Good morning, Fort Smith.

An American flag traveling to every state, territory and U.S. cemetery overseas will be on display today from 8-8:45 a.m. at Fort Smith National Cemetery as part of the Stars and Stripes Sojourn 250 campaign, with UAFS professor Tom Wing and local officials highlighting the city’s military history.

The University of Arkansas Fort Smith opened a new public entrance to its Windgate Art & Design Building on Nov.

28 as part of a 19,000 sqft expansion. Interior finishes will continue in phases throughout 2025 as the university prepares for upcoming public events.

Students at Barling Elementary School, board members and Clark Contractors representatives broke ground on a new $3.3 million playground on Dec.

3, with officials estimating the first playground will be built between 4 and 6 weeks.

Fort Smith’s Board approved the Parks Department’s $22 million, 5-year plan to improve local parks — the initiative will fund various projects across the city over the coming years.

Greenwood quarterback Kane Archer signed a national letter of intent with Utah on Wednesday at H.B.

Stewart Arena — his parents were on hand as he made his decision after one recruiting visit.

Arkansas football signed cornerback Brandon Ford and receiver Jude Hall Wednesday after they flipped their pledges from Memphis to join the Razorbacks.

Both players received multiple scholarship offers and joined a class with 15 other prospects during the early signing period.

Nate Allen, a longtime sports reporter who covered the Razorbacks for 52 years, died Wednesday at 75 in Fayetteville from pneumonia & cancer complications, and his funeral is set for Dec.

15 at 2 p.m. at Moore's Chapel Funeral Home.

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.