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Good morning, Fort Smith! 🌥️
Warm, dry and mostly cloudy skies hang over the week, so Garrison Avenue stays comfortable for costume-hunting and trick-or-treat scouting.
Another busy week in our Arkansas River gem, where the final stretch of early voting begins and Halloween plans are taking shape. Whether you're mapping out candy routes or studying your November 3 ballot, we've got your local pulse covered.
Here's what's making waves this week:
🗳️ Early voting runs 21% ahead of 2022 - Sebastian County's last week starts Monday, ends Nov. 2
🏛️ Parks and Recreation Commission seat closes Nov. 6 - one open seat, and you can apply
🏠 Home sales rise 4.1% through August - but 7.4% mortgage rates cool the fall market
🎃 Halloween on Main and Ghouls on Garrison - two trick-or-treat nights on Oct. 31
Know someone who'd want this? Forward it along, or use your referral link at the bottom.
-Your Neighbor
✅ DO THIS WEEK
Vote early in Sebastian County - Sites open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday, October 26 to Friday, October 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 31, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, November 2 - Details
Preview your ballot and precinct - Use the county's VoterView lookup and sample ballots before Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, so the mayor and change-of-government questions hold no surprises - Details
Apply for the Parks and Recreation Commission - One seat is open; applications go to the City Administrator's Office by close of business on Friday, November 6 - Details
Join the Veterans Day parade - Chaffee Crossing holds its ceremony at 10 a.m. and parade at noon on Saturday, November 7; register a float or group by calling (479) 651-9917 - Details
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
PUBLIC SAFETY
Van Buren sex offender caught by an FBI decoy gets 20 federal years, with two Crawford County trials still ahead
What this means: The case began with social media accounts he never reported to the registry, and Crawford County juries hear his local charges in January and February.
Brian F. Jeremiah, 65, of Van Buren was sentenced Oct. 5 to 20 federal years after messaging an FBI employee posing as a 14-year-old.
Here's what to know:
He pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor; the U.S. Attorney's Office says he has a 20-plus-year record of sex offense convictions.
The FBI flagged Kik, Snapchat and Discord accounts he had not reported to Van Buren police, as his registration required.
He has pleaded not guilty to the county charges (failure to register, January trial; four child abuse material counts, February trial) and is held on $115,000 bond.
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Sebastian County early voting runs 21% ahead of 2022 as the final week of early voting begins Monday
What this means: With 7,558 ballots cast through Oct. 22, the last stretch of early voting runs Oct. 26 through Nov. 2, one day before Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Sebastian County recorded 7,558 early and absentee ballots through Oct. 22, up 21.1% from 2022, likely boosted by Fort Smith's change-of-government question.
Here's what to know:
Through Oct. 22, Sebastian County had 7,558 ballots cast, 10.4% of its 72,691 registered voters; Crawford County had 3,260, up 3.6% from 2022.
Per the county's early voting page, sites open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 26-30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2.
The courthouse site is Room G8 at 35 S. 6th St. in Fort Smith, Greenwood voters can use 221 S. Coker St., and Rye Hill and Creekmore are closed Oct. 31.
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Fort Smith seeks applicants for 10 boards and commissions, with the Parks and Recreation seat closing Nov. 6
What this means: Residents can apply now for seats on 10 city boards, and the Parks and Recreation Commission seat closes at the end of business Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.
The City of Fort Smith is accepting applications for 10 boards and commissions, and the one open Parks and Recreation Commission seat closes November 6.
Here's what to know:
Parks and Recreation Commission applications are due to the City Administrator's Office by close of business Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.
The nine other boards are Advertising and Promotions, Building Adjustments and Appeals, Civil Service, Electric Code Appeals, Fire Code Appeals, Municipal Employees Benevolent Fund, Mechanical, Plumbing Advisory and Sales Tax Review; the Oct. 23 bulletin gives them no deadline.
Applications are on the City of Fort Smith website, and under Ordinance No. 2926 the Board of Directors reviews the compiled list of applicants.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Fort Smith metro home sales rise 4.1% through August, but 7.4% mortgage rates cool the fall market
What this means: With 2,278 homes sold January through August and 30-year rates at 7.4% as of Oct. 15, buyers face a slower fourth quarter and more listings to choose from.
The Fort Smith metro sold 2,278 homes from January through August, up 4.1%, worth $580 million, while average days on market rose to 98.
Here's what to know:
Sebastian County sales totaled 991, up 7.5%, and Crawford County 345, up 1.8%, between January and August 2026.
The average price was $254,610, up 0.7%, and homes took 98 days to sell, up from 87 a year earlier.
Freddie Mac's Oct. 15 report put the 30-year fixed rate at 7.4%, up from 6.2% a year earlier; broker Ashlee Milton's outlook is in the full article.
Quick updates
UAFS lands its first NIH grant - The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith won a $132,000 grant, announced Oct. 19, for lab equipment that expands undergraduate research, led by biologist Jason Ortega - Read more
City meeting agendas are back online - Fort Smith restored its online agendas and board meeting archives on Oct. 21 after a vendor outage at Granicus, the city's meetings provider - Read more
💼 JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES
Parks and Recreation Commission seat - City of Fort Smith volunteer board, one vacancy, applications to the City Administrator's Office by close of business Friday, November 6 - Apply
Nine other city board and commission seats - Advertising and Promotions, Civil Service, Sales Tax Review and six more boards are accepting applications now; no deadline stated - Apply
Why Overseas Producers Can't Undercut Atlas Salt, Even for Free
Cities are already running short on road salt, and winter hasn't even started. Some supply bids are going unanswered, prices have nearly doubled in parts of the market, and the backup plan is two weeks away by boat. Here's why Atlas Salt (TSXV: SALT | OTCQX: SALQF) can get salt to the people who need it most, faster and cheaper than anyone shipping from overseas:
• Three days by ship to Boston, not fourteen
• Shallow deposit that's cheaper and faster to mine
• Projected C$188M a year in free cash flow
• Export Development Canada interested in lending C$150M
• Early supply deal with top U.S. salt distributor
📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🏃 Whitney's Race 2026 - Saturday, October 31, 11:00am (5K and 10K; 1-mile kids fun run at noon) · The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith (downtown)
Halloween-themed 5K and 10K along the Arkansas River benefiting the Whitney Marsh Foundation for pancreatic cancer patients. Registration is $35 (5K), $45 (10K) and $15 (kids run, ages 10 and under) and closes at 10:30am race morning. 📅 Add to calendar
🎃 Halloween on Main - Saturday, October 31, 6:00-7:30pm · Downtown Van Buren, 614 Main St, Van Buren
Van Buren's long-running downtown trick-or-treat night, listed on the Van Buren Chamber calendar. Bring the kids in costume and walk the Main Street storefronts. 📅 Add to calendar
🛣️ Madison Marsh Avenue Dedication - Friday, October 30, 4:30pm · S 41st St and Gary St, Fort Smith (near Southside High School)
The City of Fort Smith dedicates an avenue to Madison Marsh, a 2019 Southside graduate and Miss America 2024. Free and open to the public. 📅 Add to calendar
🎭 Carrie The Musical at King Opera House - Sunday, October 25, 2:00pm · King Opera House, 427 Main St, Van Buren
Closing matinee of Arts On Main Theatre's rock musical based on the Stephen King story, in historic downtown Van Buren. Tickets are sold through the King Opera House box office. 📅 Add to calendar
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Ryan Waters Band at Lee Creek Tavern - Friday, October 30, 8:00pm · Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 109 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK (minutes from downtown Fort Smith)
Free live music kicks off the casino's "Welcome to the Graveyard" Halloween weekend; costumes encouraged. 21+ only. 📅 Add to calendar
Dead Metal Society at Lee Creek Tavern - Saturday, October 31, 8:00pm · Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 109 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK (minutes from downtown Fort Smith)
Free Halloween-night live music as the tavern transforms for the holiday; dress up if you like. 21+ only. 📅 Add to calendar
Segue Fort Smith Monthly Meetup - Thursday, October 29, 6:30-8:30pm · The Cooler Room at The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith (downtown)
Monthly social night built for meeting new people and building community connections in a relaxed setting. 📅 Add to calendar
👪 Family-Friendly
Trick-or-Treat the Fort Smith Library - Saturday, October 31, 10:00am-5:00pm at Main; 10:00am-2:00pm at Dallas, Miller and Windsor branches · Main Library, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown); other branches: Dallas, 8100 Dallas St; Miller, 8701 S 28th St; Windsor, 4701 Windsor Drive
Kids who arrive in costume at any library location get sweet treats. Free. 📅 Add to calendar
Ghouls on Garrison - Saturday, October 31, 5:00pm · Garrison Avenue, downtown Fort Smith
Main Street Fort Smith's free Halloween-night trick-or-treat as participating Garrison Avenue businesses hand out candy; listings disagree on the end time, so arrive early. 📅 Add to calendar
Spooky Storytime at the Dallas Branch - Wednesday, October 28, 10:00am and 11:00am · Fort Smith Public Library Dallas Street Branch, 8100 Dallas St, Fort Smith
Halloween-themed stories and crafts for preschool and school-age kids; the branch also runs a free drop-in Halloween Crafts & Cookies table from 9am to 5pm that day. 📅 Add to calendar
Storytime with the FSPD - Tuesday, October 27, 4:00-4:30pm · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Special afternoon storytime led by a Fort Smith Police Department officer for preschool and school-age children. Free. 📅 Add to calendar
Bookish StoryTime - Saturday, October 31, 11:00am-12:00pm · The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith (downtown)
Free Saturday-morning story and craft for kids of all ages, held the same morning as Whitney's Race in the Bakery District. 📅 Add to calendar
🏃 Sports & Fitness
Arkansas Activities Association Class 6A Volleyball Tournament - October 26-28 (Monday-Wednesday) · Northside High School Arena, 2301 North B St, Fort Smith
The state's top Class 6A volleyball teams meet for the state tournament, hosted by Fort Smith Northside. Check the AAA bracket for match times. 📅 Add to calendar
Jeff Struecker 45-Mile Run for the "With Love, Billy" Documentary - Friday, October 30, 4:00am-5:00pm · Cisterna Park, 1001 Garrison Ave, Fort Smith (downtown)
Former Army Ranger Jeff Struecker runs 45 miles to support the documentary on General Darby; the Fort Smith Museum of History lists a registration link for participants. 📅 Add to calendar
🎨 Arts & Culture
RAM Opening Reception: Light & Form, Selections from UAFS Art Students - Friday, October 30, 5:00-7:00pm · Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Free opening reception for work by University of Arkansas - Fort Smith art students, plus the Greer Farris exhibition. Museum admission is always free. 📅 Add to calendar
Anime Club: Manga Book Swap - Monday, October 26, 4:30-5:30pm · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch (Carnegie Room), 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Teens gather for the monthly Anime Club meeting with an anime screening and a manga book swap. Free. 📅 Add to calendar
The Enchanted Laboratory: Halloween Crafting - Thursday, October 29, 6:00-7:30pm · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch (Carnegie Room), 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Halloween crafting night for teens and adults, suitable for beginner and expert crafters. Free. 📅 Add to calendar
🎓 Education & Business
Conversation with Congressman Womack - Monday, October 26, 12:00-1:00pm · Van Buren Chamber Business Resource Center, 111 North 12th St, Van Buren
Lunch-hour Q&A with Congressman Steve Womack hosted by the Van Buren Chamber. Free, but registration is required. 📅 Add to calendar
Film Fright Trivia Night - Monday, October 26, 5:30-7:00pm · Dewey's Cafe at the Main Library, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Seasonal rounds of trivia on spooky shows and movies, solo or in teams of up to four; first place wins a free drink. Free; ages school-age and up. 📅 Add to calendar
Miller Book Club: In a Dark, Dark Wood - Tuesday, October 27, 2:00-3:00pm · Fort Smith Public Library Miller Branch, 8701 S 28th St, Fort Smith (south side)
Adult book club discusses Ruth Ware's thriller, the October pick. Free. 📅 Add to calendar
Early Voting for the November 3 Election - October 26 through November 2 (Monday-Monday); weekdays 8:00am-6:00pm, Monday November 2 8:00am-5:00pm · Sebastian County Courthouse Room G8, 35 S 6th St; Creekmore Community Center, 3301 S M St; Elm Grove Community Center, 1901 N Greenwood Ave; Ben Geren Park Tornado Shelter, 7200 Zero St; Rye Hill Baptist Church, 11512 Old Highway 71
Five early-voting sites serve Fort Smith voters; the Courthouse, Elm Grove and Ben Geren sites also open 10:00am-4:00pm on Saturday, October 31, so check the city bulletin for your site. 📅 Add to calendar
🏞️ Outdoor & Recreation
Friends of the Library Used Book Sale: Children's and Young Adult - Sunday, October 25, 1:00-5:00pm · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch (Community Room), 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Final day of thousands of used children's and young-adult books and media, aimed at educators, home schoolers and families. 📅 Add to calendar
⌚️ Recurring Events
Bingo at 810 Billiards & Bowling - Every Monday, 6:30pm · 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
Bags at The Bakery (708 Cornhole) - Every Wednesday, 6:30pm · The Bakery District (Collection Room), 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith (downtown)
Cornhole tournament night with competitive, intermediate and backyard divisions and a cash payout; Mad Ox Bar & Tap opens at 4pm. 📅 Add to calendar
RAM Saturdays Art Projects - Every Saturday, 12:00-3:00pm · Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Free drop-in art projects for all ages and skill levels at the museum, no registration needed. 📅 Add to calendar
Storytime at the Windsor Branch - Every Monday, 10:00-10:45am · Fort Smith Public Library Windsor Branch, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith
Books, songs and movement for babies, toddlers and preschoolers with their caregivers. Free. 📅 Add to calendar
Looking Ahead
Garrison Arts Walk - Saturday, November 7 · Downtown Fort Smith, Garrison Ave
Free walkable arts experience connecting artists, makers, musicians and performers at locations throughout downtown; Main Street Fort Smith is still seeking participants, hosts and volunteers. 📅 Add to calendar
Board of Directors Annual Budget Hearing on the Proposed 2027 Budget - Friday, November 13, 8:30am · Blue Lion, 101 N 2nd St, Fort Smith (downtown)
The Mayor and Board review the proposed 2027 operating budget with city departments; open to the public. 📅 Add to calendar
Silver Belles: A Christmas Comedy - November 12-21 (Thursday-Saturday) · Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 N 6th St, Fort Smith (downtown)
Fort Smith Little Theatre's holiday comedy about retirement-home residents fighting eviction at Christmas; see fslt.org for showtimes and tickets. 📅 Add to calendar
The Magic of Motown - Saturday, November 14, 7:30pm · ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 S 7th St, Fort Smith (downtown)
Motown tribute show; ticket prices are on the Live Nation page. 📅 Add to calendar
Quick Hits
Board of Directors Study Session - Agenda board packet is posted on the City of Fort Smith website - Tuesday, October 27
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me exploring what's happening in Fort Smith!
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Fort Smith is better when we're all informed and connected. Thanks for being part of this community.
See you around town,
-Your Neighbor
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