News across Greater Fort Smith

Fort Smith Metro News Briefs: Coca-Cola money, Arvest donates to UAFS healthcare program
Following are news brief items from the Fort Smith metro. Coca-Cola Fields Coca-Cola has secured naming rights to the football fields at Northside High School and Southside High School, both...

Van Buren quarterback enjoys being in command of Pointers’ offense
Hayden Williford enjoys the aura and prestige that comes with playing quarterback. Not to mention being able to initiate plays for his team’s high-powered offense. “I feel like my ability...

Fort Smith metro September building permit numbers up more than 90%
Building activity in the Fort Smith metro strengthened again in September but year-to-date totals continue to be lower than in the same period of 2025. September permit values in Fort...

Rheem buys Fort Smith property for possible future expansion
Atlanta-based Rheem said Thursday (Oct. 1) it has purchased “property adjacent to its Fort Smith campus.” The manufacturing and service company did not disclose a transaction amount, and did not...

Arrival window for Singapore F-35 fighters is unknown
Republic of Singapore F-35 fighter jets were initially set to arrive at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith in late 2026, around the time German F-35’s and pilots...

Future uncertain with the Park at West End in downtown Fort Smith
Frustration abounds. Paige and Chris McCoy are frustrated about the challenges to maintain and keep open the Park at West End in downtown Fort Smith. Previous park owner Phil White...

Fort Smith tax revenue flat in August, above budget estimates
City of Fort Smith sales tax revenue in August was essentially flat compared with August 2025, but the amounts were above budget expectations, with year-to-date revenue up almost 4% from...

ARCOM holds its 10th annual white coat ceremony
The Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM) held its 10th white coat ceremony Saturday (Sept. 26), with 176 student doctors of osteopathic medicine marking the beginning of their studies that...

Southside volleyball player Kate Schmidt emphasizes kindness, a positive approach
Even with the stress of a pressure-packed volleyball match, Southside’s Kate Schmidt works on maintaining composure and discipline. And above everything else, she seeks to be the embodiment of the...

Fort Smith Metro News Briefs: UAFS works with counselors, ‘Circle Up!’ cancer support event set
Following are news brief items from the Fort Smith metro. UAFS Counselor Support The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Admissions hosted 106 high school counselors and school partners from...

Parrot Island theft investigation ongoing, management company to end contract
On the same day Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Shue said he is seeking a special prosecutor to investigate a Parrot Island Waterpark employee over theft allegations, it was learned...

Baptist Health names new president of Fort Smith, Van Buren facilities
Little Rock-based Baptist Health on Friday (Sept. 26) named Brandi Stewart president of its hospitals in Fort Smith and Van Buren effective immediately. Stewart, the former chief nursing officer for...