❝

Happy International Women’s Day!

To celebrate, I’m releasing the newsletter a little early! It’ll be back to a regular scheduled Monday rotation later this month.

- Christine

Local Events

  • Mon., March 11th at 6:30 p.m. - Democratic Party of Benton County Monthly Meeting in Downtown Bentonville (Arvest Conference Room directly behind the square) - Come and learn more about the ballot initiatives for FOIA and Period & Diaper products

  • Tues., March 12th at noon - Arkansas Justice Reform Center (AJRC) Legal Observer Training at the University of Arkansas School of Law (1045 W Maple St., Fayetteville); Legal Observers support individuals in expressing their political views freely and without government interference, aiming to minimize any legal consequences during protests. This includes documenting law enforcement activities at demonstrations focusing on arrests, use of forces, and any actions restricting protesters. There are NO requirements to be a law student or attorney to participate in this training. Those that complete training will be added to a Legal Observer listserv. Lunch will be provided.

  • Tues., March 12th at 6:30 p.m.- Citizens’ Climate Lobby Chapter Meeting in Fayetteville at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (901 West Cleveland St); Great opportunity to connect with other climate-concerned Arkansans, to sharpen your skills and take action. Agenda topics include: Spring in district lobbying/thank you's, planning for Earth Day, details on April's online Letter to the Editor writing party.

  • Thurs., March 21st at 10 a.m. - Judicial Equity for Mental Illness Meeting at the Benton County Jail Community Meeting Room; The Coalition meets monthly to discuss the intersections of law enforcement, court involvement, and mental illness in Northwest Arkansas. Lately, much of the conversation has centered the development of mental health courts in Benton and Washington Counties. All our welcome to join.

  • Sat., March 23rd at 5:30 p.m. - New Leaders Council Arkansas Happy Hour and Conversation at the Fayetteville City Park (1332 N Leverett Ave.); Meet the NLC 2024 fellows, catch up with alums, and learn more about NLC and creating change where change is needed.

  • Tues., March 26th from 7 - 8:30 p.m. - Emerge Arkansas Fundraiser: Beer & Bold Women: A Women’s History Month Celebration at Greenhouse Aleworks (718 N 2nd) in Rogers. With purchased tickets, you’ll get a flight of beer, hors d’oeuvers, great company with amazing women, and you’ll be supporting the work of Emerge Arkansas.

  • Wed., April 10th at 6 p.m. - Circles NWA presents: Home is Where the Hardship Is at the Fayetteville Library Event Center; Join the next Circles “Becoming Visible” event as they go beyond the headlines to explore the real experiences of individuals and families facing the stress of housing in Arkansas. Register HERE.

Community Involvement Opportunities

Nominate a Community Member for an Honorary Associate Degree!

NWACC's Board of Trustees periodically grants honorary associate degrees to recognize and celebrate outstanding service to the College and/or the community. The honorary degree is awarded to individuals who, beyond their normal occupational pursuits, exemplify a high caliber of service to enhance the quality of life. Anyone in the community is welcome and encouraged to make a nomination.

Nominee submission deadline is March 15, 2024. The honoree will be recognized at NWACC’s commencement ceremony at the Walmart AMP on May 13, 2024.

Awarded in Five Areas:

  • Educational Service - Recognizing outstanding service that enhances educational opportunities for the area or that gives personal assistance that leads to the success of individuals in higher education.

  • Humanitarian Service - Recognizing outstanding altruism that enhances the quality of life for others in the area.

  • Servant Leadership - Recognizing outstanding service that goes “the second mile” beyond the servant’s capabilities.

  • Arts and Letters - Recognizing outstanding contributions to the arts in any form that enhances the quality of life in the area.

  • Entrepreneurial Leadership - Recognizing outstanding contributions to business/industry through creative start-ups of new enterprises or through innovative management of business or industry.

Find more information and complete the nomination process HERE.

Join the Equality Crew Board!

The Equality Crew is looking for new board members. If you are passionate about creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, willing to attend monthly zoom meetings, attend community events, and if you have a stubborn determination to make Arkansas an inclusive place for all - then this may be the OPPORTUNITY for YOU! Read more about roles and responsibilities HERE. Applications can be completed HERE.

Municipal Government Awareness

Bella Vista

  • Next Council Mtng: Monday, Mar. 18th at 6:30 p.m. (2483 Forest Hills Blvd)

  • Items of Note:

    • Bella Vista Planning and City Council meetings will now be streamed live via YouTube HERE.

Bentonville

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Mar. 12 at 6 p.m. (305 SW A St.)

  • Items of Note:

    • The City is looking to fill two positions on the Planning Commission. More information can be found HERE. Deadline to apply is April 29th.

    • The Council will be asked to approve the appointment of Malorie Marrs to the City Clerk position. She’ll be serving out the remainder of Kirby Romines’ term (end of 2024) due to Kirby leaving the area. This position will be up for election in November.

    • Read a recap from the Plan Bentonville Design Week HERE.

Cave Springs

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Mar. 12 at 6:30 p.m. (134 N. Main St.) - Work Session

  • Items of Note:

    • Jeremy Cobb was chosen to fill the Ward 1 vacancy for the remainder of the calendar year. He will be sworn in during the next city council meeting.

Centerton

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Mar. 12 at 6 p.m. (210 Municipal Dr.)

Gravette

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Mar. 12 at 5:30 p.m. (202 Main St. NE) - Committee of the Whole

  • Items of Note:

    • Calling on Gravette residents to nominate someone from the community to serve as the 2024 Gravette Day Grand Marshal. Nominations can be submitted HERE until March 15th.

Lowell

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Mar. 19 at 6:30 p.m. (216 N. Lincoln St.)

Pea Ridge

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Mar. 12 at 5:30 p.m. (911 Weston St.) - Committee of the Whole

Rogers

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Mar. 12 at 6 p.m. (301 W. Chestnut)

  • Items of Note:

    • Read a transcript of Mayor Hines’ State of the City address HERE.

Siloam Springs

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Mar. 19 at 6:30 p.m. (400 N. Broadway)

  • Items of Note:

    • The City of Siloam Springs is preparing to introduce an annexation ordinance ahead of a communitywide referendum set for the general election in November 2024. View maps and options HERE. Provide feedback HERE.

Springdale

  • Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Mar. 12 at 6 p.m. (201 Spring St.)

  • Items of Note:

    • Mayor Doug Sprouse announces he will run for reelection in the fall. Read more from Tom Sissom in the NWA Dem Gazz, HERE.

    • At the next council meeting, the city will continue a discussion about which nonprofit groups that applied for Community Development Block Grant funds will receive requested funding for this year.

    • Springdale official population should see a jump later this year once the U.S. Census Bureau acknowledges the annexations from the last 4 years (including Bethel Heights). The new population numbers will impact some federal programs, state turnback funds, and the prorated shares of county sales and use taxes.

County Government Awareness

County Judge (Chief Administrator) Barry Moehring expects that Benton County will request an additional Circuit Court judge position during the 2025 Arkansas State Legislative session. If approved, the circuit court judge would be elected in 2026 and begin serving at the beginning of 2027.

Benton County Quorum Court Upcoming Meetings:

  • Finance Committee Meeting - Mar. 12th at 6 p.m. (Admin Bldg)

  • Committee of the Whole - Mar. 12th at 7 p.m. (Admin Bldg)

  • Development Review Committee - Mar. 13th at 10 a.m. (Admin Bldg)

  • Planning Board Meeting - Mar. 20th at 6 p.m.

  • Quorum Court - Feb. 26th at 6 p.m. (Admin Bldg)

State Government Awareness

94th General Legislative Assembly:

  • 2024 Fiscal session begins noon, Wednesday, April 10th

  • Joint Budget Committee members attended three days of pre-session budget hearings from March 6-8th.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders:

Latest news from the Governor:

Election Information

Primary Election Recap:

  • Turnout was low across the state (20% state-wide); in Benton County the turnout from the last 4 presidential primaries:

    • 2024: 18.7%

    • 2020: 27.5%

    • 2016: 40.7% (first-time candidate Trump effect)

    • 2012: 25%

  • The Supreme Court Chief Justice race will go to a runoff. Current justices Baker and Wood will appear on this November’s ballot. And since Judge Hudson won seat 2, the governor will appoint two justices to serve for two years starting next year. Read more HERE.

  • Womack and sitting Republican Justices of the Peace in Benton County faced stiffer opposition (from the hard right) than anticipated. All incumbents won, but a message was sent.

  • All tax and dues related questions passed for the Avoca Fire Department Dues (by 4 votes!), Bella Vista Police Pension, and Centerton Tax continuation

  • School Millage questions (where votes don’t change anything) were a mixed bag. For those of you living in and supporting Decatur, Gentry or Pea Ridge school districts - you might be concerned as to what might happen next time the school district brings forth a new millage. Decatur had 1 more FOR vote than against, Gentry had almost 100 more against votes, and for the second year in a row, more Pea Ridge district voters voted against than FOR.

Virtual Political Training Opportunities

Vote Save America

  • So you’ve been asked to phone bank lol - Thursday, Mar. 14 at 7 p.m.; At this training, they will cover all aspects of getting ready to phone bank, whether you are a first time caller, veteran volunteer, or returning after a break.

Building Bridges for America

Odds & Ends

Reply

or to participate

Keep Reading

No posts found