The Saline Courier

The Saline Courier has been serving Saline County as its local newspaper since 1876. It is published every Tuesday to Sunday and provides comprehensive coverage of the county, including local news, sports updates, entertainment information, weekly coupons, TV schedules, and much more.

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Town hall on county animal control services set for Monday

1 week ago | bentoncourier.com | Destin Davis

Saline County will host a town hall at 6 p.m. Monday at Butler Auditorium on the Benton High School campus, 211 N. Border St., to discuss the “current state of animal control in unincorporated Saline County,” County Judge Matt Brumley announced during a Quorum Court meeting June 17. The town hall is open to the public. The meeting comes less than two weeks after 15-year-old Makayla Fortner, a student from Bryant, was fatally attacked by dogs in an unincorporated area of the county.
Saline Regional Water Authority to discuss pipeline route June 26

1 week ago | bentoncourier.com | Destin Davis

The Saline Regional Public Water Authority (SRPWA) will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 26, to discuss and possibly make a decision on the proposed route for a raw water transmission line. The meeting will be at the Bryant District Court. “We know this project directly impacts our community, and we want to ensure residents continue to have the opportunity to stay informed and make their voices heard,” said Moriah Winkel, water and wastewater analyst for the City of Bryant and SRPWA board member.
Calls for action and animal control shelter grow after Saline County teen’s death in dog attack

1 week ago | bentoncourier.com | Destin Davis

The recent death of a 15-year-old Bryant student, Makayla Fortner, in a fatal dog attack has renewed pressure on Saline County officials to address a gap in public safety: the county government has no animal control shelter and no countywide animal services.
14 dogs euthanized after attack that killed Makayla Fortner; fundraiser launched for teen’s family

1 week ago | bentoncourier.com | Destin Davis

The City of Benton has confirmed that 14 dogs seized in the recent dog attack near Alexander which resulted in the death of 15 year old Makayla Fortner have been put down by Benton Animal Control. As of press time, no arrests have been made and no criminal charges have been filed against anyone in relation to the attack. The Saline County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) said the investigation is still ongoing, and they will release information as they can.
Benton School Board changes meeting schedule, honors staff

2 weeks ago | bentoncourier.com | Destin Davis

BENTON – During a meeting on Monday, June 9, the Benton School Board approved a request to move their monthly meetings from the second Monday of each to the third Monday of each month. “The new administration wants to move the dates for the board meetings. The reason is we want board packets to be to the board members seven days in advance.
Old River Bridge to reopen June 24 in original location

2 weeks ago | bentoncourier.com | Destin Davis

The restored Old River Bridge will officially reopen to the public on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., Saline County officials announced. The bridge, originally constructed in 1891, has undergone a years-long restoration to return it to its original location over the Saline River. The project has been in the works for nearly two decades, and when it reopens later this month, it will be the oldest bridge in Arkansas that remains at its original site.
The road to Miss Arkansas; Miss Saline County competes for statewide crown

2 weeks ago | bentoncourier.com | Destin Davis

Ciara Callicott was crowned Miss Saline County in September of 2024, and this week she is aiming for the title of Miss Arkansas. Callicott, 24, has competed in the Miss Arkansas system several times, including two years in the teen division. Over the years, she’s held multiple local titles, including Miss Central Arkansas, Miss Natural State, and Miss Metro—before earning the crown of Miss Saline County in 2024. Callicott graduated from Parkview High School in Little Rock in 2019.
Miss Saline County teen aims for more gold this weekend

2 weeks ago | bentoncourier.com | Destin Davis

It is pageant week in Arkansas, and Miss Saline County Teen, Lily Grace Overholser, 14, has packed 12 suitcases and is ready to roll. On Friday morning, Overholser said she was “moving in” to her hotel for the week. “It’s a week-long competition and we have to stay at this hotel, pack a lot of clothes, a lot of stuff we need. It’s like moving because we have like 12 suitcases. It’s crazy, but I’m excited,” she said. Overholser will be competing in Miss Arkansas Teen for the first time.
Benton School Board to consider changing meeting schedule

3 weeks ago | bentoncourier.com | Destin Davis

During a meeting on Monday, June 9, the Benton School Board will consider a request to move their monthly meetings from the second Monday of each, to the third Monday of each month. “This change has been made to better align with important reporting and submission deadlines, ensuring that all necessary information is available for timely board review and decision-making,” an item attached to the agenda for the June 9 meeting states. The change would take affect beginning in July.
Nail returns to Benton as superintendent with focus on building trust, visibility

3 weeks ago | bentoncourier.com | Destin Davis

Chris Nail is beginning his tenure as superintendent of Benton School District on July 1, a job he said he never expected to hold. Nail first worked in the Benton School District, starting in 2008, as the head basketball coach. “When I interviewed for the basketball job, I was 29 or 30 years old. I was nervous, sitting in the exterior office of Mr. (John) Dedmond (former Benton High School principal), and a cat fell through the ceiling into my lap.