Fort Chaffee’s new leader

City Wire Admin — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:22:04 -0500

Lt. Col. Robert Embrey is the new commander at Fort Chaffee. Ougoing commander Col. Louis Landreth is deploying to combat duty.
Landreth’s major accomplishments were the support given to Arkansas’ 39 th Infantry Combat Team and the Illinois 33 rd Brigade Combat Team as they trained at Fort Chaffee for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan respectively, [...]

188th FW - A command to change

City Wire Admin — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:18:37 -0500

Col. Tom Anderson is the new commander at the 188th Fighter Wing - Arkansas Air National Guard unit. Anderson and outgoing commander, Col. Kevin Wear were instrumental in saving the unit from a 2005 BRAC action.
The 188th is currently converting from F-16s to A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft.
Col. Anderson pledged during the change of command ceremony [...]

Not your father’s campus

City Wire Admin — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:58:35 -0500

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette features an informative profile of UA Fort Smith and its transition to a 4 year institution.
FORT SMITH — Since joining the state’s largest university system six years ago, the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith has left the Westark College name behind and become a four-year college with ambitious goals to [...]

UPDATE: Fort Smith Pavilion Stores

Feed Admin — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:38:11 -0500

As construction on the Fort Smith Pavilion trudges toward completion, more stores are joining the development. Old Navy and Books-A-Million have both submitted plumbing plans for stores at the pavilion, according to the Arkansas Department of Health Web site.

In addition to these two stores, Shoe Carnival, Best Buy, Lane Bryant, and Michael’s also plan to locate at the intersection of Phoenix Avenue and Old Greenwood Road. Bed Bath and Beyond and Cheddar's Casual Cafe, two new additions to the Fort Smith market, will also open here.

The Fort Smith Pavilion plans to encompass 425,000 square feet with about 20 to 25 national chain stores, according to site plans previously submitted to the city. Target, the development’s anchor store, is scheduled to open in October and its fellow stores will follow.

Good news for Arkansas

City Wire Admin — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:30:41 -0500

This morning’s Arkansas Democrat Gazette boasts this headline, With unexpected revenue, state spending boost likelier.
Sgt. BB has been wondering how revenues are holding. So far this year, collections have been positive. That trend, thankfully, appears to be continuing.
Here’s the thing — this puts Arkansas in an excellent position to be AHEAD of the curve. Let’s SET [...]

Christ the King students and service animals

City Wire Admin — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:14:44 -0500

Here’s an uplifting story in the Arkansas Catholic about students at Christ the King, service animals, and the individuals who depend on these working dogs for a good quality of life.
It costs $15,000 to train a service dog - using all-volunteer help during a 24 month period.
Posted in volunteerism Tagged: Arkansas Catholic, Christ the King, service [...]

Highway 45 expansion - community meeting

City Wire Admin — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:09:53 -0500

The Arkansas Highway & Transportation Department conducted a community meeting last night to share its plans for a $16 million expansion on Highway 45 from Zero Street to Phoenix Avenue.
The stretch of busy highway is currently a 2-lane thoroughfare and will be expanded to 5 lanes. The project includes the I-540 overpass near the new [...]

Shanna Castle

beatnikluv — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:34:25 -0500

West-Ark Church of Christ 25th Anniversary & Homecoming

mcolemd — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:00:05 -0500

Start: 10/12/2008 - 8:30am

End: 10/12/2008 - 1:00pm

Guest Speaker is Jack Harriman, West-Ark minister, 1981-1987.

Celebrating 25 years since the first service was held in the West-Ark building at

900 N. Waldron Road at Grand Avenue

(479) 452-1240

www.westark.org

Top-Rated Gas Rebate Cards

Feed Admin — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:44:42 -0500

Who wouldn't be interested in saving 20, or maybe even 40, cents per gallon of the gasoline expenditures? There are certain gas rebate cards that can do just this. Introductory rebates on these cards are now as high as 10%, while longer-term rewards tend to range from 3-5%. Though some may question whether or not this rebate is even worth the hassle, if you're driving a 20-mpg car 15,000 or more miles a year on $4 a gallon gasoline, a 5% rebate would save $150. The wrong card, however, could cost you money. Any rewards card (airline miles, gas rebates, etc.) usually involves some kind of personal risk, depending on whether or not you can pay off the bill before the interest outweighs the perks. Carrying a balance would probably eliminate any savings brought about by a gas rebate, and if you carry balances you should be concerned about lower rates rather than rewards.

If you pay off the balance from month to month, however, doors will open. You'll be free to "hop" between cards, grabbing introductory rebate terms and then jumping ship before they expire. For some, this is an ideal strategy, and the damage to your credit scores would be minor.

"Too much card hopping can be bad for your credit, it's true," according to CreditCards.com Editor-in-Chief Daniel P. Ray, "But I'm willing to take an occasional big leap at a great deal."

CardRatings.com founder Curtis Arnold agrees. "Transferring a balance time after time can hurt your credit rating, but once a year probably won't hurt too much."

Most credit experts advise people who are looking to card-hop to keep their old cards open.

"Every time you close a card, you risk hurting your credit scores," said MSN Money columnist Liz Pulliam Weston, who as also written three books on credit and debt. "The biggest reason is because you're reducing your available credit which makes any balances you charge loom larger in the scoring formula."

Arnold also warns that people seeking major loans, like mortgage or home equity loans, might want to delay getting a new credit card. Also, the best annual percentage rates (APRs) are saved for borrowers with the highest credit scores. Rates of some cards can vary by nearly 10 percentage points, depending on your personal credit score. A person with truly bad credit scores may not be eligible for a card at all.

Ray advises to, when picking a card, consider two basic areas: driving habits and credit habits. If you drive the same route every day and fill up at the same gas station on a regular basis, then a card co-branded by that gasoline company may be your best bet.

"They tend to have the best rebates because they know they have to sweeten the deal to win your loyalty," says Ray. He also notes that, if you tend to carry monthly balances, you'll probably do this on a gas rebate card as well and this would, in turn, make APR a concern. In this case, Ray suggests seeking the lowest rate (APR).

The Chase BP Visa Rewards card scores high on most every card-rating web site. It offers a 10% gas rebate for the first two months on gasoline purchases at BP and Amoco stations and 5% thereafter. This card, however, has one of the higher APRs on balances. It is currently more than 12% (though it is 0% for the first year). For those who carry balances, this card may not be the best choice. If you don't keep the account open for a minimum of six months, you might lose the double rebates. And Arnold notes that this specific card gives no rebate for any purchases at gas stations that sell products other than BP or Amoco.

Arnold also cautions card applicants to beware of the fine print. The ExxonMobil MasterCard, for example, requires that rebates be used within six months of being earned, and after six months the rebates expire. Also, the payment of rebates varies from card to card. Some issue monthly or annual checks, and others apply the rebates to future purchases or accumulate points that may be redeemed for cash, merchandise, or airline miles, while still others cap the amount of rebates. Arnold believes that consumers should spend at least 20 minutes researching the reward plans to avoid later surprises.

Here are some of the expert's favorites:

The Chase BP Visa Rewards card is a favorite of Arnold and Ben Woolsey, CreditCards.com's director of consumer research. Its drawbacks were previously noted, but it's the biggest rebate going.
The American Express Blue Cash card pays a 5% rebate on supermarket, gas station, and drugstore purchases, but only after $6,500 in charges. Until then, the rebates are only 1%. Arnold says, "The aggressive charger may find that the Blue Cash card is just for them." He notes that a family that charges nearly everything they buy could spend $6,500 pretty quickly.
The Discover Open Road card is another one of Arnold's top picks, offering 5% back on gas and automotive maintenance purchases. "There is a $100-a-month spending limit on that rebate," Arnold cautions. If you spend more than $100 monthly or $1,200 yearly, the rebate drops to 1% or less. Partnerships with 80 other companies can almost double the value of the rebates.
Costco's American Express TrueEarnings card offers an unlimited 3% rebate on dining expenses and gas, 2% on travel and 1% on all other purchases. The rebate is given annually in the for of a coupon redeemable at Costco for cash or merchandise. The card can be used at any gas station, but if you shop at a Costco that sells gasoline, its usually-low gas prices are an added bonus to the rebate.
Woolsey is a fan of the Chase PerfectCard MasterCard, it offers 3% rebates on gas, 1% on other purchases, and 6% for the first three months. He also likes the Capital One No Hassle Points card, which offers 5 pointes per dollar on gas and 1 point per dollar on other purchases, though these points can be more of a hassle to redeem than straight cash.

Regardless of the gas rebate card you choose, there are plenty of rewards to be had and money to be saved if you charge when you spend.

188th Change of Command

City Wire Admin — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:07:24 -0500

Congratulations to outgoing commander of the 188th Fighter Wing - Col. Kevin Wear. Col. Thomas I. Anderson has served as vice commander and will assume the commander’s role in a change-of-command ceremony this coming Sunday.
Posted in Military Tagged: 188th Fighter Wing, A-10 Warthogs, Arkansas Air National Guard, Ebbing Air Field, Flying Razorbacks, Kevin Wear, Thomas Anderson [...]

Fort Smith Pavilion

City Wire Admin — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:22:23 -0500

Some stores are ready to open. Others are just being announced. Like this one:
Dress Barn will locate its first store in Fort Smith at the Fort Smith Pavilion and plans to open for business there in late winter or early spring 2009.
A company official said Tuesday that Dress Barn has signed a lease and will [...]

State of the Economy breakfast

City Wire Admin — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:20:00 -0500

The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce First Friday breakfast this week features two engaging economists, who will discuss the current economic climate of the region, state, and nation.

Kathy Deck, Director of the Center for Business & Economic Research at UA Fayetteville
Georgia Hale, Associate Dean for the College of Business at UA Fort Smith

Posted in [...]

You like dominoes?

City Wire Admin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:16:45 -0500

Dominoes - sponsored by River Valley Marshal Riders & Fort Smith Parks Dept.
Saturday, Oct. 18. High Noon at Creekmore Park
Here’s a pdf flier
Posted in Recreation Tagged: dominoes, Fort Smith Parks Dept, River Valley Marshal Riders

All that jazz…

City Wire Admin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:12:31 -0500

Don’t forget. The Fort Smith Jazz Festival is this weekend at Creekmore Park. 1pm to 7pm.
More from the Fort Smith Parks Department.
Posted in Entertainment, Performing Tagged: Creekmore Park, Fort Smith Jazz Festival, Fort Smith Parks & Recreation Department

Robot invasion

City Wire Admin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:36:41 -0500

From UA Fort Smith news release:
Teams competing in this year’s River Valley BEST Robotics Competition will offer a preview to the public during Mall Day, which will take place Oct. 18 at Central Mall in Fort Smith.
“Mall Day is a practice day set up to allow four teams at a time practice on the official [...]

Baldor earnings visibility

City Wire Admin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:29:50 -0500

Baldor Electric Co. expects its third-quarter earnings to be similar to its earnings in third quarter 2007, and it has sold a distribution center in Crossville, Tenn., for $30 million, according to a company news release.
The Fort Smith-based manufacturer and marketer of industrial electric motors, power transmission products, drives and generators earned 53 cents per [...]

Frontier Fest is coming!

City Wire Admin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:25:21 -0500

Cooler weather and the first day of October reminds Sgt BB that Fort Smith Frontier Fest is only a few weeks away.
Oct. 25 and 26 in downtown Fort Smith.
This year’s theme is “Marshals: Tales from the Territory.”
Posted in Arts, Downtown, Education, Entertainment, History, Tourism Tagged: Arkansas, downtown Fort Smith, festival, Fort Smith Frontier Fest, Frontier, U.S. [...]

Linda J. Williams

Rev. Linda Williams — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:46:24 -0500

My name is Rev. Linda Williams. God called me into the ministry thirteen years ago. My husband and I have done missionary in third worlds and helped other church grow. We have opened a church and named it Bible Basics Church. We are a small group with a big heart,looking to serve God and grow the Kingdom for Him. Our Church is located at 5700 Alma Hwy 64, West of the Pepper Source, Van Buren, AR. In great need for teachers in the area for children and experienced musicians. We have room to grow. Our church is set up to fellowship in an living room atmosphere. Services are 10:30 am Sunday and 7:00 pm Wednesday. So, come as you are and enjoy the presence of God as He bless you running over with his love.
Our first fellowship outside the church will be October 31, 2008 with free hotdogs, drinks, and candy. There will also be a fun house to adventure into for lots of fun.

Be Blessed in His Love,

Rev. Linda Williams

NASCAR funny

Tracy Winchell — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:53:41 -0500

dustinlong Ryan Newman on Edward’s last-lap move: “He was wide open until he saw God and then he hit the brakes and bounced it off the wall.”
I saw this earlier today on twitter and it cracked me up. It’s only funny if you’re a NASCAR fan and watched Carl Edwards make a banzai move on the [...]

Bass Reeves clay model is complete

City Wire Admin — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:23:00 -0500

A few Fort Smith residents — and members of the Bass Reeves Legacy Initiative – traveled to Enid, Oklahoma recently to give final approval on noted Oklahoma artist Harold Holden’s scale model of the Bass Reeves monument to be erected on Garrison Avenue next year.
See photos here.
The clay model is at the foundry. A limited number [...]

Arkansas voter registration deadline

City Wire Admin — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:15:43 -0500

MONDAY is the last day to register if you haven’t already done so and intend to vote in the upcoming Nov. 4 general election.
Here’s the 411 on registering in Sebastian County.

Must be 18 years of age, a US citizen and a resident of Sebastian County.
In order to vote in an election, you must be registered [...]

Bass Reeves clay model approved

Tracy Winchell — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:22:41 -0500

The Bass Reeves Legacy Initiative is an organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the story of U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves.
The group’s first task is a monument honoring Bass Reeves. The sculpture is by noted Oklahoma artist Harold Holden. The project will cost approximately $300,000.
A couple of weeks ago, some members of the Bass Reeves [...]

UA Fort Smith - economic engine

City Wire Admin — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:47:24 -0500

UA Fort Smith is considered a key economic development partner because of the institution’s ability to train workers, educate students, and provide resources for area businesses.
But, UA Fort Smith is an economic engine in the purest sense of the term. After all, the concept is about bringing new money into a community.
Check this out - [...]

More visitors pleased with Fort Smith

City Wire Admin — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:40:03 -0500

It’s been a big week for out of town guests in Fort Smith. John Walsh of America’s Most Wanted was in town, along with the nation’s top U.S. Marshal - John Clark, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Speaking at a reception to honor him and “America’s Most Wanted Host” John Walsh, Clark praised Fort Smith’s “unprecedented” [...]

Recent posts