‘Incidents’ Questioned

The Benbergs filed for bankruptcy June 11. That, along with several reported local nightclub “incidents” involving the Benbergs, caused concern among some members of the club’s board.

The Boys & Girls Club has about a $1 million annual budget.

Benberg, who lettered for the University of Arkansas’ baseball team in 1982, previously worked for the University of Illinois. He was hired by the Boys & Girls Club in March of 2000. He was to lead the club into its new facility that is expected to open in August 2003.

His last-second application for both a Conklin Foundation and CDBG grant that was eventually denied cost the club between about $25,000 and $30,000.

Asked if the DWI charge would affect the club’s continued employment of Benberg as a consultant, Hill said, “I can’t make that decision. I’m only one person on the board. But I consider it critical information.”

The club’s next board meeting is Nov. 19.