Wednesday, April 9th, 2025

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Fort Smith.
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 9th of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Fort Smith Police reported that 10-year-old Shelin Ana Valentia-Garcia was reported missing on April 8 after she was last seen at around 7:30 a.m. on the 1400 block of North 29th Street wearing a black shirt and black pants—and officials ask anyone with information to call immediately. City of Fort Smith
- ➤ The last of four Paris teenagers charged with a July armed robbery at the Valero gas station—located at 4201 Grand Ave.—is set to make a first court appearance today. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Marshals Museum announced Tuesday it received a $100,000 donation from the Cherokee Nation to fund the naming of the Tragedy at Goingsnake Theater exhibit, which recounts the deadly 1872 shootout involving a Cherokee man and federal agents. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Fort Smith Public Schools named Martin Mahan as the new superintendent — the board will soon authorize contract negotiations so he can start on July 1. Mahan served as deputy superintendent, substitute teacher and principal at Kimmons Junior High School and said he looks forward to building on the district's strong work while improving communication and transparency. 4029 News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On April 8, the 188th Wing announced it began night flight training with Polish pilots in Fort Smith as part of a Foreign Military Sales program. The wing said operations will run this week and may continue next week—training that will be followed by sessions for Finnish and German pilots. 5 News
- ➤ The House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor approved HB 1915—raising the SNAP asset limit from $3,000 to $6,000 and adjusting it every two years for inflation. Rep. Jon Eubanks and Sen. Jonathan Dismang supported the measure despite opposition to help more families keep their savings. Arkansas Times
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Baptist Health-Fort Smith launched a new ion robot today to detect lung cancer early in the River Valley—this system reaches hard-to-access nodules and aims to lower delays in treatment. 5 News
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Fort Smith.
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Chase Pair pitched eight innings as he led UAFS to a 3-2 win over Rogers State Tuesday in Claremore with a crucial two-run double by Matthew Schilling, marking his fourth straight midweek victory. Jeremy Tandoy also tied his 54-hole record at the RJGA Palm Valley Classic in Goodyear — a performance that bolstered the UAFS men's golf team's strong finish before the MIAA Championships later this month. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
-
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.
-
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Concert
8:00-9:30 PM — TempleLive — Ticket prices starting at $52 — Enjoy an electrifying performance by blues rock virtuoso Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
-
Black Violin Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — TempleLive — Tickets from $32 — Experience an electrifying performance blending classical and hip-hop styles with Black Violin.
-
Jeremy Camp Concert
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — TempleLive — Ticket prices from $29 — Enjoy an uplifting night with contemporary Christian artist Jeremy Camp performing live.
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.

Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger
Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.
Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.
Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Fort Smith.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The smaller the change, the easier it is to stick to.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Fort Smith
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Fort Smith and across Arkansas. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Fort Smith
A free Fort Smith community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyfortsmith.com/sitemap