Good morning, Fort Smith.

The City of Fort Smith will honor NBA champions Jaylin Williams and Isaiah Joe with a downtown celebration called 'Thunder in the Fort' on July 24 at 3 p.m.—a planned event to celebrate the two local alumni of Northside High School for their role in the Oklahoma City Thunder's championship win—with details still being finalized.

Erny’s Truck Repair in Roland—leading a donation drive for Texas flood relief—has set up drop-off sites in Fort Smith and elsewhere to collect new, unopened items like baby supplies and toiletries; donations are due by July 16 and supplies will be delivered to Texas on July 18.

Fort Smith’s Board of Directors will interview a candidate for the Director of Internal Audit position in an executive session during today's regular meeting and will reconvene for public action thereafter.

The board will also consider a resolution to approve a partial $1.197 million payment to Fosgren Inc for work on the city's sewer upgrade project.

Today at 6 p.m. at Blue Lion, the Fort Smith Board of Directors is reviewing rezoning proposals including a potential go-kart track, infrastructure projects totaling over $3 million, and new environmental initiatives—while also considering a new Energy and Environment Project Coordinator position and property buyouts for flood mitigation. The city announced a clean audit for the 2024 fiscal year and received a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2023 report.

LIHEAP applications opened on Monday, July 7 to help families pay high energy costs this summer—residents in Fort Smith can apply at the local office off Zero Street by providing a photo ID, Social Security card, recent utility bill, income documents and proof of residency.

Fort Smith Rheumatology joined ARcare network on Monday to expand access to high-quality care in Fort Smith, Northwest Arkansas and nearby communities—this move adds new resources for patient support.

Dr. Russell Branum will keep caring for patients at his current clinic—provider relationships and treatment plans remain unchanged.

Digital Infrared Photography Workshop

1-4 p.m. — Greg Disch Photography Classroom — $795 — Learn the art of surreal infrared photography in a hands-on workshop experience.

Business After-Hours Networking Event

4-6 p.m. — The Call in Crawford & Sebastian — Free entry — Network with local professionals while enjoying light refreshments in a casual atmosphere.

Watercolor Workshop: Fun Food!

10:30 a.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Enhance your watercolor skills by painting delightful sweet treats and more.

Hoopla Book Club: The Tattooist of Auschwitz

2-3 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Miller Branch) — Free entry — Dive into the historical narrative of love and survival through literature this July.

Movie Matinee: 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3'

2-4 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly screening of 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' featuring an epic battle against a new villain.

Lettering to Go!

August 1-30 — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Celebrate National Calligraphy Day with hands-on lettering kits all month long.