Good morning, Fort Smith.

Barling police announced Tuesday that Donald McGrew’s body was found near Arbuckle Island after his white car went into the Arkansas River near Lock and Dam 13 on Aug.

25 and was recovered at Springhill Park.

A juvenile was arrested Monday evening after Hackett schools received mass shooting threats over the holiday weekend—officers will patrol the schools this week while investigators follow new leads.

A Hackett student was arrested for allegedly threatening a mass shooting at the high school—law enforcement increased security at Hackett Schools on Tuesday and will keep extra patrols in place throughout the week as the investigation continues.

Fort Smith will host the Fall Festival on Saturday, October 4 featuring historic reenactments with the Fort Smith National Historic Site, free admission to museums and historic sites, live music, trolley rides, food trucks and vendors—bringing a full day of family activities and local history to downtown.

The ATU Foundation has set up the Paulette Locke Johnson Endowed Scholarship to honor the Fort Smith native and Northside graduate who cheered for Arkansas Tech in the late 1960s and early 1970s — it supports full-time students in good academic standing with financial need who complete 10 hours of community service each semester, with preference for ATU coed cheerleaders — a tribute to her passion for cheerleading.

The Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment said new data shows expanding underground chemical plumes at the former Whirlpool plant at 6400 Jenny Lind Road — making additional monitoring wells necessary.

The agency noted that the Division of Environmental Quality found an error in Ramboll’s report — and a response letter is expected within 30 days.

Fort Smith city officials confirmed Amanda Strange as the new internal auditor Tuesday; she has 18 years of work experience as a CPA and a $115,000 salary that is reviewed yearly.

Director Lee Kemp said her hiring is an important step—she shows strong skills and honesty—and it will help keep public funds safe.

State Sen. Gary Stubblefield, a dairy farmer and former Razorbacks player from Branch, died Tuesday morning at age 74—he served in the Senate since 2013 and won re-election in 2024—leaving his District 26 seat to be filled by a special election called by the governor.

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.

Friends of the Library Chocolate Festival

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Dallas Branch) — $10 for six tastes — Indulge in a chocolate wonderland with tastings from local chocolatiers.

SHS Class of 1985 - 40th Reunion

7:00 PM – 10:30 PM — Majestic Fort Smith — $70 per person — Celebrate four decades since graduation with food, music, and old friends.