Good morning, Fort Smith.

On May 2, Fort Smith police investigated a home invasion on South Zero Street where a suspect forced entry and fled on foot after a confrontation with residents—doorbell camera footage showed he wore a green t-shirt with do not disturb printed on it and police continue their search.

A national memorial event in Emmitsburg, Maryland is honoring Philip Christensen—Fort Smith's most decorated fire chief who served for over 30 years—after he died on Feb.

11 from brain cancer linked to duty exposure. The festivities include a candlelight service held May 3 and a memorial service scheduled for today.

City officials will hold a final community meeting Monday at 6 p.m. at the Fort Smith Senior Activity Center at 2700 Cavanaugh Road to share details ahead of the May 13 special election on sales tax revenue use.

Voters will decide on three ballot items that reauthorize the 0.75% tax, reauthorize and reallocate the 1% tax, and allow bonds for up to $360 million in sewer improvements — measures required by a federal consent decree.

On Thursday, River Valley teams won district crowns in baseball and softball tournaments—Hackett won the 2A–4 baseball title while the Lady Hornets earned a softball win with a perfect game by Makenzie Freeman.

Teams from Charleston, Lamar, and Scranton also claimed wins in the 3A–4 and A–4 contests, and some games were postponed to Saturday.

Van Buren wrestling coach John Petree—picked as the state's Wrestling Coach of the Year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association—received the top honor for his work.

Fort Smith Northside coach Dom Mirocke led his Grizzlies through their first week of spring football practices this week at Mayo-Thompson Stadium.

Hired in February as the 16th head coach in 100 years, he is setting up a new system for the team—readying them for upcoming challenges.

Greenwood quarterback Kane Archer—standing 6-1 and weighing 207 pounds while earning the title of 2024 River Valley football player of the year—committed to the University of Central Florida on Tuesday.

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.

Launch Party & Silent Auction

5:30-8 p.m. — The Bricks — Free entry — Celebrate with drinks and appetizers while supporting maternal health through a silent auction.

Old Fort Days Rodeo

7:30-9 p.m. — Kay Rodgers Park — Ticket information not specified — Experience thrilling rodeo events featuring top competitors from around the world in a tradition dating back to 1933.