Tag: Government & Politics

Legislature Should Raise Minimum Wage (Editorial)

Arkansas lawmakers should raise the minimum wage to $6.25 from $5.15 to keep up with the rest of the country.

Workplace Diversity is Here to Stay (Carol Smith Commentary)

So much has been written about diversity in the workplace that some business executives feel it is a trend that will eventually fade away, only to be replaced by another hot management nuance. Those executives are wrong.

Arkansas: A Bigger Tourism Destination? (Editorial)

Even without what most would call a major attraction such as the Grand Canyon, a sea coast, casino gambling or a Great White Way, Arkansas pulls in plenty of people to fuel the state?s tourism business.

Internal Ethics Values Essential for Business (Bob Arthur Commentary)

Character that builds trustworthiness, that leads to integrity is what will sustain you in relationships and place you in a position to have incredible influence.

Nonfarm Payroll Up 3.3 Percent

Nonfarm payroll in the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers Metropolitan Statistical Area increased 3.3 percent from 190,800 in September 2004 to 197,100 in September 2005, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

USDA Confirms Third BSE Case

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed on March 13 that a 10-year-old Alabama cow had tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad-cow disease.

Jury Says Zero Dollars for Land Owner

In an unusual verdict, a Russellville businessman has been ordered to give property to the state highway department without any compensation.

Oklahoma AG Wants To Speed Up Testing

The Oklahoma Attorney General?s office says heavy rains, combined with the likelihood farmers will clean out their chicken houses, will provide the best chance for them to test the Illinois River watershed area for pollution.

Proposed Casino Stirs Gaming Debate

Bennie Westphal, CEO of The Westphal Group in Fort Smith, sells 10 acres along the Arkansas River in Fort Smith to the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma to build a $135-million riverfront casino.

Rogers Ropes Conventions

The Arkansas Governor?s Conference on Tourism will be coming to Rogers in March 2008. The conference should bring in 500 to 800 people. It?s the first time the area has hosted the event.

Collins Turns Down Seat on BOF Board

Jeff Collins, executive director of the University of Arkansas? Center for Business and Economic Research, apparently accepted, then turned down an offer to be on the Bank of Fayetteville board of directors.

Eureka Springs Festival Success Hinges on Early Bookings, Ads

Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission switches gears with new special events coordinator, early bookings.

Ross Attacks FEMA?s Mismanagement (Editorial)

Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., continues to expose the Federal Emergency Management Agency?s management shortcomings ? not just in the aftermath of Katrina but in the 10,777 unused manufactured homes at the Hope Municipal Airport.

Woodpecker Survives Legal Battles?

The Cache River was the stage for one of the fiercest environmental battles in Arkansas? history; the rediscovery of the ivory-billed woodpecker has revived another.

Western Sizzlin? Slated for Fayetteville

Crafton Tull & Associates Inc. of Rogers has filed a large-scale development plan with the Fayetteville Planning Commission to build a 8,348-SF Western Sizzlin? restaurant and 5,000-SF retail building on 3.3 acres at 3070 W. Sixth St.

Van Buren Hotel Revenue Jumps 10.5 Percent

The Van Buren Advertising and Promotion Commission counts on its history to draw in visitors who pass through on Interstate 40.

Coalition Petitions to Raise Minimum Wage (Editorial)

We agree the minimum wage should be raised. We?re not convinced it should come in the form of a constitutional amendment.

Cities Go From Regs to Riches

City ordinances can cause developers and engineers frustration when it comes to commercial development, but it can pay off in the long run by beautifying cities and increasing property values.

State Licensing Board Charged 61 Violators

There were 61 total violations in Benton and Washington counties for the first two quarters of the fiscal year. Of the violations, 51 were for commercial projects and 10 were for residential projects.

Time to Examine ‘Smart Growth,’ ‘Smart Taxes’ (Market Forecast)

Growth in Northwest Arkansas and in all economies provides a rise of new jobs, new income, new tax revenue, and higher property values. But too much of a good thing can turn counterproductive.

UAMS receives $3 million grant to address feeding practices at early child care sites

Provalus to create 200 tech jobs in Walnut Ridge

Arkansas Black Hall of Fame to honor six at 30th annual ceremony

ATU receives $6.1 million grant for K-12 program