Hi there,
What were you doing Friday? I was watching eight hours of city budget deliberations.
I will be honest in saying I have not fully digested the information yet. So many numbers!
Stay tuned for an article on that… later.
— Sam
Sponsor Message from the Peel Compton Foundation
Here’s to Another 150 Years!
The Peel Museum & Botanical Garden is celebrating a major milestone, 150 years of historic Peel home! To mark this anniversary, the museum has launched a commemorative brick campaign, inviting the community to help preserve local history.
Each brick will be prominently displayed along the sidewalks of the grounds, serving as a timeless tribute to your support of the Peel Museum and historic preservation. Proceeds from this campaign support the preservation of the Peel Museum and its botanical gardens, ensuring this landmark continues to educate, inspire, and grow for generations.
Purchase a Brick to:
Honor family and friends
Memorialize a loved one
Show your business’ community pride
Support historic preservation
Nellie’s Jellies Cafe Opens With a Health-Conscious Menu and Dog Patio Plans
Nellie’s Jellies Cafe, now open at 210 Prairie Lane, offers a health-conscious menu and plans to add a dog-friendly patio space in the coming months.
Right now, the cafe is in soft-opening mode, serving coffee and pastries from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.
There’s a big vision for the cafe, with plans to expand hours, host classes and events, and make use of its liquor license in the near future. The area where dogs can roam free while their owners sip beverages should be ready by the time warmer weather arrives in spring.
The cafe is located in a standalone building on the same property as CoolWag, a dog-boarding business.
News from Elsewhere
XNA’s airfares closing the gap with peer airports (NWA Business Journal)
Benton County 2026 budget calls for merit increase for employees, other salary raises (Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)
ARDOT kicks off first phase of $500 million Highway 112 widening project (NWA Business Journal)
Cricket Kings Crowned
The Natural State Cricket Council held its annual awards ceremony Sunday at The Momentary, capping a year that saw about 200 adult players compete across eight league teams.
A draft system, held at the beginning of each season, ensures healthy competition. Mac’s XI was the overall team winner after emerging victorious in two out of three tournaments this year. They gained a reputation in the league as the “gym bros,” and upon accepting the award, dropped to the floor for some pushups to prove it.
Mac’s XI’s team captain was Dinesh Reddy, a Centerton resident who was new to the role this season. He worked all year to bring out the best in his players. “Everyone is passionate about the game, the hunger to play the game,” Reddy said. “It's a dedication that shows right? It's a discipline.”
In addition to team awards, there were individual awards, including best batsman and best bowler, with winners launching balls into the audience to prove their skills. (For safety, the regular cricket ball was replaced with a ping pong ball.)
Cricket is a bat and ball sport, somewhat like baseball, but with more continuous play and multiple batters who can score on every ball.
The Natural State Cricket Council dates back to 2019, when a local volunteer committee came together to create it. While it’s an amateur league, a few players have been scouted for what are essentially minor league teams for the sport.
Exhibit Showcasing Women Artists Now on Display in Bentonville
Women of the Ozarks is spotlighting local artists with a traveling exhibition that will be on display in Bentonville for the next two months.
After stops in Springdale, Rogers, and Fayetteville, the exhibition is at Midnight Gallery (407 SW A St.) for the final leg of its tour, now through Jan. 4.
Women of the Ozarks, founded in 2024 by artists Tram Colwin and Claire Pongonis, is a grassroots artist collective dedicated to spotlighting female artists at every stage of their creative journey.
Video: Kylee Sallee Makes Bentonville History
Yes, she’s a football player. And yes, she’s a girl.
But there’s more to her story than a label.
“I honestly don’t like to be known as the girl kicker,” Kylee Sallee told DWTN Now. “I like to be more known as a good person, a good player, a good teammate.”
Sponsor Message from Best Friends NWA
Enjoy a Calm House? This Cat Is Your Match
Tristen is a big-headed, affectionate boy who loves to get his ears rubbed. At six years old, he's a grown a** adult who is well past all that silly curtain climbing business that the youngsters get into.
This gentleman is content to lie in a warm spot and watch birds go by the window. He's housed in a private apartment in the vestibule of Musette's cat room at the Best Friends Pet Resource Center, where he can get a little peace and quiet. But he'd love it if you'd drop by and visit him!
Community Announcements
Just a few tickets left for An Evening with The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond Tuesday! (Two Friends Bookstore + Cafe)
These are paid messages from community organizations. Submit yours here.
Things To Do This Week
An Evening with The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond
Tuesday, Nov. 11 @ Arend Arts Center
Ree Drummond and her daughter Paige discuss “The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The Essential Recipes” and share stories about ranch life, family, and cooking.
Build Bentonville: "Growing Together: Insights from Our Economic Development Study"
Tuesday, Nov. 11 @ The Record
Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce presents findings from a new economic development study and highlight priorities that will shape the organization’s upcoming growth strategy.
Veterans Appreciation Ceremony
Tuesday, November 11 @ First United Methodist Church
A community ceremony honoring local veterans.
Exploring Tree Rings
Wednesday, Nov. 12 @ Bentonville Public Library
A presentation about what tree rings reveal about environmental history, growth conditions, and forest conservation.
Teen Takeover: Swap & Stitch Night
Friday, Nov. 14 @ The Momentary
Teens are invited to a sustainable fashion night featuring a clothing swap and creative upcycling activities.
Candlelight Jazz: Stéphane Wrembel
Friday, November 14 @ Crystal Bridges
A candlelit jazz concert featuring French guitarist Stéphane Wrembel, known for “his masterful blend of jazz, gypsy swing, and world music.”
A Street Promenade Grand Opening
Saturday, Nov. 15 @ Downtown Bentonville
A full day of live music, street performances, and activities celebrating the opening of the new A Street Promenade.
Saturday Morning Cartoons
Saturday, Nov. 15 @ The Momentary
A drop-in screening featuring classic cartoons with Thanksgiving-themed episodes, plus a cereal bar.
Wild Ones Native Seed Swap
Saturday, Nov. 15 @ Bentonville Public Library
A community seed exchange focused on native plants and biodiversity, open to all experience levels.
Cat’s Eye: Metaphysical Fair
Sunday, Nov. 16 @ Best Friends Pet Resource Center
A community event featuring mystical workshops, energy healing, and exhibits supporting local pet adoptions.
Beer & Hymns: Supporting Soldier Songs & Voices NWA
Sunday, November 16 @ Bike Rack Brewing Co.
A community singalong and fundraiser supporting Soldier Songs & Voices NWA, which provides creative outlets for veterans.
The Tell Tourney: Archery Apple Challenge
Sunday, November 16 @ The Quiver Archery Range
An apple-shooting tournament inspired by the legend of William Tell, featuring distance challenges and prizes for youth and adult archers of all skill levels.
