Hi Neighbors!

Are we all excited about the long weekend, where are you spending the 4th of July night - let me know with a quick reply and ill send out an updated list of locations.

I might be BBQ and inviting some our friends over, will share pictures if that ends up panning out. Keeping the email short this week with a lot of stuff in the works coming up.

Tried an updated news section format below, let me know how I did 🙂 

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—Your Neighbour

📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH

4th of JULY WEEKEND

🎆 The Mayor's 4th of July Celebration | Friday, 5pm–10pm | Live music, food trucks, kids' activities, and the region’s largest fireworks show at Harry E. Kelley River Park | Free entry | [Details]

🎤 Live Music: Shaylen at Riverfront Park | Friday, 8pm | Nashville pop artist Shaylen performs as part of the Mayor’s 4th of July Celebration | Free entry | [Details]

🎶 River Valley Community Band Patriotic Performance | Friday, 9:20pm | Patriotic music leading up to and during the fireworks at Harry E. Kelley River Park | Free entry | [Details]

🍔 Food Trucks & Family Activities at Harry E. Kelley Park | Friday, 5pm–10pm | Enjoy local food vendors and family-friendly fun during the city celebration | Free entry | [Details]

Schedule for the night

• 4:00 PM - Street Closures Begin

• 5:00 PM - DJ Swilsonn

• 5:30 PM - River Valley Community Band

• 6:00 PM - Mayor’s Welcome

• 6:15 PM - beem!

• 7:00 PM - Trevor Phelps

• 8:00 PM - Shaylen

• 9:30 PM - Fireworks Begin - with live music from River Valley Community Band (countdown starts at 9:20 PM) 

💡 FORT SMITH FACT OF THE WEEK

A notable fact about Fort Smith is that it was home to Judge Isaac C. Parker, famously known as “The Hanging Judge.” Parker presided over the federal court for the Western District of Arkansas from 1875 to 1896 and became legendary for his tough stance on crime, overseeing 79 executions during his tenure. His courtroom and the historic jail where outlaws were held can still be visited today at the Fort Smith National Historic Site

Source - [1],[2],[3]

AI Workshop Launch - Need Your Input!

I'm putting together a new workshop called "AI for Everybody" and want to make sure it actually helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by all the AI buzz.

This isn't going to be another "ChatGPT tips" session. I'm thinking more like: understanding the basics of AI and the tools available, understanding how they can be used in everyday life, without needing a computer science degree to figure it out.

Quick question: What's the ONE thing about AI that either confuses you most or that you wish you could just have someone show you how to do?

Hit reply and let me know - takes 30 seconds and helps me build something actually useful.

(And yes, if you're already an AI wizard, feel free to share what you wish you'd known when you started.)

📰 FORT SMITH NEWS YOU CAN USE

Restaurant News

Dog Haus, a California-based gourmet hot dog and sausage chain, is expanding into Arkansas with new locations planned for Northwest Arkansas, Fort Smith, and Little Rock. The first restaurant is expected to open in Rogers by early 2026, with additional openings to follow. The expansion is led by local franchisee Michael Papas, who plans to open at least six locations across the state.

Read the full article

Emergency Services Update

Sebastian County and the City of Fort Smith are moving forward with plans to consolidate their 911 emergency response centers into a single, regional dispatch facility. The new center, called the River Valley Communications Center, will handle police, fire, and EMS calls for the entire county. The center is expected to be fully operational by 2027.

Read the full article

Business Spotlight

Fort Smith native G.T. Karber has transformed his puzzle series, Murdle, into a global publishing sensation. What began as quirky logic puzzles has grown into an international hit, with the Murdle book and puzzle series finding fans worldwide. Karber’s creative journey from Arkansas to global success highlights the growing demand for engaging, brain-teasing entertainment.

Read the full article

Community Update

The Fort Smith Boys Home has opened a new $2 million facility on Zero Street, doubling its capacity from 14 to 28 boys in foster care. The renovated space features eight bedrooms, a commercial kitchen, a theater room, a computer room, and dedicated areas for health care and counseling. The new facility will serve boys ages 11 to 15, while the original location will house those ages 16 to 18.

Read the full article

Airport Update

Fort Smith Regional Airport saw a 2.4% increase in May enplanements compared to last year, with 5,568 travelers boarding flights. However, total enplanements for the first five months of 2025 are down nearly 3% from the same period in 2024, and overall airport traffic remains below pre-pandemic levels. The airport will host a TSA PreCheck enrollment event on July 10, allowing travelers to sign up locally for faster security screening.

Read the full article

👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK

Thanks for spending a few minutes with me exploring the best of Fort Smith! If you enjoyed this week's edition, I'd love for you to:

• Forward to a neighbor who might enjoy it

• Reply with feedback or story ideas

• Share your own Fort Smith discoveries

Coming next week: Summer festival preview, a spotlight on Fort Smith's historic theaters, and seasonal gardening tips from local experts.

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See you around town,

• Your Neighbor

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