🌱 Labor Contract Agreement + Bar Stabbing + Explosive Device Trial

Hello all. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Fort Smith Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A t-storm around in the a.m.. High: 91 Low: 74.
• Saturday: Humid with a heavy t-storm. High: 89 Low: 71.

Here are the top three stories in Fort Smith today:

1. Fort Smith's ABF Freight, a subsidiary of ArcBest, has successfully reached a new labor contract agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The five-year contract includes wage increases for union members, starting with a raise of $3.50 per hour and eventually reaching $6.50 per hour by the end of the contract term. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the agreement. (Subscription: Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)
2. On Tuesday evening, police in Fort Smith responded to a stabbing incident at Ava's Pub located in the Fianna Hills Shopping Center. Three individuals, including the suspect Mark Mitchell, were stabbed and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Mitchell is now in custody and is facing three second-degree battery charges. (KFSM 5Newsonline)
3. The jury trial for Neil Mehta, a Fort Smith man arrested for possession of an explosive device, has been delayed again. Mehta, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was arrested in Austin, Texas after a federal search warrant executed at his residence in Fort Smith uncovered the device. The trial, originally scheduled for Apr. 3 and then postponed to Jul. 17, has now been rescheduled for Oct. 30 to allow sufficient time for discovery. Mehta is currently in custody at the Washington County Detention Center. (KNWA)

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Today and tomorrow in Fort Smith:

Friday, July 7

• Fort City Slam Open Mic At Bookish (6:00 PM)
• James Strong Live At Hero's (8:00 PM)

Saturday, July 8

• Truck Stop Poets At Hero's (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• As we navigate through summer, let's prioritize the safety of our children by reminding them of the curfew hours: individuals under 18 must be off the city streets and outdoor public places after 10:30 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday nights and after 12:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Fort Smith Police Department via Facebook)
• Arkansas Family Supports, Inc. and the Fort Smith and Van Buren Chambers of Commerce, celebrated the opening of two new locations and seven years of service with a double ribbon-cutting event. They provide high-quality community-based Waiver Services to support individuals in achieving greater independence. (Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• The City of Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Department will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new inclusive playground at John Bell Jr. Park on Jul. 12. This event celebrates the Department's dedication to providing inclusive recreational spaces and is open to residents, community leaders, and the press with hot dogs provided by Arvest Bank. (Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right. 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.