🌱 ABB Invests $1 Million Into University + Fort Smith Graduations

Hey, everybody. It's Monday in Fort Smith and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Humid; heavy p.m. t-storms. High: 82 Low: 65.
• Tuesday: Rather cloudy and humid. High: 77 Low: 60.

Here are the top three stories today in Fort Smith:

1. ABB has invested one million in the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith to help its advanced manufacturing programs and improve workforce development in the River Valley area. As part of the investment, the university intends to expand its associate degree program in automation and robotics, enabling a broader range of individuals, including adults and high school graduates, to qualify. The funding will be utilized to cultivate a consistent supply of skilled workers for the local manufacturing sector. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)
2. The graduation ceremonies for the Fort Smith senior class of 2023 will take place on two separate days. Southside High School seniors will graduate on Thursday, May 18, while Northside High School seniors will have their ceremony on Friday, May 19. In the event of rain, the ceremonies will be relocated indoors. (Times Record)
3. Jana Bradford, a prosecuting attorney in Arkansas, has been accused of protecting her convicted sex offender uncle, Barry Walker, who was arrested in 2022 for child rape. A civil lawsuit alleges that Bradford and other family members knew about Walker's activities but took no action. Walker, a former flight surgeon who then practiced medicine in Fort Smith, pleaded guilty to abusing numerous girls and received multiple life sentences. (MEAWW)

Today and tomorrow in Fort Smith:

Monday, May 15:

• Morning Flow At Santosha Yoga & Wellness (9:00 AM)
• Storytime At Windsor Branch Library (10:00 AM)

Tuesday, May 16:

• 2023 Business Brew Series At Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House (8:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Discover the exciting summer events organized by Fort Smith Parks and Recreation. From June to August, you can indulge in a wide range of activities, all free of charge! (City of Fort Smith via Instagram)
• Teen Night at the Rogers Public Library takes place on Thursdays and offers various teenage activities. This week's event is game night, featuring Nintendo Switch games, board games, and more. It is specifically for individuals aged 13 to 18 who are invited to join and participate. (Rogers Public Library via Facebook)
• On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., the Fort Smith Museum of History will debut its latest exhibition titled "Bulls, Broncs, Beauties, and Boots: 90 Years of the Old Fort Days Rodeo." During the opening ceremony, Denny Flynn, Executive Director of Kay Rodgers Park and a champion bull rider, will share his knowledge about the rodeo's rich history. Admission will be free exclusively for this evening. (City of Fort Smith)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all soon for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.