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🌱 Patch AM: How Bentonville’s new tech university could reshape local schools and jobs

Coming up: Pickleball Lessons: Beginner on the Bentonville Patch calendar

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Hey there, Bentonville! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Bentonville's new tech university could reshape local schools and jobs
  • How to enjoy Crystal Bridges' big art fair in Bentonville this weekend
  • How Bentonville volunteers are rewiring toys to empower local kids

Also on today's calendar: Writing Workshop | Bringing Writing to Life and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why was the scarecrow given an award? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Warmer with plenty of sun, with a high of 83 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Monday: Plenty of sun, temps: high: 80, low: 53.
  • Tuesday: Plenty of sun, with a high of 80 and low of 52 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Bentonville Institute of Technology marks major milestone with groundbreaking (4029tv.com) — A new Bentonville Institute of Technology campus is coming to the former Walmart Home Office site on 8th Street, with plans to welcome its first 300 students in August 2029. Leaders are already partnering with Bentonville Schools to pilot courses and promise first-year tuition coverage, aiming to boost local job opportunities and attract new employers to Northwest Arkansas.
   

2. Over 80 artists set for Crystal Bridges 2026 Art Fair (nwahomepage.com) — Crystal Bridges' 2026 Art Fair is underway in Bentonville this weekend, bringing more than 80 artists to the Heartland Whole Health Institute on the museum's campus. Saturday requires tickets for early access, but Sunday's hours are free and open to everyone, with live artist demonstrations and talks giving visitors a close look at a wide range of creative work.
   

3. Volunteers modify toys to make play more accessible for children with disabilities (5newsonline.com) — In Bentonville, volunteers with Switched NWA are rewiring toys so local children with complex disabilities can play more independently using simple push-button switches. Led by a UAMS occupational therapy student and inspired by a Bentonville Schools speech pathologist, the project emphasizes inclusive play and will distribute the modified toys to families on November 7.
   

4. 'Over Hill and Hollow': Ponder the Albatross drops debut album with dream producer Tedd Hutt (nwaonline.com) — Ponder the Albatross just released their genre-blending debut album "Over Hill and Hollow," produced by acclaimed musician Ted Hutt, and they're bringing the new songs to Northwest Arkansas. Festivalgoers can catch a more intimate, mostly acoustic set on the Bentonville Brewing stage during Hillberry, where the band will play ahead of headliner Sam Bush and other bluegrass favorites.
   

📸 Around Bentonville

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Panera posted a job opening for Catering Lead in Bentonville. Apply here.
  • O'Reilly Automotive posted a job opening for Parts Specialist in Bentonville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bentonville here.

Ok Bentonville! 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: "Why was the scarecrow given an award?" — Because he was outstanding in his field! (Thank you Teresa M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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