Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How Fort Smith students can visit the U.S. Marshals Museum free
And check out Optimist of Fort Smith on the Fort Smith Patch calendar
Good morning Fort Smith! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How Fort Smith students can visit the U.S. Marshals Museum free
- Sebastian County charges former UA officer living in Fort Smith
- Why Germany's new F-35s will train first in Fort Smith.
Also on today's calendar: Optimist of Fort Smith and 6 more events.
Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Fort Smith Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Fort Smith Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Fort Smith. 
- Wednesday: Sunny and very hot, with a high of 108 and low of 78 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 103, low: 76.
- Friday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 103 and low of 75 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Mercy sponsorship allows US Marshals Museum to offer free Saturday admission to children, students (rivervalleydemocratgazette.com) — Families in Fort Smith can now bring children and students to the U.S. Marshals Museum for free general admission every Saturday through the end of 2026, thanks to a Mercy sponsorship. Kids 17 and under get in free with an adult, and college students with valid IDs are also covered, making this national law-enforcement museum far more accessible to local households. 
2. Former UA police officer charged with child sex offenses in Sebastian County (nwaonline.com) — A former University of Arkansas police officer living in Fort Smith has been charged in Sebastian County with three counts related to possessing sexually explicit images involving a minor accuser. Local police, child-advocacy investigators and courts in Fort Smith and the River Valley are now handling the case as the defendant remains jailed on bond.
3. Germany's 1st Most Advanced Fighter Jet in the World Enters Final Production Stage (aviationa2z.com subscription) — Germany's first F-35A fighter jet is nearing delivery, and the first eight aircraft will initially be based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith for pilot and crew training. While the story focuses on Germany's modernization program, it also means sustained training activity and military presence in Fort Smith as allied air forces prepare to operate the advanced jets.
4. Mountainburg cleans up widespread storm damage as schools close, city calls special meeting (5newsonline.com) — Mountainburg is cleaning up after a powerful storm that toppled trees, cut power citywide and forced schools to close, with leaders calling a special meeting to fund recovery. Fort Smith crews are among those helping clear roads and restore services as residents cope with flooding, heat and widespread outages.
📸 Around Fort Smith
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Fort Smith
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Optimist of Fort Smith →
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill, 1801 S Waldron Rd, Fort Smith
12:00 pm - 810 Billiards & Bowling Trivia Night
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 810 Billiards & Bowling 5609 Rogers Ave Fort Smith AR
6:30 pm - 2027 LFS - Opening Retreat
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce Mount Magazine - Ribbon Cutting: Eastside Liquor
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 9410 Rogers Avenue Fort Smith, AR 72903
10:00 am - 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 - Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 1217 S Waldron Rd
11:00 am - Andy's Frozen Custard Kids Night
Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 6565 Rogers Avenue Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72903
4:00 pm
Wednesday August 19
Friday August 21
Monday August 24
Tuesday August 25
Wednesday August 26
📣 Fort Smith Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- 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 - School Store
Central Elementary School Van Buren, AR 72956
7:15 am - Ribbon Cutting for PACT Flooring
Chamber of Commerce PACT Flooring
2:00 pm
Wednesday August 19
Thursday August 20
Friday August 21
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
- Burn ban = no fireworks.
With extreme heat persisting, over 70% of Arkansas is now under a burn ban. Even with a permit, conditions remain unsafe — a single spark can ignite… (Nextdoor ) - hey everyone👋
moved back a couple years ago, and haven't seen many opportunities to make friends. any community/social gatherings? (Nextdoor Cavanaugh Rd)
- Mr. Rooter Plumbing posted a job opening for Professional Handyman in Fort Smith. Apply here.
- Kohl's posted a job opening for Seasonal Truck Unloader (6 a.m. start) 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: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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