Van, Arkansas: A Warm Welcome Awaits

Van, Arkansas, offers a genuine slice of southern charm that makes it an inviting place to call home. This vibrant community is rooted in tradition and rich in hospitality, boasting a welcoming atmosphere that draws people from all walks of life. Residents celebrate a close-knit community spirit, where neighbors know each other by name, and gatherings are a regular centerpiece of town life.

Living in Van means immersing yourself in the beauty of the natural world. Surrounded by lush landscapes and rolling hills, this town offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The scenic trails and parks are perfect for both the adventurous and those seeking peaceful moments amidst nature's splendor.

Culture and history are woven into the fabric of Van, with local events that showcase its heritage and creativity. From arts festivals to farmers' markets, there's always something exciting happening that brings folks together. The dedication to community-driven initiatives ensures constant growth and improvement, making Van a town that looks ahead while embracing its legacy.

In Van, you’ll find more than a home; you’ll discover a community that thrives on kindness, warmth, and a shared passion for the good life.

Recognizing When Pediatric Therapy May Be Helpful—Even Without a Diagnosis

Jocelyn Mitchelle

Parents often wait for a formal diagnosis before considering therapy for their child, assuming that only medically defined conditions justify intervention. In reality, many children benefit from pediatric therapy long before any diagnosis is given, and often for challenges that seem modest but persist over time.
Subtle difficulties such as poor balance, selective eating, or recurring frustration during everyday tasks can be early signs of underlying motor or sensory integration issues. These are not always visible to others, nor are they typically cause for alarm in routine pediatric evaluations. Still, they may signal that a child is working harder than necessary to engage in daily routines that should feel natural and accessible.
Pediatric therapists are trained to identify and support areas such as motor planning, sensory regulation, and executive functioning. A child who avoids playground equipment, becomes distressed by certain clothing textures, or frequently resists structured tasks may be exhibiting patterns that suggest sensory or coordination-related stress.
Parents do not need to wait for these patterns to escalate into academic or behavioral concerns before seeking help. In fact, early engagement with therapy can often prevent those concerns from developing altogether.
The most consistent indicator tends to be persistence—when small challenges do not fade with time, or when a child seems increasingly frustrated by what should be manageable situations. Pediatric therapy provides a structured, supportive environment to explore these patterns and, when needed, introduce tailored strategies to help children navigate them with greater confidence and ease.
What matters most is not the presence of a label, but the presence of unmet needs.

Workforce & Industrial Development

Nestled along the Arkansas River in the western part of the state, Van Buren stands out as a strategic location for industrial and logistics operations. The city benefits from direct access to I-40 and I-540, providing seamless east-west and north-south transportation routes for freight and distribution. Its proximity to the Fort Smith Regional Airport and regional rail lines further enhances connectivity for manufacturers and shippers.

Van Buren’s industrial sector is supported by a mix of established business parks and available sites, with the Van Buren Industrial Park offering ready-to-build parcels and modern infrastructure. Local officials report a steady uptick in demand for warehouse and light manufacturing space, driven by the area’s competitive land costs and central location within the U.S. supply chain network.

Workforce development is a community priority, with resources like the Arkansas Office of Skills Development and partnerships with the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith providing tailored training programs for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and skilled trades. Employers can tap into a regional labor pool known for its strong work ethic and technical skills.

Incentives at both the city and state levels help make Van Buren attractive for new and expanding businesses. Arkansas offers performance-based tax credits, infrastructure grants, and workforce training assistance, while the City of Van Buren and Crawford County can provide additional support for qualifying projects.