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🌱 Patch AM: What crucial detail could finally unlock Fort Smith’s 24-year-old riverfront murder?

And check out Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY on the Fort Smith Patch calendar

Sunday September 6th Patch AM (Lori E.)

Hi there, Fort Smith! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What crucial detail could finally unlock Fort Smith's 24-year-old riverfront murder?
  • Fort Smith educator's 33-year journey leads to national psychology leadership bid
  • How new mental health training is reshaping support for UAFS student-athletes

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Lori E.!

Today's riddle: Why are elevator jokes so good ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: A thunderstorm in spots, with a high of 107 and low of 78 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Monday: Hot, temps: high: 103, low: 75.
  • Tuesday: Hot, with a high of 103 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Cold Case Files: A 24-year-old murder mystery from the trails of the National Historic Site remains cold (todayinfortsmith.com) — A long-unsolved 2002 killing at the Fort Smith National Historic Site is still without answers, and police say any new tip could matter. The victim, Edward Choi, was found shot on the parade grounds near the Arkansas River, and few details have ever been released. Residents who remember that night or saw anything unusual near the fort are still urged to contact Fort Smith police.
   

2. Statement of Mark Minnick (apa.org) — A longtime Southside High School psychology teacher in Fort Smith is seeking a national leadership role with the Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools. He highlights three decades in the classroom, major teaching awards, and service on the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith psychology advisory council. His experience reflects the depth of psychology education available to local high school students.
   

3. NCAA D-II Equipping Coaches With Mental Health First Aid Training (athleticbusiness.com) — University of Arkansas–Fort Smith athletics leaders say new Mental Health First Aid training has already transformed how coaches support student-athletes on campus. The NCAA Division II program now funds similar training for schools nationwide, teaching staff to recognize mental health warning signs, respond in crises, and connect students with help. Fort Smith athletes could benefit as more local coaches complete the certification.
   

4. AGFC, Partners honor six, educate hundreds at expo (ktlo.com) — Fort Smith landowners and conservation-minded residents were among more than 450 people who traveled to Benton for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's second annual Natural State Private Lands Expo. The sold-out event honored standout habitat projects, highlighted deer, turkey, and fisheries management techniques, and connected private landowners with biologists, contractors, and sponsors to improve wildlife habitat across Arkansas.
   

📸 Around Fort Smith

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📸 Mulberry outdoor adventures —Lori E.

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Fort Smith

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

    Monday September 7
  • Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY
    Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 1217 S Waldron Rd
    11:00 am
  • 810 Billiards & Bowling: Bingo
    Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 810 Billiards & Bowling 5609 Rogers Ave Fort Smith AR
    6:30 pm
  • Tuesday September 8
  • 810 Billiards & Bowling: Ultimate Game Show
    Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce 810 Billiards & Bowling 5609 Rogers Ave Fort Smith AR
    6:30 am
  • Wednesday September 9
  • Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY
    Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, 1217 S Waldron Rd, Fort Smith
    11:00 am
  • Ribbon Cutting: The Forum Barbershop
    Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, 3215 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith
    12:00 pm
  • Andy's Frozen Custard Kids Night
    Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, 6565 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith
    4:00 pm
  • 810 Billiards & Bowling Trivia Night
    810 Billiards & Bowling, 5609 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith
    6:30 pm
  • Friday September 11
  • 2026 First Friday Breakfast Series: September 11th →
    University of Arkansas Fort Smith Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Reynolds Room, 800 North 49th Street, Fort Smith
    7:30 am

🗓 Events Nearby

    Sunday September 6
  • $5 Movie Night: Ready Player One at King Opera House →
    King Opera House
    6:00 pm
  • Tuesday September 8
  • Business After Hours hosted by University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
    Drennen Scott House
    5:15 pm
  • Wednesday September 9
  • Volleyball Game @ NMS 7B/7A/8
    Northridge Middle School Van Buren, AR 72956
    4:30 pm
  • Thursday September 10
  • Ribbon Cutting for USA Truck
    USA Truck
    10:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Thank you so much to everyone who has donated and supported Second Chance Success.
    Your donations have helped about 19 women so far! Big Thanks And Hugs! Y'all are amazing! (Nextdoor Fort Smith)
  • "The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of His hands!" Psalm 19:1 (Nextdoor Skyline Estates)
  • Western Pest Services posted a job opening for Pest Control Technician/ Exterminator: AR - Fort Smith in Fort Smith. Apply here.
  • Burlington Stores posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate - Part Time in Fort Smith. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fort Smith here.

Ok Fort Smith! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Because they work on so many levels ! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

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