Good morning, Fort Smith.

The second annual Fort Smith General Darby Challenge — held to raise funds for the Fort Smith Museum of History and Darby House — will take place on April 27 at Cisterna Park in Downtown Fort Smith with races starting at 7 a.m. and ending by noon.

The event commemorates the 80th anniversary of General Darby's sacrifice and the end of WWII, and a film about the city's sister cities will be shown after the race.

Fort Smith police are investigating a shooting at the Foxfire Club at 421 N.

10th St. on April 9 at 7:41 p.m. — two people were injured and no arrests have been made.

Fort Smith Public Schools selected longtime educator Martin Mahan as the new superintendent on April 8 after a nationwide search of 20 candidates, and he will lead the district pending contract negotiations.

On April 8, the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith earned the Silver designation as a Military Friendly School that shows its support for veterans and military families; it offers specialized services (dedicated advisors, priority registration) and a veteran resource center (providing key support).

State representatives from Sebastian and Crawford counties advanced a bill in a House committee that targets the Denali waste lagoon near Fort Smith.

The bill would force the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality to revoke a permit and impose the highest penalty if the operator commits three violations in 45 days—it now moves to the full House.

Fort Smith Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting on April 15 (6:00 p.m. at Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street) and then an immediate special study session to review the Departmental Operating Budget (focused on the Water Utilities Department); the agenda packet will be uploaded on April 10.

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.