Your trusted source for local Fort Smith, AR news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Traffic on Interstate 49 southbound in Rogers came to a halt Thursday afternoon due to a wreck at mile marker 79.4. Emergency responders cleared the scene by 5:15 p.m., but no details on vehicles or injuries were immediately available.
Crews rescued a woman trapped under a train on a bridge in Vian, Oklahoma, Tuesday. Firefighters, police, and EMS crawled under the train to reach her, and she declined medical treatment despite being pinned 40 feet above the ground. Officials remain unsure how she became stuck.
A fireworks accident in Farmington destroyed a car on Tuesday, with no injuries reported. Lt. Justin Collins urged adults to supervise children during fireworks use and advised against igniting them near vehicles or flammable materials.
Parrot Island Waterpark in Fort Smith will host the World’s Largest Swim Lesson on June 26, offering free water safety lessons to children ages 3-17 and their parents. The event aims to reduce drowning incidents, which are the second leading cause of injury-related death among children, by equipping families with essential skills. Organizers expect over 40,000 participants across 19 countries to join the global initiative.
Regional gas prices in the Gulf Coast rose slightly to an average of $2.74 per gallon, marking a 2-cent increase from last week. This price is approximately 12.9% lower than the national average of $3.14 per gallon. Last year, the average price in the region was 11% higher at $3.09 per gallon.
Fort Smith's Peak Innovation Center will host its inaugural "Kids Construction Camp" on June 23 for students entering grades 4-6. The camp, sponsored by local organizations, aims to introduce children to skilled trades through hands-on activities like building derby racetracks. Winning students will take home their creations, fostering interest in construction careers.
The median home price in Sebastian County rose to $299,000 in May, reflecting a 2.5% increase from the previous year. Homes listed in the county took a median of 56 days to sell, matching the previous month’s timeframe.
Adou Thiero stands as the lone Arkansas Razorback likely to be drafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, which begins Wednesday in Brooklyn, N.Y. Thiero's projected draft positions vary, with some analysts placing him in the first round, while others anticipate a second-round selection. His performance and shooting skills will be critical in determining his future in the league.
Arkansas Lottery announced the winning numbers for various draw games on June 22, 2025, including Cash 3, Cash 4, and Lucky For Life. Players can purchase tickets in person or online through the Jackpocket app, which operates in several states. The lottery continues to attract attention with daily and weekly drawings.
Fort Smith Police Capt. Wes Milam resigned after 22 years to become the city's director of public safety communications, starting June 23. Milam, who holds a Doctorate in Public Administration, has extensive experience in various police roles and will oversee the new River Valley Communications Center. His leadership is expected to enhance public safety coordination across the region.