🌱Schools Update COVID Protocols + Women's Cycling Festival

Morning, Bentonville! It's Thursday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in town.

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First, today's weather:

Very cold; some morning snow. High: 23 Low: 13.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Bentonville:

1. Bentonville Schools Superintendent Dr. Debbie Jones announced updates to the district's COVID-19 protocols. The revised protocols include turning off all water fountains and restricting the number of non-essential guests and visitors in school buildings. The district will not be implementing a mask mandate but strongly recommends wearing them on school buses and indoors if positive cases reach 30 or above. (KNWA)
2. A women's gravel cycling event will come to Bentonville in April. The Gone Graveling Festival will include three days of educational clinics, group rides, and community gatherings for riders who identify as women. Registration opened on Dec. 7 and is limited to 250 women. (talkbusiness.net)
3. The Benton County Sheriff's Office has begun using technology to help aid detainees who may be in medical distress. The jail is the first in the state of Arkansas to implement the Custody Protect program, which automatically alerts jail officials if an inmate is in a medical crisis. The program uses electronic bands that monitor the patient's vitals and will only be placed on inmates with medical situations. (Westside Eagle Observer)

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Today in Bentonville:

• Farmer's Market Pickup At Bentonville Square (4:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Are you recommitting to healthy habits this January? Order local, nutrient-dense local produce through the Bentonville Virtual Farmers Market! (Facebook)
• Did you know Visit Bentonville sends a monthly e-newsletter with information on events, attractions, hotels, new podcast episodes, and more? Anyone who signs up to receive the e-newsletter now through Jan. 26 will be entered to win a Visit Bentonville t-shirt. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! See you all tomorrow for your next 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.