The Saline Courier Weekend
Harmony Grove Middle School Beta Club participates in State Competition
National Beta members from Harmony Grove Middle School are celebrating their recent participation in the Arkansas Elementary/junior Beta State Convention. They were announced as winners of the following competitions at the elementary level: Book...
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School board appreciation month
The Bryant School Board met Thursday, Jan. 15, to address several agenda items and recognize student achievement. During the meeting, students from the Happy Club at Parkway Elementary presented the board with gifts and words of gratitude in honor of...
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Benton is booming
After leading Central Arkansas as one of the fastest growing cities last year, according to Metroplan, Benton’s momentum in 2025 was driven by employee investment, fiscal discipline and citywide planning, an approach Mayor Tom Farmer said begins with...
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Saline Memorial Hospital welcomes first baby of 2026
Saline Memorial Hospital rang in the new year with a joyful milestone: the arrival of its first baby of 2026. Sutton, a baby boy born to Alexis and James, made his debut at 9:50 a.m. Jan. 1, weighing 6 pounds 13 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches. To...
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Hornets defeat Springdale to capture 6A state title
HOT SPRINGS – Once the game reached its conclusion – several members of the Bryant Hornets ran around and hugged one another before eventually embracing their fans. Meanwhile, Hornet Coach Mike Abrahamson pumped his fist while gazing into the massive...
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Bryant School Board honors students, approves facilities plan and bus purchases
Two students were honored during the meeting. The first student recognized was Mia Robinson, a fifth-grader at Hill Farm Elementary, who was announced as the winner of the district’s annual Christmas Card Design Contest for elementary students....
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Arkansas Legislature can amend voter-approved constitutional amendments, Supreme Court rules
Arkansas lawmakers have the power to change constitutional amendments approved by voters, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday. The unanimous opinion overturns a 74-year-old decision that said the Legislature could not amend or repeal a...
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Twins lead Christmas giving effort in Benton
Benton Middle School students, and twins, Gabby and Gracie Brown, are switching the narrative in their school by tackling the pressures of bullying head-on, stepping in for their fellow peers, and helping create a culture built on kindness and...
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Springhill Elementary earns national Lighthouse Academic Honor Roll honor
Springhill Elementary(spes) was honored at Thursday’s Bryant School Board Meeting for being named a 2025 Leader in Me Lighthouse Academic Honor Roll School. This honor highlights their outstanding proficiency and exceptional academic growth. SPES was...
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Music
in church,” the Bryant native says. By the time she was 12 she was playing piano. Riddle of Once Erased grew up in Odessa, Texas and was taught to play the guitar “on an old Silverstone acoustic guitar” that belonged to his father. “Growing up...
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Saline County coroner appointed treasurer of international association
BENTON — Saline County Coroner Kevin Cleghorn has been appointed treasurer of the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners. Cleghorn, who has served as Saline County coroner since 2014, said the appointment represents an opportunity...
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Langley celebrates half-decade
Jeff Langley has never sought the spotlight. An introvert by nature, he prefers calm and steady to chaos — a trait that has quietly shaped his 50 years in the pulpit. As his wife, Vicki, puts it, he’s adept at “calming the storm,” a steady presence who...
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Faith, family and community carried local mom Courtney Jones through breast cancer battle
When Courtney Jones and her husband look back on their battle against breast cancer, it seems surreal — almost like watching someone else’s story unfold on screen. She remembers wondering if she would ever get to see her two young daughters walk into...
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CARTI doctor stresses early detection
Stories of young women being told they’re “too young” for breast cancer, only to be diagnosed later with advanced disease, are becoming more common. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, oncologist Dr. Diane Wilder of CARTI Care
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Paying it forward
He’s an instructor. He’s a coach. He’s a champion athlete. He’s a mediator. He’s a mentor. He’s a leader. He’s Andre White, and he’s paying it forward for the children of Bryant. White, 26, serves as Program Director for the Bryant Youth Association...
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Royal Players announce 2025-26 theater season
BENTON — The Royal Players have unveiled their 2025-26 season, featuring a mix of musicals, mysteries and family favorites. The season begins Oct. 16-18, 23-25 and 29-31 with the return of the Royal Haunted House, sponsored by Arvest Bank. Ranked...
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Bryant School Board approves budget, benefits, policy updates after honoring student achievements
The Bryant School Board approved the district’s 2025– 2026 budget, new employee benefits, and policy updates Thursday night, after first honoring student achievements. Devin Sherrill, the district’s Director of Communications, led recognitions,...
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Saline County Fair honors Best of Show winners
The Saline County Fair wrapped up last weekend, showcasing local talent and honoring the Best of Show winners in the Cultural Arts. Categories included artwork, baked goods, stitchery, holiday crafts, household arts, needlework, sewing, crafts, wood...
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State Representative Rick Mcclure Announces Plans for Re-election in 2026
HASKELL (AR) State Representative Rick Mcclure has announced his bid for re-election to the Arkansas House of Representatives, District 29. The district covers portions of Hot Spring and Saline counties, which include the communities of Glen Rose,...
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Bauxite falls to Glen Rose
GLEN ROSE – The season opening clash between the Glen Rose Beavers and Bauxite Miners Friday night was ultimately decided by a big defensive play. In a contest full of momentum swings, the host team got a clutch turnover with less than a minute...
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Champions ‘producing’ champions
It’s a new season and with multiple state championships under its belt, expectations are high for the team from Bryant. The same can be said for the Hornet football squad. But that’s another story. There’s yet another team of reigning state champions...
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Salt Bowl returns to Benton on Aug. 29
Salt Bowl 2025, themed “Bringing the Tradition Home,” will be played at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, on Everett Field at Panther Stadium in Benton, with the Benton Panthers hosting the Bryant Hornets. Tickets General admission tickets are $15, cash only,...
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Heritage Farms honors Garcias with August Yard of the Month
Heritage Farms has announced its August Yard of the Month winners, Valarie and Dom Garcia, who have lived at 3815 Wildflower for three years. The Garcias have lived in many states across the United States, including Hawaii. When asked which state was...
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Community champions choosing to do more
On any given day countless Saline County parents can be found watching and cheering as their children compete in any number of sports. Some parents coach. Others run the scoreboard. Still others work concessions or provide post-game snacks. All are...
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Pretties and Grace owner buys Wild Boutique in faith-centered expansion
Two Benton boutiques are now under one roof. Pretties and Grace has merged with Wild Boutique, forming Wild and Pretties and Grace. Terri Baker, owner of Pretties and Grace, purchased Wild from Chris Jordan, owner of Stated Apparel. The merger isn’t...
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Long-lost WWII photos found in bathroom wall return to veteran’s family, decades later
Earlier this year, Karen Bowen of Benton contacted the Saline Courier to help her locate the owners of some photos she found. While remodeling her bathroom, the contractor discovered an old box of photos. The images appeared to be from World War II....
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Spotlight shines on seniors at 2025 Celebrity Karaoke and Talent Show
The Bryant Senior Center Celebrity Karaoke and Talent Show 2025 was held July 10 at Bishop Park, featuring 21 performances inspired by some of the community’s favorite artists. About 150 family members and friends attended to show their support. Bobby...
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Picker’s Retro Games and Gear to open arcade, game store in Benton
Picker’s Retro Games and Gear held a soft opening June 28 at 1218 Military Road in Benton. Brandon Wiltse partnered with Jason Lewis and Brian Smith, who operate a location in Malvern, to open the game store inside the arcade that opened earlier this...
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Speaking out to save others
June is recognized as Men’s Health Month and also PTSD Awareness Month. The observance opens the door for conversations about men’s unique health issues. The stigma behind masculinity and weakness often brings many challenges for men when seeking help...
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Amelia Lisowe reflects on her journey after winning Miss Arkansas’ Teen
Amelia Lisowe of Benton was crowned Miss Arkansas’ Teen 2025 on June 13 during the final round of competition at the Robinson Center in downtown Little Rock — a moment she didn’t see coming. “A lot of people think they could win, but I didn’t actually...
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Benton chamber awards more than $12,000 at bingo night
More than 1,000 people packed the Benton Event Center on Thursday night for a chance to win big at the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce’s popular bingo night. The chamber awarded more than $12,000 in cash prizes to participants from across the state,...
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Heritage Farms introduces Yard of the Month award, and the first winner
The Heritage Farms subdivision has launched a new Yard of the Month program to celebrate residents’ efforts in maintaining their lawns and gardens. Frank and Pat Baptist, residents of the neighborhood, have partnered with local businesses to support...
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‘Wine Night’ to share family tradition with Saline County
What started as a weekly get-together for three sisters has now evolved into Saline County’s first wine bar. Soon, Wine Night, located at 6221 Highway 5 in Bryant, will open its doors to the public. “Our goal is to have a place where people can just...
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Celebrate Memorial Day at the Saline County Courthouse
VFW Post 2256 will host a Memorial Day ceremony at again this year 11 a.m. Monday, May 26, at the Veterans Memorial outside the Saline County Courthouse. The public is invited to attend the event honoring the men and women who died in military...
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Bryant High’s Hornet Media wins top national award for ‘Best of the Best’ news episode
PURCELLVILLE, Va. – Students from Bryant High School in Bryant, Arkansas, won top honors in the 2025 National Federation of Press Women’s annual high school communications contest. The school’s Hornet Media staff’s Hornet News Now Episode 3, which...
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For this principal and mom of three, every child is “One of hers”
Dr. Lindsey Mcbride, a mother of three and principal at Parkway Elementary School in Bryant, isn’t just a mom to her own children — she’s a caregiver and advocate for hundreds more. “When I start having ‘mom guilt’ for not staying home with my...
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Benton Athletic Memorial Museum kicks off tricentennial celebration this month
From May 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026, the Benton Athletic Memorial Museum (BAMM) will mark its 30th anniversary with a series of scheduled events. To kick off the celebration on May 1, BAMM Board President Cindy Bowden and Executive Director Donnie...
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Bryant holds first town hall to discuss BAM project, infrastructure, community input
Every chair was filled for the City of Bryant’s first Community Engagement Town Hall at the Bishop Center on Thursday night. Mayor Chris Treat updated the 50 or so citizens who attended on such matters as the upcoming special election and...
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Bryant’s big pitch: New arts and music venue
“We’re not just building a venue—we’re building the next step in Bryant’s growth and recognition as a forward-thinking, destination city,” said Bryant Chamber President and CEO Shane Knight during an interview about the upcoming election to build the...
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Benton resident faces months of reconstruction and healing after devastating fire and flood
The old saying goes, “When it rains, it pours.”, meaning that when one bad thing happens, it is often followed by several other bad things. For Benton resident Sheila Carey, recent events prove this to be more than a saying. It’s her new...
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Special session expected if $750 Million prison funding bill doesn’t pass
During a legislative breakfast on Friday, April 4, with Senators Alan Clark (Lonsdale) and Kim Hammer (Benton), along with State Representatives Paul Childress (Benton) and R.J. Hawk (Bryant), the discussion included Governor Sarah Sanders’ plan to...
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State unemployment rate remains at 3.6% in latest update
Arkansas’ unemployment rate remained at 3.6% from January to February, according to the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national unemployment rate increased from 4.0% in January to 4.1% in February. The...
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Ralph Bunche Amphitheater draws honors for Mcclelland Engineering
Mcclelland Consulting Engineers of Little Rock recently won an ACEC (American Council of Engineering Companies) of Arkansas Engineering Award for their work on the Ralph Bunche Amphitheater in Benton. The 150-seat amphitheater was built as part of...
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Local legislators discuss energy rates, private property rights
Conversations centered around two main issues during Friday’s Saline County Legislative Breakfast: energy rates and private property maintenance. Following the representatives’ opportunity to update the crowd on bill activity, attention turned to...
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US employers add 151,000 jobs last month though unemployment up to 4.1%
WASHINGTON — U.S. employers added solid 151,000 jobs last month, but the outlook is cloudy as President Donald threatens a trade war, purges the federal workforce and promises to deport millions of immigrants. The Labor Department reported Friday that...
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The City of Benton’s new home
The City of Benton is officially moving it’s office to 410 River Street in Downtown Benton. Movers have been at all work throughout the week to get the new city hall set for business. On Friday afternoon, while movers were still moving furniture and...
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Benton filmmaker to screen short at El Dorado Film Festival
Benton native Raedan Greer will showcase her short film ‘Little Bit’ at the 2025 El Dorado Film Festival (EDFF), running from Feb. 26–March 2 at the South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC). The film is part of the Arkansas Shorts Block screening throughout...
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Saline County Veterans Memorial enhancements unveiled
The Saline County Veterans Memorial was able to receive upgrades and enhancements recently, thanks to 17-year-old Saline County resident Brianna Moore. Moore, along with fellow volunteers from American Heritage Girls Troop AR2911, worked with county...
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Breakfast
Salem Fire District will hold its annual All-you-caneat Breakfast on March 1 at Salem Elementary. “It’s always held on the first Saturday of March. The tradition started 40 years ago and it just stuck. It’s easy for people to remember,” said office...
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Benton Parks named Outstanding External Partner of the Year by AGFC
Benton Parks and Recreation has been named the Arkansas Game and Fish Outstanding External Partner of the Year. “The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission education department get together as a body and nominate and vote on who was the outstanding...
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Sisterhood saves lives
Carla Harris and Melanie Hill, who were both raised in and graduated from Bryant, are a testament to the power of sisterhood. Harris, who now lives in Springdale, is a survivor of acute myeloid leukemia, thanks to Hill’s generosity and the gift of a...
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Bryant School Board extends superintendent contract, approves construction funds
The Bryant School Board’s meeting was full of activity on Thursday night, as members discussed multiple ways the district is looking toward the future and celebrated successes. In an executive session, the board voted to extend superintendent Dr....
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Winter arrives in Saline County
Benton Animal Services experienced never-beforeseen foster work last weekend, following a social media initiative to save animals from the current cold snap. Volunteer Susan Taylor, who was concerned about the safety of dogs in outdoor kennels, led...
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Arkansas State Police investigating Mayor, City of Bauxite
The City of Bauxite is under further investigation for financial misconduct, following an Arkansas Legislative Audit. Initially, the report, which was dated May 2024 and released last July, was forwarded to 22nd Judicial Prosecuting Attorney Chris...
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Adoptions add to family love
For Tiffany Willis of Benton, adoption was a given. Willis and her husband, Dustin, are the proud parents of five children: three 14-yearold boys, a 12-year-old girl, and a 6-year-old boy. “We just finished our fourth adoption a couple of weeks ago,”...
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SCCTC awarded $2 million grant to launch Salinesync
The Saline County Career Technical Campus (SCCTC), in partnership with Arkansas State University Three Rivers (ASUTR), has received a $2 million Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) grant from the Arkansas Department of...
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Boys and Girls Club of Saline County granted new van through Bridgestone Corporation
Boys and Girls Club of Saline County has a new van for transportation, thanks to a grant from the Bridgestone Corporation. Bridgestone’s initiative, Driving Great Futures, has provided resources to Boys and Girls Clubs nationwide since 2015. The van...
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Bryant junior protects his future, plays smart
The game of football has been dangerous and tough for the human body since the beginning -- with injuries ending games, seasons, careers and lives at times. For one Bryant junior, precautionary measures are being taken to help combat the possibility...
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Toy Drives boost holiday spirits
In the spirit of giving, there are numerous toy drives around the community that will give back to local children. Through November 30, America’s Car-mart in Benton will give $100 off a down payment to anyone who brings in one new toy worth $10 or...
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Benton council to consider contract with CADC to provide commodities to senior center
The Benton City Council meets Monday and will consider a resolution to authorize Mayor Tom Farmer to enter into an agreement with the Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) for commodity distribution at the Benton Senior Center. The contract...
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Community-wide Thanksgiving meal at United Methodist Church
The 12th annual free community Thanksgiving meal, hosted by Benton First United Methodist Church, will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. “Our target is anybody that needs a meal,” said organizer Beverly Brister. “We want nobody to...
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Television show featuring Saline County wins Emmy Awards
“Mystery League,” PBS’S children’s show that filmed in and around Benton, has won five regional Emmy Awards. The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Mid-america Chapter covers television markets in Missouri, Arkansas, and Illinois, as...
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The Royal Theatre presents The Bentony Awards
The Royal Theatre will host its annual Bentony Awards on Saturday night…. this year, with a twist. “It’s our annual awards show for our previous season. We’ve been doing it for years, but this is the first year for it to be a fundraiser,” said Carissa...
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Record breaking early voting turnout continues
After the first five days of early voting, 22,089 residents had voted in Saline County so far, bringing voter turnout to 27.36%. Voters are still outpacing the record turnout from 2020. During Friday, 4,359 ballots were cast, following the 3,946...
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Bryant School District releases annual report
Highlights of the 2023-2024 school year were recognized during Bryant School District’s board meeting on Thursday night. The update, which is given annually each fall, was delivered via a video reel in the midst of the meeting. Covered was everything...
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Bryant real estate agent recognized for inclusive services
Belen Lambert, of Bryant, has been chosen as one of two recipients of the Excellence in Diversity Scholarship award from the Arkansas REALTORS Association (ARA). Recipients are chosen for their commitment to promoting inclusivity within in Arkansas’s...
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‘Only the Names Have Changed’ New exhibit at Gann Museum shows history of Downtown Benton
Throughout time, Benton and Saline County both have grown exponentially. In 1920, the United States census recorded a population of 2,933. As of the 2020 United States census, the population of Benton was 35,014. However, Downtown Benton has maintained...
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