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Good morning,
Fort Smith! ☀️ Sunday's rolling in hot, with highs near 102 degrees and just an 11% chance of rain, so keep the sprinklers off this week.
Another scorcher in our Arkansas River gem, where UAFS students head back Monday after a wild Friday and voters gear up for a fall change of government question. Whether you are hunting used books at the Main Library or planning a Convention Center weekend, we have got your local pulse covered.
Here's what's making waves this week:
🚨 UAFS bomb threat - Friday's evacuation of the 1.2 million-square-foot campus ends with classes resuming Monday, Aug. 24
🗳️ Change of government vote - The Board of Directors' 7-0 vote sends a mayor-council question to the Nov. 3 ballot
💧 Water conservation call - A storm knocked out power to the Lake Fort Smith plant, so the city wants lawns and pools cut back
🎴 Card show weekend - Top Value Rips fills the Convention Center, Aug. 29-30, with dealers from across the River Valley
Know someone who would want this? Forward it along, or grab your referral link at the bottom and get credit when they subscribe.
-Your Neighbor
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
[PUBLIC SAFETY]
UAFS gives all clear after Friday bomb threat, classes resume Monday
What this means: Every building on the 1.2 million-square-foot UAFS campus was evacuated by 9:23 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, after a caller threatened Boreham Library and a dining hall; classes resume Monday, Aug. 24.
A caller told a UAFS employee a bomb was in the library or a dining hall Friday; K-9 teams found nothing and classes resume Monday.
Here's what to know:
University police evacuated every building by 9:23 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, after the threat named Boreham Library and a dining hall.
Bomb squad and K-9 teams swept the full 1.2 million-square-foot campus and gave the all clear at 1:30 p.m. Friday.
Classes and normal operations resume Monday, Aug. 24; students can reach the UAFS Counseling Center at (479) 788-7752 for support.
[MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS]
Fort Smith voters will decide change of government on the Nov. 3 ballot
What this means: The Board of Directors voted 7-0 on Aug. 18 to place a mayor-council question on the Nov. 3 ballot, after a citizen petition topped the 2,607-signature threshold with 2,681 verified signatures.
Fort Smith's Board of Directors voted 7-0 Aug. 18 to put a change from city-administrator to mayor-council government before voters this Nov. 3.
Here's what to know:
City Clerk Sherri Gard certified 2,681 valid signatures on Aug. 18, clearing the 2,607-signature threshold for the citizen-led petition.
If voters approve the switch Nov. 3, elections for a new mayor-council government would follow in November 2028.
A no vote blocks the question from returning to the ballot for four years under Arkansas law.
[INFRASTRUCTURE]
Storm outage at Lake Fort Smith plant extends the water conservation call
What this means: Straight-line winds knocked out power to the water treatment plant near Lake Fort Smith on Aug. 17, and the city is asking residents to cut lawn and pool watering with no restoration timeline yet from OG&E.
A storm knocked out power to Fort Smith's water plant near Lake Fort Smith Aug. 17, forcing generator power as demand nears the 49-million-gallon capacity.
Here's what to know:
Reduce lawn, shrub, tree and pool watering now; the city extended its voluntary conservation call indefinitely after the Aug. 17 storm.
Demand has run 45-48 million gallons a day this summer, close to the roughly 49-million-gallon treatment capacity for Fort Smith's two water sources.
OG&E has given no restoration timeline for the Lake Fort Smith plant in Crawford County; crews must clear storm debris first.
[ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT]
Degen Foundation puts $570,000 into River Valley health care and scholarships
What this means: The Degen Foundation awarded more than $570,000 on Aug. 20, including $450,000 to Arkansas Colleges of Health Education and $200,000 to launch a new endowed scholarship for local students.
The Degen Foundation announced more than $570,000 in grants and scholarships Aug. 20, including $450,000 for ACHE and ARCOM health programs in Fort Smith.
Here's what to know:
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education and ARCOM received $450,000, including $200,000 to launch the John Taylor/Degen Foundation Endowed Scholarship program.
Eight River Valley students studying nursing, sonography, audiology and speech pathology split $16,500 in new scholarships announced Aug. 20.
Community Dental Clinic got $20,301 and the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House received $17,000 among the metro grants.
Quick updates
Fort Smith locks in new city administrator contract - The Board of Directors approved Jeff Dingman's contract 5-1 on Aug. 18, setting his base salary at $215,000 annually. - Read more
Greenwood man dies after Towson Avenue scooter crash - Matthew Funk, 39, died Thursday after a vehicle struck his gas-powered scooter head-on at Towson and Phoenix avenues; the case remains under investigation. - Read more
36-foot stagecoach monument headed for downtown Garrison Avenue - Volunteers expect the steel Butterfield Stagecoach sculpture in the 200 block of Garrison Avenue finished by early October, backed by $200,000-plus in donations. - Read more
City card readers still down after Aug. 16 network security event - Card payments remain offline at the Fort Smith Landfill scale house and city offices since Aug. 16; cash and checks only for now. - Read more
🧋 NEW IN TOWN
HTeaO opens on Phoenix Avenue, and the opening deals run all week
What this means: HTeaO opened its first Fort Smith store at 7500 Phoenix Ave on Saturday, Aug. 22, with opening deals running through Saturday, Aug. 29.
We stopped in on opening day. HTeaO pours more than 20 flavors of sweetened and unsweetened tea alongside Brewhouse coffee, with a drive-thru if you would rather stay in the car.
Here's what to know:
Where and when: 7500 Phoenix Ave, at 74th, open 7am-9:05pm Monday through Friday, 8am-9:05pm Saturday, and 11am-9:05pm Sunday.
Who's behind it: first-time franchise owners Blake, Clayton, Kimberly and Megan Weaver, in partnership with TexArk Tea, LLC.
Today only: buy one get one free on cups of tea, the last day of the opening-weekend deal.
Through Saturday, Aug. 29: half-priced gallons all week, and buy one get one free on Brewhouse coffee starting today.
Every day after that: happy hour from 2-4pm, buy one get one free on any size tea.
Let them know you heard about it here first.
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📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🎴 Top Value Rips Card Show - August 29-30 (Saturday-Sunday), 7am-5pm · Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 S 7th St, downtown
Regional sports card show with dealers buying, selling, and trading cards from across the River Valley. Free admission.
🤠 Ben + Noel Haggard - Friday, August 28 at 8pm · Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK
Merle Haggard's son and daughter carry on the family's country legacy in a free show minutes from downtown Fort Smith. 21+ only.
📚 Friends of the Library Non-Fiction Used Book Sale - Friday, August 28, 4-7pm (preview, 25-item limit per room) through Sunday, August 30, 1-5pm (half-price day) · Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, Community Room, 3201 Rogers Ave, midtown
Thousands of used non-fiction titles covering history, politics, cooking, and home improvement; public sale runs Saturday, August 29, 10am-5pm. Free entry.
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Ben + Noel Haggard - Friday, August 28 at 8pm · Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 105 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK
Free show from the sons of country legend Merle Haggard. 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 closing out the casino's weekend lineup. 21+ only.
👪 Family-Friendly
Wiggle Worms Storytime - Tuesday, August 25, 10-11am · Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, Storytime Nook, 3201 Rogers Ave, midtown
Storytime for infants and toddlers with songs and simple activities. Free, no registration required.
Library Storytime - Thursday, August 27, 10-11am · Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, Storytime Nook, 3201 Rogers Ave, midtown
Stories, songs, puppetry, and crafts for children and caregivers. Free weekly program.
La Hora de Cuentos / Spanish Storytime - Saturday, August 29, 2-3pm · Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, Storytime Nook, 3201 Rogers Ave, midtown
Bilingual storytime with songs and activities for kids of all ages. Free, no registration needed.
Bookish StoryTime - Saturday, August 29, 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 26 & Saturday, August 29, 7am-noon · 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.
Friends of the Library Non-Fiction Used Book Sale - Saturday, August 29, 10am-5pm & Sunday, August 30, 1-5pm (half-price) · Fort Smith Public Library - Main Branch, Community Room, 3201 Rogers Ave, midtown
Thousands of used non-fiction books for the whole family; everything half-price on Sunday. Free entry.
🏃 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 works from over 100 regional and national artists, running alongside companion shows "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
No standalone Chamber networking events are confirmed for this specific week; the monthly Business Brew Series returns in September. Check the Chamber calendar (linked below) for updates.
🏞️ 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-noon · 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.
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.
SEGUE - Last Thursday of every month, 6:30-8:30pm · The Bakery District (Cooler Room), 70 S 7th St, downtown
Monthly community-building meetup for making new connections in the River Valley. Free, all welcome.
Library Storytime Rotation - Monday (Windsor Branch, 10-10:45am), Tuesday Wiggle Worms (Main Branch, 10-11am), Wednesday (Dallas Street Branch, 10-10:45am & 11-11:45am), Thursday (Main Branch, 10-11am), Friday (Miller Branch, 10-11am) · Fort Smith Public Library branches
Weekly programs with stories, songs, puppetry, and crafts across all branches. Free for children and caregivers.
Looking Ahead
Levitt AMP Fort Smith Music Series - Season Opener - Friday, September 11 at 6pm · Harry E. Kelley Riverpark, Garrison Ave at the river, downtown riverfront
Free outdoor concert series kicks off its 2026 season with LIVESOSA; the season runs through October 22. Bring a lawn chair.
Quick Hits
Card Sharks Welcome - Top Value Rips Card Show fills the Convention Center with dealers - August 29-30 (Saturday-Sunday), 7am-5pm, free admission
Haggard Family Legacy - Merle Haggard's son and daughter play a free show at Lee Creek Tavern - Friday, August 28 at 8pm, 21+
Half-Price Books - Friends of the Library book sale wraps with everything half off - Sunday, August 30, 1-5pm at the Main Library
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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