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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Saturday's showers are on their way out - Sunday opens to 64° and clear skies, and the week builds into the low 70s by midweek. Prime farmers market weather.
Three stories worth your full attention this week. The Board locked in $12 million in federal funding for the city's water transmission line expansion - backup capacity added, no local match required. Fort Smith Police are warning residents about AI voice-cloning scams that can make a stranger sound exactly like someone you trust. And Baptist Health's decision to end labor and delivery services sparked a Board debate that ended in a 5-2 vote to table a response - raising pointed questions about what residents can expect from hospital services here going forward.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
💧 $12M in federal water funding - What the transmission line expansion means for your service reliability
📞 The scam that sounds like your family - How Fort Smith Police say to protect yourself right now
🏥 Labor and delivery is gone - Why the Board's 5-2 vote matters for healthcare access in Sebastian County
🎵 Big week ahead - SKYFALL with the Symphony, Greensky Bluegrass, Cat in the Hat, and more
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-Your Neighbour
📰 Fort Smith News You Can Use
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Board approves $12 million federal funding request for 30-mile water line expansion
What this means: New 48-inch transmission line adds backup water supply capacity across the city-Phase 2 construction underway with EPA waiving $3 million matching requirement
Fort Smith's Board of Directors unanimously approved a $12 million federal funding request for the water transmission line project during a special meeting on Thursday, April 2, with an additional $3 million saved when EPA waived matching requirements.
Here's what to know:
Phase 2 extends the line 12 miles toward Rudy Road and Old Dollard Way, with Phase 1's 6 miles already complete from the treatment facility to Arkansas 282
The 48-inch line provides redundant water supply and emergency backup capacity to support growth and reduce service disruption vulnerability
Section 2A costs approximately $25 million, part of $328-$585 million in total treatment plant and transmission upgrades
PUBLIC SAFETY
Fort Smith police warn of voice-cloning scams targeting residents
What this means: Criminals using AI voice technology to impersonate family and officials-police urge verification before sharing personal info or sending payments
Fort Smith Police issued an alert on Friday, April 3 about rising scam threats using advanced voice-cloning technology to impersonate trusted contacts, law enforcement, and government officials.
Here's what to know:
Scammers exploit urgency and fear to pressure victims into hasty decisions using cryptocurrency or gift card payments
Never provide personal information or send money via unconventional methods-always verify suspicious calls by contacting the claimed source directly
Report suspected scams to FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or contact FSPD at (479) 709-5000
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
City board tables hospital service notice requirement after Baptist Health labor closure
What this means: Proposed 180-day advance notice for hospital service closures shelved in 5-2 vote-debate follows Baptist Health-Fort Smith ending labor and delivery services
Fort Smith Board of Directors tabled a letter on Tuesday, March 31 that would ask the Arkansas legislature to require hospitals provide 180 days' written notice before discontinuing major services like labor and delivery or emergency care.
Here's what to know:
Baptist Health-Fort Smith announced closure of its labor and delivery department, prompting Director Christina Catsavis to propose the notice requirement the next day
Directors voted 5-2 to table the measure, with some concerned about "publicly calling out" a business partner versus treating healthcare "as critical as a public utility"
Baptist Health recently opened obstetric emergency departments at Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Conway facilities instead of maintaining Fort Smith services
Quick updates
License plate reader technology leads to child abuse arrest - Fort Smith police arrested a Rogers man wanted on felony warrant on March 18 after automated license plate reader pinged his vehicle downtown, demonstrating expanded tech surveillance capabilities. Read more
Fort Smith wage growth trails state average - Sebastian County businesses grew 2.3% in Q3 2025 versus 7.3% statewide, with average weekly wages at $1,044 growing 2.3% compared to Arkansas's 3.8% growth rate. Read more
Arvest Foundation invests $100,000 in medical scholarships - Arkansas Colleges of Health Education received donation for Adopt a Scholar 2026 ARCOM Recruitment Scholarship program at the Fort Smith osteopathic medicine campus. Read more
A New Kind of ‘Growth’ Stock
In the world of high-growth retail, there are moments that signal a shift from "digital disruptor" to "national powerhouse."
As the world’s leading floral subscription service, they’re now unlocking access to the $18 billion U.S. retail market. How? Launching 70+ new brick-and-mortar studios to dominate same-day delivery and high-margin local events (weddings, graduations, etc.).
They’ve already become a Shark Tank legend by doing what other legacy giants haven't: owning the entire "farm-to-table" supply chain. They aren't just an "order gatherer,” they’re vertically integrating the world’s most fragmented gift commodity. This "farm-to-vase" control enables a 3x more efficient supply chain, slashing waste from 50% to less than 2%.
The Bouqs Co. has already seen up to $1.2 million in annual revenue per store, with over 270 million stems sold to date. Become a shareholder in The Bouqs now.
This is a paid advertisement for The Bouq’s Regulation CF offering. Please read the offering circular at https://invest.bouqs.com/
📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🎭 Dr. Seuss's The Cat In The Hat - Live on Stage | Wednesday, April 15 | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Bring the family for this beloved children's classic come to life on stage. Win tickets at Fort Smith Library storytimes! Show at 6:00 PM. | Tickets & Info
🎵 An Evening with Greensky Bluegrass | Sunday, April 19 | The Majestic Fort Smith | Progressive bluegrass powerhouse brings their genre-bending sound to Fort Smith. Doors at 5:30 PM, show at 7:00 PM. | Tickets & Info
🎻 Fort Smith Symphony: SKYFALL 007 in Concert | Saturday, April 18 | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Experience the thrilling music of James Bond's Skyfall performed live with the Fort Smith Symphony. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. | More Details
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
That Arena Rock Show | Friday, April 3 | The Majestic Fort Smith | Ultimate tribute to arena rock's greatest hits. Doors 7:00 PM, show 8:00 PM. | Get Tickets
Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac | Friday, April 10 | Fort Smith Riverfront | Experience Fleetwood Mac classics by candlelight in an intimate setting. Starts at 6:30 PM. | Event Info
Kruse Brothers | Saturday, April 11 | The Majestic Fort Smith | Live country music performance. Doors 7:00 PM, show 8:00 PM. | Tickets
Logan Ryan Band | Thursday, April 16 | The Majestic Fort Smith | Country/Americana performance. Doors 6:00 PM, show 7:00 PM. | Get Tickets
Shelby Stone w/ Angel White | Friday, April 17 | The Majestic Fort Smith | Double-bill country showcase. Doors 7:00 PM, show 8:00 PM. | Tickets & Info
Yung Bleu | Saturday, April 18 | The Majestic Fort Smith | Hip-hop artist brings hits to Fort Smith. Doors 7:00 PM, show 8:00 PM. | Get Tickets
Fort Smith Symphony: SKYFALL 007 in Concert | Saturday, April 18 | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | James Bond's Skyfall score performed live. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. | More Info
An Evening with Greensky Bluegrass | Sunday, April 19 | The Majestic Fort Smith | Progressive bluegrass at its finest. Doors 5:30 PM, show 7:00 PM. | Tickets
UAFS: A Grand Night for Singing | Tuesday, April 21 | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | UAFS Men's and Women's Chorus, Leonis Chamber Singers perform. 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. | Event Details
Them Dirty Roses | Thursday, April 23 | The Majestic Fort Smith | Rock performance. Doors 6:00 PM, show 7:00 PM. | Get Tickets
👪 Family-Friendly
Dr. Seuss's The Cat In The Hat - Live on Stage | Wednesday, April 15 | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Beloved children's story comes to life. Win tickets at library storytimes! 6:00 PM showtime. | Tickets
Cat in the Hat Storytime | Wednesday, April 15 | Fort Smith Public Library (Multiple Locations) | Special storytime with chance to win 4 tickets to the live show at ArcBest. Check Main Library and Miller Branch for times. | Library Calendar
Pet Food Drive for Fort Smith Animal Haven | April 1-30 | Fort Smith Public Library (All Locations) | Donate pet food and supplies to help local animals in need. | Library Details
🏃 Sports & Fitness
8K and 1-Mile Run | Saturday, April 18 | Fort Smith | Spring race through Fort Smith. 8:00 AM start. | Race Info
5K Race (Virtual Option Available) | Sunday, April 26 | Fort Smith | Run in-person or complete virtually. Registration required. | Register
🎨 Arts & Culture
Gypsy Soul Holistic Fair | Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19 | Fort Smith Convention Center | Holistic wellness, vendors, workshops, and spiritual exploration. 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM both days. | Event Info
Ozark Regionalists: Collection of Dr. Chris Ashworth Lecture | Sunday, April 19 | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | Lisa Bell-Wilson presents on Ozark regional artists. 1:00 PM. | Museum Info
Synergy Performing Arts Competition 2026 | Friday-Sunday, April 24-26 | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Regional dance and performing arts competition showcasing young talent from across the region. | Competition Details
🎓 Education & Business
AARP Tax Help | Through Wednesday, April 15 | Fort Smith Public Library - Windsor Branch | Free tax preparation assistance from AARP volunteers. Available since January 27. | Library Info
Van Buren Planning Commission Meeting | Tuesday, April 7 | Van Buren Municipal Complex | Public meeting. 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. | City Calendar
Van Buren City Council Meeting | Monday, April 27 | Van Buren Municipal Complex | Public meeting. 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. | City Calendar
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Wednesday & Saturday | 201 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith | Fresh local produce, handmade goods, and artisan products. Saturdays 7:00 AM - Noon, Wednesdays (seasonal). | Market Info
⌚️ Recurring Events
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Wednesday & Saturday | 201 Garrison Avenue | Fresh produce, crafts, and local goods. Saturdays 7 AM - Noon year-round, Wednesdays during season. Contact: (479) 461-5878. | Market Details
Fort Smith Public Library Programs | Various Days | Multiple Branches | Storytimes, STEAM activities, book sales, genealogy programs. Check calendar for specific times. | Library Calendar
Quick Hits
2026 Gala for Good: Best Night of the Year - Charity gala at Kay Rodgers Park on Thursday, April 9 from 6:00 PM | Event Details
bingo loco - High-energy bingo experience at Fort Smith Convention Center on Friday, April 10 | More Info
Fort Smith Museum of History - Explore permanent exhibits on Fort Smith history and rotating Boyd Gallery exhibitions. Open regular hours. | Museum Info
U.S. Marshals Museum - Discover the history of America's oldest federal law enforcement agency. Open daily with special events TBA. | Museum Details
LOOKING AHEAD: Late April & May Preview
Late April Highlights
Synergy Performing Arts Competition 2026 | Friday-Sunday, April 24-26 | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Regional dance showcase | Details
May Can't-Miss Events
🏍️ Steel Horse Rally | Friday-Saturday, May 1-2 | Downtown Fort Smith | The 11th annual charity motorcycle rally returns with 200,000+ attendees expected! Thunder through the Valley parade, Cops & Cones exhibition, Bikes & Badges vintage show, Steel Horse Strongman competition, 75+ vendors, live music, and family fun. All proceeds benefit local charities including Heroes on the Water and The Buddy Smith Home for Veterans. | Rally Info
🤠 Old Fort Days Rodeo (92nd Annual) | Tuesday-Sunday, May 26-31 | Kay Rodgers Park - Harper Stadium | One of Arkansas's premier rodeos returns! Saddle bronc riding, bull riding, bareback riding, calf roping, barrel racing, team roping, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, kids' wild pony races, and mutton bustin'. Parade on Tuesday, May 26 at 10:00 AM on Garrison Avenue featuring the Express Clydesdales. Special nights: Patriot Night (Tuesday), Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night (Wednesday), Family Nights with $10 tickets (Wednesday-Thursday). | Rodeo Tickets
Additional May Events
Lei Lei's 5K and Memory Mile | Saturday, May 2 | Fort Smith | Memorial run/walk event | Race Info
Luau 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon | Saturday, May 2 | Fort Smith | Tropical-themed race | Register
Firefighter Hotfoot 5K-10K | Saturday, May 16 | Fort Smith | Support local firefighters | Race Details
Wheels of Summer Open Car Show | Saturday, May 30 | Institute for the Creative Arts | Classic cars and hot rods. 8:00 AM start. | Car Show Info
Survivors' Challenge 5K | Saturday, May 30 | Fort Smith | Memorial Day weekend charity run | Register
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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See you around town,
Your Neighbor
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