Publication
U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorses Hill for reelection
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-ark., for reelection Wednesday during a visit to the Saline County Career and Technical Campus in Benton. Hill, the Republican incumbent in Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District, faces...
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Miners look to stay physical in homecoming matchup with Bald Knob Harmony Grove High School
The Bauxite Miners will try to extend their winning ways when they host the Bald Knob Bulldogs at the Pit on Friday. Coach Caleb Perry’s squad is coming off a hard-fought 21-17 win over Harmony Grove, a game the Miners’ running attack dominated....
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CAMCAC forensic interviewer completes 1,000th interview
BENTON — Amy Henson, a forensic interviewer with Cooper-anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center (CAMCAC), recently completed her 1,000th forensic interview, marking a milestone in her work helping children who may have experienced abuse or other forms of...
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Saline County Memories: The Saline County lake that was never built
BENTON — Saline County residents once backed a plan to build a large reservoir that could have changed the region’s landscape and helped secure its future water supply. The proposed Lake Avilla (named for the community it would be located near) never...
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Hill outlines priorities on costs, housing, economy ahead of November election
U.S. Rep. French Hill says lowering costs for Arkansas families, increasing housing affordability and supporting local businesses will remain among his priorities if he is reelected to represent Arkansas’s 2nd Congressional District. Hill, a...
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Early voting begins in 11 days in Saline County
Saline County voters will have 11 days to prepare before early voting begins Monday, Oct. 19, for the Nov. 3 general election. Early voting will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Oct. 19-23 and Oct. 26-30. Saturday voting will...
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The creation of the Benton Fire Department
On September 21, 1916, the Benton Courier reported that a fire had destroyed H. S. Glenn’s storerooms on Market Street in downtown Benton the previous Sunday. By the time the fire was discovered, it had also damaged the adjoining property – Glenn’s...
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Everett Buick GMC marks 20 years in Saline County
When Dwight and Susie Everett, along with their sonsin-law, Chad Hendrix and Brandan Hudspeth, bought a GMC dealership in Saline County in 2006, Dwight had already spent three decades in the car business. Twenty years later, the family business that...
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Waving hands, shared wins: ASL interpreters make Chamber BINGO accessible
The Benton Area Chamber of Commerce is known for its BINGO events held throughout the year, with exciting themes, impressive prizes and packed houses each time. Beyond the games and prizes, the events are designed to bring people together, giving...
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UAMS ready to open Saline County hospital Oct. 1, already plans expansion
UAMS leaders told the Saline County Quorum Court last week that UAMS is ready to begin operations in the former Encore facility Oct. 1. Dr. Lowry Barnes, UAMS chancellor, said a strong emergency department will be a key part of the hospital’s initial...
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Benton to install turf infields at baseball, softball complexes; tournament applications open Dec. 1
Benton Parks and Recreation will install turf infields at the city’s baseball and softball complexes beginning this fall, a project city officials say will reduce weather cancellations and position Benton to host more tournaments starting in...
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Woofstock 2026 brings dogs, families together for a good cause
BRYANT — Dogs and their owners gathered in Bryant’s Mill Park for Woofstock 2026, a family-friendly festival that raised money and awareness for the Humane Society of Saline County. The free event featured dog adoptions, live music, food trucks,...
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Saline County receives $25,000 grant from Taco Bell Foundation
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Saline County has received a $25,000 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation to support local teens as they explore careers, build leadership skills and prepare for college. The organization announced the award...
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BAMM wraps up Tricennial celebration with final round of certificates
On Monday, Sept. 14, the Benton Athletic Memorial Museum Board of Directors and Executive Director Donnie Burks presented certificates to the final group of honorees recognized during the museum’s Tricennial celebration. The ceremony marked the third...
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Benton community rallies around Jesse James Foods after devastating fire
BENTON — When Jesse Dorris watched his food trailer burn on an interstate Sept. 9, he lost more than a trailer. He lost the equipment, supplies and business he had worked hard to build through Jesse James Foods. Now, less than a month after the...
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Goddard School to bring first Arkansas location to Bryant in 2027
The Goddard School, a nationally recognized early childhood education provider, is coming to Bryant with plans to open its first Arkansas location in summer 2027. The school held a groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 14 at its future location at 2901 Christy...
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Free Health Fair Saturday will offer Screenings & Wellness Resources
The Johnson Street Church of Christ and its community partners are hosting “United for Better Health,” a free health fair at the Ralph Bunche Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. The center is located at 1600 Dixie, Benton,...
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Jeff Mattingly Foundation donates $35,000 to Bright Futures Benton
Shameka Christon and Lindsey Cobb of Bright Futures Benton knew they would be the beneficiaries of the Jeff Mattingly Foundation’s Community Charity Fundraiser this year. What they didn’t know is that the donation would total $35,000. Bright Futures...
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Third Thursday returns to Downtown Benton this week
BENTON — Downtown Benton’s Third Thursday celebration will return Thursday, offering residents and visitors one more opportunity to enjoy summer with live music, activities and local businesses. Organizers are encouraging the community to come...
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Benton Buc-ee’s welcomes visitors from all 50 states
BENTON — The new Bucee’s in Benton has officially welcomed visitors from all 50 states, according to the City of Benton. The city announced the milestone on its official social media accounts after visitors from Rhode Island stopped at the travel...
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Friday night lights return to The Palace: Benton turns focus to Lakeside after Salt Bowl comeback
BENTON--THE Benton Panthers return to the field Friday against Lakeside after a bye week that followed their 43-42 victory over then-topranked Bryant in the Salt Bowl on Aug. 28. Benton rallied from a 29-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Hornets...
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Faith and fellowship bring women together at historic Congo Methodist Church
CONGO — For about 20 women in the Congo community, a Bible study has become more than a weekly gathering. It has become a place for faith, friendship and fellowship. The women meet each week during the fall through spring months at the historic Congo...
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Bryant High School’s $23.7 million expansion on track for October completion
District officials say Bryant High School’s $23.7 million expansion remains on track for completion in October, with students expected to begin using the new addition when they return from fall break Oct. 21. The 65,558-square-foot addition connects...
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Saline County Courthouse project moves into third phase
BENTON — For more than 120 years, the Saline County Courthouse has stood at the center of Downtown Benton, weathering generations of Arkansas heat, rain and changing times. Now, county officials are taking steps to make sure the historic building...
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Hurricane Creek Federal Credit Union backs Bryant’s READ15 Challenge
BRYANT -- Hurricane Creek Federal Credit Union has donated $4,500 to Bryant Public Schools to support the third annual READ15 Challenge, a reading initiative for students and staff at the district’s secondary schools. READ15 challenges students and...
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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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