Daily
Fort Smith
Monday, October 20th, 2025
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 20th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Fort Smith nonprofit Community Services Clearinghouse runs a Meals for Kids Backpack Program that gives 2,300 students groceries every Friday and Executive Director Tami Kuhns warned that if the shutdown continues, more families will ask for help — which may force the organization to find new funds as they head into the holiday season. 5 News
- ➤ Baptist Health-Fort Smith and community partners will host a free, family-friendly Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the northwest employee parking lot on the corner of Towson Avenue and G Street next to the hospital—staff will set up decorated trunks and provide treats and games while Encompass Health will supply hot dogs and chips as supplies last. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Fort Smith student Calen Long was picked as one of 25 new members of UA Little Rock's Donaghey Scholars Honors Program for the 2025-26 school year. The program covers tuition, fees, a stipend, study abroad help, housing support, and a laptop — a benefit for top scholars. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ Representatives from UAFS will visit UACCM on Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to offer a free lunch and share transfer options— including details on a new $9K tuition waiver for eligible students as part of their Transfer with Pride road show. Southwest Times Record
- ➤ Rajaa Kaddoura from Fort Smith was chosen to join the 39th class of Sturgis Fellows at the University of Arkansas this fall, where she will study biology to become a doctor. The fellowship (which awards $80,000 over four years for tuition and academic expenses) honors her strong record at Southside High School and in local research. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Sunday, Arkansas State Police launched a statewide distracted driving campaign called 'Put the Phone Away or Pay' to remind drivers of the deadly dangers as distracted driving killed 3,275 people in 2023. The campaign will run until Saturday, Oct. 25—officials said it aims to lower risky driving. 4029 News
- ➤ Sebastian County justices of the peace will consider an ordinance Tuesday that would lease Parrot Island Waterpark to Fort Smith for $1 — transferring management authority and responsibilities to the city. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 5NEWS and Yarnell's Ice Cream have partnered to showcase the best high school football plays from local teams in Week Seven. Nominees include Jeff Regan's touchdown run from Rogers, Darren Mays' pick six from Van Buren, Korbin Price's blocked field goal from Lincoln and Cameron Bedwell's touchdown run from Gravette—voting will close Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 3 p.m. with a $200 donation going to the winning school's booster club. 5 News
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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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