Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The truth is found when people are free to pursue it.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Fort Smith
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Fort Smith and across Arkansas. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Fort Smith
A free Fort Smith community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyfortsmith.com/sitemap