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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Another decisive week in our Arkansas River gem, where your sales tax reallocation is finally paying dividends and City Hall faces overdue accountability measures. Whether you're planning December festivities or watching how Council protects your investment, we've got the intelligence that matters.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
⚖️ Spending Guardrails Coming - Board votes Nov 18 on mandatory 7-day review for $500K+ projects after Parrot Island slide costs exploded from $4.2M to $6.3M
💰 Budget Reality Check - Monday's all-day hearing confronts $8.1M deficit as Police Chief warns cuts could freeze raises and CFO doubts balanced 2026 budget
🏗️ Your Tax Dollars Working - $50M voter-approved sewer repairs fixing 75,350 feet of pipe plus Port Authority's $2M state grant boost cargo capacity and protect property values
🎄 December Fort Smith - Christmas Parade Dec 13, Nutcracker's 40th season, Hunt Park ice rink 25+ days, Van Buren's Christmas at the Parks dual-location display
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—Your Neighbour
📰 Fort Smith News You Can Use
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Fort Smith Board to vote on budget oversight ordinance November 18
What this means: New spending rules require 7-day review for projects over $500K direct response to $6.3M water slide cost overrun at Parrot Island
City Director Christina Catsavis advanced an ordinance creating "guardrails" to prevent rushed approval of major expenditures after Parrot Island waterslide costs ballooned from $4.2M to over $6.3M. The city has already spent $3.55M acquiring slides, but installation bids came in at $2.8M with only $650K remaining in budget.
Here's what to know:
Board votes November 18 at 6:00 PM at Blue Lion—ordinance requires any project over $500K to be presented at public study session before voting agenda
Seven calendar-day mandatory waiting period between study session and formal vote, with limited emergency exceptions requiring two-thirds board approval
Annual compliance reviews by internal auditor to ensure accountability, excluding capital improvement plans already approved during prior study sessions
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
What this means: New 20,000 sq ft warehouse and concrete storage pad increases cargo handling capacity part of $4.6M statewide waterways investment announced October 29
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Waterways Commission awarded funding to Fort Smith Port Authority for warehouse construction, materials storage pad, and signage improvements. Grant program reinvests ad valorem taxes from commodities shipped on Arkansas waterways back into port infrastructure.
Here's what to know:
Funding supports Fort Smith Port Authority capital improvements on Arkansas River to enhance economic viability and shipping capacity at 28-acre facility near confluence of Poteau and Arkansas Rivers
Port recovering from 2019 flood that caused $6M in damage rebuild funded through grants, insurance proceeds, and FEMA money with focus on flood-resistant infrastructure
Arkansas sits at center of North American trade routes connected by river, rail, road and runway waterways are cornerstone of regional commerce
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Fort Smith Board holds all-day budget hearing Monday November 17
What this means: City faces $8.1M general fund deficit in proposed 2026 budget—Police Chief warns potential $1M cuts could impact staffing and raises
Fort Smith Board of Directors will meet November 17 at 8:30 AM for annual budget hearing to review proposed 2026 operating budget with city departments. General fund deficit projected at $8.1M with fund balance declining from $34.5M in 2024 to projected $11.8M by end of 2026.
Here's what to know:
Police Chief Danny Baker expressed concerns November 12 that budget cuts could eliminate planned raises, freeze vacant positions, and reduce $1M from FSPD operations
Chief Financial Officer Andy Richards told board his confidence in balanced 2026 budget is "not very high" rising health insurance costs and inflation make revenue difficult to cover expenditures
Proposed 2026 budget anticipates $53.7M revenue and $61.8M expenditures, with $20.6M for Police Department and $16.2M for Fire Department
INFRASTRUCTURE
Board approves nearly $50M in sewer improvement projects
What this means: Seven construction contracts will repair 75,350 linear feet of pipe and 247 manholes—funded by 2025 sales tax bonds approved by voters in May
Fort Smith Board of Directors approved November 4 nearly $50M in Consent Decree sewer improvement projects, marking significant milestone in city's efforts to improve sanitary sewer system and protect local waterways. Projects funded entirely by 2025 Sales and Use Tax bonds made possible through voter approval of tax reallocation.
Here's what to know:
Seven construction contracts plus seven design agreements for future work covering 52,000 linear feet of pipe and 200 manholes essential to fulfilling EPA Consent Decree commitments
Board tabled $17.7M and $9.1M contracts that came in significantly higher than estimates until January 2026 study session to potentially split into smaller projects for local contractors
After decades of failing to maintain sewer system, EPA and DOJ filed consent decree in 2014 requiring improvements total cost could approach $800M with $200M spent to date
Quick updates
Fort Smith parking meters claimed in 90 minutes - Nearly 400 downtown parking meters given away November 3 after city ended meter enforcement in August—meters first installed in 1940s, saved city money annually in enforcement costs - Read more
Two Fort Smith schools receive state recognition - Woods Elementary recognized in Top 6-10 Percent Performance category receiving $23,025, Cavanaugh Elementary in Top 6-10 Percent Growth category receiving $13,075 from Arkansas Department of Education - Read more
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📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🎄 Fort Smith Christmas Parade | Dec 13, 3:00 PM | Garrison Avenue | Downtown Fort Smith's biggest holiday celebration with floats, bands, and Santa spreading cheer along historic Garrison Avenue | Event Info
🎭 The Nutcracker (40th Annual) | Dec 13 at 7 PM & Dec 14 at 2 PM | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Western Arkansas Ballet's landmark 40th production featuring 115+ local dancers plus professional guest artists including Kelsey Corder as Sugar Plum Fairy. Adults $35, Students $20 | Tickets
⛸️ Hunt Park Ice Skating Rink | Nov 25-27, Dec 1-18, 22-24, 27-Jan 1 | Hunt's Park, 3000 Dodson Ave | Fort Smith's beloved synthetic ice rink returns with pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus story time, Anna & Elsa appearances, movies, hot cocoa, and Christmas displays | Schedule
🎄 Van Buren Christmas at the Parks | Nov 21 - Jan 1 | Freedom Park & Dr. Louis Peer Memorial Park | Two locations: walk-through Freedom Park with 35-foot musical tree and ice skating, plus drive-through display at Memorial Park with 85-foot light tunnel and 50+ animated displays | Info
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Beatles vs. Stones - A Musical Shootout | Nov 19-20, 7:30 PM | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Musical tribute showcasing the greatest hits from rock's legendary rivals | Tickets
Rittz | Nov 22, 8:00 PM | The Majestic Fort Smith | Hip-hop concert | Tickets
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings | Dec 19-21 | United States Marshals Museum | Multi-sensory classical concert featuring Christmas carols performed by Listeso String Quartet under candlelight. 60 minutes, doors open 45 min early. $32+ | Tickets
Fort Smith Christmas Chorale Holiday Concert | Dec 4, 7:30 PM | First United Methodist Church, 200 N 15th St | Annual tradition featuring festive choral music. $15 general admission, students free with ID | Tickets
Fort Smith Symphony: I'll Be Home for Christmas | Dec 6, 7:00 PM | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Holiday classics including The Nutcracker and Sleigh Ride featuring vocalists Emily & Patti Drennan. After party at The Bakery District 8:30 PM | Tickets
David Nail | Dec 5, 8:00 PM | The Majestic Fort Smith | Country music concert | Tickets
American Aquarium | Dec 13, 7:00 PM | The Majestic Fort Smith | Americana/roots rock concert | Tickets
Anella & Rhyan Besco with Trevor Phelps | Nov 29, 7:00 PM | The Majestic Fort Smith | Local music showcase with multiple artists | Tickets
That Arena Rock Show | Dec 5, 7:00 PM | TempleLive Fort Smith | Classic rock tribute show | Tickets
Keyboards at Christmas | Dec 13 at 2:30 PM & Dec 14 at 6:30 PM | Oak Cliff Baptist Church, 3701 South Gary St | Traditional holiday keyboard performance | Info
👪 Family-Friendly
A Christmas Celebration with Fort Kids | Dec 4, 6:00-9:00 PM | The Bakery District - Collection Room | Holiday kickoff featuring legendary singer-songwriters Gary Baker and Lenny Leblanc, dinner, silent auction with country music memorabilia. General admission $66 | Tickets
Sugar Plum Fairy Tea | Nov 23, 2:00-4:00 PM | 100 North B Street | Western Arkansas Ballet event where children meet characters, enjoy holiday treats and tea. VIP experiences available | Info
RAM Holiday Art Party | Dec 6, 11 AM - 3 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | FREE family event with holiday crafts, activities, and art projects | Info
Pictures with Santa | Dec 13, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Expressions Flowers, 112 Towson Ave | FREE photos with Santa, cupcake decorating, make an ornament, coloring contest, treats and games |
Fort Smith Little Theatre: Closed for the Holidays | Dec 11-13, 7:30 PM | Fort Smith Little Theatre | Community theater comedy about a motley crew stranded on Christmas Eve eve. All tickets $8 | Tickets
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Holiday Express | Starting Nov 29 | Departing Van Buren/Springdale | Magical Christmas train ride with Santa, elves, hot cocoa, carols, and holiday decorations through the Ozark Mountains. Multiple departure times | Tickets
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Mercy Thanksgiving Day Turkey Run | Nov 27 (Thanksgiving), 8:00 AM | The Barracks at Chaffee, 7308 Ellis St, Barling | 21st annual 5K and 10K race. Early registration recommended for t-shirt | Register
Jim Rowland FCA River Valley Run | Nov 1 (past - included for reference) | Fort Smith | 5K, 10K, Half Marathon options | Info
Whitney's Race | Nov 8 (past - included for reference) | Fort Smith | Info
Hearts of Gold Classic 5K | Dec 6 | Fort Smith | Project Compassion fundraiser run | Register
🎨 Arts & Culture
The Miracle Worker | Nov 14-16 & 21-23 | King Opera House, 427 Main St, Van Buren | Arts On Main and Skokos Performing Arts Center present the powerful story of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan. Matinees 2 PM, evening shows 7 PM | Tickets
Exit Laughing | Nov 13-22 | Fort Smith Little Theatre | Bridge club comedy where friends "borrow" deceased member's ashes for one last game night. Opening night $20, other performances $13 | Tickets
Fort Smith Holiday Home Tour | Dec 7, 12:00-4:00 PM | Various Fort Smith locations | Junior League of Fort Smith's self-guided tour of beautifully decorated historic homes. $25 | Tickets
A Nouveau Christmas Soiree | Dec 11 | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum partnership | Live music, singing, food, refreshments, art and Santa. Cocktail attire recommended. $45, must be 21+. Tickets must be purchased in person at RAM gift shop | Info
RAM Saturdays | Every Saturday, 12-3 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | FREE drop-in art projects for all ages | Info
Paint 'n Sip | Nov 21, 5:30-8:00 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | Recreate works by great masters in acrylics with instructor Petra Radcliffe. BYOB (beer/wine only). $25 members, $35 non-members. Limited to 15 | Register
🎓 Education & Business
Business Brew Series | Nov 18, 8:00-9:00 AM | Peak Innovation Center, 5900 Painter Lane | Monthly networking event with light breakfast and coffee. Free for Chamber members, $5 non-members | Register
Business Brew Series | Dec 16, 8:00-9:00 AM | Lites Etcetera, 9814 US-71 | December networking morning. Free for Chamber members, $5 non-members | Register
Business After Hours | Dec 18 | Location TBD | Fourth Quarter networking event with complimentary beverages and appetizers | Info
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Van Buren Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Excursions | Wednesdays & Saturdays (ongoing) | Van Buren to Winslow | Scenic 70-mile round trip through Boston Mountains with valley trestles and 1700-foot Winslow tunnel | Tickets
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Wednesdays & Saturdays, 7 AM - Noon | 201 Garrison Ave (2nd & Garrison) | Year-round authentic farmers market with 90+ vendors during peak season. Fresh produce, meats, flowers, baked goods, crafts. Saturday hours: 7 AM-Noon (Mar-Nov), 8 AM-Noon (Dec-Feb) | Info
🎪 Holiday Markets & Special Events
Arkansas River Holiday Market | Nov 1, 9 AM - 4 PM | Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Blvd | 13th annual market with 150+ booths, food trucks, and Santa. Admission $5 (ages 12+) | Info
Small Business Weekend | Nov 28-29 | Van Buren | Info
Christmas in the Woods Holiday Market | Dec 6, 10:00 AM | 1411 Maple Shade Road, Alma | Ridgeline Church fundraiser with vendors, food and holiday magic | Info
Christmas Honors Wreaths Ceremony | Dec 6 (Wreath Workshop 8:30 AM-2 PM) & Dec 7 (Laying of Wreaths 8 AM-2 PM) | Fort Smith National Cemetery | Honor veterans with wreath-laying ceremony | Info
Van Buren Christmas Parade | Dec 13, 6:00 PM | Historic Main Street Van Buren | "Holiday in Whoville" themed nighttime parade with all lighted entries | Info
New Year's Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks | Dec 31 | Fort Smith & Van Buren | Both cities celebrate with ball drops and festivities | Info
⌚️ Recurring Events
Trivia at 810 Billiards & Bowling | Every Wednesday, 6:30 PM | 810 Billiards & Bowling, 5609 Rogers Ave | FREE trivia night with cash prizes | Info
Bingo at 810 Billiards & Bowling | Select Mondays & Sundays, 6:30 PM | 810 Billiards & Bowling | Weekly bingo nights | Info
Monday Night Trivia at The Bakery District | Every Monday, 6:30 PM | The Bakery District Mad Ox Bar | Weekly trivia competition | Info
Quick Hits
CountDown to Christmas - Central Mall Fort Smith kicks off holiday season with festive activities - Dec 12, 10 AM
Bingo Loco - High-energy game show party experience - Fort Smith Convention Center - Dec 19, 7 PM
Holiday Trail of Lights - Multiple cities including Fort Smith, Van Buren, Booneville, Greenwood, Ozark, Paris - All month December
Van Buren Second Saturdays - Monthly downtown shopping event with samples, giveaways, sales - Nov 8, Dec 13, all day
Fort Smith Library Holiday Programs - Multiple Christmas storytimes, crafts, and Noon Year's Eve Party Dec 31 at 11:45 AM
Fort Smith Museum of History Christmas Open House - Dec 13, before Christmas Parade👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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See you around town,
Your Neighbor
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