Year: 2024

Wildfire danger surges across state

Parts of the state are under moderate drought or abnormally dry conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, and the lack of rain has led to elevated wildfire risks statewide….

Wayne Sanderson Farms to invest $43 million in new Danville feed mill

Oakwood, Ga.-based Wayne Sanderson Farms announced Tuesday (Feb. 27) it is building a $43 million feed mill at the company’s processing plant in Danville, Ark., with completion expected in April…

Walton family sells $1.5 billion of stock in recent transaction

The Walton family continues to sell Walmart stock to keep its holding below 50% of the total stock. Last week ahead of the 3:1 stock split, Walton Family Holdings Trust…

Fort Smith metro COVID numbers see big decline in 2023, but virus still active

It may feel like spring has sprung, but winter viruses are still active in the Fort Smith area and Arkansas. Mercy Fort Smith is averaging four to seven patients daily…

No teacher pay raises proposed for the Fort Smith Public School District

With declines in state and federal funding and additions to district expenses, Fort Smith Public School District officials are suggesting that teacher pay salary schedule stay the same for the…

Cognitive research earns UA professor prestigious NSF CAREER award

Grant Shields, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Arkansas, has been honored with a prestigious Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation (NSF)….

UAMS launches new institute to tackle rural health disparities in underserved areas

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) announced Tuesday (Feb. 27) the establishment of its eighth institute, the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation, effective March 1. According to…

Report: Transportation, warehousing job growth exceeds other sectors

The transportation and warehouse sector remains the fastest-growing U.S. industry, based on job growth, according to a recent report. The rise of e-commerce has been significant to this growth, which…

Developer commissions temporary art installation for downtown Bentonville project

A real estate developer is working toward the completion of its first project in downtown Bentonville. Sun Group, headed by president and COO Alexandra Tirado, is developing a 0.5-acre site…

Fort Smith sales tax revenue up in January report

Fort Smith sales tax revenue began 2024 on better footing after seeing a drop to end 2023. The January sales tax report shows the city’s share of the 1% Sebastian…

‘Excitement, momentum’ leading tourism sector forward

Tourism, the state’s second-largest economic sector, has surged since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, and sector stakeholders think this year may even be better. More than 500 people are…

Dillard’s net income slips, weaker consumer environment noted

Dillard’s, Inc.’s fourth quarter and fiscal year profits were down, but the company’s CEO described the results as “respectable” due to a “weak consumer environment.” On Monday (Feb. 26), Dillard’s…

Retail restaurant expansion continues in Northwest Arkansas

At least 10 new eateries and beverage establishments are adding new locations in Benton and Washington counties according to recent permits filed with the Arkansas Department of Health filed. Weinerschnitzel…

Libertarians nominate slate of candidates for legislative seats, Congress

The Libertarian Party of Arkansas nominated a slate of candidates at its annual convention this weekend for the 2024 election cycle. The list of nominated candidates includes: Steve Parsons, U.S. House…

U.S. Marshals Museum Foundation welcomes 3 new board members ahead of March meeting

The U.S. Marshals Museum Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Fort Smith museum, will hold its next scheduled meeting on March 7. It will be the first meeting for three…

Description of new Arkansas State University System President position defined

The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees has voted to approve a position description, profile and advertising plan for the next system president. Jay Lemons, president and senior consultant…

Benton County wedding and event venue under new ownership

The Mansion at the Orchard, a wedding and event venue in Benton County, has a new owner. According to an announcement Friday (Feb. 23), Jared and Heather Fisher of Bentonville…

Connections: Southern Bancorp hires Michelle Hood for new role

Little Rock-based Southern Bancorp Inc. has hired Michelle Hood of Bella Vista to fill the newly created role of director of product and customer experience. Hood brings over a decade…

Riding the wave of cybersecurity regulations

The tides are turning for cybersecurity regulation and enforcement. And if businesses do not adequately prepare, a wave—in the form of a breach, attack or hefty government fine—may pull them…

UAMS dedicates office in honor of Mary Ann and Reed Greenwood

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has honored Reed Greenwood and his late wife, Mary Ann, by dedicating an office in their honor at the UAMS NWA regional…

Home BancShares records record revenue in second quarter

Fort Smith metro job numbers down in May, tourism jobs set new record

Rausch Companies appoints new president, chief operating officer

Fort Smith metro building numbers down almost 19% through June