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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
The final days of 2025 find our city wrapping up budget battles while gearing up for one of the biggest downtown celebrations we've seen. Whether you're plannin g your New Year's Eve around the Garrison Avenue ball drop or still digesting what those 71 position cuts mean for city services, we've got you covered.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
💰 Budget reality check — City approved $17M in cuts including 8 police officer positions. No layoffs, but your public safety staffing drops to 160 authorized officers in January.
🏗️ 111 acres up for debate — The old Acme Brick site has residents divided: flood control for Mayranch neighbors vs. mountain bike trails vs. selling frontage. Your input still open.
🔫 Self-defense shooting under review — North 11th Street resident shot intruder protecting family of five. Prosecuting attorney determining if justified.
🎆 Ring in 2026 downtown — Tuesday's ball drop brings food trucks, Niki Waters Band, inflatables, and fireworks to Garrison Avenue starting 8 PM. Free admission.
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—Your Neighbour
📰 Fort Smith News You Can Use
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
City slashes $17M from 2026 budget, cuts 71 vacant positions including 8 police officers
What this means: No layoffs, but Fort Smith won't fill dozens of open positions to close budget gap—police staffing drops from 168 to 160 authorized officers starting January 1
The Fort Smith Board of Directors approved a balanced 2026 budget on December 16 by eliminating $4.2 million in personnel costs through cutting unfilled positions across police, fire, and other departments.
Here's what to know:
Police Chief Danny Baker expressed concern about public safety impacts as authorized officer count decreases from 168 to 160 (currently 155 officers on staff)
Board voted 6-1 to approve cuts across general fund, water/sewer, solid waste, and streets/maintenance budgets
Directors encouraged flexibility to restore positions if revenue improves during 2026
Residents clash over 111-acre Acme Brick site plans—flood control versus parks and trails
What this means: City bought this Old Greenwood Road property for $2.3M in 2023, now board members disagree on whether to prioritize stormwater mitigation, build trails, or sell frontage for development
Over 100 residents attended recent open houses to weigh in on master planning for the former industrial site, with board members publicly divided on the best approach.
Here's what to know:
Des Moines-based RDG Design is leading year-long master planning process with public input via Social Pinpoint platform
Flood mitigation for Mayranch and North side neighborhoods is primary concern, estimated at $5-6 million
Director Jarred Rego supports mountain bike trails and recreation; Director Christina Catsavis wants to sell frontage and use proceeds for stormwater projects
Public can still submit feedback online during planning year
PUBLIC SAFETY
Intruder shot dead after forcing entry to North 11th Street apartment with family inside
What this means: Resident with girlfriend and three children called 911 as suspect tried breaking through door and window December 21 at 8:51 p.m.—fired one shot, prosecuting attorney reviewing case
Wayne Nance was found 50 feet from the apartment near the 100 block of N. 11th Street with a gunshot wound and pronounced dead at the scene after emergency responders attempted life-saving measures.
Here's what to know:
Investigation ongoing by Fort Smith Police Department to determine if shooting was justified self-defense
Caller reported suspect in dark clothing initially pushed through front door, then attempted window entry
Anyone with information can contact FSPD at 479-709-5000
Quick Updates
City hires new engineering director - Todd Mittge brings 21+ years infrastructure experience from Washington State DOT and Paris, Texas to Fort Smith starting January 5 - Read more
December building permits reach $5.2M in first week - Year-to-date permits through November total $240.33M, up 4.4% from 2024 - Read more
Detective named Officer of the Year - Eric Restine recognized by Attorney General Tim Griffin for responding off-duty to December 2024 double shooting - Read more
New Year's Eve ball drop returns to Garrison Avenue - December 31, 8pm-12:30am with Niki Waters Band, food trucks, inflatables, and fireworks finale—free downtown event - Read more
📅 This Week in Fort Smith
Your insider guide to what matters most this week
Must-Attend Events
🎆 New Year's Eve Ball Drop & Celebration | Wednesday, Dec 31 | Downtown Fort Smith | Ring in 2026 with the ultimate family-friendly celebration featuring food trucks, bounce house, live music, fireworks, and the iconic midnight ball drop. Event starts at 8 PM. | Event Details
🥾 First Day Hike at Lake Fort Smith State Park | Thursday, Jan 1 | Lake Fort Smith State Park, Mountainburg | Start 2026 on the trail with a guided 1-mile hike from 10-11 AM exploring nature through all five senses on the Ozark Highlands Trail. Earn a free "Hike Arkansas State Parks" sticker. | Arkansas State Parks
🎭 The Enchanted Pig Chamber Opera | Friday-Saturday, Feb 6-7 | UAFS Breedlove Auditorium | Jonathan Dove's spellbinding chamber opera brings Romanian folk tales to life with Princess Flora's magical journey. 7 PM both nights. | Friday Tickets | Saturday Tickets
🎸 Kolby Cooper & Austin Snell | Thursday, Feb 12 | Majestic Fort Smith | Country music duo hits the stage at 7 PM (doors at 6 PM) for an electrifying night of authentic Texas country. | Get Tickets
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Elvis World Premier Tribute with Kraig Parker - Friday, Jan 2 - Choctaw Casino Pocola (just across state line) - The King lives on in this must-see tribute show. 8 PM start, tickets from $36. - Event Info
Candlelight: Tribute to Adele - Thursday, Jan 16, 6:30 PM - U.S. Marshals Museum - Intimate candlelit concert honoring Adele's greatest hits. Tickets from $31 (10% off available). - Fever Up Tickets
Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles - Thursday, Jan 16, 8:30 PM - U.S. Marshals Museum - Experience Beatles classics by candlelight in this magical evening performance. Tickets from $31.50 (30% off available). - Fever Up Tickets
Candlelight: Valentine's Day Special - Friday, Feb 14, 6:30 PM - U.S. Marshals Museum - Romantic candlelit concert perfect for couples celebrating Valentine's Day. Tickets from $32. - Fever Up Tickets
Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA - Friday, Feb 14, 8:30 PM - U.S. Marshals Museum - Epic musical showdown featuring the greatest hits of two legendary bands. - Fever Up Tickets
Tyler Farr: Quit Bein' Country Tour - Thursday, Feb 19 - Majestic Fort Smith - Country star Tyler Farr brings his high-energy show to Fort Smith. 7 PM (doors 6 PM). - Get Tickets
Pecos & The Rooftops - Friday, Feb 20 - Majestic Fort Smith - Red dirt country band delivers their signature sound. 7 PM (doors 6 PM). - Get Tickets
William Clark Green - Saturday, Feb 28 - Majestic Fort Smith - Texas country favorite closes out February with an unforgettable performance. 7 PM (doors 6 PM). - Get Tickets
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👪 Family-Friendly
Noon Year's Eve at U.S. Marshals Museum - Wednesday, Dec 31, 12 PM countdown - 789 Riverfront Drive - Kids celebrate early with pancake decorating, party favors, disco ball dancing, and balloon drop at noon. Perfect for families with young children. - 5 News Article
Bookish StoryTime at The Bakery District - Saturdays, Dec 27 & Jan 3, 11 AM - The Bakery District - Free Saturday morning story and craft sessions for kids of all ages. Join Bookish for interactive fun. - Bakery District
Vinnie's Winterball - Wednesday, Dec 31, 8 PM - Vinnie's, 200 N 13th Street - Elegant New Year's celebration with sparkling lights, music countdown, champagne toast, charcuterie cups, finger foods, and winter cocktails. - 5 News Article
🏃 Sports & Fitness
First Day Hikes at Mount Magazine State Park - Thursday, Jan 1 - Mount Magazine State Park (1.5 hours east) - Two guided hikes: "Over the Hill Hike" (1-2:30 PM) and "Ukulele Highpoint Hike" featuring live ukulele music on the trek to Arkansas' highest point (3:30-4:45 PM, 1.4 miles). - Arkansas State Parks
First Day Hike at Queen Wilhelmina State Park - Thursday, Jan 1 - Queen Wilhelmina State Park - Start the new year hiking in one of Arkansas's most scenic state parks. Meet at visitor center for details. - Arkansas State Parks
🎨 Arts & Culture
RAM Saturdays at Fort Smith Regional Art Museum - Ongoing Saturdays - Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue - Free make-and-take art projects for all ages and skill levels. No experience necessary. - RAM Website
Arts On Main Open Painting Sessions - Ongoing - Arts On Main - Community painting sessions welcome all media and skill levels from beginners to advanced artists. Family-friendly creative outlet. - Discover Fort Smith
🎓 Education & Business
Business Brew: Monthly Morning Networking - Third Tuesday Monthly - Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce - Your monthly networking hub from 8-9 AM. New location each month. Connect with Fort Smith business professionals. - Chamber Calendar
Leadership Fort Smith Economic Development Session - Wednesday, Jan 29 - Various locations - Participants learn about economic development projects and entities shaping Fort Smith's future. - Chamber Events
Fort Smith Little Theatre Auditions: "And Then There Were None" - Sunday, Jan 5 - Fort Smith Little Theatre - Auditions for Agatha Christie's classic mystery thriller. Mystery. Mayhem. Intrigue. - FSLT Website
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Fort Smith Farmers Market - Wednesdays & Saturdays - North 2nd & Garrison parking lot - Year-round market featuring 90+ vendors at peak season with verified growers and crafters. Winter hours: Saturdays 8 AM-noon. - Discover Fort Smith
⌚️ Recurring Events
Bags at The Bakery: 708 Cornhole - Every Wednesday, 6:30-10:30 PM - The Bakery District Collection Room - Free to play with cash payouts for competitive divisions. Bring your A-game for weekly bags tournaments. - Bakery District
Fort Smith Farmers Market - Every Wednesday & Saturday - Downtown Fort Smith - Fresh local produce, crafts, and artisan goods from verified Arkansas growers. Open year-round. - Arkansas Grown
Quick Hits
Brew Year's Eve Party - Fort Smith Brewing Company stays open late until 2 AM on Dec 31 at 7500 Fort Chaffee Blvd, Barling. Free champagne toast, DJ, midnight balloon drop. - 5 News
Van Buren 80s New Year's Eve Party - Dec 31, 3 PM-1 AM, Downtown Van Buren (614 Main St). 80s costume contest, food trucks, hot chocolate, ball drop. Old Town Merchants Association hosts. - 5 News
Fort Smith Symphony 2025-2026 Season - Ongoing concerts at ArcBest Performing Arts Center. Check website for upcoming January/February performances. - Symphony Website
TempleLive Fort Smith - Historic downtown venue hosting concerts, food, and drinks. Check website for latest show announcements. - TempleLive
GAC Basketball Championships - March 5-8, 2026 - Southside & Northside Arenas host top eight men's and women's Great American Conference teams. Mark your calendars. - Bakery District
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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