News on the Wire

Wal-Mart exec predicts improved results

Sticking with its low price strategy, Walmart U.S. CEO Bill Simon said the back half of this fiscal year will deliver improved financial results, led by rapid growth and strong…

Beebe: ‘Awfully high’ teacher premiums need a real fix

Gov. Mike Beebe said Wednesday (Sept. 11) that any short-term solution to a $53 million shortfall in the Public School Health Insurance program must be tied to a long-term solution…

Marshals Museum moving to larger site on the riverfront

The U.S. Marshals Museum Board of Directors on Tuesday (Sept. 10) approved a plan to move the museum site about 2,000 feet north on the Arkansas River bank in order…

Fort Smith to move toward more CNG vehicles

Citizens of Fort Smith may not notice anything different, but following today's (Sept. 10) Board of Directors study session, the city will begin attempts to incorporate compressed natural gas vehicles…

First two A-10 ‘Warthogs’ depart 188th

Tuesday delivered a visible beginning of the end for the 188th Fighter Wing mission in Fort Smith as two A-10 war planes departed the Fort Smith Regional Airport for a…

New Arkansas jobs coming soon from Wal-Mart onshoring

Gov. Mike Beebe said in late August he was optimistic Arkansas would soon see results from job recruitment efforts associated with the Wal-Mart manufacturing summit. The optimism was not unfounded….

Thermold to move operations, 65 jobs to Fort Smith,

As Thermold Magazines President Sylvan Bednar made his way up to address a crowd of about 75 gathered Tuesday morning (Sept. 10) at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce,…

Lack of Mexican cattle pushes U.S. prices higher

Steak and hamburger lovers will pay more to eat beef in the coming year as the number of cattle imported from Mexico continues to plummet. Consumers may wonder what the…

Credit delinquencies fall, despite more spending

Consumers have shown in recent months they are quite willing dole out money for large ticket items such as new cars and even homes, but at the same time retailers…

Solutions to rising teacher insurance rates discussed

Arkansas lawmakers discussed how to handle a $53 million deficit in the Public School Health Insurance program that is threatening near 50% increases in premiums to be paid by teachers…

Governance, city hall make Fort Smith ‘priority’ list

Members of the Fort Smith Board of Directors met for nearly three hours on Monday night (Sept. 9) to discuss and try to narrow the focus of priorities identified during…

Simmons First to acquire Metropolitan National

Metropolitan National Bank will soon be acquired by Simmons First National, as the Pine Bluff-based financial institution was the last bidder standing during Monday’s (Sept. 9) court-sanctioned auction held in…

Home sales remain strong in Arkansas metro markets

It’s a good time to be a Realtor. Home sales in Arkansas’ four largest markets during the first seven months of 2013 were up more than 11%, and were pushed…

Jobs, Obamacare and Syria top issues of recess visits

The August Recess is over and members of the Arkansas Congressional delegation have returned to Washington. The topic on nearly everybody's mind as Congress reconvenes appears to be President Barack…

Reducing energy loss part of home makeover work

It was only a month ago that Kyle and Alisha Quenga were surprised with a home makeover from the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. Since the announcement of up to a…

New boss named for Sparks, Summit hospitals

Charles Stewart is eager to begin his new role as the chief of Sparks Health System in Fort Smith and Summit Medical Center in Van Buren and hopes to bring…

Metropolitan is a real estate play in NWA

The winning bidder for ownership of Metropolitan National Bank — either Ford Financial Fund II, Arvest or Simmons First National Bank — will pick up millions in real estate for…

Arvest, Simmons seek marketshare with Metropolitan deal

Banking consultants said Arvest and Simmons First National Bank have plenty to gain if they were to walk away with 100% ownership of Metropolitan National Bank next week when the…

Job losses minor with A-10 departure in June 2014

The last of the A-10 aircraft will depart the 188th Fighter Wing in June of next year, according to the fighter wing's commander Col. Mark Anderson who spoke Friday (Sept….

Rep. Womack is leaning against action in Syria

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, did not shy away from addressing constituents' questions head-on as he held a town hall meeting at University of Arkansas at Fort Smith's Second Street…

Fort Smith Metro News Briefs: Coach Curry race complaint, Fort Smith hires engineering director

The Supply Side: Walmart touts gains with Vizio in first year

Casqui village, De Soto research continues near Parkin in Cross County

Williamson Insurance sells to Inszone