Capitol Exhibit Highlights Unique Collection from Saunders Museum

(LITTLE ROCK, ARK.) – Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston would like to invite visitors to the State Capitol to view the latest historical exhibit, A Collector’s Story: Selections from the Saunders Museum.

The exhibit features the colorful life of Colonel C. Burton Saunders of Berryville, Arkansas, and his journey as a collector of artifacts. Saunders became famous as a showman, marksman, world traveler, and prolific acquirer of unique and historic items of interest.

Items on display include rare and antique firearms, Native American artifacts, and various objects Saunders picked up during his world travels.

Among the rarer relics exhibited are a cased pair of flintlock dueling pistols made by Pirmet in Paris, France, dating to the late 1700s-early 1800s; a Colt Walker 1847 revolver (less than 200 out of 1,100 made are known to still exist); and guns that are said to have been owned by notorious outlaws Jesse James, Cole Younger, Pretty Boy Floyd, and Wild Bill Hickock.

A Collector’s Story: Selections from the Saunders Museum will be on display in the Capitol's first floor galleries from now through September 20th.

For more information on the Saunders Museum, visit https://berryvillear.gov/about-berryville/saunders-museum.

Display Is Open Now Through September 20th

After Meeting with Governor Sanders During Her European Trade Mission, Walther Manufacturing Announces $30M Expansion in Fort Smith, Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— Following the company’s meeting with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders during her European trade mission this summer, Walther Manufacturing is expanding its presence in Fort Smith, Arkansas, creating an expected 76 new jobs over the next five years. The expansion represents a capital investment of up to $30 million in the region. 

“Walther Manufacturing is making a substantial investment in our Fort Smith factory to facilitate the expansion of our research development and manufacturing of U.S.-produced firearms and accessories,” said Tom Goike, Walther Manufacturing President and CEO. 

Currently, Umarex USA/Walther occupies 185,000 square feet in their facility. The expansion adds over 40,000 square feet to the existing operation, encompassing industry-leading design engineering, product management and manufacturing capabilities. The expansion is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024. 

“Arkansas is proud to be home to Walther U.S. headquarters, both because we love jobs and because we love our Second Amendment. After meeting with the company during my European trade mission this summer, I’m thrilled they’ve decided to double down on their investment and grow their facility here in the Natural State, helping Fort Smith and the entire River Valley grow,” said Governor Sanders. 

“Walther is a world-renowned firearms company, and they have been a great corporate partner in Arkansas for the past decade,” said Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “We are excited to see the company grow in the Natural State, and we look forward to their continued success.” 

Walther established its operations in Arkansas in 2012, making Fort Smith its U.S. headquarters. Walther Manufacturing is the fabrication entity which manufactures all U.S. based products for the companies Walther and Umarex USA, utilizing a unique blend of advanced precision technology and authentic human craftsmanship. All three companies share a campus in Fort Smith. 

“My connection to Umarex and Walther goes back many years. They are a key fixture in the high-tech manufacturing fabric of the Fort Smith Region and a partner who shares our goal of growing and recruiting a talented workforce,” said Tim Allen, President and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. “It was a pleasure to work with the leadership at Walther again to secure this project in Fort Smith. We welcome Walther’s expansion as they further solidify their place in our community and allow it to meet the demand of its military, law enforcement and consumer markets.” 

Umarex to expand Fort Smith operation, add 76 jobs

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Umarex USA/Walther plans to invest $30 million in its Fort Smith operation at Chaffee Crossing and add 76 jobs. Of the investment, an estimated $8 million will be used to expand the facility and $22 million will be used to acquire machinery and equipment.

The Fort Smith Board of Directors on Thursday (Jan. 18) approved an Industrial Revenue Bond for the company to use to help finance the expansion.

“This is a great thing for the City of Fort Smith,” said Fort Smith Director Kevin Settle. “It gives me great excitement. Maybe somewhere down the road, we can work with the Fort Smith Police Department to switch to Walther Guns.”

Umarex to expand Fort Smith operation, add 76 jobs

Cossatot Friends of NRA Banquet in De Queen Saturday, August 7th

After Second Go Round, Arkansas Lawmakers Approve "Stand Your Ground" Bill

By JACQUELINE FROELICH

This week, Arkansas legislators approved a controversial “stand your ground” gun measure allowing the use of lethal force in self-defense without first having to attempt to retreat, which was previously required by the state. The bill has been sent to Gov. Asa Hutchinson for approval. His decision is expected this week.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/after-second-go-round-arkansas-lawmakers-approve-stand-your-ground-bill

J. FROELICH / KUAF