Local Events
Wed., Sept. 3 at 5:30 p.m. - Drinks & Dialogue hosted by the League of Women Voters of Washington County featuring local attorney, Jennifer Waymack Standerfer at Crisis Brewing in Fayetteville (210 S. Nelson Hackett Blvd)
Thurs., Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. - NWA Young Democrats of Arkansas meeting in Springdale (1102 S. Thompson); The Young Dems welcome any democrats age 35 and under; sign up to receive more information about the group HERE
Mon., Sept. 8 at noon - Federal Funding Threats to Nonprofits Webinar hosted by the Arkansas Kids Count Coalition; Sarah Saadian, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Campaigns with the National Council of Nonprofits, will discuss the current state of play for federal funding for nonprofits and ways you can advocate. Register to attend online HERE.
Monday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. - Democratic Party of Benton County Monthly Meeting at the NWACC Peterson Auditorium; meeting will feature information from Canopy NWA (and yummy snacks!)
Wed., Sept. 10 from 4 - 6:30 p.m. - Teen Volunteer & Community Engagement Fair at the Bentonville Public Library; As part of Welcoming Week NWA, EngageNWA is hosting this casual, drop-in event designed to help students explore local volunteer and internship opportunities, connect with nonprofit organizations, and learn how they can make a difference in their community. Parents - this is a good opportunity find opportunities for your high school student’s required 75 hours (LEARNS Act) of community service required for public school graduates (2027+).
Wed., Sept. 10th at 6 p.m. - Learning with a Legislator virtual conversation with State Representative Jessie McGruder (D-Marion) hosted by Arkansas Appleseed; discussion will be focused on issues shaping education in the state; RSVP HERE
Thurs., Sept. 18th at 9 a.m. - Onward Ozarks: Regional Growth and the Future of NWA from NWA Council; This event is part of the Growing Home NWA Roadshow, an eight-day series of community meetings and pop-ups Sept. 17–24 across Benton and Washington counties. Free online event, register HERE.
Community Involvement Opportunities
NWA Volunteering Survey
The Center for Audience Research & Evaluation (CARE) at Crystal Bridges is conducting a study on behalf of the Jones Center. This survey aims to better understand how non-profits in Northwest Arkansas engage residents in volunteer opportunities. There is interest in forming a regional volunteer center that could support and connect volunteers and their organizations. The survey should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Your responses will remain confidential and will not be linked to your name or personal information in any way. As a thank you, you’ll be entered into a drawing for one of four $25 VISA gift cards. Complete the survey by Sept. 5th HERE.
Leadership Benton County
Applications Open for the 2026 Leadership Benton County Class!
“The Leadership Benton County program provides leadership training specific to regional issues facing the county, and serves as the Chamber’s training ground for future leaders in Benton County. Goals of the 11-session program include identification and motivation of individuals with leadership potential; acquainting participants with community needs, challenges and opportunities; offering a forum for dealing with community issues; and challenging future leaders to become involved with local issues and the process of decision-making.
Class participants meet monthly from January to September. Sessions focus on local and county government, education, economy, human services, health care, quality of life, state government, regional issues, and leadership skills and theories.
Participation in Leadership Benton County is open to persons 21 years of age or older, living and/or working in Benton County. The selection committee seeks representation from a cross-section of the county, reflecting the diversity of the area. Participants should have a strong interest and commitment to serving the Northwest Arkansas region.
Applicants should also have the full support of their family and employer, as the program requires a significant time and money commitment. Tuition covers all sessions, materials, speaker and instructor fees, field trips, overnight lodging, meals, refreshments, and tours.”
Read more and complete an application HERE. Applications are due by Oct. 24th.
Run for Office!
There are only TWO months left to find candidates to run for office in 2026! Get the details on all the open positions in the Benton County Elected Positions Guide. If you are interested in learning more or know someone in our community who should be asked to consider running, please let me know ASAP!
What are some of the more local positions/districts* up for election that will file between noon, Nov. 3 and noon, Nov. 12, 2025?
School Board (nonpartisan) - between 1-4 seats up for each district; election is on March 3rd; find details for filing HERE
NWACC Board of Trustees (nonpartisan) - Districts 1, 5, & 8; election is on March 3rd; find details for filing HERE
County Positions (partisan) - including countywide executives, Justices of the Peace, and Constables; primary election is on March 3rd; find details for filing HERE
State Legislative (partisan) - for Benton County, all the state house districts and state senate districts 32 & 35 will be on the ballot in 2026; primary election is on March 3rd; details for filing will be provided by the state parties - if you’re interested in learning more, complete this FORM with the Democratic Party of Arkansas
Municipal Government Awareness
Bella Vista
Next Council Mtng: Monday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. (2483 Forest Hills Blvd)
Items of Note:
The city will be hosting multiple town hall meetings to provide information and answer questions regarding the upcoming Special Election to extend the city’s current 1% sales tax. Learn more about the extension HERE. Meeting times:
10 a.m., Mon., Sept. 15 at Metfield Clubhouse (3 E Euston Rd)
6 p.m., Tues. Sept. 16 at Bella Vista Recreation Center (3 Riordan Dr)
3 p.m., Wed., Sept. 17 at the Bella Vista Police Dept. Training Room (2483 Forest Hills Blvd)
Bentonville
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. (305 SW A St.)
Items of Note:
Phillips Park Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting Event on Friday, Sept. 12th from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. at 3107 SE C St; Come for games, giveaways, concessions and fireworks
Read the latest on “Why the City of Bentonville is in a Budget Crunch” and “What It’s Like to Live Car-Fee in Bentonville” from Sam Hoisington at the Bentonville Bulletin
Cave Springs
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. (134 N. Main St.)
Items of Note:
Citywide garage sale (no permits required) will be held Sept. 19 & 20th
Centerton
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. (210 Municipal Dr.)
Items of Note:
Centerton Day Celebrations all day on Sept. 13th; parade starts at Harps at 11 a.m.
Gravette
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m. (202 Main St. NE)
Lowell
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. (216 N. Lincoln St.)
Items of Note:
From Tom Sissom with the NWA Dem Gazz, “Lowell City Council rejects permit for recycling business at former site of USA Metal” - the council stood with the previous decision by the planning commission to deny a permit to the applicants
From Doug Thompson with the NWA Dem Gazz, “Lowell council member files ethics complaint against mayor” - the complaint is regarding a road extension approved by the previous council that would benefit a business owned by the mayor
Pea Ridge
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. (911 Weston St.)
Items of Note:
Bike Bus routes to Pea Ridge public schools will continue every Friday morning for the remainder of the school year. If you are interested in participating/volunteering or need more information, complete the form HERE
Rogers
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. (301 W. Chestnut)
Items of Note:
The City of Rogers is currently accepting applications for the 2025–2026 class of the Mayor’s Youth Academy. This program provides high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to learn about local government, engage with city leaders, and gain valuable leadership experience while serving their community. Apps are due by Sept. 12th.
Siloam Springs
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. (400 N. Broadway)
Items of Note:
Volunteer Fair will be held at the Siloam Springs Public Library on Sat., Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Springdale
Next Council Mtng: Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. (201 Spring St.)
County Government Awareness
Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) vs. Highfill
A resolution on the de-annexation legal challenges was finally reached between XNA and the city of Highfill. From Jeff Della Rosa’s reporting in Talk Business & Politics:
“In a special meeting Monday (Aug. 18), XNA Board of Directors unanimously approved a “memorandum of understanding” with the city that will end city taxes for XNA customers on Dec. 31, 2030, according to an XNA statement. The agreement ensures the city will repay its bonds and that XNA and Highfill will come to a “formal agreed order” in the coming weeks.
According to the agreement, along with making monthly payments on its bonds, the city will pay an additional $72,380 each month from its sales tax fund. The additional amount will be paid in 63 installments starting in October 2025, allowing the bonds to be paid off by Dec. 31, 2030.”
Additional reporting can be found HERE from KNWA.
Benton County High Schools at the Top of U.S. News Rankings
The latest U.S. News rankings were released late August, and the following high schools in Benton County were top scorers:
Haas Hall Bentonville - 1st in AR/ 7th in U.S.
Haas Hall Academy at the Lane (Rogers) - 3rd in AR/ 60th in U.S.
Bentonville High School - 5th in AR/ 513th in U.S.
Rogers New Technology High School - 6th in AR/ 706th in U.S.
Founders Classical Academies of Arkansas (Rogers) - 7th in AR/ 881st in U.S.
Benton County Quorum Court
Highlight from August Meeting:
From Thomas Saccente’s reporting in the NWA Dem Gazz on last week’s Quorum Court meeting, “Benton County Quorum Court votes 12-0 to display ‘In God We Trust’ posters in county buildings”:
“Every public building Benton County operates will feature posters bearing the national motto "In God We Trust" within the next month. The county Quorum Court voted 12-0 Thursday to approve a resolution directing the motto be displayed in all county buildings permanently, publicly and in a "conspicuous manner" by Oct. 1.”
This is tied to legislation passed in 2017 and 2019 that requires display of a specific “In God We Trust” poster including the American and Arkansas flag in public school and administration buildings if funding was available/donated.
Joint Benton & Washington County Quorum Court Meeting in Sept:
The Benton and Washington County Quorum Courts will join together for a historic meeting on Monday, September 22nd at 6pm at the Springdale City Hall. The purpose of the meeting is to hear from the Northwest Arkansas Council regarding the growth of the region.
Upcoming County Government meetings at the Admin Building in downtown Bentonville:
Planning Board Meeting - Sept. 3 at 6 p.m.
Finance Committee Meeting - Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.
Development Review Committee - Sept. 10 at 10 a.m.
Committee of the Whole - Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.
Planning Board Meeting - Sept. 17 at 6 p.m.
State Government Awareness
95th General Legislative Assembly:
Updates on legislation passed in the last two sessions:
Act 310 (2023) established a “monument to Unborn Children Display Fund” to be used to erect and maintain a “suitable” monument on the State Capitol ground commemorating unborn children aborted during the era of Roe v. Wade. From Tess Vrbin at the Arkansas Advocate, “Designer of Arkansas Capitol’s upcoming ‘monument to the unborn’ sets fundraising goal - Commissioner suggests ‘smaller projects’ if the goal of raising $100,000 by the end of October isn’t met”; $25k of the estimated $900k has been raised for the selected design to date…
Act 573 (2025) requiring display of the 10 Commandments in public school classrooms continues to create legal headaches for school districts and the state attorney general’s office. Last week Antoinette Grajeda at the Arkansas Advocate reported “Judge orders Central Arkansas district [Conway] to remove Ten Commandments displays” leading to more confusion across the state as “Arkansas school district responses to Ten Commandments law [are] mixed”.
Act 302 (2025) allows the use of nitrogen gas as a method to administer executions of Arkansas inmates with a death sentence. From Tess Vrbin at the Arkansas Advocate, “Faith leaders speak against death penalty, urge Arkansas governor not to restart executions - Arkansas is the fifth state to legalize nitrogen gas as a method of conducting executions; death row inmates have challenged the law in court”
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders:
Announcements from the governor’s office last week in the Arkansas Advocate:
“Following new law, Arkansas governor appoints six State Library Board members - Senate must confirm appointees; board must be in place by Sept. 3” - “The overhaul is part of the Republican legislative supermajority’s ongoing efforts to regulate public library leadership, funding and content. There have been similar conservative-led local efforts throughout the state in the past few years, including in Yellville and Benton.”
“Arkansas executive branch to limit remote work, allow infants in the office” - The infant rule applies to babies four weeks to six months in age… which may lead you to ask why we don’t have paid family leave that lasts long enough to allow the mother (or other family members) to stay home during that time period…
Odds & Ends
Arkansas Strong highlighted Literacy in Arkansas in its August publications:
“The Literacy Gap: How Weak Reading Skills Hold Arkansas Back - Almost half a million Arkansans — about 23% of adults — struggle to read.”
“The Most Bookless State in the Union: The Creation of Arkansas Public Libraries - The story of public libraries in Arkansas is shaped by the persistence of women’s groups and local citizens who transformed community-driven efforts into a statewide network of libraries.”
“View from the Stacks: For the Love of Libraries - As long as I can remember, books have held a central place in my life. With every book read, more worlds open. Books represent solutions, escapes, and possibilities.“
Read this opinion piece from my friend Will Watson in the Arkansas Dem Gazz, “A Call to Action: Preventing the Next ‘Never Again’”
“One in three or more farms in Arkansas could be shuttered by next spring if the federal government doesn’t provide some type of supplemental assistance to farmers this fall, Agriculture Council of Arkansas President Joe Mencer told Talk Business & Politics.” Read more in George Jared’s reporting, “Arkansas on the verge of agricultural disaster”. Learn more about the Rural Profile of Arkansas in the 2025 report published by the U of A.
Consider signing up for Rogers resident Dan Holtmeyer’s newsletter linked below:
*Not sure which ward you live in? Go to the Arkansas Voter View website and look up your voter registration or street address. Once your information pulls up, scroll to the bottom of the screen and expand the section of the site labeled districts. Your ward will be listed under the header “Wards”.