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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Spring arrived for real - 77°F and clear skies today, perfect weather for the farmers market on Garrison or a walk along the river trail. Enjoy it before the rain arrives Wednesday.
Big news in this edition. Fort Smith's oldest hospital is facing a potential major downsizing after $32M in losses. Downtown's new retail incubator has a Thursday deadline. And Mayor McGill just told the city he's done after this term.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
🏥 Baptist Health may end inpatient care - $32M in losses puts Arkansas' oldest hospital at risk by fall 2027
🏪 Five days left to apply for a free downtown storefront - Commerce Collective offers 3 entrepreneurs rent-free space starting this summer
🗳️ Mayor McGill won't seek a third term - $290M in permits issued, an open November election, and a city at an inflection point
🎶 Big events ahead - Tracy Lawrence, SKYFALL with the Symphony, Cat in the Hat, and more
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Your Neighbour
📰 Fort Smith News You Can Use
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Baptist Health-Fort Smith may end full hospital operations within 18 months
What this means: Fort Smith's oldest hospital faces major downsizing due to $32M in losses emergency room would remain, but inpatient services could move to emergency-only care by fall 2027
Baptist Health-Fort Smith announced significant operational changes coming over the next 12 to 18 months, potentially halting broad hospital operations in favor of emergency room and limited surgery services only. The hospital's western division lost approximately $25 million in 2025 and $7 million in early 2026.
Here's what to know:
Some physicians received notice that contracts expire June 29, 2026 signaling the transition timeline
Financial challenges stem from "poor payor mix" with many patients underinsured or unable to pay full costs
Baptist Health-Fort Smith, built in 1887, is Arkansas' oldest hospital serving Sebastian County residents
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Commerce Collective applications close April 3 for downtown retail incubator
What this means: Three entrepreneurs get rent-free downtown storefronts for 6 months starting summer 2026 application deadline is 6 days away with business pitch training included
Main Street Fort Smith's new Commerce Collective program will select three finalists from applications closing April 3 to operate retail pop-ups at 409 Garrison Avenue with rent, utilities, and internet covered. Finalists receive pitch training from Arkansas Small Business Technology Development Center before presenting May 1.
Here's what to know:
Program activates vacant downtown storefronts following $15 million in private investment and 19 new businesses opened in 2025
Entrepreneurs must bring their own product inventory and insurance; Main Street covers rent, utilities, and internet
Community mixer scheduled Tuesday, March 31 from 4:30-6:30 PM at 409 Garrison Avenue to learn more
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MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Mayor McGill announces final term in State of City address highlighting $290M in permits
What this means: Fort Smith issued $290 million in building permits since January 2025 outgoing mayor won't seek third term in November election
Mayor George B. McGill delivered his final State of the City address on Thursday, March 12, announcing he will not seek re-election and honoring his two-term commitment. The city issued 3,156 building permits valued at more than $250 million in 2025, with another $40 million in permits issued in January and February 2026.
Quick updates
Fort Smith finalist, but not winner, in Tunnel Vision Challenge - City was among 16 finalists out of 487 applicants for Elon Musk's Boring Company tunnel project to build 1.5-mile Arkansas River crossing for 48-inch water line, but three other cities won on Friday, March 27 - Read more
Mayoral candidate Catsavis hosts business roundtable on regulatory roadblocks - City Director Christina Catsavis met with 9 small business owners on Thursday, March 5 at Fort Smith Public Library, where owners discussed difficulties with city building requirements and renovation processes for business expansion - Read more
19-year-old arrested in Woodlawn Park shooting investigation - Fort Smith police arrested Mauricio Romani on Thursday, March 26 after March 13 shooting left 21-year-old with gunshot wound during attempted robbery at shoe sale meetup - Read more
Fort Smith Transit reduced Saturday hours effective January 19 - Fixed route service now runs 9 AM-4 PM on Saturdays (down from 7 AM-6 PM), Rogers Supercenter route discontinued, and no holiday service in 2026 as part of $150,000 budget reduction - Read more
Downtown mini-grants leverage $101,000 in private investment - Main Street Fort Smith awarded $16,000 in FY26 funding to 8 downtown improvement projects including Wight Office Machines, Kelley Realty, and Prohibition, with matching funds totaling over $101,000 - Read more
📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🎭 Gala for Good: Best Night of the Year with Tracy Lawrence | Thursday, April 9 | Kay Rodgers Park Expo Center | The Good Samaritan Clinic presents an all-inclusive evening featuring Arkansas native Tracy Lawrence with live music, food & drinks, silent auction, mechanical bull, and custom cowboy hats. VIP meet & greet at 5 PM, doors at 6 PM. | Event Details & Tickets
🎬 SKYFALL in Concert with Fort Smith Symphony | Saturday, April 18 | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Experience the James Bond film with live orchestra performing Thomas Newman's score. After-party at The Bakery District at 10 PM. Show starts at 7 PM. | Get Tickets
🔮 Gypsy Soul Holistic Fair | Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19 | Fort Smith Convention Center | Explore crystals, gemstone jewelry, aura photos, mediumship, reiki, and handmade items. Daily admission $7 cash/$9 credit, kids 12 & under free. Free classes with admission. 11 AM - 4 PM both days. | Learn More
🎪 Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat - Live on Stage! | Wednesday, April 15 | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | World-renowned production bursts onto the stage with energy, laughs, and surprises. Perfect for families. Show at 6 PM. Tickets start at $52. | Purchase Tickets
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Tyler Halverson | Saturday, March 28 | The Majestic | "In Defense Of Drinking Tour" with special guest J Rod Wald. Country music at its finest. Doors 6 PM, show 7 PM. | Details
That Arena Rock Show | Friday, April 3 | The Majestic | Classic arena rock anthems performed live. Doors 7 PM, show 8 PM. | The Majestic Shows
Gala for Good: Tracy Lawrence | Thursday, April 9 | Kay Rodgers Park Expo Center | Arkansas native country star with 13+ million albums sold. 90s country theme with full entertainment. VIP 5 PM, doors 6 PM. | Tickets
Kruse Brothers | Saturday, April 11 | The Majestic | Live country music performance. Doors 7 PM, show 8 PM. | Majestic Schedule
Logan Ryan Band | Thursday, April 16 | The Majestic | Regional favorite returns for an evening of original music. Doors 6 PM, show 7 PM. | Info
Shelby Stone with Angel White | Friday, April 17 | The Majestic | Double-header concert event. Doors 7 PM, show 8 PM. | Details
Yung Bleu | Saturday, April 18 | The Majestic | Hip-hop artist brings his tour to Fort Smith. Doors 7 PM, show 8 PM. | Tickets
SKYFALL in Concert | Saturday, April 18 | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | James Bond film with live Fort Smith Symphony. After-party at Bakery District. 7 PM. | Get Tickets
An Evening with Greensky Bluegrass | Sunday, April 19 | The Majestic | Acclaimed bluegrass ensemble performs. Doors 5:30 PM, show 7 PM. | Purchase
Them Dirty Roses | Thursday, April 23 | The Majestic | Rock band hits the Majestic stage. Doors 6 PM, show 7 PM. | Info
👪 Family-Friendly
Cat in the Hat Storytime & Ticket Drawing | Throughout Early April | Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch | Special storytime sessions with entry to win 4 tickets to the April 15 show at ArcBest Performing Arts Center. | Library Events
Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat - Live | Wednesday, April 15 | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Energetic stage adaptation perfect for kids and families. 6 PM show. Tickets from $52. | Buy Tickets
Fort Smith Youth Baseball & Softball | Games begin Monday, April 6 | Various Parks | Season kicks off with games running through late May. Check league schedules for team assignments. | Youth Sports Info
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum - Saturday Drop-In Projects | Every Saturday | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | Free drop-in art projects for all ages from 12-3 PM. No registration required. | RAM Events
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Fort Smith Youth Baseball & Softball Season | Monday, April 6 - Late May | Various Parks | Youth baseball and softball games begin. Memorial Day week features spring postseason tournament. | League Info
District Pinewood Derby Race | Saturday, April 18 | Randall Ford, Fort Smith | Scouts compete in annual Pinewood Derby. Fun for participants and spectators. | Fort Smith Events
Doc Collier Memorial Golf Tournament | Monday, April 20 | Hardscrabble Country Club | Annual charity golf tournament honoring Doc Collier. | Event Info
Phil Christensen Memorial Hotfoot 5K-10K | Sunday, April 26 | Fort Smith Riverfront Park | Race begins and ends at 121 Riverfront Dr. Multiple distance options to support local firefighters. | Register
Lei Lei's 5K and Memory Mile | Saturday, May 2 | Fort Smith | Spring race supporting local causes. | Race Details
Luau 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon | Saturday, May 2 | Fort Smith | Tropical-themed race day with multiple distance options. | Sign Up
🎨 Arts & Culture
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum - Saturday Art Projects | Every Saturday, 12-3 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | Free drop-in art projects for all ages. Materials provided. No registration needed. | Museum Info
Lisa Bell-Wilson Lecture: Ozark Regionalists | Sunday, April 19, 1 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | Lecture on the Ozark Regionalists from the Collection of Dr. Chris Ashworth. Free admission. | FSRAM Events
Gypsy Soul Holistic Fair | Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19 | Fort Smith Convention Center | Two-day fair featuring local artisans, holistic vendors, crystals, jewelry, and wellness practitioners. $7/$9 admission. | Fair Details
SKYFALL in Concert | Saturday, April 18 | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Film Concerts Live! presentation with Fort Smith Symphony. After-party at Bakery District. | Tickets
🎓 Education & Business
AARP Tax Assistance | Through Wednesday, April 15 | Fort Smith Public Library - Windsor Branch | Free tax preparation help from AARP volunteers. While assistance lasts. | Library Schedule
Fort Smith Chamber Business Brew | Third Tuesday of Each Month, 8-9 AM | Rotating Locations | Monthly networking event for Chamber members. Meet fellow business owners, share goals, and build relationships. | Chamber Events
Downtown Business Association Meeting | Third Wednesday of Each Month, 5:30-6:30 PM | Downtown Fort Smith | Monthly meetings for business owners and community leaders focused on downtown development. | DBA Info
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Saturday, 7 AM - 12 PM | 201 Garrison Avenue | Year-round farmers market featuring fresh produce, meats, baked goods, flowers, and crafts. Also Tuesdays April-October. | Market Info
Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center Trails | Daily | 6700 Park Ave, Fort Smith | Explore over 4 miles of trails including ADA-accessible paths. Wells Lake and 170 acres of natural beauty. Free admission. | Nature Center
Ben Geren Regional Park | Daily | 7200 Zero St, Fort Smith | 441-acre park with trails, sports facilities, aquatic center, and golf. Perfect for family outings and fitness activities. | Parks Info
Greg Smith River Trail | Daily | Fort Smith Riverfront | 6.3-mile multi-use trail along the Arkansas River between Riverfront Drive and the river. Scenic walking, running, and biking. | Trail Info
⌚️ Recurring Events
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Saturday, 7 AM - Noon + Tuesdays (April-October) | 201 Garrison Avenue | Fresh local produce, meats, flowers, baked goods, and crafts. Year-round Saturday market, seasonal Tuesday market. | Market Details
Fort Smith Public Library Storytimes | Weekly | Multiple Branches | Windsor Drive: Mondays at 10 AM. Miller Branch: Fridays at 10 AM. Free programs with stories, songs, crafts. No registration required. | Library Calendar
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum - Saturday Projects | Every Saturday, 12-3 PM | 1601 Rogers Ave | Free drop-in art projects for all ages. Materials provided. | Museum Schedule
Chamber Business Brew | Third Tuesday Monthly, 8-9 AM | Various Locations | Networking for Fort Smith Chamber members. Coffee, conversation, and connections. | Chamber Calendar
Downtown Business Association Meeting | Third Wednesday Monthly, 5:30-6:30 PM | Downtown Fort Smith | Open to business owners, residents, and community leaders. | DBA Website
Quick Hits
Tyler Halverson w/ J Rod Wald - Country concert at The Majestic kicks off the weekend - Saturday, March 28, 7 PM
Baseball & Softball Season Starts - Youth leagues begin games across Fort Smith parks - Monday, April 6
Junior League Day at the Derby - Fundraiser with cornhole, horseshoes, and live horse racing viewing (check JLFS for 2026 date confirmation) - Hardscrabble Country Club
Tax Help Deadline - Last day for AARP free tax assistance at Windsor Library - Wednesday, April 15
Steel Horse Rally - Motorcycle rally with live music and charity events (early May tradition) - First Weekend of May
Van Buren Old Timers Day Steampunk Festival - 48th annual festival just across the river - Saturday-Sunday, May 9-10
Bakery District Street Fest - All-day event with food trucks, vendors, music, and family activities - Saturday, June 20
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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