Good morning, Fort Smith.

First Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith donated $15,000 to Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Fort Smith, a grant that will provide more than 6,000 meals over 133 nights this year—supporting families during challenging times.

UAFS has moved the fourth annual Salsa at the Bell Tower event indoors because rain is expected today.

The event—held at the Reynolds Room in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.—will offer free salsa lessons, food, and a kid zone as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Levitt AMP Fort Smith Music Series returns Thursday when headliner The Mexican Standoff—making their Fort Smith debut from Los Angeles—will perform at 7:15 p.m. at Harry E.

Kelley River Park Amphitheater with local act Grupo Sagrado Musical opening at 6 p.m., while free admission is offered and the series continues for five consecutive Thursdays through Oct. 23.

UAFS earned national accolades in the 2026 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings as it jumped to No. 34 in Top Performers on Social Mobility — a sign of progress for many students receiving Pell Grants.

The university also advanced to No. 21 among Regional Colleges South and ranked in the top 10 public schools in the region.

A Legislative Council subcommittee endorsed a proposed $55,000 contract on Monday between the Georgia Center for Opportunity and the Bureau of Legislative Research to study Arkansas’ public assistance and workforce development programs—seeking recommendations for changes.

A street closure at the intersection of North O and N 38th Streets in Fort Smith was approved for utility repairs and upgrades that will last until Oct.22 – the northbound lane stays open for traffic.

Yesterday, the Fort Smith Board of Directors held discussions with Fort Smith Cemeteries about the city taking over four cemeteries containing more than 55,000 graves—aiming to secure a resolution that transfers ownership and outlines detailed startup and operating budgets.

The board deferred final action as debates over budget figures and maintenance plans continued.

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.

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.

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.

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.

DNA Discoveries Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Explore the fascinating world of genetic genealogy in this informative series of classes.

Book Lover's Club

10 AM – 12 PM — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Share your latest reads in a welcoming book community.

Survivors’ Challenge 10K/5K

2-5 p.m. — Reynolds Cancer Support House — Fundraising event — Celebrate 34 years of community support while running for a cause.