Daily
Fort Smith
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The River Valley will host a busy weekend of live music, haunted attractions and fall festivities from October 10 to 12—featuring sports events in Fort Smith and community gatherings in Barling, Ozark and Van Buren—as locals prepare for a range of family-friendly events. 5 News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Harps Food Stores opened its new 39000 square foot store at Chaffee Crossing on Oct. 8 at 6400 Veterans Ave, giving Fort Smith residents more choices for fresh produce, organic selections and other grocery items. CEO Kim Eskew, who started his Harps career in 1982 and celebrated his birthday with his Harps family, said the opening marks a return home for the business — which now offers curbside pickup and home delivery. Southwest Times Record
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas’ Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadowcast will mark 50 years of the cult classic with performances starting at 11:55 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at the Whippoorwill Restaurant in downtown Fort Smith—audiences will be encouraged to dress in costume and can buy prop bags for $5 at the door. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A report released Oct 8 by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture shows that Arkansas row crop farmers will lose money this year because low prices and high costs lead to per-acre losses of $273.71 for corn, $352.75 for cotton, $258.84 for long grain rice, and $85.02 for soybeans—marking the third straight year of losses. Southwest Times Record
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Fort Smith Public Schools is studying ways to change Carnall and Spradling Elementary to match student numbers with school capacity—parents and staff are sharing their thoughts in public meetings. The district will present feedback to the board by December, and if rightsizing moves forward, teachers and staff will be reassigned. 5 News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Game and Fish spokesman Keith Stephens said two backpackers in north Franklin County encountered a black bear near White Rock Mountain over the weekend but the animal did not attack them — the hikers yelled and threw rocks to scare it away. Officials said social media reports exaggerated the event while tests continue from a recent fatal bear incident in the area. Arkansas Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The River Valley will receive over $1 million in federal funds for transportation alternatives and recreational trails—supporting safer sidewalks in Mulberry and the University of the Ozarks, walking trail improvements in Fort Smith, and off-road connector trails in Pope County. The Arkansas Department of Transportation announced the reimbursement grants will cover 80% of project costs with a 20% local match. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas football will travel to Tennessee on Saturday at 3:15 p.m. CT at Neyland Stadium—this game marks interim coach Bobby Petrino’s debut with new staff as the Razorbacks try to rebound after their recent loss, and experts predict Tennessee will secure a narrow win. Southwest Times Record
- ➤ On Tuesday, the UAFS volleyball team swept in-state foe Arkansas-Monticello 25 to 17, 25 to 15, and 25 to 19 in nonconference play in Monticello—Lydia Pitts drove the win with key plays. Later, JD Frederiksen tied for eighth at the Holiday Inn Express Invitational and the Lions will next compete in the MSSU Fall Invitational on Oct. 20 and 21 at Shangri La Resort. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Kaia Larsen Book Signing: Superhero Sister
4-6 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library — Cash preferred — Discover the art of manifestation with local author and photojournalist Kaia Larsen at her book signing event.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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