Archive - 2012 - News Article
September 19th
Florrie Wakenight Lyle, a retired Benton High School teacher, is scheduled Thursday night for a special presentation in Benton.
Lyle, who recently turned 99, will share memories of her role as a teacher at the Japanese-American Detention Camp at Jerome, Ark., during World War II.
Her presentation will take place at 7 p.m. at the Saline County History and Heritage Society Center, 123 N. Market St. in Benton. It is open to the public.
September 18th
The Downtown Benton Association is sponsoring its third semi-annual Creative Arts Festival on Saturday, Sept. 22.
"Response to the annual spring festival was so great and such a success the last couple of years that we decided to add one in the fall," said Janet Ausburn, chairperson of the association.
"Saturday's festival will be even bigger and better offering more seasonal items along with other great handmade original crafts," Ausburn said.
She noted that the last festival drew more than 40 vendors.
September 17th
Little Rock police arrested a Benton man on Friday for an alleged indecent exposure incident, and he could be linked to more incidents.
Brandon Runion, 32, was charged with felony indecent exposure and traffic violations.
Sgt. Cassandra Davis said Runion was taken into custody in the 5300 block of Evergreen in the Hillcrest neighborhood, which is near Mount Saint Mary Academy.
Davis said Runion could be responsible for several indecent exposure incidents that have occurred in the area since May.
September 15th
The Christian Community Care Clinic is in need of special assistance.
Barbara Elrod, a retired RN and volunteer for the clinic, said the facility especially needs updraft machines, blood pressure cuffs and CPAP machines.
"What better way to recycle than to give things new life and help others at the same time?" Elrod said.
She explained that the clinic is "a nonprofit facility and operate on grants and donations, so you know money is always tight."
September 13th
The Finance and Personnel Committee of the Bryant City Council was slated to discuss the revision of an ordinance regulating the open burning of yard waste during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, but an alderman quickly put an end to the dialogue, citing the fact that the ordinance was inappropriate to discuss at a Finance and Personnel Committee meeting.
Saline County Regional Solid Waste Management District's Couponing for a Cause is making progress,
A spokesperson said the district teamed up with the Benton Senior Activity Center and district volunteer Angela Howell to promote recycling while helping members of the community in need.
"So far the Benton Senior Activity Center has gathered 2,800 coupon booklets," said Sherry Parsons, director of the center.
 “The seniors are so proud to be a part of this program. They enjoy the ability to help others,” she said.
September 11th
Shaw Recycling in Bauxite was temporarily shut down by local authorities on Monday and owner Bobby Shaw was issued multiple citations for failing to maintain records of scrap metal sales.
Local law enforcement agencies and state Rep. Kim Hammer, R-Benton held a press conference at the gate of the business to explain why a search warrant was served there. The location is 2521 Bauxite Cutoff Road in Bauxite.
John Eckart was introduced Monday night as the new parks director for the city of Benton parks department.
Eckart expressed his appreciation to the council, Mayor David Mattingly and the selection committee for the opportunity before him.
"Benton has promise," Eckart said. "There are a lot of good things in place, but we have lots more to do."
Eckart graduated from Russellville High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance and economics from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2004.
Saline County Fair 2012 is now history and fair officials are pleased with the community response.
Tom Wallace, a member of the Saline County Fair Association Board, said total attendance for the week was estimated at 30,000.
For the last night, attendance was at an all-time high, he said. "The parking lots stayed full and there were lines everywhere, but everyone seemed to be having a great time.
"Attendance at the two nights of the rodeo was 3,500," Wallace said.
The rodeo competition drew 247 cowboys and cowgirls who received a total payout of $27,266 in prize money," he said.
September 9th
Two Benton residents have been arrested for connection to Thursday's armed robbery of First Security Bank in Benton, authorities said.
Bruce Echols, 52, was taken into custody on Saturday and charged with aggravated robbery, theft of property, and unauthorized use of another person's property to facilitate a crime. He also had a warrant for terroristic threatening.
His brother Terry Echols, 50, was also arrested on Saturday and charged with theft by receiving.
