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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 10 more events.
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Maria C.!
Today's riddle: What has a cap but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. PHOTOS: Community Honors 'Miss America' In Arkansas (arkansasradio.com) — Fort Smith will dedicate Madison Marsh Avenue near Southside High School on October 30, honoring hometown Miss America and Air Force officer Madison Marsh. The new street recognizes her achievements in aviation, military service, and advocacy for cancer research and youth opportunities, and reflects the city's pride in a 2019 Southside graduate who gained national attention.
2. Heading to Peacemaker? Here's what organizers said about weather conditions (4029tv.com) — Fort Smith's Peacemaker Music Festival returns to the Harry E. Kelly Riverfront Amphitheater this weekend, with all-new performers and several new vendors expected to draw about 3,500 people per day. Organizers outline weather and lightning policies, emphasize free parking and gate times, and highlight how packed downtown hotels, restaurants, and children's charities benefit from the crowds.
3. National Night Out set for Tuesday in Fort Smith; event features local law enforcement agencies, first responders (rivervalleydemocratgazette.com) — Fort Smith residents are invited to National Night Out this Tuesday from 5–7 p.m. in the Central Mall parking lot, with free food, police vehicle displays, and family activities. Local law enforcement, school resource officers, and community groups will be on hand to meet neighbors, answer questions, and strengthen relationships across the city.
4. Rheem Expands Fort Smith Footprint With Adjacent Property Purchase (contractormag.com) — Rheem has purchased property next to its Fort Smith campus, creating room for possible future expansion of its manufacturing and support operations here. While no immediate construction is planned, company leaders say the added land protects long-term growth options and reinforces their commitment to Fort Smith's economy and workforce.
5. Report: Independent music venues generate $342.8M in Arkansas (nwahomepage.com) — A new report shows Arkansas' independent music venues generated $342.8 million in 2024, but Fort Smith's scene has been hit hard by the closures of TempleLive and The Majestic. Local rapper Rhyan Besco says losing those stages significantly hurt opportunities for area artists, even as Fayetteville's George's Majestic Lounge thrives by adapting and urges fans to keep supporting local music.
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P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What has a cap but no head?" — A bottle (Thank you Glo M. for sending it in!)
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