Editor’s Note - Jan 25, 2026

Good morning, River Valley!

As winter weather settles into the River Valley, this week has been a reminder of how quickly things can change — from frozen pipes and closed roads to delayed plans and quiet storefronts. In this issue, we’re focusing on practical guidance, local updates, and small ways to support our community as we move through the storm and into the recovery.

Is a Trail Just a Trail? Or Is It a Paycheck? When the city announces a multi-million dollar greenway, it’s easy to ask: “Why aren’t we fixing potholes instead?” But new state data reveals that outdoor recreation is now a $7.3 billion industry in Arkansas—bigger than many traditional sectors. In our first "Deep Dive" article, we break down the Economic ROI of Trails. Learn how the new Bass Reeves Loop and Van Buren’s Master Plan are actually designed to be recruitment tools for high-wage factories and tech workers, and see the hard numbers on how "trailside" property values are changing the local tax base.

At some point, every attempt at change reaches the same phase. The excitement fades. The routine feels heavy. What once felt motivating now feels repetitive—or even pointless.

This is the grind.
And it’s where most people quit.

In the fourth part of A Practical Guide to Real Change, we explore why this uncomfortable phase isn’t a sign that something has gone wrong. It’s the phase where progress actually becomes possible. Boredom, resistance, and friction aren’t obstacles to success—they’re the conditions that build it.

This article looks at why small, unglamorous repetition matters more than heroic effort, how struggle quietly strengthens capability, and why consistency—not intensity—is what ultimately separates results from good intentions.

If you’ve felt tempted to give up simply because things stopped feeling exciting, this piece will help you see that moment differently.

As this winter storm moves through the River Valley, many local businesses have been forced to close or slow down for several days — not by choice, but by weather. We’ve seen a lot of local owners sharing the same message: when things reopen, remember your local shops, restaurants, and service providers first.

For many small businesses, a few missed days can have a real impact. A meal out, a coffee stop, or choosing a local shop once the roads are safe again can make a bigger difference than most people realize.

No pressure — just a reminder that supporting local still matters, especially after weeks like this.

We’ve been busy adding local service providers to the growing River Valley Local Directory — including plumbers and heating & air experts. If the winter storm leaves you dealing with frozen pipes, no heat, or emergency repairs, the directory is a good place to start with trusted local options all in one spot.

👉 Browse the directory: rivervalleylocal.com/directory
👋 Know a great local pro who’s not listed yet? Let us know — or have them reach out, and we’ll get them added.

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:

👉 Comedy Night Open Mic | Jan 27, 2026 | Fort Smith

👉 Wind in the Willows | Jan 29, 2026 | Alma

👉 Black and White Black Tie Adoption Event | Jan 30-31, 2026 | Barling

With this cold spell and winter storm conditions settling in, now’s the time to think about your plumbing. While water technically freezes at 32°F, local experts say the “danger zone” for Arkansas pipes starts around 20°F — especially for uninsulated lines in crawl spaces, attics, or exterior walls. Below that threshold, your home’s insulation struggles to keep pipe temperatures above freezing, and ice inside pipes can create pressure that leads to costly bursts.

💧 What to Do Now:

Small steps now can help prevent big headaches later. Warm homes, warm pipes!

As things begin to return to normal after the winter weather, this week’s food highlight is Las Fresas. If you’re looking for a solid local spot for tacos, plates, or a casual meal when it’s safe to get back out, Las Fresas is worth keeping in mind.

As always, supporting a local restaurant helps our community bounce back after weeks like this.

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

Thanks for reading River Valley Local. We’re continuing to build River Valley Local into a single place for events, local answers, and practical information.

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

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