Regions

Balance of political views among Americans remains stable

Research shows the percentage of liberals and conservatives remains stable. No word on why Congress remains dysfunctional.

Mass communication system on city wish list

Officials with the city of Fort Smith are interested in purchasing an electronic means of mass communication that would effectively reach citizens in emergencies or other important events. Fort Smith…

The good and bad of hiring new employees

Take time to think about hiring before a new employee is needed. Employee manuals, contracts and legal reviews can ensure a smoother hiring process.

Board receives ‘hopeful’ update on Interstate 49 funding

Doug Thomas is “hopeful” significant funding for Interstate 49 can come from a possible federal infrastructure stimulus plan and the upcoming reauthorization of the federal highway bill. Discussion of I-49…

Wal-Mart to pay $54 million in wage and hour lawsuit

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has agreed to pay up to $54.25 million to settle a wage and hour class action lawsuit. The lawsuit, Braun et al. vs Wal-Mart, included about 100,000…

Single Parent Scholarship Fund, Symphony combine for food and music

A pre-symphony and holiday buffet hosted by Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Crawford and Sebastian Counties fueled the crowd before “A Keyboard Christmas” was performed by the Fort Smith Symphony.

Madonna and Brett Favre are together on eBay’s pop culture list

A Favre to Madonna pass is not something for which we could find photos. We looked. We looked a lot.

Three pieces of economic and energy intelligence you likely won’t find elsewhere

A Fed Chief offers optimism, other economists offer stimulus advice and Kiplinger issues a heads up on future oil and gas prices.

Smart and aggressive regional leadership only hope for substantial Interstate 49 funding

Ken O’Donnell, director of the Bi-State Metropolitan Planning Organization, thinks it’s time for federal and state highway officials and agencies to become our partners or be asked to publicly explain why they are not or won’t be

Progress Arkansas encourages higher-wage job growth

Progress Arkansas, a newly formed group backed by prominent businesses and organizations in the state, issued a statement Monday (Dec. 8) expressing concern about the future of Arkansas’ economy. The…

U.S. Attorney Balfe to resign, join law firm

U.S. Attorney Robert Balfe, 40, will resign Jan. 4 and join Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, a Little Rock-based law firm with offices in Arkansas, Austin and New York….

Rediscovering previous notes on leadership, country and ideas

Recently rediscovered a few comments from yours truly noted for having received the most feedback from Kind Readers. Am hoping they are suitable for reframing in this space.   • Let’s…

Going green is not a black and white issue

‘Green’ intentions are good only when smart and historically honest.

Details emerge on lottery administration

The administration of the lottery-for-scholarships program Arkansas voters approved in November will likely be one of the top five issues at the 2009 Arkansas General Assembly. Roby Brock, our content…

Human Rights for Women<-> Human Rights for All: UDHR60

Join Zonta Club of Fort Smith as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with a reception and forum discussing the theme…

Local auto dealer offers insight, optimism

Let’s hope Larry Rath is right about the auto dealership segment of the Fort Smith regional economy. Rath is president of Putnam Automotive Group, Putnam Lincoln Mercury, Putnam RV Center…

Regional robotics event draws more than 1,200 to the Fort Smith area

More than 2,000 students, teachers, parents and event coordinators attended the 2008 Frontier Trails BEST Regional Robotics Competition held Dec. 4-6 at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and…

Poultry plant closing sign of tough times in the industry

It’s a tough blow for the small Yell County community of Danville as Petit Jean Poultry is closing its doors, resulting in the loss of about 800 jobs. An oversupply…

Interstate 49 update slated for Fort Smith Board of Directors

The Fort Smith Board of Directors will receive an update Tuesday on lobbying efforts by Watts Partners, a Washington D.C.-based lobbying group of which former Oklahoma Congressman J.C. Watts is…

I-49 funding possible, needs regional leadership

Highway experts say Fort Smith regional leaders must act aggressively and with innovative action on political and financing fronts if the important interstate project is to receive adequate funding.