Good morning, Fort Smith.

The launch ramp at Lee Creek Recreational Area reopened after buoy line repairs — watercraft such as boats, kayaks, and canoes may use it.

Trails, the fishing pier, and the gravel parking lot remained open as usual — giving visitors full access to the area.

The Fort Smith Parks Department has celebrated its new inclusive playground at Carol Ann Cross Park — opened earlier this summer — as local families praise its accessible features and varied age zones, with Parks Director Sara Deuster saying its design may serve as a model for other cities.

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Center for Economic Development will host the second annual Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct.

30 at the Bakery District in downtown Fort Smith—nominations are open through Sept. 17 to honor outstanding family-owned and small businesses and business advisors.

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education signed a new affiliation agreement on Monday that guarantees qualified UAFS students an automatic admissions interview for graduate programs — students must meet specific academic and exam criteria to be eligible. The three-year agreement renews automatically unless terminated with 90 days’ notice and is designed to help build a strong regional healthcare workforce.

Flooding is possible today in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley as heavy rain is expected — affecting morning drives in the north and afternoon travel in the valley before conditions calm later.

Fort Smith water officials talked about plans to expand the Lake Fort Smith treatment plant and build a new transmission line at an Aug.

26 meeting. The five-phase project will cost between $328M and $585M and add two 36-inch lines under the Arkansas River—promising improved service and easier maintenance.

Fort Smith Water Utilities Director Lance McAvoy said upgrades to the Lake Fort Smith Water Treatment Plant and a new 48-inch water line spanning more than 30 miles may cost up to $585 million if funding is secured, with work planned in five phases to finish in six to eight years.

Officials are exploring grants and congressional spending to cover the costs and ensure the new line meets rising demand—especially for potential service to a proposed state prison.

Former Razorback teammates Courtney Jackson and Hannah Hogue joined the University of Arkansas coaching staff, with Hogue as an assistant coach and Jackson as a graduate assistant.

They had strong playing careers and now aim to guide current players—sharing their experience and love for the program.

LINUX SHELL SCRIPTING Training/Class

Sep 3-4 — Sylvan Learning of Fort Smith — $990 — Dive into hands-on Linux shell scripting training to automate tasks effectively.

Arkansas Apraxia Festival

2-5 p.m. — 3301 S M St Parking — Fundraiser event — Support children with apraxia through fun activities and advocacy.

Save a Life Concert

The second annual Save a Life concert is a free, family-friendly, community event in recognition of National Recovery Month. Hosted at the beautiful Riverfront Amphitheater, with doors opening at 5pm, come enjoy local musicians, free food, and family fun!

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Automation with Ansible Training

Sep 15-18 — Sylvan Learning of Fort Smith — $2735 — Enhance your skills in automating system administration with comprehensive Ansible training.

Gospel Open Mic Night

7-9 p.m. — 1127 Coffee Shop — Free entry — Experience an uplifting evening of worship and local Christian talent at this communal open mic event.