Editor’s Note - Dec 21,2025

Welcome to this week’s River Valley Local — a practical roundup of what’s happening across our communities, from city updates and service changes to local events and ways to get involved.

This issue includes several holiday-week reminders, plus a look at what’s coming in the new year.

Fort Smith residents will see higher sewer bills starting January 1, 2026, as part of a multi-year rate plan approved by the city. The increase affects both the base charge and usage rate, with the average household expected to pay a few dollars more per month.

👉 What’s changing, why it matters, and what it means for your bill:

The City of Van Buren is planning a series of park improvements aimed at enhancing trails, facilities, and public spaces across the city. Here’s what’s being discussed and what residents can expect next.

👉 What’s planned and how it could impact local parks →

Trash and recycling schedules across the River Valley will be adjusted for Christmas week. Most solid waste services will be closed on Christmas Day, with some routes running earlier in the week and others delayed until Friday or Saturday.

Residents are encouraged to check directly with their city or trash provider to confirm their specific pickup day.

Fort Smith residents can request a free recycling cart this holiday season. Each cart comes with an information packet to help households get started recycling the right way.

📞 Call: 479-784-2262
💻 Request a cart: fortsmithar.gov/recycling

Looking for things for kids to do around Fort Smith? We’ve rounded up ideas and spots that preteens and teens will actually enjoy — from parks to local hangouts.

👉 See fun ideas for Fort Smith kids →

🎟 The Grand Ol’ Christmas Show
📍 Skokos Performing Arts Center, Alma• 📅 Dec 21 • ⏰ 7:30 PM
A live, one-of-a-kind holiday variety show featuring classic Christmas music, original sketch comedy, and Texas-style Americana, with performances by Blue Water Highway and a cast of top Texas entertainers.
👉 View details →

🎟 Movie Night: Rent
📍 King Opera House, Van Buren • 📅 Dec 29 • ⏰ 6 PM
A laid-back movie night in the historic King Opera House — a fun, nostalgic way to enjoy a classic local venue.
👉 View details →

👉 See more upcoming events across the River Valley →

Heading out for Christmas dinner? We’ve rounded up local restaurants and eateries in the River Valley that will be open on Christmas Day — with hours and details to help you plan.

👉 See which places are open this holiday →

The Fort Smith Trolley Museum is asking for community help as it begins restoring trolley #224 — a nearly 100-year-old operating streetcar and a living piece of local history. Volunteers, donations, and materials are needed ahead of the trolley’s 100th birthday next year.

👉 How to help and why this trolley matters:

🚓 Fort Smith Public Safety Cadet Program
The Fort Smith Police Department is accepting applications for its Public Safety Cadet Program for teens and young adults ages 16–20 interested in careers in law enforcement or as first responders.
📧 [email protected]
👉 Learn more & apply →

🚔 Alma Citizen Police Academy
The Alma Police Department is hosting a Citizen Police Academy beginning February 2, 2026, offering residents a behind-the-scenes look at policing through classroom instruction and hands-on activities.
📞 479-632-3333 x4 | 📧 [email protected]
👉 See program details →

Follow coverage from across the River Valley:

Thanks for reading River Valley Local. We publish a weekly Sunday briefing focused on practical local news, community updates, and things to do across the River Valley.

Have something we should know about? An event, update, or story tip? Just reply to this email — we read every message.

River Valley Local is typically sent Sunday mornings. Occasionally, we’ll send a special mid-week update if something important affects a specific area.