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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️ We're heading into another scorcher with highs near 99 degrees, and the whole world is watching as Spain and Argentina kick off the World Cup Final at 2 p.m. CT today from MetLife Stadium. Find a cool spot, grab a cold drink, and settle in for the biggest match on the planet. Between the beautiful game and a big week at home, where Lockheed Martin just doubled their Ebbing hiring to 230+ employees and the Cherokee Bill trial reenactment is down to just 50 tickets, there's plenty to keep your eyes on.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
⚽ World Cup Final today at 2 p.m. CT - Spain vs. Argentina from MetLife Stadium to crown the 2026 champion
💼 230+ aerospace jobs now hiring - Lockheed doubles F-35 support staff at $80K-$150K salaries through 2027
⚖️ Government-change petition enters final stretch - 3,400 signatures gathered; 2,608 valid voters needed by late July
🎭 Old West justice comes alive - Cherokee Bill trial reenactment July 24 has only 50 free seats left
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-Your Neighbour
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Lockheed Martin doubles hiring plans at Ebbing Air National Guard Base
What this means: 120+ jobs added at $80,000-$150,000 for F-35 mechanics and IT specialists through 2027 at Ebbing Air National Guard Base.
Lockheed Martin doubled its Fort Smith hiring to 230+ employees at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, supporting the Foreign Military Sales F-35 Pilot Training Center.
Here's what to know:
Hiring began June 25 for aircraft mechanics (Level 4), IT administrators, logistics coordinators, and security personnel at $80,000-$150,000 annually
120+ positions added to original 110-employee plan as international pilot training mission expands through 2027
Apply at lockheedmartinjobs.com under Fort Smith, Arkansas locations or contact Lockheed Martin recruitment directly
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Foundever hiring 200+ call center workers with benefits, pay starting at $17/hour
What this means: 200 jobs open through August 9 at $17-$19/hour with medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) at 4600 Towson Ave.
Foundever announced July 8 it will add 200+ customer service representatives at its Fort Smith call center, bringing total employment to 700 workers citywide.
Here's what to know:
Starting pay $17/hour ($35,000/year) or $19/hour ($40,000/year) for bilingual reps, with full benefits and paid training
Jobs are permanent full-time roles supporting ongoing client programs, not seasonal or temporary positions
Apply at jobs.foundever.com under Arkansas locations or visit the Fort Smith Chamber job board at fortsmithchamber.com/job-openings
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
City Board again rejects government-change ballot measure despite 3,400 petition signatures
What this means: 3-2-1 vote blocks November ballot, requiring 2,608 petition signatures by late July for mayor-council government change deadline August 25.
Fort Smith Board rejected placing a government restructuring question on November's ballot in a 3-2 vote July 7 while citizen petitioners continue gathering signatures.
Here's what to know:
Directors Christina Catsavis, George Catsavis, and Neal Martin voted yes; Jarred Rego and Lee Kemp voted no; Kevin Settle abstained
Petition supporters have 3,300-3,400 signatures toward the 2,608 valid-voter threshold needed by late July for August 25 County Clerk deadline
The proposal would replace the current city administrator system with an elected mayor-council structure giving voters direct executive-branch control
Quick updates
City hits $800K surplus sales milestone - Fort Smith sold 150+ surplus items through GovDeals online auctions since 2019, reaching $800,000 in revenue on July 14 to fund essential city services. - Read more
Main Street grants fuel $80K+ downtown investment - Seven downtown businesses received $11,000 in mini-grants in 2026, leveraging more than $80,000 in private renovation investment on Garrison Avenue including $43,276 at 524 Garrison. - Read more
City pursues state water infrastructure grants - Fort Smith considering applications for $25 million Water and Sewer Treatment Facilities Grant including Lake Fort Smith pump station ($1.1M) and Massard treatment upgrades ($1.25M). - Read more
Man arrested for Board meeting threats - Robert L. Gilyard, 49, arrested Monday for third-degree assault and disorderly conduct after threatening to retrieve his "heat" four times before the July 7 Board of Directors meeting. - Read more
Made In Cookware® - The Cookware Chefs Actually Use
Plenty of cookware brands will pay a famous chef to hold a pan and smile. Made In doesn't do that. Their cookware is used in 4,000+ professional kitchens and has been adopted by millions of home cooks.
Now you can cook with the exact pieces from your favorite restaurant at home. Every piece of cookware is built by craftsmen in the USA and Europe, using performance materials and construction that hold up to the rigors of the world’s most demanding kitchens. There’s a reason why it’s the cookware with the most 5-star reviews on the internet.
Most people who need a full kitchen replacement start with their Cookware Sets, where you’ll find their best deals. Pasta lovers need the 3 QT Saucier, the piece chefs call their most-reached-for pan and is the pan that powers world-famous Italian joints like Mother Wolf in L.A.
📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🎭 Cherokee Bill Symposium & Trial Reenactment | July 24-25 | Fort Smith National Historic Site, 301 Parker Ave, downtown | Commemorate the 130th execution anniversary of outlaw Cherokee Bill with a murder trial reenactment (July 24, 7pm, free tickets required, only 50 seats available) followed by historian talks and guided courtroom-jail-gallows tours (July 25, free and open to the public). Experience Fort Smith's Old West justice history brought to life. | Details & Free Tickets
🎨 Cryptids At-Large Art Camp | July 21-24 | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, midtown | Teens aged 12-18 collaborate to create a large-scale cryptid sculpture in this hands-on summer art camp, 12:30-4pm daily. All supplies included. $20 registration. Limited spots available. | Register Now
🎵 Misbehave Rave 4: MISBEAMHAVE RAVE | July 25 at 7pm | Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 S 7th St, downtown | Fort Smith's premier rave series lands inside the Convention Center for the first time with an immersive alien-themed experience featuring DJ SWILSONN, special guests, high-energy production, sci-fi visuals, and otherworldly lighting. Guests encouraged to arrive in extraterrestrial attire. | Tickets on Ticketmaster
🎺 Blues Jam at The Bakery | July 19 at 1pm | The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, downtown | Every third Sunday, the Bakery District hosts a FREE afternoon of blues music on the patio. Bring your instrument or just come listen to local and visiting musicians jam together from 1-6pm. | Event Details
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Blues Jam at The Bakery | Sunday, July 19 at 1pm | The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, downtown | Free afternoon of blues music on the patio with local and visiting musicians, 1-6pm. | Details
Misbehave Rave 4: MISBEAMHAVE RAVE | Saturday, July 25 at 7pm | Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 S 7th St, downtown | Immersive alien-themed rave experience with DJ SWILSONN, special guests, sci-fi visuals, and high-energy production. | Tickets
👪 Family-Friendly
Bookish StoryTime | Saturdays, July 19 & 25 at 11am | The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, downtown | Saturday morning storytelling with crafts for kids of all ages, 11am-12pm. Free event. | Details
Cryptids At-Large Art Camp | July 21-24 (Tuesday-Friday), 12:30-4pm | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, midtown | Teens aged 12-18 create a large-scale cryptid sculpture together. All supplies included, $20 registration. | Register
Farmers Market | Wednesday & Saturday mornings, 7am-12pm | Municipal parking lot, N 2nd & Garrison, downtown | Fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, homemade jams, crafts, coffee, eggs, and grass-fed beef from 90+ vendors. Saturday market features street performers and live music. | Market Info
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Senior Kayak Tour | Tuesday, July 21 | Lake Fort Smith State Park, Mountainburg (30 min from Fort Smith) | Guided kayak tour at a relaxed pace for paddlers who appreciate calm waters and scenic views. Flatwater kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets provided. Ages 6+ welcome; must be 14+ to paddle solo. Reservations required, contact park marina. | Park Info
Bikes at the Bakery | Friday, July 17 at 6pm | The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, downtown | Monthly group social ride every third Friday. Meet at the Bakery at 6pm for a casual community bike ride through Fort Smith, 6-8pm. | Details
🎨 Arts & Culture
Cherokee Bill Symposium & Trial Reenactment | July 24-25 (Friday-Saturday) | Fort Smith National Historic Site, 301 Parker Ave, downtown | Reenactment of Cherokee Bill's murder trial (July 24, 7pm, free tickets required, 50 seats) followed by historian presentations and guided jail/gallows tours (July 25, free). Commemorates 130th anniversary of his execution. | Details & Tickets
Drawing 101 with Amy Holmes Scoggins | July 25-26 (Saturday-Sunday), 1-5pm | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, midtown | Two-day foundational drawing workshop focusing on charcoal techniques for ages 16+. $30 registration. | Register
🎓 Education & Business
Business Brew | Tuesday, July 21, 8-9am | The Arc for the River Valley (location TBD) | Monthly Chamber networking event with light breakfast and coffee. Free for members and networking pass holders, $5 for non-members. Connect with local business leaders every third Tuesday. | Chamber Calendar
Junior Leadership & Career Academy Opening Retreat | Friday, July 24 | Fort Smith | Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts the 2026-2027 JLCA opening retreat for high school freshmen selected for this year-long leadership development program. | JLCA Info
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Lake Fort Smith State Park Activities | Daily | Lake Fort Smith State Park, Mountainburg | Pool open 12-6pm daily through August 11; hiking trails including Warren Hollow Trail (1.5 miles) and Shepherd Springs Loop (5.4 miles); fishing, kayaking, and camping available. | State Park Details
Ben Geren Regional Park Mountain Biking | Open daily | Ben Geren Regional Park, Fort Smith | Over 14 miles of purpose-built mountain biking trails ranging from smooth beginner loops to intermediate trails with natural obstacles and fast descents. One of Arkansas's top mountain biking destinations. | Trail Info
⌚️ Recurring Events
Fort Smith Farmers Market | Every Wednesday & Saturday, 7am-12pm | Municipal parking lot, N 2nd & Garrison, downtown | Fresh local produce, flowers, baked goods, crafts, and live music. Saturday market is the larger event with street performers. | Market Info
Trivia Night | Every Monday, 7-9pm (registration at 6:30pm) | Captain Quackenbush's Coffeehouse, Fort Smith | Free general knowledge trivia with 1-6 players per team. Five rounds covering all topics. Prizes for top teams. | Event Info
Bags at The Bakery 708 Cornhole | Every Wednesday, 6:30-10:30pm | The Bakery District (Collection Room), 70 S 7th St, downtown | Competitive cornhole tournament with three divisions (Competitive, Intermediate, Backyard) and cash payouts. | Details
Blues Jam at The Bakery | Third Sunday of each month, 1-6pm | The Bakery District (Patio), 70 S 7th St, downtown | Free afternoon of blues music with local and visiting musicians. Bring your instrument or just listen. | Event Info
Bikes at the Bakery | Third Friday of each month, 6-8pm | The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, downtown | Group social bike ride through Fort Smith. All skill levels welcome. | Details
Bookish StoryTime | Every Saturday, 11am-12pm | The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, downtown | Storytelling and crafts for kids of all ages. Free event. | Info
Quick Hits
Cherokee Bill Trial Reenactment - Only 50 free tickets available for this historic courtroom drama - Friday, July 24 at 7pm
Teen Art Camp - Create a large-scale cryptid sculpture this week at RAM - July 21-24, ages 12-18
Alien Invasion - Misbehave Rave 4 transforms the Convention Center into an otherworldly dance party - Saturday, July 25
Blues on the Patio - Free live blues jam session every third Sunday at the Bakery - July 19, 1pm
Summer Farmers Market - 90+ vendors every Wednesday and Saturday morning downtown - Fresh produce, crafts, and live music
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
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See you around town,
Your Neighbor
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