🌱 Patch AM: Why Fort Smith may make life tougher for future data centers

Coffee in hand, Fort Smith? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Why Fort Smith may make life tougher for future data centers
• When and where you can catch free Levitt concerts in Fort Smith
• How could future AI data centers reshape Fort Smith's economy and water?

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Lori E.!

Today's riddle: What did the bartender say to the jumper cables when they walked in? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high of 101 and low of 75 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Thursday: Sunshine and hot, temps: high: 100, low: 77.
• Friday: Hot with sunshine, with a high of 101 and low of 75 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Fort Smith moves to tighten oversight of future data centers (swtimes.com) — Fort Smith city directors are exploring stricter rules and higher water rates for any future data centers that might tap into the city's utility system, even outside city limits. Planning staff will draft zoning and infrastructure standards while officials weigh how far their authority extends as a regional water supplier. No data center projects are currently proposed around Fort Smith.
   

2. Levitt AMP Fort Smith Music Series returns Sept. 11 to River Park Amphitheater (rivervalleydemocratgazette.com) — Free Levitt AMP concerts return to Fort Smith's riverfront Sept. 11, with weekly shows at Harry E. Kelley River Park and a pop-up at The Bakery District through Oct. 22. Funded partly by the city and the Levitt Foundation, the series features local and national artists, kids' activities, food trucks, and welcomes families and dogs.
   

3. Data centers promise growth, but how much stays in rural Arkansas? (swtimes.com) — Fort Smith leaders are proactively drafting rules for potential AI data centers, weighing how projects might affect water supplies, noise, and local tax revenue. A new University of Arkansas analysis suggests data centers can boost public finances but may generate fewer local jobs than traditional manufacturing, especially in rural Arkansas counties.
   

4. Family asks for help as body of man found in Poteau River could end up in unmarked grave (5newsonline.com) — Authorities recently recovered the body of 61-year-old Charles Kimble from the Poteau River near Fort Smith, with local police and firefighters handling the response. His family is now racing a 30-day deadline to fund cremation and transport his remains to California, hoping to avoid an unmarked public burial while investigators continue determining his cause of death.
   

📣 Fort Smith Shout Outs!

• 🌟 Mulberry Outdoor Adventures is a great place to hang out it's so beautiful and well kept . —Lori E.

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Fort Smith

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Wednesday September 2
• 810 Billiards & Bowling Trivia Night
  Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 810 Billiards & Bowling 5609 Rogers Ave Fort Smith AR
  6:30 pm
Thursday September 3
• Ribbon Cutting: UADA Sebastian County Cooperative Service
  Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, 7600 Taylor Avenue, Fort Smith
  10:00 am
Monday September 7
• 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
Tuesday September 8
• 810 Billiards & Bowling: Ultimate Game Show
  Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 810 Billiards & Bowling 5609 Rogers Ave Fort Smith AR
  6:30 am
Wednesday September 9
• Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY
  Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, 1217 S Waldron Rd, Fort Smith
  11:00 am
• Ribbon Cutting: The Forum Barbershop
  Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, 3215 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith
  12:00 pm
• Andy's Frozen Custard Kids Night
  Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, 6565 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith
  4:00 pm

🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday September 2
• ASBTDC at The Chamber →
  Chamber of Commerce Van Buren Chamber Business Resource Center
  9:00 am
• Van Buren Lions Club Meeting
  Chamber of Commerce Van Buren Chamber OG&E Meeting Room
  12:00 pm
Thursday September 3
• Canva Workshop with the Center for Non-Profits
  Chamber of Commerce Van Buren Chamber OG&E Meeting Room
  9:00 am
• Center for Nonprofits at The Chamber
  Chamber of Commerce Van Buren Business Resource Center
  9:00 am

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

• Has anyone received this package by mistake?
  It was supposed to be delivered to Tilles Ave on August 24, but I never received it. It may not look like anything important or valuable, but it is… (Nextdoor Aldridge)
• $200 a day!
  Looking to find work for me and my truck 200 a day plus cost such as dump fees gas materials ect. Can do just about anything you need to get done… (Nextdoor The Smith)

• McDonald's Restaurants posted a job opening for Shift Manager in Fort Smith. Apply here.
• Denny's Corporation posted a job opening for Restaurant Manager 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: Don't you 2 start anything (Thank you Mary L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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