Good morning, Fort Smith.

The Answer Foster Care partnered with Binti to simplify the process for families to become foster or adopt parents and place children in permanent homes faster.

The partnership, which began in 2024, streamlines online applications and cuts down on paperwork for social workers — a first in the state.

Colonel Joel Lynch, an Arkansas National Guard member, recalled his month-long Hurricane Katrina relief work 20 years ago when he helped set up distribution stations at Fort Chaffee where more than 30 nonmilitary agencies and nearly 20 social service groups aided close to 10,000 evacuees. He noted that local first responders worked long shifts — even as their own homes suffered damage — to support those who had lost everything.

The Fort Smith Board of Directors will meet tomorrow to consider changing zoning rules for duplexes and transferring the 1801 S.

74th property for a daycare center while setting new city goals. They will also confirm Amanda Strange as the internal audit director effective Sept.8 and vote on a real estate services ordinance—helping update contracts for street projects and city services.

Health inspectors reviewed local restaurants in Fort Smith from Aug.

4 to Aug. 8 and found several food safety problems. The reports noted expired permits, unclean surfaces and pest sightings — with some establishments correcting issues on site.

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.

Friends of the Library Chocolate Festival

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Dallas Branch) — $10 for six tastes — Indulge in a chocolate wonderland with tastings from local chocolatiers.