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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️

Seventy degrees in February - that's the kind of Sunday that sends the whole city outside, and we're not complaining. Enjoy the warmth while it lasts, because the 40s are moving back in by midweek.

We're 60 subscribers from 2,000. Fort Smith Weekly just crossed 1,940 readers - nearly double where we started. That's because of you. Help us hit the milestone this week: forward this email to one person who'd want the inside track on what's happening in Fort Smith. One forward, one neighbor, one tap.

What to expect in today’s newsletter:

A mayoral race takes shape - City Director Christina Catsavis filed to run on a fiscal oversight platform, and the Parrot Island waterslide saga just landed in court. Your tax dollars, your vote, your business.
$16,000 turned into $101,000 downtown - Main Street's mini-grant program just proved what small investments can do when local business owners show up.
Valentine's by candlelight - A string quartet inside the Marshals Museum, Kolby Cooper at The Majestic, and the Boys & Girls Club fundraiser all hit this week.
Dine Local Week is coming - 30 restaurants, special menus, and the best excuse you'll have all month to skip cooking. Mark February 22-28.

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—Your Neighbour

📰 Fort Smith News You Can Use

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS

City Director Christina Catsavis launches mayoral campaign focused on fiscal oversight

What this means: November election adds first confirmed candidate advocating stricter budget controls after multiple capital projects exceeded initial cost estimates

Fort Smith City Director Christina Catsavis announced her mayoral candidacy February 5, bringing fiscal responsibility debates directly into the 2026 race after opposing the Parrot Island waterslide expansion that grew from $2.1 million to $7 million.

Here's what to know:

Election filing period runs July 29-August 5, general election November 3, potential runoff December 1
Catsavis, owner of The Smith Jewelry & Living, pushed through an ordinance requiring board study sessions before approving capital projects exceeding $100,000 not already budgeted
Her platform includes establishing a regular small business council and creating a senior citizen internship program in the mayor's office
She's planning at least a $24,000 campaign budget for the race

Read the full article

PUBLIC SAFETY

Lawsuit seeks to block Parrot Island waterslide installation over bidding violations

What this means: Attorney challenges $2.68 million Royal Ridge contract awarded without competitive bidding—could delay summer 2026 opening if court grants injunction

Fort Smith attorney Joey McCutchen filed a February 3 lawsuit alleging the Board of Directors violated state and city codes by waiving competitive bidding requirements for the five-waterslide project at Ben Geren Regional Park.

Here's what to know:

The legal challenge centers on the city's January 20 approval of a $2.68 million contract with Royal Ridge Construction without the bidding process required by law
McCutchen's complaint cites Royal Ridge's history of backing out of a previous sewer system contract award as evidence that "strict adherence to competitive bidding requirements" was necessary
The city claims "exigent circumstances" justify the expedited process to have slides operational for summer 2026 season
Installation had not begun as of February 4 when the lawsuit became public

Read the full article

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Fort Smith plastic manufacturer settles $3.3 million PPP loan dispute with federal government

What this means: QP Holdings repaying full loan amount in settlement with U.S. Attorney's Office—resolving allegations tied to pandemic-era business relief program

Fort Smith-based QP Holdings LLC, a plastic engineering company, agreed to repay $3.3 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans to resolve federal allegations announced February 6.

Here's what to know:

The settlement involves PPP funds distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic through the U.S. District Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts
QP Holdings operates in Fort Smith's manufacturing sector, one of the city's key employment industries
The company will repay the full $3.3 million as part of the resolution

Read the full article

Quick updates

Downtown improvements leveraged 6:1 private investment - Main Street Fort Smith's $16,000 in mini-grants to 8 businesses supported over $101,000 in total downtown improvements including awnings, masonry, and facade work - Read more
ACHE adding four graduate healthcare programs - Arkansas College of Health Education launches three doctoral programs (Executive Leadership, Medical Science, Public Health) summer 2026 plus a Physician Associate master's program fall 2028, creating 148 student slots - Read more
188th Logistics Squadron wins Air National Guard's top team award - Team Ebbing Lightning Logistics received General Mark A. Welsh III "One Air Force" Award, recognizing improved mission effectiveness through integrated solutions with Poland's F-35 training program - Read more
River Valley Career Launch set for March 10 - Fort Smith Public Schools, UAFS, and Regional Chamber partnering on free career expo and hiring event connecting students with regional employers after February 2-3 Industry Days highlighted CTE credentials - Read more
Discover Fort Smith director of sales retiring after 11 years - Amy Jones stepping down February 20 from tourism organization role that positioned Fort Smith as regional destination for conventions and visitors - Read more📅 This Week in Fort Smith

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_{Educational only. Not investment or tax advice.}

📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH

Must-Attend Events

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 local youth programs. An annual fundraiser helping develop the next generation of community leaders. | Event Details

Candlelight Valentine's Day Special | Saturday, February 14 | 6:30 PM | U.S. Marshals Museum | Romance meets music in this intimate Valentine's Day concert featuring a string quartet performing timeless love songs by candlelight. 60 mesmerizing minutes perfect for date night. Tickets start at $32. | Tickets

Fort Smith Dine Local Week | Sunday, February 22 - Saturday, February 28 | Various Locations | Fort Smith's biggest food celebration returns! 30 participating restaurants showcase special menus, discounts, and limited-time offers highlighting the city's diverse culinary scene. | Event Details

Sister Act: A Divine Musical | Thursday, February 26 - Sunday, March 1 | 7:00 PM | King Opera House, Van Buren | The beloved story of Deloris Van Cartier hiding out in a convent comes to life on stage with powerhouse vocals, dazzling choreography, and uplifting messages of friendship and faith. | Tickets

By Category

Music & Entertainment

Family-Friendly

Fort Smith Public Library Black History Month: Reclaiming Our Roots | Sunday, February 15 | 2:00 PM | Fort Smith Public Library | Free program featuring Rooted Movement Collective exploring Black history and heritage. Part of month-long Black History Month programming. | Library Events

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

Sports & Fitness

Medal Madness 5K, 10K & Half Marathon | Saturday, February 21 | Fort Smith | Run or walk your choice of distances in this medal-earning race event. | Registration

Arts & Culture

Education & Business

Outdoor & Recreation

Recurring Events

Xtreme Music Bingo | Every Tuesday | Core Public House | Music-themed bingo with beer specials and prizes for winning teams. | Details

Quick Hits

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
Black History Month at the Library - Reclaiming Our Roots program Sunday, February 15 plus scavenger hunts and special programs all month | Library Events
Candlelight Valentine's Special - Classical music by candlelight at the Marshals Museum - Saturday, February 14 | Tickets
Fort Smith Dine Local Week - 30 restaurants, exclusive menus, support local dining - Sunday, February 22 through Saturday, February 28 | Details
GAC Basketball Championship - March 5-8 (Thursday through Sunday) at Northside Arena, free admission with food trucks and activities | Details
Fort Smith Marathon, Half Marathon & 5 Leg Relay - Sunday, March 29 downtown - registration open now | Register
River Valley Career Launch - Free career expo and hiring event Tuesday, March 10 | Details

👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK

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Your Neighbor

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🏙️ FORT SMITH WEEKLY #44

📰 Fort Smith News You Can Use

City Director Christina Catsavis launches mayoral campaign focused on fiscal oversight

Lawsuit seeks to block Parrot Island waterslide installation over bidding violations

Fort Smith plastic manufacturer settles $3.3 million PPP loan dispute with federal government

Money Management Making You Mad?

📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH

Must-Attend Events

By Category

Music & Entertainment

Family-Friendly

Sports & Fitness

Arts & Culture

Education & Business

Outdoor & Recreation

Recurring Events

Quick Hits

👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK

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