🌱 Acme Brick Quarry May Become A Park + UAFS Alumni Surpasses 50,000

Hello again, friends! It's Wednesday in Fort Smith and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: An afternoon shower in spots. High: 81 Low: 63.
• Thursday: Mostly sunny. High: 83 Low: 66.

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Here are the top three stories today in Fort Smith:

1. The Fort Smith Parks Commission has unanimously endorsed a plan to transform the historic Acme Brick Quarry into a multi-use park. The proposed Brick Yard Park would include mountain biking trails, multi-use trails, a water detention pond, and a bridge connecting different parts of the park. The plan will be presented to the city's Board of Directors for potential funding, and the park could have a positive impact on the community by providing recreational amenities and bridging socioeconomic and racial divides. (Democrat-Gazette)
2. Over 1,000 Lions celebrated their graduation last weekend at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) commencement ceremony. The College of Arts and Sciences had the largest number of graduates, with over 430 students receiving their degrees. With this year's graduates, UAFS now has a network of over 50,000 alumni worldwide. (South West Times)
3. Several congregations in Arkansas, including Midland Heights Church in Fort Smith, have decided to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church due to differing beliefs, particularly regarding homosexuality. A total of 67 congregations made this decision after a special meeting in Hot Springs on May 13. Midland Heights Church will now function as an independent church, as its beliefs no longer align with the United Methodist Church's teachings. (Fox 24)

Today and tomorrow in Fort Smith:

Wednesday, May 17:

• Sunrise Flow At Santosha Yoga & Wellness (6:45 AM)

Thursday, May 18:

• Story Time At Fort Smith Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Narcan Training At Fort Smith Public Library (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Levitt Amp Fort Smith Music Series, organized by 64.6 Downtown, aims to unite individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds through the uplifting experience of free, live music. This event happens every Thursday until Jun. 8. (Fort Smith)
• Due to cancelations, Spay Arkansas has openings available for cats only on May 17 and May 18. Appointments can be made online or over the phone. (Spay Arkansas via Facebook)
• Rogers Public Library and Ozark Beer Company will be brewing up a fun time from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on May 22 for the Brewtastic Book Fair. Attendees can find new and used books while enjoying a cold brew. (Rogers Public Library via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new 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.