🌱 Which Van Buren restaurants were flagged in the latest health inspections?

Hello Van Buren! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Which Van Buren restaurants were flagged in the latest health inspections?
• Van Buren community mourns the passing of Betty Lois Thomas
• Want fresh rainbow trout right now in Van Buren?

Also on today's calendar: Arts On Main — Mastering Mediterranean Cuisine.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Low clouds, then some sun, with a high of 73 and low of 59 degrees.
• Wednesday: Clouds breaking for some sun, temps: high: 75, low: 57.
• Thursday: Very warm with some sun, with a high of 76 and low of 60 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. River Valley Restaurant Inspections: Large dog in kitchen with bedding, water bowl (nwaonline.com) — Several Van Buren restaurants, including El Lorito, Rub Em Tender BBQ, Pasta Grill, The Vault 1905 Sports Grill, Golden Wok, and others, recently received health inspections noting issues from improper food storage to a dog in a kitchen. These reports highlight specific violations like blocked handwashing sinks, missing food safety certifications, and temperature problems, giving Van Buren diners a clear look at how local kitchens are performing this month.
   

2. Betty Lois Thomas (talkbusiness.net) — Van Buren residents are mourning the passing of 80-year-old Betty Lois Thomas, a longtime local who retired from Crawford County Hospital and passed away at her Van Buren home on Dec. 22, 2025. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Bobby, two sons who also live in Van Buren, and a brother in Texas; arrangements are through Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren, with no services scheduled.
   

3. NWA outdoor briefs: Small lakes get trout, Polar Bear tournament set (arkansasonline.com) — If you fish the Van Buren Municipal Pond, it’s just been stocked with rainbow trout as part of a winter family fishing program, so now’s a great time to grab a license and trout permit. The roundup also highlights upcoming regional outdoor events, from a New Year’s Day bass tournament to hunting seasons, hikes, and education programs in nearby Fort Smith and Northwest Arkansas.
   

4. Arkansas Tech grad student Lynnlee Mitchell wins statewide honor (swtimes.com) — A Van Buren High School graduate, Lynnlee Mitchell, has earned a major statewide honor as the Arkansas Student Affairs Association’s 2025 Outstanding Graduate Student, spotlighting local talent on a big stage. Now a grad student at Arkansas Tech, she’s building an impressive research and leadership record that’s gaining attention across Arkansas higher education and beyond.
   

5. Joann Edith (Huelsenbeck) Blackwell (talkbusiness.net) — Family and friends in Van Buren and nearby communities are mourning Joann Edith Blackwell, who was married in Van Buren and passed away Sunday in Fort Smith at age 61. A viewing will be held Friday, December 26, at Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith, where loved ones can pay their respects and honor her life of faith, caregiving, and devotion to family.
   

📸 Around Van Buren

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Van Buren

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Thursday December 25

• Arts On Main — Closed for Holiday
  Arts On Main, 415 Main St, Van Buren
  11:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Thursday December 25

• Ice Skating Rink at Freedom Park
  Historic Downtown Van Buren
  5:30 pm

Monday January 5

• Arts On Main — Mastering Mediterranean Cuisine
  Arts On Main , 415 Main St , Van Buren
  6:00 pm

📣 Van Buren 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

Tuesday December 23

• Ice Skating Rink at Freedom Park
  Chamber of Commerce Historic Downtown Van Buren
  5:30 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY
  Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce , 1217 S Waldron Rd , Fort Smith
  11:00 am
• Andy's Frozen Custard Kids Night
  Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce , 6565 Rogers Avenue , Fort Smith
  4:00 pm
• 810 Billiards & Bowling Trivia Night
  810 Billiards & Bowling , 5609 Rogers Ave , Fort Smith
  6:30 pm

Monday December 29

• 810 Billiards & Bowling: Bingo
  810 Billiards & Bowling , 5609 Rogers Ave , Fort Smith
  6:30 pm

Tuesday December 30

• 810 Billiards & Bowling: Ultimate Game Show
  810 Billiards & Bowling , 5609 Rogers Ave , Fort Smith
  6:30 am

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

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Van Buren. Apply here.
• Sodexo, Inc. posted a job opening for Floor Technician in Van Buren. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Van Buren here.

Ok Van Buren! 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 find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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