Law’s constitutionality questioned

By Tracy M. Neal Staff Writer // tracyn@nwanews.com

BENTONVILLE — Attorneys for a former Bentonville High School teacher will challenge the constitutionality of the state law prohibiting public school teachers from engaging in sexual contact with students younger than 21. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Municipal services discussed by POA

By Jason Beatty Staff Writer // jasonb@nwanews.com

BELLA VISTA — The Bella Vista Property Owners Association Board of Directors met Thursday night to discuss the association’s ongoing role as the city’s municipal services provider. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Gravette offers contract

By Katie Butler Staff Writer // katieb@nwanews.com

GRAVETTE — The Gravette School Board voted unanimously Thursday to offer a twoyear superintendent contract to Andrea Kelly, CEO/superintendent of Meridian Technology Center in Stillwater, Okla. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Constable races on ballot

From Staff Reports

BENTON COUNTY — There are 13 positions for constables in Benton County, but only six will be contested in the Tuesday primary elections. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Tree-lined streets, community garden in planning stages

By Eleanor Evans Staff Writer // eleanore@nwanews.com

BENTONVILLE — Just as New York is defined by more than the Statue of Liberty, and St. Louis is defined by more than the Arch, Bentonville is looking for new ways to give the city a character and identity as much more than the home of a retail giant. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Missouri man gets six years for sexual assault

By Tracy M. Neal Staff Writer // tracyn@nwanews.com

BENTONVILLE — A Shell Knob, Mo., man was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. - Friday, May 16, 2008

POLICE REPORTS

Bella Vista incidents Among incidents reported to the Bella Vista Police Department according to records, were the following: At 8:33 a.m.Tuesday, a Chihuahua was found running loose on Bella Vista Way and was taken to the Bella Vista Animal Shelter. - Friday, May 16, 2008

NWACC graduation event is Saturday

Northwest Arkansas Community College Adult Education commencement will be at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Arend Arts Center at Bentonville High School. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Classical Youth Ballet sets auditions

The Classical Youth Ballet has announced that auditions for its 2008-2009 company will take place Saturday and Sunday at the Classical Ballet Academy, 1106 N.W. 10th St. in Bentonville. The audition fee is $10. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Excellent ‘etudiant’

By Jamie Brunk Staff Writer // jamieb@nwanews.com

BENTONVILLE — The first time Paul Peterson visited France, he didn’t speak much French. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Art contest winner from Benton County

From Staff Reports

BENTON COUNTY — Ethan Robinson, a Siloam Springs High School senior, won first place in the Artistic Discovery High School Art Contest, U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Ark., announced Wednesday. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Blacksmith demonstration set

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 31, Jody Roller of Lowell will set up his working blacksmith operation at the site of the old Peter Van Winkle blacksmith shop in historic Van Winkle Hollow at Hobbs State Park–Conservation Area, just east of Rogers on Arkansas Highway 12. - Friday, May 16, 2008

‘Peter Pan’ coming to Rogers

The Northwest Arkansas Academy of Fine Arts will perform the musical “Peter Pan” on May 29-31 at the school, 506 W. Poplar St. in Rogers. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Village House to host golf event

The 19th annual Village House Golf Tournament will be held May 31 at the Kingswood Golf Course in Bella Vista. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Lincoln: Farm Bill would survive presidential veto

From Staff Reports

BENTON COUNTY — The national Farm Bill would survive a presidential veto, said U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Reconstructing Art Walk features 28 regional artists

By Jeff Mores Staff Writer // jeffm@nwanews.com

BENTONVILLE — For years, one of the most popular annual events on the Bentonville Square has been the Art Walk. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Expert: Environmental protection necessary for responsible planning

By Eleanor Evans Staff Writer // eleanore@nwanews.com

BENTON COUNTY — The county landscape — as well as protection of the humans and creatures within it — was the topic Thursday night during a special presentation on karst topography. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Bentonville Farmers Market to host previous Art Walk artists

By Tonya McKiever Staff Writer // tonyam@nwanews.com

BENTONVILLE — In addition to the events related to Reconstructing Art Walk staged at Crystal Bridges at the Massey, the Bentonville Farmers Market will host some previous Art Walk artists. The work will be for sale and artists will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Exchanging cultures

By Jamie Brunk Staff Writer // jamieb@nwanews.com

BENTONVILLE — A new partnership at Northwest Arkansas Community College will bring students from around the world to the college this fall. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Baby steps to a degree

By Jamie Brunk Staff Writer // jamieb@nwanews.com

BENTONVILLE — In most degree programs, the students only have that big graduation day to anticipate. - Friday, May 16, 2008

NWACC apprenticeship graduation tonight

From Staff Reports

BENTONVILLE — Northwest Arkansas Community College’s Corporate Learning Apprenticeship graduation ceremony will be at 6 tonight in the Wal-Mart Auditorium at the Shewmaker Center for Workforce Technologies on the NWACC campus. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Eastside Bird Poster winners named

Winners of the Youth Bird Poster contest winners at Eastside Elementary School in Rogers were: Third grade: Daniel Talley, first; Morgan Menke, second; Makayla Brewer, third; and Janeth Ortiz and Zak Varner, honorable mention. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Single Parent Scholarship Fund thanks corporate partners

By Tonya McKiever Staff Writer // tonyam@nwanews.com

BENTONVILLE — To show their appreciation for corporate partners, the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County invited the partners to a luncheon program at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center here Thursday. Attorney Kyle Heffley, chairman of the SPSF/BC Board, expressed gratitude on behalf of the organization for the time, money and support generously given. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Ozark Natural Science Center summer-camp dates still open

By Lynn Atkins Staff Writer // lynna@nwanews.com

ROGERS — There’s still time to sign up for an adventure camp that will teach campers about the natural world around them. The Ozark Natural Science Center summer-camp program grows a little every year. - Friday, May 16, 2008

BHS teacher nominated for prestigious Christy Award

By Tonya McKiever Staff Writer // tonyam@nwanews.com

BENTONVILLE — Bentonville High School speech teacher Jenny B. Jones’ first book, “In Between,” was spring. She was surprised to learn she and her book are among the finalists for a prized Christy Award. “In Between” is published last in the youngadult category. - Friday, May 16, 2008

RHS class plans 50th reunion

The Rogers High School Class of 1958 will be celebrate its 50-year reunion Oct. 10 and 11. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Jazzercise classes offered this month

In conjunction with National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, jazzercise instructor Gina Williamson will offer more than 60 classes this month. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Betts named Decatur valedictorian

Claire Betts has been named valedictorian of the 2008 Decatur High School senior class. - Friday, May 16, 2008

Memorial Day concert planned

The Bella Vista Community Concert Band will perform a concert on Memorial Day at Blowing Springs Park in Bella Vista. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. There will be a picnic supper available from 5 p.m. - Friday, May 16, 2008

‘Fiddler’ auditions set

Auditions are being held for The Village Players’ summer musical, “Fiddler on the Roof.” Auditions will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. May 28-30 and from 10 a.m. to noon May 31 at the Arend Arts Center at Bentonville High School. - Friday, May 16, 2008