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.

MyRiverValleyEvents.com is now live, offering a brand-new destination for discovering local happenings across the River Valley.

 

From lively festivals and parades to unique classes, concerts, and family-friendly activities, the site helps you find everything going on in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, Greenwood, and nearby communities—all in one simple platform.

 

If you’re hosting an event or know someone planning something special, submitting it is quick and easy—just a minute on the site puts your activity in front of neighbors and visitors.

 

Support your favorite groups, churches, clubs, and small businesses by exploring, sharing, and adding to the growing community calendar at MyRiverValleyEvents.com.

 

Join in and help connect the River Valley, one event at a time.

Sebastian County experienced a striking 60.23% rise in property values during a recent reappraisal, marking the highest jump among 17 Arkansas counties.

 

Johnson, Independence, and Crittenden counties also saw increases above 54%, with Calhoun, Logan, and Sevier following closely, all reflecting profound shifts in the local real estate market.

 

This marks the first reappraisal since 2020 and showcases the lingering effects of pandemic-era disruptions, including construction slowdowns and soaring demand.

 

Property assessments remain tied to actual home sales, ensuring valuations closely mirror market realities.

 

For 2024, Sebastian County reported 1,533 home sales worth $375.9 million — a 10% jump in value and a 5% increase in volume over last year.

 

Residents aged 65 or disabled can apply for a property value freeze, providing some relief amid sharply rising property assessments.

 

This trend underscores Arkansas’s rapidly changing real estate landscape and its impact on local homeowners.

Fort Smith gears up for the 13th Annual Regional Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Chaffee Crossing.

 

The day kicks off with a moving honor ceremony at 10:00 a.m.  The grand parade rolls out at noon, bringing together veteran organizations, military units, civic groups, and local marching bands.

 

This free, family-friendly event is widely celebrated as Arkansas’ largest Veterans Day tribute, offering a chance for the community to express thanks to service members from all branches and generations.

 

Chaffee Crossing—formerly a major military training hub—adds historic meaning, linking Fort Smith’s past and present dedication to those who serve.

 

Everyone is encouraged to wear red, white, and blue, bring a flag, and arrive early for the best view.  Parking is available off Terry Street.

 

Experience a patriotic tradition that continues to strengthen River Valley community pride and honor.

As Veterans Day nears, the River Valley comes together to honor local veterans shaping our community — not only through military service, but also entrepreneurship and leadership.

 

From small business owners to local mentors, these men and women exemplify courage, dedication, and community spirit.

 

This month, there’s a special call to recognize the veterans who call the River Valley home and spotlight those running businesses that help our region thrive.

 

Community members are encouraged to submit names and stories of local veterans or veteran-owned businesses, helping build a recognition list that celebrates their influence.

 

Every submission makes it possible to honor even more of those who lead, volunteer, and invest in Fort Smith and beyond.

 

To say thank you, and to be featured, submit your entry at the recognition link above.

The City of Fort Smith is accelerating upgrades to its sanitary sewer system in compliance with a federal Consent Decree, a move vital for community health and infrastructure stability.

 

At a recent Rotary Club gathering, Water Utilities Director Lance McAvoy highlighted meaningful progress: since 2014, crews have assessed 466 miles of sewer lines, cleaned 452 miles, and sharply cut overflow days.

 

Key programs address service line repairs and manage fats, oils, and grease, targeting root causes of blockages.

 

Looking ahead, the estimated cost for remaining work exceeds $640 million.

 

Voters recently approved up to $360 million in bond funds, marking widespread support for these improvements.

 

At least $70 million in contracts will be considered for city board approval this November, paving the way for major work—including pipe replacements, manhole updates, and better communication to residents—over the next two years.

Downtown Fort Smith businesses have a chance to revitalize their storefronts with the return of the Fall 2025 Mini-Grant Program from Main Street Fort Smith.

 

Property and business owners within the Main Street district can apply for matching grants ranging from $1,500 to $7,500 to fund projects that enhance curb appeal, accessibility, and the overall downtown experience.

 

Eligible improvements include awnings, exterior lighting, signage, landscaping, and façade restoration that help keep Garrison Avenue and neighboring streets engaging and attractive.

 

Award decisions happen on a rolling basis until the final deadline of Friday, November 14, making timely applications essential.

 

The program’s mission is to spark visible improvements that make downtown Fort Smith more beautiful, walkable, and business-friendly for everyone.

 

Application details and guidelines are available directly from the Main Street Fort Smith office or online.

The Fort Smith Fire Department has launched a heartfelt fundraising campaign to build a Fallen Firefighter Memorial, honoring local heroes who gave their lives in service.

 

The planned memorial will feature a life-size bronze statue and an array of engraved pavers arranged in the shape of a Maltese cross, a symbol cherished in firefighting.

 

Partnering with BrickMarkers, the FSFD invites residents to donate by purchasing personalized engraved bricks—available in two sizes—that will form part of the memorial’s design.

 

Every engraved brick offers a chance for families and community members to leave lasting tributes.

 

Donations are tax-deductible and handled through the Fort Smith Firefighters Foundation.

 

The memorial will become a meaningful place for reflection, cementing the bravery of Fort Smith’s fallen firefighters for generations to come.

Downtown Fort Smith is set for a makeover as the Main Street Fort Smith program unveils a new grant initiative targeting local small businesses.

 

Business owners can now apply for grants to revamp storefronts, upgrade signage, and improve curb appeal—from fresh paint and lighting to façade restoration and enhanced accessibility.

 

The revitalization effort aims to attract more visitors while maintaining historic character in the city’s vibrant district of restaurants, galleries, and boutiques.

 

Prioritizing independent businesses that give downtown its unique identity, city officials hope the project will both support entrepreneurs and strengthen the entire River Valley economy.

 

For many in Fort Smith, these upgrades represent more than just cosmetic changes—they are an investment in community pride and local progress.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders sparked controversy after announcing that the special election to replace the late Senator Gary Stubblefield in District 26 would be delayed until November 2026 — over a year following his death on September 2, 2025.

 

The decision drew swift condemnation from the Democratic Party of Arkansas, while Republican candidates also voiced frustration with the lengthy vacancy.

 

Facing mounting backlash, Governor Sanders quickly revised her decision, moving the general election forward to June 9, 2026, with the special primary staying on March 3, 2026.

 

Sanders said the original delay was intended to cut costs but changed course after feedback from community members and election officials.

 

Republican hopefuls Brad Simon and Ted Tritt criticized the drawn-out process, insisting the district deserves prompt representation.

 

The state’s Democrats remain in talks with potential candidates, reflecting strong local demand for a timely Senate voice.