🌱 $24K For Bentonville Boys & Girls Club + Benton County Housing

Hi, Bentonville! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A thunderstorm around in the p.m. High: 94 Low: 68.
• Tuesday: Humid; an afternoon thunderstorm. High: 90 Low: 69.
• Wednesday: Clouding up; humid. High: 92 Low: 69.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Bentonville:

1. The Benton County Boys and Girls Club in Arkansas has been awarded a $23,845 grant from the Taco Bell Foundation to bolster youth development. The funds will be utilized to expand the club's premises and enhance its Career Exploration Facility Programming, which employs virtual reality headsets to educate children for future professions. The club is among over 450 organizations nationwide to benefit from the Taco Bell Foundation's $15 million community grant this year. (KNWA)
2. Benton County is channeling $2.4 million of surplus rental assistance funds from the Federal Reserve Board into the construction of 160 rental housing units. The Excellerate Foundation is spearheading this initiative, which aims to offer rents ranging from $500 to $750 below the market rates. This development seeks to alleviate the soaring housing costs and make accommodations more affordable for the workforce, with an anticipated completion window between June and December 2026. (KNWA)
3. A father has initiated legal proceedings against Wild About Learning Academy in Bentonville, alleging negligence on the part of the preschool following an incident in which he says classmates inappropriately touched his daughter. The lawsuit, filed by Fayetteville attorneys J.R. Carroll and Peyton Watts on Tuesday, names Dina Ford, the CEO and owner of the academy, along with John Does 1-4, as defendants. The legal complaint contends that the child was subjected to inappropriate touching by three of her peers in February, and that the staff failed to intervene despite the incident lasting for an extended duration. (Subscription: Arkansas Online)

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Coming up in Bentonville:

Monday, July 3

• BBQ, Bourbon, And Blues At Village On The Park Bentonville (12:30 PM)

Tuesday, July 4

• 4th Of July Celebration At Orchards Park (7:00 PM)

Wednesday, July 5

• Young At Heart Adult Book Club At Bentonville Public Library (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Bentonville has announced changes to its trash collection schedule in observance of the Fourth of July. Trash that is usually collected on Tuesday through Friday will be delayed by one day, with Tuesday routes being collected on Wednesday, Jul. 5, and subsequent days following suit until Friday routes are collected on Saturday, Jul. 8. (The City of Bentonville, Arkansas Government via Facebook)
• Benton County Road Department has announced the closure of Old Springtown Road between N Edmondson and Shelly Road from Jul. 10 to Jul. 14 for culvert replacement, as stated by the Benton County Communications Director. Residents and commuters are encouraged to visit the provided link for additional information and plan their travel accordingly. (Nextdoor)

You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox soon with your next update! Have a happy Fourth.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.