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Wednesday, December 17th, 2025

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Good morning, Fort Smith. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.

CULTURE NEWS

  • Arkansas PBS will rebrand as Arkansas TV after federal funding was cut in July — the final day for PBS content is set for June 30, 2026. Executive director Carlton Wing said the network will offer the same programs with a sharper focus on local content.  5 News

EDUCATION NEWS

  • A ServSafe Certified Food Manager Course is scheduled for Jan. 12 at 9 a.m. at the Franklin County Extension Office (300 Airport Road, Ozark) for residents of Franklin and Sebastian counties. Registration and pre-payment by Jan. 6 secure the $140 rate for new managers and $60 for recertification.  River Valley Democrat-Gazette

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • City directors delayed decisions on a lease for Parrot Island Waterpark and a contract renewal with American Resort Management until January as both items were removed from Tuesday night’s meeting for further review under the $100,000 ordinance. The proposals will be revisited during a January study session.  River Valley Democrat-Gazette

HEALTH NEWS

  • Health inspections in Fort Smith found violations at several food establishments. Children's Paradise Daycare had dead flies on a refrigerator shelf and other sites showed issues with food labeling and temperature controls, which management addressed to reduce foodborne illness risks.  River Valley Democrat-Gazette

SPORTS NEWS

  • UAFS men’s basketball extended its unbeaten run to 9-0 Tuesday with a 79-65 win over Midwestern State in San Antonio during the opening of the River City Holiday Classic.  River Valley Democrat-Gazette

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Fri, 12/19/25

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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.

    Mon, 12/29/25

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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.

    Tue, 12/30/25

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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.

    Thu, 1/8/26

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  • STEAM Team: Snowflakes Workshop

    3:30-5:00 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Explore science and art by creating snowflake designs with marshmallows and toothpicks.

    Mon, 1/12/26

    View event
  • Growing Little Readers: Everyday Literacy for Every Family

    5:30-7 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Discover practical tools to foster children's literacy and love for reading through everyday activities.

    Tue, 1/13/26

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  • Open Mic Night

    5:30-7:30 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library — Free entry — A casual evening for poets and musicians to showcase their talent or enjoy performances.

    Thu, 1/15/26

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  • Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles

    8:30-9:30 p.m. — United States Marshals Museum — Ticketed event — Experience the timeless music of The Beatles performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

    Fri, 1/16/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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Welcome to the Daily Fort Smith, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Fort Smith, Arkansas community. If you like the Daily Fort Smith, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Fort Smith.

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