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Hi Fort Smith, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Harold Keller’s Portals, a couple’s Club 52 triumph, Foodie Films’ seven-course tasting, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
First signature series exhibition: Walton Arts Center presents Harold Keller’s Portals at the renovated Porter Art Warehouse’s Alexander Gallery, curated by UAFS’s Matthew Bailey, on view through March 8, highlighting seven decades of work — get exhibition and venue details.
A passport quest fulfilled: An 81-year-old Van Buren couple, Jim and Virginia Garner, completed Arkansas State Parks’ Club 52 Challenge, finishing at Ozark Folk Center State Park and receiving congratulations from officials — learn more about their journey.
Potential national model emerges: Patriot Park in Fayetteville, a 63-unit affordable housing project prioritizing veterans on county-leased land, is nearing completion with developer Strategic Realty. Some nonveterans may also qualify — see how the partnership works.
Spotlight on student storytellers: Fort Smith International Film Festival and Keep Arkansas Beautiful invite high schoolers to submit 30‑second environmental videos, with winners announced this summer and the top entry airing on TV — get all the contest details.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Project scope and tradeoffs: Fort Smith’s port received $8.1 million in federal funds to expand rail operations. Plans call for up to three new warehouses, though rising costs may limit it to two. A 20 percent match of $1.62 million is required, and at least two new jobs are expected. Get all the details.
Statewide transportation upgrades ahead: On Feb. 17, ARDOT announced an extra $105 million in federal funds for six road projects. For our area, $15.8 million goes to the next phase of Future I-49 from Alma to Barling. Funds also support the Springdale Northern Bypass, Highway 412, and future I-57. See how funds are split.
Historic schoolhouse supper: Stonehouse turns dinner into an occasion inside the 1937 Maness School House, all cozy, lived-in charm and food cooked by people who care. Expect fresh plates, an easy vibe, and a room that feels like home. When you want fresh flavor without overthinking, this spot delivers.
Serious tools, no fuss: If your pots are warping and spatulas shedding, Markham Restaurant Supply carries heavy-duty pans, prep tools, and smallwares built for weeknight chaos and weekend experiments. The same gear restaurants use, and the kind home cooks quietly brag about.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🌶 Chili Cook-Off, Pie and Silent Auction @ Alma Masonic Lodge #735 | Friday (2/27) at 6:00 PM – Patio weather calls for a little friendly fire: the Chili Cook-Off returns, with pie, a live dessert auction, and a silent auction to keep your bidding hand limber. Toss your pot in for $5, or taste your way to glory for $10.
🎤 Some Guy Named Robb @ Uncork’d | Friday (2/27) at 7:00 PM – Grab a glass at Uncork’d for a laid-back set from Some Guy Named Robb, the singer-songwriter who sounds way better than his shruggy name suggests. Expect smooth pours, familiar covers, and originals you’ll pretend you discovered first, minus the barroom chaos.
🦚 Stoneware Class: Peacock @ Harley’s Pottery Painting Studio | Saturday (2/28) at 3:00 PM – Look, try a peacock-pattern stoneware class and turn a mug, bowl, vase, or planter into something you’ll use, not stash. $15 holds your spot and covers paints and firing, then you pay for your piece at class, finished microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe.
🥂 On Call Gala @ ACHE Event Center | Saturday (2/28) at 5:30 PM – Break out the tux that only leaves the closet for weddings and jury duty, because this elegant evening backs the ACHE Scholarship Endowment. Tickets are gone, so if you scored one, enjoy sparkle, connection, and community impact. The rest of us will clap from afar.
🐸 Foodie Films @ The Collection Room at The Bakery District | Saturday (2/28) at 6:30 PM – Disney charm meets grown-up indulgence at The Bakery District, with The Princess and the Frog on screen and a New Orleans inspired seven-course tasting on the table. Watch for free, upgrade for flavor, and reserve early, only 50 seats, no beads, just butter.
🎸 William Clark Green and more @ Majestic Fort Smith | Saturday (2/28) at 7:00 PM – Texas troubadour William Clark Green brings the sing-alongs to the Majestic in Fort Smith, all twang, grit, and grown-up heartbreak. Aiden Logsdon warms up the room, you claim your spot, and suddenly that second round, and your two-step, seem like a fine idea.
🎤 Pam Tillis @ Choctaw Casino & Resort | Saturday (2/28) at 8:00 PM – Nothing beats classic country sung by someone who actually lived it, and Pam Tillis is bringing the good stuff to Pocola. Expect Maybe It Was Memphis, big harmonies, and a crowd that knows every word. Dust off the boots, hydrate, and call it quality time.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Fort Smith report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 73°F – Low: 43°F – Precip: 10%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. North wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. North wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 74°F – Low: 48°F – Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 74. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph.
This house is wild
This updated 4-bed, 3-bath in The Cove at Canterbury fronts the Arkansas River and shines with an open-concept living area and chef’s kitchen, hardwood floors, a large island, stainless appliances, and a walk-in pantry. A main-floor primary retreat adds a spa-like bath and walk-in closet. A bonus room and newer HVAC, tankless water heater, and roof complete the package.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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