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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
It's a sticky one out there - mid-70s climbing toward 90 today with a 40% shot at afternoon storms, the kind of River Valley weekend that sends everyone to the farmers market early and the porch fan late. Whether you're mapping out Comic Con weekend or keeping one eye on city hall, we've got your local pulse covered.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
🚔 Officer Newman is fighting back - encouraging progress after the May 17 shooting, and a way to help his family
⚖️ Your vote, your call - the Board deadlocked on changing Fort Smith's government, so the decision now rests on a citizen petition and a late-July deadline
🏘️ Ground breaks downtown - a 30-home campus for unhoused neighbors begins construction at South 6th and I
🎉 Comic Con turns five - plus a Bakery District street fest, monster trucks, and the Mayor's 4th of July
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-Your Neighbour
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
PUBLIC SAFETY
Officer Kyle Newman remains critical but stable, making encouraging progress after May 17 shooting
What this means: A Fort Smith officer shot in the neck on May 17 near McClure Drive is showing improvement-community support and FOP donation fund active while recovery continues
Officer Kyle Newman, shot in the neck May 17 near McClure Drive, remains critical but stable with encouraging progress reported May 24.
Here's what to know:
Newman was shot when Keller produced a handgun during a roadside stop near 7200 Massard Road; Keller fled, led a pursuit on I-540, and was pronounced dead at the scene after a second officer-involved shooting near the Grand Avenue exit
As of May 24, the department confirmed Newman has made "encouraging progress" and remains critical but stable at a local trauma center
The Fraternal Order of Police has established a donation fund to support Officer Newman and his family during recovery; the department asks for continued community prayers
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Board deadlocks 3-3 on mayor-council ballot measure, leaving government change in citizens' hands
What this means: Fort Smith voters may still decide in November 2026 whether to replace the city administrator system with an elected mayor-but only if a citizen petition reaches 2,608 valid signatures by late July
The Board deadlocked 3-3 on May 19, blocking a government-change ballot measure and leaving the issue to a citizen petition with over 2,000 signatures.
Here's what to know:
Directors split 3-3 on placing the mayor-council question on the November 2026 ballot (Martin, C. Catsavis, G. Catsavis voted yes; Good, Kemp, Rego voted no; Settle abstained); a second ordinance for a 2027 special election failed to receive a second motion
Citizen petitioners led by mayoral candidate Shayne McKinney and attorney Joey McCutchen need 2,608 valid registered-voter signatures submitted to the city clerk by late July or early August for the measure to appear on the November 3 ballot
Director Christina Catsavis plans to revisit the issue if the Arkansas Secretary of State's office issues an opinion on ballot timing; if voters approve a change in 2026, new government elections would occur in November 2028
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Next Step Neighborhood breaks ground on 30 tiny homes, 8,000-sq-ft services building at South 6th and I streets
What this means: A $5.2 million transitional housing campus for unhoused adults-the largest project in Next Step's 20-year history-officially began construction May 27 and is expected to serve 30 residents at a time
Next Step Homeless Services broke ground May 27 on a $5.2M, four-acre campus at South 6th and I streets featuring 30 rent-free tiny homes.
Here's what to know:
Each tiny home includes a bedroom, bathroom with shower, and mini-kitchenette; all units will be rent-free as required by the federal grant funding the $5.2 million project
Contractor Petree Construction estimates completion in 12–15 months; once open, the downtown day room will close and Next Step offices will relocate to the new facility
Qualified residents will be selected through an application process; Next Step currently assists approximately 400 people per month and is seeking ongoing community donations for operational costs at fortsmithstep.org
The LA Mayor Market Ends June 2. The Odds Are Moving Now.
Karen Bass is at 68%. Spencer Pratt at 27%. Over $21 million is already trading on the Los Angeles Mayor race on Kalshi — and the prices are shifting every day as local news breaks. The window to get in before the consensus hardens is closing. The best prediction market trades happen before everyone agrees on the outcome. That moment is right now, before June 2. Peer-to-peer, no house, cash out anytime. Trade $10, get $10 free to start.
Trade responsibly.
Quick updates
Trane Technologies opens Fort Smith sales office, adds up to 10 jobs - The HVAC giant celebrated the May 14 grand opening of its new commercial sales and distribution office on top of its existing 200-employee manufacturing facility, bringing the total local footprint to over 210 workers - Read more
November municipal elections drawing record candidate interest - As of May 27, 20 candidate packets have been picked up for four open seats-mayor, and at-large director positions 5, 6, and 7-the most City Clerk Sherri Gard says she's seen in nearly 30 years - Read more
📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🎭 Fort Smith Comic Con 5th Anniversary | June 5–7 (Friday–Sunday) | Wyndham Fort Smith City Center, 700 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Five years of pop culture celebration: 40+ hours of panels, celebrity guests, vendor hall, cosplay, and a VIP pool party. Day passes $20; weekend passes $55; family pack $110. | fortsmithcc.org
🎪 Bakery District Street Fest | Saturday, June 20, 11 AM–9 PM | The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, downtown Fort Smith | Fort Smith's biggest free community festival returns for its 3rd year with live music (Brooke Cagle, Trevor Phelps, headliner Covington Creek), food trucks, a Kids Zone, vendor market, Stein Holding Competition, and a Fort Smith Symphony after-party. | bakeryfs.com/street-fest-2026
👢 Heart of the Fort – A Family Fun Day | Saturday, June 13, 10 AM–2 PM | Harper Stadium at Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 US-64, Fort Smith | Annual summer fundraiser for Heart to Heart Pregnancy & Family Care Center with family games, activities, and community fun. Tickets $10/person; kids 10 and under free. | allevents.in
🎆 Mayor's 4th of July Celebration | Saturday, July 4, starting at 5 PM | Harry E. Kelley River Park, 121 Riverfront Drive, downtown Fort Smith | Fort Smith's signature Independence Day celebration along the riverfront with live music (Divas on Fire!, Larry B and the Soul Experience, Mr. Cabbagehead), food vendors, and fireworks at 9:30 PM. Free admission. | mayors4th.com
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
DIRK Live at The Majestic | Thursday, June 4, Doors 7 PM | The Majestic, 817 Garrison Ave, downtown Fort Smith | Rock show featuring DIRK - their first-ever Fort Smith appearance. Tickets available on SeatGeek. | songkick.com
Bakery District Street Fest Live Music | Saturday, June 20, Music starts 4 PM | The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, downtown Fort Smith | Full outdoor concert lineup: Brooke Cagle (4 PM), Trevor Phelps (6 PM), and Covington Creek headlining at 7 PM, followed by a Fort Smith Symphony after-party. Free to attend. | bakeryfs.com/street-fest-2026
Monster Truck Insanity Tour featuring BIGFOOT | June 20–21 (Saturday–Sunday), Doors 5:30 PM | Harper Stadium at Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 US-64, Fort Smith | High-flying monster truck freestyle action featuring BIGFOOT. Pre-show Insanity Fest with meet-and-greet from 5:30 PM. Online tickets up to $10 less than at the gate. | insanitytour.com/fortsmith
👪 Family-Friendly
Fort Smith Comic Con 5th Anniversary | June 5–7 (Friday–Sunday) | Wyndham Fort Smith City Center, 700 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | See Must-Attend listing above. All ages welcome; Kids Weekend Pass $10. | fortsmithcc.org
Heart of the Fort | Saturday, June 13, 10 AM–2 PM | Harper Stadium at Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 US-64, Fort Smith | See Must-Attend listing above. Family fundraiser; kids 10 and under free. | allevents.in
Monster Truck Insanity Tour featuring BIGFOOT | June 20–21 (Saturday–Sunday) | Harper Stadium at Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 US-64, Fort Smith | See Music & Entertainment listing above. Perfect for thrill-seeking families. | insanitytour.com/fortsmith
Summer Reading Program Kick-Off | Runs June 1–July 31 | Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Join "Adventure Begins at Your Library" - the annual summer reading program for all ages. Register online or at any branch location to earn prizes through weekly drawings and a grand prize at season's end. | fortsmithlibrary.readsquared.com
Mayor's 4th of July Celebration | Saturday, July 4, 5 PM | Harry E. Kelley River Park, 121 Riverfront Drive, downtown Fort Smith | See Must-Attend listing above. Free family event with fireworks at 9:30 PM. | mayors4th.com
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Run for the Girls 5K | Saturday, June 6, 8 AM | Greg Smith River Trail, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith | 6th Annual chip-timed, USATF certified 5K along the Arkansas River benefiting the Girls Shelter of Fort Smith for at-risk girls ages 12–17. All ages and skill levels welcome. Registration $0–$38. | findarace.com/us/events/run-for-the-girls
Kegs & Legs 5K | Saturday, June 20, 11 AM | Starting at Brunwick Court, finishing at The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Beer run winding through downtown with stops along the route, finishing at the Street Fest. $35/person; benefits Fort Kids Children's Museum and Squirrel Chase Dog Park. | bakeryfs.com/street-fest-2026
True Grit Ride & 5K | Saturday, June 27, 7 AM (Ride) / 7:30 AM (5K) | 7308 Ellis Street, Fort Smith | Annual cycling event featuring 30, 45, or 62-mile routes through rolling rural Arkansas scenery, plus a certified 5K run. Free group training rides available Saturdays since April. Packet pickup Friday, June 26, 4–7 PM with food trucks and free beer. | truegritride.com
🎨 Arts & Culture
Night at the Museum – Figure Drawing Evening | Thursday, June 18, 5–7:30 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | The RAM extends evening hours with free figure drawing classes led by artist Amy Holmes Scoggins. Explore five galleries after-hours. Free admission; no registration required. | godowntownfs.org
Paint 'n Sip: Recreate Starry Night | Friday, June 12, 5:30–8 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Adult art night (Ages 21+) recreating Van Gogh's Starry Night in acrylics on canvas with RAM artist Petra Radcliffe. Beer and wine welcome. $25 members / $35 non-members. Space limited to 15; register in advance. | fsram.org/paint-n-sip
RAM Annual Invitational Opening Reception | Friday, June 26, 5–7 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Free opening reception for the nationally recognized competitive art exhibition hosted since 1948. Winners announced live. Light refreshments provided. All works for sale; proceeds benefit RAM exhibits and programming. | fsram.org
"No Reservations" Exhibition by Jon Williams | Through Sunday, September 13 | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Self-taught wood sculptor and painter Jon Williams explores Native American culture, traditions, and injustices through striking artwork. Free with regular museum admission. | fsram.org
🎓 Education & Business
First Friday Breakfast Series – June Edition | Friday, June 5, 7:30–8:30 AM | UAFS Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Reynolds Room, 800 N 49th St, Fort Smith | Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast bringing together business professionals and community leaders. Featured speaker TBA. $25/ticket for members. Seats limited - register in advance. | public.fortsmithchamber.com
Drawing 101 Workshop with Amy Scoggins | June 27–28 (Saturday–Sunday), 1–5 PM each day | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Two-day charcoal drawing workshop for teens and adults (ages 16+) covering technical accuracy and expressive technique. Personalized instruction for all skill levels. $30 per session; all supplies provided. | fsram.org/education
🌈 Arts & Community
Ark Valley Pride – Fort Smith | Saturday, June 6, 2 PM–10 PM | Riverside Park, along the Arkansas River, Fort Smith | Fort Smith's Pride Month celebration featuring a resource fair (2–5 PM), the Purple People-Powered Pride Parade departing Alpine Park at 3:05 PM, a Legendary Drag Show at 7 PM, and a Pride Dance Party at 8:30 PM. All community members welcome. | 4029tv.com
⌚️ Recurring Events
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Tuesdays & Saturdays, 7 AM–Noon (peak season) | Municipal Parking Lot, 2nd St & Garrison Ave, downtown Fort Smith | Open-air market with 70+ verified local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, plants, honey, jams, artisan crafts, and live music. June is peak season - expect the widest selection. | localharvest.org/fort-smith-farmers-market-M21663
Quick Hits
Night at the Museum (June 4) – Extended museum hours with free figure drawing; kicks off at 5 PM - Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave – Thursday, June 4
US Marshals Museum – $2.50 Admission – Special America's 250th birthday pricing July 3 – 789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith – Friday, July 3
RAM Guided Gallery Tours – Free drop-in guided tours of all five galleries every Sunday at 1 PM – Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave – Sundays, June 7 & 21
LEGO Club at the Library – Monthly LEGO building fun for all ages; free and open to the public – Fort Smith Public Library Windsor Branch – Monday, June 1, 5:30 PM
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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See you around town,
Your Neighbor
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