Political News

Blevins barraged with questions at forum

Sebastian County Circuit Clerk Ken Blevins is looking for the Republican Party’s vote in the upcoming primary election on May 22 for reelection to the position he has served since…

History made with Arkansas House Speaker election

After officially adjourning the 88th General Assembly 2012 fiscal session, House members set out to make history. On Friday, March 9, Rep. Darrin Williams, D-Little Rock, became the first African-American…

Arkansas fracking rules receive good grade

A review team with the State Review of Oil and Natural Gas Environmental Regulations (STRONGER) says Arkansas’ regulation of hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells is “well managed,” but…

Beebe makes appointments to boards, commissions

Governor Mike Beebe today announced the following appointments to boards and commissions: Billy "Scott" Berna, Fayetteville, to the Burial Association Board. Appointment expires Dec. 31, 2016. Replaces Donald Martin. Steve…

Arkansas may lose 223 Air Force jobs

A “Force Structure Announcement” released Wednesday (Mar. 7) by the U.S. Air Force shows Arkansas losing 223 positions, or 2.75%, compared to fiscal year 2011 totals. The cuts are part…

Comprehensive tax rule review set for April 19

Right after Arkansas taxpayers file their annual state and federal income tax returns, lawmakers will begin a review process that could lead to a tax break. On April 19, just…

Rice, Williams seek top Arkansas House post

History will be made with the next election for Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives as Republican Terry Rice and Democrat Darrin Williams seek support from their colleagues. Rice…

Crawford County races set; Judge Hall unopposed

The 2012 Crawford County filing period ended at noon, March 1, and brought with it a combined seven contested races for county offices and justices of the peace. At the…

‘Deficiency’ noted in public service future

James L. “Skip” Rutherford is worried about the future of public service. On Thursday (March 1), the dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service addressed University…

Tate seeks to unseat Rep. Malone

The closest thing to a local filing surprise in the Arkansas legislative field was Doris Tate’s announcement that she will challenge Rep. Stephanie Malone, R-Fort Smith, for the House District…

GOP puts up challenge in Washington County

The Republican Party is poised to make gains in Washington County during the 2012 election thanks to the retirement of two long-time Democratic office holders and good candidate recruitment. Democrats…

Benton County Judge, Assessor face GOP challengers

Benton County Judge Robert Clinard and Assessor Glenn “Bear” Chaney, both in their first term in office, face GOP challengers in the May 22 primary. No Democratic or Independent candidates…

Several House, Senate races go uncontested

Four of the nine Arkansas Senate districts that cover the Fort Smith and Northwest Arkansas areas will be uncontested in the May primary election, and six will be uncontested in…

Saxon, Murry seek re-election to county posts

Judge David Saxon, a 20-year veteran of the Fort Smith District Court, is asking voters for another term. Also announcing for re-election is Sebastian County Quorum Court member Linda Willsey…

Beebe makes appointments to boards, commissions

Gov. Mike Beebe on Wednesday (Feb. 29) announced the following appointments to boards and commissions: Kathy Burl, North Little Rock, reappointed to the Arkansas State Board of Athletic Training. Appointment…

Congressional delegation seeks 188th answers

The six members of Arkansas’ Congressional Delegation sent on Tuesday (Feb. 28) a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta asking for “additional information” about the decision to remove…

City, county officials promote park plans

For Fort Smith Director of Parks and Recreation Mike Alsup, there is a lot more reason to be optimistic about the upcoming 1% sales tax extension vote than the failed…

Report lists reasons for court funding decline

Court officials released a special report that explains why the depleted Administration of Justice (AOJ) fund lost so much money in 2011 that Gov. Mike Beebe (D) has had to…

‘Wet’ county group using social media

BENTONVILLE — A group hoping to put the issue of having a wet Benton County on the ballot in November is getting a little help from technology. The group, Keep…

Van Buren Mayor wants one-cent tax hike

Mayor Bob Freeman of Van Buren is calling for an increase to the city’s sales tax to fund a wide range of city improvements. At Monday’s State of the City…