Editor’s Note - Jan 11, 2026

The days after the holidays tend to be a little quieter — but that doesn’t mean things slow down completely.

Across the River Valley, there’s still plenty happening as the new year gets underway: local news worth paying attention to, small businesses creating new opportunities, and a few practical reads to help set the tone for the weeks ahead. This issue also continues our A Practical Guide to Real Change series, focusing on why sustainable progress depends more on motivation alone.

As always, we’ve rounded up what’s useful, what’s local, and what’s worth your time right now.

New camera technology will flag handheld cell phone use, with officers making the final call. Supporters say it’s about safety — critics raise privacy concerns. Here’s what drivers need to know before enforcement begins.

Planning with Common Sense (Not Excitement)

There’s a moment at the start of every year when everything feels possible. Motivation is high. Energy is strong. We tell ourselves, This time will be different.

And then ordinary life shows up.

Most plans don’t fail because people lack desire. They fail because excitement is mistaken for capacity. We design ambitious plans that only work on perfect days—when we’re rested, focused, and uninterrupted. When that momentum fades, the plan collapses with it.

In the second part of our series, A Practical Guide to Real Change, we look at why durable progress depends less on enthusiasm and more on common sense. Realistic planning means building around how life actually works—limited time, inconsistent energy, and inevitable obstacles.

Instead of overloading willpower, this piece explores how to start smaller than you think you should, plan using evidence from your own history, and protect your confidence by designing plans that can survive an average week.

New & fun opportunity for local makers and small businesses 👋

Main Street Threads is launching Pop-Up Saturdays in 2026, featuring one local business at a time inside their boutique on Main Street in Van Buren.

✨ What to know:

These Saturday pop-ups are planned weekly through February (and possibly into March), with limited space to keep the focus on each featured business.

👉 Know a local maker, baker, or small business who’d be a great fit?
Tag them or share this post!

📧 To apply or get more details, email:
[email protected]

We love seeing local businesses support local businesses — and this is a great example of that. 💛

New research shows that open, answer-based platforms carry more long-term weight than social posts in the AI era. We break down why platform structure matters — and how local businesses can build visibility that lasts beyond likes and feeds.

The Van Buren Chamber recently welcomed McVay Mobile Welding, a fast-rising mobile welding and fabrication company supporting agricultural, commercial, and industrial projects across Arkansas and Oklahoma.

The Artistic Bean takes a roast-to-order approach to specialty coffee, focusing on freshness and consistency rather than mass production. Here’s how their process stands out in the local coffee scene.

Looking for somethign new to do? We added over 120 events to our events calendar this week alone! Here are a few events coming up this week:

👉 Dance Lessons | Jan 12, 2026 | Fort Smith

👉 Opening Receptio: Ralph Irwin: Van Buren;s Artist | Jan 16, 2026 | Van Buren

👉 The Issac with Jason Crabb | Jan 17, 2026 | Alma

Staying hydrated during winter is just as important as it is during warmer months, but many people naturally drink less when the temperatures drop. Cold weather can reduce thirst signals, making it easy to overlook water intake. However, hydration plays a key role in energy, digestion, skin health, and immune support — especially during flu and cold season.

Originally named after Artax from The NeverEnding Story, Atrax’s stay with us is starting to feel a little too similar — like slowly sinking into the swamp of sadness.

Atrax came to us in July as a stray with nearly perfect manners, a beautiful coat, and a happy-go-lucky personality. We hoped someone would reclaim him, but six months later, with no applications and one home that didn’t work out, he’s still waiting.

Atrax is incredibly intelligent, knows his basics, and has a strong drive to learn. He’ll need an experienced Shepherd owner who understands his sharp mind. He does well with dogs his size and loves to play, but proper introductions and boundaries are important.

Apply at fsmah.org to meet this sweet boy.
Contact Fort Smith Animal Haven to learn more.

If you’re looking for a truly memorable burger experience in Fort Smith, Patrick’s Butcher Boy Burgers deserves a spot near the top of your list.

I stopped by the other day, and it was excellent from start to finish.

From the moment you walk in, you get the sense that this isn’t your average burger joint. What sets Butcher Boy apart is the combination of:

Whether you’re craving a classic cheeseburger or looking to try something a little different, Patrick’s delivers on quality and taste without pretense.

Here are a few menu standouts (based on recent visit):

What makes Patrick’s special isn’t just the food — it’s the way they do the food. You can tell there’s attention to detail, from the perfectly seared patties to the fresh toppings. It’s the kind of place that stays impressive even after your first bite.

Whether you’re local or just passing through Fort Smith, this spot is worth carving out time for — especially if a great burger is on your agenda.

📍 Patrick’s Butcher Boy Burgers — A delicious Fort Smith stop that lives up to the hype.

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