As the election results rolled in, interesting onlookers kept a close eye on the Bryant mayoral race. Republican Jill Dabbs defeated current Mayor Larry Mitchell and will become Bryant’s first female mayor.

Dabbs defeated Mitchell 2,586 to 2,199.

Bryant  businesswoman, Jill Dabbs is challenging Mayor Larry Mitchell in his re-election bid. Dabbs announced her candidacy on Tuesday.
She is the chief operating manager of her family-owned business, Back and Body Chiropractic in Bryant. If elected, Dabbs said she would bring “an innovative style of leadership” to Bryant. She said she is “very excited about running for mayor.”

“I love this community and have enjoyed being part of it for the past 10 years,” she said. “I’m looking forward to serving in a different capacity, and I think we can make a lot of positive changes in Bryant.”

Dabbs said her top priorities would include “practicing fiscal responsibility, engaging the public in city government and implementing fair business practices that benefit the private sector of our community.”

She said she wants to create “an-open-door working relationship” with city organizations to promote economic growth and help businesses flourish.

“I am a visionary leader who will take a hands-on approach to managing the spectacular growth of this city,” she said. “As chief executive of Bryant, I will prioritize economic development, focusing on sustaining what we have and actively looking toward the future.”

If she wins the mayor’s seat, Dabbs said she will immediately address flood problems associated with the Bryant Watershed. “Progress must be made in correcting Bryant’s flooding issues, and I will work responsibly and directly with city leaders to develop reasonable solutions.”
She says she also wants to “modernize” the mayor’s office by expanding the website, utilizing social media and developing an online checkbook to allow Bryant residents to track where tax dollars are being spent.

“I want to create an honest and open dialogue with our community, engaging people in city government and involving our youth, which is the future of our city.” Dabbs said she plans to be “engaged in the growth that’ taking place” in Bryant. “I love this city and want our government to work efficiently and effectively for this community.”

Dabbs is married to Dr. Allan M. Dabbs and they have two children, Emily, 16, and Reagan, 10. She serves as president of the Bryant Barracudas Swim Team and is a board member for the Racers Swim Club, a USA age-level team. She is also a founding member of the People for Parks Committee, which was instrumental in the development of Bishop park. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech communication from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Tickets are now on sale for the 10th Salt Bowl football game pitting Saline County rivals Bryant and Benton at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock on Friday, Sept. 3, at 7:30 p.m.

TICKET OUTLETS

Big Red Valero Stores

Bryant Schools Athletic Director’s Office

Benton Schools Athletic Director’s Office

Tickets are $5 for all ages and available at all Big Red Valero locations across central Arkansas as well as the athletic directors’ offices at both schools. Tickets will be available at the gate.

This will be the 38th gridiron meeting between the two schools. Benton leads the series 24-12-1 but Bryant, with last-year’s win, has won ten of the last 12 meetings.

Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix will be performing on July 10th at the Hot Springs Convention Center.  The show will be benefiting the American Cancer Society.

This is the only show that Dick has performed outside of California, so it is a huge opportunity for people in Arkansas to be able to see him.  Jerry Van Dyke will be there that night as well.

The first ever wrestling match between rivals Benton Panthers and Bryant Hornets is set for February 13th at the Benton Arena.

Weigh-ins begin at 8:30 AM and the meet will begin at 10:00 am.

This is a great sport that is in its infant stages in Arkansas.  The first Benton-Bryant meet would be a great way for people in this area to find out more about the sport.

Annual Fish Fry

Check out this video about the Lady Panther softball field and video board.

Advertise nearly 20 times per game to a captive audience. Call Bradley Lattin at 501.590.0490. The most unique advertising opportunity in Benton Public Schools!

Video produced by YourAdTeam in Benton, Arkansas.

Several athletes from Benton High School and Bryant High School have been selected to Arkansas High School All-Star Game squads.  The games are played on the campus of the University of Arkansas Fayetteville in June.

Spots for the East football squad were earned by Bryant running back Chris Rycraw and offensive lineman Kaleb Burns.  Rycraw broke the single-season and career-rushing records at Bryant High School.

The West volleyball squad will feature two Benton volleyball players, Ty Lindberg and Sam Comet.  The Lady Panthers won the state championship under coach Brandy Chumley, who earned a spot as assistant coach on the West squad.

Benton cheerleaders Carly Glover and Katie Mills join coach Karen Hilborn on the West cheer squad. The Benton High School Cheerleader squad was recently named the National Cheerleaders Association National High School Champions for their division.

MacKenzie Cole and Cara Prichard will represent Bryant High School on the East dance team.  Benton High School is represented by Hannah Eddington and Jordan Fletcher on the West dance team.

There are twenty towns you can choose for your family’s new home. One invests in its schools, has a focus on inquiry, AP courses and community, while the others are muddling through, arguing about their future.

Which one commands a higher premium for its houses?

Where would you rather live?