Daily
Fort Smith
Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of October.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Dunkin’ launched a limited-time Halloween menu on Oct 15 that features a new Candy Bar Signature Latte and returning treats—the Spider Donut and Halloween Munchkins Bucket—available at the Fort Smith Dunkin’ inside JAM Mart at 7401 Phoenix Avenue. Southwest Times Record
- ➤ Raising Cane's at 7501 Rogers Avenue in Fort Smith is offering a limited-edition glow-in-the-dark specialty cup until Halloween—customers who purchase a combo or 32-ounce beverage will access a haunted virtual reality experience via a QR code printed on the cup. Southwest Times Record
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ghouls on Garrison returns to downtown Fort Smith on Oct. 31 from 5—8 p.m. to offer free trick-or-treating and family fun — a digital map of local businesses will be available from Oct. 27 to help visitors plan their route. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The South Sebastian County Historical Society met Monday night in Greenwood to plan a Halloween special on Arkansas CW and share stories about ghosts — and local pecan traditions. The meeting outlined upcoming events to highlight the area's history. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith will host its 22nd annual Haunted University on Oct.25 from 6 to 9 p.m. in and around the Campus Center. The free event will feature a haunted house, Trunk or Treat, carnival games, a kids zone, and a movie screening of Monsters University. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A new center at UAFS — launched with a $7.5 million gift — is giving students real-world nonprofit experience and helping over 1,200 local organizations build strength, while Director Emily Treadaway meets weekly with community leaders to plan future grants and training programs. 5 News
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ A Garland County man claimed his $1.338 million LOTTO prize from the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery Claim Center after winning on Oct. 15 at a Casey’s in Fort Smith—he said he will invest his winnings in his retirement. 5 News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The ongoing government shutdown has left 8,500 Arkansas National Guard members without pay and facing financial hardships as they await checks for October drills—this delay puts pressure on members trying to cover bills and childcare costs. The Arkansas National Guard Foundation advised members to negotiate with bill collectors until Congress provides a solution. 4029 News
- ➤ Ambulance services face a funding crisis as CMS halted Medicare claims during the shutdown—leaving rural areas like Crawford County at risk—and providers warn that without these funds, staffing and surge coverage could be cut while they urge Congress to reinstate payments. 5 News
- ➤ A street closure has been approved near North O and N 38th Streets in Fort Smith—this work on utility repairs and upgrades will run through Oct. 27 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. City of Fort Smith
- ➤ On Friday, Arkansas lawmakers passed a resolution to urge federal leaders to provide targeted farm aid. They warned that rising production costs and low prices risk forcing many farmers out of business, and Governor Sanders has petitioned the USDA for help—underscoring the urgency of the crisis. Arkansas Times
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Wilson Cruz-Leal, a family medicine physician at Baptist Health La Clinica del Pueblo, received the Latino Trailblazer Award on Oct 10 at the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville for his work to improve healthcare access and outcomes for the Latino community using his expertise to overcome language barriers. The award honored his 10+ years of leadership and service in the River Valley. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Fort Smith Northside's running back Warren Bijou had a historic performance Friday when he rushed for 374 yards and five touchdowns + breaking school and conference records in a 41-40 loss to Rogers Heritage. 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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Book Lover's Club
10 AM – 12 PM — Fort Smith Public Library — Free entry — Discuss your latest reads in a community of fellow book enthusiasts.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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