Good morning, Fort Smith.

The Fort Smith Fall Festival is taking place downtown today with a full schedule of free activities including food trucks, a harvest market, a kids zone, live music, and trolley rides—activities at the Fort Smith National Historic Site have been canceled due to the federal government shutdown.

Sebastian County officials in Fort Smith proposed a new pay policy to standardize and raise employee pay—however, the measure did not get enough support at the recent Quorum Court meeting.

They will work to address budget concerns and explore details for a future proposal.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $11.7 million contract extension—giving Houston-based Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company the job to dredge the McKlellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System.

The company will work on sections in Arkansas and Oklahoma and is expected to complete the maintenance by year’s end.

A state Senate memo shows that more than 86,000 River Valley residents will be without representation until next June because the special election to replace late Sen. Stubblefield is delayed—about three months longer than normal.

Ethan Westerman and Anthony Kristensen argued against expanding the NCAA Tournament to a 76-team field — they also discussed the Arkansas men’s basketball team and reported on John Calipari’s press conference before Friday’s 'Primetime at the Palace' event.

Fort Smith Southside defeated Lake Hamilton in a home game Friday night—after playing its last game 35 days ago on a 1,020-mile road trip from Jim Rowland Stadium.

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.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Systems Admin I Training

Nov 3-7 — Fort Smith Adult Education Center — $2250 — Gain essential skills in Linux system administration through hands-on labs and expert instruction.