Wednesday, September 10th, 2025
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 10th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Vendors are urged to register quickly for the Fort Smith Fall Festival, which will be held on October 4 in Downtown Fort Smith — the event will include live entertainment, food, shopping and fall fun. City of Fort Smith
- ➤ Fort Smith Fall Festival will take place on Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. downtown, offering free museum admissions, historic reenactments, kids crafts and food trucks. Free trolley rides will connect event sites — linking historic attractions with family activities throughout the day. Southwest Times Record
- ➤ Volunteers will clean headstones at Fort Smith National Cemetery on Sept. 11 to honor fallen service members and first responders during the Carry The Load event. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.—retired veteran Ron Reading leads the effort with Sheep Dog Impact Assistance. Southwest Times Record
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A motorcyclist was seriously injured in a one-vehicle accident on Massard Road Monday night—police closed the road between the 7900 and 8400 blocks for several hours while the rider was airlifted to a hospital. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Today a 72-year-old Ozark man, Vernon Patton, was attacked by a bear while working on his land near Mulberry Mountain Lodge—his family said he is in ICU and will not survive despite surgery in Fayetteville. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Ozark Pastel Society will open its fall exhibit tomorrow in the West Gallery of the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, showcasing nearly 100 pastel paintings and hosting a reception from 5—7 p.m.; the show runs through Nov. 18 with art available for purchase. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Sarah Sanders announced Tuesday that 40 Arkansas National Guard members—27 from the Air National Guard and 13 from the Army National Guard—will assist ICE with paperwork and transport in Little Rock—18, Fort Smith—10, Fayetteville—10, and Camp Robinson—2; the troops will not be armed and the federally funded operation supports processing and detaining unauthorized immigrants. Sanders said the move follows past measures to enforce immigration laws and reinforce local security. Arkansas Times
- ➤ Ten Arkansas National Guard members will soon support ICE in Fort Smith as part of a 40-person state deployment under Title 32 that will help with detainee transport and clerical work. The deployment — which follows August civil-response training — also includes teams in Fayetteville, Little Rock, and Camp Robinson. Southwest Times Record
- ➤ Fort Smith Police Department and the Choctaw Nation signed a historic cross-deputization agreement on September 5 that lets officers work together in Fort Smith and on Choctaw Nation land—this marks the first tribal law enforcement partnership in Arkansas. Mayor McGill said the move boosts public safety and honors Native American rights—setting a model for future collaborations. City of Fort Smith
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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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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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Peacemaker Festival 2025
1-9 p.m. — Riverfront Amphitheater — Tickets on sale — Enjoy a live performance by Stephen Wilson Jr. at this vibrant festival celebration.
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