🌱 No Death Penalty For Andazola + Richardson Announces House Bid

Hello, people of Bentonville! It's me again, Sean Peek, your host of the Bentonville Daily.

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First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and cold. High: 42 Low: 26.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Bentonville:

1. Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Smith announced that the prosecution will not seek the death penalty in the case of 19-year-old Elijah Andazola, the passenger in a violent crash that killed Pea Ridge Police Officer Kevin Apple last July. Andazola, a resident of Bentonville, is charged with accomplice to capital murder and escape. He previously pleaded not guilty to the charges. (KNWA)
2. Scott Richardson of Bentonville has announced his bid for a seat in the state House of Representatives. Richardson's announcement sets up a Republican primary contest in House District 13, for which Attorney Greg Payne his bid in November. The party primaries will be held on May 24. (Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)
3. Local circuit judge Brad Karren was issued a letter of censure Friday for a confrontation he engaged in last year with a former state legislator over a parking spot in Bentonville. During the altercation last April, Karren allegedly berated the wife and son of Davy Carter, former speaker of the Arkansas House, for parking in a reserved space. Karren has said he agrees his behavior was inappropriate and told the Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission that he regrets his participation in the dispute. (Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

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Today in Bentonville:

• Eight Coats, Seven Shirts, Fifteen Fathom Wampum: Early Colonial Settlement At Bentonville Chamber Of Commerce (11:00 AM)

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From my notebook:

• Elizabeth Miller, the Art Collection Manager with OZ Art, shared where you can find world-class art in Bentonville, what's next for OZ Art, and more on Visit Bentonville's new podcast series, "A New American Town." (Facebook)
• Chris Rousey was the Bentonville Schools January Extra Mile Award recipient. Rousey was nominated by Bentonville High School student Lauren Axe and Board of Education Member Jennifer Faddis. (Facebook)
• Reserve your tickets now to "Celebrate Good Times" at the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance! The tradition continues at the Bentonville Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 5. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning 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.