Daily
Fort Smith
Friday, September 5th, 2025
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Elmer's Chem-Dry, a Fort Smith Hispanic-owned business that has served the River Valley for 15 years, won the inaugural Excellence in Family and Small Business Award from the Center for Economic Development—its owners hope the honor will inspire other local family and small businesses. University of Arkansas Fort Smith
- ➤ The Lavaca Area Chamber of Commerce announced that the car show scheduled for Oct. 4 has been moved to Oct. 18 to avoid a clash with a Hackett event. The event at 101 W. Main St. in Lavaca will also feature a Business Bash and a Cruise Night with registration from noon until 2 p.m.—fees and sales will help fund a Lavaca High School scholarship. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A 14-year-old student was arrested Thursday in Hackett after confidential leads connected mass shooting threats made during Labor Day Weekend at Hackett Public Schools — authorities maintained a police presence to ensure safety. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Arkansas State Police investigated the death of 41-year-old Christopher Cody Burns, who became unresponsive while in Fort Smith police custody after a stolen vehicle crashed near Life.Church—he was taken to Baptist Health and officers reviewed the incident before sharing findings with county prosecutors. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith renewed a 24-year agreement with UA Fayetteville on Wednesday to extend its joint transfer program in mechanical and electrical engineering and to start a new four-year advanced manufacturing degree — this change builds a clear pathway for local students and meets future workforce needs. The partnership offers combined advising and career services for students who meet transfer requirements. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Greenwood native Cynthia Sides (who grew up south of Fort Smith) has been named associate vice president for agriculture research and director for research development and compliance at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station; she will expand funding and work with local partners to boost research and ensure grants follow the rules. Southwest Times Record
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Larry Bedell Day Celebration
5-10 p.m. — 906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge — $40 — Celebrate over 60 years of music with the Larry B Soul Experience band in honor of Larry Bedell.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Fort Smith
Welcome to the Daily Fort Smith, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Fort Smith, Arkansas community. If you like the Daily Fort Smith, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Fort Smith.
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