🌱 Patch AM: Which Fort Smith restaurants just failed — and passed — health inspections?

Hello again Fort Smith! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Which Fort Smith restaurants just failed — and passed — health inspections?
• How will Fort Smith’s new engineering director reshape local infrastructure?
• Why a late-night break-in near downtown Fort Smith turned deadly

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 75 and low of 59 degrees.
• Wednesday: Some brightening, temps: high: 76, low: 58.
• Thursday: Breezy, warm, with a high of 76 and low of 60 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. River Valley Restaurant Inspections: Large dog in kitchen with bedding, water bowl (nwaonline.com) — Recent health inspections in Fort Smith found issues at several popular restaurants, from improper food temperatures to missing handwashing supplies and labeling problems. The report also lists local spots, including school concessions and chain eateries, that passed without violations, giving residents a clear snapshot of where food safety practices are strongest and where improvements are needed.
   

2. Fort Smith hires Mittge as city's director of engineering (rivervalleydemocratgazette.com) — Fort Smith has hired veteran civil engineer Todd Mittge as its new director of engineering, with his first day set for January 5. With more than two decades of experience in transportation, drainage, and utilities, he’ll help shape upcoming capital projects and reorganize how the city’s engineering department tackles infrastructure challenges.
   

3. Man fatally shot after reportedly trying to break into Fort Smith apartment (nwahomepage.com) — Police say a man was shot and killed Sunday night after allegedly trying to break into a North 11th Street apartment near downtown Fort Smith while a family was inside. Officers found the suspect, identified as Wayne Nance, with a single gunshot wound outside the unit. The case remains under investigation and will be reviewed by the prosecuting attorney to determine possible charges.
   

4. Happy Holidays. Now Dim the Lights (arkansasbusiness.com) — Fort Smith residents served by Oklahoma Gas & Electric could see higher electric bills as the Arkansas Public Service Commission reviews multiple utility rate hikes tied to new power plants and data centers. The article explains Entergy’s and other utilities’ major generation projects, new “strategic investment” surcharges, and how growing electricity demand across Arkansas may shift costs onto households and businesses.
   

5. National motorcycle champion shares story from Eureka Springs to national podium finishes (nwahomepage.com) — A fourth-generation motorcyclist with family roots in Fort Smith, where his great-grandfather once ran a Harley-Davidson dealership, has climbed from small-town Arkansas rides to a 2024 national Super Hooligan championship. Cory West, raised in Eureka Springs, reflects on his late-career title, near-miss in 2025, and plans to race Harley-Davidson’s Bagger World Cup series in 2026.
   

📸 Around Fort Smith

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Fort Smith

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Wednesday December 24

• Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY
  Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce , 1217 S Waldron Rd , Fort Smith
  11:00 am
• Andy's Frozen Custard Kids Night
  Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce , 6565 Rogers Avenue , Fort Smith
  4:00 pm
• 810 Billiards & Bowling Trivia Night
  810 Billiards & Bowling , 5609 Rogers Ave , Fort Smith
  6:30 pm

Monday December 29

• Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY
  Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce , 1217 S Waldron Rd , Fort Smith
  11:00 am
• 810 Billiards & Bowling: Bingo
  810 Billiards & Bowling , 5609 Rogers Ave , Fort Smith
  6:30 pm

Tuesday December 30

• 810 Billiards & Bowling: Ultimate Game Show
  810 Billiards & Bowling , 5609 Rogers Ave , Fort Smith
  6:30 am

Wednesday December 31

• Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY
  Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce , 1217 S Waldron Rd , Fort Smith
  11:00 am
• Andy's Frozen Custard Kids Night
  Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce , 6565 Rogers Avenue , Fort Smith
  4:00 pm

📣 Fort Smith Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 23

• Ice Skating Rink at Freedom Park
  Chamber of Commerce Historic Downtown Van Buren
  5:30 pm
• Fadeaway Band Official: Joe’s Cantina Grill
  Joe's Grill & Cantina , 3400 S 74th St , Fort Smith
  6:00 pm

Thursday December 25

• Arts On Main — Closed for Holiday
  Arts On Main , 415 Main St , Van Buren
  11:00 am

Monday January 5

• Arts On Main — Mastering Mediterranean Cuisine
  Arts On Main , 415 Main St , Van Buren
  6:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Chick-fil-A posted a job opening for Back of House Team Member in Fort Smith. Apply here.
• Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Fort Smith. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fort Smith here.

Ok Fort Smith! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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