Fort Smith

Cash, lies and politics

If there was ever a year that I despised the political campaign season it is this year, 2014. Every time I turned on the television I was accosted by political…

Another look at health care reform

Since health care has been such a critical issue in the Arkansas senatorial election, it seems appropriate to offer some facts and analysis. Let me state up front this is…

ABF Freight wins 2014 ATA President’s Trophy

Fort Smith-based ABF Freight has been awarded the American Trucking Associations’ President’s Trophy award for an unprecedented seventh time. No other national carrier has won the category award more than…

Wal-Mart, Target hope to capture holiday sales with shipping, savings plans

The pricing battles between retailers nearly two months before Christmas are heating up as Wal-Mart Stores and competitor Target unveiled plans to sway consumers toward their respective stores and websites….

Crawford County officials talk about budget shortfalls

The Crawford County Quorum Court worked Thursday (Oct. 30) for the second night in a week on reducing requests of the county's general fund by more than $400,000 as it…

CNG conversion creates cost savings, more jobs for Fort Smith business

A Fort Smith-based company has added 30 employees this year and compressed natural gas could be part of the reason. Billy Turner, fleet supervisor at Tri-State Enterprises, said the company…

Tusk to Tail 2014: Can you hang a cow bell on a Heisman?

A member of the Tusk to Tail crew predicts the Hogs will upset Mr. Dak Prescott and his football friends at Mississippi State. The Hogs, who are on a 16-game…

UA officials say Fayetteville Tech Park has had $522 million impact

The head of the Arkansas Research and Technology Park said Thursday that the “town and gown” collaborative effort between the city of Fayetteville and University of Arkansas has been the…

Arkansas Poll gives GOP big leads in high-profile election races

With less than a week until Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, the latest polling in the race for Arkansas governor and U.S. Senate show Republicans with leads that are…

Slight gains in Fort Smith metro job numbers, tourism jobs reach new high

The September labor market report for the Fort Smith area shows two consecutive months of workforce gains and rise in the number of employed. Such gains will need to continue…

Murphy Oil quarterly profits dip as crude oil prices fall

El Dorado oil giant Murphy Oil Corp. saw third quarter earnings fall 10.8% from a year ago as sliding crude prices and weaker international oil demand cut into the company’s…

Bricktown Brewery opens in historic downtown Fort Smith building

The building at 318 Garrison that was the home of Varsity Sports Grill for more than 20 years may have not served up a cold brew and a hot meal…

Mental health hospital adding 25 jobs, 40 beds with $5.1 million expansion

A Fort Smith mental health hospital is investing $5.1 million in an expansion that will add a total of 25 jobs. According to Valley Behavioral Health System CEO Anthony Walters,…

Fort Smith metro planning group considering ‘wayfinding’ signs

Fort Smith residents and citizens may have an easier time finding their way around town if a plan by the Frontier Metropolitan Planning Organization becomes a reality. Dianne Morrison, director…

Wal-Mart to expand Savings Catcher for the holidays (Updated)

Walmart Savings Catcher, a mobile app that compares local sale prices of branded grocery items within a particular region, is being expanded to include toys and perhaps other merchandise for…

Black Tie Bingo and Veterans Day festivities fill Fort Smith calendar

It is nearly November, and the Fort Smith region is set to celebrate art, veterans and more. The coming weeks will include a reception at the Center for Art &…