Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How Bentonville Schools are quietly reshaping classroom AI rules this year
Make time for Bentonville Kids Rave on the Bentonville Patch calendar

What's up Bentonville! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How Bentonville Schools are quietly reshaping classroom AI rules this year
- What Benton County investigators say happened before and after the fatal shooting
- Protective order issued after alleged Bentonville incident involving local candidate
Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 94 and low of 64 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Friday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 91, low: 66.
- Saturday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 94 and low of 71 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Don Tyson School of Innovation sophomores contribute to student-written AI legislation (nwaonline.com) — Local readers should know Bentonville Schools now use a five-point scale to decide when AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are allowed, with strict rules on citation and academic honesty. The story follows two Springdale sophomores who helped draft model student-led AI legislation at MIT, and compares Bentonville's approach with neighboring districts' emerging policies.
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2. Missouri woman accused of hindering apprehension in Benton County murder case (arkansasonline.com) — Bentonville authorities are handling a Benton County murder case where a Missouri woman is accused of discarding shell casings after a Sulphur Springs shooting that left a 20-year-old man dead. Two suspects remain jailed on significant bonds while prosecutors decide on formal charges, with court dates set in Benton County Circuit Court next month.
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3. Ex-Arkansas State Rep. Austin McCollum's wife granted 2-year order of protection (kark.com) — A Benton County judge has granted former state Rep. Austin McCollum's wife a two-year order of protection after an alleged domestic violence incident at a Bentonville residence. McCollum, who resigned his legislative seat earlier this month, still remains on the ballot for Benton County judge in an unopposed race.
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4. Congressman Womack warns defense spending must keep pace as technology advances (5newsonline.com) — Congressman Steve Womack used a Bentonville aerospace and defense summit to argue that U.S. military spending must keep pace with rapidly evolving technology, especially drones. He also warned that delayed federal budgets and a possible shutdown create uncertainty for defense contractors, even as Congress considers a major increase in base defense spending.
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📸 Around Bentonville
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 Bentonville
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Bentonville Kids Rave →
Lawrence Plaza, 214 NE A St, Bentonville
5:00 pm
Saturday August 29
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- A Day Schedule
Bentonville West High Bentonville, AR 72712
7:00 am - Atlas Screener - 3rd ELA
Thomas Jefferson Elementary Bentonville, AR 72712
8:00 am - Football: Vs. Greenwood (H)
Bentonville West High Bentonville, AR 72712
7:00 pm - Atlas Screener - 2nd Math
Thomas Jefferson Elementary Bentonville, AR 72712
8:00 am - LJHS Volleyball @ Elmwood
Lincoln Junior High Elmwood Middle School, 1610 S 13th St, Rogers, AR 72758, USA
4:30 pm - Volleyball @ Washington
Fulbright Junior High Washington Junior High School, 1501 NE Wildcat Way, Bentonville\
5:00 pm - Volleyball Home vs Fulbright
Washington Junior High Bentonville, AR 72712
5:00 pm
Friday August 28
Monday August 31
📣 Bentonville 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
- Fall Picture Day
Bright Field Middle Bentonville, AR 72712
7:25 am - Atlas Screener - 3rd ELA
Thomas Jefferson Elementary Bentonville, AR 72712
8:00 am - LJHS Volleyball @ Oakdale
Lincoln Junior High Oakdale Middle School, 511 N Dixieland Rd, Rogers, AR 72756, U
4:30 pm - Volleyball vs Darby
Fulbright Junior High Schools, 5303 SW Bright Rd, Bentonville
5:00 pm
Thursday August 27
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
- Hello!
I am looking for someone to put in a new ceiling fan. There is one already there, so it would just be replacing the old one. Anyone know of someone… (Nextdoor Bland Valley) - Does anyone know of a possum rescue or professional that is taking in any?
There's an older one in my area that seems to have little to no eyesight left, and is nonaggressive. It also has a spinal injury and seems as though… (Nextdoor S Walton Blvd)
- Trego/Dugan Aviation posted a job opening for PT Airline Ramp Service Agent XNA - No Experience Required in Bentonville. Apply here.
- Alberici posted a job opening for Lean Services Associate (Project-Based/Travel Required) 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: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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