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Good morning, Fort Smith! 🌧️
It starts mild and warm for November, but rain is likely by Tuesday, so tuck an umbrella by the door before you head to the polls.
Another busy week in our Arkansas River gem, where River Valley Comic Con wraps up today and the leaves are finally coming down. Whether you're planning your ballot or raking the yard, we've got your local pulse covered.
Here's what's making waves this week:
🗳️ Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3 - polls open 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Fort Smith Transit rides are free
🍂 Leaf vacuuming starts Monday, Nov. 2 - call 479-784-2360 or your leaves get left behind
🏫 Fort Smith schools lose 836 students in two years - and 56 staff slots sit unfilled
🦸 River Valley Comic Con wraps up today - kids 12 and under get in free at Kay Rodgers Park
Know someone who'd want this? Forward it along, or use your referral link at the bottom.
-Your Neighbor
✅ DO THIS WEEK
Vote on Election Day - Polls are open 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 3; bring a driver's license, passport, concealed handgun carry license or other accepted ID - Details
Ride Fort Smith Transit free - Every Fort Smith Transit service is fare-free all day Tuesday, November 3, including trips to the polls; call 479-783-6464 for routes - Details
Call for leaf pickup - Public Works starts leaf vacuuming Monday, November 2; call 479-784-2360 to get on the list, with leaves behind the ditch or within 10 feet of the curb - Details
Plan around Veterans Day - Fort Smith Transit runs no service Wednesday, November 11 and resumes Thursday, November 12; Thanksgiving closures follow on November 26 and 27 - Details
📰 NEWS YOU CAN USE
PUBLIC SAFETY
Fort Smith police open a death investigation at an Ingersoll Avenue encampment, with no cause or identity released
What this means: Police were at the encampment on Ingersoll Avenue between Jenny Lind Road and Highway 271 on Friday, Oct. 30, and have named no cause of death; anyone with information can call 479-709-5000.
Fort Smith Police went to an encampment on Ingersoll Avenue between Jenny Lind Road and Highway 271 on Friday, Oct. 30, for a death investigation.
Here's what to know:
The department's Oct. 30 release placed officers on Ingersoll Avenue, between Jenny Lind Road and Highway 271, on Friday morning.
As of that release, police had not named the person who died or a cause; the release says more may follow "when available and appropriate."
Questions go to the department's media contact, Aric Mitchell, at 479-709-5000 or [email protected].
EDUCATION
Fort Smith schools lose 836 students in two years and leave 56 slots unfilled, with about 1,000 more projected to leave by 2036-37
What this means: The student count fell from 13,687 to 12,851 and the district has trimmed 56 staff slots through attrition as of Oct. 1, with more elementary changes waiting on the Bonneville Elementary global academy.
Fort Smith Public Schools lost students, from 13,687 to 12,851 in two years, and a Zonda study projects 11,839 students by 2036-37.
Here's what to know:
Superintendent Martin Mahan confirmed Tuesday, Oct. 27 that 56 slots (16 classroom and administrative, 40 classified) were left unfilled through attrition as of Oct. 1.
The district lost 417 students, or 3.1%, in the 2025-26 school year alone; Mahan wants to see how the Global Innovation Academy at Bonneville Elementary performs, with about 100 current students expected, before reviewing more elementary schools.
Zonda counted 23 active subdivisions in the district with 75 homes under construction, only about 20 of them in Chaffee Crossing, which it ties to higher mortgage rates.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Fort Smith leaf vacuuming starts Monday, Nov. 2 and runs through February, but you have to call to get on the list
What this means: Public Works picks up leaves from Nov. 2 through February 2027 only for residents who call 479-784-2360, and leaves mixed with trash or limbs are left behind.
Public Works begins its annual Leaf Vacuuming Program Monday, Nov. 2, running through February 2027; residents call 479-784-2360 to schedule a pickup.
Here's what to know:
Call 479-784-2360 now to join the pickup list; the program begins Monday, November 2.
With a roadside ditch, place leaves on the backside of the ditch; with none, put them within 10 feet of the backside of the curb or pavement edge.
Leaves raked into ditches, storm drains, streets or onto sidewalks, or mixed with trash, limbs or debris, will not be picked up.
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
Fort Smith Transit is free Tuesday, Nov. 3, then stops for Veterans Day on Nov. 11 and Thanksgiving on Nov. 26-27
What this means: Riders pay no fare on Election Day, Nov. 3, and have no bus service on Nov. 11, Nov. 26 or Nov. 27, so errands and rides to work need a Plan B on those three days.
Fort Smith Transit runs fare-free all day Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, then pauses service Nov. 11 and Nov. 26-27 for holidays.
Here's what to know:
All Fort Smith Transit services are free on Tuesday, Nov. 3, with no fare required; call 479-783-6464 for routes and trip planning.
There is no service Wednesday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day; regular service resumes Thursday, Nov. 12.
There is no service Thursday, Nov. 26 or Friday, Nov. 27; service resumes Saturday, Nov. 28 on the normal Saturday schedule.
Quick updates
Sales tax runs ahead of budget - Fort Smith's share of the 1% county sales tax hit $2.121 million in September, up 2.9%, and $19.041 million year to date - Read more
Madison Marsh honored with a street name - Fort Smith held a street-naming ceremony for the former Miss America Friday, Oct. 30 at Southside High School, South 41st and South Gary streets - Read more
Missing Fort Smith woman, 80, found safe - Fort Smith police reported Wednesday, Oct. 28 that Jo Anne Robinson, 80, who had been reported missing and endangered that day, was located - 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
Introducing Fair Game from Vanity Fair
Join Mark Guiducci for a series of wide-ranging conversations with cultural leaders from the worlds of Hollywood, Politics, Style, Silicon Valley, and beyond.
On every episode, Vanity Fair pulls back the curtain on how some of the most interesting and powerful minds in our society work – and where they see us going. On Fair Game from Vanity Fair, no subject is off limits.
📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
Must-Attend Events
🦸 River Valley Comic Con - Sunday, November 1 (final day of the October 31-November 1 weekend) · Kay Rodgers Park Expo Center, 4400 Midland Blvd, Fort Smith (north side)
Second-year fan convention with celebrity guests, local cosplayers, artists, vendors, gaming, and comics and collectibles. Kids 12 and under get in free and teen passes (ages 13-17) are $15; check rivervalleycomiccon.com for adult prices and Sunday hours. 📅 Add to calendar
🗳️ Last Day of Early Voting for the November 3 Election - 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 at MLK Park, 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 on Monday, the last day before Election Day on Tuesday, November 3. Fort Smith Transit also runs free rides all day Tuesday. 📅 Add to calendar
🍷 19th Annual Black Tie Bingo Gala - Friday, November 6, 6:30-10:30pm · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
The library's signature fundraiser pairs fine dining, wine, music and bingo, with proceeds supporting the Youth Services Department. All tables are sold out, but the library says a limited number of individual tickets remain; email [email protected] to inquire. 📅 Add to calendar
🎨 Garrison Arts Walk - Saturday, November 7 · Downtown Fort Smith, Garrison Ave
Free walkable arts experience connecting local and regional artists, artisans, makers, musicians and performers at locations throughout downtown. Main Street Fort Smith is still recruiting participants, business hosts and volunteers; see mainstreetfs.org for the schedule. 📅 Add to calendar
By Category
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Uncrowned Kings at Lee Creek Tavern - Friday, November 6, 8:00pm · Lee Creek Tavern at Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, 109 Cherokee Blvd, Roland, OK (minutes from downtown Fort Smith)
Free live music at the casino's tavern stage. 21+ only. 📅 Add to calendar
👪 Family-Friendly
DINOvember Scavenger Hunt - November 1-30, starting Sunday, November 1 · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Find all the dinosaurs hidden around the Main Library during November and tell library staff to claim your prize. Free; the Main Library is open 1:00-5:00pm on Sundays. 📅 Add to calendar
Storytime with Stuffies at the Windsor Branch - Saturday, November 7, 11:00am-12:00pm · Fort Smith Public Library Windsor Branch, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith
Kids bring a favorite stuffed animal or toy to Saturday Storytime and help with a special craft. Held the first Saturday of the month. Free. 📅 Add to calendar
Bookish StoryTime - Saturday, November 7, 11:00am-12:00pm · The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith (downtown)
Free Saturday-morning story and craft for kids at the Bakery District. 📅 Add to calendar
🎨 Arts & Culture
Pre-Event for the 6th Annual Fort Smith International Film Festival - Wednesday, November 4, 6:00-9:00pm · Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (downtown)
The museum hosts a pre-event for the film festival; RSVP through the registration link on the museum's events page. 📅 Add to calendar
Authors in the Afternoon with Brandon Jones - Thursday, November 5, 4:00-6:00pm · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Arkansas author Brandon Jones appears to sign copies of his Southern Gothic novel The Legend of Wila Jean Baker. Free. 📅 Add to calendar
Japanese Water Marbling for Adults - Thursday, November 5, 6:00-7:00pm · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch (Community Room), 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Evening workshop on the ancient art of Japanese water marbling; all supplies are provided and no artistic experience is needed. 📅 Add to calendar
Maker Lab: All Levels Crochet for Adults - Saturday, November 7, 3:00-4:00pm · Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, 3201 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith (midtown)
Adults of every skill level create a handmade crochet craft with all supplies provided. 📅 Add to calendar
🎓 Education & Business
Election Day Voting in Crawford County - Tuesday, November 3, 7:30am-7:30pm · Polling sites include Emergency Operations Center, 1820 Chestnut St, Van Buren; Alma Community Center, 114 Collum Lane East, Alma; and Crawford County Extension Office, 105 W Pointer Trail, Van Buren
Polls open 7:30am-7:30pm; the Van Buren Chamber lists all Crawford County polling places. Sebastian County voters should check the county sample ballot and polling place before heading out. 📅 Add to calendar
Local Lunch at Zaxby's - Tuesday, November 3, 11:30am-1:00pm · Zaxby's, 2221 Fayetteville Rd, Van Buren
Casual Van Buren Chamber networking lunch with no formal agenda; bring business cards. Free to attend (Dutch treat lunch) but registration is required. 📅 Add to calendar
Pastries and Perks - Thursday, November 5, 9:00-10:00am · OG&E Meeting Room at the Van Buren Chamber, 111 N 12th St, Van Buren
Morning introduction to Chamber membership and its networking, leadership and entrepreneur programs. Free, but registration is required. 📅 Add to calendar
Veteran-Owned Business Certifications and Resources for Government Contracting - Thursday, November 5, 1:30-2:30pm · The Bakery District, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith (downtown)
Introductory session for veteran-owned businesses interested in government contracting. No cost, but registration is required through the Chamber listing. 📅 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
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 children and their caregivers. Free. 📅 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 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, no registration needed. 📅 Add to calendar
Looking Ahead
Silver Belles: A Christmas Comedy - November 12-21 (Thursday-Saturday) · Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 N 6th St, Fort Smith (downtown)
Holiday comedy about retirement-home residents fighting eviction at Christmas; see fslt.org for showtimes and tickets. 📅 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
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
True Crime Tonight: The Ugly Underneath with Carlos Rodriguez - Friday, November 20, 6:00-8:00pm · U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Dr, Fort Smith (riverfront)
Retired Washington State Patrol detective Carlos Rodriguez talks about his 27-year career; see the museum page for tickets. 📅 Add to calendar
Quick Hits
Free Ride Day on Fort Smith Transit - All Fort Smith Transit services are free all day on Election Day - Tuesday, November 3
Board of Directors Regular Meeting - Moved to Monday because Tuesday is Election Day; the agenda packet is posted on the City of Fort Smith website - Monday, November 2
Leaf Vacuuming Program Begins - Call 479-784-2360 to get on the pickup list; runs through February 2027 - Starts Monday, November 2
👋 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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