by - February 28, 2013 6:43 pm
‘Active shooter’ drills coming to a school near you?
Tornado and fire drills have long been a way of life for students at public schools. But in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., school shooting that left 27 people…
News on the Wire
by - February 28, 2013 6:19 pm
Allens moving jobs from Van Buren to Siloam Springs
In yet another blow to the Fort Smith regional economy, 150 jobs will be leaving Van Buren with the production to be incorporated into an Allens canning operation in Siloam…
by - February 28, 2013 5:37 pm
Fort Smith area Dining Dialogue: The Sheriff says …
Sebastian County Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck cringed slightly at the question, but with a knowing smile suggesting the question was expected. Does he, the top law enforcement officer for Sebastian County,…
by - February 28, 2013 4:20 pm
CEO shares insights on Tyson Foods’ turnaround
Donnie Smith, who assumed the role of CEO for Tyson Foods in January 2009, candidly told hundreds of business professionals Thursday (Feb. 28) that by the end of 2008 the…
by - February 28, 2013 10:58 am
Senate overrides veto of abortion bill (Updated)
The Arkansas Senate voted 19-14 Thursday morning to override Gov. Mike Beebe’s veto of HB 1037, a bill that bans abortions after 20 weeks. An override required 18 votes. The…
by - February 28, 2013 10:46 am
ADEQ letter raises doubts on Whirlpool TCE claims
At a Feb. 12 meeting of the Fort Smith Board of Directors, a lawyer and consultants representing Whirlpool said possible cancer-causing chemicals in the ground around its former Fort Smith…
by - February 27, 2013 11:31 pm
‘Private delivery’ possible for Arkansas Medicaid expansion
Arkansas Surgeon General Dr. Joe Thompson says the new Medicaid option for the state may need a more accurate name, and he says that avoiding a federally-run insurance exchange could…
by - February 27, 2013 11:03 pm
Wal-Mart executive Tom Mars exits (updated)
An internal memo from Walmart US CEO Bill Simon circulated throughout the company Wednesday (Feb. 27) announced that Tom Mars, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, will exit the…
by - February 27, 2013 9:54 pm
Tyson, meat industry fear sequester will be disruptive
Tyson Foods, the nation’s largest meat processor, says pending budget cuts or the so-called sequester threatens to disrupt its supply chain. Trade groups have been vocal about the impact on…
by - February 27, 2013 7:15 pm
House overrides veto of abortion bill (Updated)
The Arkansas House of Representatives voted Wednesday (Feb. 27) to override Gov. Mike Beebe’s veto of HB 1037, a bill that would restrict abortions after 20 weeks. The House vote…
by - February 27, 2013 6:44 pm
Casey’s says NWA investment paying off
Roughly two years since Kum & Go lost its bid to build a convenience store near the intersection of Bella Vista Way and Riordan Road, Casey’s General Stores found a…
by - February 27, 2013 3:08 pm
LeFlore County readies for new health department facility
LeFlore County residents will soon have a new health department headquarters featuring cost-saving water-heating technology that has not been introduced to any building in the county until now. According to…
by - February 27, 2013 12:56 pm
Vote uncertain on Whirlpool request for water well ban
Most members of the Fort Smith Board of Directors aren’t yet sure if they will approve an ordinance requested by Whirlpool Corp. to ban water wells in a residential area…
by - February 27, 2013 12:41 pm
Regional tourism tax revenue up in 2012
When Maryl Koeth was planning for 2012, she estimated a mere 1% increase in Van Buren hospitality tax collections. She missed the estimate by several points, and she’s happy about…
by - February 27, 2013 7:41 am
Beebe talks federal flexibility on Medicaid expansion
Gov. Mike Beebe (D) told state lawmakers that federal health officials have green-lighted Arkansas’ request for flexibility with its Medicaid program and health insurance exchanges – a move that could…
by - February 26, 2013 9:51 pm
Construction sector steps up pace to start 2013
Builders started 90 new homes in January in the region’s four largest cities – Fayetteville Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville. The new residential permit values totaled $20.738 million, up 16.5% from…
by - February 26, 2013 6:42 pm
Fort Smith official says budget cuts possible
A year end summary report from Fort Smith Finance Director Kara Bushkuhl shows that city officials are concerned about 2013 revenue and have asked department heads to look for ways…
by - February 26, 2013 3:42 pm
Sequestration impact on Arkansas uncertain (Updated)
Friday is the deadline for Congress and President Barack Obama to come to a compromise on averting automatic budget cuts, also called sequestration, enacted through the Budget Control Act of…
by - February 26, 2013 3:35 pm
Tyson Foods says challenges persist in beef, pork
Tyson Foods Inc. said Tuesday (Feb. 26) that its second fiscal quarter has been more challenging than anticipated thanks to shrinking profit margins. The meat giant joins the likes of…
by - February 26, 2013 3:14 pm
Beebe vetoes 20-week abortion bill
Gov. Mike Beebe issued his first veto of the 89th General Assembly – a bill that would restrict abortions after 20 weeks. Beebe said HB 1037 by Rep. Andy Mayberry,…