Your trusted source for local Fort Smith, AR news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Sallisaw Public School District investigates an undisclosed incident involving minors that occurred during recess, according to Superintendent Steve Barrett. The district is determining the severity and cause of the incident while adhering to appropriate protocols. Decisions regarding long-term suspensions will follow the completion of the investigation.
Fort Smith city leaders traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for local water and sewer projects, focusing on the financial burden of a consent decree on residents. They met with Arkansas lawmakers and agency officials to discuss military missions and economic development opportunities. The trip aimed to highlight regional needs, although a scheduled meeting with the Trump administration was canceled due to a federal government shutdown.
The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is renowned as "America's Most Haunted Hotel." Visitors report ghost sightings and strange occurrences, while archaeological discoveries link the site to Dr. Norman Baker, a notorious figure from the 1930s. The hotel continues to operate, offering ghost tours and paranormal activities.
Arkansas property tax payments are due by October 15, 2025. Residents can pay online, in person at various county offices, or by mail. Payments must be postmarked by the deadline to avoid penalties.
Fort Smith Police seek assistance in locating missing teenager Xander Scoggins, last seen near the Fort Smith riverfront or Casey's gas station. The 14-year-old is described as 5'7" and weighing around 130 pounds, wearing a grey hoodie and black pants. Anyone with information should contact the Fort Smith Police Department.
The University of Arkansas is displaying Ten Commandments posters in classrooms, following a new state law mandating their presence in public schools and universities. The initiative has sparked debate over the separation of church and state, with critics arguing the law is unconstitutional.
Texas A&M's Mario Craver leads the SEC in receiving yards with 634 as the Aggies prepare to face Arkansas this weekend. Interim coach Bobby Petrino emphasized the need to contain Craver, who combines speed with a significant impact on the field. The matchup marks a rare home game for Arkansas against Texas A&M, and they aim to improve their recent record in the series.
Fayetteville City Council will hold a special election in March 2026 for voters to decide on extending a 1% sales tax to fund various city improvement projects. The ballot includes nine questions, with the first focusing on renewing the sales tax for upgrades to critical infrastructure.
A wreck on Interstate 49 in Fayetteville caused traffic to back up for over a mile, affecting vehicles as far north as Johnson. Emergency responders closed all but one lane near the Garland Ave. onramp, prompting drivers to consider U.S. 71-B as an alternate route.
The Arkansas Attorney General's Office seeks to dismiss a lawsuit against Governor Sarah Sanders for delaying a special election to fill a vacant Senate seat until June 2026. The lawsuit claims this decision deprives over 80,000 residents of representation, while the state argues the governor has the authority to postpone elections based on her discretion.