Political News

Directors approve Convention Center lease

On Tuesday night (Feb. 21), Fort Smith City Directors voted to move 240 residents from Ward 1 to Ward 4 in order to correct a precinct split that was not addressed during the City's redistricting last year.

Tue, 02/21/2012 - 11:29pm

Sebastian County officials debate firearms complaint

The Sebastian County Quorum Court will not act on complaints from county resident Jamie Mitchell regarding the discharge of firearms in an unincorporated area of the county.

Tue, 02/21/2012 - 10:21pm

Fort Smith officials hold election info meetings

A round of public information meetings is announced in anticipation of the March 13 sales tax election.

Tue, 02/21/2012 - 5:04pm

Beebe outlines effects of proposed budget cuts

Gov. Mike Beebe (D) offered on Tuesday (Feb. 21) a detailed impact of how Republican proposed budget cuts would affect certain state agencies.

Tue, 02/21/2012 - 3:23pm

King to run for Sebastian County Quorum Court

Fort Smith businessman Wayne King is running for office for the first time as he seeks a seat on the Sebastian County Quorum Court.

King, a Republican, is running for District 11.

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 4:05pm

Arkansas General Assembly: Week 1 session recap

Arkansas lawmakers convened Monday (Feb. 12) for the 2012 fiscal session during which legislators began crafting a balanced budget proposal for state services, prioritizing the spending of a $72 million surplus, and possibly considering several non-fiscal matters.

Fri, 02/17/2012 - 4:54pm

Regional economic leaders eye joint efforts

FAYETTEVILLE — Northwest and central Arkansas economic leaders must work together if Arkansas is to compete in a global market, said Elizabeth Small, president and CEO of 50 for the Future, an arm of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce dedicated to economic growth.

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 11:19pm

Officials place aquatics park on ballot

The Sebastian County Quorum Court and Fort Smith City Board of Directors approved an inter-local agreement at a special joint meeting Thursday night (Feb. 16) to move forward on the approximately $8 million Ben Geren Park Aquatics Facility.

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 10:11pm

Oklahoma income tax plan pressures Arkansas' tax future

Oklahoma's Governor is pursuing a radical overhaul in the Sooner State's personal income tax structure and Arkansas policy makers say the Natural State will feel the pressure to respond.

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 12:04pm

Lignite push draws skepticism, opposition

Advocates for lignite development in Arkansas say it could be a boon similar to the natural gas renaissance seen in the state, but environmentalists rank their concerns on par with recent legal battles regarding coal-based energy.

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 11:10am

GOP proposes $21 million in budget cuts

House Republicans have proposed additional cuts to Gov. Mike Beebe’s proposed budget that will reduce state spending by another $21 million.

Wed, 02/15/2012 - 6:54pm

Harbor project approved by the Corps

Bob Null of the Western Arkansas Regional Intermodal Transportation Authority (RITA) announced at the group’s monthly meeting that the $15 million slack water harbor project will happen.

Wed, 02/15/2012 - 4:43pm

U.S. Judge Holmes named district chief judge

U.S. District Court Judge P.K. Holmes III, has been named the chief judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas.

The title was effective Feb. 14.

Wed, 02/15/2012 - 12:26pm

Neal announces for Fort Smith Division 1 Judge

Fort Smith Attorney Barry Neal has announced he will seek the position of judge for the Fort Smith Division of the Sebastian County District Court, Division 1, in the May 2012 preferential primary.

The post is now held by Judge David Saxon.

Wed, 02/15/2012 - 11:25am

Budget holds, tax breaks on legislative agenda

In its first full day of committee action, state lawmakers made haste in reviewing — and holding — a multitude of state agency funding requests.

Tue, 02/14/2012 - 2:31pm

Job losses deep with unmanned 188th mission

The Pentagon’s budget proposed Monday (Feb. 13) continues to push for deep cuts in A-10 units nationwide — a push that could result in about 300 job losses in Fort Smith, according to a rough estimate by the 188th Steering Committee.

Mon, 02/13/2012 - 6:24pm

Fayetteville A&P chief on administrative leave

FAYETTEVILLE — Marilyn Heifner, executive director of the Fayetteville Advertising & Promotion Commission, was put on administrative leave with pay and benefits Monday (Feb. 13) while the city’s prosecutor investigates a claim that she violated the Freedom of Information Act.

Mon, 02/13/2012 - 6:14pm