Penny Weaver is a new resident in Fort Smith, Arkansas as of 2024. A longtime journalist, she’s sharing her thoughts as she discovers what makes this community tick. She’s a native of Central Illinois and has also lived and worked in Atlanta, Georgia; Houston, Texas; and the St. Louis, Missouri., areas. Residing in Fort Smith is her first day-to-day experience in “The Natural State.” You can reach her at pennyweavernews@gmail.com.