Good morning, Fort Smith.

UAFS volunteers delivered 194 food boxes to students and employees on Thursday at the Stubblefield Center parking lot as part of a drive organized by the Dave Stevens Lion Pride Pantry, the River Valley Regional Food Bank, and the UAFS Foundation amid rising need and uncertainty about SNAP benefits—Chancellor Terisa Riley and other staff joined the effort. The UAFS community will continue to have access to weekly meal sacks and will host a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway later this month.

Fort Smith Little Theatre will close its 2025 season with the comedy 'Exit Laughing' showing November 13—22.

The theatre announced its 2026 season with new shows like Agatha Christie’s mystery and The Addams Family musical.

Local filmmaker Gavin Webb from Alma is producing a 10-part ghost story series called Haunted Arkansas that will debut on Amazon Prime this fall—filming at sites from Fort Smith’s Clayton House to rarely explored historic locations.

He said building trust with property owners has been key to gaining access—this series will bring fresh paranormal stories to viewers across the state.

Fort Smith’s hole-in-the-wall bars, like Lost Beach and Suzie Q’s, offer loyal locals cold beer, karaoke and live music—each spot has a long history and a welcoming feel that makes customers feel like family.

These hidden gems continue to thrive by keeping a simple, friendly atmosphere that draws regulars from around town.

A revamped report card website went live Thursday morning — showing school district letter grades for the first time — that helps families search for school and district report cards.

The site provides clear grade explanations and a search tool, and state officials will use the new data to shape support measures.

Arkansas Tech University earned a national award for keeping its campus safe for the sixth year in a row — Arkansas Colleges of Health Education in Fort Smith also received the honor and are the only two schools in Arkansas to get it in 2025.

Governor Sanders announced the Arkansas Plate Initiative to connect local producers with schools and supply students with meals made from Arkansas-grown ingredients—boosting nutrition and supporting local agriculture.

The program will pilot in five districts during the 2025-2026 school year—starting in January, schools will serve one meal per month while collecting feedback to shape future efforts.

During Wednesday's SEC coaches webinar, Arkansas interim coach Bobby Petrino said the football office sent play footage to the league after the 38-35 loss to Mississippi State and avoided commenting on the controversial officiating.

He added that quarterback Taylen Green practiced Tuesday and is expected to return by the Nov. 15 game along with other players who missed last Saturday.

Fort Smith Southside coach Kim Dameron praised the offensive senior trio—wide receivers Peyton Zimmerman, Wilson Key and quarterback Blake Forsgren—for their versatile play that boosted the Mavericks in a recent game at Quigley Stadium.

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.

Christmas Honors Wreath-Laying Event

8 a.m. - 11 a.m. — Fort Smith Convention Center — Free entry — Participate in a heartfelt wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the holiday season.

Hearts of Gold Classic 5K Run/Walk for Project Compassion

3-5 p.m. — Ben Geren Regional Park — Registration details available — Participate in a festive holiday run to support Project Compassion.