Daily
Fort Smith
Saturday, April 12th, 2025
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 12th of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Sebastian County prosecutors charged a convicted Arizona killer with first-degree murder for the 2021 shooting of Fort Smith resident Jeremiah Tel Hawthorne (aged 35). River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ An Oklahoma man accused of fatally shooting two men at a Fort Smith bar is scheduled to appear in Sebastian County court—marking his first court appearance in connection with the double murder case, authorities said. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas House passed House Bill 1312 on April 10 that raised each student's funding from $7,771 to $8,162 for the next school year — the change will boost state education funds for public schools. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ By late summer, Arkansas public schools, districts and education service cooperatives will receive official letter grades for this school year based on a new grading formula—this change will mark the updated effort to measure school performance accurately. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local arborists say tree topping—a practice that cuts off a tree's top branches—harms trees in the River Valley and Northwest Arkansas. They explained that topping weakens trees and lowers their chance to survive, so homeowners should use proper pruning techniques. 5 News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission reminded hunters to add turkey tags to their licenses even if they were purchased earlier, since the new system will track hunter numbers. Harvested birds must be checked in within 12 hours using the mobile app, phone line, or new Express Check option, and the statewide youth hunt begins this weekend with general hunting set to start on April 21. 5 News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Arkansas Department of Health is working with clinics to contact anyone in central Arkansas who may have been exposed after confirming measles in two unvaccinated children from Saline and Faulkner counties who contracted the virus while traveling out of state — the department advises those eligible to get the MMR vaccine for protection. 5 News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Lady Indians won their fourth straight LeFlore County Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament when Pocola defeated Howe 18-2 on Wednesday night—Allyssa Parker earned her fourth straight MVP honor with key home runs in the game. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Mountainburg beat Providence Academy 12–11 when Nick Bassham hit a game-winning single in the seventh inning—Bryson Quinalty’s walk and catcher’s interference set up the scoring, with Ryan Allen adding five RBI. Van Buren edged Bentonville 9–8 after Hudson Gardner’s bases-loaded walk scored Caden Dorey—Corey’s early hit put pressure on Bentonville, who could not tie the game. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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