The Unexpected is coming
Fort Smith welcomes visiting international artists here for the Unexpected Project. This week our region will see a series of downtown historic buildings become canvases for exciting new art. The Unexpected Project will feature 7 international urban artists, as well as provide all of us with opportunities to celebrate engaging art. Organizers envision a downtown Fort Smith that becomes the “largest outdoor art gallery in the state.“ Here’s the schedule.
Beautiful hospitality hero
Nancy Smreker, a Fort Smith resident who’s helped spearhead ongoing beautification efforts around town, is the Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau‘s newest Hometown Hospitality Hero. Nancy Smreker was selected for her work with Beautify Fort Smith. The group, through coordination with various public entities, private citizens and corporate entities, recently completed a $110,000 landscaping project at the Rogers Avenue & I-540 interchange. In naming Smreker as a 2015 Hometown Hospitality Hero, the CVB says the spirit of teamwork helps Fort Smith remain, “…a beautiful and inviting destination.“ Read more here.
Crosswalk safety
More residents are spending time on foot – for transportation, relaxation, recreation, and fitness. Motorists and pedestrians are responsible for keeping themselves - and one another - safe.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all intersections and marked crosswalks. Motorists should stop short of marked crosswalks. Vehicles do not belong in crosswalks.
This is especially important in high traffic pedestrian areas, like school zones, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, parks, neighborhoods, and downtown. Motorists should make sidewalks at intersections part of their “scan“ as they are stopped. Look for pedestrians and bicyclists approaching crosswalks, because you’re responsible for yielding to pedestrians crossing on the green light.
Walkers, jaywalking is against the law. Jaywalking is defined as crossing a roadway when regulations do not permit, such as crossing between intersections without yielding to drivers, or crossing at a signalized intersection against the light. Pedestrians should continue to look for traffic. Having the right-of-way won’t protect from someone else’s inattention.
Pedestrians should always look left, then right, before stepping off the curb. Have another look to the left before proceeding into the crosswalk. If the “Don’t Walk“ signal is flashing, finish crossing, but don’t start to cross. It is the pedestrian’s responsibility to yield to cars when crossing a steet without crosswalks.
More information is here.
Labor Day holiday service impacts
City offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2015.
Department of Sanitation – Collections
The Department of Sanitation’s residential trash, yard waste, and recyclables collection scheduled for Monday, September 7 will be collected on Wednesday, September 9.
Department of Sanitation – Landfill
The Fort Smith Regional Sanitary Landfill will be open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, September 7.
Transit Department
There will be no fixed transit routes on Labor Day, but limited demand response service will be available. Rides on September 7 should be booked in advance – by noon Friday, September 4. Call 479.783.6464. Hearing-impaired passengers may communicate via Arkansas Relay Services by dialing 7-1-1. All rides will be $3.
Services 24/7/365
Emergency services are, as always, available through 9-1-1.
For utility-related emergencies, call 479.784.2342.
Citizens are encouraged to utilize our award-winning app – myFortSmith online or via Android or Apple smartphones to report non-emergency issues on city property. “Because 9 to 5 is so yesterday.“
