Editor’s Note - Jan 18, 2026

Good morning, River Valley!

January is often a month of "noise"—endless resolutions and national headlines that don’t always feel like they fit our life here between the Ozarks and the Ouachitas. This week, we’re cutting through that noise to focus on what’s actually happening in our own backyard.

Whether you’re looking to hit the new trails to clear your head, or you're curious if our local economy is truly bucking the national downward trends, we’ve got you covered. From the high-energy trade nights at Old Fort Cards to the quiet, student-led entrepreneurship at Main Street Mercantile, it’s clear that the River Valley isn't just "getting by"—we’re building something unique.

Grab your coffee, meet an adorable pup named Robin who needs a home, and let’s dive into what makes this community move.

What if the River Valley’s next big economic engine wasn’t just factories and logistics, but the very paths we walk, bike, and commute on every day?

New state strategies are now treating outdoor recreation — especially connected trail networks — as infrastructure that attracts high-wage jobs, improves quality of life, and reshapes how people move through our cities. From major investments like the Bass Reeves Legacy Loop in Fort Smith to expanded bikeways and sidewalks in Van Buren, trails are being woven into the region’s growth plans. These projects aren’t just about recreation; they’re about economic competitiveness and making this region a place people want to live, work, and stay longer.

At some point, every plan reaches the same moment. You’ve clarified your thinking. You’ve made a sensible plan. And then you pause—waiting to feel ready.

That pause is where most change efforts quietly die.

We tend to wait for confidence, certainty, or the “right” conditions before starting. But confidence doesn’t come first. It comes after action. The longer we hesitate, the heavier the task feels and the louder doubt becomes.

In the third part of A Practical Guide to Real Change, we focus on the most fragile phase of any goal: the start. This piece explores why hesitation strengthens fear, how action dissolves it, and why beginning calmly and decisively matters more than feeling prepared.

If you’re stuck waiting for motivation to arrive, this article explains why movement—not thinking—is what actually creates it.

Is the "mall" officially dead? Not in the River Valley.

This week, we’re looking at two local businesses that are proving retail is now all about the experience. From the student-led "Pointer Place" inside Main Street Mercantile to the late-night trade sessions at Old Fort Cards & Collectibles on Garrison Avenue, our community is finding new ways to shop and gather.

We’ve officially added both of these spots to our River Valley Business Directory. Check out their full stories and see why they are the perfect weekend stops for residents from Alma to Greenwood.

While inflation remains the top concern for 46% of small business owners nationally, our region is telling a different story of resilience. New data reveals a 4.2% increase in building permits across Fort Smith, Van Buren, and Greenwood, suggesting local investment is outperforming national expectations.

From the "skills gap" challenging our logistics hubs to the "experience economy" reshaping our historic downtowns, the rules of business are changing in 2026.

Looking for something new to do? We added over 37 events to our events calendar this week alone! Here are a few events coming up this week:

👉 MLK Day Parade | Jan 19, 2026 | Fort Smith

👉 Soups and Sauces | Jan 20, 2026 | Van Buren

👉 True Crime Tonight: Termaine Hicks (The Innocence Project) | Jan 23, 2026 | Fort Smith

As we push through the coldest stretch of January, staying healthy is about more than just washing your hands. This week in our Winter Immunity Series, we’re looking at Zinc - the "workhorse" mineral your immune system relies on for cellular repair and defense.

Whether you're hitting the trails or just trying to survive flu season, knowing how to spot the signs of low zinc (like slow recovery or a dulled sense of taste) can be a game-changer. We’ve broken down the best local food sources—from the beef and poultry you can find at our local markets to the plant-based power of pumpkin seeds and chickpeas.

Inside the Guide:

Looking for the perfect spot to land after your Sunday morning routine? This week, we’re highlighting River City Bistro.

While many know them for their weekday lunch, their Sunday Brunch (10 AM - 3 PM) is the best-kept secret in town. If you’ve only ever been there for breakfast, you're missing their signature Turkey Devonshire - a Pittsburgh delicacy featuring house-roasted turkey on toast, smothered in a rich, bubbly cheese béchamel.

Pro Tip: It’s arguably the best comfort food in the River Valley for a chilly January morning. Don't leave without checking out their legendary dessert case, too.

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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