Archive - News Article
June 19th, 2012
Benton School Board has paved the way for UALR-Benton Center to expand its facilities by the board's vote Monday night to purchase First Security Bank's downtown facility for a new central administration office.
The board voted 4-2 for an agreement to purchase the bank facility for housing the district's central administration facilities.
June 18th
Saline County Sheriff's department is seeking information related to the whereabouts of Danny Wayne Stalnaker.
On 6/17/2012 at approximately 12:45 A.M., Traskwood Officer responded to the Saline River for an unconscious person. The Officer found the victim, Christopher Patterson, W/M 35 YOA, lying on the ground with blood on his head. He was transported to the hospital, where it was determined he was suffering from blunt force trauma to the head. He was rushed into surgery. and later died from his injuries.
June 16th
Arkansas school officials are up in arms. For years the school districts have been trading students back and forth through the Arkansas School Choice Act and that plan already was in the works for another school term.
A few days ago, a federal judge determined, however, that the act is illegal and has issued a ruling saying school districts must cease and desist in regard to this practice.
Benton Parks and Recreation Department and the Benton Parks Commission have been in the news a great deal in recent weeks and it appears the attention on these entities isn't waning.
Benton City Council has called a special meeting for 6 p.m. Tuesday to consider an ordinance repealing the Benton Parks and Recreation Commission, which recently conducted an investigation resulting in the dismissal of one employee and leading later to the announced retirement of the department's director.
As a piper played "Amazing Grace," a respectful crowd gathered Thursday afternoon at Kirkpatrick Cemetery off Arkansas 5 North in Bryant for a ceremony to dedicate the hallowed spot that had fallen victim to neglect and was nearly lost from history.
The Bryant Historical Society hosted the ceremony that resulted from the efforts of Bryant Alderman Steve Gladden, a past president of the society, and other society members.
The current generation of the Kirkpatrick family was unaware of the cemetery's existence, according to Patsy Kirkpatrick Kuhn, who participated in the event.
June 15th
By
Courier Staff and Wire Reports
The board that oversees the Arkansas State Fair accepted a $3 million offer from Little Rock on Thursday to keep the event in the capital city, though board members said they would have preferred to move but just didn't have the money.
Birch Tree Communities, a certified, nonprofit program that offers support and assistance to adults with mental health disease, recently opened the Birch Lane Apartments for members of its New Beginnings program.
The supervised living complex, which consists of 10 units, was completed mid-April and residents began moving in May 1. Each apartment is one unit of a duplex; each 560-square-foot home includes a living room, kitchen, bedroom and bath, according to Sandy White, Birch Tree associate director of program.
June 13th
After a great deal of discussion in a meeting late Tuesday, the Bryant Finance and Personnel Committee decided it will recommend that the City Council include an ordinance establishing an alcohol tax within the city of Bryant on the ballot for the general election in November.
According to Staff Attorney Chris Madison, a popular vote is not needed — only an ordinance; if the council approves the ordinance, it goes into effect under the guidelines of the Arkansas Municipal League.
Alderman Steve Gladden opened the discussion by asking how to get the issue on the ballot.
Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission has approved the final schematic design for the Benton Events Center that voters approved in a November 2011 election.
The center is to built in Hickory Square, the area that includes Tinseltown movie theater.
The final design for the facility was approved in a commission meeting Monday night.
Gary James, executive director of the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce, said the floor plan has been "slightly enlarged from the original design so as to accommodate 10-by-10-foot booths for vendor space."
June 12th
Saline Memorial Hospital, in collaboration from other local health professionals and stakeholders, is working on a "road map to health" for the people of Saline County, identifying public health needs, goals, objectives and priorities.
The hospital reportedly has launched a comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment that is intended to provide the foundation for improving and promoting the health of each community member.
