Daily
Fort Smith
Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Hope Campus in Fort Smith unveiled a pavilion that provides extra shelter and hope for unhoused residents—volunteers moved the structure from Hope Park to the campus over four days, with the shelter measuring about 26.5 feet wide and roughly 60 feet long. 5 News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas has seen very few bear attacks, but recent fatal incidents—one on Sept. 3 in Franklin County that claimed Vernon Patton and another in Newton County involving Max Thomas—are the first such attacks reported since 1892. Historical records dating back to the 1850s show that while bear encounters are rare, they have had deadly outcomes in the past. Arkansas Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Emergency managers warn of severe weather hitting Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley and urge residents to plan ahead by knowing their nearest safe room and keeping a 72-hour supply of essentials; authorities advise drivers to exit highways safely and avoid stopping under bridges during storms. 4029 News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A nonprofit report released Thursday found that Arkansas saw a slight drop in adult obesity rates last year even though the state remained one of the top five fattest in the nation. The report shows that even with some improvement, high obesity levels persist in Arkansas. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Arvest Foundation donated $50,000 to Mercy Health Foundation to help build the new Mercy Fort Smith Cancer Center, which broke ground in August and will add 20,000 square feet—doubling the number of oncologists and improving care for local patients. The center is expected to open in 2027 to expand oncology services in the region. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Van Buren edged Fort Smith Southside on Friday at Blakemore field — scoring its lone offensive touchdown with 36 seconds left — and reached a 4-0 start in conference play for the first time since 1996. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ On Friday night, the Rogers Heritage War Eagles defeated Fort Smith Northside 41-40 in overtime at David Gates Stadium—snapping a 22-game 7A-West losing streak after stopping a two-point conversion attempt. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The Razorbacks posted a 2—4 record after firing coach Sam Pittman following a 56—13 loss to Notre Dame—interim coach Bobby Petrino now leads the team. They have struggled with 11 turnovers and face a tough test against No. 4 Texas A&M soon. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
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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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RHCSA Exam Preparation Training
Nov 17-21 — Fort Smith Adult Education Center — $2250 — Enhance your Linux skills and prepare for the RHCSA certification in a comprehensive 5-day course.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Fort Smith
Welcome to the Daily Fort Smith, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Fort Smith, Arkansas community. If you like the Daily Fort Smith, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Fort Smith.
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