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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Another scorcher in our Arkansas River gem, where the coffee's strong at Olive, the riverfront's gearing up for the Fourth, and the AC is working as hard as the rest of us. Highs push toward 97 by midweek, so plan the outdoor stuff early. Whether you're mapping out your holiday weekend or keeping an eye on what the Board's doing downtown, we've got your local pulse covered.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
💼 Defense dollars land here - Lockheed Martin is more than doubling its Ebbing workforce to 230+, bringing high-skill F-35 jobs and security clearances to the River Valley
⚠️ A deadly new threat - Police confirmed carfentanil in Fort Smith for the first time, 100x stronger than fentanyl and pressed into fake pills. Worth a conversation at your dinner table
⚖️ Your 911 system, disrupted - A vendor security breach forced an emergency switch weeks before the county's consolidated dispatch deadline. Here's what it means for response times
🎆 America turns 250 - Fireworks, 5Ks, and free museum days across Fort Smith, Van Buren, and Greenwood this Fourth
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-Your Neighbour
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Lockheed Martin more than doubles Fort Smith workforce to 230+ jobs at Ebbing base
What this means: Lockheed Martin's expansion from 110 to 230+ positions at Ebbing ANGB brings high-skill defense jobs-F-35 mechanics, IT specialists, logistics-to Fort Smith within 12-18 months
Lockheed Martin will expand from 110 to 230+ positions at Ebbing Air National Guard Base within 12–18 months, adding F-35 mechanics, IT, and logistics roles.
Here's what to know:
New roles include F-35 aircraft mechanics, IT specialists, logistics coordinators, and security personnel-all requiring U.S. citizenship and security clearance eligibility
Expansion supports allied-nation pilot training at Ebbing for countries including Poland, Finland, and Germany; German pilots expected to arrive late 2026
To apply: Visit lockheedmartinjobs.com and search "Fort Smith"-most roles require U.S. citizenship and security clearance eligibility
PUBLIC SAFETY
Fort Smith police warn of carfentanil detected in city for the first time
What this means: A drug 100x stronger than fentanyl has appeared in Fort Smith in fake prescription pills-residents are urged to avoid any pills not prescribed through a licensed provider
Fort Smith police confirmed carfentanil-100 times stronger than fentanyl-in fake prescription pills for the first time in the city this month.
Here's what to know:
Carfentanil requires multiple high doses of naloxone to reverse an overdose; as little as 0.02 mg can be fatal-police say more arrests are possible and convictions carry enhanced sentences
Fort Smith recorded 1 fentanyl-related death in 2026; police warn that number may rise with carfentanil now present
Anyone struggling with addiction can contact the Arkansas crisis line at 988 or Arkansas Substance Abuse Treatment Locator at findtreatment.gov
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Fort Smith seeks to recover $1.2M from ProPhoenix after breach exposed criminal databases
What this means: ProPhoenix allowed a technician from India to access Arkansas criminal databases and the FBI's CJIS system-Fort Smith is switching to CentralSquare while pursuing recovery of most of the $1.2M already paid
Fort Smith seeks to recover most of $1.2M paid to ProPhoenix after an India-based technician accessed FBI and Arkansas criminal databases in February.
Here's what to know:
In February 2026, ProPhoenix violated contract and FBI security policy when its technician accessed the Arkansas Crime Information Center and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services systems-threatening police ability to run license plates and driver's licenses
The city is implementing CentralSquare at a cost of $379,272.46; officials say it will be cheaper than ProPhoenix over time
The consolidated 911 call center deadline was extended to June 6, 2026-that date has passed; city officials say they are working to bring the system online without service disruption for callers
Ambulance dispatch consolidation remains on hold indefinitely due to space and staffing requirements
Quick updates
Board votes July 7 on mayor-council ballot question - Directors vote July 7 on whether to place a mayor-council government question on the November ballot; petitioners have passed the 2,608-signature threshold needed to qualify it independently - Read more
Fort Smith pushes for 180-day hospital closure notice law - Renewed discussion with Rep. Jay Richardson after a March 31 measure was tabled 5-2; no legislation filed yet. Follows Baptist Health-Fort Smith layoffs totaling 260+ employees this year (150 in April, 70 more in June) - Read more
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📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🎆 Mayor's 4th of July Celebration | Saturday, July 4 | Harry E. Kelley River Park, 121 Riverfront Dr., Fort Smith | Fort Smith's biggest annual celebration doubles as a historic milestone-America's 250th birthday-with live music starting at 5 PM (DJ Susie Q, Divas on Fire!, Larry B. Soul Experience, Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Radishes) and a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 PM along the Arkansas River. Free admission; bring lawn chairs.
🎆 Van Buren 4th of July Celebration | Saturday, July 4 | Field of Dreams Sports Complex, 1700 Toothaker Dr., Van Buren | The biggest fireworks show in the River Valley ($75,000 display), co-sponsored by the City of Van Buren and Crawford County to mark America's 250th birthday. Gates open at 5 PM with food vendors, activities, and live music before fireworks after dark. Free; bring blankets and lawn chairs.
🎇 Greenwood Freedom Fest | Saturday, July 4 | Old Town Square, 10 Town Sq., Greenwood | All-day patriotic festival featuring the Barrett Baber, Oreo Blue, and The Brandon Butler Band music lineup, food trucks, craft and artisan vendors, inflatables, and a fireworks finale. A 5K run kicks off at 7 AM at Veterans Memorial Square (register by July 3). Festival opens at 4 PM. Free and open to the public.
🎫 U.S. Marshals Museum $2.50 Admission Days | Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 | U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Dr., Fort Smith | Celebrate America's 250th birthday with $2.50 admission per person. Extended hours July 3 until 8 PM, including a 5 PM craft activity co-hosted with the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum. July 4 open 9 AM–5 PM.
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Eli Young Band | Friday, July 3 | Lee Creek Tavern, Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, Cherokee Blvd., Roland, OK | Multi-platinum country act brings hits like "Always the Love Songs" and "Jet Black & Jealous" to the River Valley in a free indoor show. 8 PM start. 21+ only.
Geezer | Saturday, July 4 | Lee Creek Tavern, Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, Cherokee Blvd., Roland, OK | Live music to cap off your Fourth of July celebration just across the Oklahoma border. Free show, 8 PM. 21+ only.
Dog Pound | Friday, July 10 | Lee Creek Tavern, Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, Cherokee Blvd., Roland, OK | Live music at the casino's indoor venue to start your weekend. Free show, 8 PM. 21+ only.
Live at Digs: Alex Lee Merrill & Special Guests | Friday, July 10 | Digs FS, Fort Smith | Live music evening featuring Alex Lee Merrill and special guests. 7:30 PM.
Wyatt Zane | Saturday, July 11 | Lee Creek Tavern, Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, Cherokee Blvd., Roland, OK | Free live music at the casino to close out the week. 8 PM. 21+ only.
👪 Family-Friendly
U.S. Marshals Museum $2.50 Admission Days | Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 | U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Dr., Fort Smith | See Must-Attend listing above.
Lavaca Freedom Celebration | Sunday, July 5 | Lavaca High School, 311 W Holly St., Lavaca | Family-friendly Independence Day celebration hosted by First Baptist Church of Lavaca, featuring hot dogs, bounce houses, crafts, a dunk tank, yard games, a bicycle giveaway, and fireworks to close the evening. 6–9 PM. Free.
Free 250th Stars and Stripes Family Series: All About the Flag | Tuesday, July 7 | U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Dr., Fort Smith | Free interactive family program exploring the meaning and history of the American flag, with hands-on craftivities for kids. Programs at 10 AM and 1 PM; registration required at marshalsmuseum.org.
Fort Smith Convention Center Card Show | Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12 | Fort Smith Convention Center, 800 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith | Over 150 vendor tables packed with sports cards, Pokémon, and other TCG cards. JSA authentication on-site. $5 admission, kids 12 and under free. Open 10 AM–6 PM Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM Sunday.
VFW Duck Derby | Saturday, July 11 | Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 Zero St., Fort Smith | Rubber duck charity race on the water sponsored by VFW Auxiliary Post 1322. Adopt a duck and cheer it on for a fun, family-friendly afternoon fundraiser. 2 PM.
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Greenwood Freedom Fest 5K | Saturday, July 4 | Veterans Memorial Square, Greenwood | Kick off your Fourth of July with a patriotic 5K run through Greenwood's streets. Race begins at 7 AM; registration deadline is July 3. Part of the all-day Greenwood Freedom Fest celebration.
31st Annual Hell on the Border Disc Golf Tournament | Friday, July 10 through Sunday, July 12 | Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 S. Zero St., Fort Smith | One of the River Valley's premier disc golf events returns for its 31st year at Ben Geren's nationally recognized disc golf courses. PDGA A-Tier professional and amateur competition across multiple courses, including Ben Geren Orange, White, and Yellow. Spectators welcome.
🎨 Arts & Culture
"Our Common Ground" RAM Annual Invitational | Through Late October | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith | Over 100 local, regional, and national artists interpret the theme "Our Common Ground" in RAM's flagship annual juried exhibition. Also on view: "Inner Struggles" (student work from Kinta Public Schools) and "Hope in Bloom" (community resilience artwork). Museum open Tue–Sat 11 AM–5 PM, Sun 1–5 PM. Free admission to exhibitions.
Artist Lecture: Jon Williams – "No Reservations" | Friday, July 10 | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith | Self-taught Native American wood sculptor and painter Jon Williams discusses the process behind his sculptures and the stories within his current exhibition honoring Indigenous peoples of Indian Territory. Free event, 5:30–7 PM.
🎓 Education & Business
7 Habits of Highly Effective People Workshop | Thursdays beginning July 9 | The Bakery District, 70 S. 7th St., Suite D, Fort Smith | Four-week professional development series based on Stephen Covey's best-selling book, presented by UAFS Center for Economic Development. Sessions run 1–5 PM every Thursday July 9–30. Book included. Registration fee: $359.
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Ben Geren Regional Park Disc Golf | Open year-round | Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 S. Zero St., Fort Smith | Home to three nationally recognized disc golf courses (Orange, White, and Yellow), Ben Geren is a premier outdoor recreation destination. The park also hosts the 31st Annual Hell on the Border tournament July 10–12, drawing disc golfers from across the country. Free to play; bring your own discs.
⌚ Recurring Events
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Saturday, 7 AM–Noon | Municipal Parking Lot at 2nd St. & Garrison Ave., downtown Fort Smith | 90+ vendors selling locally grown produce, handmade crafts, prepared foods, baked goods, and more. Live musicians perform most Saturdays. Running every Saturday, including June 28 and July 11 (note: July 4 market proceeds as usual, check Facebook for holiday details).
Fort Smith Farmers Market (Wednesday Midweek) | Every Wednesday, 7 AM–Noon | Municipal Parking Lot at 2nd St. & Garrison Ave., downtown Fort Smith | Smaller midweek market through September with fresh produce, crafts, and local goods. Running every Wednesday, including July 1 and July 8.
Bags at The Bakery 708 Cornhole | Wednesday, July 1 | The Bakery District, 70 S. 7th St., Fort Smith | Weekly cornhole league night at the Bakery District patio. 6:30–10:30 PM.
Quick Hits
Bookish StoryTime at Bakery District – Free children's story hour at the Bakery District, 70 S. 7th St. – Saturday, July 4, 11 AM–Noon
USMM Stars & Stripes Family Series – Free patriotic kids program at U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Dr. – Tuesday, July 7, 10 AM and 1 PM (register at marshalsmuseum.org)
"True Grit" Library Talk – Ranger Cody Faber discusses fact and fiction behind Charles Portis' classic novel at Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Ave. – Saturday, July 18, 1 PM (free)
Fort Smith Little Theatre: The Addams Family Musical – Opening night July 16 at FSLT, 401 N. 6th St.; tickets go on sale to the public Thursday, July 9 at 7 AM (fslt.org)
RAM Summer Art Camps – Kids, teens, and adults can enroll in summer art camps at the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave., running July 7–24 (fsram.org/education)
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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