Good morning, Fort Smith.

The Fort Smith Police Department is seeking Kenneth Byrd, 28, for an alleged armed robbery and assault that occurred June 4 on the 5900 block of Kinkead Avenue—he reportedly attacked a known acquaintance with a handgun, leaving the victim injured and is considered dangerous.

Arkansas communities will mark Juneteenth with free events like festivals, marches, panel discussions and cookouts to honor the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people learned they were free—Fort Smith’s celebration is set for June 14 at the Riverfront Amphitheater with live DJs, food trucks and a headlining show by T.K. Soul. Residents are invited to join these events to share in community discussions and cultural history.

Ashleigh Buckley, a former federal prosecutor with 15 years of legal experience, is running for Circuit Court Judge in Division 5 of Sebastian County as she seeks fair and impartial leadership.

She, active in local nonprofits (including the Junior League of Fort Smith), will face a nonpartisan election on March 3.

The City of Fort Smith Board of Directors has been invited to attend the 33rd Graduation Ceremony of the Fort Smith Basic Police Academy on Friday, June 6, with the ceremony beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the U.S. Marshals Museum (789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith) (multiple board members may attend).

A Sebastian County judge ruled Tuesday that Fort Smith city leaders broke FOIA rules by missing the document release deadline tied to the April hiring reversal of an internal auditor—Attorney Joey McCutchen now plans to request a criminal investigation into alleged concealment, perjury and possible record destruction.

The City of Fort Smith announced it will close Creekmore Park pool on June 6 for pressure washing and resealing a fiberglass grate that caused skin irritation among swimmers + it plans to replace the grates with plastic by winter.

Lawmakers met at the capitol this week to review rule changes that will put Governor Sanders’ Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act into practice — the new rules allow pregnant women to get temporary Medicaid coverage and boost payments for prenatal, delivery and postpartum care.

The rules will head to the Legislative Council for final review later this month — officials say the changes aim to improve care and track health outcomes.

Former Fort Smith Northside basketball stars Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams are competing in the NBA Finals with the Oklahoma City Thunder today at 7:30 p.m. Their high school coach Eric Burnett said the two followed similar paths to the league and now work together to help the team win its first championship—showing local pride.

Summer Smash Music Festival

5:30-11:59 p.m. — Majestic Fort Smith — Cost info not specified — Celebrate REHAB's 25th Anniversary with live music across genres hosted by Peter Dante.

The Hangout Summer Classic Pickleball Tournament

Jun 20-22 — The Hangout Fitness and Sports — Registration required — A competitive weekend for pickleball enthusiasts in Fort Smith.

Monster Truck Insanity Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Harper Stadium — Ticket info available — Experience the thrill of monster trucks tearing up the arena.

On-Site Tour of Cornerstone Caregiving

9 AM - 7 PM — Cornerstone Caregiving — Free entry — Explore senior living excellence with gourmet meals and award-winning care.

Central Mall Card Show

10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Jun 26) & 12 - 5 p.m. (Jun 27-29) — Central Mall — Free entry — Discover collectible cards and sports memorabilia at this exciting showcase.

Arkansas Junior Amateur Championship

June 30th - July 2nd — Hardscrabble Golf Course — Entry required ASGA membership — Compete in a 54-hole stroke play championship for junior golfers aged 12-18.