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Sponsor Message from Visit Bentonville
Building Community, One Connection at a Time
Belong Bentonville is a new program from Visit Bentonville that helps newcomers connect with locals who know our city best.
Our mentor program pairs new residents with established residents for 3-6 months of guidance and friendship.
Powered by a science-backed matching system, we connect compatible community members for monthly meetups (virtual or in-person).
Pilots (Mentors): Share your Bentonville knowledge and help welcome new neighbors. Sign up here.
Co-Pilots (Mentees): New to Bentonville? Find your community connection! Get insider tips from someone who's been here. Sign up here.
Share our Facebook announcement to help us connect with more neighbors.
Why The City Of Bentonville Is In A Budget Crunch
An unprecedented level of sales tax rebates has forced significant budget cuts at the City of Bentonville.
The latest estimates project the rebates will total $15 million this year. About $9 million of those rebates are being claimed by Walmart, according to city finance staff.
The city’s finance director has called the situation a “champagne problem.” For rebates to total $15 million, well over $600 million in purchases would have had to occur in Bentonville, fueling other economic activity that can be taxed now and in the future. In the immediate term, however, the rebates pose a challenge to the city.
The Mural Debate Comes to a Close
Mural currently
Mockup of changes
The All Bike(r)s Welcome mural, the future of which had been in question, will not be taken down after all.
A compromise from artist Paige Dirksen, introduced at last week’s City Council meeting, garnered just enough support to save the mural.
After discussion on the mural concluded, the City Council voted unanimously to suspend the section of municipal code that governs the public art complaint process while the city overhauls its policies. This means that no new complaints about art on city-owned land will be accepted for the time being.
Sponsor Message from Best Friends NWA
Pet Adoption Fees Waived in September
Thanks to Best Friends’ amazing partners Blue Buffalo and Walmart, all pet adoption fees are waived from Sept. 1-30. That means it’s the perfect time to find your new best friend and save a life. See all adoptable pets here.
What It’s Like to Live Car-Free in Bentonville
Public transit in Bentonville is becoming more popular, but cars are still the predominant form of transportation.
What’s life like for residents who don’t own a car? The Bentonville Bulletin asked three intentionally car-free residents to share their experiences.
Water Leak Repairs Starting to Pay Off
Since water rates were doubled earlier this year, crews of contractors have been working to repair Bentonville’s many water leaks and are beginning to see early signs of success.
Preston Newbill, deputy water utility director, recently said that water loss — the difference between what the city purchases from Beaver Water District and what it sells to customers — is trending down.
“We’re starting to turn the ship,” Newbill said during a presentation to the city’s finance committee on August 26.
From 5NEWS: Bentonville High School's First Female Football Kicker Makes Her Varsity Debut
For the past two seasons, Kylee Sallee served as the junior varsity kicker. Now, the move up to varsity brings higher expectations, but she says she’s ready for the challenge.
"I would say JV is definitely a little bit less stressful in an environment. But I'm really excited for varsity, because I feel like I can make a bigger impact, and ultimately to be more of a deciding factor between games. So I'm excited to see what I can accomplish with them."
Despite being the only girl on the team, Sallee says she feels right at home.
Community Announcements
These are paid messages from community organizations. Submit yours here.
Cobblestone Farms to Host Annual Cultivating Community Dinner on September 18 (Cobblestone Farms)
Take This Survey Help Shape the Future of Volunteering in NWA! (Crystal Bridges + Jones Center)
7 Things To Do This Week
The TimeKeepers Concert
Friday, September 5 @ Meteor Guitar Gallery
The TimeKeepers cover band returns to Bentonville with a night of classic rock favorites.
NWA Finest Wine Opener
Friday, September 5 @ The Ledger
A fundraiser benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Walmart Home Office Bike Tour Friday
Friday, September 5 @ Town Branch Trail – Flower Tunnel
Join the Bentonville Moves Coalition for a guided bike ride around the Walmart Home Office campus.
First Friday: Superhero City
Friday, September 5 @ Downtown Bentonville Square
Monthly block party. This month’s theme is “Superhero City.”
Courtyard Sessions | HopOut Presents
Friday, September 5 @ The Momentary (Arvest Bank Courtyard)
A free outdoor concert featuring local alternative artists Kris Mastin, Charlie Jones, and Peyton Rosell.
Family Fun Night: See You Later, Summer!
Friday, September 5 @ Crystal Bridges Campus Parking
Celebrate the end of summer with artmaking, a dog walk with Big Paws of the Ozarks, games, and family activities.
Pancho Barraza Concert
Saturday, September 6 @ The Momentary
Renowned Mexican singer-songwriter Pancho Barraza will perform outdoors as part of the Live on the Green concert series.
Sponsors
