News on the Wire

Bankrate survey says Obamacare raising premiums

The impact of health coverage through Obamacare was touted as a way to cap rising insurance costs and provide benefits to the masses of uninsured. But as 2014 gets under…

Legislative panel hears more on UA deficit controversy

Conflicting testimony about deficit spending at the University of Arkansas was again heard before a legislative group. A state audit found deficits in the UA Division of Advancement’s budget of…

Studies show Arkansas with more outbound than inbound migration

Jobs have a direct correlation with population migration across the country each year. But while Northwest Arkansas’ employment growth is better than average, it’s not enough to move the needle…

Sebastian County may look to cut printing costs

Even though budgeting season has just wrapped up for most municipal and county governments, it does not mean those governments are not still looking for ways to save money in…

Frigid temps slow work on I-540 rehab in Fort Smith area

A mix of extreme cold and precipitation during the winter months could push the completion date of May 2014 for the Interstate 540 rehabilitation project in Fort Smith and Van…

Darr rejects calls to resigns, says mistakes were ‘unintentional’

Anyone who thought Lt. Gov. Mark Darr, R-Ark., would resign from office Tuesday (Jan. 7) was mistaken. In a lengthy statement, Darr said he was not only staying put but…

Allens’ creditors object to Seneca’s bid terms

Creditors of Allens Inc. lined up before U.S. bankruptcy judge Ben Barry on Monday (Jan. 6) objecting to several matters involving the stalking horse bid made by Seneca Foods on…

Fort Smith, Sebastian County approve water park changes

The Fort Smith Board of Directors and the Sebastian County Quorum Court approved resolutions Monday evening (Jan. 6) that would add a wave pool to the Ben Geren Aquatics Center…

Wal-Mart seeks to win China through the middle class (updated)

China holds huge opportunity for Wal-Mart Stores and the retail behemoth has pledged to stay the course by building on the billions in annual sales it recorded there last year….

Internet habits are altering the auto sales business

The persistent car salesman trying to put a customer behind the wheel of a car they were not looking for is likely a relic of the past thanks to the…

Future remains uncertain for Mitsubishi’s Fort Smith plant

The city of Fort Smith and the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce bet almost $1.8 million in 2010 that Mitsubishi would open and operate a wind-turbine assembly plant at…

Consumers to see stable non-mortgage interest rates in 2014

Mortgage rates are likely to rise in 2014, but recent Federal Reserve actions to curtail bond purchases are not likely to result in higher across-the-board interest rates for consumers. In…

Weather is cold but cattle markets heat up

The holiday season is not usually the time when markets rally, but livestock expert Derrell Peel said 2013 was different. Peel, extension livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University, said…

Whole Foods commits $15 million to ‘local food’

The local food movement continues to pick up steam with help from retailers like Whole Foods, who recently pledged another $15 million in low interest loans to local food producers….

Gov. Beebe stars in first Ross gubernatorial TV campaign ad

If there was ever any doubt that Democrat Mike Ross wants to hitch his wagon to popular Gov. Mike Beebe (D), the first TV commercial of the 2014 gubernatorial campaign…

UAFS chief updates chamber audience on campus plan

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Chancellor Dr. Paul Beran took time Friday morning (Jan. 3) to highlight some of the key parts of the university's new 20-year master plan…

Arkansas tax revenue up 3.4% in first six months of FY 2014

Arkansas’ December tax collection report showed a gain in overall collections but the report continues to suggest collections will not match the almost 5% gain posted in fiscal year 2013….

Lt. Gov. Darr faces decision: Resign or face impeachment

Resign or face a possible impeachment. That is the choice the Democratic members of the Arkansas House of Representatives are giving Lt. Gov. Mark Darr following his refusal to resign…

Fallout ‘minimal’ from Boy Scout vote on allowing gay members

The new year is ushering in a new era for the Boy Scouts of America as the organization officially welcomes boys to join and participate in local scouting troops, regardless…

Regional building permits up almost 30% in 2013

Building permits for the month of December across the area showed a 39.2% decline when comparing December 2013 to December 2012 across the cities of Fort Smith, Greenwood and Van…