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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Big week. The city reversed course on the Parrot Island waterslide contract after public pressure and a lawsuit forced the board's hand. Meanwhile, engineers dropped a number that should concern every homeowner in the city: $380 million in unfunded water infrastructure needs, with deficit budgets starting late this year. Not exactly the Sunday morning reading you wanted, but it's the reading you need.
Not all heavy though. The Port of Fort Smith just landed $8.1 million in federal money to rebuild rail operations wiped out in the 2019 flood. Dine Local Week kicks off today with 30 restaurants running exclusive menus. And the spay/neuter program is back after residents made enough noise to get it refunded.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
🎭 The full breakdown on the Parrot Island reversal and what the new bidding timeline means
🧑🔬 Why city engineers are calling the water system "crisis mode" and what that means for your rates
💰 $8.1M port expansion bringing 90,000 square feet of new warehouse capacity
📜 New accountability rules for third-party contractors after 6-1 board vote
🍔 Dine Local Week restaurant list, William Clark Green at TempleLive, and GAC basketball tournament details
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—Your Neighbour
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Board reverses course on Parrot Island waterslides — will seek competitive bids
What this means: After a lawsuit and weeks of public pressure, the city is abandoning the controversial $1.059 million no-bid Royal Ridge contract and opening the project to competitive bidding — delaying the timeline by at least 30 days
Director Lee Kemp — who originally worked directly with Royal Ridge Construction — proposed during the February 17 board meeting that the city rescind its January 20 no-bid contract and issue a formal request for competitive bids instead.
Here's what to know:
The board took no formal vote Tuesday but two directors agreed to place rescission of the January 20 ordinance on the March 3 agenda
New timeline: bids posted February 22, board reviews by March 10, vote on March 17 — a 30-day delay from the original plan
The original $2.689 million project is now split into two separately bid projects: concrete foundations/plumbing/pump house, and pool equipment/pumps/pipes ($600,000 estimated)
CSM Waterworks will handle the actual water slide installation after structural work is complete
Attorney Joey McCutchen's lawsuit alleging competitive bidding violations remains active
INFRASTRUCTURE
City engineers warn Fort Smith water system operates in 'crisis mode' with $380 million in unfunded needs
What this means: The system serving tens of thousands of residents has had five near-crisis events in five years, loses 36% of its water to leaks and failing meters, and faces deficit budgets starting late 2026
City engineers delivered a stark assessment of Fort Smith's water infrastructure during a series of February study sessions, warning that critical failures are not a matter of "if" but "when."
Here's what to know:
Capital improvement projections show $380.864 million in unfunded water system needs through 2035, with deficit budgets beginning at the end of 2026
The city cannot account for 36% of its water due to failing meters, leaks, and hydrant flushing
Deputy Director Jimmie Johnson stated: "It's not a matter of if lines fail, it's a matter of when"
Water demand could exceed 45 million gallons per day on 64 days by 2030 without improvements
Priority needs include Lake Fort Smith treatment plant upgrades, a new 48-inch transmission line under the Arkansas River ($148-$225 million alone), and replacing 40,000+ aging water meters ($20-$48 million)
Director Lance McAvoy warned: "We are one catastrophe away from being the next West Helena or Jackson, Mississippi"
Funding options are limited to rate increases, impact fees, or volume surcharges — the voter-approved sales tax reallocation ($360 million over 30 years) is committed to sewer consent decree compliance
GOVERNANCE
Board approves accountability ordinance 6-1, restores spay/neuter program unanimously
What this means: Two significant votes from the February 17 meeting — new transparency rules for third-party contractors, and $150,000 to restart the popular animal welfare program cut in last year's budget
The Fort Smith Board of Directors approved Director Christina Catsavis's third-party accountability ordinance by a 6-1 vote and unanimously restored funding for the spay and neuter voucher program during their February 17 regular meeting.
Here's what to know:
The accountability ordinance requires third-party intermediaries to disclose their role, financial interests, compensation, and pricing details before the board approves any transaction
Director Jarred Rego cast the lone dissenting vote; Director Lee Kemp expressed concern about "overcorrection" but ultimately voted yes
City attorney Colby Roe clarified the ordinance provides legal recourse only if intermediaries "knowingly omitted" information or used misleading data
Catsavis said the measure addresses broader governance gaps, not just the Parrot Island controversy
The spay/neuter program receives $150,000 to restart after being cut in August 2025 budget reductions
The program provides $100 vouchers covering spay/neuter, rabies vaccination, and microchipping — residents self-verify income eligibility online
Before funding was cut, the program treated 2,318 animals in 2024 and 1,523 in 2025
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Port of Fort Smith secures $8.1 million federal grant to rebuild rail operations destroyed in 2019 flood
What this means: Three new warehouses adding 90,000 square feet will expand the port's capacity to handle nearly 1,000 rail cars annually, serving 17 western states — completion expected by early 2027
The Port of Fort Smith will undergo a major expansion funded by $8.1 million in federal appropriations secured by U.S. Senator John Boozman, rebuilding infrastructure "substantially destroyed" during the historic May 2019 Arkansas River flood.
Here's what to know:
The grant funds construction of 2-3 new warehouses of 30,000 square feet each, adding to the existing 120,000 square feet of storage
The city must provide a 20% local match of $1.62 million from the port authority
The expanded port will handle nearly 1,000 rail cars annually, with each car carrying 100 tons of bulk animal feeds, poultry/cattle supplements, and manufacturing wire coils
The 28-acre facility was devastated when the Arkansas River crested at 40.26 feet in May 2019 — surpassing the 22-foot flood stage and the 1945 record of 38.1 feet
Construction is expected to take approximately 6 months, with completion no later than Q1 2027
Port President Marty Shell: "In no way would we have received this money without" Senator Boozman's advocacy
Quick updates
UAFS health innovation center details released — The $30 million, 30,000-square-foot Center for Health Innovation will include a fear-free delivery simulation program, 250-seat lecture hall, extended reality labs, and a new respiratory therapy program; funded by $15M federal and a $9.9M Windgate Foundation gift - Read more
Tourism leads Fort Smith metro job growth — Leisure and hospitality added 500 jobs in December (8,900 to 9,400), the sector's strongest year-over-year gain and a 17.5% increase since 2020; overall metro employment hit 105,200 with 0.7% annual growth - Read more
Fort Smith Home Show draws 140+ vendors — The Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders' annual show runs through today (Sunday) at the Convention Center, featuring construction, remodeling, flooring, outdoor living, and financing exhibits - Read more
Dine Local Week kicks off today — 30 Fort Smith restaurants launch exclusive menus, special pricing, and limited-time dishes through Saturday, February 28; full restaurant list at discoverfortsmith.com/dinelocal - Read more
And Then There Were None running through Saturday — Fort Smith Little Theatre's 2026 season opener, Agatha Christie's classic mystery, continues performances through February 28 - Read more
Fort Smith bank robbery suspect gets more time — Oklahoma man accused of armed robbery at First National Bank on Rogers Avenue given another week to hire an attorney and enter plea - Read more
THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
Dine Local Week | Sunday, February 22 - Saturday, February 28 | 30 Fort Smith Restaurants | Fort Smith's biggest food celebration is here! Exclusive menus, special pricing, and limited-time dishes at 30 participating restaurants. | Full Restaurant List
And Then There Were None | Through Saturday, February 28 | Fort Smith Little Theatre | Agatha Christie's best-selling mystery on stage. Check theatre website for remaining showtimes. | Tickets
GAC Basketball Championship | Thursday, March 5 - Sunday, March 8 | Northside Arena | The Great American Conference basketball tournament comes to Fort Smith with free admission, food trucks, and activities. | Details
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 closes out the month. | Tickets
By Category
Music & Entertainment
Taj Farrant | Sunday, February 22, 5:30 PM | TempleLive Fort Smith | 15-year-old Australian guitar prodigy whose viral performances have wowed millions. | Tickets
SEGUE | Thursday, February 26, 6:30-8:30 PM | The Bakery District Cooler Room | Monthly community-building mixer with live music and networking. Free to attend. | Details
William Clark Green w/ Aiden Logsdon | Saturday, February 28, 7 PM | TempleLive Fort Smith | Texas country favorite with special guest. | Tickets
Family-Friendly
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Saturday, 8 AM-12 PM | North 2nd & Garrison | Year-round market with fresh produce, artisan goods, and local crafts. | Market Info
Bookish StoryTime | Saturday, February 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: Main Library (Thursdays 10 AM), Windsor Drive (Mondays 10 AM), Dallas Street (Wednesdays 10 AM), Miller Branch (Fridays 10 AM). | Library Events
Sports & Fitness
Bags at The Bakery 708 Cornhole | Wednesday, February 25, 6:30-10:30 PM | The Bakery District Collection Room | Weekly cornhole competition with competitive, intermediate, and backyard divisions. Cash payouts. | League Info
GAC Basketball Championship | Thursday-Sunday, March 5-8 | Northside Arena | Free admission. Men's and women's conference tournament basketball. | Details
Arts & Culture
And Then There Were None | Through February 28 | Fort Smith Little Theatre | Agatha Christie's classic mystery. | 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 | 235 years of law enforcement history through immersive exhibits. | Museum Info
Education & Business
On Call Gala | Saturday, February 28, 5:30 PM | ACHE Health & Wellness Center | 4th annual black-tie benefit supporting student scholarships at Arkansas College of Health Education. Tickets $250. | Event Details
Food & Dining
Dine Local Week | Sunday, February 22 - Saturday, February 28 | 30 Restaurants | Exclusive menus and special pricing at restaurants across Fort Smith. | Restaurant List
Outdoor & Recreation
Ben Geren Regional Park | Year-Round | Daily | Over 1,300 acres with walking trails, mountain bike trails, and fitness trails. | Park Info
Fort Smith Riverfront Trails | Year-Round | Daily | 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
SEGUE | Last Thursday Monthly | 6:30 PM | The Bakery District Cooler Room | Monthly community mixer. | Monthly Gathering
Quick Hits
Dine Local Week — 30 restaurants, exclusive menus — today through Saturday, February 28 | Restaurant List
And Then There Were None — Fort Smith Little Theatre through February 28 | Tickets
William Clark Green — Saturday, February 28 at TempleLive | Tickets
GAC Basketball Championship — March 5-8 at Northside Arena, free admission | Details
Bakery District Street Fest — Saturday, March 7, free all-ages festival with food trucks, vendors, and live music | Details
Fort Smith Marathon, Half Marathon & 5 Leg Relay — Sunday, March 29 downtown — registration open now | Register
Free AARP Tax Preparation — Windsor Branch Library, through April 15 | Library Events
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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