Good morning, Fort Smith.

Donald Hays’s final comic novel, The Great Awakening, has been published posthumously by Regal House.

The book mirrors American politics through Arkansas characters and showcases Hays’s wit and local dialogue (resonating with Fort Smith readers).

Fort Smith will host its first Black Rodeo USA event on Saturday, Aug.

22 at Kay Rodgers Park featuring rodeo competitions, youth activities and the crowning of the second Miss Black Rodeo USA. An autograph session starts at 10:30 a.m. and meet-and-greet at 1 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.)

Today, burn bans cover Franklin, Johnson, and Logan counties due to high temperatures, gusty winds, and dry conditions—Crawford, Sebastian, Pope, and Scott counties face moderate wildfire risk; residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and follow safety guidelines.

A street near 1218 South 74th Street will close starting Aug.

17 at 5 PM until Aug. 18 at 3 AM for OG&E to replace a light pole — alternate routes run from Euper Lane to 66th and from 66th to Free Ferry with flaggers on site.

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, a March of Dimes report found that 44% of Arkansas counties are maternity care deserts—nearly 10 percentage points above the national average.