Good morning, Fort Smith.

New Skyline Report data showed that commercial property vacancy rates in Northwest Arkansas increased to 7.2% in the first half of 2025—warehouse vacancies rose to 10.4% while retail and office spaces also saw gains.

The report noted that commercial building permits increased 41% to $276.0 million as non-Walmart development expanded significantly.

An Arkansas legislative subcommittee approved a $4M contract increase for ClassWallet — the vendor managing the state’s Educational Freedom Accounts — to add real-time oversight features to the original $8M deal set to end November 30th.

Acting Maritime Administrator Sang Yi toured Arkansas with Rep. Womack today—reflecting on his immigrant roots and warning that America's shipbuilding industry is in decline.

North 7th between N A and N B Streets will be closed Oct 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.—the closure is set for the United Way Kick Off Lunch.

The Interstate 540 bridge over the Arkansas River will have its northbound outside lane closed from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday for routine maintenance—DOT officials say digital signs and detours will guide motorists.

Greenwood—holding a 71-game home win streak—will host Shiloh Christian on Friday night in a key 6A-West Conference contest; the Bulldogs enter with a 3-0 record while the Saints, 2-1, aim to notch their first win against Greenwood since 2010.

Greenwood is set to host Shiloh Christian in the 6A-West conference opener on Friday—one of three key matchups in larger classifications that also include games with Bryant and Bentonville.

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.

Arts On Main — Scare & Share

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Arts On Main — Free entry — Dress up in your Halloween costume for candy and stickers in a festive atmosphere.