Fort Smith Metro News Briefs: Consent decree projects completed, Haas Hall gets quiz bowl win

Following are news brief items from the Fort Smith metro.

Consent Decree Work
The city of Fort Smith recently completed more than $8.1 million in sewer system improvements mandated by a federal consent decree. The work was in sewer system sub basins in the north and west parts of the city.

One project included the replacement of approximately 9,250 linear feet of sewer mains using the open-cut method, 1,845 linear feet of point repairs, and the replacement of approximately 139 manholes. Additionally, approximately 520 linear feet of sewer main required relocation.

The work, completed Jan. 13, was designed by RJN Group, with the contractor being Brothers Construction. The project cost was $6.189 million and was completed 22.58% below the original contract amount and 129 days ahead of schedule.

The second completed project included the rehabilitation of approximately 5,760 linear feet of sewer mains using the cured-in-place Pipe (CIPP) method. The work was completed Jan. 14, with RJN Group being the design engineering firm, and construction managed by Humbard Contracting. The project cost was $1.951 million and was completed 44% below the original contract amount and 16 days ahead of schedule.

After decades of failing to maintain the sewer system, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice filed a consent decree in 2014 with the city of Fort Smith that required sewer system improvements.

Bass Pro Jobs
Springfield, Mo.-based Bass Pro Shops is hosting a hiring event for its Fort Smith store now under construction. The outdoor retailer announced in February 2025 it would open an Outpost retail store located off Rogers Avenue and along Interstate 540 where the former Best Buy building was located.

The retailer said it has 150 full- and part-time job openings, and has a “hiring event” set for 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., March 4-5, at Freedom Farms (300 Akkineni Circle) in Barling. Those seeking employment should first apply at this link. After applying online, applicants should attend the hiring event, where on-site interviews will be conducted.

The 70,000-square-foot Fort Smith store will be the third Bass Pro Shops store in Arkansas and is set to open later this year. The other two stores are in Rogers and Little Rock.

Haas Hall Quiz Bowl Win
Haas Hall Academy – Fort Smith was the 1A Red Junior High Finals Champion in the Arkansas Governor’s Quiz Bowl Association event held Feb. 14 at Arkansas Community College in Morrilton.

The competition consisted of sixteen (16) teams in two brackets, designated as Red and Blue. The Haas Hall – Fort Smith team was undefeated and had the highest average points per match (370). Members of the team are Reva Raj, Thiagarajan Kannan, Joshwa Farris, Elam Earnhart, Isabella Garrett, Leyna Riley, Adan Imran, Rutvaj Nehete, and Andrew Milam. The coaches are Indigo Kroll and Dr. Ana Romo.

Freshman Nehete was the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 1A Regional Tournament, leading all players with a per match average of 14.50 correct answers. The team led all teams in scoring, with an average of 376.7 points.

Safe Driving Program
The Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) has relaunched the Youth Safe Driving Program which is designed for newly licensed drivers aged 16 to 18. The initiative aims to enhance driving safety and equip young drivers with the skills needed to navigate the roads confidently and securely, according to the FSPD.

The program runs from March 11 to April 29, and classes will be held every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 pm. Sessions will not take place during Spring Break. Completion of the program may qualify young drivers for discounts through their auto insurance providers.

Applicants must be between 16 to 18 years old and possess a valid learner’s permit, an intermediate license, or a graduated license. Participants are required to have auto insurance that meets or exceeds state requirements, access to their own safe and functional vehicle, and must sign a waiver of claims.

Applicants can contact the FSPD Traffic Unit for an application and to complete necessary waivers. Applications can be requested via email at [email protected], or obtained in person at the FSPD offices at 100 S. 10th St. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m., March 2. Spaces are limited, so apply early.