In partnership with
Was this e-mail shared with you? Sign up here
Good morning, Fort Smith! ☀️ Sunday is sunny and unseasonably warm with no rain in the forecast, so soak it up before a front brings rain chances by Wednesday - a fine day to wander out to Van Buren's Main Street.
Another busy week in our Arkansas River gem, where the fall festival weekend wraps up in Van Buren and city leaders are wrestling with some big budget questions. Whether you're planning your week around a good dinner or keeping an eye on what City Hall decides, we've got your local pulse covered.
Here's what's making waves this week:
🔒 Cyberattack update - the city now says it began in its broader network, with 36,000+ water and sewer accounts possibly at risk
🍻 Alcohol tax - directors weigh doubling it to 10% for firefighter raises at Tuesday's study session
📷 Flock cameras - 44 Flock-linked police cameras now keep plate data 7 days instead of 30
🍂 Fall Festival in Downtown Van Buren - the final day is today, and the Chaffee Food & Artisan Market closes its 2026 season Oct. 17
Did someone forward this to you? Subscribe to get your weekly dose of Fort Smith goodness.
-Your Neighbor
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
PUBLIC SAFETY
City now says the Fort Smith cyberattack began in its broader network, not the police department
What this means: The Sept. 15 account is revised; 36,000+ water and sewer accounts and about 1,032 city employees may have data at risk, with no breach notices yet as of Oct. 9.
Fort Smith said Oct. 8 the attack began in its broader network, reversing its Sept. 15 account, and hired outside counsel Mullen Coughlin LLC.
Here's what to know:
On Oct. 8 the city said it did not pay a ransom; Interlock Ransomware claims about 5.7 terabytes of city data, and the city knows of a dark web posting purporting to hold city data.
More than 36,000 residents and businesses with water/sewer accounts and about 1,032 employees may have information at risk, but the city has not released findings backing its statement that personal and financial data was not compromised.
The city has not set a breach-notification date; watch for a notice by mail from the city and check fortsmithar.gov for updates.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Fort Smith police have 44 Flock-linked cameras and a contract through Nov. 30, 2027, but only one director would comment
What this means: Police cut license plate data retention from 30 to 7 days, and any renewal of the Flock contract must return to the Board of Directors for public review.
Only one of seven Fort Smith directors, Neal Martin, answered questions on Flock cameras; police say 21 of their 44 integrated cameras read license plates.
Here's what to know:
Since August, police have cut plate data retention from 30 days to 7 days and turned off access for other agencies; searches are limited to felony cases, domestic battery within 12 hours, and missing persons.
Police Chief Danny Baker says the data has "real public-safety value" and he will follow the board's decision; the current contract runs through Nov. 30, 2027.
Fayetteville's council voted unanimously Oct. 6 to bar city funds and property for these cameras; tell your director your view before any renewal comes to the board.
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Directors weigh doubling the alcohol tax to 10% to pay for firefighter raises at Tuesday's study session
What this means: A 5-point increase on restaurant, bar and private club alcohol would raise about $500,000 a year; the board discusses it Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m.
Fort Smith directors will discuss raising the local alcohol tax from 5% to 10% at the Oct. 13 study session at the Blue Lion.
Here's what to know:
The study session is Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. at the Blue Lion, 101 N. Second St.; the article gives no vote date.
A 6.5% raise costs about $755,000; Fire Chief Darrell Clark asked for about 14%, roughly $1.65 million, citing three firefighters who left or are leaving for Fayetteville.
Reaching a 13.7% average raise in FY2027 needs about $375,000 in new revenue; attend in person at the Blue Lion to speak to directors.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Fort Smith metro tourism workforce hits a record 10,100 in August
What this means: Leisure and hospitality ranks rose by 500 in a year, while metro unemployed residents fell from 4,386 to 3,911, according to preliminary August 2026 data.
Leisure and hospitality workforce in the Fort Smith metro reached a record 10,100 in August, 1,100 above August 2021, per preliminary data.
Here's what to know:
August nonfarm payrolls were about 101,200 versus about 101,100 a year earlier; manufacturing added 200 to reach 17,900.
Government and professional services each lost 200 positions year over year; the figures are preliminary and subject to revision.
Arkansas's statewide unemployment rate was 3.9% in August, down from 4.2% a year earlier; read the full report for sector tables.
Quick updates
Air National Guard leases 28.96 more acres at Fort Smith Regional Airport - The 188th Civil Engineer Squadron plans runway repair training next to its 20-acre site off Massard Road; funding is not yet secured. - Read more
Jeff Struecker plans 45-mile Fort Smith run Oct. 30 for Gen. Darby documentary - The former Army Ranger aims to raise $65,000 to finish "With Love, Billy," with Fort Smith Museum of History support. - Read more
Avenue to be named for Miss America 2024 Madison Marsh on Oct. 30 - The 4:30 p.m. dedication is at South 41st Street and Gary Street near Southside High School, her alma mater. - Read more
Read less, know more.
That's it. That’s the pitch.
Morning Brew is a free daily email that explains the news shaping your life in a way you won't hate. From how geopolitics hits your wallet to AI eating entire industries, it's all explained in about 5 minutes, with just enough puns to keep things interesting.
Heck, you might even enjoy the news for once. No jargon. No pretending you understood that stock market headline.
See why over 4 million people start their day with Morning Brew.
📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🍂 Fall Festival in Downtown Van Buren - Sunday, October 11, 9:00am-4:00pm · Downtown Van Buren (Main Street area), Van Buren
Final day of the Old Town fall weekend, with shopping, vendors, food and entertainment. The chamber lists it as a two-day event, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 9am-4pm. 📅 Add to calendar
🎭 Carrie The Musical at King Opera House - Thursday, October 15, 7:00pm (also Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17 at 7:00pm; Sunday, October 18 at 2:00pm) · King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren
AOM Theatre stages the rock musical based on the Stephen King story in historic downtown Van Buren. Tickets are sold online or at the door. 📅 Add to calendar
🧺 Chaffee Food & Artisan Market - Saturday, October 17, 8:00am-1:00pm · Chaffee Crossing Historic District, Ellis St, Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith
Festival-style third-Saturday market of local farmers, artisans, food trucks and musicians, and the last market date of the 2026 season (May through October). 📅 Add to calendar
🎸 Blanco Brown at Lee Creek Tavern - Saturday, October 17, 8:00pm · Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 109 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK
Free 21+ live show by the artist behind "The Git Up," minutes from downtown Fort Smith. 📅 Add to calendar
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
🎤 Jake Lung Band - Friday, October 16, 8:00pm · Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 109 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK
Free 21+ Friday-night live music at the casino tavern, just across the state line from Fort Smith. 📅 Add to calendar
🎙️ Open Mic Night at Dewey's Cafe - Thursday, October 15, 5:30-7:30pm · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch (Dewey's Cafe), 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Poets, musicians and other performers just show up with no registration needed; open to teens and adults. 📅 Add to calendar
👪 Family-Friendly
🔬 STEAM Team - Monday, October 12, 3:30-5:00pm · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Library program for children ages 8-12 interested in science, technology, engineering, art and math, with hands-on building. 📅 Add to calendar
🍼 Wiggle Worms Storytime - Tuesday, October 13, 10:00-11:00am · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch (Storytime Nook), 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Rhymes, songs and stories for babies up to 24 months and their caregivers; drop-offs are not permitted. 📅 Add to calendar
🎃 Macrame Mini-Pumpkin Hanger Craft - Saturday, October 17, 10:30am-12:00pm · Fort Smith Public Library Windsor Branch, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith
Free all-ages autumn craft where you tie a mini-pumpkin hammock; no experience needed and all supplies are provided. 📅 Add to calendar
🖍️ Silly, Creepy Drawings for Kids - Saturday, October 17, 2:00-3:00pm · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Library staff lead a Halloween-themed drawing lesson designed for school-age children and teens. 📅 Add to calendar
🥣 Robert Jack VFW Chili Supper and Pie Auction - Saturday, October 17, 5:30-7:00pm · Auction House Event Center, 5701 Alma Highway, Van Buren
Veterans benefit with a bowl of chili for a $5 donation and a bid-on pie and cake auction, hosted by the VFW Post 1322 Auxiliary. 📅 Add to calendar
🏃 Sports & Fitness
🏃 Haunted 5K & 10K at Ben Geren Regional Park - Saturday, October 17, 8:30am · Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 Zero St, Fort Smith
Halloween-themed road race at the park; 5K is $30 and 10K is $45 ($5 for ages 1-15), with registration open through race morning. 📅 Add to calendar
🎨 Arts & Culture
🎨 Paint Nite at Tierra's Lash Room - Monday, October 12, 6:00-8:00pm · Tierra's Lash Room, 604 South 4th Street, Van Buren
Guided painting night with special guest The Potter's Gem; see the chamber listing for registration. 📅 Add to calendar
🎬 Cult Classic at the Library: Beetlejuice - Wednesday, October 14, 6:00-8:00pm · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Free screening of the 1988 PG-rated classic with popcorn to kick off the Halloween season; for teens and adults. 📅 Add to calendar
📖 Author Visit with Kathy Watson, Chicken Soup for the Soul - Thursday, October 15, 6:30-7:30pm · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Fort Smith author Kathy Watson talks about her story in the new book Chicken Soup for the Soul: 101 Tales of Miracles and Other Wonders. 📅 Add to calendar
🖼️ Arts On Main Art Opening Reception - Friday, October 16, 6:00-8:00pm · Arts On Main, 415 Main Street, Van Buren
Free and open to the public, with light refreshments, live music and a chance to meet the artists. 📅 Add to calendar
🎓 Education & Business
🤝 Business After Hours hosted by Citizens Bank & Trust - Tuesday, October 13, 5:15-6:30pm · Citizens Bank & Trust Co., 3110 Alma Hwy, Van Buren
Van Buren Chamber networking mixer for local business owners and professionals. 📅 Add to calendar
🧬 Genealogy Classes: Beginning Genealogy - Tuesday, October 13, 5:30-7:30pm · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Learn the process of discovering your family history; open to school-age children, teens and adults. 📅 Add to calendar
💼 ASBTDC at the Chamber - Wednesday, October 14, 9:00am-4:00pm · Van Buren Chamber Business Resource Center, 111 North 12th Street, Van Buren
Ty Barrett of the UAFS Small Business Technology Development Center is on site to assist new and established entrepreneurs; call 479-424-5146. 📅 Add to calendar
⌚️ Recurring Events
🎱 Monday Night Bingo at 810 Billiards & Bowling - Every Monday, 6:30pm (next: October 12) · 810 Billiards & Bowling, 5609 Rogers Ave, Suite F, Fort Smith
Win five dollars cash per line with the pot guaranteed; bring friends. 📅 Add to calendar
🚵 Taco 2sday Ride (Mountain Biking) - Every Tuesday, 6:00pm (next: October 13; weather permitting) · McClure Amphitheater, Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 Zero St, Fort Smith
Community mountain bike ride on 4-14 miles of Ben Geren single track, then cheap tacos around town; rides may be canceled for trail or weather conditions. 📅 Add to calendar
🎯 Bags at the Bakery (708 Cornhole) - Every Wednesday, 6:30pm (next: October 14) · The Bakery District (Collection Room), 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith (downtown)
Competitive, Intermediate and Backyard cornhole divisions with cash payouts in both divisions. 📅 Add to calendar
🚲 Bikes at the Bakery - Third Friday of each month (next: October 16; start time not posted) · The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith (downtown)
Free-to-join group social ride held on the third Friday of every month, finishing at The Bakery District. 📅 Add to calendar
🧘 Yoga & Mimosas at Digs FS - Every Saturday, 9:00-10:00am (next: October 17) · Digs FS, 70 S 7th St, Suite C (The Bakery District), Fort Smith (downtown)
Free yoga with Deanna Vann-Vest on the patio, followed by mimosas. 📅 Add to calendar
📖 Bookish StoryTime - Every Saturday, 11:00am-12:00pm (next: October 17) · The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith (downtown)
Free Saturday-morning story and craft for kids of all ages. 📅 Add to calendar
🖌️ RAM Saturdays Art Projects - Every Saturday, 12:00-3:00pm (next: October 17) · Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Free drop-in make-and-take art projects for all ages and skill levels, with all supplies provided. 📅 Add to calendar
Looking Ahead
🕯️ Murder and Mayhem - Thursday, October 22, 5:30-9:30pm · Bonneville House, 318 N 7th St, Fort Smith (downtown)
Fort Smith Museum of History's Halloween-season event at the historic Bonneville House; registration is through the museum's event page. 📅 Add to calendar
🍂 7th Annual Fort Smith Fall Festival - Saturday, October 24, 10:00am-4:00pm · Downtown Fort Smith, centered at 320 Rogers Ave
Free day of living history, museum open houses, harvest market, kids zone and food trucks across downtown. 📅 Add to calendar
🎃 RAM Fall Family Day - Saturday, October 24, 10:00am-3:00pm · Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Free hot dogs, crafts, goodie bags and a chalk art contest at the museum's annual family day. 📅 Add to calendar
Quick Hits
Blues Jam at The Bakery - free afternoon of blues on the patio at 70 S 7th St, starting at 1pm on the third Sunday of the month - Sunday, October 18 (bakeryfs.com)
Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program - Smithsonian traveling poster exhibit at the Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Ave, open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm and on display through the fall (discoverfortsmith.com)
Early voting begins - Crawford County sites at the Emergency Operations Center, 1820 Chestnut St, Van Buren, and the Alma Community Center, 114 Collum Lane East, Alma, 8am-6pm weekdays - starts Monday, October 19 (vanburenchamber.org)
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me exploring what's happening in Fort Smith!
Know a neighbor who'd want this? Send them your referral link and get credit when they subscribe.
What's your Fort Smith story? Hit reply and tell us:
A local business that deserves more attention
Community problems you'd like us to investigate
Events happening in your neighborhood
Fort Smith is better when we're all informed and connected. Thanks for being part of this community.
See you around town,
-Your Neighbor
Rate Today’s Edition
Connect With Fort Smith Weekly
💌 Work with us:
Got news or events? Reply to this email
Advertising opportunities? Email us
Fort Smith Weekly is an independent newsletter dedicated to celebrating our community. Not affiliated with any government entity or organization.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here