Hello Fort Smith! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Fort Smith Tent Revival and 9 more events.
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Debbie A.!
Today's riddle: What did one wall say to the other? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Former Army Ranger to run ultramarathon in Fort Smith to raise funds for documentary on Gen. William O. Darby (rivervalleydemocratgazette.com) — Fort Smith residents will see former Army Ranger Jeff Struecker run a 45-mile ultramarathon through town on October 30 to raise money for a documentary about native son Brig. Gen. William O. Darby. The fundraiser asks supporters to match his mileage with at least a $45 donation, helping preserve Darby's Ranger legacy for future generations.
2. Fort Smith schools earn B district grade as 9 campuses improve (swtimes.com) — Fort Smith Public Schools have boosted their overall state rating from a C to a B for 2026, with nine campuses earning higher grades than last year. Several elementary schools and Southside High also secured Gem School recognition and state funding awards, highlighting notable gains in achievement and growth across the district.
3. Alabama-Tennessee Trail of Tears Commemorative Ride reaches Fort Smith (nwahomepage.com) — Fort Smith will host the final stop of the Alabama-Tennessee Trail of Tears Commemorative Ride on September 22, with hundreds of bikers gathering at Blue Lion on North 2nd Street. Locals can join the last ride-along at 11 a.m. and hear a keynote from UAFS historian Tom Wing, highlighting the city's role in Native American removal history.
4. No foul play suspected thus far as Fort Smith police probe 26-year-old man's death (nwaonline.com) — Fort Smith police are investigating the death of 26-year-old Chedarryuan MyDarrius Watts, found unresponsive Sunday on a North 13th Street back porch, and say no foul play is suspected so far. Officers had multiple contacts with Watts over the weekend, including two public intoxication arrests and a medical evaluation, before he was released and later discovered deceased.
5. Stone Gardens: Howard Elementary and the original Fort Smith Masonic Lodge were built by Rudolph Xavier Metzger (todayinfortsmith.com) — A quiet family plot in Fort Smith's Calvary Cemetery marks the resting place of Rudolph Xavier Metzger, the German-born contractor who helped shape key local landmarks. His craftsmanship on Howard school-house and the original Masonic Temple, along with decades of building work, left a lasting imprint on the city's skyline and Catholic community.
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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: I'll meet you at the corner! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
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