Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 21st of July.
Good morning, Fort Smith.
🏘️ Community
Main Street Fort Smith has launched a survey to ask residents how they want downtown improved.
The nonprofit said the survey will remain open through the end of August — the feedback will help guide its plans for the next few years.
Gabby Petito’s mother shared details about her daughter’s foundation ahead of her upcoming visit to Fort Smith—she will honor Petito’s memory through the initiative.
Petito’s life ended in 2021 when her body was found near Grand Teton National Park.
Greenwood residents are invited to a special homecoming celebration for Kennedy Holland, crowned Miss Arkansas 2025, at The Loft at Stone Oak on July 27 from 2-4 p.m. The 20-year-old junior from the University of Central Arkansas started a nonprofit to build playgrounds for all children and will serve as an ambassador for inclusion statewide.
🎭 Culture
The 42nd annual Altus Grape Festival returns July 25 and 26 with live music, wine tastings, and grape-stomping contests at Altus City Park — the 5NEWS team will join the grape stomp competition on Friday at 6 p.m.
The Vandoliers released a music video for their new single, 'You Can't Party With The Lights On,' which features guest artists Joshua Ray Walker and Taylor Hunnicutt and comes from their album Life Behind Bars that details singer Jenni Rose's journey and coming out as a trans woman. The band will perform at 8 p.m. Aug 15 at Majestic Fort Smith—offering a live show with a honky-tonk sound and personal lyrics.
🏛️ Government
The Fort Smith Board will consider a resolution to issue up to $100M in sales and use tax bonds for sewer improvements required by a federal Consent Decree at its meeting Tuesday, July 22 in the Blue Lion at UAFS Downtown—other items include employee pay raises and environmental initiatives.
The Fort Smith Board of Directors will interview Jason Mitchell—the third candidate for the internal auditor position—during an executive session at the Blue Lion in Tuesday’s meeting.
🏈 Sports
Fort Smith Marshals lost two games in Abilene after taking early leads—falling 13—6 on Sunday and 9—8 on Saturday.
Abilene rallied in key innings to turn ties into wins.
🎉 Fort Smith Events
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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.
Chaffee Crossing Food & Artisan Market
8 a.m. – 1 p.m. — The Vue Venue — Free entry — Explore a vibrant marketplace with live music, local food, and unique artisan vendors.
🏠 Fort Smith Real Estate
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💼 Fort Smith Job Board
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📣 Fort Smith Announcements
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