Good morning, Fort Smith.

The Fort Smith Trolley Museum announced that Saturday's Holly Jolly Trolley event will offer free trolley rides and a model railroad for viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Organizers said they dropped plans to charge for rides—keeping the focus on the antique trolleys—and are calling for volunteers to assist at the museum.

Van Buren hosts its yearly Arts on Main banner project that displays banners with local art to brighten the historic downtown—sponsored by local businesses and running each year from January until Memorial Day.

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith received a $50,000 grant to build a microbiology program—providing shared lab startup support for two new assistant professors and expanding hands-on research opportunities for undergraduates.

The funding, awarded through Arkansas INBRE, will boost the school’s biomedical research and help students gain real lab experience.

The UAFS Windgate Art & Design Building expansion reached a milestone this fall as its exterior was completed and a new public entrance opened on Nov 28 — marking a fresh gateway for the campus.

Clark Contractors will now work on finishing the interior — with phased openings planned through the coming year and a grand opening set for the fall.

A weather delay pushed the departure of about 100 Arkansas Army National Guardsmen from Fort Chaffee to today as they prepare to assist law enforcement in Washington, D.C., following a send-off ceremony on Dec.

1 + officials noted the troops all volunteered quickly for the mission.

Bryant 4-star linebacker Jakore Smith committed to Arkansas football and head coach Ryan Silverfield on Monday, recording 60 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns.

ESPN rated him as the nation’s No. 9 inside linebacker—he reopened his recruitment after once leaning toward Oklahoma.

Ashton Dawson, a 3-star fullback recruit who had committed to Arkansas since June, reopened his recruiting after speaking with new Razorback coach Ryan Silverfield — Dawson is 6-2 and 286 pounds and chose Arkansas over offers from Florida State and Troy as the Razorbacks now have 15 commitments for the 2026 class.

University of Arkansas hired football coach Ryan Silverfield who built strong recruiting classes at Memphis—he will now work to boost the Arkansas team using his proven skills.

Cross County defensive lineman Danny Beale, a 4-star recruit (rated as the nation's No.108 overall), committed to Arkansas football on Monday after Ryan Silverfield was named the Razorbacks' new coach.

He reopened his recruitment after Oklahoma State’s head coach was fired and received scholarship offers from several top programs.

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.

$5 Movie Night at King Opera House

12-2 p.m. — King Opera House — $5 entry — Enjoy a budget-friendly movie screening in a historic venue.

Wiggle Worms Storytime

10-11 a.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Enjoy rhymes, songs, and stories in a delightful interactive storytime for babies and caregivers.