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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Highs in the low 80s to start the week — enjoy it before Wednesday's rain rolls in and Saturday brings a real storm threat. It's a good week to stay informed: Amazon just confirmed 300 new jobs at Chaffee Crossing, Rogers Avenue is finally getting its long-overdue $8.5 million overhaul, and the Majestic has a full weekend slate capped by Greensky Bluegrass Sunday night.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
💼 300 new Amazon jobs at Chaffee Crossing — $18.50/hour with full benefits starting day one, hiring opens immediately
🚧 Rogers Avenue gets its $8.5M makeover — 2.5 miles of resurfacing, new sidewalks, and signal upgrades from Phoenix to Zero Street
🎓 UAFS lands $2.3M nursing grant — 40 additional students per year, directly targeting 150+ open nursing positions across Sebastian and Crawford counties
🎵 Weekend packed at The Majestic and ArcBest — Fort Smith Symphony's SKYFALL 007 Saturday, Greensky Bluegrass Sunday
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-Your Neighbour
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Fort Smith begins infrastructure improvements on Rogers Avenue corridor
What this means: $8.5 million project to resurface 2.5 miles of Rogers Avenue from Phoenix to Zero Street-includes new sidewalks, drainage upgrades, and traffic signal modernization
Fort Smith's Board of Directors approved a $8.5 million infrastructure project for Rogers Avenue during Tuesday's meeting, April 7, with construction scheduled to begin in late May pending final engineering approvals.
Here's what to know:
Project covers 2.5 miles from Phoenix Avenue to Zero Street, including full resurfacing and drainage system upgrades
New ADA-compliant sidewalks will be added on both sides, with traffic signal modernization at five major intersections
Construction expected to take 14-18 months with rolling lane closures to maintain two-way traffic throughout the project
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Amazon announces 300-job fulfillment center expansion at Chaffee Crossing
What this means: E-commerce giant expanding Fort Smith operations with $45 million investment-new positions averaging $18.50/hour with full benefits starting day one
Amazon announced Thursday, April 9 a major expansion of its Fort Smith fulfillment center at Chaffee Crossing, creating 300 new full-time positions with competitive wages and comprehensive benefits packages.
Here's what to know:
Expansion adds 120,000 square feet to existing facility, bringing total campus size to 475,000 square feet
New positions start at $18.50/hour with health benefits from day one, plus 401(k) matching and tuition assistance programs
Hiring begins immediately with first wave of employees starting training in June ahead of August facility opening
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EDUCATION
UAFS receives $2.3 million grant for nursing program expansion
What this means: Federal grant funds 40 additional nursing student slots annually-addresses regional healthcare worker shortage with simulation lab upgrades
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith announced Wednesday, April 8 it secured a $2.3 million federal Health Resources and Services Administration grant to expand its nursing program capacity and upgrade clinical training facilities.
Here's what to know:
Grant enables UAFS to accept 40 additional nursing students per year starting Fall 2027, a 25% capacity increase
Funds include $1.2 million for state-of-the-art simulation lab equipment and $1.1 million for faculty hiring and student support
Addresses critical nursing shortage across Sebastian and Crawford counties, where healthcare facilities report 150+ open nursing positions
Quick updates
Fort Smith Regional Airport adds direct Memphis route - Contour Airlines launches twice-daily service to Memphis International starting May 15, providing connections to Delta's domestic and international network. Introductory fares start at $89 one-way. Read more
Historic Garrison Avenue building sold for mixed-use redevelopment - The 1920s-era Godbey Building at 613 Garrison Avenue sold for $1.2 million to local developers planning ground-floor retail with 12 residential loft apartments on upper floors. Construction begins Fall 2026. Read more
Fort Smith Public Schools receives $850K literacy grant - Arkansas Department of Education awarded grant to expand early literacy programs across elementary schools, focusing on phonics instruction and reading intervention for K-3 students. Read more
Weather: Severe storm potential this weekend - National Weather Service issues enhanced risk outlook for Saturday, April 18 with potential for damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. Monitor local forecasts and have safety plans ready. Read more
📅 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
🎻 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
🎵 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
🏃 8K and 1-Mile Run | Saturday, April 18 | Fort Smith | Spring race through Fort Smith. 8:00 AM start. | Race Info
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
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
Spring Reading Program | April 12-May 10 | Fort Smith Public Library (All Locations) | Join the spring reading challenge for all ages. Track your reading, earn prizes, and discover new books. | Library Info
🏃 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. Last days to get help before the tax deadline! | Library Info
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
Spring Gardening Workshop - Learn organic gardening techniques at Fort Smith Botanical Garden on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 AM | Garden 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
5K Race (Virtual Option Available) | Sunday, April 26 | Fort Smith | Run in-person or complete virtually | Register
May Can't-Miss Events
🏍️ Steel Horse Rally | Friday-Saturday, May 1-2 | Downtown Fort Smith | The 11th annual charity motorcycle rally returns with 20,000+ 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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Your Neighbor
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