🏙️ FORT SMITH WEEKLY #21

August 28, 2025

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Hi Neighbors!

Speaking of things that shape our community – how about UAFS bouncing back with their highest enrollment since 2019? And Sebastian County just scored the biggest private investment in recent memory. Sometimes it feels like we're writing the next chapter of Fort Smith history in real time.

Plus, football's back! Nothing says "Arkansas autumn" quite like Friday night lights, even when it's still hot enough outside to make you question why anyone thought shoulder pads were a good idea. Let's see what else is brewing around town...

  • Major Economic Win: Sebastian County approves $400M battery storage facility - largest private investment bringing hundreds of jobs

  • Infrastructure & Safety: Fort Smith maintains water conservation after main break; counties issue burn bans due to drought

  • Education Surge: UAFS enrollment jumps 15% with record 1,030+ freshman class - highest since pre-COVID

  • Community & Sports: High school football season starts; upcoming concerts, symphony shows, and charity events through September

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—Your Neighbour

📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH

Must-Attend Events

🏍️ Eagle Wings Motorcycle Association Rendezvous | August 28-30 | Fort Smith Convention Center | Multi-day motorcycle rally | Details

🎸 Summer Bands | Thursday-Saturday nights through November | La Huerta Grill on Garrison | Live music with dining | Details

🎵 Gospel Open Mic Night | Daily through September 21 | 1127 Coffee & Tea Shops | Community music showcase | Details

👪️ Family-Friendly

🐾 Critter Crunch | Daily ongoing | Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center | Animal feeding and education | Details

📚 Storytime Programs - Multiple Locations | Various days/times | Fort Smith Public Library System:

  • Main Library Storytime | Thursdays, 10am-11am | Details

  • Miller Branch Storytime | Fridays, 10am-11am | Details

  • Windsor Branch Storytime | Mondays, 10am-10:45am | Details

  • Dallas Branch Storytime & Crafts | Wednesdays, 10am & 11am | Details

👶 Wiggle Worms Storytime | Tuesdays, 10am-11am | Main Library | Ages 0-24 months | Details

🎼 Entertainment & Nightlife

🎤 Karaoke at Lost Beach | Thursday-Saturday evenings | Multiple nights per week | Details

🎵 Good Time Services Karaoke & DJ | Wednesdays | Grandad's Bar | Weekly karaoke night | Details

🧠 Trivia Night | Wednesdays | 810 Billiards & Bowling | Competitive trivia with prizes | Details

🖼️ Arts & Culture

🎨 Framing/Reframing Permanent Collection Exhibition | Monday-Friday ongoing | UAFS Gallery of Art and Design | University art exhibition | Details

✍️ Lettering to Go! | August 1-30 | Windsor Branch Library | Calligraphy and hand lettering activities | Details

🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation

🕵️ Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt | Daily ongoing | Various downtown locations | Self-guided exploration game | Details

🏛️ Park Ranger Programs | Fridays, 9am-5pm | Fort Smith National Historic Site | Historical interpretation and education | Details

🏃 Health & Wellness

💪 Women's Nutrition | Tuesdays, 11:30am-12:30pm | Dallas Branch Library | Health and wellness discussions | Details

🎵 MUSIC & CONCERTS

🎵 Tyler Halverson (with Bottomland) | August 29th, 2025 | 8:00 PM | The Majestic | Doors 7:00 PM | Majestic Fort Smith

🎵 The Dead South | August 30th, 2025 | 8:00 PM | TempleLive | Doors 6:30 PM | Tickets from $72 | TempleLive

🎵 Eli Young Band (with Austin Brown, Jeffrey East) | September 4th, 2025 | 8:00 PM | TempleLive | From $57

🎵 David Nail | Sept

🏘️ Community Service

💧 Bottled Water Drive for Next Step Day Room | August 1-31 | All Fort Smith Public Library locations | Donation drive for homeless services | Details

🏃 SPORTS & FITNESS

🏃 Project Hope Arkansas Black Sheep 5K & 1 Mile | September 6th, 2025 | Fort Smith | $17–$38

🏃 MJ's Stampede (5K/10K/Walk) | September 20th, 2025 | 8:00 AM | Greg Smith River Trail | $30-45 | Benefits Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

🏈 Fort Smith Southside High School Football vs. Alma | August 19th, 2025 | Time: TBD | Location: Alma High School | Southside Mavericks Football

🏈 Fort Smith Southside High School Football vs. Northside (Rivalry Game) | August 29th, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Location: Fort Smith Northside High School | Southside Mavericks Football

🏈 Fort Smith Southside Football at Central | September 12th, 2025 | Time: TBD | Location: Central High School | Southside Mavericks Football

🏈 Fort Smith Southside Football at Little Rock Southwest | September 19th, 2025 | Time: TBD | Location: Little Rock Southwest High School | Southside Mavericks Football

🏈 Fort Smith Southside Football at Mountain Home | September 26th, 2025 | Time: TBD | Location: Mountain Home High School | Southside Mavericks Football

🏈 Northside High School Athletics (Football, Volleyball, Tennis, and more) | September 2025 | Various Dates and Times | Location: Northside High School | Northside Grizzlies Athletics

⌚️ Recurring Events I Like

⛺️ Chaffee Crossing food and Artisan Market | Sept 20th | Free to attend | 8:00 AM 1:00 PM | Link to the Event | Link to Add to google Calender

🛒 Fort Smith Downtown Farmers Market | Saturdays year-round | 7am–noon | All ages | 201 Garrison Ave, Fort Smith | Free entry | Details 

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📰 FORT SMITH NEWS YOU CAN USE

Public Safety Fatal semi crash claims two lives on Highway 62

Community traffic safety under renewed focus after tragedy A 32-year-old man and juvenile passenger died Sunday in a collision with a semi-truck on US Highway 62. Oklahoma Highway Patrol continues investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.

Infrastructure New public safety complex breaks ground after demolition

Enhanced emergency response capabilities coming to downtown Demolition has cleared the site for Muskogee's new consolidated public safety complex, with similar facilities planned for Warner, Fort Gibson, and Haskell. The project represents a significant investment in regional emergency services coordination.

Public Safety Muskogee couple charged in child welfare case

Community child protection systems under scrutiny A Muskogee County couple faces multiple charges including child neglect and sexual abuse after an 11-year-old in their care gave birth at home without medical attention. District Attorney urges residents to report suspected abuse cases.

Economic Development Muskogee featured in statewide tourism promotion

Regional recognition highlights community appeal for visitors Local community included in new "8 Stress-Free Oklahoma Towns For A Weekend Retreat" feature, potentially boosting tourism and economic development through increased visitor awareness and regional marketing exposure.

Quick updates

  • East Smith Ferry Road construction begins - County starts major road improvement project affecting local traffic patterns - Read more

  • Fort Gibson football program shows promise - Team demonstrates strong preparation in recent scrimmages against Grove and Tahlequah ahead of season opener - Read more

  • Grace Episcopal welcomes new leadership - Church community celebrates arrival of new rector during recent installation ceremony - Read more

  • Sequoyah County court proceedings - Former nursing home worker convicted of abuse charges in case affecting elderly residents - Read more

👋 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:

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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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