Editor’s Note - Feb 22, 2026

If it feels like there’s a lot on your to-do list this week, you’re not alone. We are officially in the "thick of it" for 2026.

This week we’re diving deep into the Arkansas Personal Property Tax cycle. Between the May assessment deadline and the upcoming federal tax day, your "financial infrastructure" needs a tune-up. We’ve got the master guide to help you avoid that 10% penalty, plus a spotlight on Shirley’s Tax Service, a local institution that has been helping our neighbors find their way through these forms for nearly 50 years.

From the ballot box to the tax office, this week is all about taking care of business so we can get back to enjoying the things that make the River Valley home—like a Saturday ceramics workshop or helping a dog like Mutt find his forever porch.

Let's get to work.

It’s great that the state is building a $7.3 billion outdoor economy, but a hard question remains: If you don't have a car, can't afford a $2,000 bike, or use a wheelchair, is this "boom" leaving you behind? The state’s own research identifies Five Barriers that keep residents off the trails—ranging from "Feeling Unsafe" to "Income Inequality." In Part 4 of our series, we look at the specific plans in Fort Smith and Van Buren to light the paths, pave the gaps, and bring e-bike access to affordable housing.

If you own a car, boat, or even business equipment in the River Valley, the clock is officially ticking. In Arkansas, you are required to assess your personal property every year between January 1 and May 31—even if nothing has changed since last year.

Miss the deadline? You’ll be hit with an automatic 10% late penalty on your assessment.

We’ve put together a master guide to help you navigate the process, including:

Don't leave money on the table or get stuck with extra fees. Get the full breakdown and stay ahead of the October payment deadline.

If you’ve lived in the River Valley for any length of time, you’ve likely seen the Shirley’s Tax Service signs pop up every spring. Family-owned and operating for over 45 years, Shirley’s has grown from a small side-project into a local institution serving over 8,000 neighbors annually.

What makes them a perfect fit for this week’s "Home & Infrastructure" focus is their expertise in navigating the very property tax and personal assessment deadlines we’re all facing. With "Senior Preparers" at every location—most with 10–20+ years of experience—they specialize in everything from individual returns to small business bookkeeping.

Need to find the office closest to you? Check out their local profiles in our directory:

Looking to meet other local business owners or stay connected to what’s happening across the River Valley? We’ve started keeping a running list of business networking events, meetups, and professional gatherings happening around Fort Smith, Van Buren, Greenwood, and the surrounding area.

Whether you’re new to the area or just looking to reconnect with the local business community, you can see upcoming events here:

👉 View Business Networking Events

There’s always something happening across the River Valley, and we continue adding new events each week to the calendar. Here are a few events from the River Valley Local calendar happening this week:

Ceramics Adult Wheel | Fort Smith | Feb 25

Staghorn Fern Mount Workshop | Alma | Feb 26

Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy | Van Buren | Feb 26

If you’re planning ahead, we now also break out just the upcoming weekend’s events in one place so it’s easier to see what’s happening Friday through Sunday.

👉 See Things to Do This Weekend

Join Arts On Main and the VBHS Art Department for a heartwarming community favorite that truly makes a difference. Enjoy a comforting soup dinner, choose a one-of-a-kind handmade ceramic bowl created by VBHS art students, and support the Community Services Clearinghouse Meals for Kids program—providing over 2,400 weekend food backpacks each week to local children.

🌮 Food & Drink: Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for Feb 22–28 for Fort Smith’s "Dine Local Week." Over 30 of our favorite local spots are prepping exclusive menus and special pricing. We’ll be releasing the full list of "Grid-Approved" participating restaurants next week so you can plan your feast!

Follow coverage from across the River Valley:

Add your Business to the River Valley Local Directory

Submit an Event to our Events calendar

Meet more Adoptable Dogs at Almost Home Shelter or Fort Smith Animal Haven

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