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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Mid-February sunshine pushing into the mid-60s today with near-70s all week the kind of stretch that gets you out on the Riverfront trails and reminds you spring is closer than the calendar admits. Downtown's stacking up a packed week, from Black History at the Bakery to Tyler Farr at TempleLive to the Home Show taking over the Convention Center with 140+ vendors.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
🏥 Healthcare Milestone – UAFS secures $15 million to build a maternal healthcare center tackling Arkansas's worst-in-the-nation mortality rate
⚖️ Community Watch – Board orders Parrot Island audit as separate lawsuit challenges $2.68 million no-bid waterslide contract
🔧 Infrastructure Play – City eyes Elon Musk's Boring Company for help with a $148-$225 million water line under the Arkansas River
🍽️ Dine Local Week – 30 restaurants, exclusive menus, one week to eat your way across Fort Smith starting February 22
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Your Neighbour
📰 Fort Smith News You Can Use
HEALTHCARE & EDUCATION
UAFS secures $15 million in federal funding for maternal and infant healthcare center
What this means: First installment of $30 million package will build a state-of-the-art training facility as Arkansas battles the nation's highest maternal mortality rate
U.S. Sen. John Boozman announced February 2 that $15 million in federal funding has been approved to construct a Center for Mother and Infant Healthcare on the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith campus.
Here's what to know:
The funding will build and equip 16,300 square feet on the ground floor of a two-story facility, including simulation labs for obstetric and pediatric care training
A 250-seat high-tech lecture hall will host interdisciplinary education, professional development, and industry conferences with healthcare partners including Mercy, Baptist Health, and UAMS
Arkansas has the highest maternal mortality rate in the U.S., with 92.2 pregnancy-associated deaths per 100,000 live births between 2018-2020
The $15 million is the first installment of a $30 million federal spending package for the center
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MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Fort Smith board unanimously approves audit of Parrot Island Waterpark finances
What this means: The $30,000-$40,000 independent audit comes as a separate lawsuit challenges the city's $2.68 million waterslide contract awarded without competitive bidding
The Fort Smith Board of Directors voted unanimously on February 3 to hire Fort Smith-based firm Forvis Mazars to audit Parrot Island Waterpark's finances, examining unpaid debts from 2024 that carried into 2025.
Here's what to know:
The audit will cost $30,000 to $40,000 and focus on the park's 2025 finances and outstanding debts
Separately, attorney Joey McCutchen filed a February 3 lawsuit alleging the board violated state and city codes by waiving competitive bidding for the $2.68 million waterslide installation contract with Royal Ridge Construction
The city claims "exigent circumstances" justified the expedited process to have slides operational for summer 2026
Directors Kevin Settle, Lee Kemp, Andre Good, and Jarred Rego voted to approve the slide installation in January; Directors Neal Martin, Christina Catsavis, and George Catsavis voted against
INFRASTRUCTURE
City explores Boring Company partnership for $148-$225 million water transmission line project
What this means: Fort Smith is eyeing Elon Musk's tunneling company's free one-mile tunnel contest as a potential boost to its massive water infrastructure needs
Fort Smith is considering applying to The Boring Company's "Tunnel Vision Challenge," which would build a free one-mile, 12-foot-diameter tunnel for the winning applicant, as part of its effort to construct a 48-inch water transmission line under the Arkansas River.
Here's what to know:
The full water transmission line project is estimated at $148 million to $225 million
The Boring Company's submission deadline is February 23, with the winner announced March 23
The board reviewed a proposed 2026 water system capital improvement plan of $53.7 million during a February 10 study session
Possible funding sources for unfunded projects include rate increases, impact fees, and volume surcharges
GOVERNANCE
Board debates third-party accountability ordinance amid waterslide spending controversy
What this means: Proposed ordinance would require disclosure of financial interests and compensation for intermediaries in city transactions a direct response to Parrot Island management questions
Director Christina Catsavis proposed a new ordinance during the February 10 study session that would establish accountability standards for third-party intermediaries in city transactions, referencing deficiencies involving American Resort Management (ARM), Parrot Island's manager since 2015.
Here's what to know:
The ordinance would require contractors, operators, management companies, consultants, and brokers to disclose their role, financial interests, compensation, and pricing details before board approval
The board was scheduled to vote on the ordinance February 17
Directors Lee Kemp and Kevin Settle expressed skepticism, with Settle calling the waterslide issue a "one-off" not requiring new legislation
Catsavis also announced her candidacy for mayor on February 5, running on a fiscal oversight platform
Quick updates
Board approves $150K annual Main Street funding Directors voted 6-1 to fund Main Street Fort Smith at $12,500/month through 2026, with two renewal options; Director Jarred Rego said downtown would be "worse off" without the program - Read more
Downtown mini-grants leverage 6:1 private investment Main Street Fort Smith's $16,000 in grants to 8 businesses supported over $101,000 in facade improvements including awnings, masonry, and exterior paint, with $15 million in private downtown investment in 2025 and 19 new businesses opened - Read more
Fort Smith Transit cuts Saturday service, drops route Budget-driven $150,000 reduction eliminates the Rogers Supercenter Route, changes Saturday hours to 9 AM-4 PM for fixed routes, and ends holiday limited service for 2026 - Read more
Director Neal Martin seeks third term At-large Position 7 director announces reelection bid, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and addressing homelessness to support downtown tourism and business; filing period opens July 29 - Read more
Board considers renewing spay/neuter program Directors are on track to restore the popular voucher program cut in the 2026 budget; the program treated 2,318 animals in 2024 and 1,523 in 2025 before funding was halted - Read more
Next Step homeless neighborhood nears groundbreaking Building permit issued for $5.57 million in new construction at 816 S. Sixth Street; the $6.1 million project includes an 8,000-sq-ft service building with kitchen, laundry, and offices; groundbreaking pending federal grant paperwork with 18-month construction timeline - Read more
I-49 Senate appropriations include $15.8 million Federal package also directs $8.1 million to Port of Fort Smith for warehouse capacity; the first 3.1-mile construction phase from Highway 22 to Gun Club Road is underway at $282.5 million - Read more
📅 This Week in Fort Smith
Must-Attend Events
Black History at the Bakery | Thursday, February 19 | The Bakery District | All-day programming featuring student tours, panel discussions on the landmark Rogers v. Paul desegregation case, NAACP youth panels, and screening of award-winning documentary "Colbert: All Students Can Learn." Morning sessions 9 AM-noon; evening programs begin at 5 PM. | Event Details
Fort Smith Home Show | Friday-Sunday, February 20-22 | Fort Smith Convention Center | Over 140 vendors showcasing products and services for homeowners, builders, and design enthusiasts. Friday 12-6 PM, Saturday 10 AM-6 PM, Sunday 12-5 PM. | Event Info
Dine Local Week | Sunday, February 22 - Saturday, February 28 | 30 Fort Smith Restaurants | Explore Fort Smith's vibrant food scene with special menus, discounts, and limited-time offers at 30 participating restaurants across the city. | Full Restaurant List
And Then There Were None | Thursday, February 19 - Saturday, February 28 | Fort Smith Little Theatre | Agatha Christie's best-selling mystery comes to life on stage. Fort Smith Little Theatre's 2026 season opener. | Theatre Info
By Category
Music & Entertainment
Tyler Farr: Quit Bein' Country Tour | Thursday, February 19, 8 PM | TempleLive Fort Smith | Country music star Tyler Farr brings his tour to downtown Fort Smith. Doors at 7 PM. All ages. | Tickets
Pecos & The Rooftops | Friday, February 20, 7 PM | The Majestic | Texas country band performs at 817 Garrison Ave. Doors at 7 PM. | Tickets
William Clark Green w/ Aiden Logsdon | Saturday, February 28, 7 PM | TempleLive Fort Smith | Texas singer-songwriter William Clark Green with opening act Aiden Logsdon. | Tickets
Blues Jam at The Bakery | Sunday, February 15, 1-6 PM | The Bakery District Patio | Free afternoon of blues music on the patio. Third Sunday recurring event. | Details
Family-Friendly
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Saturday, 8 AM-12 PM | North 2nd & Garrison | Year-round market featuring fresh produce, artisan goods, baked items, and local crafts. | Market Info
Bookish StoryTime | Saturdays, February 21 & 28, 11 AM-12 PM | The Bakery District | Story and craft activities for children. Free admission. | Event Page
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
Bikes at the Bakery | Friday, February 20, 6-8 PM | The Bakery District | Group social ride through Fort Smith. Third Friday recurring event. | Details
Bags at The Bakery 708 Cornhole | Wednesdays, February 18 & 25, 6:30-10:30 PM | The Bakery District Collection Room | Weekly cornhole competition with competitive, intermediate, and backyard divisions. Cash payouts. | League Info
Arts & Culture
Black History at the Bakery | Thursday, February 19 | The Bakery District | Full-day programming: elementary student tours and film screenings (9 AM-noon), "The Road to Desegregation" panel on Rogers v. Paul Supreme Court case (5 PM), NAACP Young Adult Committee panel "Black History in the Making" (6 PM), screening of "Colbert: All Students Can Learn" (7:45 PM). | Event Details
And Then There Were None | February 19-28 | Fort Smith Little Theatre | Agatha Christie's classic mystery adapted for the stage. Check theatre website for showtimes. | Tickets
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | Ongoing | Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM | 1601 Rogers Avenue | Explore current exhibitions. 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. | Museum Info
Education & Business
SEGUE | Thursday, February 26, 6:30-8:30 PM | The Bakery District Cooler Room | Monthly community-building mixer focused on connection and bridging gaps. Live music and networking. | Details
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 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. | 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
Blues Jam | Third Sunday Monthly | 1:00 PM-6:00 PM | Bakery District Patio | Free blues performances on the outdoor patio. | Details
Bikes at the Bakery | Third Friday Monthly | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM | The Bakery District | Social group bike ride through downtown. | Details
SEGUE | Last Thursday Monthly | 6:30 PM | The Bakery District Cooler Room | Monthly community mixer. | Monthly Gathering
Quick Hits
Presidents' Day All Fort Smith Public Library locations closed Monday, February 16
Three Concerts This Week Tyler Farr (Thursday, Feb 19), Pecos & The Rooftops (Friday, Feb 20), William Clark Green (Saturday, Feb 28) | TempleLive | The Majestic
Dine Local Week 30 restaurants, exclusive menus, support local dining Sunday, February 22 through Saturday, February 28 | Details
Fort Smith Home Show 140+ vendors at Convention Center Friday-Sunday, February 20-22 | Details
Fort Smith Marathon, Half Marathon & 5 Leg Relay Sunday, March 29 downtown registration open now | Register
GAC Basketball Championship March 5-8 (Thursday through Sunday) at Northside Arena, free admission with food trucks and activities | Details
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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