Good morning, Fort Smith.

On November 20, University of Arkansas Fort Smith distributed over 150 Thanksgiving meals to students and employees—each meal included a whole turkey or ham and sides.

The Dave Stevens Lion Pride Pantry coordinated the event after previously giving out 194 emergency food boxes in response to rising SNAP concerns.

The Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau will hold a ribbon cutting and grand opening of the new Visitor Center at 11 a.m. Dec.

9 at 524 Garrison Ave., Suite 21—city and tourism leaders will offer remarks and an open house will run from noon to 1 p.m.

Dr. Rachel Lehman of the math department at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith was named teacher of the year by the Arkansas Council of Teachers of Mathematics on November 18th for her creative teaching and strong leadership.

The first-generation graduate from Van Buren uses hands-on lessons and hybrid instruction to help her students succeed.

Arkansas duck season opens with lower water levels and warm weather that may keep duck numbers low + a new pintail bag limit allows hunters to take more birds as part of a study.

Trey Reid from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said ongoing habitat work, including updates at Green Tree Reservoirs, is part of a long-term plan to support waterfowl success.

Arkansas has put new work rules in place for SNAP recipients so that adults aged 18 to 64 must now work, train or volunteer, and the state has limited a standard utility allowance to those aged 60 and older.

The update ends exemptions for parents with young kids, homeless individuals, veterans and former foster youth under 24 — local food banks expect more need until a permanent rule is announced.

Arkansas farmers who received federal aid did not have to pay state income taxes starting Jan.

1 under Act 696 of 2025—state officials say the exemption helps farmers facing high costs and low crop prices. The measure is part of the American Relief Act that provided emergency funds to support farmers and livestock producers impacted by recent challenges.

Fort Smith Southside volleyball coach Natalie Throneberry + fellow coaches are competing in today's Arkansas Volleyball Coaches Association All-Star Game in Greenbrier to fill a gap in the sport statewide.

Players from across the state will showcase their skills during the game.

Greenwood overcame a second-quarter deficit by scoring 18 straight points on three possessions + the Bulldogs secured a 59-21 win over Jonesboro in the 6A playoffs yesterday.

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.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux Systems Administrator II Training

Dec 8-11 — Fort Smith Adult Education Center — $1890 — Enhance your Linux skills with this hands-on, expert-led training course.

Velcro Pygmies Live Performance

7:30 PM - 1:30 AM — Majestic Fort Smith — Ticket prices vary — Experience a nostalgic musical journey with the World Famous Velcro Pygmies.

An Evening with Jane Austen

6:30-11 p.m. — Bonneville House — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate Jane Austen's 250th birthday with a Regency dinner, wine tasting, and dance lessons.

Candlelight Christmas Concert

6:30-8:30 p.m. — United States Marshals Museum — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Christmas Carols performed by strings under candlelight.