Good morning, Fort Smith.

Donors will be invited to the Fort Smith Boots & Badges Community Challenge Blood Drive on July 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Fort Smith Convention Center—donors must bring a photo ID and choose a team between the fire and police departments to earn prizes such as a t-shirt, free entry to Magic Springs, a ticket drawing, and a meet and greet with Jaylin Williams on July 24.

Main Street Fort Smith is partnering with Main Street America to launch a citywide survey that asks residents and visitors what they like and what can be improved in downtown Fort Smith (all responses are anonymous).

The answers will help guide long-term plans to create a more vibrant downtown.

The Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the fatal shooting of Richard Bradley Jones, a 52-year-old from Charleston who was shot about 5 p.m. Thursday on the 1500 block of East Main Street in Lavaca and taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead— his body was sent for an autopsy as investigators conducted further interviews.

A concert featuring Isaac Alexander, 18-year-old Silas Carpenter—who is his nephew—and former bandleader Kyle Mays will take place at White Water Tavern on Saturday, July 19 at 8 p.m. for a $10 performance that brings a blend of musical talent from Central Arkansas.

Thunder in the Fort Parade on Thursday, July 24 will honor NBA Champions Jaylin Williams and Isaiah Joe on Garrison Avenue in Fort Smith; road closures begin at 5:00 p.m. and the parade starts at 6:00 p.m. — the event is free and open to the public.

Arkansas shoppers can plan ahead as Tax-Free Weekend starts at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Aug.

2 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday—exemptions cover clothing, footwear, school supplies and electronics without price limits for some items. Missouri and Oklahoma begin their events at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1 and set price caps on several items, offering different savings options.

Former Fort Smith Northside pitcher McLane Moody was chosen in the 15th round of the MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday afternoon and is the first high school player from Arkansas drafted this year—he has signed to play at the University of Arkansas and now must decide on his baseball future.

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.

Anyone Can Learn to Letter

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Practice hand lettering techniques and explore tools in a creative environment.