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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
A wet Mother's Day is on tap - 75% chance of rain and a high near 70 - so brunch reservations and indoor plans are looking smart. After this morning's showers, a clear, warm week ahead pushes us back into the mid-80s by Wednesday. Plenty to catch up on while you stay dry.
This week was a big one for what's coming next in our Arkansas River gem - and what's already in our backyard. From a chemical spill cleanup grinding through environmental testing on Hwy 271, to a $7 million manufacturing lab built to keep River Valley jobs in the River Valley, to F-35 construction breaking ground at Ebbing with the Army Corps challenged to deliver six months early, decisions made this week will shape Fort Smith's next decade.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
🚨 Hwy 271 spill cleanup enters week two - EPA revises numbers down, but creek contamination has already killed 300+ fish and testing could run another three weeks
🏭 UAFS opens $7M manufacturing complex - backed by ABB and state HIRED grants, the new lab and workforce center target Fort Smith's largest employment sector
✈️ F-35 academic training center breaks ground at Ebbing - Army Corps general challenges his team to finish in 18 months instead of 24
🗳️ Mayoral race takes shape - McGill out, Catsavis and Kemp in, candidate packets now at the clerk's office, filing window opens July 29
🦟 Plus: City pauses mosquito fogging, $600M water system question looms, and 30+ events from Old Fort Days Rodeo to Duck Day
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-Your Neighbour
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
PUBLIC SAFETY
125,000-gallon sulfuric acid spill near Hwy 271 triggers multi-week cleanup with creek contamination
What this means: C&S Chemicals tank rupture May 2 spread acid 1 mile into drainage creek-residents near 7000 Hwy 271 should avoid the area while testing continues through late May
A May 2 tank rupture at C&S Chemicals near 7000 Hwy 271 released 125,000 gallons of acid, contaminating drainage creek for one mile.
Here's what to know:
Sulfuric acid and aluminum sulfate leaked beyond C&S Chemicals property at 7000 Hwy 271, spreading roughly 1 mile down a drainage creek toward Texas Road; chemicals are not expected to reach the Poteau River in Oklahoma
Cleanup requires 3 consecutive successful environmental tests before the site can be officially cleared-Sebastian County Emergency Management Director Travis Cooper estimates 1 to 3 weeks, or longer
City asks residents to avoid the Hwy 271 site while work is underway; follow Fort Smith's social media accounts for cleanup updates; contact the city if you suspect vehicle damage from driving through the acid
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
UAFS opens $7 million advanced manufacturing lab aimed at filling 17,700 regional jobs
What this means: New facility offers 30+ training courses and 100-hour workforce programs to unemployed workers-and Arkansas's first BS in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering-keeping manufacturing talent in the River Valley
UAFS's new $7 million advanced manufacturing lab opened May 4, offering 30+ training courses and 100-hour workforce programs targeting Fort Smith's 17,700 manufacturing workers.
Here's what to know:
Funded by $5.7M from Arkansas's HIRED program and a $1M donation from ABB (which employs 1,165 people in Fort Smith), the lab is equipped with AI-capable robotics systems used in real manufacturing facilities
A manufacturing academy launching later this year will train unemployed or underemployed workers in 100-hour courses for production operator roles; program costs are grant-funded
To enroll in courses or the upcoming manufacturing academy, contact UAFS Economic and Workforce Development at uafs.edu or call (479) 788-7000; the new BS in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering also accepts applications now
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Army Corps sets 18-month completion target for Ebbing's F-35 training facility-6 months ahead of schedule
What this means: Accelerated build means Fort Smith gets the "world's most modern F-35 base" faster-with joint U.S. and allied pilot training, 4 advanced simulators, and hundreds of millions in projected economic impact
Army Corps set an 18-month completion target for Ebbing's F-35 training facility-6 months early-with 4 simulators for joint U.S. and allied pilot training.
Here's what to know:
Brig. Gen. George Walter, U.S. Army Corps Southwest Division commander, issued the 18-month challenge at a May 6 groundbreaking ceremony; the original plan was a 2-year build
The facility will house 4 advanced F-35 simulators and academic space, allowing Fort Smith-based pilots to complete simulator training on-site rather than traveling elsewhere; U.S. and allied pilots will train side by side
Additional construction at Ebbing begins within a year, including a facility for Singapore's F-16 mission and a new operations building; long-term plans call for a walkable campus by 2029
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Quick updates
Mayor McGill won't seek reelection; 5 candidates enter race - Mayor George McGill not seeking reelection; 5 candidates announced for his open seat, with candidate packets available May 6 and filing period July 29–Aug. 5. - Read more
Fort Smith pauses mosquito fogging program - Fort Smith Board of Directors paused the city's mosquito fogging program after residents raised safety concerns about chemicals being sprayed in neighborhoods. - Read more
Metro building permits at $88.4M through April, down 2.1% - Fort Smith metro building permits totaled $88.4M through April 2026, down 2.1% year-over-year; city of Fort Smith permits rose 6.6% in that same period. - Read more
$600M water system overhaul challenge facing Fort Smith board - Fort Smith faces up to $600 million in water infrastructure needs; board struggling to finalize cost estimates for treatment plant upgrades and new 48-inch transmission line. - Read more
📅 This Week in Fort Smith
Must-Attend Events
🎭 93rd Annual Old Fort Days Rodeo | May 25-30 (Monday-Saturday) | Harper Stadium, Kay Rodgers Park, 200 Kay Rodgers Park Drive, Fort Smith | Six nights of world-class rodeo action featuring bull riding, barrel racing, bareback and saddle bronc riding, plus free entertainment on the Old Fort Days Stage. Adults $20, Kids (3-11) $10; Family Night May 26-27 all seats $10. | oldfortdaysrodeo.com
🎭 99th Annual Christ the King Carnival | Friday-Saturday, May 15-16, 6-11 PM nightly | 1918 S Greenwood Ave, Fort Smith | Free admission carnival for all ages with games, food, prizes, inflatables, bingo, and raffle - a beloved Fort Smith tradition for nearly a century. Free parking on-site. | Eventbrite listing
🎭 Chaffee Crossing Food & Artisan Market | Saturday, May 16, 8 AM-1 PM | 7300 Ellis St, Fort Smith (Historic Chaffee Crossing District) | Monthly festival-style market featuring homegrown, handmade, and vintage goods from local vendors with food trucks, live music, and a kid zone. Free admission. | chaffeecrossing.com/events
🎭 Duck Day Festival | Saturday, May 30, 7:30 AM-12 PM | Ben Geren Park, 7200 Zero St, Fort Smith | Family-friendly festival featuring a chip-timed 5K Dash (8 AM start) and the beloved Duck Dash costume contest where participants dress as ducks for prizes. Free family festival after the race. | happeningnext.com
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Mother's Day Brunch at Prima Italia | Sunday, May 10, 10 AM-2 PM | Prima Italia, 720 Garrison Ave, downtown Fort Smith | Annual Mother's Day Brunch Buffet - celebrate Mom with Italian cuisine, beautiful ambiance, and a relaxed family atmosphere. | AllEvents listing
Mystery at the Fort Legacy Ball | Monday, May 11, 7-10 PM | US Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith | 1940s-themed mystery dinner fundraiser with a whodunit investigation, dancing, costume contest, and raffle; all proceeds benefit Heart to Heart Pregnancy & Family Care Center. Tickets $125. | Fort Smith Chamber listing
Wheels of Summer Car Show | Saturday, May 30, 8 AM-3 PM | Institute for the Creative Arts, 1107 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith | Fort Smith's biggest car show returns for year two, featuring top 50 placements, custom rides, classics, motorcycles, specialty vehicles, food trucks, and vendors along the river. | HappeningNext listing
👪 Family-Friendly
Parrot Island Waterpark - Season Weekends | Saturdays-Sundays, May 9-10 & 16-17, 11 AM-6 PM (then daily May 23+) | Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 Zero St, Fort Smith (Ben Geren Regional Park) | The region's beloved waterpark kicks off its 2026 season with weekend-only hours before going daily - the perfect early-summer splash. | AllEvents listing
Stars & Stripes Family Series - Independence Day | Tuesday, May 26, 10 AM & 1 PM | US Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith | Free interactive family program celebrating America's 250th anniversary - kids discover the story of Independence Day and make a patriotic craft. Registration required for each time slot. | AllEvents listing
Old Fort Days Rodeo | May 25-30 (Monday-Saturday), 7:30 PM nightly | Harper Stadium, Kay Rodgers Park, 200 Kay Rodgers Park Drive, Fort Smith | Bring the whole family - nightly Muttin' Bustin' for kids (4:30-6 PM), live stage music (5:30-6:30 PM), and world-class cowboy action. Family Night pricing May 26-27: all grandstand seats $10. | oldfortdaysrodeo.com
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Phil Christensen Memorial Hotfoot 5K & 10K | Saturday, May 16, 8 AM | Fort Smith Riverfront Park, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith | Annual race along the riverfront with awards for top male and female finishers; early packet pickup May 14-15. Registration closes May 10 (online); race-day registration available. $40. | RunSignUp registration
Luau 5K, 10K & Half Marathon | Saturday, May 16, 8:30 AM | Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 Zero St, Fort Smith | Fun tropical-themed race with a costume contest and finisher medals; out-and-back trail course. Limited spots remaining. 5K $30, 10K $45, 13.1M $65. | RunSignUp registration
Duck Day 5K Dash | Saturday, May 30, 8 AM start | Ben Geren Park, 7200 Zero St, Fort Smith | Chip-timed 5K run through Ben Geren Park with registration starting at 7:30 AM; stick around for the free Duck Dash costume contest and family festival afterward. | HappeningNext listing
🎨 Arts & Culture
New Exhibition Opening Reception - Jon Williams & Reflections in Water | Friday, May 15, 5-7 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM), 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Free opening reception for two new exhibitions: Jon Williams: No Reservations (wood sculptures exploring Native American resilience) and Reflections in Water(watercolors from the RAM permanent collection). Both run through September 13. | fsram.org/exhibitions
Nights at the Museum | Thursday, May 21, 5-7:30 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM), 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Free extended evening hours featuring all five galleries plus a free figure drawing class led by artist Amy Holmes Scoggins - open to all skill levels. | fsram.org
Paint 'n Sip - Georgia O'Keeffe Night (21+) | Friday, May 22, 5:30-8 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM), 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Recreate Georgia O'Keeffe's Lake George Reflection step-by-step with instructor Petra Radcliffe; beer and wine welcome. Limited to 15 participants - register in advance. Members $25, non-members $35. | Registration page
🎓 Education & Business
Historic Decisions: America250 Teen & Adult Programming | Tuesday, May 12, 6 PM | US Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith | Free interactive program for ages 13+ examining pivotal moments in American history through civil dialogue and group deliberation - no prior knowledge required. | AllEvents listing
2nd Annual Mental Health Fair | Saturday, May 30, 11 AM | River Valley Fitness & Training Center, 5111 Rogers Ave Suite 75, Fort Smith | Community wellness event hosted by River Valley Community Outreach featuring conferences, workshops, and resources focused on mental health in the River Valley. | AllEvents listing
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Parrot Island Waterpark Season Opening | Weekends May 9-17 (11 AM-6 PM), then daily starting May 23 | Parrot Island Waterpark at Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 Zero St, Fort Smith | Fort Smith's premier outdoor waterpark reopens for the summer season with weekend hours first - slides, lazy river, and splash zones for all ages. | AllEvents listing
Old Fort Days Cowboy Church & Free Rodeo Slack | Sunday, May 24, Cowboy Church 8 AM / Free Rodeo Slack 9 AM | Harper Stadium, Kay Rodgers Park, 200 Kay Rodgers Park Drive, Fort Smith | Free pre-rodeo Sunday morning tradition - outdoor cowboy church followed by open rodeo slack with no admission charge. Great introduction before the main event begins May 25. | oldfortdaysrodeo.com
⌚️ Recurring Events
RAM Saturdays - Free Make-and-Take Art | Every Saturday | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM), 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Drop-in art projects for all ages and skill levels every Saturday - free admission, no registration required. | fsram.org
Chaffee Crossing Food & Artisan Market | Third Saturday monthly (next: May 16), 8 AM-1 PM | 7300 Ellis St, Fort Smith (Historic Chaffee Crossing District) | Monthly festival market with local food vendors, artisans, live music, and a kid zone. Free admission. Runs through October 2026. | chaffeecrossing.com/events
Quick Hits
Mother's Day Shopping Extravaganza - Shop local small businesses and pop-up shops at Central Mall, 5111 Rogers Ave - May 8-10 | AllEvents
Old Fort Days Patriot Night (Memorial Day) - Opening night parade at 10 AM + rodeo at 7:30 PM - Monday, May 25 | oldfortdaysrodeo.com
Old Fort Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night - Benefit night for breast cancer awareness at Harper Stadium - Friday, May 29 | oldfortdaysrodeo.com
Old Fort Days Barrel Futurity & Super Derby - Pre-rodeo barrel racing competition at Kay Rodgers Park - May 11-15 | oldfortdaysrodeo.com
Paint With Mom - Mother's Day at Harley's Pottery - Drop-in pottery painting for families, 12-6 PM - Sunday, May 10 at 1401 S Waldron Rd Suite 101, Fort Smith | AllEvents
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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See you around town,
Your Neighbor
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