Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Bentonville neighbors smelled strong “gas” near J Street and Walton

Also, don't miss Winter Formal on the Bentonville Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Good morning to you Bentonville! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Bentonville neighbors smelled strong “gas” near J Street and Walton
  • Will Bentonville step up to keep child advocacy services fully funded?
  • Why Bentonville shoppers may be paying more for steaks this winter

Also on today's calendar: Holiday Porch Light Sessions at The Compton and 3 more events.

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

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Increasingly windy, with a high of 60 and low of 25 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 53, low: 41.
  • Saturday: Windy in the morning; sunny, with a high of 63 and low of 34 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Black Hills Energy explains cause of natural gas odor in Bentonville (nwahomepage.com) — If you smelled natural gas around J Street and Walton Boulevard in Bentonville, Black Hills Energy says a construction project and excess odorant, not a leak, caused the strong rotten-egg scent. Crews, the city, and the fire department monitored the situation, and residents are still urged to report any suspected gas odors immediately.
   

2. City studying ways to assist the CFAC (nwaonline.com) — Bentonville families who rely on the Children and Families Advocacy Center could be affected as the nonprofit faces major federal grant cuts and turns to Benton County cities for 2026 funding. Bella Vista is studying a possible contribution, while CFAC leaders say they’re getting encouraging signals from Bentonville, Rogers, Gentry, and Siloam Springs but still need firm commitments to avoid tough service decisions beyond 2025.
   

3. What's for dinner? If it's beef, it'll cost you. (csmonitor.com subscription) — Beef prices are soaring nationwide, and even shoppers at Sam’s Club in Bentonville are seeing record-high costs for ground beef and steaks. Experts say smaller cattle herds and a highly concentrated meatpacking industry are driving prices, while federal investigations and trade tweaks are unlikely to bring quick relief at the checkout line.
   

4. New ICSC chairman humorously recalls culture shock of moving to Arkansas for job (costar.com) — A longtime Walmart executive is recalling what it was like to relocate to Bentonville in 2004, joking about the culture shock and how much the town has grown since an Outback Steakhouse opening made front-page news. His story, shared as he becomes chairman of a major retail real estate group, highlights Walmart’s role and the Walton family’s influence in Bentonville’s economic boom.
   

📸 Around Bentonville

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Bentonville

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Saturday December 20
  • Winter Formal
    The Momentary, 507 SE E St, Bentonville
    6:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Bentonville Shout Outs!

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🗓 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

  • Does anyone know what business is going in on Central where the old White Oak station used to be and the bank that was on the side?
    They’ve done a lot of work on the building, but there’s still no sign on the front of exactly what it is. If anybody knows please share thank you (Nextdoor Woods Creek)
  • ChanceLight Behavioral Health & Education posted a job opening for Education Program Director ? $5,000 Sign On Bonus! in Bentonville. Apply here.
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Meat Cutter and Wrapper 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 haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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