In partnership with
Was this e-mail shared with you? Sign up here
Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Spring is arriving along the Arkansas River, and this week delivered some of the most consequential local governance news in years a federal sewer deadline reset that clears $25 million in penalties, a waterpark accountability win the community pushed for, and economic data that signals real momentum heading into construction season.
Whether you're planning your St. Patrick's Day weekend downtown or watching City Hall sort out its leadership vacuum, this edition covers decisions that will affect your utility bills, your property, and your neighborhood for years.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
🔧 SEWER SYSTEM RESET Board votes 6-0 to extend the federal compliance deadline to 2038 and eliminate a planned 19% rate increase but the price tag just jumped to $800M
🏊 WATERPARK ACCOUNTABILITY No-bid contract officially rescinded; competitive bids required, new contractor vote targeted by March 17
📊 ECONOMIC PULSE Building permits surge 85%, sales tax hits a three-year high what the numbers mean for your neighborhood
🗳️ MAYORAL RACE Two candidates declared, McGill silent ahead of Thursday's State of the City address at UAFS
Did someone forward this to you? Subscribe here to get your weekly dose of Fort Smith goodness.
Your Neighbour
📰 Fort Smith News You Can Use
GOVERNANCE
Board unanimously approves consent decree modification a 'fresh start' extending sewer deadline to 2038
What this means: Fort Smith gets 11.5 more years and greater flexibility to fix its sewer system, eliminates a planned 19% rate increase, and clears up to $25 million in potential penalties but the price tag is now estimated at $800 million
The Fort Smith Board of Directors voted 6-0 on Tuesday to approve the modified federal consent decree governing the city's sewer system. Director Christina Catsavis was absent from the meeting.
Here's what to know:
The modification extends the compliance deadline from January 1, 2027 to June 30, 2038, eliminates a planned 19% sewer rate increase after 2031, and clears up to $25 million in potential penalties AquaLaw attorney Paul Calamita called it "a fresh start, a complete reset"
New terms give the city three-year scheduling averages instead of annual mandates, plus a "shot clock" requiring federal disputes go to court immediately but the estimated total cost has risen from $480 million to approximately $800 million
The modified decree still requires approval from the Arkansas Attorney General, Department of Energy and Environment, EPA, and DOJ, though no substantive changes are expected; Catsavis, who was absent, said she would have voted to table the motion, citing concerns about the rushed process
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Board rescinds Parrot Island no-bid contract 6-1, competitive bids to follow
What this means: The controversial $1.059 million Royal Ridge deal is officially dead the city will now seek competitive bids for the waterslide installation, with a target vote on a new contractor by March 17
The Board of Directors voted 6-1 on Tuesday to formally rescind the January 20 ordinance that awarded Royal Ridge Construction the no-bid contract for Parrot Island waterslide installation.
Here's what to know:
Director Lee Kemp who originally worked directly with Royal Ridge proposed the rescission himself; the city will now issue formal requests for competitive bids on two separate packages (structural work and pool equipment)
New timeline: bids reviewed by March 10, board vote on a new contractor by March 17 the board's accountability ordinance requiring third-party contractors to disclose financial interests is now in effect
Attorney Joey McCutchen's lawsuit alleging competitive bidding violations remains active in Sebastian County Circuit Court, and a separate independent audit of waterpark finances continues
Every headline satisfies an opinion. Except ours.
Remember when the news was about what happened, not how to feel about it? 1440's Daily Digest is bringing that back. Every morning, they sift through 100+ sources to deliver a concise, unbiased briefing — no pundits, no paywalls, no politics. Just the facts, all in five minutes. For free.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Board approves search firm and $10 million water meter grant application in busy Tuesday meeting
What this means: Two more significant votes from March 3 a national search for the city's top executive could produce a hire by mid-July, and a federal grant could fund replacement of 40,000+ failing water meters
The board also approved hiring Colin Baenziger & Associates for up to $33,500 to conduct a national search for city administrator, and authorized applying for $10 million in federal Community Project Funding to replace aging water meters.
Here's what to know:
The city has been without a permanent administrator for 15+ months since Carl Geffken was fired December 2024; the Florida-based search firm (the same one that recruited Geffken) will begin with individual board member interviews, with a target hire by mid-July
Fort Smith has at least 40,000 water meters needing replacement; city staff can replace approximately 10,000 per year at $2.6 million annually the federal grant through Congressman Womack's office requires a 25% local match
The board also approved $127,600 for landfill air compliance services, a $99,048 transit fare collection system, and approximately $590,000 in police vehicle purchases
POLITICS
Fort Smith's 2026 mayoral race: two candidates declared, McGill still undecided
What this means: Director Christina Catsavis and Air Force veteran Sara Harrison have both announced bids for mayor, while incumbent George McGill who delivers his State of the City address Thursday has not said whether he'll seek re-election
Two candidates have formally declared their intention to run for Fort Smith mayor in the November 2026 election, though the official filing period doesn't open until July 29.
Here's what to know:
Sara Harrison, 41, announced February 2 at Fort Smith Public Library an Air Force veteran, certified surgical technologist, and caregiver for her disabled veteran husband who founded The AVO Group connecting volunteers with nonprofits; her priorities include infrastructure and community engagement: "I want to be a mayor who listens, collaborates, and serves with integrity"
Christina Catsavis, 41, announced February 5 at George's restaurant a city director since November 2022 who owns The Smith Jewelry & Living and championed the accountability ordinance; her priorities include small business, seniors, and fiscal preparedness: "There is nothing in the law that says the mayor only has to be ceremonial"
Mayor George McGill has not announced re-election plans; he delivers his 2026 State of the City address Thursday, March 12 at 6 PM at UAFS; filing period: July 29 through August 5; general election November 3; the position pays $30,000 annually plus a $7,200 car allowance
ECONOMY
Building permits surge 85%, sales tax ticks higher Fort Smith's economic pulse strengthens
What this means: February building permits hit $23.5 million with residential construction booming, and January sales tax revenue is up nearly 5% driven by retail, lodging, and restaurants
Fort Smith's economic indicators showed positive momentum heading into spring, with February building permits and January sales tax revenue both posting year-over-year gains.
Here's what to know:
February building permits reached $23.5 million (up 85% year-over-year) new single-family residential permits hit $3.7 million (nearly 9x February 2025), and multifamily permits reached $6.9 million (up 183%)
January sales tax revenue: the city's countywide tax share was $2.383 million (up 4.9%), with CFO Andrew Richards noting "69% of the tax revenue comes from retail sales, lodging, and the restaurant sector" the strongest January in three years for those categories
However, wholesale trade, manufacturing, and construction sectors retreated to 2023 levels, and January-February combined permits are down 8.5% compared to 2025, indicating ground to make up
Quick updates
State of the City Address Thursday Mayor McGill delivers his 2026 address at 6 PM in the Reynolds Room at UAFS Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center (800 N 49th St); open to public and livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube - Read more
St. Patrick's Day pub crawl features NBA pros Fort Smith natives Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder, 2025 NBA champions) designed limited-edition collector cups ($5) for the March 14 downtown pub crawl; starts 3 PM on Garrison Avenue with Fire Department Pipe and Drum Corps - Read more
Baptist Health-Fort Smith earns stroke care award Pearl award from Arkansas Department of Health for 85-89% adherence in stroke documentation metrics; recognizes Door-to-CT times and Defect-Free Care performance - Read more
Small Works on Paper opens at UAFS Arkansas Arts Council's annual touring exhibition opened March 6 at the UAFS Gallery of Art & Design; features Arkansas artwork no larger than 18x24 inches - Read more
Airport enplanements up 1.9% in January Fort Smith Regional Airport reported 4,300+ enplanements, continuing positive momentum after a 1.6% gain in 2025; American Airlines runs three daily flights to DFW - Read more
Free AARP Tax Preparation Windsor Branch Library, through April 15 - Read more
📆 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
State of the City Address | Thursday, March 12, 6:00 PM | UAFS Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Reynolds Room | Mayor McGill delivers his annual address covering 2025 accomplishments and 2026 plans. Open to public, livestreamed on Facebook/YouTube. | Details
St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl | Saturday, March 14, 3:00 PM | Downtown Garrison Avenue | Fort Smith's biggest bar crawl with specials at downtown venues, Fire Department Pipe and Drum Corps, scavenger hunt, and limited-edition collector cups designed by Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams. After-party at Roosters. | Details
The Amazing Chemistry Show | Saturday, March 14, 12:00 PM | First Baptist Church (1400 Grand Ave) | Free family-friendly science show with explosions, colored foam, liquid nitrogen, and glow-in-the-dark solutions. | Details
Women's History Month at Miss Laura's | March 11-28 | Miss Laura's Brothel Museum | Full month of programming: poetry showcase (Wednesday, March 11), women's trivia night (Thursday, March 12), yoga, candle crafting, art classes, and more. Most events free. | Full Schedule
By Category
Music & Entertainment
St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl | Saturday, March 14, 3:00 PM | Garrison Avenue | Downtown bars offer specials, Fort Smith Fire Department Pipe and Drum Corps marches, scavenger hunt. After-party with Rhyan Besco at Roosters. | Details
TempleLive Fort Smith | Various Dates | TempleLive Fort Smith | Check March lineup for upcoming shows in the historic downtown venue. | Concert Schedule
Family-Friendly
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Saturday, 7:00 AM-12:00 PM | Garrison Avenue & N 2nd Street | Over 90 vendors with local produce, meats, flowers, baked goods, crafts, and live music. | Market Info
The Amazing Chemistry Show | Saturday, March 14, 12:00 PM | First Baptist Church | Free science show with explosions, foam, liquid nitrogen. Great for kids and adults. | Details
Storytime at Fort Smith Public Library | Weekly | Various Times | Multiple Locations | Free storytimes: Miller Branch (Fridays 10 AM), Windsor Drive (Mondays 10 AM), Dallas Street (Wednesdays 10 AM), Main Library (Thursdays 10 AM). | Library Events
Arts & Culture
She Speaks: A Women's Poetry Showcase | Wednesday, March 11, 2:00 PM | Miss Laura's Brothel Museum | Poetry readings celebrating women's voices. Free admission. | Details
HerStory Challenge: Women's Trivia Night | Thursday, March 12, 6:00 PM | Miss Laura's Brothel Museum | Test your women's history knowledge. Free. | Details
Small Works on Paper | Through April | UAFS Gallery of Art & Design | Arkansas Arts Council's annual touring exhibition featuring artwork no larger than 18x24 inches. | Details
Arkansas New Play Festival | Through March 15 | Various Venues | New play productions and readings from emerging and established playwrights. | Festival Info
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | Ongoing | Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM | 1601 Rogers Avenue | Current exhibitions with free admission. | Visit RAM
United States Marshals Museum | Tuesday-Saturday | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM | 789 Riverfront Drive | 235 years of law enforcement history. | Museum Info
Sports & Fitness
Fort Smith Marathon, Half Marathon & 5-Leg Relay | Sunday, March 29, 7:00 AM | Downtown Fort Smith | Register by March 20 to guarantee shirt size. Marathon, half, quarter, 5K, and relay options. | Register
Noon Yoga on the Lawn | Saturday, March 14, 12:00 PM | Miss Laura's Brothel Museum | Free outdoor yoga focusing on pelvic floor and core. Part of Women's History Month. | Details
Bags at The Bakery 708 Cornhole | Every Wednesday, 6:30-10:30 PM | The Bakery District Collection Room | Weekly cornhole competition with cash payouts. | League Info
Outdoor & Recreation
Lake Fort Smith State Park | Open Daily | 40 minutes north of Fort Smith | Hiking trails including the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail. Spring weather ideal for outdoor adventure. | 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 | 7:00 AM-12:00 PM | Garrison Avenue & N 2nd Street | 90+ vendors, live music, fresh produce. | Market Info
Trivia Night | Every Monday | 6:30 PM | Core Public House | Weekly trivia competition with prizes. | Venue Info
Xtreme Music Bingo | Every Tuesday | Core Public House | Music-themed bingo with beer specials and prizes. | Details
Bags at The Bakery Cornhole | Every Wednesday | 6:30 PM | The Bakery District | Weekly cornhole league with cash prizes. | League Schedule
Quick Hits
State of the City Address Thursday, March 12, 6 PM at UAFS; open to public, livestreamed | Details
St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl Saturday, March 14, 3 PM downtown with Isaiah Joe & Jaylin Williams collector cups | Details
The Amazing Chemistry Show Saturday, March 14, free at First Baptist Church | Details
Women's History Month at Miss Laura's Poetry, trivia, yoga, crafts through March 28 | Full Schedule
Fort Smith Marathon Sunday, March 29, register by March 20 | Register
Elvis Haircut Day Saturday, March 28 at Chaffee Barbershop; $10 donation, free for military/veterans | Details
Free AARP Tax Preparation Windsor Branch Library, through April 15 | Library Events
📢 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Reader Recommendations
History Alive. Her Story. Fort Smith Museum of History
Submitted by Garry Williamson "Fort Smith Museum of History has a Women's History program Saturday, March 14."
What's happening: First-person reenactments of remarkable Fort Smith women, performed live at the Museum of History. Part of Women's History Month programming.
Why it's worth your Saturday:
Live historical reenactments not a lecture, not a panel
Local women's stories specifically, not generic national history
Light refreshments served
The details: 📍 Fort Smith Museum of History 🕑 Saturday, March 14 | 1:00 PM 💰 $15 🔗 Tickets & info: fortsmithmuseum.org
👋 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