Benton County Quorum Court candidates set forum from 5 to 8 p.m. today. Lacking a government channel, Benton County residents must attend or miss it

LAST UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 6:32 PM CDT IN NEWS
By THE MORNING NEWS
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County Candidates' Forum

Benton County candidates running for contested races will answer questions during a political forum between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. today.

The Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event at NorthWest Arkansas Community College's Shoemaker Center. The session is free, open to the public and will have a question and answer session, according to the chamber.

General Elections will be held Nov. 4.

Traffic Enforcement Today

BENTONVILLE -- Police announced they'll be conducting special traffic enforcement today.


Officers will concentrate on speed and traffic control violations on North Walton Boulevard between Northwest 12th Street to U.S. 71, and Southwest Second Street from Northwest "J" Street to Elm Tree Road, said Sgt. David Green.

Special traffic enforcement by the Accident Reduction Unit occurs weekly. The unit looks out for any combination of the violations that most often lead to accidents, including running stop signs, running red lights, careless driving, tailgating and speeding.

Benton County Emergency Preparedness Fair

Benton County residents can learn how to prepare for emergencies during the Community Emergency Preparedness Fair at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.

The county emergency management department and Wal-Mart's emergency management department have teamed up to host the event, according to a press release. Residents can view emergency response vehicles, register for prizes, participate in kid-friendly activities and meet the Northwest Arkansas Naturals mascot.

Benton County Town Hall Meeting Set

Benton County officials will talk about how the county is operating during a town hall meeting at Lost Bridge Village at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6, Benton County Judge Gary Black said last week.

Representatives from the road department, Sheriff's Office, environmental services, planning office, 911 administration, central communications, emergency management, veteran services and the county fire marshal are expected to attend, according to a press release. Elected officials from various offices may also attend the meeting, which will be held at the Lost Bridge Village Community Room at 12477 Lodge Drive.

Residents and officials will talk about the county's future and the future of surrounding areas to the Lost Bridge Village community. Officials also plan to discuss problems and solutions.

Democratic Women To Discuss CASA

The Benton County Democratic Women's Club will learn about CASA of Northwest Arkansas at the Bentonville Clarion Hotel at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22, according to a press release.

Crystal Vickmark, Court Appointed Special Advocate of Northwest Arkansas executive director, will discuss how she has worked with vulnerable adults and foster care children during the past 11 years. Arkansas reached 276 children last year, according to the press release.

Vickmark has a master's degree in counseling from South Dakota State University and has been the Northwest Arkansas executive director for nearly five years.

This meeting is open to the public and the buffet lunch is available for $10. Please contact sharonfcarter@sbcglobal.net for reservations by Sept. 17.