Tag: Government & Politics

Best & Worst 2001

Here?s a quick look back at some of the best and worst news items and moments of 2001 as we get ready to ring in the New Year.

More so than any other cuts made to break the state?s $142 million shortfall, we?re concerned that a ?freeze? on new recipients of the Arkansas Academic Challenge and Governor?s Distinguished Scholarships will have the worst impact.

Time for Coody to Get Fayetteville Well Again

Things are tough at city hall, but such is life as mayor of Fayetteville.

Christmas Wishes Abound

Publisher Jeff Hankins offers a Christmas wish list for prominent Arkansas people, businesses and organizations.

Tulsa Files Lawsuit Against Poultry Industry

The City of Tulsa and the Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority have filed a lawsuit in U.S. district court in Oklahoma against six poultry processors.

Fayetteville Enters 2002 with Plenty of Problems

The late comedian Jerry Clower once asked, ?Where will you be when you get where you?re going?? As 2002 approaches, Northwest Arkansas city governments are looking to answer that question.

Year?s Top 10 Northwest Arkansas Stories

Major local stories for 2001 include business mergers, fraud and success.

Expect Higher Unemployment Before 2Q Recovery, Economists Say

In 2002, Arkansas? economy will see higher unemployment, a recovery by the second quarter and incentives for bargain-hunting consumers.

Mayor Rebukes Rumor

Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody said there is no truth to the rumor floating around that he has asked veteran Police Chief Richard Watson to resign.

New Complaint Podium Opened on Web

We were recently informed about a new Web site being established for Fayetteville residents to voice their displeasure with Mayor Dan Coody.

Impact Fees Threaten Our ‘American Dream’

Bentonville ordinance requires $5,100 plus permit fees to purchase a new home.

Recession Should be Over Soon

Our first reaction to the National Bureau of Economic Research making the official call that the United States is in a recession: Well, duh. Talk about stating the obvious.

There is Room for Optimism (Jeff Hankins Publisher’s Note)

News of the day shakes confidence, but there?s room for optimism about next year?s rebound in the Arkansas and national economies.

ADEQ Director Overturns Waste Board?s Denial

A proposed expansion to the Waste Management Tontitown Landfill moved forward Nov. 30 when Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Interim Director Richard Weiss approved the certificate of need for expansion.

At UA, It?s Nolan 12, Professors -9.2

Pay for University of Arkansas professors lags behind national average.

Roebuck Resigns

Lucas Roebuck, the somewhat controversial managing editor of the Northwest Arkansas Times, said he will resign by Jan. 1 to pursue a career in politics.

Wealthiest Arkansans: Stephenses Hang on Behind Waltons Despite Tough Year

The Stephens family of Little Rock has lost almost a third of its stock holding wealth since mid-2000, but it manages to hang on in Arkansas Business? 2001 listing of Arkansans? stock holdings.

VA Nursing Home Still a Possibility

Washington Regional Medical Center will have to wait at least another 18 months to find out whether construction of a state veterans? nursing home will be possible for northwest Arkansas.

Wal-Mart Sells Cards of Heroes and Villains

Topps Co. shipped a new series of 90 ?Enduring Freedom? cards to Wal-Mart Stores across the country in early November.

Thiel’s Working

We identified Fayetteville City Council member Brenda Thiel as unemployed in our Nov. 12 issue of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal.

Carnall, Spradling elementary schools in Fort Smith recommended for closure

Chandler Equipment invests $14 million into expansion

Mike Preston wearing a new hat in the business arena

Department of Agriculture implements rice in schools pilot program