Fort Smith Metro News Briefs: Consent decree project completed, Fort Smith teacher recognized - Talk Business & Politics
Following are recent news brief items from the Fort Smith metro. Consent Decree Work The city of Fort Smith recently announced completion of another consent decree project that improves the. . .
Following are recent news brief items from the Fort Smith metro. Consent Decree WorkThe city of Fort Smith recently announced completion of another consent decree project that improves the city’s sewer system. The scope of this project included remediation of approximately 3,794 linear feet of 8-inch and 200 linear feet of 12-inch sanitary sewer line replacement by pipe burst method, 2,331 linear feet of 8-inch and 603 linear feet of 12-inch remediation by Cured In Place Pipe (CIPP); installation of 73 cleanouts; replacement of 27 48-inch diameter manholes; lining of 38 manholes; and replacement of 17 manhole frame and covers. Following are project details. Design engineer: McClelland Consulting EngineersConstruction contractor: Forsgren, Inc. Completion date: April 21, 2026Project cost: $8,812,088. 94Funding for this project is available through the 0. 625% sales tax dedicated to consent decree projects. The project was completed 7% above the original contract amount and 41 calendar days less than the original contract time. Consent decree project locationAfter decades of failing to adequately maintain the city sewer system, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U. S. Department of Justice executed a consent decree in 2014 with the city that required improvements to the city’s sewer system. The consent decree also followed a 1982 administrative order with which the city did not fully comply. Greenwood Fine ArtsThe Greenwood Fine Arts Academy (GFAA) recently announced new funding that the organization says will help expands arts access in the region. According to GFAA, the funds will support youth theatre, visual arts, intergenerational programming, and early-stage planning for a future arts facility in Greenwood. The recent funds came from Sessions Family Foundation ($84,000), Farmers Bank ($25,000), First National Bank of Fort Smith ($25,000), and Arvest Foundation ($10,000). “These gifts represent a powerful vote of confidence in the work happening here in Greenwood,” said Gwen Martin, GFAA founder and executive director. “They allow us to serve more students, deepen our programming, and take meaningful steps toward establishing a permanent, fully accessible arts facility for our community. ”Those interested in supporting the capital project can contact GFAA at 479-222-1058 or[email protected], or visit greenwoodfineartsacademy. org. Founded in 2022, GFAA provides inclusive, intergenerational arts education and community programming for Greenwood and the region. GFAA is committed to expanding equitable access to the arts and establishing a permanent, accessible arts facility that serves the entire community. Teacher RecognitionMelissa Purifoy, a sixth-grade math and science teacher at the Health Sciences Academy at Darby Middle School, has been named one of the Top 5 Finalists for the 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. Melissa PurifoyPurifoy, who was named the Fort Smith Public Schools District Teacher of the Year, continues to earn statewide recognition for her outstanding dedication to student success, innovative instructional practices, and commitment to preparing students for future careers through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. As one of five finalists, Purifoy is among an elite group of educators representing the very best of Arkansas public education. The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, leadership within their schools and communities, and a lasting impact on student achievement. Top NursesTwenty-one nurses from Baptist Health facilities in Arkansas have been named to Arkansas’ Great 100 list. The recognition highlights their compassion, commitment to care and leadership in advancing the nursing profession. Nurses from Baptist Health-Fort Smith recognized were Drayven Brock, RN, BSN, Trisha Huggins, RN, ADN, William Tabarez, RN, BSN, and Madison Williamson, RN, BSN. The Great 100 Nurses Foundation, founded by PK Scheerle, RN, honors 100 exceptional registered nurses annually in Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Texas. All of the Arkansas recipients from across the state will be celebrated at an awards dinner in September at the Embassy Suites in Little Rock. Related