News on the Wire

Family business owners are introduced to GenME

“Why don’t you all f-fade away (Talkin’ ’bout my generation) And don’t try to dig what we all s-s-say (Talkin’ ’bout my generation) I’m not trying to cause a big…

Women talk about conflict; raise scholarship money

story and photo by Linda Kaufenberg Learning how to effectively dealing with conflict and raising money for scholarships were on the agenda for the fifth annual Professional Development Luncheon held…

$7.8 million project at 188th gets green light; city commission posts confirmed

Construction of a $7.8 million civil engineering complex at the 188th Fighter Wing base in Fort Smith will continue following approval from the Fort Smith Board of Directors to amend…

Sanders: Mayor’s job needs to focus on economic development (Updated)

Sandy Sanders was quick with the answer when asked why he wants to be the next mayor of Fort Smith. “Fort Smith is at a critical point. … Fort Smith…

Multi-gun championship brings big names, prizes to Fort Smith

story and photos by Roy Hill Cheaper Than Dirt, a nationwide catalog and internet retailer, made an important shooting match held at Old Fort Gun Club even bigger and better…

First National Bank, UAFS partner on new College of Business program

First National Bank of Fort Smith and the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith continue their partnership with the creation of a Collegiate Ambassador Board for the purpose of providing…

Churches, groups ‘adopting’ fire and police stations

Editor’s note: Following is a report from David Olive. David Olive is the founder of Catalyst Partners, LLC (formerly Olive Edwards & Cooper) a Washington D.C.-based government relations and public…

Kimbrell named new head of Arkansas Department of Education

Tom Kimbrell was formally approved Monday (Sept. 14) as the new commissioner of the Arkansas Department of Education. He was recommended Friday by Gov. Mike Beebe, and the education board…

Vigilance, memory stressed at Fort Smith ceremony marking 9-11

Remaining vigilant and remembering why it’s important to remain vigilant were the main messages of those who spoke during a Fort Smith ceremony held Friday morning (Sept. 11) to commemorate…

United Way Pacesetter campaign raises more than $880,000

The 29 companies of the United Way of Fort Smith Area Pacesetter Campaign raised more than $880,000, with Hanna Oil & Gas receiving the Pacesetter of the Year award. A…

Wal-Mart names new head of Asian operations

Scott Price, the former CEO of DHL Express Europe, will begin Oct. 15 as the new president and CEO of Walmart Asia. Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Thursday (Sept. 10)…

Area home sales down, but statewide sales up in July

There were 1,258 homes sold in Crawford, Franklin and Sebastian counties during the first seven months of 2009, a decline of 14.3% over the same period in 2008, according to…

Metro area foreclosures up 29% in August

Foreclosure activity in the Fort Smith metro area was up more than 29% in August, with foreclosures nationwide up almost 18%, according to information from Irvine, Calif.-based RealtyTrac. Foreclosures in…

Organizers set dates for Fort Smith Airshow 2010

It was announced Wednesday that the Fort Smith Airshow is scheduled for June 26-27, 2010. No information was available on possible performers. The 2008 Airshow featured the Air Force Thunderbirds….

UAFS fall enrollment up 8%

Dr. Ray Wallace told the Fort Smith Rotary on Wednesday that a fall enrollment increase of 8% indicates that the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith is quickly becoming a…

Atkinson, Hollenbeck announce for Sebastian County Sheriff

The race for Sebastian County Sheriff heated up Wednesday with the incumbent and a challenger both announcing for the post. Bill Hollenbeck, a captain and more than 19 year veteran…

Lincoln to chair U.S. Senate agri committee

The naming of U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., as chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry could be good for the state’s agri interests and the…

Area hospitality industry sees slow corporate travel, softer restaurant sales

Fort Smith and Van Buren hospitality tax collections continue to reflect a weakened economy, with January-July collections down more than 13% in Fort Smith. The collections are also being compared…

Racial remarks again part of Fort Smith board of directors meeting (Updated)

City Director Bill Maddox finds himself at the center of another racial controversy less than five weeks after using the word “master” in a conversation with a black Fort Smith…

City Directors seek legal opinion about trash franchise agreement options

A decision about a franchise agreement with Altes Sanitation awaits a legal decision on what the city is required — or allowed — to do at the end of the…