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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Spring arrived officially today, and it brought 87°F weather with it - perfect timing for the marathon runners, rummage sale shoppers, and everyone else who has plans outside this weekend. While you're out, Fort Smith's future is being decided in some significant ways: a government structure petition is gaining signatures, a free tunnel under the Arkansas River is 72 hours from being awarded, and $40M in building permits in two months signals this city isn't slowing down.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
🚇 Infrastructure Watch - Fort Smith is 1 of 16 finalists for a free Arkansas River tunnel worth tens of millions. Winner announced Sunday.
⚖️ Government Shake-Up - A petition to replace the city administrator model is gaining steam - here's what it would actually change.
🏗️ Economic Momentum - $40M in building permits in two months. Fort Smith's construction surge isn't a blip.
🎪 Weekend Packed - Marathon, dance competition, rummage sale, country music. Full calendar inside.
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-Your Neighbour
📰 Fort Smith News You Can Use
INFRASTRUCTURE
Fort Smith named finalist in Boring Company's Tunnel Vision Challenge - winner announced March 23
What this means: The city could win a free tunnel under the Arkansas River for a critical water transmission line
Fort Smith is 1 of 16 finalists (from 487 applicants) for a free 1.5-mile tunnel beneath the Arkansas River to house a 48-inch water transmission line - the hardest segment of a 33.56-mile regional system from Lake Fort Smith to the city
Phase 1 (6 miles) is complete; Phase 4 (2.1 miles crossing the Arkansas River near I-49) is the challenge focus; the free tunnel would be 12 feet in diameter, ~70 feet deep
Winner announced March 23; the full transmission project is estimated to cost hundreds of millions, making the free tunnel a major win for regional water capacity
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Petition seeks to change Fort Smith's form of government amid administrator search
What this means: A grassroots effort is pushing to replace the city administrator model with a mayor-council system
Petition is collecting signatures to change Fort Smith from a city administrator government to a mayor-council form; Fort Smith and Siloam Springs are the only Arkansas cities with administrator-style government
Board voted to hire Colin Baenziger & Associates to conduct a nationwide search for a new city administrator after firing Carl Geffken in December 2024; Director Lee Kemp expects a hire by mid-July
Board study session to review the change of government process is tentatively set for April 28; the city administrator manages a $300+ million annual budget and 1,000+ employees
EDUCATION
Fort Smith band director arrested on sexual assault charges; wife also fired
What this means: A middle and high school band director and his elementary teacher wife were terminated following allegations of inappropriate conduct with a student
James Palmer, 40, band director at Chaffin Middle School and Southside High School, was arrested March 12 on second-degree sexual assault charges; released on $150,000 bond
Fort Smith Police began investigation after receiving a tip about Palmer having an inappropriate relationship with a student; first incident occurred Feb. 18, another Feb. 28
Jessica Palmer, James' wife and a teacher at Sunnymede Elementary, was fired March 13 in a 7-0 board vote; Palmer pleaded not guilty March 16
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ECONOMY
Fort Smith posts $40M in building permits in first two months of 2026
What this means: The city's strong construction momentum from 2025 is continuing into the new year
Mayor George B. McGill's final State of the City address (March 12) highlighted over $250 million in building permits issued in 2025 across 3,000+ permits
In just the first two months of 2026, Fort Smith has earned over $40 million worth of building permits - signaling continued economic momentum
Growth sectors: manufacturing and logistics, healthcare, and technology are diversifying and strengthening the local economy; the city's location, workforce, and collaboration continue to attract investment
INFRASTRUCTURE
$49.2M sewer system upgrades ramp up in early 2026
What this means: The first major round of construction under the 2015 federal consent decree is underway
Fort Smith Board of Directors approved $49.2 million in contracts for sewer system upgrades including more than 75,000 feet of new pipe and seven design agreements for future manhole and pipeline projects
Construction set to ramp up in early 2026 as part of the federal consent decree established in 2015 to address wastewater system deficiencies
Projects aim to improve system reliability, reduce overflows, and bring the city into full compliance with environmental regulations
Quick updates
School closures and rezoning approved - Fort Smith School Board approved February closures of Carnall and Spradling elementary schools, with students absorbed by Beard, Cavanaugh, and Sutton; district enrollment declined 3.5% year-over-year to 13,205 students in October 2025 - Read more
Boring Company winner March 23 - Fort Smith's fate in the Tunnel Vision Challenge will be decided this Monday; a free tunnel would save the city millions on the Arkansas River crossing phase of the regional water transmission project - Details
Sidewalk improvements ongoing - Streets and Traffic Control Department continues building new sidewalks and repairing existing ones throughout the city, following the Move Fort Smith Active Transportation Plan - City Projects
Fort Smith Marathon March 29 - Register by March 20 to guarantee shirt size; marathon, half marathon, quarter, 5K, and relay options; packet pickup March 28 - Register
📢 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Reader Recommendations
Multi-Family Rummage Sale at The Learning Fields
Submitted by a reader, Chaffee Crossing
What's happening: The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing is hosting a two-day multi-family rummage sale this weekend. The Learning Fields is a volunteer-maintained nonprofit home to more than 28 demonstration gardens, with programs spanning gardening, beautification, environmental stewardship, and lifelong learning. Proceeds go directly to supporting those gardens and educational programming.
Worth showing up for:
Two full days of rummage across multiple families - more variety than a typical single-household sale
Buying here directly funds an active community green space in Chaffee Crossing
The Learning Fields itself is worth a walk-through while you're there
The details: 📍 7300 Gardener Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72916 🕑 March 27–28, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 💰 Rummage sale pricing
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📅 This Week in Fort Smith
Must-Attend Events
Fort Smith Marathon, Half Marathon & 5 Leg Relay | Sunday, March 29, 7:00 AM | River Front Pavilion | Scenic course through downtown Fort Smith featuring historic neighborhoods, paved trails, and rolling terrain. All race levels welcome. Register by March 20 for guaranteed shirt size. | Register
Dance Out Competition | March 27-29 (Friday-Sunday), 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Regional dance competition featuring talented dancers from across the region in a fun, organized showcase. | Details
Tyler Halverson | Saturday, March 28 | The Majestic Fort Smith | Country music with dancing, food, and drinks. Check venue for showtimes. | Venue Info
Frozen Knuckles Motorcycle Run | Saturday, March 28, 12:00 PM | Fort Smith Brewing Company (7500 Fort Chaffee Blvd) | Benefit ride staging at Fort Smith Brewing Company. Registration begins at 10:00 AM. Backup date March 29. | Details
Medal Madness 5K, 10K & Half Marathon | Saturday, March 21, 8:00 AM | Ben Geren Regional Park | Family-friendly race event with multiple distance options including 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, 15K, and Half Marathon. Perfect for all skill levels. | Register
By Category
Music & Entertainment
Tyler Halverson | Saturday, March 28 | The Majestic Fort Smith | Country music with dancing, food, and drinks. Check venue for showtimes. | Venue Info
UAFS: Season of Entertainment - Wind Ensemble | Tuesday, April 7, 7:00-9:00 PM | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | University of Arkansas Fort Smith wind ensemble performance. | Event Details
Gala for Good: Best Night of the Year | Thursday, April 9, 6:00-10:00 PM | Kay Rodgers Park | Fundraiser for Good Samaritan Clinic featuring country star Tracy Lawrence, live music, food, drinks, silent auction, custom cowboy hats, mechanical bull, and dancing. | Tickets
Fort Smith Symphony presents SKYFALL 007 in Concert | Saturday, April 18, 7:00-9:00 PM | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Experience the iconic James Bond film with live orchestra. | Symphony Info
UAFS: Season of Entertainment - A Grand Night for Singing | Tuesday, April 21, 7:00-9:00 PM | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Musical theater showcase. | Details
Family-Friendly
Bunny Breakfast & Rabbit Run 5K | Saturday, March 21, 8:00 AM | River Park Events Building | Family Easter event with 5K run, pancake breakfast, music, and activities. Come dressed in rabbit-themed attire. School mascots race the Easter Bunny. Benefits The CALL. | Event Info
Medal Madness 5K, 10K & Half Marathon | Saturday, March 21 | Ben Geren Regional Park | Family-friendly race event with multiple distance options including 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, 15K, and Half Marathon. Perfect for all skill levels. | Register
Cat In the Hat | Wednesday, April 15, 6:00 PM | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Dr. Seuss classic comes to life on stage. Perfect for young children and families. | Tickets
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Saturday, 7:00 AM-12:00 PM | Garrison Avenue & N 2nd Street | Fresh locally grown produce, grain-fed meats, flowers, baked goods, and crafts from 90+ vendors. | Market Info
Storytime at Fort Smith Public Library | Weekly | Various Times & 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
Sports & Fitness
Fort Smith Marathon Half Marathon & 5 Leg Marathon Relay | Sunday, March 29, 7:00 AM | River Front Pavilion | Full marathon, half marathon, and 5-leg relay options. Scenic course through historic downtown and neighborhoods. Register by March 20 for guaranteed shirt size. | Register
Medal Madness 5K, 10K & Half Marathon | Saturday, March 21 | Ben Geren Regional Park | Multiple distance options including 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, 15K, and Half Marathon. | Register
1st Choice 5K for Life | Saturday, April 4 | Fort Smith | Community 5K run/walk supporting local health initiatives. Check website for start time and location. | Details
Pirate 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon | Saturday, April 4 & Saturday, April 18 | Fort Smith | Themed running event with multiple distance options. Fun atmosphere with pirate-themed festivities. | More Info
Spring Softball Jamboree | Saturday, April 11 | 7200 S Zero Street | Local softball tournament. Morning start time. | Details
Because We Care 5K | Saturday, April 11 | Fort Smith | Charitable 5K run/walk. Check website for details and registration. | Register
Run for Autism | Saturday, April 18 | Fort Smith | Awareness and fundraising run supporting autism services. | Event Info
Darby Challenge | Sunday, April 26 | Fort Smith | Challenging running event. Check website for distance options and course details. | Details
Arts & Culture
Dance Out Competition | March 27-29 (Friday-Sunday), 9:00 AM-6:00 PM | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Regional dance competition featuring talented dancers from across the region in a fun, organized showcase. | Details
Ozark Regionalists Lecture with Lisa Bell-Wilson | Sunday, April 19, 1:00 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | Explore the "Ozark Regionalists: Collection of Dr. Chris Ashworth" with expert commentary. | Museum Info
Synergy Performing Arts Competition 2026 | April 24-26 (Friday-Sunday) | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Multi-day showcase of performing arts talent from the region. | Details
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
Education & Business
Business Brew | Third Tuesday Monthly, 8:00-9:00 AM | Various Locations | Fort Smith Chamber monthly networking event. Meet fellow business owners over breakfast and coffee. Check Chamber website for April location. | Chamber Events
Journey to Africa Gala Fundraiser | Monday, April 6 | Fort Smith | Inaugural fundraiser for The Belinga Foundation supporting African community initiatives. Evening event with dinner and entertainment. | Details
Gypsy Soul Holistic Fair | April 18-19 (Saturday-Sunday) | Fort Smith Convention Center | Holistic wellness expo featuring vendors, workshops, and services. Explore natural health, spiritual practices, and alternative therapies. | Fair Details
Outdoor & Recreation
Kayak Tour of Lake Fort Smith | Saturday, March 21 | Lake Fort Smith State Park | Guided kayak tour on scenic Lake Fort Smith. Experience spring wildlife and beautiful Ozark waters. Park interpreter-led. | State Park Info
Lake Fort Smith Marina Opens | Wednesday, April 1 | Lake Fort Smith State Park | Marina opens for the season with kayak/boat rentals. Saturdays & Sundays only 8:00 AM-5:00 PM through May 24. | Details
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 (Year-Round) & Tuesday (April-October) | 201 Garrison Avenue | Fresh local produce, meats, flowers, baked goods, and crafts. 7:00 AM-12:00 PM. 90+ vendors during peak season. | Market Schedule
Free Art Drop-In Projects | Every Saturday, 12:00-3:00 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | Family-friendly art activities. No registration required. | Museum 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
Storytime at Miller Branch Library | Every Friday, 10:00 AM | Miller Branch Library | Stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts for young children. | Library Events
AARP Tax Preparation Help | Through Wednesday, April 15 | Windsor Branch Library | Free tax assistance for seniors and low-income individuals. Schedule varies, call ahead. | Library Info
Quick Hits
Bunny Breakfast & Rabbit Run 5K - Saturday, March 21, 8 AM at River Park; benefits foster family support | Register
Boring Company winner announced - Monday, March 23; Fort Smith could win a free tunnel under the Arkansas River | Details
Fort Smith Marathon - Sunday, March 29, register by March 20 for guaranteed shirt size | Register
Frozen Knuckles Run - Saturday, March 28 at Fort Smith Brewing Company | Details
Dance Out Competition - March 27-29 (Friday-Sunday) at ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Details
Lake Fort Smith Marina Opens - Wednesday, April 1; kayak/boat rentals on weekends | Park Info
Steel Horse Rally - 11th Annual charity motorcycle event with 200,000+ attendees, Thunder Valley Parade, live music, vendors - May 1-2 downtown Fort Smith | Details
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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