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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Another soggy start in our Arkansas River gem - 85% rain odds today before the heat snaps back to the 90s midweek, so grab the umbrella now and the sunscreen Tuesday. Whether you're dodging puddles on Garrison or planning your way to the Bakery District Street Fest, we've got your local pulse covered.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
💧 Your sewer bill's future starts now - the Board greenlit $8.575M to design Fort Smith's massive Massard overhaul
🏥 Baptist cuts 70 more jobs - what 260 lost positions mean for your healthcare access
👮 Officer Newman out of ICU - a hard-won recovery milestone for the community
🎪 Street Fest, BBQ, and a 250th July 4th - your summer calendar fills up fast
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-Your Neighbour
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
City approves $8.6M contract to begin $150M sewer overhaul - engineering starts immediately
What this means: Fort Smith launches design work now on its largest-ever infrastructure project, bringing the city one step closer to ending illegal wastewater discharges - with full construction expected by late 2028.
Fort Smith's Board unanimously approved $8.575M for sewer design on June 2, beginning a $150M Massard facility overhaul required under federal consent decree.
Here's what to know:
Engineering firm Garver begins design work immediately; the Massard Water Reclamation Facility has discharged an estimated 15 million gallons of untreated wastewater since February 2022
Full $150M construction expected to complete by end of 2028, with the upgraded infrastructure designed to last 50 years
Project fulfills federal consent decree requirements with the EPA and Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality - brings city into compliance after decade-long sewer dispute
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Baptist Health cuts 70 more Fort Smith jobs - 260 positions eliminated since March
What this means: Fort Smith's second-largest hospital has shed 260 jobs since March - including 10 physicians and the closure of oncology, pulmonology, and nephrology services - with no end to restructuring announced.
Baptist Health-Fort Smith announced 70 additional job cuts June 2, affecting pharmacy, radiology, case coordination, and facilities staff, following 190 earlier cuts.
Here's what to know:
Affected employees receive severance pay and job placement assistance; remaining open services include the ER, surgical services, medical-surgical, geriatric psychiatry, and radiology
Hospital leadership cited "sustained decrease in service volumes and duplication of roles" as cause; no timeline given for additional changes
Baptist Health-Van Buren is unaffected; hospital plans to invest $20 million at the Fort Smith campus "over the next few years" - displaced workers can visit arkansasworkforce.com or contact Arkansas Workforce Services at 479-484-5100 for job placement assistance
Quick updates
Officer Kyle Newman moved from ICU to rehab - Shot in the neck May 17 while on duty, Newman transferred to a rehabilitation facility June 3, marking a major recovery milestone - Read more
Seattle company acquires Fort Smith and Van Buren port terminals - Logistic Services Inc. bought Five Rivers Distribution assets, integrating local barge, rail, and truck operations into its regional river network - Read more
First Commerce Collective shop opens on Garrison Ave - Serious Fiber opened June 3 at 409 Garrison Ave as the inaugural business in Main Street Fort Smith's retail incubator; grand opening June 20 - Read more
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📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🎪 Bakery District Street Fest 2026 | Saturday, June 20 | Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Fort Smith's beloved community street festival returns for its 3rd year with live bands on the patio all day, food trucks, local vendors in the Collection Room, a Kids Zone, and the new Kegs & Legs 5K Beer Run - 11 AM to 9 PM, free admission. | Details & Info
🚴 True Grit Ride & 5K | Saturday, June 27 | 7308 Ellis Street (Fort Chaffee), Fort Smith | One of Arkansas's premier charity cycling events returns with 30-, 45-, and 62-mile routes through the scenic River Valley hills, plus a certified 5K run/walk - all starting at 7:00 AM. Packet pickup Friday evening at the site includes free food trucks and 2 beers per participant. | Registration & Details
🍖 Old Town Smokeout & BBQ Cook-off | June 26-27 (Friday-Saturday) | 619 Main Street, Old Town Van Buren | The 2nd Annual Kansas City BBQ Cook-off takes over historic downtown Van Buren with a Master Series 4-Meat competition, Friday Night Rib Cook-off, Kids Pancake Cook-off, and People's Choice tasting tickets. Bring your appetite. | Register & Info
🎆 Mayor's 4th of July Celebration - America's 250th Birthday | Saturday, July 4 | Harry E. Kelley River Park, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith | Fort Smith's signature Independence Day event takes on extra meaning as the nation turns 250. Free event begins at 5 PM with DJ Susie Q, River Valley Community Band, Divas on Fire!, Larry B. Soul Experience, and Mr. Cabbagehead & the Screaming Radishes - plus a fireworks spectacular at 9:30 PM. | Official Site
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Jazz Jam at the Bakery | Thursday, June 11 | Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Join musicians and music lovers for an open jam session on the Bakery District patio from 5–8 PM. Free and family-friendly. | Bakery District Events
Blues Jam at the Bakery | Sunday, June 21 | Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Kick back for a laid-back afternoon of live blues music from 1–6 PM on the Bakery patio. | Bakery District Events
SEGUE | Thursday, June 25 | The Cooler Room at Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Live music performance at The Cooler Room from 6:30–8:30 PM. | Bakery District Events
👪 Family-Friendly
Heart of the Fort - A Family Fun Day | Saturday, June 13 | Harper Stadium Rodeo Grounds, Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Blvd, Fort Smith | Western-themed family day from 10 AM–2 PM featuring pony rides, mechanical bull, carnival games, farm animals, pan for gold, line dancing with TK Rakoski, and cowboy food. All proceeds benefit Heart to Heart's CARE Programs. Tickets $0–$12. | Get Tickets
Western Arkansas Ballet Summer Dance Camps | June 8-19 (Monday-Friday) | Western Arkansas Ballet Studios, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith | Multiple camps for ages 4–12: Jazz Camp (ages 10–12, June 8–11, $60), Elevé Dance Workshop (ages 10–12, June 8–12, $200), Fairy Princess Ballet Camp (ages 4–6, June 15–19, $90), and Rhinestone Roundup Ballet Camp (ages 7–9, June 15–19, $90). | Register at WABallet.org
Christmas in July - Old Town Van Buren | Saturday, July 11 | Main Street Historic District, 400–700 Main Street, Old Town Van Buren | The Old Town Merchants Association transforms downtown Van Buren's charming historic district into a Christmas wonderland in July. Free to attend, browse unique shops along the storied Main Street. | Event Info
Van Buren 4th of July Celebration | Saturday, July 4 | Field of Dreams Sports Complex, 1700 Toothaker Dr, Van Buren | The City of Van Buren and Crawford County host a free Independence Day celebration starting at 5 PM with food vendors, activities, live music, and fireworks after dark. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. | City of Van Buren
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Chip In Fore the Kids Golf Tournament | Monday, June 15 | Eagle Crest Golf Course, 3926 Golf Course Dr, Alma, AR | The 30th Annual Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament benefits local youth programs. Two flights at 8 AM and 1 PM. $500/team or $125/individual player. | Register Now
Greenwood Freedom Fest 5K | Saturday, July 4 | Veterans Memorial Square, Greenwood, AR | Start Independence Day with a 5K run at 7 AM, then stay for Greenwood's all-day Freedom Fest with live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, inflatables, and fireworks after dark. Registration deadline July 3. | Greenwood Events
🎨 Arts & Culture
Drawing 101 Workshop | June 27-28 (Saturday-Sunday) | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Two-day drawing workshop led by artist Amy Holmes Scoggins, 1–5 PM each day. Focuses on charcoal, technical accuracy, and expressive work. Open to ages 16+. $30/session, all supplies provided. Second session available July 25–26. | Register at FSRAM
Import Expo Car Show | Saturday, June 27 | Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Show off or admire import vehicles at this indoor car show from 3–8 PM. A showcase for local and regional car enthusiasts. | Convention Center Events
FSRAM Guided Gallery Tours | Sunday, June 21 | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Free guided tours of FSRAM's five galleries at 1 PM, led by trained gallery educators who walk visitors through artists' techniques and processes. No registration required. | Museum Info
Top Value Rips Card Show | July 11-12 (Saturday-Sunday) | Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | A two-day trading card show open to collectors of all ages, Saturday 10 AM–6 PM and Sunday 10 AM–6 PM. Shop, trade, and discover rare cards from regional and national dealers. | Convention Center Events
🎓 Education & Business
RAM Summer Art Camps - Helmets & Hats | July 7-10 (Tuesday-Friday) | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Four-afternoon art camp for ages 6–8, exploring helmets and hats through creative art projects from 12:30–4 PM daily. $20 fee, all supplies provided. | Register at FSRAM
RAM Summer Art Camps - Creative Creatures | July 14-17 (Tuesday-Friday) | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Art camp for ages 9–12 bringing imaginative creatures to life through sculpture and mixed media, 12:30–4 PM daily. $20 fee, all supplies provided. | Register at FSRAM
RAM Summer Art Camps - Cryptids At-Large | July 21-24 (Tuesday-Friday) | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Art camp for ages 12–18 creating large-scale cryptid art installations over four afternoons, 12:30–4 PM. Finished creatures will be displayed at the museum. $20 fee. | Register at FSRAM
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Bikes at the Bakery | Friday, June 19 | Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith | A casual evening ride gathering for cyclists from 6–8 PM at the Bakery District patio. All levels welcome to ride and socialize. | Bakery District Events
Survivors Celebration Pool Party | Friday, June 26 | Creekmore Park Pool, Creekmore Park, Fort Smith | Reynolds Cancer Support House hosts a special evening celebration for cancer survivors, patients, and their families at 6:30 PM. A meaningful evening of community, strength, and celebration. | United Way Calendar
⏰ Recurring Events
Movies in the Park | Every Friday through July 17 | Various Fort Smith Parks, 8:00 PM | Free outdoor movies hosted by Fort Smith Parks & Recreation. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Upcoming screenings: Minecraft (June 12, Tilles Park), The Fire Inside (June 19, MLK Jr. Park), How to Train Your Dragon (June 26), The Goonies (July 10), Zootopia 2 (July 17, Creekmore Park). | Full Schedule
RAM Saturdays | Every Saturday, noon–3 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Free drop-in make-and-take art projects for all ages and skill levels at the museum. No registration required. June 13: Paper Cup Crabs. June 20: Egg Carton Reef. New project each week. | RAM Saturdays
Bags at the Bakery 708 Cornhole | Every other Wednesday, 6:30–10:30 PM | Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Competitive cornhole league nights at the Bakery District. Upcoming: June 10, June 17, June 24. | Bakery District Events
Art Start at the Regional Art Museum | Every Wednesday, 1–2 PM | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Free drop-in creative art hour for little ones, led by Jessica Hutchings. No registration needed. All ages welcome. | Museum Education
Children's Summer Programming at the Museum | Thursdays, June 11, 18 & 25, 2026, 10–11:30 AM | Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | The Fort Smith Museum of History celebrates 5 years of free summer children's programming with hands-on activities and family fun every Thursday morning. Free admission. | Event Details
Quick Hits
U.S. Marshals Museum - $2.50 Admission - Special $2.50 admission to honor America's 250th birthday on July 3 - 789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith
Western Arkansas Ballet 2026-27 Academy Enrollment Opens - New student enrollment for fall dance classes opens June 15 at waballet.org - 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith
Drawing 101 Second Session - Amy Holmes Scoggins returns July 25–26 for a second Drawing 101 session at FSRAM, 1601 Rogers Ave - ages 16+, $30
Bakery District Bookish StoryTime - Free children's storytime Saturdays 11 AM–noon at the Bakery District, 70 S 7th St - June 13, 20, 27
Fort Smith Food Truck Festival - Stay tuned to Downtown Fort Smith Association for their 2026 summer lineup at godowntownfs.org
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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