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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
After a stormy Saturday, we're looking at a dry 70° Sunday to kick off one of the most consequential weeks we've covered in months. Whether you're plotting your Steel Horse Rally route, watching the mayoral race take shape, or paying attention to where your water comes from, the decisions landing right now will shape this town for years.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
🏥 Mercy drops $60M on Fort Smith - Three-phase expansion means more surgery suites, imaging, and inpatient rooms as the River Valley grows
🗳️ The mayoral race just got real - Director Lee Kemp enters against Director Christina Catsavis, with filing opening July 29 and a November 3 vote ahead
💧 $12M water line funding push advances - The 30-mile Lake Fort Smith transmission line picked up a $3M EPA waiver as the city chases congressional dollars for Phase 2A
🏍️ Steel Horse + Darby Days incoming - Back-to-back weekends bringing 200,000+ visitors, a military history festival, and downtown packed end to end
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-Your Neighbour
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Mercy announces $60 million three-phase expansion of its Fort Smith campus
What this means: Fort Smith's largest hospital is investing $60M over the next few years-expanding surgery suites, imaging, clinics, and inpatient rooms to serve a growing River Valley population.
Mercy revealed a $60M, three-phase capital plan April 7, 2026, to expand procedural services, imaging, clinic space, and inpatient rooms at its Fort Smith campus.
Here's what to know:
Phase 1 launches immediately, targeting procedural services, advanced diagnostics, imaging capacity, and inpatient room renovations across the main Fort Smith campus
Full three-phase project expected to complete "over the next few years," with phases 2 and 3 adding physician integration, further clinical expansions, and technology upgrades
Questions about services or construction timelines can be directed to Mercy Fort Smith at mercy.net/fortsmith or (479) 314-6000
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Director Lee Kemp enters Fort Smith mayoral race, making it a two-candidate contest
What this means: Fort Smith voters now have at least two declared candidates for mayor-Kemp joins Director Christina Catsavis-with a November 3 election and filing window opening July 29.
Director Lee Kemp, 42, declared his mayoral run April 16, 2026, joining Catsavis in the race for Mayor McGill's open seat; filing starts July 29.
Here's what to know:
Kemp's five priorities: stronger business-education-nonprofit partnerships, civility in public meetings, better state and federal relationships, water infrastructure solutions, and economic development
Filing period opens at noon July 29 and closes at noon August 5; candidate packets available at the City Clerk's office starting May 7
The November 3 general election could go to a December 1 runoff if no candidate wins a majority; contact City Clerk Sherri Gard at (479) 784-2201 for candidate information
INFRASTRUCTURE
Board unanimously approves $12 million federal funding request for 30-mile water transmission line
What this means: Fort Smith secured an additional $3M EPA grant waiver while pursuing $12M more in congressional funds-critical for the 48-inch line that will be the city's primary water supply backbone.
The board voted unanimously April 2, 2026, to seek $12M from Sen. Boozman for Phase 2A of the 30-mile Lake Fort Smith Water Transmission Line.
Here's what to know:
The EPA separately waived a matching requirement worth approximately $3 million, reducing the city's cost burden for this phase; total Phase 2A cost is approximately $25 million
The 48-inch line, when complete, will run more than 30 miles from the Mountainburg water treatment plant to the city and provide a redundant water supply-overall project estimated at $328–$585 million
Full project details are posted at fortsmith.ar.gov; contact city engineering director Todd Mittge for project status updates
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Quick updates
911 consolidation on track for July 6 - Sebastian County and Fort Smith dispatch systems will fully merge July 6 at Fort Smith Police Department with $400,000 in state equipment funding and 9 consoles operational. - Read more
Northside High senior wins $60,000 OG&E scholarship - First-generation student Anthony Mendez will study mechanical engineering at the University of Arkansas after winning a competitive Positive Energy Scholar award April 16. - Read more
Fort Smith building permits up 13.7% through Q1 - City issued $70.2M in permits January–March 2026, including a new $4.2M Johnstone Supply industrial facility on Prairie Drive. - Read more
Senior water rate freeze proposal advances to June agenda - Board discussed April 14 a potential freeze for ~5,860 accounts held by residents 65+; full cost analysis returns at the first June study session. - Read more
Darby Middle student arrested with stolen handgun on campus - A student was taken into custody Friday, April 10, 2026 after a stolen handgun was found; school was locked down briefly, no injuries reported. - Read more
Fort Smith labor force reaches 101,722 but unemployment climbs to 5% - New BLS data shows 598 more workers entered the Fort Smith metro labor force year-over-year in January 2026, but jobless rate rose 1 point. - Read more
📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🎭 11th Annual Steel Horse Rally | May 1–2, 2026 (Friday–Saturday) | Garrison Avenue, Downtown Fort Smith | The region's biggest annual event draws 200,000+ visitors with motorcycle parades, 75+ vendors, live music, the Bikes & Badges Vintage Motorcycle Show, Cops & Cones exhibition, and Steel Horse Strongman Showdown - all free and family-friendly. | thesteelhorserally.com
🎭 Darby Days Weekend | April 25–26, 2026 (Saturday–Sunday) | Fort Smith National Historic Site & Cisterna Park, 320 Rogers Ave / 1001 Garrison Ave | A two-day patriotic celebration honoring Fort Smith native General William O. Darby. Saturday features a Holocaust survivor keynote, living history encampments, weapons demonstrations, and military vehicle exhibits - all free. Sunday brings the 3rd Annual Darby Challenge 5K/10K/Half Marathon ruck march at 7 a.m. | fortsmithmuseum.org
🎭 Western Arkansas Ballet: Snow White & A Midsummer Night's Dream | Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 7 p.m. & Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 2 p.m. | ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | WAB presents two beloved classics with original choreography by Artistic Director Jared A. Mesa, featuring local youth dancers joined by guest professional Nicholas C. Mesa. Tickets: $35 adults / $20 students. | waballet.org
🎭 Fort Smith Chamber Business Expo & Career Fair | Friday, May 1, 2026, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | The region's premier business event connects 600–800 attendees with 100+ exhibitors, job opportunities, and networking. Free and open to the public. Preceded by First Friday Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. (500 attendees). | public.fortsmithchamber.com
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
UAFS: A Grand Night for Singing | Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 7 p.m. | ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | The grand choral finale of the 2025–2026 UAFS Season of Entertainment features the Men's and Women's Chorus, Leonis Chamber Singers, and special guests performing from contemporary choral favorites to pop and musical theatre. Free admission; ticket required. | uafs.edu/season-of-entertainment
🎷 Jubilation Jazz FREE Concert - "Historical Moments from America's 250 Years" | Sunday, April 26, 2026, 3 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church, 116 N 12th St, Fort Smith | Acclaimed Arkansas big band Jubilation Jazz performs a sweeping patriotic tribute celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary with a full jazz orchestra. Free, family-friendly, and part of the Pates-McDonald Music Series. | 1pres.org
🎸 Steel Horse Rally Live Music Stage | Friday, May 1, 2026, noon–11 p.m. & Saturday, May 2, 2026, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. | Garrison Avenue, Downtown Fort Smith | Multiple acts perform throughout the rally weekend on the main stage, with the Steel Horse Handle Bar and VIB area adjacent. Free with rally attendance. | thesteelhorserally.com
👪 Family-Friendly
Darby Days - Military History Festival | Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Fort Smith National Historic Site & Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Free all-day event with veteran honor ceremonies, Holocaust survivor keynote by Lydia Klimuk, "From Flintlocks to M4s" weapons demonstrations, WWII-to-Desert Storm military vehicle exhibits, living history encampments, and food trucks. | fortsmithmuseum.org
11th Annual Steel Horse Rally | May 1–2, 2026 (Friday–Saturday) | Garrison Avenue, Downtown Fort Smith | Free family event with motorcycle parade, Cops & Cones exhibition, vintage bike show, and 75+ vendor areas. Free admission to the US Marshals Museum on Saturday, May 2, 2026, courtesy of Fort Smith Harley-Davidson. | thesteelhorserally.com
Western Arkansas Ballet: Snow White & A Midsummer Night's Dream | Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 7 p.m. & Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 2 p.m. | ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Two beloved stories brought to life through ballet by Fort Smith's youth dance company. Perfect for families with children. $35 adults / $20 students. | waballet.org
🏃 Sports & Fitness
3rd Annual Fort Smith General Darby Challenge | Sunday, April 26, 2026, 7 a.m.–noon | Cisterna Park (General Darby Statue), 1001 Garrison Ave, Downtown Fort Smith | Military-inspired ruck march and race in 5K, 10K, and 13.1 half marathon distances - run, walk, or ruck. Honors Fort Smith native Gen. William O. Darby. Finisher medals for all; virtual option available. Register at runsignup.com. | fortsmithmuseum.org
14th Annual Lei Lei's 5K and Memory Mile | Saturday, May 2, 2026, 8 a.m. | Wells Lake at Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Rd, Fort Smith | Chipped-timed 5K with age group awards, plus a 1-mile Memory Mile walk honoring children in heaven. All proceeds benefit While We're Waiting ministry. Entry: $30 for 5K / $25 Memory Mile. Register at regwiz.io. | whilewerewaiting.org
🎨 Arts & Culture
Synergy Performing Arts Competition 2026 | April 24–26, 2026 (Friday–Sunday), starting 7:30 a.m. | ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Regional youth performing arts competition featuring dance, vocal, and theater performers across multiple categories over three days. | fortsmithconventioncenter.org
Jubilation Jazz FREE Concert | Sunday, April 26, 2026, 3 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church, 116 N 12th St, Fort Smith | "Historical Moments from America's 250 Years" - a full jazz orchestra patriotic tribute as part of the Pates-McDonald Music Series. Free admission. | 1pres.org
UAFS: A Grand Night for Singing | Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 7 p.m. | ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | UAFS choral finale featuring mixed ensembles and special guests. Free; reserve your ticket at uafs.edu. | uafs.edu/season-of-entertainment
🎓 Education & Business
Fort Smith Chamber Business Expo & Career Fair | Friday, May 1, 2026, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Free community event with 100+ exhibitors, hiring booths, door prizes, and regional networking. Kick off at 7:30 a.m. with First Friday Breakfast. Register at fortsmithchamber.com. | public.fortsmithchamber.com
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
3rd Annual Fort Smith General Darby Challenge | Sunday, April 26, 2026, 7 a.m. | Cisterna Park, 1001 Garrison Ave, Downtown Fort Smith | 5K/10K/13.1-mile ruck, run, or walk along the Arkansas River with a Silent Mile segment. All abilities welcome. Register at runsignup.com. | fortsmithmuseum.org
14th Annual Lei Lei's 5K and Memory Mile | Saturday, May 2, 2026, 8 a.m. | Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Rd, Fort Smith | Scenic course around Wells Lake. Benefits While We're Waiting grief ministry. Register at regwiz.io; packet pickup Friday, May 1, 2026, 4–6 p.m. at ORR Chevrolet. | whilewerewaiting.org
⌚ Recurring Events
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Saturday, 7 a.m.–noon (+ Tuesdays April–October) | 2nd & Garrison, Downtown Fort Smith | Celebrating its 23rd season in 2026 with 90+ vendors offering local produce, farm-fresh meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, and handcrafted items. Features new solar panels this year and night market returning in May. | godowntownfs.com
Quick Hits
Ranger Weekend in Fort Smith - Army Rangers and SOF veterans gather for a meet-and-greet, Ranger Breakfast, and "Black and Tan" social - April 24–26 (Friday–Sunday) at Darby Community Center (220 N 7th St) and SOL Studio (1112 Garrison Ave) - Facebook Event
UAFS Spring Orchestra Concert - Free spring symphonic performance - Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 7 p.m., Breedlove Auditorium, UAFS Campus - uafs.edu/season-of-entertainment
Steel Horse Rally Bikes & Badges Vintage Motorcycle Show - Free entry; US Marshals Museum open free courtesy of Fort Smith Harley-Davidson - Saturday, May 2, 2026, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at 789 Riverfront Dr - thesteelhorserally.com
Steel Horse Strongman Showdown - Sanctioned pro & amateur competition - Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Riverfront Glass Pavilion, 100 N B St - thesteelhorserally.com
Old Fort Days Rodeo - Mark your calendars: Fort Smith's legendary rodeo returns May 25–30 at Harper Stadium, 4400 Midland Blvd - bull riding, barrel racing, and free stage entertainment - oldfortdaysrodeo.com
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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See you around town,
Your Neighbor
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