Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 27th of March.
Good morning, Fort Smith.
🎓 Education
All 156 ARCOM students secured residencies and achieved a perfect match rate that shows the school’s dedication to academic excellence—66% of graduates will remain in the service area with top placements at the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins and other leading programs.
The success highlights the strong preparation in primary care and other specialties that meets local healthcare needs.
Nurses graduating from UAFS are boosting patient care in Fort Smith, with graduates like Lindsey France (’15) now serving as a charge nurse at Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital.
The university’s accelerated two-year RN program is set to address the local nurse shortage and equip new professionals with advanced skills.
Dr. Nicha Otero leads the psychology department at UAFS and studies how stress and personal history help students build resilience.
She came from Trinidad and Tobago in 2011 and now uses her own journey—marked by hard work and a strong support system—to show that overcoming challenges is possible.
The University of Arkansas—Fort Smith will start a bachelor's degree program in advanced manufacturing engineering led by Dr. Mauricio Torres to address local workforce needs.
The program will be housed in a new Center of Excellence—backed by funding from ABB, the Department of Commerce and the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, and will work alongside a Manufacturing Academy for rapid job training.
🌲 Environment
At the University of Arkansas Fort Smith (UAFS), Dr. Jordan Mader and Dr. Maurice Testa led student teams in refining a method to cluster microplastics so they can be counted in the Arkansas River.
Their research, which began in 2019, may soon improve water quality monitoring and environmental policies in our region.
🏛️ Government
Senator Tom Cotton introduced the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act on March 26 in Washington, D.C.
The bill will let prisons block cellphone signals from inmates, and Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said local institutions have pressed for its passage.
🏈 Sports
The Fort Smith Marathon—marking its 10th anniversary—will feature about 400 runners competing at 7 a.m. Sunday from the Glass Pavilion on 100 N.
B St. as participants choose between full, half, and relay events while city roads are adjusted for a safer, scenic route, and registrations close Saturday at midnight.
🎉 Fort Smith Events
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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.
Fort Smith Marathon
7 a.m. | Historic Downtown Fort Smith | Registration fees apply | Experience a stunning race through charming neighborhoods and scenic trails.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1st Choice 'He is Risen' Walk + 5K for Life
9 AM – 2 PM — Ben Geren Regional Park — Registration fees vary — Participate in a chip-timed 5K to support families in crisis.
The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit in Concert
4-8 p.m. — TempleLive — Enchanting performance — Experience epic film scores with a live orchestra and special guests.
Storytime at Miller Branch Library
10-11 a.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Miller Branch) — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts for children and their caregivers.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in Concert
7:00-7:30 p.m. — ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic as the Fort Smith Symphony plays the iconic score live while the film screens.
🏠 Fort Smith Real Estate
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💼 Fort Smith Job Board
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📣 Fort Smith Announcements
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