🌱Benton County Continues Budget Talks + Oz Trails Off-Road Event

Happy Saturday, Bentonville! Let's get this day started. These are the most important things happening today in Bentonville.

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First, today's weather:

Plenty of sun. High: 64 Low: 40.

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Here are the top stories today in Bentonville:

1. The Benton County Budget Committee continued its 2022 budget discussions on Thursday night as various county departments and organizations presented personnel requests for the year ahead. The tentative requests, which include 3 percent raises, new position requests, salary waivers, and a market study, total $3.4 million. The 2022 general fund budget is projected at $52.4 million, 14 percent higher than the $46 million budget for 2021. (4 State News)
2. Mountain bike riders will be in Bentonville this weekend for the third annual Oz Trails Off-Road, a mountain biking event for riders of all ages and experience levels. Riders can register in-person today for a 15, 30, or 50-mile course. The off-roading action runs through Sunday, Oct. 17 and is expected to bring in hundreds of out-of-town participants. (KNOX)
3. The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department tells residents to expect traffic delays in northwest Arkansas next week as crews begin blasting rocks for a new interchange. The project to build the new Interstate 49 interchange with Highway 71 in Bentonville will require lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 18. (The Trucker)
4. The race for the Bentonville School Board's Zone 7 seat is heating up as Mike Swanson, a 32-year-old analyst and first-time public office candidate, challenges incumbent Joe Quinn, 65. (4 State News)
5. Arkansas Powerball players have won a combined total of $250,000 over the last two weeks, including a Bentonville resident who won $50,000. (KARK)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. I'll see you soon! If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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.