Daily
Fort Smith
Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Thousands of wreaths at Fort Smith National Cemetery have blown over, and volunteers are needed to fix them (522 Garland Ave and South 6th Street) before funeral services at 10 a.m. today. 4029 News
- ➤ Friends of the Library is hosting a vintage book sale at the local library where community members can browse pre-loved books & rare finds; further details on timing and pricing will be shared soon. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
- ➤ River Valley holiday events will run December 12-14 with live music at Majestic, art displays at the Art Museum, ice skating at Freedom Park and festive gatherings in Van Buren and Paris. Family and adult activities include film nights, parades and more, with ticket prices ranging from $5 to $37. 5 News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith announced its 2026 Homecoming schedule for Feb. 23–28 with events including a free pickleball tournament, a community Tipoff with live music and fireworks, an alumni brunch, a tailgate, and basketball games on campus in Fort Smith. University of Arkansas Fort Smith
- ➤ Erika Johnson, a first-generation student at UAFS, asked for help to succeed in college and now serves as SGA Vice President and Communications Director for Cub Camp 2026 — a role that inspires her pursuit of a master’s degree in environmental conservation. University of Arkansas Fort Smith
- ➤ Five UAFS students were awarded Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship Grants by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education on Dec. 10, setting a record for the university and receiving $2,750 each to support a range of STEM and non-STEM research projects + boosting their career skills. University of Arkansas Fort Smith
- ➤ UAFS senior Seth Fields, who survived supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in high school, will graduate this fall from the Stubblefield Center and plans to attend med school in July after volunteering at the Good Samaritan Clinic and scoring above-average on the MCAT. University of Arkansas Fort Smith
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Fort Smith Board of Directors is debating if the city should assume responsibility for three cemeteries (Forest Park, Roselawn and Holy Cross) managed by Fort Smith Cemeteries Inc. as low funds may force gate closures and a court-ordered receivership. Southwest Times Record
- ➤ Fort Smith's Board of Directors will vote next Tuesday on whether to accept Sebastian County's offer+renew a contract with American Resort Management for Parrot Island Waterpark. The decision may change how the attraction is managed for local visitors. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ After nearly a year in the hospital, a Fort Smith couple will celebrate a quiet Christmas at home with their micro-preemie daughter Harlow on Christmas Day. They already have matching pajamas and plan to enjoy local lights and a train ride at the park. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Arkansas football coach Ryan Silverfield is expected to add Deron Wilson as secondary coach. Wilson, who worked under Sam Pittman and with the Gators last season+ CBS Sports reported that the hire is not yet official. River Valley Democrat-Gazette
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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.
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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.
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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.
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$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.
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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.
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Children's Storytime
10-11 a.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, and puppetry in a delightful weekly gathering for kids and caregivers.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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