Daily Fort SmithSubscribe — it’s free

53°CloudyHigh 68° · Low 46°

  1. 6 a.m.53°
  2. Noon65°
  3. 6 p.m.60°
  4. Midnight51°

6:41 a.m. 5:19 p.m.

Forecasted byThe Weather Channel

See this week
  1. 6 a.m.53°
  2. Noon65°
  3. 6 p.m.60°
  4. Midnight51°
  1. Today68°46°
  2. Thu75°52°
  3. Fri64°45°
  4. Sat61°40°
  5. Sun63°39°

6:41 a.m. 5:19 p.m.

See full forecast

Today’s edition · Wed., Nov. 4

Fort Smith voters pick a mayor-council government

Plus, Fort Smith lands $8 million toward a new 911 center and a tornado hits near Cedarville.

The Daily Fort Smith team2 stories11 sources4 min read

City HallTop story

Fort Smith voters approve switching to a mayor-council government

Fort Smith voters approved the mayor-council change by 8,459 votes

Unofficial results from the Sebastian County Election Commission

Change to mayor-council government

✓For14,32271.0%
Against5,86329.0%

Sources: KNWA FOX24, Talk Business & Politics

View as table
RaceCandidateVotesShare
Change to mayor-council governmentFor, won14,32271.0%
Change to mayor-council governmentAgainst5,86329.0%

Fort Smith voters have approved changing the city's form of government, unofficial results show. The proposal got 14,322 votes in favor and 5,863 against, and Talk Business & Politics says it passed by 8,459 votes.

If you're wondering what changes tomorrow: nothing. Fort Smith keeps its seven-member Board of Directors and hired city administrator through a two-year transition. Under the new system, an elected mayor runs city government, and an eight-member City Council, two from each of four wards, handles lawmaking. The mayor elected this year won't automatically become that executive mayor.

  • Next elections under the new system: November 2028
  • New officials take office: Jan. 1, 2029
  • Also elected: city clerk, city attorney and city treasurer
  • More information: VoteFortSmith.com

Officials elected under the new system would take office in January 2029

  1. Aug. 3Petition drive submits its signatures.
  2. Aug. 18City clerk certifies the petition and the Board of Directors votes 7-0 to call an election.
  3. Nov. 3Voters approve the proposal.
  4. Nov. 2028Elections for officials under the new system are planned.
  5. Jan. 2029Officials elected under the new system would take office.

Sources: KNWA FOX24, Talk Business & Politics

Asked

Tap an answer to see how Fort Smith answered.

Asked

Will you read up on the mayor-council change at VoteFortSmith.com?

Be the first to answer.

Public Safety

Fort Smith will receive an $8 million federal grant for a new 911 center

The city announced Monday that it will receive an $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program. director Wes Milam said the new center is expected to cost at or under $10 million, and the grant will also help buy equipment.

The grant covers most of the new 911 center's cost

$8 million
federal grant for the new center
$2 million
local match the grant requires
$2.685 million
in the center's reserve budget for the match

Sources: 5NEWS, Talk Business & Politics

The center dispatches police, fire and EMS for all of Sebastian County. It's now crowded into the Fort Smith Police Department facility, Milam said, and a new building would put EMS dispatchers under the same roof.

  • Calls handled in 2025: more than 157,000, or 430-plus a day
  • Staff: 28 telecommunications workers and six supervisors
  • State mandate: consolidate 911 centers from 114 to 79

Fort Smith pays the biggest share of the center's $4.117 million budget

Source: Talk Business & Politics

View as table
Value
City of Fort Smith$1.7M
Arkansas 911 funds$1.5M
Sebastian County$751.9K

“Competitive federal grants like this one allow the City to make a major public safety investment without putting the full burden on local taxpayers.”

Jeff Dingman, Fort Smith city administrator

Sponsored

Apparel

5 women’s sweaters, cardigans, and fall tops under $35

Presented by The Buy

Sponsored

Fall is in full swing. Make sure your wardrobe is equipped for the get-togethers, cozy days, and special occasions ahead with five tops + cardigans you can grab for an instant look.

  • Asymmetrical bell sleeve top | $9.99 while sale lasts | Rib-stretch fabric and a boat neck make this a feminine, flirty top perfect for date night.
  • Merino blend scoop neck | $23.19 while sale lasts | Top-rated, this lightweight merino wool blend is easy to throw on and goes with everything.
  • Chunky popcorn cardigan | $34.98 while sale lasts | You’ll reach for this cozy, chunky knit every time there’s a chill in the air.
  • Open front cardigan coat | $32.99 | Go for a pop of yellow or classic navy, grey, or black in this warm winter knit that turns jeans and a tee into an instant outfit.
  • Pleated cardigan | $28.99 | This open-front knit made from 100% soft viscose has extra flair with a pleated bottom hem.

More worth The Buy

News Notes

Weather

A radar-indicated tornado hit just northwest of Cedarville at about 2:15 a.m. Tuesday, with trees down and power outages near Shiloh Road. The National Weather Service plans to send a team to examine the damage Wednesday. khbs

Alma vote

Alma voters defeated a referendum on widening the 1% hospitality tax, 778 against to 461 for, in complete but unofficial results. The City Council had unanimously backed adding cabins, Airbnbs and other for-profit lodging. Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Alma voters rejected the hospitality tax expansion 778 to 461

Source: Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

View as table
AmountShare
Against77862.8%
For46137.2%

Veterans Day

Communities across the River Valley will honor veterans with parades, ceremonies and activities around Veterans Day, Wed., Nov. 11. Fort Smith's Chaffee Crossing celebration is Sat., Nov. 7, and since some programs are reserved for veterans, we suggest checking eligibility first. khbs

Health

Mercy Hospital Fort Smith has added the da Vinci 5 Surgical System, the latest generation of robotic-assisted surgical technology, according to a press release. Arkansas Money & Politics

High school

The Valley Christian School high school cross country team finished as the 2A Division state runner-up at the HCAA State Championship meet Oct. 23 in Fort Smith. Three runners also earned individual medals with top-10 finishes. The Courier

Home

Two home kitchen upgrades under $24 while sales last: super-absorbent dish towels that come in an eight-pack and include a hanging loop, and a water-absorbing stone sponge holder that’s minimalist, compact, and keeps counters and sponges dry with natural diatomite stone.

Trending

Your wardrobe is begging for these two fall footwear essentials on sale for a limited time: a sturdy, versatile chelsea boot in your choice of faux leather or suede, and the perfect home moccasin that will keep your feet cozy against cold floors all winter.

Quoted

"The biggest breakthrough in decades." That's what experts are calling the innovative Horizon IX hearing device. Two standout features that caught our eye: dual processors for sharper speech + a small, nearly invisible design for all-day comfort. Try the technology for yourself with a 45-day, no-risk trial and experience effortless clarity.

Content marked with an * is advertising.

Asked

Tap an answer to see how Fort Smith answered.

Asked

Which weekend event are you most likely to hit?

Be the first to answer.

Today’s puzzles

A new puzzle in each one every morning, played right here.

All 13 games

Quoted

You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.

— Jack London

Things to Do

Things to Do

Fort Smith, AR

Wednesday, Nov. 4

See every Fort Smith eventFeature your event

Jobs

Jobs

Submit your Job listing

Do you know just the position for our readers? Share it on our Jobs board.

Around the Block

Around the Block

Powered by Nextdoor

Lost and found

Here is Crissie at Almost Home Shelter & Rescue…..

“in Van Buren, lots of dogs there looking for forever homes”

— A neighbor, Old Greenwood
Photo from the neighbor’s post

12 likes · 1 comment

View post

The Wrap

Downtown Fort Smith turns into a gallery this week. The 4th annual Red Autumn Art Festival brings original art and creative energy, and it runs two full days, Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7. Admission is free. Bring your eyes and maybe a spot on the wall.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Fort Smith lands $8M for 911 center; firefighters get 13.7% raise

Read yesterday’s edition

The Daily Fort Smith teamFort Smith’s daily newsletter

How did we do today, Fort Smith?

Tap a face. It takes under a minute.

Not for meLoved it

That’s your morning, Fort Smith.

Send it to someone in Fort Smith who’d want it.

ShareEmailFacebookX
Every source in this edition11 links · 9 outlets
  1. The Weather Channelweather.com
  2. KNWA FOX24nwahomepage.com
  3. Talk Business & Politicstalkbusiness.net
  4. 5NEWS5newsonline.com
  5. Talk Business & Politicstalkbusiness.net
  6. khbs4029tv.com
  7. Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazettenwaonline.com
  8. khbs4029tv.com
  9. Arkansas Money & Politicsarmoneyandpolitics.com
  10. The Couriercouriernews.com
  11. Fort Smith events calendardailyfortsmith.com

Past issues

  1. Tues., Nov. 3Fort Smith lands $8M for 911 center; firefighters get 13.7% raise
  2. Mon., Nov. 2Polls open Tuesday in Fort Smith, plus what's in today's News Notes
Every edition

Free every morning

Get Daily Fort Smith in your inbox.

The news, the things to do, the jobs and the weather of Fort Smith, in five minutes, every morning by 8 a.m.

Free forever · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime

Daily Fort Smithto me · Wed., Nov. 46:00 a.m.

Fort Smith voters pick a mayor-council government

Plus, Fort Smith lands $8 million toward a new 911 center and a tornado hits near Cedarville.

The TLDR

  1. Fort Smith voters approve a mayor-council government
  2. Fort Smith will get $8 million for a new 911 center
  3. Radar-indicated tornado hit near Cedarville overnight
Read this edition

More stories this week

From Daily Fort Smith’s other editions

All the news
Public SafetyFort Smith wins an $8 million federal grant for the River Valley 911 Communications CenterIf you've ever dialed 911 in Sebastian County, this one's for you. The city of Fort Smith has been awarded an $8 million grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program. It will pay for a new facility and new equipment for the River Valley 911 Communications Center.Tuesday’s editionRead City HallFort Smith directors approve a 13.7% firefighter raise and table $144,000 for Parrot IslandIf you know a Fort Smith firefighter, they had a good Monday. With at least 50 firefighters in the room, the Board of Directors unanimously approved a 13.7% pay raise. Directors also voted to start it Jan. 1, 2027, instead of April 11, 2027.Tuesday’s editionRead

Around Fort Smith

From Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Talk Business & Politics and 2 more newsrooms, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service.

More local news

  1. Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette2 hours ago

    Meeker defeats incumbent Kinslow in Greenwood mayoral race

    GREENWOOD -- Greenwood will have a new mayor after Tuesday's midterm election with City Councilman Ralph Meeker winning his race, while incumbent Councilman Steve Tedford fended off a challenger for his seat.

  2. Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette2 hours ago

    Fort Smith voters approve change of government issue

    FORT SMITH -- Voters overwhelmingly approved a proposition to change the form of city government from a city administrator to a council-mayor format Tuesday night.

    Also reported byTalk Business & Politics

  3. Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette4 hours ago

    Conway-Bryant game has less intrigue in 2026

    The regular season is coming to an end. That means it's time to decide some conference championships and set up the playoff brackets.

  4. River Valley Democrat-Gazette6 hours ago

    Cadelli bests 3 other candidates for Fort Smith Board of Directors At-Large Position 5 seat

    FORT SMITH -- Political newcomer Krystal Cadelli beat out three opponents to win the city's Board of Directors position 5 At-Large seat on Tuesday.

  5. khbs6 hours ago

    Several races in Arkansas going to a runoff election

    Several local races had no winner declared by the end of the night

  6. River Valley Democrat-Gazette6 hours ago

    Catsavis, Williams head to runoff election in Fort Smith mayor’s race

    FORT SMITH -- City Director Christina Catsavis and candidate Dan Williams are headed to a runoff following Tuesday's election.