The No Spindle-Zone

The city of Fort Smith’s economic development director Davie Spindle has left his post. But another prominent development position in “Old Fort Town” that’s been vacant since the summer was filled in mid-December.

Jayne Hughes, a Fort Smith native and University of Arkansas marketing graduate, has moved home to become director of the Fort Smith Central Business Improvement District. Bill Priakos previously held that position, but Hughes said the job has been realigned.

Hughes has already helped facilitate an outdoor ice skating rink in a parking lot at the corner of Second and Third streets. The downtown attraction, which features fake ice, will be in operation from late December through March or April.

Hughes is a 25-year veteran of retail store management.