Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How an unpermitted Fort Smith plant caused a costly acid disaster
Also check out Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY on the Fort Smith Patch calendar
Hey there, Fort Smith! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How an unpermitted Fort Smith plant caused a costly acid disaster
- What's planned for Fort Smith's massive new November arts weekend?
- How Northside's band became a second family for Fort Smith teens
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Maria C.!
Today's riddle: What has a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high of 100 and low of 70 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Sunday: Mostly sunny and hot, temps: high: 103, low: 74.
- Monday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high of 100 and low of 74 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Arkansas acid spill exposes chemical plant that operated without permits, killed thousands of fish (thecooldown.com) — A sulfuric acid spill from a Fort Smith chemical plant in May killed thousands of fish, contaminated a creek into Oklahoma, and even damaged a Fort Smith Fire Department ladder truck that may need costly replacement. Investigators say the plant operated without key permits or chemical reports, and Arkansas and federal officials are still weighing penalties and long-term restoration plans. 
2. Fort Smith festivals combine to create 'arts weekend' in November (rivervalleydemocratgazette.com) — Downtown Fort Smith is planning a packed arts weekend Nov. 5-7, combining the Fort Smith International Film Festival, the Red Autumn Art Festival, and the new Garrison Arts Walk. Residents can expect more than 140 films, dozens of visual artists, student art competitions, and free outdoor experiences throughout downtown. Organizers say the collaboration aims to boost local businesses while showcasing River Valley creativity.
3. Northside High School band students find family, leadership through music (5newsonline.com) — Northside High School band students in Fort Smith describe how the program has become a second family, building confidence, leadership, and mentorship beyond Friday night football games. Teens share how friendships, supportive directors, and a Latin-themed show are helping them grow on and off the field this year.
4. 78 Arkansas National Guard soldiers return home after D.C. deployment (nwahomepage.com) — Seventy-eight Arkansas National Guard soldiers just returned to Arkansas, landing at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith after a security mission in Washington, D.C. Local military leaders praised their service and specifically thanked Fort Smith families and community members who supported the troops throughout the deployment.
5. Fort Smith police arrest 2 juveniles on suspicion of vehicle break-ins across city over three-day period (rivervalleydemocratgazette.com) — Fort Smith police say two teenagers have been arrested after a three-day string of vehicle thefts and break-ins across the city, with 11 felony counts filed so far. Investigators are still reviewing reports, including a stolen firearm, and expect additional charges. Because the suspects are juveniles, their names have not been released.
📸 Around Fort Smith
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Fort Smith
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 1217 S Waldron Rd
11:00 am - 810 Billiards & Bowling: Bingo
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 810 Billiards & Bowling 5609 Rogers Ave Fort Smith AR
6:30 pm - 810 Billiards & Bowling: Ultimate Game Show
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 810 Billiards & Bowling 5609 Rogers Ave Fort Smith AR
6:30 am - 2027 JLCA - Business & Finance
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 612 Garrison Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901 - Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 1217 S Waldron Rd
11:00 am - 810 Billiards & Bowling Trivia Night
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 810 Billiards & Bowling 5609 Rogers Ave Fort Smith AR
6:30 pm - Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 1217 S Waldron Rd
11:00 am - 810 Billiards & Bowling: Bingo
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 810 Billiards & Bowling 5609 Rogers Ave Fort Smith AR
6:30 pm
Monday August 31
Tuesday September 1
Wednesday September 2
Monday September 7
🗓 Events Nearby
- Passport Saturday: Local Stops & Shops
Chamber of Commerce MVP Tees Junkee's Vintage Market Whimsical Designs by Marcie C. King Tropicals
10:00 am - Salsa + Bachata Workshop
Chamber of Commerce Arkansas Center for the Creative Arts
11:00 am - 8FB @ Home (v. Greenwood)
Alma Middle School Alma, AR 72921
5:30 pm - Apple Prints
Central Elementary School Van Buren, AR 72956
7:15 am
Saturday August 29
Monday August 31
Tuesday September 1
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- 3 month old kitten!
hes super sweet, gets along with dogs other cats and humans. I rescued mama cat before she had her litter and hes the last cat of the bunch to go! … (Nextdoor Tiles Park) - Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
Vera was lost on August 25, 2026 in Cameron, OK 74932 near Red Barn Rd Cameron ok Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact… (Nextdoor Downtown Deal Shoppers)
- Premium Retail Services, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Walmart Merchandiser in Fort Smith. Apply here.
- Pizza Hut posted a job opening for Shift Leader in Fort Smith. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fort Smith here.
Ok Fort Smith! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A bottle (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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