News on the Wire

House OKs ‘private option’ funds, tax cuts

A lot can happen overnight at the state legislature.

Tue, 04/16/2013 - 5:33pm

Van Buren officials deal with budget shortfall

While much attention has been paid to revenue problems that are plaguing the city of Fort Smith, its neighbor across the Arkansas River has largely dealt with its budgetary problems quietly.

Tue, 04/16/2013 - 5:18pm

Dining Dialogue: Modernizing a landfill

Baridi Nkokheli was a few minutes into discussing plans to further modernize the Fort Smith Landfill, when he was interrupted by a gentlemen who recognized him.

Tue, 04/16/2013 - 4:33pm

XNA hopes to boost growth with low-cost carrier

Several ongoing and upcoming activities at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport are designed to position XNA for growth as airport officials work with consultants and legislators to negate the potential negative impact of federal budget cuts.

Tue, 04/16/2013 - 12:43pm

Four emerge as Wal-Mart CEO candidates

The only thing traded more often than predictions and analysis about who might take the reins at the world’s largest retailer when 63-year-old Mike Duke steps down as president and CEO are Wal-Mart shares.

Tue, 04/16/2013 - 11:16am

Ambassador of Indonesia talks trade in Rogers

Dr. Dino Patti Djalal, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, wowed a room of business men and women in Rogers on Monday, (April 15) with the opportunities of trade. He was selling the benefits that come as trading partners with one of the most rapidly growing economies in the world.

Mon, 04/15/2013 - 10:30pm

Sebastian County officials in software dispute

Emotions are running high at the Sebastian County Courthouse.

Mon, 04/15/2013 - 4:04pm

Van Buren offices to get phone system upgrade

A security enhancement is in the works for city offices across Van Buren, but it will not be seen with the naked eye.

Mon, 04/15/2013 - 3:36pm

Medicaid ‘private option' plan funding fails (Updated)

HB 1219, the appropriation bill for the “private option” enabling legislation, failed its first test 69-28 with one abstention. The bill needed 75 votes for passage.

Mon, 04/15/2013 - 3:13pm

Declines seen in regional tourism tax revenue

After finishing strong in 2012, the pace of hospitality tax collection growth has slowed in Fort Smith and Van Buren for the first two months of 2013.

Mon, 04/15/2013 - 2:38pm

Barber gets home detention, trial set for June 17

Former high-flying Northwest Arkansas developer Brandon Barber has been confined to home detention to await a scheduled June 17 federal trial on numerous fraud charges related to real estate deals and his bankruptcy case.

Mon, 04/15/2013 - 1:33pm

Local homes sales post strong first quarter results

Listing five homes a week makes Coldwell Bankers’ Nicky Dou a busy, but happy real estate broker.

Mon, 04/15/2013 - 11:47am

Legacy Bank shakes federal enforcement action

Legacy National Bank CEO Don Gibson and the bank’s management team have received word from federal regulators that the enforcement action against the bank since 2008 was terminated.

Mon, 04/15/2013 - 9:44am

Moms learn about farm operations, agri economics

Farm living is the place to be for John Robert and Carolyn Hart of Prairie Grove. The farming duo milks 113 cows twice a day, and house 50,000 or so pullets for laying hens on their third-generation family farm.

Sun, 04/14/2013 - 12:08pm

Arkansas has benefitted from natural gas boom

The 4th annual Compass Conference, presented earlier today (April 12) at the Fort Smith Convention Center, focused on the impact of natural gas on the local and regional economy.

Fri, 04/12/2013 - 9:09pm

The Compass Report: NWA economy strong, but slowing

Economic conditions in Northwest Arkansas remain robust, with regional growth similar to that of the fourth quarter of 2011, but slightly less than in the third quarter of 2012, according to The Compass Report.

Fri, 04/12/2013 - 11:23am

The Compass Report: Fort Smith economy weak, stable

From a purely analytical standpoint, the Fort Smith region ended 2012 on a positive note.

Fri, 04/12/2013 - 11:16am

Mobile’s impact on retail is just beginning

Emily is about celebrate her Sweet 16, and mom is busy with work but turns to her mobile phone for help.

Fri, 04/12/2013 - 12:57am

Supply chain experts stress collaboration

The supply chain that serves today’s complex consumer will face major turmoil in the next two years as the crossroads of change are expected to radically impact business fundamentals that have been common place for more than three decades.

Thu, 04/11/2013 - 9:19pm

J.B. Hunt sees profits but misses expectations

Setting the bar high for the industry to follow is nothing new for J.B. Hunt Transport Services. However; the Lowell-based transport company fell short of that bar in the first quarter of this year, its first misstep in 12 quarters.

Thu, 04/11/2013 - 5:54pm