Daily
Fort Smith
Tuesday, March 18th, 2025
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Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Steel Horse Rally celebrated its 10th anniversary on March 15 at a ceremony at the U.S. Marshals Museum where volunteers and sponsors were thanked. The nonprofit charity event supporting veterans will take place on May 2 and May 3 with events including the Bikes & Badges Vintage Motorcycle Show and a new organized ride to the top of Mt. Magazine — drawing community attention to the annual celebration. 5 News
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A storm system produced damage consistent with EF-4 tornadoes in north central and northeast Arkansas last Friday night that killed three people and injured 32. State officials declared a state emergency in Cave City—dispatching 52 National Guard members and $250,000 for relief as thousands lost power. Arkansas Times
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Authorities are investigating the death of one person found early Sunday at a residence on South 11th Street in Fort Smith. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Fort Smith Board will meet today at the Blue Lion to discuss budget amendments and infrastructure projects such as reallocating funds for hail damage repairs, an E911 update, and a $1.8 million traffic signal detection improvement—Chief Financial Officer Andrew Richards warned that most reallocations would increase a structural deficit already projected at $5.74 million in 2025. Southwest Times Record
- ➤ Gov. Sarah Sanders announced Monday at the Capitol the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act which will impose enhanced penalties on illegal immigrants who commit more crimes and expand the state's sanctuary ban to include unincorporated areas and counties—requiring law enforcement to expedite deportation and cooperate with ICE. Immigration attorney Aaron Cash warned the bill may face legal challenges since it punishes individuals based solely on their immigration status rather than their conduct. 4029 News
- ➤ Yesterday, Mayor George McGill said during the State of the City address that the metro now has 232,000 people and the crime rate dropped 40% over four years, with zero murders in 2024. He also said the city will spend millions on sewer system improvements under a consent decree — requiring action from the EPA and DOJ — and that local projects like a new Walmart supply company and the Mercy Hospital expansion are set to create new jobs and boost investment. 5 News
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Northside Lady Bears won their ninth state title by defeating Fayetteville Bulldogs (56 to 48) on Saturday at OZK Arena in Hot Springs. Senior Erianna Gooden was named MVP as the team came from behind to secure its first title since 2021. Southwest Times Record
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Shen Yun: A Journey Through Ancient Chinese Culture
Shen Yun presents a captivating performance that showcases the rich artistic heritage of ancient China through classical dance and stunning visuals.
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Paint and Sip Night
6:00-8:30 p.m. — Prohibition — Check ticketing for pricing — Enjoy a creative evening of painting while sipping your favorite drinks.
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Fort Smith Marathon
7 a.m. | Historic Downtown Fort Smith | Registration fees apply | Experience a stunning race through charming neighborhoods and scenic trails.
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Creed Fisher Live Performance
7-9:30 p.m. — Sphinx Club at TempleLive — Tickets available — Experience the soulful melodies of Creed Fisher as he captivates with his latest album's heartfelt tracks.
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Family Storytime at Miller Branch
10-11 a.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Miller Branch) — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, and crafts in a fun environment for children and caregivers.
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Big Head Todd & The Monsters
7-8:30 p.m. — Majestic Fort Smith — 18+ event — Enjoy an evening of rock music from Big Head Todd & The Monsters in a vibrant venue.
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Bags at The Bakery: Cornhole Night
6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Bakery District — Cash payouts available — Play cornhole in competitive, intermediate, and backyard divisions in a lively atmosphere.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Welcome to the Daily Fort Smith, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Fort Smith, Arkansas community. If you like the Daily Fort Smith, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Fort Smith.
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