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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️ We're staring down a scorching 103-degree Sunday, and the city administrator search is entering its final stretch with three finalists interviewing Thursday and a possible hiring vote August 4. Whether you're planning indoor escapes at the Farmers Market this morning or catching Chase Bryant's free country show at Cherokee Casino Saturday night, there's plenty happening beyond the heat.
What to expect in today’s newsletter:
🎤 3 city administrator finalists interview July 30 — Board could vote August 4 to fill leadership vacancy
🔥 Rogers Ave fire damages cigar shop early Friday — commercial building at 5300 block under investigation
⚖️ Data center water rules under review — August 11 study session after concerns over millions of gallons used without Board approval
🎵 Free country music at Cherokee Casino — Chase Bryant plays Saturday night, Ying Yang Twins Sunday
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—Your Neighbour
NEWS YOU CAN USE
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
City narrows city administrator search to three finalists for July 30 interviews
What this means: Fort Smith Board selected 3 candidates for Thursday, July 30 interviews, with possible hiring vote August 4 at regular Board meeting.
Fort Smith Board of Directors selected three city administrator finalists during their July 21 regular meeting to interview on July 30.
Here's what to know:
The three candidates are Joseph Lessard (former City Manager of Ashland, Oregon), Richard McGill (former City Administrator of New Madrid, Missouri), and Robert Sivick (County Administrator for Whitfield County, Georgia)
Board may vote on a hiring decision during the August 4 regular meeting to fill the position vacant since former administrator Carl Geffken's departure
Interviews scheduled for Thursday, July 30; acting administrator Jeff Dingman remains under consideration but won't be interviewed again
PUBLIC SAFETY
Early morning fire damages Rogers Avenue commercial building housing cigar shop
What this means: Fire at 5300 Rogers Ave on Friday, July 24 at 3 a.m. damaged building with cigar shop and tuxedo warehouse; cause under investigation.
Fort Smith Police and Fire responded to a structure fire at 5300 Rogers Ave early Friday morning at a commercial retail center.
Here's what to know:
Fire reported at 2:38 a.m. Friday, July 24 at commercial center that includes Office Depot and AutoZone
Building that caught fire houses a cigar shop and tuxedo warehouse; no injuries reported
Cause of fire remains under investigation by Fort Smith Fire Department
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Board to review data center rules after water consumption concerns raised
What this means: August 11 study session will examine data center approval rules after concerns over projects using millions of gallons without Board oversight.
Fort Smith Board will review data center development rules August 11 after Director Kevin Settle raised concerns about water consumption by projects outside city approval.
Here's what to know:
Director Settle requested July 21 that Board approval be required for data centers, questioning whether approval should be needed for data centers tied to non-city water systems
Concern centers on potential for data centers outside Fort Smith consuming millions of gallons per day without city approval
Director Christina Catsavis seconded the request to place the review on the August 11 study session agenda
Quick updates
NBA star Jaylin Williams honored with street naming - Fort Smith held ceremony Thursday, July 9 dedicating North 23rd Street as "Jaylin Williams Court" for the Thunder forward and Northside graduate. - Read more
Change-of-government petition submission delayed over notarization - Planned July 22 submission of 3,720 signatures canceled after canvasser raised concerns about validity; 2,608 valid signatures needed by late July for November ballot. - Read more
Mercy opens retail pharmacy at 7303 Rogers Ave - Mercy pharmacy opened Monday, July 20 on first floor of Physicians Building, operating weekdays 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. with prescription fulfillment and medication counseling available to anyone. - Read more
Eight nonprofits receive $50,000 in Summit Cares grants - Arkansas Oklahoma Gas awarded grants Wednesday, July 15 to Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc., and six River Valley nonprofits for community needs. - Read more
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THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🎵 Some Guy Named Robb Live | Friday, July 31 | Uncork'd, 5501 Phoenix Ave, Fort Smith | Singer-songwriter Robb McCormick brings his Arkansas and Colorado roots to this intimate evening of live music starting at 7pm. Free and open to the public. | Event Details
🤝 Segue Fort Smith Networking | Friday, July 31 at 6:30pm | The Bakery District (Cooler Room), 70 S 7th St, downtown | Monthly social gathering connecting you with people and events in the Fort Smith community. Once-a-month opportunity to network and meet new people in a casual setting. | More Info
🎶 Chase Bryant at Cherokee Casino | Saturday, August 1 at 9pm | Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK | Free country music show with rising star Chase Bryant. 21+ only, minutes from downtown Fort Smith. | Casino Entertainment
👪 Back to School Bash | Saturday, August 1, 9am | Family Life Center, 301 N 16th St, Fort Smith | Free community event to help families prepare for the new school year with resources, supplies, and activities. Get kids ready to head back to class. | Event Info
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Kossatot & Xog Metal Show | Sunday, July 26 at 7pm | 7423 Highway 271 S, Suite 102A, Fort Smith | Southern progressive metal from Fort Smith's own Kossatot plus special guest Xog. High-energy local metal showcase. | Event Details
Some Guy Named Robb | Friday, July 31 at 7pm | Uncork'd, 5501 Phoenix Ave, Fort Smith | Arkansas-Colorado singer-songwriter Robb McCormick performs intimate acoustic set at this wine bar and restaurant. Free show. | Spotify Concert Info
Chase Bryant | Saturday, August 1 at 9pm | Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK | Free country show with Chase Bryant. 21+ only. Minutes from Fort Smith. | Casino Events
Ying Yang Twins | Sunday, August 2 at 9pm | Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK | Southern hip-hop legends D-Roc and Kaine bring two decades of hits to Lee Creek Tavern. Free show, 21+ only. | Event Details
👪 Family-Friendly
Bookish StoryTime | Saturdays, July 26 & August 1 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
Back to School Bash | Saturday, August 1, 9am | Family Life Center, 301 N 16th St, Fort Smith | Free community event helping families prepare for the new school year with resources, supplies, and activities. | Info
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
Library Storytime | Friday, July 31 at 10am | Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, midtown | Children and caregivers invited for 35-minute storytime featuring stories, songs, puppetry, finger plays, manipulatives, and crafts. Free weekly program. | Library Events
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Hell On The Border Disc Golf | Saturday, August 1 | Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 S Zero St, Fort Smith | House Of Flight River Valley Stop #3 disc golf event. Fort Smith's premier disc golf course hosts competitive tournament action. | Tournament Info
Ben Geren Mountain Biking | Open daily | Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 S Zero St, 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
🎨 Arts & Culture
U.S. Marshals Museum | Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-5pm | U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Dr, Fort Smith | Explore the history of America's oldest federal law enforcement agency through interactive exhibits and artifacts. General admission adults $12, seniors/military $10, youth 6-17 $8. | Museum Info
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | Open Tuesday-Saturday | Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, midtown | Current exhibitions and galleries featuring regional and national artists. Free admission. | Museum Details
🎓 Education & Business
Business Brew | Third Wednesday of each month, 8-9am | The Arc for the River Valley, Fort Smith | Monthly Fort Smith Regional Chamber networking event with light breakfast and coffee. Free for members and networking pass holders, $5 for non-members. Connect with local business leaders. | Chamber Events
Segue Fort Smith | Friday, July 31 at 6:30pm | The Bakery District (Cooler Room), 70 S 7th St, downtown | Monthly social networking event connecting people and businesses in the Fort Smith community. Casual atmosphere for meeting new contacts. | Segue Info
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Fort Smith Riverfront Park | Open daily | Riverfront Park, 121 Riverfront Dr, downtown | Scenic walking paths along the Arkansas River, playground, picnic areas, and access to the Riverfront Amphitheater. Free and open to the public. | Park Details
Creekmore Park | Open daily | Creekmore Park, 4100 S 28th St, midtown | Fort Smith's premier community park featuring walking trails, playgrounds, pavilions, and open green space. Summer activities include Movies in the Park series. | Park 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
Monday Night Trivia | 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. | Trivia Info
Bags at The Bakery 708 Cornhole | Every Wednesday, 6:30-10:30pm | The Bakery District (Cooler Room), 70 S 7th St, downtown | Competitive cornhole tournament with family-friendly atmosphere. Weekly competition every Wednesday night. | 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
Library Storytime | Every Thursday, 10am | Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, midtown | 35-minute program with stories, songs, puppetry, finger plays, manipulatives, and crafts. Free for children and caregivers. | Library Calendar
Segue Fort Smith | Last Thursday of each month, 6:30pm | The Bakery District (Cooler Room), 70 S 7th St, downtown | Monthly social networking gathering connecting people and events in Fort Smith. | Segue Website
Looking Ahead
Arkansas Cattlemen's Association Convention | August 6-8 | Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 S 7th St, downtown | Annual trade show and convention bringing cattle industry leaders, ranchers, and agricultural businesses to Fort Smith for three days of networking, education, and exhibitions. | Convention Center Calendar
Peacemaker Festival 2026 | Sunday, August 9 | Riverfront Amphitheater, 121 Riverfront Dr, downtown | Fort Smith's annual music festival returns to the riverfront with multiple acts, food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. Details and lineup TBA. | Festival Info
Quick Hits
Free Country Music - Chase Bryant at Cherokee Casino Saturday night, August 1 at 9pm - Free show
Back to School Prep - Free community bash Saturday morning August 1 at Family Life Center - Resources and supplies
Live Local Metal - Kossatot & Xog bring progressive metal to Fort Smith this Sunday at 7pm
Networking Night - Segue Fort Smith connects the community Friday July 31 at the Bakery - Casual meetup
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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