Good morning, Bentonville.

A candlelight vigil will take place at 9 p.m. Thursday at the memorial site near Slack Street — Townsend Way in Pea Ridge to honor former officer Kevin Apple, who was killed in the line of duty in 2021.

City leaders will offer brief remarks and a moment of silence will mark the community’s remembrance.

A candlelight vigil is set for 9 p.m. Thursday at the memorial on Slack Street and Townsend Way in Pea Ridge to honor former officer Kevin Apple, who was killed in the line of duty four years ago — the event will feature remarks from city leaders, a moment of silence, music and candles for reflection.

Vincent Yeow Lim and Catherine Zhang have opened Wu Zhao at 110, 215 NW A St. in downtown Bentonville in partnership with Blu Fish House—bringing a new dining experience that serves Asian food with an internet celebrity twist.

A Benton County jailer accused of sexually assaulting a detainee was fired and arrested after allegations on June 17 led Sheriff Shawn Holloway to order an investigation—Matthew Lockard, 42, of Rogers was booked into the county detention center then moved to the Washington County Detention Center with a $15,000 bond—no court date or defense attorney has been listed.

Juneteenth marks the day when federal troops told enslaved people in Texas they were free on June 19, 1865 — a moment that started a long journey toward full freedom.

In Arkansas, where the day has been celebrated since 2005, residents honor it with music, food, and family traditions that remember their history.

The Arkansas Department of Education announced that its charter school portfolio will exclude six schools that closed, transferred to another charter system or were not renewed for the 2025-26 school year.

The changes affect schools including Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy, Hope Academy of Northwest Arkansas, Siloam Springs High School, River Valley Virtual Academy, Adventure Online Academy and Centerpoint Academy of Agriculture and Skilled Trade.

A lawsuit filed June 13 in the Eastern District of Arkansas by four plaintiffs contests the Educational Freedom Account program—arguing it violates the Constitution by using public funds to favor private religious schools and discriminate against disabled children.

Defendants including Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and state officials dispute the claim—pointing to more than 44,000 students who have applied for the program for next school year.

Bentonville City Council voted 7—0 on June 10 to approve an ordinance limiting door-to-door solicitation at private homes to between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., and the rule will take effect on July 10.

Summer Camp: ARTimals Exploration

9 AM – 12 PM — Eleven at Crystal Bridges — $200 — Dive into a week of artistic adventures with nature and storytelling for young explorers.

SoNA Beyond: Kindred – A Chamber Music Exploration of Family

7-8:30 p.m. — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art — $45 ($36 members, $10 students) — Experience a unique chamber music program exploring the diverse meanings of family through classic compositions.

Mid-Summer’s Night Date: Archery for Lovers

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Quiver Archery Range — $60 per couple — Experience an enchanting evening of archery fun and friendly competition inspired by Shakespeare’s whimsy.

Rose Propagation Class

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM — Peel Museum & Botanical Garden — Registration fee required — Discover the art of cultivating roses in a hands-on workshop with expert guidance.

FluFlu Clout Archery Experience

5:30-6:30 p.m. — The Quiver Archery Range — $25 — Discover the art of shooting FluFlu arrows in a fun, beginner-friendly setting perfect for all ages.

Roni Ben-Hur Trio Live at Crystal Bridges

7:30 PM – 1:30 AM — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art — $55 — Experience an intimate evening of world-class jazz in a stunning setting with acclaimed musicians.

Acoustic Evening with Jonah Kagen

7-9:30 p.m. — The Momentary — $18 and up — Experience intimate acoustic storytelling through heartfelt melodies and engaging performances.

John PayCheck Concert

7 PM – 11 PM — Meteor Guitar Gallery — Check website for ticket prices — Awesome Night of Country with the One and Only John Paycheck.

Summer Camp: Nature Explorers at Crystal Bridges

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM — Eleven at Crystal Bridges — $200 ($160 for members) — Uncover the wonders of nature and art in this weeklong camp for kids aged 8 to 10.