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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
The snow's finally melting and we're digging out literally. After 6 inches of snow, an inch of sleet, and nearly a week of frozen temperatures, the River Valley is thawing back to life. Whether you're checking your pipes for freeze damage or just grateful your power stayed on, we've got your recovery rundown covered.
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What to expect in today’s newsletter:
💧 Storm recovery status Roads clearing, power mostly restored, but watch for pipe bursts and potholes as temperatures rise above freezing
🎢 Waterpark spending sparks police/fire pushback $6.35M slide project draws union criticism amid public safety budget cuts
✈️ Finland's F-35s land at Ebbing Second international training contract doubles foreign military presence by summer
🎵 John Jeter's Grammy moment Fort Smith Symphony's music director up for Best Classical Instrumental Solo this Sunday
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Your Neighbour
📰 STORM RECOVERY UPDATE: FORT SMITH DIGS OUT
The worst winter storm in years is behind us here's where we stand and what to know as the city recovers.
Last week's winter storm dumped 6 inches of snow on Fort Smith along with over an inch of sleet, keeping temperatures below freezing through Tuesday. Governor Sanders declared a state of emergency on January 22, and FEMA has approved federal disaster assistance for Arkansas. The storm caused widespread power outages, school closures, and dangerous road conditions across the River Valley.
Where Things Stand Now
Status | Details |
|---|---|
Roads | Main arterials cleared; ARDOT crews now focused on secondary roads including Zero Street and Highway 64 in Sebastian County |
Power | Most outages restored; check OG&E outage map or Ozarks Electric for remaining issues |
Schools | Districts resumed normal schedules this week |
Shelters | Hope Campus and Next Steps Day Shelter remain open for anyone in need |
Watch for Storm Damage
With temperatures finally rising above freezing, watch for:
Pipe bursts as frozen pipes thaw know your shutoff valve location
Potholes and road damage from freeze-thaw cycles
Ice falling from rooftops and trees as snow melts
Roof damage an Arkansas fairgrounds arena roof collapsed under the weight of snow and ice
Report water leaks by texting "water leak" to 479-777-8311 or calling 479-784-2360.
Resources
Resource | How to Access |
|---|---|
FEMA assistance | |
State storm help | |
Road conditions | |
OG&E outages | outagemap.oge.com or call (800) 522-6870 |
Shelter help | Dial 211 or text your ZIP to 898-211 |
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Parrot Island waterslide costs balloon to $6.35 million as police and fire unions push back
What this means: Water slides that were originally budgeted at $4.2 million could now cost 50% more, while public safety unions say the spending priorities are wrong given recent budget cuts to police and fire
The Parrot Island Waterpark slide project has become a flashpoint in Fort Smith's budget debate. The city has already spent $3.55 million on acquisition and prep, and a new installation bid from Royal Ridge Construction adds $2.34 million for slides plus $350,000 for site amenities bringing the total to $6.35 million.
Here's what to know:
The Board voted 4-3 on January 20 to approve more than $2 million in additional funding, drawing from unobligated project funds, Parks Sales Tax interest earnings, and deferred 2026 Parks Capital projects
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #39 and Fort Smith Firefighters IAFF Local 33 issued a joint statement criticizing the spending, saying 2026 budget cuts have "already strained our ability to provide the level of public safety our community expects and deserves"
The 2026 budget eliminated 71 vacant positions and reduced the personnel budget by $4.2 million, including cuts to 8 police officer positions and 6 firefighter positions
INFRASTRUCTURE
Fort Smith water leaks drop 89% after city crews fix nearly 2,000 in 2025
What this means: A major turnaround from the 2022 peak of 2,575 active leaks crews now averaging 5.3 repairs per day with just 78 active leaks remaining
The city's aggressive leak repair campaign delivered dramatic results in 2025, with crews repairing 1,941 leaks over the course of the year.
Here's what to know:
Active leaks dropped from 739 at the end of 2024 to just 78 by December 2025 an 89.4% reduction
Public Works Director Matt Meeker maintains five dedicated work crews and plans to eventually redirect teams toward federally mandated lead and copper line verification
Residents can report leaks by texting "water leak" to 479-777-8311 or calling 479-784-2360
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Public input favors recreation for 111-acre former ACME Brick property
What this means: More than half of survey respondents want the city-owned riverfront acreage developed with trails, a small lake, and nature-based recreation rather than sold for private development
Community feedback on the former ACME Brick Company property purchased in 2023 for $2.29 million shows strong support for recreational amenities over commercial development.
Here's what to know:
53% of respondents favor Concept 2: flood mitigation combined with a small lake, water-based recreation, hiking and biking trails, and covered shelters
28% support Concept 3, which would include selling 10-18 acres for private development (housing, restaurants, retail, eco-lodge)
Only 19% prefer Concept 1: flood mitigation only
Preliminary flood retention costs are estimated at $5-6 million, funded through the streets, bridges, and drainage budget supported by the 1% sales tax
DOWNTOWN
New CBID chair outlines vision to 'intensify' focus on downtown Fort Smith
What this means: The Central Business Improvement District is pushing forward on Cisterna Plaza an $899,000 project to create green space and a vendor row on Garrison Avenue while managing $300,000 in annual revenue from downtown property assessments
Matthew Holland, successor manager at Belle Pointe Beverages, has taken over as CBID chair from Bill Hanna with plans to accelerate downtown improvements.
Here's what to know:
Top priority is Cisterna Plaza, budgeted at approximately $899,263, which would close a short transit street between 10th and 11th streets on Garrison Avenue to create green space with mature trees and red brick
The plaza could serve as a "vendor row" for downtown events
The CBID levies an 8-mil assessment on downtown property owners generating about $300,000 annually
Recent achievements include a bike skate park, splash pad, landscaping improvements, and a downtown ambassador program
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ArcBest reports $8.1 million loss in fourth quarter amid freight industry headwinds
What this means: Fort Smith's largest publicly traded employer posted its first quarterly loss in over a year $8.12 million versus $29 million profit same quarter last year signaling continued pressure on local trucking sector jobs and tax revenue
Fort Smith-based ArcBest lost $8.12 million in Q4 2025 (36 cents per share), reversing a $29 million profit from the same quarter in 2024, while full-year net income dropped 65% to $60.1 million despite revenue of $4 billion.
Here's what to know:
Annual earnings fell from $173.4 million in 2024 to $60.1 million in 2025, though the company exceeded Wall Street revenue forecasts at $972.7 million for Q4
The quarterly loss included a $9.1 million non-cash impairment charge, with the asset-light segment posting a $9.9 million operating loss driven by 5.8% lower revenue per shipment
New CEO Seth Runser expressed confidence in advancing the company's strategic plan despite freight market headwinds, noting tonnage and shipments per day increased in the quarter
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Finland's first F-35 fighter jet arrives at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, 20 pilots to begin training in May
What this means: Fort Smith secures second international F-35 training contract with 8 Finnish jets joining 8 Polish aircraft doubling foreign military presence and flight operations at Ebbing by summer 2026
Ebbing Air National Guard Base received Finland's first F-35 Lightning II on January 21, with seven more Finnish jets arriving over coming months and approximately 20 Finnish pilots expected to begin a two-year training program in May.
Here's what to know:
The base now hosts pilots from two countries, with Polish pilots and 8 aircraft already training since December 2024 expanding to 16 total F-35s by summer 2026
Finnish Air Force Col. Tuukka Elonheimo called it "a historic day" and "concrete milestone," while base commander Col. Nick Ihde said the goal is building Finland's "first initial cadre" of pilots who can return home to train others
Fort Smith was selected because the base "is not in the way of many major commercial air traffic routes," allowing expanded international flight operations without disrupting civilian air travel
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REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Crawford County approves $17.9 million Van Buren river port expansion that could double River Valley barge traffic by 2030
What this means: New 1,000-foot slackwater harbor south of Five Rivers terminal expands capacity from 6 to 21 barges each barge replacing 134 semitrucks on Fort Smith-area highways with construction starting after federal approval in spring/summer 2027
The Crawford County Levee District No. 1 board unanimously approved construction plans January 29 for a $17.9 million slackwater harbor in Van Buren that will feature 2,000 feet of dock space and could double regional tonnage handled by approximately 2030.
Here's what to know:
The U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration committed $15 million, with Five Rivers Distribution providing the required 20% local match of $3.77 million
Construction plans are 90% complete, with the harbor located south of existing Five Rivers terminal west of U.S. 59 near where Riverfront Road curves to become River Road East
Final federal approval of design and engineering plans is required before construction begins, anticipated for spring or summer 2027
Quick updates
Fort Smith Symphony's John Jeter nominated for Grammy - Music Director John Jeter is nominated for Best Classical Instrumental Solo at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1 for his recording of Florence Price's Piano Concerto with pianist Han Chen Jeter is the only conductor to have recorded every known orchestral work by Florence Price - Read more
ArcBest Q4 loss - Fort Smith's largest publicly traded employer lost $8.12 million in Q4, reversing a $29 million profit from Q4 2024 full-year net income dropped 65% to $60.1 million amid freight market headwinds - Read more
Finnish F-35s land at Ebbing - Finland's first F-35 arrived January 21, with 7 more jets and 20 pilots coming by May doubling international military presence alongside Polish aircraft already training - Read more
Van Buren river port expansion approved - Crawford County approved a $17.9 million slackwater harbor that could double River Valley barge traffic by 2030 $15 million in federal funding secured - Read more
Bank robbery arrest - Oklahoma City man Aljon Smith, 31, arrested January 23 by U.S. Marshals in connection with January 21 robbery on Rogers Avenue no injuries reported - Read more
Fort Smith Transit cuts take effect - The Rogers Supercenter Route and Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) have been discontinued as of January 19, Saturday hours shortened to 9 AM-4 PM, and no holiday service in 2026 changes driven by a $150,000 budget reduction and two vacant driver positions - Read more
911 dispatch consolidated under regional center - Police Chief Danny Baker transferred the department's communications unit to the River Valley Communications Center (RVCC), calling it "an historic milestone for public safety communications" full Sebastian County consolidation expected by 2027 under state mandate - Read more
Main Street Fort Smith survey: more music and family events wanted - Nearly 1,200 survey responses show downtown visitors want more live music and family-oriented events, helping shape Main Street Fort Smith's 2026-30 work plan - Read more
📢 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Reader Recommendations
The Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters Bluegrass Double-Header
Grand Ole Opry performers bring two free shows to Fort Smith area
The Alaskan Sunnyside Sisters yes, actual Alaskans who've graced the Grand Ole Opry stage are swinging through our corner of Arkansas this Sunday with back-to-back bluegrass performances. Morning gospel, evening traditional. Pick your flavor or catch both.
Two chances to see them:
🎵 10am Bluegrass Gospel | Victory Church, 3912 Brooken Hill Dr, Fort Smith Perfect Sunday morning fare tight harmonies, acoustic instrumentation, and gospel standards done right.
🎵 6pm Traditional Bluegrass | Greenwood Fairgrounds The evening set pivots to traditional bluegrass repertoire fiddle, banjo, mandolin, the works.
The details: 📍 Victory Church (morning) / Greenwood Fairgrounds (evening) 🕑 10am & 6pm Sunday 💰 Free admission (both shows) 📞 479-322-9843 for more info
Why this matters: Grand Ole Opry performers don't roll through the River Valley every week. Free admission makes this a no-brainer family outing or a solid excuse to skip the usual Sunday routine.
📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
Fort Smith Symphony's John Jeter at the Grammys | Sunday, February 1 | Los Angeles, CA | Our own Music Director John Jeter is at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards today as a nominee for Best Classical Instrumental Solo. Tune in to cheer on Fort Smith's Grammy nominee. | Fort Smith Symphony
Heart of the Mission | Friday, February 6 | 6:00 PM | The Bakery District Collection Room | Fundraising event benefiting families residing at the Community Rescue Mission. An evening of community support and connection. | Event Details
Kolby Cooper & Austin Snell | Thursday, February 12 | 7:00 PM | The Majestic | Texas country-rock powerhouse Kolby Cooper teams up with grunge-country artist Austin Snell for a high-energy double bill at Fort Smith's premier live music venue. | Get Tickets
Fort Smith Dine Local Week | February 22-28 | Various Locations | 30 participating restaurants offer exclusive menus, special pricing, and signature dishes during Fort Smith's annual celebration of local dining. | Details
By Category
Music & Entertainment
Kolby Cooper & Austin Snell | Thursday, February 12 | 7:00 PM | The Majestic | Country-rock double bill featuring two rising stars. Tickets starting at $51. | Get 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
Tyler Farr: Quit Bein' Country Tour | Thursday, February 19 | 7:00 PM | The Majestic | Country hitmaker Tyler Farr brings his tour to Fort Smith. Doors at 6:00 PM. | Get Tickets
Pecos & The Rooftops with Parker Ryan | Friday, February 20 | 7:00 PM | The Majestic | Rising Texas country favorites with special guest Parker Ryan. Doors at 6:00 PM. | Get Tickets
Taj Farrant | Sunday, February 22 | 6:30 PM | The Majestic | Australian guitar prodigy showcases his blues mastery. Doors at 5:30 PM. | Get Tickets
William Clark Green with Aiden Logsdon | Saturday, February 28 | 7:00 PM | The Majestic | Texas music veteran closes out the month. Doors at 6:00 PM. | Get Tickets
Sister Act: A Divine Musical | February 26 (Thursday) - March 1 (Sunday) | 7:00 PM | King Opera House, Van Buren | The beloved musical comedy comes to life at the historic King Opera House. | King Opera House
Family-Friendly
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Saturday in February | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM | North 2nd & Garrison | Winter market with fresh produce, baked goods, and local artisan products from 90+ vendors. | Market Info
Storytime at Fort Smith Public Library | Weekly | Various Times | Multiple Locations | Free storytimes at all four library branches: Main Library (Thursdays 10 AM), Windsor Drive (Mondays 10 AM), Dallas Street (Wednesdays 10 AM), Miller Branch (Fridays 10 AM). | Library Events
Bookish StoryTime | Every Saturday | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM | The Bakery District | Free weekly storytime with a story and craft for kids of all ages at the indie bookstore. | Event Page
Sports & Fitness
Viking 5K, 10K & Half Marathon | Saturday, February 7 | Fort Smith | First Viking race of the month with three distance options for all fitness levels. | Race Info
Viking 5K, 10K & Half Marathon | Saturday, February 21 | Fort Smith | Second Viking race opportunity this month. | Race Info
Bags at The Bakery 708 Cornhole | Every Wednesday | 6:30 PM-10:30 PM | The Bakery District Collection Room | Weekly cornhole competition with competitive, intermediate, and backyard divisions. Cash payouts. | League Info
Arts & Culture
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | Ongoing | Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM | 1601 Rogers Avenue | Explore the RAM Annual Invitational "Our Common Ground" exhibition featuring national artists. Free admission. | Visit RAM
United States Marshals Museum | Daily | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM | 789 Riverfront Drive | Explore 235 years of law enforcement history through immersive exhibits including the Hall of Honor, Frontier Marshals, and Modern Marshals galleries. | Museum Info
Sister Act: A Divine Musical | February 26 (Thursday) - March 1 (Sunday) | 7:00 PM | King Opera House, Van Buren | Live theater at Van Buren's beautifully restored historic opera house. | King Opera House
Education & Business
Heart of the Mission | Friday, February 6 | 6:00 PM | The Bakery District Collection Room | Evening fundraiser supporting families at the Community Rescue Mission. | Event Details
Great Futures in Bloom | Tuesday, February 10 | 5:30 PM | Location TBA | Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club presents an evening of friends, flowers, and futures supporting youth programs. | More Information
Business Brew Networking | Tuesday, February 17 (Third Tuesday) | 8:00-9:00 AM | Rotating Location | Monthly Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce networking event. Free for Chamber members. | Chamber Events
Baptist Health Stroke Support Group | Thursday, February 5 (First Thursday) | 11:00 AM | Marvin Altman Fitness Center | Free monthly support group covering mobility exercises, post-stroke care, and prevention. Virtual attendance available. | Baptist Health
Outdoor & Recreation
Ben Geren Regional Park | Year-Round | Daily | Ben Geren Regional Park | Over 1,300 acres with walking trails, mountain bike trails, and fitness trails. | Park Info
Fort Smith Riverfront Trails | Year-Round | Daily | Riverfront Park | Scenic walking and biking trails along the Arkansas River. | Trail Info
Recurring Events
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Saturday | 8:00 AM-12:00 PM | North 2nd & Garrison | Weekly winter market with local vendors and fresh produce. | Market Info
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
Business Brew | Third Tuesday Monthly | 8:00-9:00 AM | Rotating Locations | Fort Smith Chamber networking event. February meeting on the 17th. | Chamber Events
Quick Hits
Fort Smith Dine Local Week - 30 restaurants, exclusive menus, support local dining - February 22-28 | Details
Five Majestic Concerts in February - Kolby Cooper & Austin Snell (Feb 12), Tyler Farr (Feb 19), Pecos & The Rooftops (Feb 20), Taj Farrant (Feb 22), William Clark Green (Feb 28) | Majestic Shows
Candlelight Valentine's Special - Classical music by candlelight at the Marshals Museum - Saturday, February 14 | Tickets
Fort Smith Marathon, Half Marathon & 5 Leg Relay - Sunday, March 29 downtown - registration open now | Register
GAC Basketball Championship - March 5-8 at Northside Arena, free admission with food trucks and activities | Details
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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See you around town,
Your Neighbor
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