Editor’s Note - Feb 1, 2026

Good morning, River Valley!

We’ve officially cleared the frost of January, and as the ice melts, the momentum in the Valley is picking up fast. This morning, we’re looking at a region in motion—from the $18M "green light" for the Van Buren Slackwater Harbor to the literal miles of the Bass Reeves Legacy Loop beginning to encircle Fort Smith.

But progress isn't just about concrete and steel; it’s about the people making it happen. Whether you’re heading to the Business Builder Expo this Friday or just trying to navigate the new water rate mandates, we’ve built this issue to be your compass. Grab a coffee, dive into the "New Math" of our local utilities, and let’s get to work on a great February.

The 14-Mile Ring: Where is it going? We all know the statue of Marshal Bass Reeves downtown, but did you know he is the namesake of a $25 million "transportation ring" currently in the works? The Bass Reeves Legacy Loop isn't just a park trail; it is a 14-mile protected highway for cyclists and pedestrians designed to encircle the heart of Fort Smith. In this week's breakdown, we map out where the pavement is going. Find out if the new "RAISE" grant funding will bring the trail to your driveway, and see how the city plans to bridge the dangerous gaps between the Riverfront and North Fort Smith.

Utility bills are rising in Alma, but it’s not just local inflation. Between a 50% spike in chemical costs and strict new state mandates, the 'New Math' of water is hitting the River Valley. Here is what the January 26 rate approval means for your wallet and our region’s infrastructure.

Ever wonder why every town in the River Valley is raising rates at once? It isn’t just local politics—it’s a state-wide mandate. We’ve built a plain-English guide to Arkansas Acts 605 and 925 to show you how these new laws are forcing cities to run like businesses and why meeting the July 2026 deadline is critical for local control

Most people think success comes from pushing harder—more urgency, more effort, more pressure. But that approach usually leads to burnout, not stability.

The final part of A Practical Guide to Real Change looks at what actually sustains progress over time: self-command, composure, and what earlier writers called poise. This isn’t about forcing results. It’s about becoming the kind of person who handles setbacks calmly, adjusts without drama, and keeps moving without panic.

This article explores why chasing outcomes creates anxiety, how calm competence naturally attracts responsibility and opportunity, and why small habits of “mental housekeeping” matter more than willpower when it comes to long-term success.

If you’ve ever reached a goal only to feel like it didn’t change much—or struggled to maintain progress once you did—this piece reframes success as something deeper than achievement.

The Van Buren Chamber is launching its new Business Builder Expo on Friday, Feb 6th, offering a free hub for local startups and small businesses to connect with essential growth resources.

Looking for something new to do? Our events calendar is updated daily with new events and happenings for a variety if interests. Here are a few events coming up this week:

👉 Comedy Night Open Mic | Feb 3, 2026 | Fort Smith

👉 Einstein - Celebrating 100 Years of General Relativity | Feb 3, 2026 | Van Buren

👉 Stacey Jones Season of Entertainment: The Enchanted Pig | Feb 6, 2026 | Fort Smith

If your vehicle registration expired during this week’s winter storm (Jan 26–30), the Arkansas DFA is giving you a break. Late fees are officially being waived for any affected registration renewed by Friday, February 6th.

To help everyone catch up, the Van Buren and Fort Smith East revenue offices are staying open until 6:00 PM every day next week.

💡 Pro-Tip: DFA employees are working through this weekend to clear the online backlog. You can skip the Monday morning line entirely by renewing at mydmv.arkansas.gov.

Read the Official DFA Memo Here

1. Salame al Cioccolato & Baci di Dama (Baking Class)

2. Sip & Craft: Valentine’s Edition

3. Super Bowl LX Watch Party

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:

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

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