Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Which Bentonville restaurants passed — and failed — their latest inspections?

Also, don't miss December AI Meetup on the Bentonville Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 17th Patch AM
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Good morning Bentonville! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which Bentonville restaurants passed — and failed — their latest inspections?
  • How a Bentonville church abuse case led to 32-year sentence
  • How Bentonville plans to spend your tax dollars in 2026

Also on today's calendar: Holiday Porch Light Sessions at The Compton and 4 more events.

Find out what's happening in Bentonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Bentonville? Post it to Bentonville photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Bentonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 58 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Thursday: Windy; a shower in the a.m., temps: high: 57, low: 24.
  • Friday: Partly sunny, with a high of 53 and low of 41 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Benton County restaurant inspections: Unpackaged cheese stored next to raw meat; employee handled ready-to-eat tacos with bare hands (nwaonline.com) — Bentonville diners may want to check this week’s Benton County health inspections, which cite several local spots for issues like expired permits, missing handwashing supplies, and improper food storage. The report lists detailed violations and clean bills of health for numerous Bentonville restaurants, groceries, schools, and hotels, helping residents make more informed choices about where they eat and shop.
   

2. Former Bentonville church volunteer gets 32 years for sexually assaulting minors (nwahomepage.com) — A former volunteer connected to a Bentonville church has been sentenced to 32 years in state prison after pleading guilty to two counts of second-degree sexual assault involving minors. The case involved alleged abuse on church grounds, a lengthy police investigation, and cooperation from Calvary Church leadership, and may prompt Bentonville families to revisit how youth programs and volunteers are supervised.
   

3. What's in Bentonville's 2026 budget (axios.com) — Bentonville’s proposed 2026 budget outlines about $88.4 million in general fund spending, including funding for two new police officers and major utility upgrades. The plan also invests millions in parks, drainage projects, fire vehicles, and street equipment that will shape daily services and future growth across the city.
   

4. Benton County marriage licenses issued Dec. 4-10 (nwaonline.com) — Recent Benton County marriage license filings include several couples from Bentonville, alongside applicants from Rogers, Siloam Springs, and other nearby cities. Recorded Dec. 4-10, these licenses highlight new unions across the county, with multiple Bentonville residents preparing to tie the knot.
   

5. Bella Vista City Council to explore funding solutions for Benton County advocacy center amid shortfall (5newsonline.com) — Families from Bentonville rely heavily on the Children and Family Advocacy Center in Little Flock, which is now facing a major funding shortfall after state and federal cuts. Bella Vista’s City Council will consider directing staff to explore local funding options, and center leaders hope that move spurs broader support from Bentonville, Rogers, and other Benton County cities to keep critical abuse-response and counseling services available.
   

📸 Around Bentonville

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Bentonville

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Wednesday December 17
  • December AI Meetup
    UofA Collaborative, 700 SE 5th St #130, Bentonville
    6:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Bentonville Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Looking for a reasonable and reliable person to install an exhaust fan in the kitchen venting out from roof( roof is brand new).
    Kindly only reply if you have done this before and have time to take this project. Thank you! (Nextdoor SW Carriageway)
  • Is your gate sagging?
    Is your gate barely hanging on? No gate is too big or too small for us to do surgery on. Send me a message if you're in need of any gate work. (Nextdoor SW Carriageway)
  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Late Night Team Member in Bentonville. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Bentonville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bentonville here.

Ok Bentonville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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