🌱 Benton County ARP Funds + Local Man Pleads Guilty To Rape Of Minor

Happy Wednesday, people of Bentonville! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in Bentonville today.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and cooler. High: 60 Low: 39.

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Here are the top three stories in Bentonville today:

1. After receiving over $100 million in requests, the Benton County American Rescue Plan committee is determining how to allocate $54 million in federal funds. Committee members received a list of applicants yesterday, Apr. 5, and will reconvene tomorrow, Apr. 7. According to Judge Barry Moehring, the committee has received "some excellent submissions from some non-profits who were affected by COVID [...] as well as from some volunteer fire departments," alongside water projects and countywide building renovation proposals. (KNWA)
2. On Monday, a 69-year-old Benton County man pleaded guilty to the rape of a three-year-old girl. William Mason Jr. of Centerton has been sentenced to 25 years of prison and will be required to register as a sex offender. According to the case affidavit, Mason admitted to pulling down the child's clothes before inappropriately touching her. During the trial, Mason reportedly said, "I'm sorry for what I've done." (Arkansas Online)
3. If you're looking for a new property here in Bentonville, Patch and Redfin have you covered. Explore their weekly local real estate roundup, which features both single-family homes and plots just waiting for a handy homeowner's touch. Click for more details on each of the listings. Happy hunting! (Bentonville Patch)

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Today in Bentonville:

• Milky Way Splash At Painting With A Twist (6:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in nearby Fayetteville will be holding a special Earth Day Festival on Sunday, Apr. 24. Northwest Arkansas residents will be able to participate in family-friendly activities, crafts, music, and games, as well as visit booths and explore six cultivated acres of spring garden beauty. (KNWA)
• Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Santana has added Northwest Arkansas to his Miraculous Supernatural Tour this summer. The legendary guitarist is set to perform at the Walmart AMP, just a short drive away from Bentonville, on Tuesday, Jul. 12. (Fayetteville Flyer)

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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for another update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.