Good morning, Fort Smith.

In Van Buren, the Crawford County Young Makers Market will let kids learn to run businesses at 9 a.m. on October 11 — the event is designed to boost essential business and people skills.

The Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus cardiac sonography program at the ACHE Research Institute in Fort Smith has upgraded its training equipment through the HIRED grant in partnership with Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, Fort Smith Public Schools, and Peak Innovation Center—providing better hands-on training with new GE E95 machines, a Philips EPIQ machine, an echocardiography simulator, and five electric beds.

The federal government shutdown began Wednesday after lawmakers could not agree on a spending plan, sending about 14,200 federal workers home without pay.

Some services remain open—mail delivery, Social Security payments and VA healthcare—while TSA hiring and training pauses may cause delays.

During the government shutdown, U.S. Rep. Steve Womack from Arkansas has worked all week from his Capitol Hill office—his calendar shows no scheduled legislative business.

The University of Arkansas — Fort Smith Dental Hygiene program is running Tooth Tip Tuesdays on Facebook and Instagram from October 7 to October 28 to celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month by sharing oral health tips.

People who interact with the posts will have a chance to win prizes such as an Opalescence Whitening Kit or an Oral-B Electric Toothbrush.

The Fort Smith Mavericks beat FS Northside 27-7 on August 29 at Jim Rowland Stadium in a game that highlighted strong offensive line play.

Today the team will host Lake Hamilton — a matchup that is expected to boost local excitement.

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.