Good morning, Fort Smith.

Simmons Bank plans to close 26 branches - including six in Fort Smith and other communities - on Dec.

4; the move will affect about 100 workers, with approximately 70 expected to be reassigned.

ACANSA Arts Festival returns Sept.

10-Sept. 26 with music, theater, and visual art events spread across multiple local venues. Highlights include a concert by Rachel Sumner and Traveling Light on Sept. 26, a comedy show by Pat Hazell on Sept. 19-20, and more (tickets range from free to $250).

Three UAFS graduates, including Nayda Barbry, have joined Arkansas State University's inaugural veterinary medicine cohort after receiving their white coats on Aug.

8. The program will begin with three years of classroom and lab training before moving to clinical rotations, letting them stay close to home.

After a water main break on Highway 45 on Thursday afternoon, Fort Smith water customers and residents in the River Valley are asked to conserve water as high summer demand slows the refill of storage tanks — customers south of Zero Street face mandatory restrictions on lawn watering and vehicle washing. Officials expect water supplies to normalize by Sunday.

Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative restored power for most customers in Crawford County after nearly 1,000 lost service Friday, though fewer than 100 remain affected as officials work to determine the cause.

Fort Smith police responded on Friday, Sept.

4 to snapped utility poles along 4600-4900 Free Ferry Road that caused a power outage and are urging drivers to take an alternate route (repair crews are working on the job).

State insurance regulators approved a plan for Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield to affiliate with Cambia Health Solutions effective Oct.

1. The move will help the companies share technology expertise while keeping local operations and current coverage for members.

Sports experts shared predictions for Arkansas football's season opener against North Alabama + previews of other SEC Week 1 games, offering insight for local fans as the season starts.

Fans can look to the analysis for clear expectations.

The Alma Lady Airedales volleyball team, led by Coach Joshua Stark and featuring players including Layla Chancey + Bailey Oliver, show grit as they face tough competition from Fayetteville, Conway and Fort Smith Southside.

They understand their limits while pushing their skills forward.