Good morning, Fort Smith.

Families in Fort Smith and the River Valley can visit many food banks and pantries for emergency help—each site has set hours, appointment rules and ID requirements.

Options include community centers like Antioch for Youth and Family at 1420 North 32nd St and Arc of the River Valley, with several church-based services available.

UAFS will present John Cariani’s Almost, Maine from November 6th to 8th in Breedlove Auditorium—each evening the show starts at 7 p.m. with tickets costing $10 for the public and free for the UAFS community.

Invest Fort Smith 2025 is a one-day summit for local business owners and community leaders that starts at 9:30 a.m. on Nov.

13 in The Bakery District—registration is free and required, and the event will offer panels, networking sessions, and business resources to boost the city’s economy.

The 2025 Fort Smith International Film Festival drew record crowds—1,083 guests, $260K in economic impact, and 689 filled hotel room nights—across local venues while showcasing 160 films from over 30 countries.

Executive Director Brandon Chase Goldsmith was honored with a key to the city and a Citation from the Arkansas House as the event celebrated both global and regional talent.

A Fort Smith production company will perform a Rocky Horror Picture Show shadowcast at Neumeier's Whippoorwill Restaurant downtown this Halloween weekend to mark the film's 50th anniversary + tickets cost $20 with optional prop bags for an added $5.

UAFS installed new robotics and automation systems in its Advanced Manufacturing Lab funded by over $5.7 million in grant funds.

The upgrade gives students hands-on experience with automated assembly systems + collaborative robot trainers and the school will add more advanced Industry 4.0 tools soon.

The city approved a street closure at 5650 Phoenix Avenue, which will be in effect from Oct.

31 through Nov. 3 for a new drive in installation at the facility. Residents are advised to plan alternate routes during the closure — officials stressed that the change aims to accommodate upcoming work.

Class of 2026 receiver Robert Haynes IV reopened his recruitment by choosing Arkansas over offers from Louisville, Pittsburgh, UNLV, and Tulsa after former coach Sam Pittman was fired—making him the 11th recruit to change his decision and bringing the total commitments to 13.

UAFS women’s basketball will tip off its season on Thursday when the Lions travel to Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville to face Arkansas at 6:30 p.m. + free admission is offered.

The school’s golf teams posted strong results at the Tulsa Cup with Sam Sewell tying for fifth in the men’s event and the women’s team finishing fifth + upcoming tournaments are scheduled in Houston and Spring.

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.

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.

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.

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.