Good morning, Fort Smith.

The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery raised $111.3 million for college scholarships in fiscal 2025 ended June 30, marking its third highest fundraising year since tickets began selling in September 2009—officials said the total exceeded projections despite lower scratch-off and draw-game sales compared to fiscal 2024.

The Fort Smith City Board of Directors will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, July 15 after the 6:00 p.m. study session at the Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, to interview two candidates for the Director of Internal Audit role—following a request from Director Lee Kemp.

On Thursday, Charleston resident Marilyn Moore filed a civil lawsuit against the City of Fort Smith & Acting City Administrator Jeff Dingman alleging FOIA violations after a judge ruled in early June that the city failed to provide documents on time regarding water supply discussions for a planned Franklin County prison. Circuit Judge Dianna Ladd will hear the case, which claims Dingman misrepresented the request date to bypass the three-day deadline.

The Fort Smith Board of Directors will meet on July 15 at the Blue Lion to discuss a proposal for the city to manage three local cemeteries from a struggling nonprofit, new guidelines for recovering costs at public events, and the future of downtown parking meter fees before the waiver expires on Aug. 1—officials said the board will also interview candidates for the director of internal audit position.

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.