Good morning, Fort Smith.

A Fort Smith firefighter will be honored at Maryland’s 44th National Fallen Firefighters Memorial weekend from May 3 to May 4.

The event will remember 70 firefighters who died in 2024 and 70 who died in earlier years—this includes Chief Philip P. Christensen, who died on Feb. 11 from cancer.

Fort Smith Police are seeking help to locate 13-year-old McKenzie Sims—who went missing on April 27 and was last seen near 1600 Jackson Street around 8:45 p.m. wearing all black clothing.

Fort Smith Public Schools’ new superintendent Martin Mahan began his nearly 32-year career as a substitute teacher and served as deputy superintendent before taking over the lead role — he said he never set out to hold that position.

At Wednesday’s awards ceremony — which celebrated the good in people — the Fort Smith Police Department named Ritter Officer of the Year in recognition of his service and commitment.

Fort Smith leaders have faced a tight timeline and unpredictable conditions while working on a consent decree that has spanned over a decade — they remain committed to completing the required measures with further actions planned.

Fort Smith City Board of Directors fired newly hired internal auditor Rebecca Cowan on April 25—after an undisclosed prior arrest surfaced—and voted 6-0 to review HR and recruiting practices to strengthen future hiring protocols.

Board members met in a 90-minute executive session as they plan to improve background checks for future hires.

Nurse practitioner LaRhonda Torrey joined Baptist Health Family Clinic-Van Buren and will offer health care services—focusing on prevention, chronic disease management, and long-term wellness.

A Fort Smith native with over 20 years of nursing experience, she is set to give back to her community.

District track, baseball, and softball schedules were moved up while Alma hurdlers Samuel Schlegel and John Crump competed against top athletes over the past two weeks (preparing for the upcoming 5A-West Conference track meet).

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.

Christone Kingfish Ingram Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — TempleLive — Tickets from $39 — Enjoy a vibrant evening of blues with rising star Kingfish Ingram.

Storytime with Fort Smith Police

4:00 – 4:30 PM — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Enjoy an engaging storytime with a local police officer and get your questions answered.