UPDATE: JULY 7, 2026 ORIGINAL: JULY 6, 2026 The Arkansas Department of Transportation’s (ARDOT) Central Office Tower is expected to reopen on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, following a temporary closure triggered by elevated asbestos levels. Officials confirmed the building is safe for employees to return after comprehensive cleaning and recent air quality tests showed asbestos […]
ARDOT to close section of Highway 229 July 6th for drainage improvements
Highway 229 from the Interstate 30 (I-30) Frontage Road north to W. Jackman Trail is scheduled to close overnight from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Monday, July 6. Weather permitting, the closure will allow contractors to install drainage crossings. A signed detour will be in place. To reach the north side of the closure, […]
State leaders to attend opening of new nursing and rehab facility in Benton
The Arkansas Health Care Association will host a grand opening celebration for the newly constructed Willow Ridge Nursing and Rehab facility in Benton on Thursday, July 2. The event will welcome the community to the new center and feature appearances by several state officials. The celebration will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. […]
The EMpact One Foundation Relaunches YES! Awards to Celebrate Outstanding Youth Leaders
The EMpact One Foundation is excited to announce the relaunch of its YES! (Youth Empowered to Serve) Awards, a community recognition program honoring young people who are making a positive impact through leadership, service, perseverance, and character. The newly enhanced program will recognize up to 10 outstanding youth each year through quarterly selection cycles. Honorees […]
City of Benton announces more details for Buc-ee’s grand opening August 17th
The City of Benton has officially confirmed the long-awaited grand opening details of its new Buc-ee’s Travel Center. Read more below. GRAND OPENING The popular convenience store chain will open its doors to the public on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026 at 6 a.m. at the new location, 1400 Highway 229 in Benton. At 10:00 a.m., […]
Lose your litter and you could catch a charge – ARDOT targeting $9.7 million litter bill from past year
If your litter is loose, it could net you a fine, community service, and even a misdemeanor charge. Arkansas agencies are picking up on their penalties. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), Arkansas Highway Police, and Keep Arkansas Beautiful are launching a new enforcement campaign this July. The initiative targets the secure transport of waste […]
Ladies: Come Lunch, Laugh, and Network at Rookh Italian and Indian Restaurant Wednesday July 15th at LOL Luncheon
The local networking group, Ladies Out Lunching – LOL for short – will host their July Luncheon at Rookh Italian and Indian Restaurant, Wednesday, July 15th from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. Come ready to chat and make some new friends! Luncheon Details: – Lunch is Dutch Treat: just order and pay your meal. – Don’t […]
CORRECTION – Benton to Consider Grants, and New Rezoning Ordinances at June 22 Meeting
The Benton City Council will consider multiple grant applications, and rezoning ordinances during its upcoming regular meeting on Monday, June 22, 2026. The evening will begin with a 5:30 p.m. agenda session at Benton City Hall, followed immediately by the formal council meeting. BENTON CITY COUNCIL AGENDA June 22, 2026 5:30 P.M. Agenda Meeting COUNCIL […]
Bryant agenda June 18th includes a Church, Dispensary, Fireworks, and Titles
The Bryant Development and Review Committee will meet Thursday, June 18, 2026, to consider multiple permits for seasonal firework stands and a new building expansion for First Baptist Church. The meeting begins at 9:00 AM at the Boswell Municipal Complex City Hall Conference Room, located at 210 SW 3rd Street, and remains open to the […]
Bryant Chamber urges City to stop Greyhound bus service at gas station, citing passenger concerns
The Bryant Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors sent an official letter to Bryant Mayor Chris Treat this week, requesting that the city help terminate Greyhound bus operations at a local fuel station. Chamber officials cite a severe increase in loitering, panhandling, and other nefarious activities reported by nearby business owners as the primary […]