Good afternoon, Fort Smith! 👋

Today is Veterans Day, and our community is taking time to honor the men and women who have served with courage and sacrifice.

Below, you’ll find today’s tribute, along with a few standout stories and happenings around town — including a major local Grammy nomination, an update at the Fire Department, this week’s top events, and a special senior pup looking for a new home.

Let’s jump in. 🇺🇸

Today is Veterans Day — a moment to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our nation in uniform.

Across the River Valley, local families, schools, and organizations are gathering to mark the occasion with heartfelt ceremonies and personal tributes.

Fort Chaffee drew crowds for its annual Veterans Day Parade this past weekend, spotlighting classic military vehicles and community pride.

From early frontier days to the present, Fort Smith’s legacy is rooted in military service, with generations shaping our community in ways big and small.

If there’s a veteran in your life, you’re invited to share their story — names and notes about their service will help celebrate local heroes all month.

Today, and every day, we thank veterans, supportive families, and those in uniform for all they give.

John Jeter, longtime music director of the Fort Smith Symphony, has earned a Grammy nomination for his recording of Florence Price’s “Piano Concerto in One Movement in D Minor,” featuring pianist Han Chen with the Malmö Opera Orchestra.

Now in his 28th season, Jeter has passionately championed Florence Price’s orchestral works, helping spark a revival of interest in her music through acclaimed recordings of symphonies, concertos, and choral pieces — many as world premieres.

Price, a Little Rock native and the first African-American woman composer recognized by a major orchestra, wove classical traditions with African-American roots for a distinctive sound.

The nominated album, released on Naxos Records, is celebrated for both its artistry and historical importance.

The Grammy nod highlights Jeter’s dedication to uplifting underrepresented voices and his ongoing impact on the classical music world.

New Fire Chief Appointed

Darrell Clark has been named Fire Chief of the Fort Smith Fire Department after nearly 27 years of dedicated service. Clark has held roles ranging from firefighter to battalion chief and brings deep operational and leadership experience to the position. He succeeds Chief Phil Christensen, who retired in June. Clark says he’s committed to supporting firefighters and strengthening public safety citywide.

What's Happening In Fort Smith This Week

⭐ Invest Fort Smith 2025 — Business + Innovation Summit

📅 Thursday, Nov. 13 • 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 UA Center for Economic Development
💰 FREE — Registration Required

A full day of insight, innovation, and networking — plus a happy hour at Digs.
Highlights include:

• Lunch & Learn with CityView

• ChatGPT in Action (fun!)

• Turning opportunities into action

• Vendor mingle

• Reinvesting in Downtown Fort Smith

• Happy hour networking

🔗 Register: https://www.mainstreetfs.org/

A great chance to meet local leaders, innovators, and business owners — and be part of shaping Fort Smith’s future.

✅ Fort Smith Little Theatre — Exit Laughing

📅 Nov. 13–22
📍 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901
💡 A comedy where a group of lifelong friends “borrow” the ashes of a deceased clubmate for a final game night—full of witty dialogue and heart. Ticket prices: $20 opening night, $13 other shows.
🎟 Ideal for date night, friends out, or supporting local arts.

More Information>

✅ Fort Smith Public Library — Fall Storytime / Holiday Drive

📍 Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith (plus branch locations)
🎉 Regular storytime programs: e.g., Thursdays at 10 a.m. at Main Library, for children and caregivers.
❤️ Bonus: The library is collecting donations for its Holiday Food Drive—support local families while enjoying the program. Fort Smith Public Library
👨‍👩‍👧 Great for families, kids, and anyone who wants to combine fun + giving.

Community Notes

• Veterans Month — We’ll be honoring local veterans all month long. If you’d like to recognize someone special, just reply with their name, branch, and a brief note.

• Add an Event — Hosting something this fall? You can submit local events anytime; we’ll get them added to the community calendar at MyRiverValleyEvents.com.

• Coming Thursday (VB Buzz) — A feature profile on a Van Buren native and Air Force veteran with 26 years of service — including flying both T-38s and B-52s.

November is Adopt a Senior Dog Month, shining a spotlight on lovable older dogs like Patches.

After losing his owner unexpectedly, Patches arrived at the shelter a bit unsure, but quickly discovered he was safe and began showing his loyal side.

This gentle hound is known for carrying his favorite stuffed animals wherever he goes, charming everyone he meets.

Although Patches manages ongoing allergy-related skin issues that require ongoing care, his affectionate spirit remains unshakable.

Older pups like Patches often form deep bonds and are eager for a second chance with a caring family.

If you’re looking for a loyal, loving companion, Patches is ready to bring warmth and joy into a new home.

Thanks for reading this week’s Fort Smith Buzz.

If you have tips, stories, or events we should know about, just hit reply — we’d love to hear from you.

Stay connected with us on Facebook for daily River Valley updates, and don’t forget to submit veterans you’d like us to honor throughout November.

See you around town 👋