News on the Wire

Atlantis lands, ends shuttle era

story provided by the National Aeronautics & Space Administration CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., July 21, 2011 — Wrapping up 30 years of unmatched achievements and blazing a trail for the next…

USA Truck financials re-enter positive territory

Van Buren-based USA Truck re-entered positive territory during the second quarter with revenue up more than 22% and net income moving into the black after two consecutive quarters of more…

Fort Smith budget in better shape

So far, so good, with respect to the Fort Smith budget — a far cry from this time in 2010 when two rounds of budget cuts were needed in response…

AG McDaniel, Rep. Hubbard argue about website

Editor’s note: Roby Brock, with our content partner Talk Business, wrote this report. He can be reached at [email protected] A conservative Republican state lawmaker accused Democratic Attorney General Dustin McDaniel…

5 Fort Smith Directors to campaign for 1% tax

Five Fort Smith City Directors note unequivocally that they will actively campaign for passage of the 1% prepared food tax if and when it goes before voters. The tax was…

The Compass Report: June 2011 Numbers by the Wire

Area sales and hospitality tax collections continue to show improvements, but economists believe higher fuel and commodity prices have depressed consumer spending. As was true in May, the jobless rate…

Fort Smith Board ready to send 1% issue to voters

story by Luke Hobbs [email protected] In its next regular meeting, the Fort Smith Board of Directors plans to vote on an ordinance setting up a November voter referendum on a…

Redistricting maps shrink minority districts, pit incumbents

story by Roby Brock and Michael Tilley [email protected] All 3 members of the Arkansas Board of Apportionment (BOA) released their final maps, which carved out 135 new Senate and House…

Benchmark tests show statewide gains

Eighth-grade students in the Fort Smith Public School system scored below the state average on the math and literacy segments of the 2011 Arkansas Augmented Benchmark Exams. Exam results, released…

Fort Smith Directors cite 1% harassment (corrected)

Editor’s note: Story corrected to remove inference that City Director Kevin Settle voted for direct enacment of the 1% prepared food tax. story by Luke Hobbs [email protected] Several Fort Smith…

Debt ceiling battle renews balanced budget debate (Updated)

U.S. Rep. Mike Ross, D-Prescott, is using the debt ceiling debate to again push the Blue Dog Democrat position for a balanced budget amendment. Ross’ push for a balanced budget…

Draft of new 1% ordinance sent to Fort Smith board

Fort Smith City Administrator Ray Gosack on Monday (July 18) sent a draft ordinance to the city Board of Directors that would repeal the 1% prepared food tax ordinance approved…

$2 million project begins in downtown Fort Smith

Construction began Monday (July 18) on a more than $2 million development that will see a convenience store, cafe and liquor store added to the mix of businesses in downtown…

Whirlpool production again in question

The employee count at Whirlpool’s Fort Smith plant has remained relatively low for so long that the company has had to spray the parking lot with weed killer. And sources…

Foreclosure activity down in area

Officials with Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac say procedural problems and not an improving economy are at the root of a 29% decline in foreclosure activity around the nation during the first…

Former Farm Bureau leader dies in accident

Editor’s note: Roby Brock, with our content partner Talk Business, wrote this report. He can be reached at [email protected] Stanley Reed, the former Arkansas Farm Bureau President, short-term U.S. Senate…

Dunkin’ Donuts coming to Fort Smith (Updated)

Editor’s note: Roby Brock, with our content partner Talk Business, wrote this report. He can be reached at [email protected] Fort Smith will soon see a Dunkin’ Donuts shop. Dunkin’ Donuts…

York: Will pull petition if 1% vote is scheduled

Eddie York, the de facto leader of the Citizens for Responsible Taxes, says the group will pull their petition effort if the Fort Smith Board of Directors sets an election…

Fort Smith officials reduce debt by $1.605 million (Clarification)

While they are fighting in Washington D.C. about how to reduce debt, officials are reducing debt in Fort Smith. The city announced Thursday that it has ended $1.605 million in…

Bobbitt chosen as UA System president  

story info submitted by the University of Arkansas system Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt was chosen as the next president of the University of Arkansas System tonight in a unanimous vote…