Publication
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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Crocheting comes to Saline County
The Saline County Extension Homemakers hosted a beginner crochet class March 12, drawing 21 participants for an evening focused on learning foundational skills and building community. Held from 6 to 8 p.m., the class introduced attendees to basic...
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Third Thursday returns this week
The first Third Thursday of the year will kick off at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 16, in Downtown Benton with a Cajun and Crawfish Celebration benefiting Bright Futures of Benton. Crawfish plates, sponsored by Mighty Crab, will include a pound of crawfish,...
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Trial in Hector lawsuit against Saline County, Brumley pushed to August
LITTLE ROCK — U.S. District Judge James M. Moody Jr. on April 8 ordered the trial in the lawsuit filed by Patty Hector against Saline County Judge Matthew Brumley and Saline County be pushed back to the week of Aug. 31, 2026. The case had previously...
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Celebrate National Library Week in Saline County
The Saline County Library will partner with local businesses to host a series of fundraisers and free community events during National Library Week, scheduled for April 19-25, according to information provided by the library. The weeklong celebration,...
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Benton High School students prepare to stage “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella”
After months of rehearsals, Benton High School students will bring “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” to the stage this week in a production that theater director Brian Chambers says reflects both the growth of the school’s theater program and strong...
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Spring into season with the Saline County Master Gardeners Annual plant sale set for April 18
The Saline County Master Gardeners will host their annual plant sale on Saturday, April 18 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Alexander Community Center located at 14577 AR-111. Attendees will have the opportunity to browse a wide selection of locally grown...
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Benton
Installation began Monday on a new 2,400-square-foot fire training center, which will give Benton firefighters a dedicated facility to practice emergency response in realistic fire conditions with actual smoke and controlled heat. The modular...
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Next generation remembers sacrifice at Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Service
Saline County’s fourth annual Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day ceremony was held Monday, March 30, honoring those who served in the Vietnam War and remembering those who never returned home. The ceremony also paid tribute to Arkansans killed in action,...
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Saline County voters to decide GOP nominee for sheriff
It’s runoff Election Day in Saline County as voters head to the polls to decide the Republican nominee for Saline County sheriff. Two candidates advanced to the runoff: Saline County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Dustin Robertson and England Police...
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Progress at Buc-ee’s Drainage work for Buc-ee’s project to close Highway 229 overnight this weekend
BENTON — Weather permitting, contractors working on the Buc-ee’s Travel Center project will install drainage crossings during a scheduled overnight closure on Highway 229 north of Interstate 30. The closure will extend from the westbound frontage road...
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College and career fair
Arkansas Connections Academy, an online school for students in grades K-12 across the state, held its first College, Career, and Military Day last week in Benton. The special event gave more than 200 students from Benton and surrounding areas had the...
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Downtown Benton Farmers Market opens April 4
The Benton Farmers Market will open for the season on Saturday, April 4, bringing together local vendors offering everything from fresh produce and homemade foods to handcrafted goods and specialty items. The market is sponsored by Farm Credit. “I...
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Trump delays US strikes in Iran, citing talks to end war
U.S. President Donald Trump postponed threatened strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure and power plants for five days, pending the outcome of what he said were talks with Iran to end the 24-day war. Both sides are keen to “make a deal,” he...
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What to know ahead of March 31 primary runoff election in Saline County
BENTON — Voters in Saline County are reminded of key dates, polling locations and absentee deadlines for the 2026 primary runoff election set for Tuesday, March 31. A runoff election occurs when no candidate receives a majority of votes in the...
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Complete game, no hitter Benton sweeps Beebe behind dominant pitching performances
BENTON — The Benton Panthers swept Beebe in a doubleheader March 17, winning 5-0 and 6-0 to improve to 6-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play. In Game 1, Benton recorded seven hits and committed one error. Caleb Curry drove in a run, while Blake...
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When Burt Reynolds came to Saline County
One of the coolest things to happen in Central Arkansas in the early 1970s was the filming of a movie called “White Lightning” starring Burt Reynolds and Ned Beatty. When the film was released in 1973, Reynolds was already a big star. He had just...
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BACK-TO-BACK
On March 14, the Bryant Hornets defeated the Central Tigers 58-50 in the 6A state championship game at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs. “It feels great. I don’t know how to describe it, really. So much goes on. You try to do your best to get in...
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Sheriff’s candidates address allegations, policy questions during debate
Saline County Sheriff candidates Dustin Robertson and Richard Friend spent part of Tuesday night’s debate responding to rumors, allegations and questions that have circulated throughout the campaign, including claims on social media accusing Friend of...
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Centennial Bank files foreclosure lawsuit tied to Benton’s Tim’s Tavern property
Centennial Bank has filed a foreclosure lawsuit in Saline County Circuit Court seeking to sell property tied to Tim’s Tavern after alleging more than $42,000 remains unpaid on a business loan. The complaint, filed March 5, names Tim Steppach LLC,...
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Pair of Miners clinch 100 career wins in historic seasons Price makes program history with century mark on mat
On Feb. 4, at the 5A South Regional Tournament in Texarkana against Arkadelphia, Bauxite senior wrestler Jacklyn Price reached a milestone of 100 wins, becoming the first female wrestler to achieve the century mark in Bauxite history. “It feels really...
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Herb Green awards scholarship to local students Sydney Smith, Katie Wright
Local barber Herb Green recently presented Sydney Smith and Katie Wright with the annual H.W. “Sour” and Rene Elizabeth Moore Green Scholarship, established in honor of his parents. Green has awarded the scholarship to more than 14 college-bound...
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Bauxite graduate Abby Beene earns ALL-SCAC honors at University of the Ozarks
CLARKSVILLE, Ark. — A former Bauxite High School standout is among three University of the Ozarks women’s basketball players to receive postseason honors from the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. Junior guard Abby Beene, a Bauxite graduate,...
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Saline County Conservation District awards 2026 Dave Ferguson Scholarship
The Saline County Conservation District has awarded its 2026 Dave Ferguson Scholarship to recognize local students committed to conservation and natural resource stewardship. The district selected Ada Huchingson, a junior at Saline County Christian...
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Robertson finishes ahead of Friend, but sheriff’s race resets for runoff
Dustin Robertson and Richard Friend will advance to a runoff election in the Republican primary for Saline County sheriff after neither candidate secured a majority of the vote Tuesday night. According to unofficial results from the Saline County...
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Mailers in House District 82 race spark dispute between Brown, Furman
BENTON — Mailers circulated by incumbent Rep. Tony Furman’s campaign in the Republican primary for Arkansas House District 82 are drawing criticism from challenger, Benton Alderman Steve Brown, who says the claims misrepresent his record and...
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Benton City Council remembers Alderman Donnor
BENTON — The Benton City Council paused Monday evening to honor council member William “Bill” Donnor, who died Feb. 16 at age 68, recognizing his long service to the city and the community he called home. Donnor’s chair sat pushed back from the...
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Benton Courier owner L.B. White left lasting mark on Saline County history
L.B. White was an important figure in modern Saline County history, known as a longtime newspaperman and owner of The Benton Courier. Much of the historical information about White comes from his obituary published in the Arkansas Gazette in March...
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Sharon Extension Homemakers Club discusses mental health, prepares events for America’s 250th birthday
Sharon Extension Homemakers Club met Feb. 19 at the Saline County Extension Office due to demolition taking place at the fairgrounds. In attendance were 12 members. Hostesses were Peggy Price and Linda Townsend. Lynda Westbrook opened the meeting by...
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BAMM week starts Feb. 22
Benton Mayor Tom Farmer has officially declared the week of February 22–28, 2026, as BAMM Week, the traditional kickoff for next Saturday’s event. The Benton Athletic Memorial Museum will be celebrating its Tricennial Year with the 30th Annual Wall...
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Saline County unveils $15 million in public safety upgrades, including jail expansion and 911 improvements
Saline County Judge Matt Brumley, joined by Saline County Sheriff Rodney Wright and Chief Deputy Dustin Robertson announced the completion of nearly $15 million in public safety enhancements, including the completion of the Saline County Jail expansion...
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Panther Pride
Inclusive young leaders in the SOAR with Unified program, Kynslee Yount, Aubree Oxley, Elizabeth Baird, Jersie Sheeks, Harper Arnold, Colt Lutz, Brooklynn Marshall, Easton Sellers, Olivia Baird, Martha Schlau, Gabby Brown, Presleigh Burns, Laiken Ross...
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‘Mr. Benton’ remembered as community gathers to honor Junior Curtis
“He was the best person I have ever seen play in front of my face,” Cassius-morrell Camanse-curtis said of his father, Junior Curtis. For Camanse-curtis, memories of his father did not begin in a packed gym in Benton, but in Hawaii, inside...
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Brooklyn Kuchinski emerging as leader for Benton Lady Panthers
BENTON — Brooklyn Kuchinski may be listed as a 5-foot-9 guard, but the Class of 2026 standout plays wherever she is needed. The Benton junior is averaging 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game this season. She is shooting 38%...
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Friend campaigns for Saline County sheriff on proactive policing, fiscal restraint and transparency
Richard Friend, current England Chief of Police, is seeking the Republican nomination for Saline County sheriff in 2026, citing his local roots, military service and experience in municipal, county and federal law enforcement. The seat is open...
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Sheriff Rodney Wright cites decades of public service in bid for Senate District 16
Saline County Sheriff Rodney Wright is seeking the Republican nomination to represent District 16 in the Arkansas Senate, citing more than three decades of public service and experience with the real-world consequences of state policy. The seat is...
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Benton High cheer champions to be inducted Feb. 28 into BAMM Wall of Fame
The Benton Athletic Memorial Museum Board of Directors, along with Executive Director Donnie Burks, announced that the Benton High School cheerleading teams that won national and state championships in the 2009-10 and 201213 seasons will be inducted...
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Benton standout Sahara Stamps parlayed growth into title, Henderson State signing
Sahara Stamps’ volleyball journey has been defined by growth, resilience and a steady rise into one of Benton’s most reliable front-row players. A 5-foot-8 middle blocker in the Class of 2026, Stamps helped Benton capture the 5A state championship...
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Farmer delivers State of the City address “The state of the city is good, and ready for a greater year in 2026.”
Citing a seventh straight year of declining crime, Benton Mayor Tom Farmer highlighted public safety, economic growth and solid city finances during a State of the City address Monday night. The City Council’s January meeting was rescheduled due to...
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Saline County committee weighs stricter animal control rules after dog attacks
The Saline County Public and Safety Committee met Monday night to discuss a draft of a new animal control ordinance. The discussion comes after multiple incidents, including the June 2025 death of 15-year-old Makayla Fourtner, who was killed in a dog...
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Benton Planning Commission to review school zoning changes
The City of Benton Planning Commission will meet tonight at 6 p.m. to consider a series of rezoning requests, variances and development proposals during its regular meeting at Benton City Hall. According to the agenda, the commission will hear two...
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Fire departments, volunteers mobilize as Southwest Water outage affects hundreds
SALINE COUNTY —Fire departments from Lonsdale, Haskell, Turtle Creek, Salem, Lake Norrell, Magnet Cove, Tull, Morning Star and Crow’s mobilized across Saline County this week to help restore water service to residents affected by a prolonged outage in...
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Rodeo arena roof collapses at Saline County Fairgrounds
On Tuesday, at the Saline County Fairgrounds, the roof of the rodeo arena collapsed due to the weight of accumulated snow and ice, prompting county officials to close the facility and begin assessing the extent of the damage. “It is county property,...
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Benton’s Laci Bohannan becomes first Benton graduate to play Arkansas volleyball
After four seasons of volleyball at the University of Central Arkansas and a career shaped by injuries, Benton native Laci Bohannan reached a crossroads. Bohannan entered the NCAA transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining. A medical...
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Storm shuts down county offices, closes schools, forces meeting cancellations
A winter storm continued to disrupt government operations and schools across Saline County as county and city officials urged residents to stay off the roads and remain home unless travel is necessary on Monday. Saline County Judge Matt Brumley issued...
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BAMM announces 2026 scholarship recipients
The Benton Athletic Memorial Museum Scholarship Committee will honor the Tom & Betty Hardin Class of 2026 scholarship winners at the 30th Annual Wall of Fame Banquet on Friday, Feb. 28, at the Benton High School cafeteria. The banquet serves as a...
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Clancy receives Spirit of Bryant award
The Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce introduced a new honor at its annual banquet this week, presenting the first-ever Spirit of Bryant Award to longtime Bryant High School coach Shane Clancy. The award recognizes a Bryant High School graduate who...
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Junior Auxiliary of Saline County to host Charity Gala fundraiser Feb. 7 in Benton
Charity Gala, the Junior Auxiliary of Saline County’s largest annual fundraiser supporting programs for children across Saline County. The Junior Auxiliary of Saline County will host its largest fundraiser of the year, bringing back their annual...
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