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🌱 How a library craft class led to a 15-year prison term
Van Buren, Arkansas Patch AM: a 5 min readHi Van Buren! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How a library craft class led to a 15-year prison term
- How a Van Buren teen’s go-kart hobby became a national racing bid
- Why retirees nationwide are eyeing Van Buren’s historic riverfront charm
Also on today's calendar: Basic Concealed Carry Class and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: How do you fit 10 horses in 9 stables? You cannot add any stables, you cannot put 2 horses in one stable. (Draw 9 boxes to help you figure this out) 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 94 and low of 77 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 95, low: 75.
- Saturday: Humid with clouds and sun, with a high of 92 and low of 75 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Sex offender who taught tween craft class at Van Buren library gets 15 years in prison with guilty plea (nwaonline.com) — A Van Buren resident classified as a Level 3 sex offender has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison after admitting he violated registry rules while volunteering at the Van Buren Public Library. Investigators say he taught a tween craft class and lived too close to a community park, prompting charges for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements. Library staff reported they were unaware of his offender status. 
• Go, Speed Racer, Go! (dosouthmag.com) — A Van Buren teenager, Cason Collyar, has turned a casual visit to a Rogers go-kart track into a fast-rising racing career, earning top finishes in state and national league events. His family and coaches praise his calm, faith-driven approach as he practices monthly in Rogers and trains extensively on a home racing simulator. Cason now dreams of one day driving professionally for Porsche Penske Motor Sports.
• These Charming Arkansas River Cities Offer An Affordable And Peaceful Retirement (takingthekids.com) — Van Buren gets a warm endorsement as a riverfront retirement option, praised for its historic Main Street, affordable housing, and easy access to parks along the Arkansas River. The article highlights the city’s quieter feel compared with nearby Fort Smith, along with an active arts scene anchored by the King Opera House. It frames Van Buren as especially appealing to history lovers and retirees seeking community and safety.
📸 Around Van Buren
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓
Upcoming Events in
Van Buren
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
Basic Concealed Carry Class →
THOR Elite Firing Range and Gun Club, 1206 Knesek Ln, Van Buren
9:00 am
Wednesday July 8
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
-
Independence Day Celebration
Chamber of Commerce Field of Dreams Sports Complex
5:00 pm -
Music Superheroes Vocal Camp
Chamber of Commerce 510 Main St, Van Buren, AR 72956
1:00 pm -
ASBTDC at The Chamber →
Chamber of Commerce Van Buren Chamber Business Resource Center
9:00 am -
Music Superheroes Vocal Camp
Chamber of Commerce 510 Main St, Van Buren, AR 72956
1:00 pm -
Basic Concealed Carry Class →
THOR Elite Firing Range and Gun Club, 1206 Knesek Ln, Van Buren
9:00 am -
Christmas in July in Downtown Van Buren →
Chamber of Commerce 510 Main St, Van Buren, AR 72956
10:00 am -
Dual/Enhanced Concealed Carry Class →
THOR Elite Firing Range and Gun Club, 1206 Knesek Ln, Van Buren
9:00 am
Saturday July 4
Monday July 6
Wednesday July 8
Saturday July 11
Sunday July 12
📣 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
-
Center for Nonprofits at The Chamber
Chamber of Commerce Van Buren Business Resource Center
9:00 am -
Independence Day Celebration
Chamber of Commerce Field of Dreams Sports Complex
5:00 pm -
Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 1217 S Waldron Rd
11:00 am -
Music Superheroes Vocal Camp
Chamber of Commerce 510 Main St, Van Buren, AR 72956
1:00 pm
Thursday July 2
Saturday July 4
Monday July 6
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- okay to you Queenies out there I just gotten a warning talking about the word Menapause, I am simply wanting to help out Woman of all ages that needs help or have questions that I can answer if I can I will and if not I'll be doing my research to
help..I am not in any means tryin to cause any thing just a woman thats wants to help other woman out that going through the same thing! (Nextdoor Brewton) - Storms may be over, but cleanup continues.
While storm debris removal is the responsibility of property owners, some communities have established storm debris removal plans. If OG&E crews… (Nextdoor )
- TIBCO Software, Inc. posted a job opening for Team Member in Van Buren. Apply here.
- Lowe's Companies, Inc. posted a job opening for Merchandising Part Time Days in Van Buren. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Van Buren here.
🗞 Nearby News
Fort Smith
- Garrison Arts Walk in Fort Smith seeking artists and business participants (nwahomepage.com)
- Arkansas State Police, Fort Smith Police Department to participate in national DUI campaign over holiday weekend (rivervalleydemocratgazette.com)
- Fort Smith Public Schools now participating in National School Lunch Program (nwahomepage.com)
Alma
- A devastating year for the Philadelphia Eagles — 7 former players have died in 2026 (nj.com)
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: [T] [E] [N] [H] [O] [R] [S] [E] [S] (Thank you Lisa K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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