Daily
Fort Smith
Thursday, August 14th, 2025
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of August.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Court proceedings have been delayed until fall for two Fort Smith parents accused of having drugs and endangering their children when an 18-month-old son overdosed on THC—raising concerns about home safety. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Fort Smith Police arrested four individuals—one a 16-year-old—for a shooting on South 17th Street on Aug. 10 that injured one person who was transported to a hospital. 5 News
- ➤ Families, volunteers and law enforcement in the River Valley are searching for three missing teens—17-year-old Jaden Teague from Roland, whose car was found abandoned on Collum Lane, and 16-year-olds Jakavian Milton and Tristin Clouse from Fort Smith last seen on Aug. 8 and July 29 respectively—with authorities urging the public to call local police with any tips. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas farmers will face the steepest drop in rice prices in decades due to shifting global tariffs—Keith Glover said Tuesday, noting that severe flooding created uncertainty for this growing season. He warned that the lower prices will affect the state’s rice market in the coming months. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Howard Elementary in Fort Smith welcomed students on Wednesday with a party that featured a balloon arch, DJ and red carpet walk — marking 75 years in the same building. Principal Cedra Flake said every student and family felt welcome and the celebration will continue throughout the school year. 4029 News
- ➤ Fort Smith Public Schools resumed classes Wednesday after summer break and introduced the Bell to Bell, No Cell Act that bans cell phone use during instructional hours—piloted last year at two middle schools. Officials expect the new rule to boost focus while families adjust to back-to-school traffic. 5 News
- ➤ UAFS is buzzing with activity as 880 students—many of whom are first-generation freshmen—move into campus housing today for the new school year. University staff and student volunteers offer extra help to ease the move-in process. 5 News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On August 8th, the Department of the Air Force released a draft statement that looks at how expanding the F-35 Pilot Training Center at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith may impact the environment and asks for public comments until September 24th. Residents can join a virtual hearing on September 4th or an in-person hearing on September 9th and review printed copies at local libraries—this process helps guide changes in training and aircraft operations. City of Fort Smith
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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.
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LINUX SHELL SCRIPTING Training/Class
Sep 3-4 — Sylvan Learning of Fort Smith — $990 — Dive into hands-on Linux shell scripting training to automate tasks effectively.
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Arkansas Apraxia Festival
2-5 p.m. — 3301 S M St Parking — Fundraiser event — Support children with apraxia through fun activities and advocacy.
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Save a Life Concert
The second annual Save a Life concert is a free, family-friendly, community event in recognition of National Recovery Month. Hosted at the beautiful Riverfront Amphitheater, with doors opening at 5pm, come enjoy local musicians, free food, and family fun!
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Fort Smith
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