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Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️
Today tops out at 104°F with just a 4% chance of drizzle, but that's the calm before the real heat: Tuesday climbs to 112°F, the week's peak, before relief arrives Thursday with a 16-degree drop to 96°F.
Another sweltering week in our Arkansas River gem, where school buses are back for the first full week of classes and window units run overtime downtown. Whether you're tracking Tuesday's board agenda or just trying to stay cool through Wednesday, we've got your local pulse covered.
Here's what's making waves this week:
⚖️ Justice served - Fort Smith's John Bailey gets 8 years for the fatal hit-and-run that killed motorcyclist Warren Campbell
🏛️ Tuesday's double vote - The board decides Jeff Dingman's contract and a third change-of-government ballot question at The Blue Lion
💧 Water on watch - Directors weigh a 4x rate surcharge on data centers to protect supply for 150,000 customers
🏫 First full week - 14,000 students settle into 26 campuses just as the heat peaks at 112°F
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-Your Neighbor
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
PUBLIC SAFETY
Fort Smith driver sentenced to 8 years for fatal hit-and-run that killed motorcyclist
What this means: Fort Smith's John Bailey, 53, was sentenced Friday, July 31 to 8 years in prison plus a 12-year suspended term for fleeing the March 17, 2025 crash that killed motorcyclist Warren Campbell, 52, closing a 16-month Sebastian County case.
Fort Smith's John Bailey, 53, was sentenced Friday, July 31 to 8 years for fleeing the March 2025 crash that killed motorcyclist Warren Campbell, 52.
Here's what to know:
Bailey pleaded guilty in Sebastian County Circuit Court's Greenwood District to leaving the scene of an accident and to negligent homicide, drawing an added 1-year county jail term Friday, July 31, served concurrently
Investigators tied Bailey's white work truck to the crash on Tennessee Ridge Road at Hay Road, south of Fort Smith, using liquor-store surveillance video and a repainted, wood-damaged truck bed as evidence
Motorcyclist Warren Campbell, 52, of Fort Smith died three days after the March 17, 2025 collision; the sentencing was reported Tuesday, Aug. 4 via Sebastian County Circuit Clerk records in Greenwood
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Fort Smith board faces third change-of-government vote and Dingman contract Tuesday, Aug. 18
What this means: Directors decide for a third time whether to put a mayor-council ballot question before Nov. 3 voters, and separately finalize new administrator Jeff Dingman's contract, at the 6 p.m. meeting at The Blue Lion, 101 N 2nd St.
Fort Smith's board returns Tuesday, Aug. 18 to two unresolved fights: a third change-of-government ballot vote and Jeff Dingman's permanent contract.
Here's what to know:
The board rejected the mayor-council ballot question in 3-3 votes (with one abstention) on both Tuesday, May 19 and Tuesday, July 7; Director George Catsavis's motion sent it back to the Tuesday, Aug. 18 agenda
Petition organizers separately submitted 3,607 signatures Monday, Aug. 3 to the city clerk, 1,000 more than Arkansas's 2,607 threshold, triggering a verification process that could send the same question to voters regardless of the board's vote
Directors also plan to finalize Dingman's contract at the same 6 p.m. meeting after his 4-3 hire vote Tuesday, Aug. 4; he currently draws $176,550 base pay ($195,540 with benefits) as acting administrator, and the meeting is open to the public
INFRASTRUCTURE
Fort Smith weighs 4x water surcharge and meter-approval rule for data centers
What this means: After Tuesday, Aug. 11's study session, the board is considering requiring its own sign-off on any water meter larger than 2 inches and a four-times rate surcharge, to protect supply for 150,000 customers across 30 communities.
Fort Smith directors weighed data center water limits Tuesday, Aug. 11, after Director Kevin Settle warned a neighboring city could approve a high-volume user unchecked.
Here's what to know:
Settle proposed requiring board approval for any water meter, or combination of meters, exceeding a 2-inch flow rate, plus a four-times rate surcharge specifically for data centers
Fort Smith supplies water to roughly 150,000 customers across 30 nearby communities, including Van Buren, and staff confirmed no data center project is currently proposed in or near the city
No vote was taken Aug. 11; the rules remain under review, and the item can return to a future regular Board of Directors meeting at The Blue Lion, 101 N 2nd St.
EDUCATION
Fort Smith Public Schools opens 2026-27 year to 14,000 students across 26 campuses
What this means: The district's 15 elementary, 4 middle and 2 high schools started classes Wednesday, Aug. 12 after open houses the week prior; families still needing to enroll can do so now through Student Services.
Fort Smith Public Schools welcomed roughly 14,000 students back Wednesday, Aug. 12, opening 26 campuses after a week of open houses.
Here's what to know:
High school open house was Tuesday, Aug. 4, middle school Thursday, Aug. 6, and elementary Monday, Aug. 10, ahead of the Wednesday, Aug. 12 first day
The district runs 15 elementary schools, 4 middle schools and 2 high schools, plus adult education and specialized learning centers
Families who still need to enroll a student can do so online through the district's Student Services page at fortsmithschools.org
Quick updates
First National Bank gives $100,000 to new Greenwood library - The bank's board funded a community room at the Sebastian County Regional Library's new Greenwood site, marked at an Aug. 7 ceremony. - Read more
Fort Smith lands a second air show, eyeing the Blue Angels for 2028 - Organizers added a 2028 show after booking May 7-8, 2027's Lightning Over the Fort, positioning the city for the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds. - Read more
The Brand Behind the World's Best Kitchens Just Launched Cast Iron
You've probably seen Made In Cookware® by now. They're the cookware brand used in 4,000+ professional kitchens, including 100+ Michelin-starred restaurants, and adopted by millions of home cooks.
Well, they just dropped a full cast iron collection. And they did it differently.
Where most cast iron has a rough, pebbly cooking surface, Made In machined theirs smooth. That means better searing, easier food release, and cleanup that doesn't require a degree. Every piece is cast, machined, and seasoned in the USA, oven-safe to 900°F, and compatible with all heat sources, including open flames. This is heirloom cookware, built to be the last cast iron you ever buy.
Their Cast Iron Skillets are where most people start: perfect for frying eggs, searing steaks, or getting that smashburger crust.
📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🎶 The Collingsworth Family: Classics & Hymns Tour - Monday, August 17 at 7pm · ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, downtown
Gospel harmony ensemble known for their signature family sound brings "An Evening of World-Class Harmony & Timeless Inspiration" to the Convention Center's performing arts stage. Tickets $40-$94.50. Tickets
🎷 Blues Jam at The Bakery - Sunday, August 16, 1-6pm · The Bakery District patio, 70 S 7th St, downtown
Monthly third-Sunday tradition brings local blues musicians together for a free afternoon of live music on the patio. All ages welcome, free admission.
🎸 Casino Weekend Double Header: Empire & Encore - Friday, August 21 & Saturday, August 22, 8pm · Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK
Free live band shows close out the casino's weekend lineup, minutes from downtown Fort Smith. 21+ only. Casino Entertainment
🎨 Our Common Ground: RAM Annual Invitational - On view through October 25, Tue-Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm · Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, midtown
Free admission exhibition featuring works from over 100 regional and national artists, running alongside companion shows "Reflections in Water" and "Jon Williams: No Reservations." Museum Exhibitions
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
The Collingsworth Family - Monday, August 17 at 7pm · ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, downtown
Award-winning gospel family ensemble performs classics and hymns on their national tour. Tickets $40-$94.50.
Blues Jam at The Bakery - Sunday, August 16, 1-6pm · The Bakery District patio, 70 S 7th St, downtown
Free monthly outdoor blues jam session on the third Sunday of the month. All ages.
Empire - Friday, August 21 at 8pm · Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK
Free live band show. 21+ only.
Encore - Saturday, August 22 at 8pm · Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK
Free live cover-band show wrapping up the casino's weekend lineup. 21+ only.
👪 Family-Friendly
Wiggle Worms Storytime - Tuesday, August 18 at 10am · Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, midtown
Storytime designed for infants and toddlers ages 0-24 months, with songs and simple activities. Free, no registration required, about 20 minutes.
Library Storytime - Thursday, August 20 at 10am · Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, midtown
30-minute storytime for children and caregivers featuring stories, songs, puppetry, finger plays, and crafts. Free weekly program.
Bikes at the Bakery - Friday, August 21, 6-8pm · The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, downtown
Third-Friday group social bike ride starting and ending at the Bakery District. Free, all ages and skill levels welcome.
Bookish StoryTime - Saturday, August 22, 11am-12pm · The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, downtown
Saturday morning storytelling with a craft activity for kids of all ages. Free, no registration needed.
Fort Smith Farmers Market - Wednesday, August 19 & Saturday, August 22, 7am-12pm · Municipal parking lot, N 2nd & Garrison (201 Garrison Ave), downtown
Fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, jams, crafts, and coffee from local vendors; Saturday features street performers and live music. Free to attend.
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Ben Geren Mountain Biking Trails - Open daily · Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 S Zero St, Fort Smith
Over 14 miles of purpose-built mountain biking trails, from smooth beginner loops to intermediate routes with natural obstacles like the Rollercoaster and Autobahn trails. Free.
Ben Geren Disc Golf Courses - Open daily · Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 S Zero St, Fort Smith
Two free 18-hole disc golf courses (White and Orange) ranging from moderate to very hard, with cart-friendly paths and restrooms on site. Free.
🎨 Arts & Culture
Our Common Ground: RAM Annual Invitational - On view through October 25, Tue-Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm · Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, midtown
Free admission exhibition featuring over 100 regional and national artists, alongside companion exhibits "Reflections in Water" and "Jon Williams: No Reservations."
U.S. Marshals Museum - Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-5pm · U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Dr, riverfront
Explore the history of America's oldest federal law enforcement agency through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Adults $12, seniors/military $10, youth 6-17 $8.
🎓 Education & Business
2026 Business Brew Series: August 18th - Tuesday, August 18, 8-9am · Harper Ellis Salon, 1112 Garrison Ave, downtown
Monthly third-Tuesday Chamber networking hour hosted at a new business each month; bring business cards. Free for members/pass holders, $5 non-members.
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Fort Smith Riverfront Park - Open daily · Riverfront Park, 121 Riverfront Dr, downtown riverfront
Scenic walking paths along the Arkansas River, playground, picnic areas, and access to the Riverfront Amphitheater. Free and open to the public.
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. Free.
Full calendar: City of Fort Smith Parks & Recreation events
⌚️ Recurring Events
Fort Smith Farmers Market - Every Wednesday & Saturday, 7am-12pm · Municipal parking lot, N 2nd & Garrison (201 Garrison Ave), downtown
Fresh local produce, flowers, baked goods, crafts, and live music. Saturday market is the larger event with street performers.
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.
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 Competitive, Intermediate, and Backyard divisions and cash payouts.
Bookish StoryTime - Every Saturday, 11am-12pm · The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, downtown
Storytelling and a craft activity for kids of all ages. Free.
Library Storytime Rotation - Monday (Windsor Branch), Tuesday Wiggle Worms (Main), Wednesday (Dallas Street Branch), Thursday (Main Branch), Friday (Miller Branch), all at 10am · Fort Smith Public Library branches
30-minute programs with stories, songs, puppetry, and crafts across all branches. Free for children and caregivers.
Looking Ahead
Top Value Rips Card Show - August 29-30 (Saturday-Sunday), 7am-5pm · Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 S 7th St, downtown
Sports card show with dealers buying, selling, and trading cards from across the region. Free admission.
Ben + Noel Haggard - Friday, August 28 at 8pm · Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK
Free show from Merle Haggard's son and daughter carrying on the family's country legacy. 21+ only.
Uncrowned Kings - Saturday, August 29 at 8pm · Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK
Free live band show. 21+ only.
Quick Hits
Gospel Harmony on Tour - The Collingsworth Family brings "Classics & Hymns" to ArcBest PAC - Monday, August 17 at 7pm, tickets $40-$94.50
Free Blues on the Patio - Monthly Blues Jam returns to The Bakery District - Sunday, August 16, 1-6pm
Casino Weekend Double Header - Empire (Friday) and Encore (Saturday) both play free shows at Lee Creek Tavern - August 21-22, 8pm, 21+
100+ Artists, One Exhibit - "Our Common Ground" on view now through October 25 at RAM - Free admission
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me exploring what's happening in Fort Smith!
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See you around town,
-Your Neighbor
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