RIVER VALLEY RECAP: Week of Mar. 3
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Here's a quick roundup of the biggest stories from the River Valley this week.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections announced the planned 3,000-bed Franklin County prison will cost $825 million. Lawmakers filed bills for $750 million in funding, adding to $75 million previously approved.
The state has already allocated $405 million. The prison has faced local controversy.
Fort Smith no longer offering monetary incentives to remote workers who move to city
The city had allocated $250,000 for the program in 2024.
Officials say funds are needed for essential projects like sewer work.
MakeMyMove remains active, but Fort Smith no longer offers payments.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
Residents can avoid fees by using ACH payments, cash or checks.
Dropboxes are available at multiple city locations for check payments.
Saline County man gets 50 years after high-speed chase, gun charges Lukas Yarberro is wanted on felony rape and attempted rape charges in Van Buren, with an active warrant for his arrest.
Police suspect he may be in the Roland area and encourage tips through phone or email.Hailey Wisegarver, Tanner Wisegarver, Jason Mathis and Veeonta Vallien were sentenced for armed robberies at two Fort Smith tobacco stores.
They received sentences ranging from 15 years with suspended terms to 25 years, and were ordered to pay over $4,600 in restitution.Sergio Romero, 23, was arrested on drug and firearm charges just after finalizing a plea deal for similar offenses.
Romero now faces multiple charges that may violate his prior plea agreement, risking a 26-year prison sentence.Trevor McGuire, 24, from Muldrow, OK, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for arson.
In May 2024, McGuire filled a milk jug with gasoline, poured it in a home's kitchen and set the house on fire.
Former 112 drive-in site is back on the market Stan Flenor coached for 36 years in Alma, leading the men's basketball team to 457 wins, two state championships and a state runner-up.
He will join five other coaches in the 2025 Hall of Fame Class.
Flenor was honored during halftime of the Alma vs. Van Buren men's basketball game on Feb. 25.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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