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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Good morning, Fort Smith! 🌤️ Mid-July heat is settling in with highs near 94 degrees, but the chance of afternoon storms might bring some relief by Sunday evening. Another busy week in our Arkansas River gem, where downtown is buzzing with Farmers Market energy and the library's packed summer calendar wraps into its final stretch. Whether you're planning your weekend around Movies in the Park or tracking the city's hiring spree at Foundever, we've got your local pulse covered.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
💼 200+ jobs landing at $17-19/hour - Foundever's hiring fair Tuesday gives Fort Smith workers a shot at full benefits and steady paychecks
⚖️ Government petition deadline looming - Citizen group needs just 2,608 valid signatures by August 25 to force a November vote on elected-mayor reform
🚰 1,000 water leaks fixed in six months - City crews slashed active leaks by 74% while you weren't looking, saving water and cash
🎬 Movies in the Park season finale Friday - One last free night under the stars at Creekmore before summer wraps
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-Your Neighbour
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Foundever to add 200+ jobs at Fort Smith call center
What this means: Miami-based Foundever is hiring more than 200 customer service representatives starting at $17/hour ($19/hour bilingual) with full benefits, with an on-site job fair Tuesday, July 14.
The company announced July 8 it's holding a hiring event at its 4600 Towson Ave. facility from 10 a.m. to noon, with positions available through August 9.
Here's what to know:
Apply in person at the July 14 job fair or online at foundever.com - permanent full-time roles with paid training, medical/dental/vision coverage, and 401(k)
Foundever currently employs 500 full-time workers in Fort Smith and serves clients in banking, financial services, and telecommunications
The expansion represents approximately $8 million in annual payroll impact for the Fort Smith economy
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Board rejects government ballot measure; citizen petition remains option
What this means: The Board of Directors voted 3-2 on Tuesday, July 7 to block a change-of-government question from the November ballot, but citizens can still force the vote through a petition requiring 2,608 valid signatures by late August.
The measure would let voters decide whether to shift from the current city administrator system to an elected mayor-council structure managing Fort Smith's $300+ million budget.
Here's what to know:
Directors Christina Catsavis, George Catsavis, and Neal Martin voted yes; Directors Jarred Rego and Lee Kemp voted no; Director Kevin Settle abstained - falling one vote short of the four needed
Petitioners have collected 3,300-3,400 signatures and need 2,608 valid voter signatures submitted to the county clerk by August 25
If approved by voters, new government elections would occur in November 2028; if rejected, state law prevents resubmitting for four years
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
City approves $4.74 million federal plan for housing and homelessness
What this means: Fort Smith will spend $4.74 million in federal CDBG and HOME funds through 2030 on housing rehabilitation ($1.35 million), homebuyer assistance ($1.64 million), and homeless facilities ($133,337).
The Board of Directors approved the 5-Year Consolidated Plan on Thursday, July 9 with a 5-0 vote (one abstention, one absent).
Here's what to know:
Additional funding goes to home ownership production ($495,843), public facilities and infrastructure ($533,349), and public services ($585,000)
The Community Development Advisory Committee will oversee annual action plans through 2030
Apply through Fort Smith Community Development - contact information available at fortsmithar.gov/government/departments/community-development
INFRASTRUCTURE
Nearly 1,000 water leaks repaired in first half of 2026
What this means: Fort Smith fixed 989 water leaks through June - a 74% reduction from December 2025's 78 active leaks to just 20 by June's end - saving water and reducing system strain.
Five city crews repaired an average of 5.5 leaks daily in June while also installing new services and replacing fire hydrants.
Here's what to know:
Report leaks by texting "water leak" to 479-777-8311 or calling 479-784-2360 - city crews respond quickly to reduce water waste
143 leaks repaired in June alone; down from the 2022 peak of 2,575 leaks citywide
Leaks from meters to properties remain homeowner responsibility
Quick updates
Record interest in city elections - Twelve mayoral candidate packets and 17 director candidate packets picked up as of Monday, July 6, with filing period opening July 29 at noon - City Clerk Sherri Gard says 2026 may generate the most municipal candidates in her 30 years - Read more
Mercy cancer center on track for 2027 - Hospital completed $41 million fundraising for Phase 1 expansion, doubling oncology space to 50,000+ square feet with three new medical oncologists, PET CT scanner, and advanced radiation therapy opening by July 2027 - Read more
Police seek homicide suspect - Fort Smith Police arrested Donny Warner, 18, in connection with the Tuesday, July 7 shooting death of a 16-year-old boy near I-540 and Kelley Highway; Jasmine Johnston, 19, remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous - Read more
Baptist Health to sell area clinics - Baptist Health signed a letter of intent with Springdale-based Community Clinic to run its Fort Smith, Van Buren, Greenwood, and Alma primary care clinics following job cuts earlier this year - Read more
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📰 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🎬 Movies in the Park - Season Finale | Friday, July 17 | Creekmore Park, 4100 S 28th St, Fort Smith (midtown) | The free summer movie series wraps its 2026 season with one last Friday night under the stars - bring a blanket or lawn chair; the film starts at dusk, weather permitting. Questions: (479) 784-2368. | Event Info
🥕 Fort Smith Farmers Market | Saturday, July 18 | 201 Garrison Ave at N 2nd St, Fort Smith (downtown) | More than 90 growers, bakers, and artisans fill the downtown municipal lot from 7 a.m. to noon with peak-summer produce, baked goods, and crafts. Free admission. | Market Info
🎨 RAM Saturdays at the Regional Art Museum | Saturday, July 18 | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown) | Free drop-in, make-and-take art projects from 12-3 p.m. for all ages and skill levels - supplies provided, and four summer exhibitions to browse while you're there. Questions: 479.784.2787. | Program Info
🚲 Bikes at the Bakery | Friday, July 17 | The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith (downtown) | The third-Friday group social ride rolls out from The Bakery District at 6 p.m. - a relaxed, all-levels pace through downtown, weather permitting (ride updates posted on the official page). | Ride Updates
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
🎸 Fuel - Live at Lee Creek Tavern | Friday, July 17 | Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK (minutes from downtown Fort Smith) | Free live show at 8 p.m. inside the casino's music bar - arrive early for a seat. 21+ only. | Entertainment Schedule
🎤 Jake Lung - Live at Lee Creek Tavern | Saturday, July 18 | Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK (minutes from downtown Fort Smith) | Saturday night free live music at 8 p.m. caps the weekend at the casino's center-floor tavern. 21+ only. | Entertainment Schedule
🎙️ Open Mic Night at Dewey's Café | Thursday, July 16 | Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown) | Poets, musicians, and performers of all stripes take the café mic from 5:30-7:30 p.m. - a casual, free evening for teens and adults. | Library Events
👪 Family-Friendly
📚 Bookish StoryTime | Saturday, July 18 | The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith (downtown) | Bookish hosts Saturday-morning story time with a craft at 11 a.m. - free fun for kids of all ages downtown. | Venue Updates
🖍️ Art Start | Wednesday, July 15 | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown) | Free weekly sensory-play and art-making session for toddlers and their grown-ups with instructor Jessica Hutchings, 1-2 p.m. - no registration needed, supplies provided. Questions: 479.784.2787. | Program Info
🧸 Wonderful Wednesday: Teddy Bear Clinic | Wednesday, July 15 | Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown) | Kids bring their stuffed animals for a check-up with local nursing and dental hygiene students, 2-3 p.m. - free and adorable. | Library Events
🍿 Movie Matinee: "Hoppers" | Thursday, July 16 | Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown) | Free all-ages film screening with refreshments from 2-4 p.m. - an easy air-conditioned escape on a July afternoon. | Library Events
🎨 Arts & Culture
🖼️ Summer Exhibitions at FSRAM | Ongoing this week | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown) | Four free exhibitions on view, including the 100-plus-artist showcase "Our Common Ground" and "Jon Williams: No Reservations" - open during regular museum hours, free admission. | Museum Info
🪭 Maker Lab: Paper Fan (For Adults) | Saturday, July 18 | Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown) | An adults-only crafting session from 2:30-4 p.m. - make a handmade paper fan just in time for the July heat. Free. | Library Events
🎓 Education & Business
✍️ Authors in the Afternoon with Nelda Villines | Tuesday, July 14 | Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown) | The Oklahoma author discusses her memoir chronicling a 31-year diplomatic journey from Oklahoma to Africa, 4-6 p.m. - free for adults. | Library Events
🏛️ Historic Decisions: An America250 Program | Friday, July 17 | Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown) | The U.S. Marshals Museum presents an America250 history program at the Main Library, 2-4 p.m. - free, recommended for ages 13 and up. | Library Events
🔬 STEAM Team: Optical Illusions | Monday, July 13 | Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown) | Kids ages 8-12 explore the science of optical illusions in this free hands-on program, 3:30-5 p.m. | Library Events
🎒 RAM Summer Art Camps - Final Two Weeks | Sessions run through Friday, July 24 | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown) | Weekly art camps for kids, teens, and adults wind down July 24 - check remaining session availability and register at fsram.org/summer2026 or call 479.784.2787 before camps wrap. | Camp Announcements
⌚️ Recurring Events
🎯 Bags at the Bakery - 708 Cornhole Night | Wednesday, July 15 | The Bakery District, Collection Room, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith (downtown) | Weekly Wednesday-night cornhole with 708 Cornhole inside the Collection Room, 6:30-10:30 p.m. - casual throwers welcome. | League Updates
📖 Library Storytimes Across Town | Weekday mornings, July 13-17 | Fort Smith Public Library branches - Main (3201 Rogers Ave), Miller (4701 Phoenix Ave), Windsor Drive, and Dallas Street | Free storytimes for babies through school-age kids nearly every weekday morning this week - check the calendar for your nearest branch and time. | Library Events
Looking Ahead
✏️ Drawing 101 - Two-Day Charcoal Workshop | July 25-26 (Saturday-Sunday) | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown) | Artist-educator Amy Holmes Scoggins leads a two-afternoon charcoal fundamentals workshop with tiered instruction for novices through seasoned artists; ages 16+, $30 per session, supplies provided - advance registration required at fsram.org/summer2026 or by phone at 479.784.2787. | Workshop Announcements
Quick Hits
Fort Smith Farmers Market (midweek edition) - Same 90+ vendors, quieter crowds, 201 Garrison Ave at N 2nd St - Wednesday, July 15, 7 a.m.-noon
Wiggle Worms Storytime - Rhymes and songs for babies 0-24 months, Main Library, 3201 Rogers Ave - Tuesday, July 14, 10 a.m.
Book Lover's Club - Bring a book you loved and talk it up, Main Library, 3201 Rogers Ave - Thursday, July 16, 10 a.m.
Maker Monday: Dinosaur Sand Art - Free craft for school-age kids and teens, Dallas Street Branch - Monday, July 13, 2 p.m.
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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See you around town,
Your Neighbor
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