🌱 Speed Limit Change In Benton + Officer Cleared After Investigation

Good morning, Bentonville. I'm Nicole Fallon-Peek, and I'll be filling in for your usual curator, Sean Peek, today. With that, here's what's happening today in town, in five minutes or less.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 82 Low: 64.
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. High: 80 Low: 62.

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Here are the top three stories today in Bentonville:

1. Benton County is changing unposted unincorporated road speed limits. The change will make less traveled rural roads 40 mph decreased from 55 mph. The Benton County Road Department says that these roads would be hazardous to drive on at 55. Officials also believe this speed change will help with safety for residents who live near these roads. Any road with a posted speed limit will not be affected by this new speed change. (KNWA)
2. In nearby Springdale, a police officer has returned to work after being cleared in the investigation of the use of deadly force in a February shooting incident. The incident occurred near the Springdale Public Library after a suspect, Ethan Brasel, was reportedly causing a disturbance and refused to leave the caller's vehicle. The caller told the emergency responders over the phone that Brasel had a gun in front of his waistband and there was another gun in the vehicle. Police started their search of his person when Brasel ran from them, beginning a foot pursuit; authorities stated the suspect took out his pistol and pointed it at them, which prompted officers to shoot at him. No one was injured in the shooting and investigators say the use of deadly force was justified. (KFSM 5Newsonline)
3. A man accused of attempting to kill an officer in nearby Fayetteville was arrested by U.S. Marshals. Marcus Daron Ford had been arrested in Birmingham, AL after police received a call regarding the suspicious activity of an individual that was consistent with a prior crime. They received a description of the suspect's vehicle and found it 18 minutes later; when they tried to stop it, the suspect took off. When officers later found the vehicle parked and walked up to it, the driver accelerated hitting an officer with the front of the vehicle. The officer suffered minor injuries and Ford will now face an attempted capital murder charge. (KFSM 5Newsonline)

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Today and tomorrow in Bentonville:

Monday, May 29

• Legends Elite Invitational at Memorial Park (All Day)

Tuesday, May 30

• Memorial Day Ride at Slaughter Pen Hollow Multi-Use Trail System (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Benton County Sheriff's Office has posted a video with all the safety tips you need to know as summer water recreation kicks off this weekend. Please be sure to follow all laws and keep the safety tips in mind. Have fun and be safe! (Benton County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Celebrate 150 years of Bentonville with Camp Bentonville! Kids ages 8 - 12 can join in for the summer adventure that will take them to explore the historic places, businesses, and landmarks that shape Bentonville. The camp will run from Jun. 19 - 22. (The City of Bentonville, Arkansas Government via Facebook)
• The City of Bentonville would like to remind you that trash service will be suspended Monday for Memorial Day. Trash collection will be delayed by one day for the entire week and resume at the same pickup time the following week. (The City of Bentonville, Arkansas Government via Facebook)

You're all caught up this Memorial Day! Sean will be back soon for your next update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.