Good morning, Fort Smith.

Dr. Kristin Tardif, a professor of organizational leadership at UAFS since 2015, is now the owner of Bookish—a new bookstore in downtown Fort Smith where she uses her teaching and past experience at Nestlé to serve local readers.

She earned advanced degrees in geoscience and organizational leadership and her new venture reflects a blend of education and creative business.

UAFS earned reaccreditation from NASAD for its Studio Art and Graphic Design programs after a thorough review that began in 2024.

The department will soon expand its academic space with the Windgate Expansion — adding new classrooms and collaboration areas—as part of its continued academic success.

Dr. Patti Conard, the Jim L.

Hannah Endowed Professor at UAFS School of Nursing, was named the 2025 Arkansas Nurse of the Year in Education after a competitive statewide review for the March of Dimes award. She said the honor reflects her dedication to teaching and patient care—marking a key milestone in her career as an educator.

Sen. John Boozman met with Alma High School DECA students and supervisors in his Capitol Hill office — discussing how the program prepares student leaders for entrepreneurship and future careers.

The Fort Smith Police Department is teaming with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for a 'Click It or Ticket' seat belt campaign—operating from November 24th to November 30th on our roads to ensure every driver buckles up.

The Fort Smith Police Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on a 'Click It or Ticket' campaign that runs from November 24 to November 30 on Fort Smith roads—officers will enforce seat belt laws to help save lives. The campaign reminds drivers to buckle up on every trip.

Army veteran Zachary Ryan—a senior nursing student at UAFS—said his military care experience will help him when he works in an emergency room or intensive care unit, and he plans to serve veterans through his future role as a nurse.

He noted that scholarships and his background have helped him overcome academic challenges, setting the stage for his new career.

The Pocola Indians scored three first-half touchdowns and held on for an 18-13 win against Fairview in the Class A-I playoffs on Friday night, advancing them to the semifinals — a key round in the tournament.

Monday night, the Van Buren Pointers beat Fort Smith Southside 77-55 at Clair Bates Arena—each quarter saw a minimum of 17 points and four players recorded double-digit scores.

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.