In partnership with
Was this e-mail shared with you? Sign up here
Good morning, Fort Smith! ❄️
We'll skip the pleasantries this week there's a major winter storm bearing down on us, and you need to prep before Friday afternoon. Governor Sanders has already declared a state of emergency, and we've got everything you need to know before the first flake falls.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
🌨️ Winter Storm Warning 6-8 inches of snow plus sleet arriving Friday, temperatures staying below freezing through Tuesday. Your complete survival guide is inside.
🏛️ Downtown funding in limbo City board delays Main Street Fort Smith's $150K renewal despite $15M in private investment delivered last year. What happens next?
💼 $251 million in building permits Bass Pro, Amazon, and four other major projects signal continued business confidence in Fort Smith.
🎉 Basketball championship coming GAC Tournament brings free Division II March Madness to Northside Arena next month.
Stay safe this weekend, neighbors. Bundle up, stock up, and check on each other.
Did someone forward this to you? Subscribe here to get your weekly dose of Fort Smith goodness.
Your Neighbour
⚠️ WINTER STORM ALERT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
A major winter storm hits Friday afternoon and lingers through Sunday here's your action plan.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning from Friday noon through Sunday 3 PM. This is expected to be the largest winter weather event of the season, and Governor Sanders has already declared a state of emergency, directing $250,000 to disaster response.
What Fort Smith Can Expect
Timeline | What's Coming |
|---|---|
Friday 3 PM | Winter weather arrives; roads impacted by 6-10 PM |
Friday night–Saturday night | Heaviest snow and sleet |
Saturday afternoon | Brief lull before second wave |
Saturday night–Sunday | Another round of snow |
Through Tuesday | Temperatures stay below freezing |
Accumulation forecast: 6-8 inches of snow for Fort Smith and southern Sebastian County, 8-12 inches for northern Sebastian County, plus 1-1.3 inches of sleet. Wind chills could drop to -15°F.
The City Is Already Preparing
City crews have begun pretreating roads with salt brine, starting with bridges and historically problematic hills, then arterial streets. Once snow reaches plowable levels, expect plows on First Response streets first, then collector streets, then residential areas.
🏠 Protect Your Home
Pipes are the biggest risk this weekend. With temperatures staying below freezing for 4+ days:
Leave faucets dripping (especially those along exterior walls)
Wrap exposed pipes and cover outdoor spigots
Know your main water shutoff valve location and make sure everyone in your household does too
Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate
If pipes freeze: Apply gentle heat with a hair dryer (never open flames). If you can't locate or thaw the frozen section, call a licensed plumber.
🚗 If You Must Travel
Arkansas State Police urges everyone to stay off the roads from Friday evening through Sunday. If travel is unavoidable:
Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering
Start slowing much earlier than usual bridges and exit ramps freeze first
Pack an emergency kit: extra clothing, blankets, water, non-perishable food, flashlight, phone charger, ice scraper, first-aid supplies
Road hazard or non-emergency help? Dial ASP (277) to reach the nearest State Police headquarters.
📞 Essential Resources
Resource | How to Access |
|---|---|
Road conditions | IDriveArkansas.com or the IDrive Arkansas app |
OG&E power outages | outagemap.oge.com or call (800) 522-6870 or text OUT to 32001 |
Ozarks Electric outages | |
Shelter/resource help | Dial 211 or text your ZIP to 898-211 |
NWS Fort Smith forecast |
🏛️ Local Warming Shelters
If you or someone you know needs shelter from the cold:
Hope Campus 301 South E Street, Fort Smith 8 AM to 8 PM
Next Steps (Day shelter) 123 North 6th St, Ste 200, Fort Smith 8 AM to 3 PM (479) 785-5433
Gospel Rescue Mission (Van Buren) 201 Drennen St (479) 474-4163
✅ Your Prep Checklist (Complete by Friday Morning)
[ ] Stock water (1 gallon/person/day for 3 days minimum)
[ ] Non-perishable food that doesn't require cooking
[ ] Prescription medications
[ ] Flashlights and extra batteries
[ ] Phone chargers (consider a portable battery pack)
[ ] Check carbon monoxide detector batteries
[ ] Ensure outdoor pets have shelter, food, and unfrozen water
[ ] Fill your gas tank
Stay safe this weekend, neighbors. We'll have storm updates in next week's edition reply if you see anything the community should know about.
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
City board delays vote on Main Street Fort Smith's $150,000 annual funding
What this means: Fort Smith's downtown revitalization partner faces performance review after delivering $15M in private investment and 19 new businesses in 2025 study session date still TBD
Fort Smith Board of Directors postponed a funding vote on Wednesday, January 21 to examine what the city receives from its $12,500 monthly partnership with Main Street Fort Smith.
Here's what to know:
The board voted 5-2 to delay renewal of the $150,000 annual agreement until a future study session can review performance metrics
Main Street Fort Smith reported $15 million in private downtown investment and 19 new business openings in 2025
No study session date has been scheduled yet the nonprofit's funding status remains in limbo pending that review
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Fort Smith building permits hit $251 million in 2025, driven by Bass Pro and Amazon projects
What this means: Six major commercial projects valued over $10M each signal continued business investment, though total permits remain 43% below the record 2023 benchmark
Commercial construction including Bass Pro Shops' 70,000-square-foot outpost and Amazon's $14.9 million delivery station pushed Fort Smith's 2025 building permits 6.5% higher than 2024.
Here's what to know:
Total 2025 permits reached $251.11 million across 16 new commercial projects, up from $235.78 million in 2024
Major projects include Bass Pro Shops (100+ jobs planned), Amazon's 72,000-square-foot delivery station, Sam's Furniture ($10.5M), and Crain Hyundai ($10M dealership)
All six projects valued over $10 million will complete construction in 2026
Adventure curated by the brands you trust
REI Co-op and Intrepid Travel have teamed up to take you somewhere extraordinary.
Hike Nüümü Poyo, also known as the John Muir Trail, one of America's most iconic multi-day treks, while forming lasting bonds with like-minded adventurers.
Set up camp each night with iconic backdrops and get to know your fellow travelers over dinners prepared by your local trip leader, who handles all the logistics so you can focus on the adventure.
This trip is part of a curated collection of small-group adventures across 85+ destinations worldwide. And right now, REI Co-op members save 15% on this REI Exclusive trip.
For T&Cs and more info, click here.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Parrot Island Waterpark gets $2.68 million for five new slides
What this means: Five new water slides approved for installation this year, though completion may not happen before summer season opens funded from city reserves and unspent previous slide budgets
Fort Smith Board of Directors approved $2.68 million on Tuesday, January 20 for the waterpark's third major expansion since 2015, adding five new slides to boost summer recreation options.
Here's what to know:
Funding comes from $1.27 million in general fund reserves, $760,000 in sales tax interest earnings, and $655,000 in unspent previous slide funds
Construction timeline targets completion possibly before summer ends, though the park may open without the new slides initially
The 4-3 vote continues expansion momentum following a 2019 Flowrider installation ($1.28M) and 2021 tube slides ($1.09M)
Quick updates
Bank robbery suspect arrested - Fort Smith Police arrested 31-year-old Aljon Smith on Thursday, January 22, one day after a Wednesday bank robbery suspect was described as armed and extremely dangerous during the manhunt - Read more
Medical school enrollment tops 800 students - Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine now enrolls 800+ students with 76% from Arkansas and Oklahoma, operating at 150 students per class with capacity for 250 four new doctoral programs launching soon - Read more
Catholic schools receive $7.5M anonymous endowment - Christ the King, Immaculate Conception, and Trinity Catholic schools secured a $7.5 million endowment managed by First National Bank to fund tuition assistance and STEM programs through annual investment earnings - Read more
THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
GAC Basketball Championship | Thursday-Sunday, March 5-8 | Northside Arena | The top eight men's and women's teams from the Great American Conference bring March Madness to Fort Smith for four days of high-stakes Division II basketball. Free admission with food trucks, vendors, music, and activities for all ages. | Event Details
Heart of the Mission | Thursday, February 6 | 6:00 PM | The Bakery District Collection Room | Evening fundraiser supporting families residing at the Community Rescue Mission. Join the community for an evening of giving back and connection. | Event Information
Fort Smith Marathon, Half Marathon & 5 Leg Relay | Sunday, March 29 | 7:00 AM | Downtown Fort Smith | Run through historic downtown, scenic trails, and beautiful neighborhoods on this rolling course. Choose from marathon, half marathon, or 5-person relay. | Registration & Details
Fort Smith Symphony: Water & Sea | Saturday, March 7 | 7:00 PM | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Experience masterworks by Smetana (The Moldau), Handel (Water Music Suite), and Debussy (La Mer) performed by the 102nd season symphony under Music Director John Jeter. | Tickets & Info
By Category
Music & Entertainment
Austin Snell | Thursday, February 12 | The Majestic | Country artist takes the stage at the historic Garrison Avenue venue. | Tickets
Tyler Farr: Quit Bein' Country Tour | Thursday, February 19 | 6:00 PM | The Majestic | Country star Tyler Farr brings his tour to downtown Fort Smith. | Tickets
Pecos & The Rooftops | Friday, February 20 | The Majestic | Texas country band performs at 817 Garrison Avenue. | Tickets
Candlelight: Valentine's Day Special | Saturday, February 14 | 6:30 PM & 8:30 PM | United States Marshals Museum | Classical music by candlelight in the stunning museum venue. Multiple showtimes available. | Tickets from $32
The Enchanted Pig | Friday-Saturday, February 6-7 | 7:00 PM | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | UAFS Season of Entertainment presents this chamber opera. | Event Details
Family-Friendly
Bookish StoryTime | Saturdays, January 24 & 31 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM | The Bakery District | Free weekly storytime featuring a story and craft for kids of all ages. Every Saturday morning at the indie bookstore. | Event Page
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Wednesdays & Saturdays | 7:00 AM-12:00 PM (Wed/Sat) | Garrison Avenue & N. 2nd St. | Year-round market with 90+ vendors at peak season offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and local crafts. Winter hours: Saturdays 8 AM-noon. | Market Info
GAC Basketball Championship | Thursday-Sunday, March 5-8 | Northside Arena | Free family-friendly basketball tournament with food trucks, vendors, and activities. Top Division II teams compete. | Details
Sports & Fitness
Bags at The Bakery 708 Cornhole | Wednesdays, January 28 | 6:30 PM-10:30 PM | The Bakery District Collection Room | Weekly cornhole competition with competitive, intermediate, and backyard divisions. Cash payouts. Mad Ox Bar opens at 4 PM. | League Info
Eagle 5K, 10K & 13.1 | Saturday, July 4 | Ben Geren Regional Park | Independence Day race series with three distance options at Fort Smith's premier park. | Registration
Phil Christensen Memorial Hotfoot 5K-10K | Sunday, April 26 | Fort Smith Riverfront Park | Annual race honoring fallen Fort Smith Fire Department Chief Phil Christensen. Begins and ends at Riverfront Park. | Race Details
Fort Smith Marathon, Half Marathon & 5 Leg Relay | Sunday, March 29 | 7:00 AM | Downtown Fort Smith | Premier spring marathon through historic downtown and scenic trails with rolling terrain. Three race options available. | Register Now
Arts & Culture
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | Ongoing through May 27 | 1601 Rogers Avenue | Explore the RAM Annual Invitational "Our Common Ground" exhibition featuring national artists. Museum offers classes, workshops, and opening receptions. | Museum Website
United States Marshals Museum | Open Daily | 789 Riverfront Drive | Explore 235 years of law enforcement history through immersive exhibits: Hall of Honor, Frontier Marshals, and Modern Marshals galleries. | Visit Info
Fort Smith Symphony: Water & Sea | Saturday, March 7 | 7:00 PM | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Celebrate the symphony's 102nd season with Smetana's The Moldau, Handel's Water Music, and Debussy's La Mer. | Season Tickets
Education & Business
SEGUE | Wednesday, January 29 | 6:30 PM-8:30 PM | The Bakery District Cooler Room | Monthly community-building mixer focused on connection and bridging gaps. Grown-up networking in a welcoming environment. | Event Info
Business Brew | Third Tuesday Monthly | 8:00 AM-9:00 AM | Rotating Locations | Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce casual networking event. Expand your network and meet fellow chamber members. | Chamber Events
Great Futures in Bloom | Tuesday, February 10 | 5:30 PM | TBA | Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club presents an evening of friends, flowers, and futures supporting local youth programs. | More Information
Outdoor & Recreation
First Day Hikes | Available Year-Round | Lake Fort Smith State Park | Guided and self-guided hikes at nearby state parks including Lake Fort Smith, Mount Magazine, and Queen Wilhelmina. | State Parks Info
Fort Smith River Park | Open Daily | 121 Riverfront Drive | Enjoy trails, amphitheater, and scenic Arkansas River views. Home to seasonal festivals and the Levitt AMP concert series. | Park Details
Recurring Events
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Wednesday & Saturday | 7:00 AM-12:00 PM | Corner of N. 2nd & Garrison | Year-round local market. Winter: Saturdays 8 AM-noon (Dec-Feb). Spring-Fall: Wed & Sat 7 AM-noon. | Market Schedule
Bookish StoryTime | Every Saturday | 11:00 AM | The Bakery District | Free storytime and craft for kids at Fort Smith's independent bookstore. | Weekly Details
Bags at The Bakery Cornhole | Every Wednesday | 6:30 PM | The Bakery District | Weekly cornhole league with multiple skill divisions and cash prizes. | League Schedule
Trivia Night | Every Monday | 6:30 PM | Core Public House | Weekly trivia competition in downtown Fort Smith with prizes. | Venue Info
Xtreme Music Bingo | Every Tuesday | Core Public House | Music-themed bingo with beer specials and prizes for winning teams. | Details
SEGUE | Last Wednesday Monthly | 6:30 PM | The Bakery District Cooler Room | Monthly networking and community connection event. | Monthly Gathering
Levitt AMP Fort Smith Music Series | April-October (Dates TBA) | Riverfront Amphitheater | Free outdoor concert series featuring diverse musical acts. Main Street Fort Smith awarded 2026-2028 grant for continued programming. | Series Info
Quick Hits
Van Buren Steampunk Old Timers Day Festival - May 9-10 with Victorian clothing, vendors, and performances on historic Main Street - Festival Info
Luau 5K, 10K & 13.1M - Saturday, May 16 at Ben Geren Regional Park - Register
Medal Madness Race Series - December 5 with 5K, 10K, and half marathon options - Details
Fort Smith Public Library Programs - Free events for all ages including storytimes, book clubs, and educational programs - Library Calendar
The Majestic Downtown - Historic venue at 817 Garrison Ave hosts concerts, comedy, and community events - Venue Schedule
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me exploring what's happening in Fort Smith!
If this helped you stay connected to your community:
Forward it to a neighbor who'd appreciate the local intel
Reply with what you'd like us to cover next week
Share a Fort Smith business or event we should spotlight
What's your Fort Smith story? Hit reply and tell us:
A local business that deserves more attention
Community problems you'd like us to investigate
Events happening in your neighborhood
Numbers or data you wish we tracked
Fort Smith is better when we're all informed and connected. Thanks for being part of this community.
See you around town,
Your Neighbor
Rate Today’s Edition
Connect With Fort Smith Weekly
💌 Work with us:
Got news or events? Reply to this email
Advertising opportunities? Email us
Fort Smith Weekly is an independent newsletter dedicated to celebrating our community. Not affiliated with any government entity or organization.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here