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🏙️ FORT SMITH WEEKLY #15

🏙️ FORT SMITH WEEKLY #15

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July 17, 2025

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📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH

⚾ SPORTS & RECREATION

🎭 LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & CONCERTS

🎭 THEATER & PERFORMING ARTS

🎬 MOVIES & FILM

Recurring Events I Like

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📰 FORT SMITH NEWS TO STAY IN THE LOOP

Community Impact

Federal funding freeze forces delay of Fort Smith teen center opening

The Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club has been forced to temporarily suspend its planned teen center at the Future School due to a federal freeze on $1.329 billion in 21st Century Community Learning Center funding nationwide. The center, which would have served up to 100 teens daily with after-school and summer programs, was scheduled to open August 13. The club's $700,000 grant is among programs across Arkansas serving more than 9,400 students now in jeopardy. Rep. Steve Womack is advocating for the release of these congressionally approved funds.

Read the full article

Economic Development

Education and health services drive Fort Smith metro job growth

The Fort Smith metro area gained 1,101 jobs in May 2025, with Education and Health Services leading growth at 5.3% year-over-year. The sector added 900 jobs, reaching a record 17,800 positions and accounting for 81.7% of the region's total job gains. The metro now has 98,880 total jobs, though still below the 2008 peak of 104,228. The unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.4% from 3.2% in May 2024.

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Municipal Affairs

City moves toward eliminating downtown parking meters permanently

Fort Smith Director Christina Catsavis said it's time to permanently remove downtown parking meters after data showed minimal business impact during fee waivers. The meters cost the city $35,051 in 2023 when enforcement expenses exceeded revenue by that amount. Police Chief Danny Baker suggested the county could maintain meters around the courthouse if needed. No board members expressed opposition to the removal proposal.

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Social Services

Hope Campus faces financial crisis, may cut staff and services

Fort Smith's Hope Campus, which provides housing and support to 135 homeless people daily, is implementing staff cuts and potentially reducing meal service due to financial struggles. Executive Director Kasey Wilson says the facility may cut up to five of its 24 jobs and scale back to serving only lunch and dinner. Donations have dropped 50% to $8,500 monthly, and a funding agency switch cost them $120,000. The campus served 47,051 "heads in beds" and over 138,000 meals in 2024.

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Civic Responsibility

City asked to assume control of four local cemeteries

Fort Smith Cemeteries Inc. is requesting the city take over Roselawn, Holy Cross, Forest Park, and Washington cemeteries, which contain more than 55,000 graves on 85+ acres. The nonprofit faces a $100,000 annual deficit with revenue of $300,000-$350,000. Forest Park alone needs $150,000 in infrastructure repairs. Mayor George McGill supports the proposal, saying the city has an obligation to maintain cemeteries as part of preserving local history.

Read the full article

Been trying out new ways to present the News

How do you like these updates sections for news?

🔗 QUICK HITS

Internal auditor search narrows to two candidates - City may hire Amanda Strange or James Carter for $110,000 position vacant since April 2024
Read more

Parrot Island celebrates First Responders Day - Free admission and concessions for police, firefighters, EMTs on July 12
Read more

Fort Smith Benedictines support border ministry - Sisters travel to Mexico daily to help orphanages and transitional facilities
Read more

184th Attack Squadron receives military honor - Fort Smith-based unit recognized for outstanding service
Read more

Main Street Fort Smith launches community survey - Residents invited to share input on downtown development priorities
Read more

👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK

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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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Your Neighbor

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