Thursday, July 24th, 2025

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Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 24th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Emily Treadaway was named Director of the new Center for Nonprofits—part of the UAFS Center for Economic Development—located in downtown Fort Smith's Bakery District. She brings over a decade of local nonprofit leadership and will manage programs to strengthen community support. University of Arkansas Fort Smith
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Eureka Springs man pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges of first-degree murder and unlawful discharge after firing one shot that fatally struck a Fort Smith man outside his girlfriend's apartment, police said, while a related suspect faces a parole violation. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas will pay extra money for SNAP benefits—under the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, the state’s 7.29% error rate will force cost sharing that could add up to about $102 million starting in October. Lawmakers will meet soon to plan budget adjustments as the state’s surplus shrinks and the risk of reduced benefits rises. Arkansas Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Federal funding was restored and Fort Smith's first Teen Center is set to open Aug. 13 at Future School where local students in grades eight through twelve can access homework help, mentorship and career exploration. Supporters urge Congress to back education funding as federal budget changes raise concerns—prompting calls for immediate action. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fort Smith directors tabled a resolution Tuesday to start a $125,000 water meter study for a planned multi-million dollar water meter replacement— they also interviewed the third candidate for internal auditor. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Corrections board member Lee Watson emailed lawmakers on July 21 saying the proposed 3,000-bed prison in Franklin County is not needed. He urged that a 1,000-bed prison and smaller local facilities be built instead—steps that would cost less and quickly ease the current jail backlog. 5 News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Property values in Sebastian County increased 50% on average in the five years since the reappraisal was finished, County Appraiser Zach Johnson told Quorum Court members last week — he cautioned residents to be prepared for rising costs. 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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Watercolor Workshop: Fun Food!
10:30 a.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Enhance your watercolor skills by painting delightful sweet treats and more.
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Hoopla Book Club: The Tattooist of Auschwitz
2-3 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Miller Branch) — Free entry — Dive into the historical narrative of love and survival through literature this July.
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Movie Matinee: 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3'
2-4 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly screening of 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' featuring an epic battle against a new villain.
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Lettering to Go!
August 1-30 — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Celebrate National Calligraphy Day with hands-on lettering kits all month long.
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Anyone Can Learn to Letter
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Practice hand lettering techniques and explore tools in a creative environment.
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Chaffee Crossing Food & Artisan Market
8 a.m. – 1 p.m. — The Vue Venue — Free entry — Explore a vibrant marketplace with live music, local food, and unique artisan vendors.
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Hand-lettered Sign Workshop
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Explore the art of hand-lettering and take home a personalized sign.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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