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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
We're rolling into a hot, sticky holiday weekend - highs in the mid-90s with enough humidity to fog your sweet tea, and a stray storm possible Saturday morning. Good excuse to catch the fireworks in Lavaca on Sunday and let someone else run the grill.
Behind the cookouts, it's a consequential week at City Hall and beyond. Here's what's making waves:
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
🚨 Your 911 system was breached - The city cut ties with its dispatch vendor after an overseas technician tapped into FBI crime databases, and it's fighting to recover most of $1.2 million.
⚖️ "Strong mayor" hits the July 7 agenda - The Board gets one more shot to put Fort Smith's form of government on your November ballot. If they punt, a 3,100-signature petition may force it anyway.
💼 230 defense jobs at Ebbing - Lockheed is more than doubling its Fort Smith F-35 workforce, with German pilots inbound this fall.
☠️ A deadly new drug, local - Police confirmed Fort Smith's first carfentanil seizure. A dose smaller than a grain of salt can kill.
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-Your Neighbour
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
PUBLIC SAFETY
Fort Smith terminates ProPhoenix contract, seeks to recover most of $1.2 million after 911 software security breach
What this means: ProPhoenix allowed an India-based technician to access federal crime databases in breach of its contract-the city terminated the agreement, is seeking to recover most of the $1.2 million paid since the 2023 contract award, and is transitioning to CentralSquare while working to keep consolidated 911 service online.
Fort Smith cut ties with ProPhoenix and seeks to recover most of $1.2M after a breach on a system live since September 2025.
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 used to run license plates and driver's licenses
The city is implementing CentralSquare at a cost of $379,272; 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
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Lockheed Martin to more than double Fort Smith workforce at Ebbing to 230+ jobs as F-35 training center expands
What this means: Fort Smith's Ebbing Air National Guard Base adds 120+ high-skilled defense jobs over the next 12–18 months-mechanics, IT specialists, and logistics coordinators-cementing its role as the nation's premier F-35 international pilot training center.
Lockheed Martin will expand from 110 to 230+ positions at Ebbing over the next 12–18 months, adding F-35 mechanics, IT specialists, and logistics roles.
Here's what to know:
Announced June 25; German pilots are expected to arrive at Ebbing for F-35 training in late 2026, joining Polish and Finnish pilots already training at the base
The Foreign Military Sales program supports eight allied nations: Poland, Finland, Singapore, Germany, Switzerland, Czechia, Greece, and Romania
To apply for Fort Smith-area Lockheed Martin positions-including F-35 mechanics and IT security roles-visit lockheedmartinjobs.com/fort-smith
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Fort Smith Board votes Tuesday, July 7 on placing "strong mayor" government change on November ballot
What this means: After a 3-3 deadlock in May, the board gets one more chance to put Fort Smith's form-of-government question to voters in November-a citizen petition with 3,100+ signatures has already passed the 2,608-signature threshold needed to force the issue independently.
Fort Smith's Board votes July 7 on a strong-mayor ballot measure; petitioners have passed the 2,608-signature threshold to qualify a mayor-council question independently.
Here's what to know:
The board needs 4 of 7 votes to approve the ballot measure; the May vote failed 3-3 with one abstention after two separate proposals both stalled
Petitioners who qualify the measure independently must file verified signatures with Fort Smith City Clerk Sherri Gard by roughly August 5-about 90 days before the November 3 election
A yes vote would shift Fort Smith from its current council-manager form to mayor-council government, replacing the city administrator with an elected mayor as chief executive
Quick updates
Carfentanil detected in Fort Smith for first time – Police warn of first local seizure of carfentanil, a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl; a near-invisible 0.02mg dose can be fatal – Read more
Downtown building mini-grants now open – Main Street Fort Smith is accepting applications through September 1 for up to $7,500 in 50/50 matching grants for facade improvements, signage, and accessibility upgrades – Read more
Water rate increase on the horizon – Fort Smith officials warn a "substantial" water rate increase is needed to address aging infrastructure at Lake Fort Smith and Lee Creek treatment plants – Read more
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📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🏛️ 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 with hot dogs, bounce houses, crafts, a dunk tank, yard games, a bicycle giveaway, and fireworks. 6:00–9:00 PM. Free.
🎬 Movies in the Park: The Goonies | Friday, July 10 | Tilles Park, Fort Smith (off Jenny Lind Road near Zero St) | Free outdoor movie night under the stars - a family summer classic returns to the park. Movie starts at dusk (approximately 8:00 PM).
🛒 Chaffee Crossing Food & Artisan Market | Saturday, July 18 | Chaffee Crossing Historic District, Ward Ave at Fort Chaffee Blvd, Fort Smith | Monthly festival-style market with 100+ local vendors selling homegrown, handmade, and vintage goods alongside food trucks, live music, and a kid zone. Runs 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
🎨 Artist Lecture: Jon Williams – "No Reservations" | Friday, July 10 | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Free evening lecture with self-taught Native American wood sculptor Jon Williams, discussing his current exhibition on Native American culture and history. 5:30–7:00 PM. | fsram.org
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Dog Pound | Friday, July 10 | Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK | Live music at 8:00 PM. Free admission for guests 21+.
Wyatt Zane | Saturday, July 11 | Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK | Live music at 8:00 PM. Free admission for guests 21+.
Fuel | Friday, July 17 | Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK | Live music at 8:00 PM. Free admission for guests 21+.
Jake Lung | Saturday, July 18 | Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK | Live music at 8:00 PM. Free admission for guests 21+.
Movies in the Park: Zootopia 2 | Friday, July 17 | Creekmore Park, 4100 S 28th St, Fort Smith | Free outdoor movie night for the whole family at dusk (approximately 8:00 PM). Bring blankets and lawn chairs.
👪 Family-Friendly
Movies in the Park: The Goonies | Friday, July 10 | Tilles Park, Fort Smith | See Must-Attend section above. Free.
Lavaca Freedom Celebration | Sunday, July 5 | Lavaca High School, 311 W Holly St, Lavaca | See Must-Attend section above. Free.
Pop-Up Play Day: Ninja Course | Wednesday, July 15 | Creekmore Park, 4100 S 28th St, Fort Smith | City Parks & Rec summer pop-up event featuring a ninja obstacle course for kids. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Free.
RAM Summer Art Camp: Creative Creatures (Ages 9–12) | July 14–17 (Tuesday through Friday) | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Kids build paper-mache creatures from scratch, add 3-D decorations, and finish with paint or decoupage. 12:30–4:00 PM daily. $20 fee, all supplies included.
Library Art Camp | July 13–17 (Monday through Friday) | Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Staff-led art camp for school-age kids exploring different artists and styles each day. 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Free.
LEGO Club | Monday, July 6 | Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | School-age kids and teens design and build original creations with library LEGOs. 5:30–6:30 PM. Free, no registration required.
Wonderful Wednesday STEM Day with ArcBest & Fort Kids | Wednesday, July 8 | Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Preschool and school-age kids work in groups with oversized blocks on engineer-style building challenges. 2:00–3:00 PM. Free.
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Pilates at the Park | Sunday, July 5 | Celebration Garden and Wellness Park (Degen Pavilion), 1531 Loretta Parker Ln, Fort Smith | Community Pilates class led by instructor Alejandra Ramirez on the park lawn near the lake. Bring a mat and water. 6:00–7:00 PM. Free.
Chair Yoga at Miller Branch | Friday, July 10 | Fort Smith Public Library Miller Branch, 4701 Phoenix Ave, Fort Smith | Gentle chair yoga class for adults led by Terri Hargrove, held on the 2nd Friday of each month. 1:30–2:15 PM. Free.
🎨 Arts & Culture
Artist Lecture: Jon Williams | Friday, July 10 | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | See Must-Attend section above. Free.
"No Reservations" Exhibition | Ongoing through September 13 | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Native American wood sculptor and painter Jon Williams presents works on Cherokee history, forced relocation, and cultural resilience. Free with museum admission. Open Tuesday–Saturday 11 AM–6 PM, Sunday 1–5 PM.
Chaffee Crossing Food & Artisan Market | Saturday, July 18 | Chaffee Crossing Historic District, Ward Ave at Fort Chaffee Blvd, Fort Smith | See Must-Attend section above.
🎓 Education & Business
Book and Wine Party – Literacy Council of Western Arkansas | Thursday, July 9 | The Bakery District Cooler Room, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Ticketed fundraiser ($75) pairing books from Bookish indie shop with wine, supporting adult literacy programs across western Arkansas. 5:30–7:30 PM.
Top Value Rips Card Show | July 11–12 (Saturday and Sunday) | Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith | Two-day sports card buying, selling, and trading show open to collectors of all levels. Saturday 10 AM–6 PM, Sunday 10 AM–6 PM.
Bingo for Books (Adults) | Thursday, July 9 | Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Adult book lovers play bingo to win free books. 6:00–7:00 PM. Free.
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Movies in the Park (see Family-Friendly and Music sections above)
Pop-Up Play Day: Ninja Course | Wednesday, July 15 | Creekmore Park, 4100 S 28th St, Fort Smith | See Family-Friendly section above. Free.
Pilates at the Park | Sunday, July 5 | Celebration Garden and Wellness Park, 1531 Loretta Parker Ln, Fort Smith | See Sports & Fitness section above.
⌚ Recurring Events
Library Storytimes (Multiple locations, weekly) | Various days/times | Fort Smith Public Library branches, Fort Smith | Free drop-in storytimes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers throughout the week: Windsor Branch (Mondays, 10 AM), Main Library Wiggle Worms (Tuesdays, 10 AM), Dallas Branch Storytime & Crafts (Wednesdays, 10 AM & 11 AM), Main Library Storytime (Thursdays, 10 AM), Miller Branch Storytime (Fridays, 10 AM).
Summer Reading Program "Unearth a Story" | Ongoing through July 31 | Fort Smith Public Library (all branches), Fort Smith | Read books, earn points, and win prizes - open to kids, teens, and adults. Register and track progress at fortsmithlibrary.readsquared.com.
250th Anniversary Flying Eagle Mobile Take-and-Make Craft | July 1–31 | Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch Genealogy Dept., 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith | Pick up a free craft kit to build your own Flying American Eagle Mobile celebrating the nation's 250th birthday. Available Monday–Saturday.
Quick Hits
Movie Matinee: GOAT (PG) – Free movie on the big screen at the Main Library, 3201 Rogers Ave - Thursday, July 9, 2:00–4:00 PM
RAM Summer Art Camp: Helmets & Hats (Ages 6–8) – Final days July 7–10 at Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave; 12:30–4 PM daily, $20
Dewey's Café Artist Showcase: Katelyn Smith – Library employee's artwork on display July–August in Dewey's Café at Main Library, 3201 Rogers Ave; free to view during library hours
Book Lover's Club – Adults share recent reads at Main Library, 3201 Rogers Ave - Thursday, July 16, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM; free
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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Your Neighbor
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