Editor’s Note - Feb 8, 2026

Good morning, River Valley!

This week in the River Valley, we are seeing two different visions for the future. In Fort Smith, we are debating water slides while closing schools. In Van Buren, we are preparing to vote on a locally-funded future that combines public safety with a world-class community center. Whether it's the solar canopies downtown or the harbor on the river, the 'Bigger Picture' is clear: we are building the stage for 2030 today.

As we move into February 2026, a clear divide has emerged in the River Valley’s development. On one side, projects tied to federal grants have hit a "Regulatory Freeze." On the other, projects funded by local choice and industrial demand are moving at full speed.

Van Buren is weeks away from a generational decision. While major infrastructure projects in neighboring cities are stalled in federal "limbo," Van Buren is choosing a different path: self-reliance. On March 3rd, residents will vote on two key bonds to fund a 61,000-square-foot Community Center and a critical new Fire Station.

Is a 0.5% sales tax worth the investment in our "active economy" and public safety? We’ve pulled the exact ballot language, the architectural floor plans, and the data on how this vote affects your homeowners' insurance. Don't go to the polls guessing.

On March 3rd, the River Valley makes a choice that goes far beyond Van Buren’s city limits. From a high-stakes State Senate battle in District 26 to contested school board seats in Fort Smith and Greenwood, the landscape of our region is on the ballot.

Who will lead our schools through "rightsizing"? Who will be our voice in Little Rock during the next budget session? We’ve mapped out the non-Van Buren races you need to watch and provided the direct toolkit to find your specific sample ballot.

Last year, Van Buren adopted a bold new Parks Master Plan, and the headline was a massive new facility: a 61,000-square-foot Community Center and Aquatics Park. But beyond the price tag, what is actually going inside? Will there be diving boards? How many pickleball courts? And will it eat up the green space at City Park? In this week’s "Deep Dive," we pull the blueprints to answer the most common questions residents have about the project that promises to transform Dr. Louis Peer Memorial Park.

Last week, we mentioned the Harbor was back on track. This week, we dive into the "Why." A slackwater harbor isn't just for barges; it's a 2030 economic insurance policy. From staying open during floods to lowering the cost of local manufacturing, see how this man-made channel is the secret weapon for Van Buren’s growth.

It has been a heavy week for Fort Smith families. From the official vote to close two neighborhood elementary schools to a high-stakes lawsuit over $6 million water slides, the headlines feel contradictory.

Why are we cutting public safety positions while buying solar canopies? We’ve broken down the "Pots of Money" to show how federal grants, student population shifts, and city reserves are clashing in real-time. See the bigger picture behind the hard choices facing our community this month.

One of the most common questions this week is: "Why is the Fort Smith spending millions on water slides while the school district is closing neighborhood schools?" The answer isn't just about priorities—it’s about the law. We dive into the Arkansas Constitution to explain why city sales taxes are legally locked into "municipal purposes" and why the Mayor literally doesn't have the keys to the school district’s bank account.

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.

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

🌮 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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