Rising Stars to present “Oliver! Jr.” on May 23
After months of rehearsals and hard work, the Saline County Library’s homeschool acting program, Rising Stars, is ready to take the stage for its biggest night of the year. The Rising Stars Players are made up of almost fifty homeschooled students...
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Dianne Roberts Art Studio students earn several awards in Malvern art show
Several artists with Dianne Roberts Art Studio received awards in the 36th Annual MNB Virginia P. Weaver Spring Art Show, held April 20-24 at MNB Main Bank in downtown Malvern. Categories included abstract, animal, floral, landscape, open photography,...
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The Royal Players to present “Anastasia: The Musical” at Royal Theatre
The Royal Theatre will present “Anastasia: The Musical” June 11–21, 2026, inviting audiences into a story of mystery, romance and adventure inspired by the legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia. The production includes musical numbers...
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Benton Business Expo returns May 8 with free admission, catfish lunch and 70 vendors
The Benton Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Central Arkansas Business Expo will return Friday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Benton Event Center, offering a free, public opportunity to connect with local businesses and services. Admission to...
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Benton High Class of 1971 marks 55-year reunion
In May of 1971, 235 members of the class of 1971 walked across the stage to receive their diplomas from Howard Perrin, Superintendent of the Benton school district. This weekend, the class will celebrate its 55th reunion with activities at the museum...
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Benton council denies rezoning for proposed school near Buc-ee’s site in 5-3 vote
BENTON — The Benton City Council on Monday, April 28, rejected a rezoning request tied to a proposed private Christian school near Interstate 30 Exit 114, marking the latest development in a monthslong debate over the project and the city’s zoning...
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Liberty Tree planted at Benton City Hall to mark nation’s 250th anniversary
A Liberty Tree and commemorative marker have been installed on the front lawn of Benton City Hall as part of a nationwide effort to recognize the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The Saline Crossing Chapter of the National Society...
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Bryant Rotary Club to host Duck Derby Festival, 5K on May 2
BRYANT — The Rotary Club of Bryant will host its 2026 Rubber Duck Derby Festival and 5K on Saturday, May 2, at Mills Park in Bryant. The event will include a 5K race, a children’s fun run, games, prizes, food and a 5,000-duck race. Proceeds will...
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Benton City Council welcomes new member
After interviewing eight candidates Monday night, the Benton City Council appointed business owner Chad Slaughter to the vacant Ward 3 seat. Judge Brent Houston swore him in to serve the remainder of the late Bill Donnor’s term, which runs through...
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Brumley plans animal control committee after ordinance stalls
During announcements at the Saline County Quorum Court meeting on Monday, April 20, Saline County Judge Matt Brumley said he plans to create a committee focused solely on animal control after a proposed ordinance failed to advance at a Public Safety...
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Hornets score 4 runs in 8th inning, beat Panthers in rivalry game
BENTON — Bryant defeated Benton 6-4 in eight innings April 18 in a Saline County rivalry game. “We had our chances all night long to score runs, we just didn’t come up with a timely hit,” Benton coach Mark Ballisteri said. “I think we left 11 or 12...
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Benton A&P Commission weighs new event funding policy
The Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission held a workshop Wednesday to discuss new guidelines for event funding, with members evaluating ways to balance support for longtime community events with funding opportunities for new ones. No formal...
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Tip-a-cop event raises funds for Special Olympics Arkansas
BENTON — Law enforcement officers across Arkansas traded badges for aprons Tuesday night during the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Battle of the Badges: Tip-acop, raising money for Special Olympics Arkansas. Held from 5 to 9 p.m. April 14 at Texas...
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