Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: See which Fort Smith restaurants were flagged in recent inspections
Also check out Lunchbox: Navy Bean Fall Festival on the Fort Smith Patch calendar

Greetings Fort Smith! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- See which Fort Smith restaurants were flagged in recent inspections
- What investigators are still trying to learn about the Zero Street crash
- What Fort Smith learned from the cyberattack that hit city systems
Also on today's calendar: Sundaes and Service and 9 more events.
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Lori E.!
Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 100 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Thursday: Hot, temps: high: 101, low: 74.
- Friday: Toasty conditions, with a high of 101 and low of 72 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. River Valley Restaurant Inspections: Black substance build up on soda fountain nozzle, knives visibly soiled (arkansasonline.com) — If you eat out in Fort Smith, several recent inspections found issues ranging from black buildup on soda fountain nozzles to improperly cooled foods and missing thermometers at local restaurants and convenience stores. The report also notes which Fort Smith and nearby River Valley establishments passed with no violations, helping you decide where to dine or grab a quick bite.
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2. Authorities Investigate 'Head‑On Collision' That Injured One Person in Fort Smith, Arkansas (arkansasradio.com) — A serious head-on collision involving a semi-truck on the 5100 block of Zero Street in Fort Smith left one person critically injured and airlifted to a hospital. Police are still investigating the cause, have released few details, and are asking anyone with information about what happened to contact authorities.
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3. Fort Smith cyber event contained after 'threat actor' accessed systems through police department, city says (5newsonline.com) — Fort Smith officials say a recent cybersecurity breach that entered through the police department has been contained, and payment systems at City Hall, District Court, and the landfill are back online. The city is reviewing what data was accessed and what notifications are required, while pledging stronger protections for residents' information and public services.
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4. Fall 2026 enrollment up at Arkansas State University, down at University of Central Arkansas (arkansasonline.com) — Students and families in Fort Smith may notice slightly smaller classes this fall, as enrollment at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith has dipped about 2% to roughly 5,400 students. Chancellor Terisa Riley told the Fort Smith Chamber that while freshman numbers are down, lower enrollment can mean fewer waitlists and better access to needed courses.
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📸 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!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
NEW: Like a shout-out or pic? Click the heart!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Fort Smith
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Lunchbox: Navy Bean Fall Festival →
Riverfront Pavilion, 100 N B St, Fort Smith
6:00 pm
Friday September 18
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Sundaes and Service →
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 8712 Horan Drive, Ft Smith - John Paul Hodge - LEVITT AMP FORT SMITH MUSIC SERIES--FALL 2026 →
Levitt Amp, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith
6:00 pm - Don Bailey Trio →
906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge, 906 GARRISON AVENUE, Fort Smith
7:00 pm - Friday Night Lights →
Electric Cowboy Fort Smith, 6107 South 31st Street, Fort Smith - A PROPHETIC CATAPULT(ARKANSAS) →
1803 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith - The Dawn Cate Band →
906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge, 906 GARRISON AVENUE, Fort Smith
6:00 pm - Cheap Truck →
906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge, 906 GARRISON AVENUE, Fort Smith
8:00 pm - Saturday Night Party →
Electric Cowboy Fort Smith, 6107 South 31st Street, Fort Smith - MJ's Stampede →
121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith
8:00 am - Wanda Watson →
906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge, 906 GARRISON AVENUE, Fort Smith
6:00 pm - Troy Edwards & The Remedies →
906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge, 906 GARRISON AVENUE, Fort Smith
9:00 pm
Thursday September 17
Friday September 18
Saturday September 19
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
- Lost my cat Saturday night when he ran outside, if anyone has any information please let me know!
And if possible please check trees, garages, and storage sheds in case he's hiding in there. I love this cat with all my heart and can't handle him… (Nextdoor East Dallas Street) - 'All we need from you is to JUST weed eat!..
nothing fancy, please!' Said the customer. If your flowerbeds are overgrown and full of weeds and brush, and all you need is a cleanup with the weed… (Nextdoor Fianna Hills)
- Americold Logistics, Inc. posted a job opening for Inventory Control Associate in Fort Smith. Apply here.
- Family Dollar posted a job opening for Assistant Manager II 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: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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