Good morning, Fort Smith.

Fort Smith Police will join River Valley Cycling Club for a community bicycle safety event at Southside High School on Saturday, Sept.

19 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event offers bicycle cone courses, safety stations, and free gear (while supplies last) for school-aged children and families.

UAFS launches Hispanic Heritage Month events with Hispanic Heritage Athletic Night on Friday, Sept.

18 at the Stubblefield Center; additional activities include Salsa at the Bell Tower, Family Game Night and a heritage photo session—promoting cultural understanding among students and community members.

Fort Smith International Film Festival returns Nov.

5-7 and will screen 142 films at nine downtown venues while hosting local arts events including the Red Autumn Arts Festival and Garrison Arts Walk. A free movie night and bike ride are set for Sept. 18 and include volunteer opportunities for locals.

The Fort Smith Museum of History opened a Smithsonian traveling exhibit on the Bracero Program Tuesday to honor Hispanic Heritage Month and its 250th anniversary; the exhibit displays bilingual posters, historic photos, interviews, and local artifacts+ and will run through the fall.

The producers of American Idol will hold virtual auditions for Arkansas hopefuls on Sept.

23 using custom-built Zoom technology that lets participants audition face-to-face with producers and receive real-time feedback.

Tom Watkins, a UAFS history instructor and Westark alumnus, returned to the classroom in 2022 and now teaches future educators using lessons from decades in education (administration and fine arts) to inspire success.

A new report presented Monday urged state legislators to increase state-backed investment in early childhood education programs in Arkansas (highlighting growing funding needs), which may benefit local schools and families.

Three River Valley teachers from Van Buren, Greenwood and Clarksville were selected for the Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship for the 2026-27 school year.

They will receive a $1,500 stipend + training and collaboration opportunities to enhance their teaching skills.

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith is hosting Constitution Week with events focused on voter registration and learning about the U.S. Constitution.

Tuesday’s voter registration drive, Wednesday’s panel discussion, Thursday’s Sweet Taste of Democracy, and Friday’s documentary and pop-up events will take place on campus.

The boat ramps at Lee Creek Reservoir Recreational Area remain closed due to low water levels, although trails and the fishing pier remain open for use (closure affects only boat access).

Fayetteville swept Fort Smith Southside in a 6A-West volleyball match on Tuesday night at Bulldog Arena.