🌱 Sebastian Co. Gov. To Apply For Grants + 2 Arrested After Shooting

Hi all. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Fort Smith Patch newsletter — here to tell you everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Partly sunny and nice. High: 82 Low: 59.
• Tuesday: Some sun, then turning cloudy. High: 83 Low: 65.

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Here are the top three stories today in Fort Smith:

1. The Sebastian County government is in the process of applying for a $100,000 grant from the state Department of Transportation's Recreational Trails Program, as well as a $300,000 Hazard Mitigation Grant through the Division of Emergency Management. The county Quorum Court unanimously authorized Sebastian County Judge Steve Hotz to apply for the grants on Tuesday, May 16. The deadline for the application to be completed is June 1. (Arkansas Online)
2. Two people in Fort Smith were arrested in the aftermath of a shooting on the 3400 block of Duke Avenue, Friday, May 19. Fort Smith Police Department personnel responded to the incident around 8:50 a.m. Caleb France, 18, was reportedly injured in the shooting. France was transported to a local hospital but fled from the facility the same night; he was later found and arrested with a 17-year-old who was also involved in the shooting. According to FSPD, both France and the unidentified 17-year-old were involved in an alleged aggravated robbery. Investigation into the events is still ongoing. (KFSM 5Newsonline)
3. A tornado warning was issued the night of Friday, May 19, for southeastern Sebastian County. A severe thunderstorm three miles northeast of Mansfield was identified as being capable of producing a tornado, and the warning was issued around 6:45 p.m. The warning caused the delay of the Northside High School graduation until 8 p.m. that evening.(Southwest Times Record)

Today and tomorrow in Fort Smith:

Monday, May 22

• Teen Lounge At The Fort Smith Public Library (3:30 PM)
• Pint Night Night with the Fort Chaffee Chapter of QF At Neumeier's Whippoorwill Restaurant (6:00 PM)

Tuesday, May 23

• Walmart Health Center Weekly Open House At 2100 N 62nd St. (12:00 PM)
• Opening Night: Bulls, Broncs, Beauties, and Boots At Fort Smith Museum of History (12:00 PM)
• The Fiddle Project (grades 6-12) - Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce At The Community School of the Arts (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce is welcoming Krystina Israel to the team as the Chamber's Membership Engagement Administrator. Israel is a graduate of the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, where she also serves as a Mentor for the College of Business, and is on the Board of Hope Campus. (Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• The University of Arkansas Fort Smith is excited to announce the graduation of all the future UAFS Lions! Included at the link is a photo of Sophia, a Fall 2023 student, who said, "I'm so excited to get to play volleyball, get to know the team, and make new friends at UAFS!"(University of Arkansas - Fort Smith via Facebook)
• The Arkansas Arts Academy recently showcased original student art at the Arkansas Arts Academy High School Art Show. Visit the Facebook link to see photos of the 40+ pieces on display. (Arkansas Arts Academy via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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.