Daily
Fort Smith
Thursday, September 11th, 2025
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Volunteers from Carry The Load will clean veterans' gravestones at Fort Smith National Cemetery today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5222 Garland Ave.—They join similar efforts at 70 cemeteries nationwide to honor lives lost on Sept. 11. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas Repertory Theatre shows a raw, poetic, and devastating version of The Glass Menagerie through Sept. 14 — the final production of its SummerStage season that brings a tense 1930s family story to life with strong acting and a nod to Tennessee Williams. Performances start today with various times set for each day. Arkansas Times
- ➤ At a Tuesday study session, the city Board of Directors heard a proposal from the River Valley Film Society that seeks to create an entertainment fund to bring Broadway shows to the ArcBest Performing Arts Center at the Fort Smith Convention Center. The nonprofit plans to operate its own box office and raise funds from ticket sales, grants, and donations—aiming for up to $200,000 in three years—while city officials weighed budget challenges. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UAFS and ACHE signed an agreement on August 25 that gives eligible students an interview for graduate programs—osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and biomedicine. Students must meet GPA and test score requirements while the three-year deal aims to grow local healthcare talent, with 29 UAFS alumni already enrolled in ACHE programs. 5 News
- ➤ Today, more than 16,000 high-achieving students made the National Merit Scholar semifinalist list — including 144 Arkansas scholars — and they can now apply to become finalists with winners announced starting in April. Arkansas Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fort Smith Police and the Choctaw Nation signed Arkansas’ first cross-deputization agreement on September 5 to allow officers to enforce laws across jurisdictions—improving responses to crimes and emergencies in border communities. Southwest Times Record
- ➤ The Department of the Air Force is proposing to expand the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith by adding 12 F-35 fighter jets and 596 personnel by 2029—an expansion that may require around 270 new homes and could affect about 6,500 people due to noise, with public comments accepted online until Sept. 24. 4029 News
- ➤ Some Fort Smith city directors questioned Gov. Sanders' decision to send 10 National Guard troops to assist ICE because they were not informed and want more details+ the guardsmen will work on administrative tasks without carrying weapons as local law enforcement seeks answers. Southwest Times Record
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A report shows that after a historic low of 4.1% uninsured children in 2016 the rate rose to 6.7% in 2023 with nearly 94,000 children losing coverage – many from low-income, Hispanic, and immigrant families. State officials plan to use a $3 million federal grant and streamlined enrollment at DHS offices to help eligible children regain coverage. Arkansas Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Cooper Goodwin, a senior for the Greenwood Bulldogs, played at quarterback, receiver and safety before tearing his ACL in the season opener and having surgery on Monday — the injury ended his season. He already has two college offers if his rehab goes well and his coach praised his hard work and leadership. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
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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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