Good morning, Fort Smith.

Fort Smith police announced the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign that will run from August 19 to September 1 to warn drivers that drunk driving is illegal and life-threatening+ urging those who plan to drink to secure a sober ride home.

Sarahi Ibarra, a 2025 graduate of UAFS, used the Upward Bound program and TRIO Student Support Services to finish her criminal justice degree in three years.

She began law school this fall at the William H. Bowen School of Law — she plans to become a prosecuting attorney after passing the bar exam.

City officials lifted all water conservation measures after repairs to the 24-inch water main were completed on August 8, and the reservoirs now operate normally — residents, businesses, and organizations were thanked for their cooperation during the conservation period.

Normal water use may now resume.

Sebastian County justices of the peace discussed changing the county's pay policy to raise officials' starting wages to 90% of the market base and add 1% each year until reaching 115%—a proposal aimed at boosting fairness and helping recruit deputies.

They voted to delay a final decision until further study at a Sept. 22 meeting at the Ben Geren Tornado Shelter—an effort estimated to cost $1.75 million for 2026.

Baptist Health-Fort Smith got a platinum banner — given by the Arkansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative — for its work to safely lower cesarean birth rates during a finished program.

The collaborative will start a new postpartum effort — aimed at improving checks and learning for new moms — later this month.

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.

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.

Arkansas Apraxia Festival

2-5 p.m. — 3301 S M St Parking — Fundraiser event — Support children with apraxia through fun activities and advocacy.

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!

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Automation with Ansible Training

Sep 15-18 — Sylvan Learning of Fort Smith — $2735 — Enhance your skills in automating system administration with comprehensive Ansible training.

Gospel Open Mic Night

7-9 p.m. — 1127 Coffee Shop — Free entry — Experience an uplifting evening of worship and local Christian talent at this communal open mic event.