Regions

Area building permit values down in April, up for the year

Building permit values in Fort Smith, Greenwood and Van Buren were down more than 62% in April, but are up more than 21% for the first four months of 2011….

Delay in Dodd-Frank regs creates uncertainty

Editor’s note: Roby Brock, with our content partner Talk Business, wrote this report. He can be reached at [email protected] Last year’s financial overhaul reform measure — the Dodd-Frank law —…

Fort Smith board approves 1% tax collection process

The Fort Smith Board of Directors voted 6-1 on Tuesday to approve a plan for collection of the 1% prepared food tax that will become effective June 1. City Director…

Sparks receives stroke quality award

Sparks Health System in Fort Smith has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the commitment and success…

Fort Smith maintains ISO 2 rating

The city of Fort Smith was able to maintain its ISO Class 2 rating until 2014, but officials say a new fire station will be required to hold that low…

Arkansas tax collections up 4.1%

Arkansas finance officials are hopeful that recent tax collection trends — especially individual income tax collection gains — point to what should be a positive year for a welcome change….

Barbara Harvel lands Parks Commission appointment

Barbara Harvel, executive director of Leadership Fort Smith, is one of the newest gubernatorial appointees to the prestigious Arkansas Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission. The office of Gov. Mike Beebe…

Safe Kids!

Join the U.S. Marshals Museum & Arvest Bank on Saturday, May 14 for the 4th annual Safe Kids! safety fair. Because of the U.S. Marshals Service dedication to protecting children,…

OK Foods denied appeal of $14.5 million verdict

Fort Smith-based OK Foods was denied by the U.S. Supreme Court a review of a $14.5 million settlement against the company. The Court ruled Monday (May 2) and did not…

Secretary of State payroll records raise questions

A story from the “Blue Hog Report” reveals a potential payroll record problem in the office of Arkansas Secretary of State Mark Martin. Matt Campbell, owner of the Democrat-leaning Blue…

Price of information

Fewer Americans willing to pay for online news.

FOP, Fort Smith officials meet about pay, policies

City officials are evaluating pay and policy issues raised by the Fraternal Order of Police, but are saying that “significant” changes may have to wait on consideration of the fiscal…

Growing your potential

Stockman wants you to know that your ability to succeed is driven by your own freedom of choice.

Beebe gets federal nod to pursue medicaid changes

Editor’s note: Roby Brock, with our content partner Talk Business, wrote this report. He can be reached at [email protected] Gov. Mike Beebe’s spokesman Matt DeCample said that federal officials have…

J.R.’s Country Gospel Show

J.R’s Country Gospel Show May 21 King Opera House 427 Main Street Van Buren 7 p.m. J.R.’s Country Gospel Variety Show. Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets are $5. For more…

Lifesong Dance Studio Recital

Lifesong Dance Studio Recital May 21 King Opera House 427 Main Street 1 p.m. Lifesong Dance Studio Recital. 1 p.m. For more information call 520-236-7258.

Western Arkansas Spring Ballet Demo

Western Arkansas Spring Ballet Demo May 21 Van Buren Fine Arts Center 7-9 p.m. Western Arkansas Spring Ballet Demo. For more information visit their website at centerforfinearts.org or by calling…

Scene by Carson: Things to do in May

At some point, the rain will end and May will bring flowers, golf, politics and wild fishing.

Old Timer’s Days

An arts & crafts festival held annually on Historic Main Street. Six blocks of Van Buren’s Main Street will be closed off to provide space for more than 200 exhibitors…

The Young Musicians Ensemble

The Young Musicians Ensemble May 12 King Opera House 427 Main Street Van Buren 7 p.m. The Young Musicians Ensemble performance. 7 p.m. Admission is free. For more information please…