Daily
Fort Smith
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Volunteer firefighter Brenda Speer, valued for her service with White Bluff-Rye Hill VFD, will be honored with a celebration of life at 10 a.m. Feb. 25 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood + donations in her name are accepted instead of flowers following her Feb. 15 passing due to a stroke. 5 News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Ash Wednesday, Rev. Jim McDonald at St. John's Episcopal Church in Fort Smith gave ashes at noon and 6 p.m. to mark the start of the 40-day Lent season (observing traditional fasting and sacrifice). River Valley Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Van Buren School Board accepted a $117,000 state grant for two new generators & approved the 2026-27 school calendar during its recent meeting. The grant supports the district’s equipment update as they set the academic year schedule. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The UAFS men's basketball team ended a two-game losing streak with a 98-87 win at MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph, Mo, on Thursday. The win boosts team momentum ahead of upcoming games. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Mansfield senior Kaylee Ward returned to school and played on Thursday night after treatment for appendicitis, helping the Lady Tigers secure a 51-33 win over Paris in the semifinals of the 3A-4 tournament. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
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Taj Farrant Live Concert
6:00-11:59 p.m. — Majestic Fort Smith — Entry cost not specified — Experience the electrifying live show of the young guitar prodigy, Taj Farrant.
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Fraud Stuart Live Performance
6-9 p.m. — 906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge — Free entry — Experience the genre-defying sounds of the progressive bluegrass band Fraud Stuart at a local favorite venue.
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Library Style Lab
2-4 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Revitalize your old garments and unleash your creativity with stylish clothing alterations.
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Save a Life II Pickleball Tournament
March 6-8, Pickleball Tournament at the Hangout. Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles. All Skill levels and ages
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Save a Life II Pickleball Tournament
March 6-8, Pickleball Tournament at the Hangout. Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles. All Skill levels and ages
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Medal Madness Race Event
8:30 a.m. — 7200 S Zero St, Fort Smith, AR — Registration required — Participate in a thrilling race with distances of 5K, 10K, and half marathon.
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Storytime at the Main Library
10-11 a.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful storytime with stories, songs, and puppetry for children and their caregivers.
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Danny Gokey, We Are Messengers & Jon Reddick Concert
7-10 p.m. — Community Bible Church — Tickets start at $165 — Experience an unforgettable night of music with Danny Gokey, We Are Messengers, and Jon Reddick.
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