Daily
Fort Smith
Friday, April 18th, 2025
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Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Fort Smith Police are asking for help to locate 64-year-old David Geshell—who is considered endangered for health reasons and was last seen at Walmart on Zero Street wearing a lime green long sleeve shirt and Grinch pajama pants—as his family seeks to confirm his safety. City of Fort Smith
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Cherokee Nation donated $100,000 to the U.S. Marshals Museum to support the Tragedy at Goingsnake Theater exhibit—this exhibit explains the 1872 clash that killed 11 people during a conflict between U.S. Marshals and Cherokee citizens. Southwest Times Record
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith will hold three commencement ceremonies on May 10 at the Stubblefield Center to honor over 650 graduates—231 from the College of Business and Industry at 10 a.m., 202 from the College of Health, Education and Human Sciences at 1 p.m., and 202 from the College of Arts and Sciences at 4 p.m.— as Ken Warden will deliver the keynote address. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, the House and Senate passed Senate Bill 625, which limits Education Freedom Account funds so that no more than 25% can be used for extracurricular activities and transportation costs—this cap applies to both home school and private school families—and they sent the bill to the governor's desk for review. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The April 17 meeting on the Sales & Use Tax Ballot was held at 6:00 p.m. at the Fort Smith Public Library Community Room — 3201 Rogers Avenue — where residents learned about the proposal. Additional sessions will be held on April 28 at Arkansas Colleges of Health Education and on May 5 at the Fort Smith Senior Activity Center for further discussion. City of Fort Smith
- ➤ Three ballot measures on the May 13 special election ballot will let Fort Smith voters decide whether to reauthorize and reallocate sales tax funds to pay for federally mandated consent decree and sewer system projects. City officials say the plan — which does not raise tax rates — will fund up to $360 million in improvements while some community members worry about less money for streets. 5 News
- ➤ On Wednesday, Arkansas lawmakers approved a $182.5 million budget increase that raises the state’s general revenue budget to $6.49 billion for fiscal year 2026—adding $90 million for school vouchers while funding county jails, maternal health and state employee pay. Lawmakers also set aside surplus funds to support Medicaid and other state programs. Arkansas Times
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Matt Jones and Bubba Carpenter previewed the Razorbacks' rotation change in a podcast ahead of the upcoming series against Texas A&M—explaining adjustments the team will make when they face their opponent later this week. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
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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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Christone Kingfish Ingram Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — TempleLive — Tickets from $39 — Enjoy a vibrant evening of blues with rising star Kingfish Ingram.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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