Daily
Fort Smith
Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of January.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Organizations across Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley are celebrating MLK Day with events starting today. In Fort Smith, UAFS hosts a sold-out scholarship banquet (6 p.m.) in its Reynolds Room, while other celebrations include a parade, a breakfast and community care services at various local venues. 4029 News
- ➤ Comedy, music and dance acts from across the River Valley are set to perform in Greenwood today to support Greenwood Fine Arts Academy as part of a new event organized by a local nonprofit organization. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UAFS is updating its Chemistry lab benches in the Math-Science Building to boost safety and learning; renovations began on Dec. 15 and will be ready by the spring semester. University of Arkansas Fort Smith
- ➤ Methodist Village Senior Living will complete a $2.2 million renovation—featuring a new early learning center for children set to open in January 2027 with $1 million raised so far—and will add a $196,000 sidewalk connecting its campus to Carol Ann Cross Park. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Arkansas lawmakers approved an extra $32 million for Education Freedom Accounts yesterday to help families pay for private schooling + homeschooling through the LEARNS Act, pushing total funds to nearly $310 million and fueling debate over its impact on public education. 4029 News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Fort Smith Northside rallied past Bentonville 73-72 Friday night at Grizzly Arena as coach Cody Wilmath praised his team’s winning plays highlighted by Jayvyn Bullock’s stickback that sealed the buzzer-beater victory. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ UAFS men's basketball led Northeastern State 34-27 at halftime on Friday but fell as the RiverHawks outscored them 44-29 in the second half to win 71-63 at Stubblefield Center—Brandon Scott scored 21. Northeastern State's women built a 17-9 start and then won 67-53 with Deyanna Douglas adding 17 points. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
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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.
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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.
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Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA Concert
8:30 p.m. — United States Marshals Museum — Ticketed event — Enjoy a magical evening of classic hits from Queen and ABBA under candlelight.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Fort Smith
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