Daily
Fort Smith
Saturday, May 17th, 2025
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Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Carol Ann Cross Park in Fort Smith now features a new ADA-accessible boardwalk that lets visitors easily enjoy the Arkansas River views — and a renovated, inclusive playground for all children. 5 News
- ➤ Creekmore Park in Fort Smith is undergoing upgrades — including a rebuilt bathhouse set to open in mid-June for a state swim meet, a refreshed mini-golf course updated by local businesses, and an expanded parking lot — to better serve local families. Work is expected to finish in late summer — further improvements at Tilles and Hillcrest parks will begin next week —. 4029 News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas State Police troopers shot and killed an armed man in Alma on Friday morning after he refused to drop his handgun during a chase from Hilltop Travel Center — his body will be brought to the state crime lab as the investigation into the shooting begins. 4029 News
- ➤ Arkansas State Police shot and killed an armed suspect in Alma on May 16 after he produced a handgun at Hilltop Travel Center and refused to drop it, and no officers were injured as investigators review links to a domestic disturbance and aggravated robbery. 5 News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ University of Arkansas - Fort Smith student enrollment in computer science has nearly doubled since fall 2021—making it the fourth most popular major and reflecting national trends in degree growth. Recent graduates like Josue Martinez have secured jobs and led projects that aim to boost efficiency and safety in the workplace. University of Arkansas Fort Smith
- ➤ Arkansas public schools and open enrollment charter schools will use new LEARNS literacy standards to decide if rising third graders are held back, meaning second graders this school year must meet reading benchmarks for promotion in the 2025-2026 school year. Only about 36% of third graders read proficiently in 2024 — state education officials plan to announce further details on assessments, exemptions, and support soon. Arkansas Times
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Denali Water Solutions said it stopped using its open-air lagoon in Crawford County in January and will close the site completely after December 31 as it shifts to new storage options. Local residents and officials have complained about the foul odor from the lagoon—prompting calls for regulators to adjust permits. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Fort Smith.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Fort Smith.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only way out is through.
~ Robert Frost
About Daily Fort Smith
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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