Good morning, Fort Smith.

River Valley residents can honor Dolly Parton’s legacy on Friday, Sept.

25 with the inaugural Give Like Dolly Day, a fundraiser to support the local Imagination Library program + help children get free monthly books as United Way of Fort Smith Area joins a statewide challenge to raise $925.

A former Army Ranger will run a 45-mile ultramarathon through Fort Smith on Oct.

30 to raise funds for a documentary honoring Brig. Gen. William O. Darby—a local military leader who founded the U.S. Army Rangers. Supporters nationwide can donate $45 or more to help meet a $65,000 goal.

UAFS Admissions hosted its largest event on Friday, welcoming 106 high school counselors and school partners from 44 high schools and five community colleges for presentations on academic and financial aid options.

Counselors could also nominate a student for a one-time ($750) scholarship for future enrollment.

Institute for the Creative Arts High School earned an A for both its school and district in 2025-26, a turnaround from an F last year that marked one of the largest in Arkansas.

School leaders credit focused tutoring and improved student growth, though math scores still lag behind state averages.

Fort Smith Public Schools improved their overall letter grade from a C to a B for the 2026 school year — nine campuses earned higher marks and Gem School honors and three will receive over $125,000 in awards, officials said.

UAFS cross country teams earned top-10 finishes at the MSSU Stampede in Joplin, Mo, with several runners setting personal bests; the volleyball team secured its first MIAA win with a 25-16, 25-16, 28-26 victory at the Stubblefield Center in Fort Smith and will host Northeastern State Tuesday at 6 p.m.