🌱 City Approves Plans For Coffee Shop, Clubhouse + ACNA Raises $320K

Hello again, everybody! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this Friday started off right, with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A thunderstorm in spots. High: 85 Low: 69.
• Saturday: Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 81 Low: 69.

Here are the top three stories in Bentonville today:

1. During its meeting on Wednesday, the Bentonville Planning Commission unanimously approved plans for Ziggi's Coffee and Aurora Clubhouse, while also granting long-term temporary use for a drive-thru Starbucks at Southwest Regional Airport Boulevard. Ziggi's Coffee will feature a drive-thru and walk-up window, while Aurora Clubhouse will be part of a large-scale development. Additionally, the Walnut Farm Montessori School expansion plan, including a new parking lot and drainage improvements, was approved on the consent agenda. (Arkansas Online)
2. The nearby Fayetteville Public Library is inviting the community to contribute original, two-dimensional artwork representing a banned or challenged book or author for an art project during Banned Books Week. The library plans to select five designs to be featured on trading cards that will be distributed to library patrons for free, and the selected artists will receive $100 and have their artwork displayed on the cards, inside the library, and on T-shirts available for purchase. The deadline for submissions is Aug. 15, and the chosen artwork will be unveiled during a ceremony at the start of Banned Books Week, which is scheduled for Oct. 1-7. (KNWA)
3. In its first year of fundraising, the Arkansas Children's Northwest Auxiliary raised $320,033 to support the hospital through events like the annual radiothon. The volunteer organization, consisting of 134 members, was praised for its determination and commitment to helping children and families in need. Arkansas Children's Northwest, located in nearby Springdale, operates as a separate entity with its own board and fundraising arm, offering specialized pediatric care and a level five pediatric trauma center in the region. (talkbusiness.net)

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Today and tomorrow in Bentonville:

Friday, July 7

• Trike Theatre Presents: Birdie And The Beanstalk At Bentonville Public Library (10:30 AM)
• First Friday: Great Outdoors At Bentonville City Square (11:00 AM)

Saturday, July 8

• Children's Storytime Break At Bentonville Public Library (All Day)

From my notebook:

• Bentonville-based packaging services company Rapid Prototypes, also known as Rapid, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing ongoing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. The company listed its assets at $3.09 million and liabilities at $6.39 million in the filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. (talkbusiness.net)
• Mark your calendars for the upcoming National Night Out on Aug. 1 at 5:00 p.m. The fun-filled family event will feature games, food, a dunk tank, and numerous other activities that promise an exciting experience for everyone! (The City of Bentonville, Arkansas Government via Facebook)
• Don't miss out on the upcoming fall soccer season! Registration is now open for various age groups, with specific dates and details available at the link. (The City of Bentonville, Arkansas Government via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll see you around.

— 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.