Your trusted source for local Fort Smith, AR news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Prairie Grove will host a fundraiser on Saturday to support three sisters who lost their parents in a tragic incident at Devil’s Den State Park. The event will feature live music, free food, and auctions, with all proceeds going directly to the Brink family. Mayor David Faulk emphasized the community's strong support for the family during this difficult time.
A jury convicted Jason Lawson of first-degree murder and evidence tampering in Fayetteville. Lawson's charges stemmed from the death of his roommate, Benjamin Martin, following a heated argument. Sentencing will commence Friday morning.
Rogers, Arkansas, has updated its code enforcement policy, requiring property owners to address "unsanitary" and "unsightly" violations within seven days or face fines. This hands-on approach aims to improve community cleanliness and safety, with a $200 penalty for non-compliance.
A second Hackett student, a 14-year-old, has been arrested for making shooting threats against Hackett High School. The incident, which involved a mass shooting threat posted in a student group chat, prompted increased law enforcement presence at the school. Authorities stated there is currently no credible evidence indicating the student intended to carry out the threat.
The Department of the Air Force seeks public input on the environmental impacts from expanding the F-35 pilot training center at Ebbing Air National Guard Base. The comment period runs from August 8 to September 24, with virtual and in-person hearings scheduled for September 4 and September 9. Residents can access the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement at local libraries.
The Powerball jackpot soared to $1.7 billion after no winners emerged from Wednesday's drawing, marking the third-largest prize in the game's history. Increased ticket sales at local retailers like White Oak Station indicate heightened public interest, with many players waiting for jackpots to reach a billion before purchasing tickets.
A bear attacked a man in his 70s while he repaired a tractor in Franklin County, Arkansas. His son witnessed the incident and called for help, leading to the man's hospitalization. Game wardens killed the bear, marking the first bear attack on a human in 25 years.
An Arkansas woman, Crystal Osborn, pleaded guilty to public intoxication after using her friend's name during an arrest. Osborn faces additional charges of forgery and identity fraud after failing to meet probation requirements, leading to a warrant for her friend’s arrest. The friend later cleared her name by reporting the incident to police.
A man died while in the custody of the Fort Smith Police Department after officers found him unresponsive in a patrol vehicle. Christopher Cody Burns, 41, had been involved in a crash and caused a disturbance at a nearby church before police took him to the Sebastian County Detention Center. Arkansas State Police are investigating the incident.
Bentonville plans to complete a new recreation center for residents aged 50 and older by mid-2026. The $23 million facility will feature a lounge, fitness center, and group classes, funded primarily through a grant from the Walton Family Foundation. Monthly fees will be $15 for Bentonville residents and $19 for non-residents.