Good morning, Fort Smith.

Van Buren’s USA Truck returned to private local ownership last Friday when its Danish parent company sold 100% of its shares to UTAC LLC in the area.

Bricktown Brewery will break ground on Monday, Jan.

12 at 3 p.m. on Garrison Avenue to rebuild a historic downtown building destroyed by fire in 2024; the new two-story structure will house the brewery on the ground floor and Adelaide Hall upstairs with construction expected to take about a year.

Greenwood School Board honored members of the high school dance team at its January meeting after they won the state championship in game day dance last November; more than 50 students and families gathered at the administration building.

The Fort Smith Museum of History will begin a six-month course on local lore on Jan.

17 that highlights significant people+places from the area. The course offers residents an engaging way to explore our region’s historic stories.

The state Department of Health has reported 11 flu-related deaths and 517 hospitalizations this season — most of the fatalities being among older residents, with 3,866 cases and eight nursing home outbreaks since Sept.

28. Officials are closely monitoring flu activity as the season continues through May.

Van Buren senior Ryan Sampson was honored at River Valley Fall Awards Media Day in Fort Smith on Dec.

9, 2025 + he showed that his hard work and dedication on the golf course have paid off.

Greenwood freshman Ellery Hogeland grew interested in golf while playing with her older brothers and was named Girls Golfer of the Year; she accepted her award Dec.

3, 2025 at the Prep Rally fall sports award ceremony at Peak Innovation Center in Fort Smith.

Fort Smith Southside sophomore Ly Le (Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year) showed significant improvement in her cross country performance across the state last December, marking a major milestone in her career.

Fort Smith Southside senior Braden Palmer set new records in his final cross country season, achieving his goal for a program he values (earned as Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year) as he capped an outstanding high school career.

STEAM Team: Snowflakes Workshop

3:30-5:00 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Explore science and art by creating snowflake designs with marshmallows and toothpicks.

Growing Little Readers: Everyday Literacy for Every Family

5:30-7 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Discover practical tools to foster children's literacy and love for reading through everyday activities.

Open Mic Night

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library — Free entry — A casual evening for poets and musicians to showcase their talent or enjoy performances.

Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles

8:30-9:30 p.m. — United States Marshals Museum — Ticketed event — Experience the timeless music of The Beatles performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

Once Upon a Stitch Crochet Club

4:30-5:30 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — A creative space for school age children and teens to learn and enjoy crochet together.

Viking 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon

2:30-6:30 p.m. — 7200 S Zero St, Fort Smith, AR — Registration required — Compete in various distances while supporting local health and fitness initiatives.