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🌱 Patch AM: What sparked a Fort Smith defendant’s violent outburst in court?

Happening soon: ARTBEAT FORT SMITH (Art,food,music=a creative vibe) on the Fort Smith Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Hello again Fort Smith! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What sparked a Fort Smith defendant’s violent outburst in court?
  • How will Fort Smith’s police and fire cuts affect your safety?
  • Why did a Massachusetts town pass on Fort Smith’s former administrator?

Also on today's calendar: Arts On Main — Pasta from Scratch and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Fort Smithfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Fort Smithfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: A couple of morning showers, with a high of 64 and low of 31 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 56, low: 38.
  • Saturday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 68 and low of 42 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Sebastian County bailiffs, deputies subdue ‘visibly agitated' defendant after courtroom outburst (nwaonline.com) — A Fort Smith man’s courtroom outburst in Sebastian County led bailiffs and deputies to quickly restrain him after he flipped a table and shouted profanities following a prison sentence. No one was injured, and the judge has now scheduled a Dec. 23 hearing to decide whether the defendant will be held in contempt for the disruption.
   

2. City of Fort Smith eliminates around 60 unfilled jobs due to budget deficit (5newsonline.com) — Fort Smith’s 2026 city budget closes a nearly $4 million deficit by cutting more than 60 vacant positions, including unfilled police and firefighter jobs. City leaders say the move avoids layoffs, but the police chief warns fewer officers could hurt public safety. Residents may notice slower response times or reduced services as these cuts take effect.
   

3. Marshfield town administrator search comes down to 2. What was decided (wickedlocal.com) — Fort Smith residents may recognize former city administrator Carl Geffken, who was a finalist for the top town job in Marshfield, Massachusetts, but was ultimately passed over. Marshfield’s select board rejected both finalists after interviews, citing a need for someone with more direct Massachusetts municipal experience and opting to continue with interim leadership for now.
   

4. Judge says her own order of abatement in Beallis divorce removes jurisdiction to hear new motions (rivervalleydemocratgazette.com) — A Sebastian County judge says her earlier order ending a Fort Smith couple’s divorce case means she can’t rule on new motions tied to the proceedings. Another judge has now decided who will handle funeral arrangements and the estate for the wife and her children, who were recently found dead, and who will receive the children’s remains.
   

5. FDA: Target store in Arkansas had baby formula for sale week after recall initiated (nwahomepage.com) — Fort Smith shoppers should know the FDA says at least one Arkansas Target sold discounted ByHeart infant formula days after a nationwide recall tied to infant botulism, though the exact store isn’t confirmed. Target has a Fort Smith location, and the agency criticized the chain for promoting recalled formula even after being notified, while noting no botulism cases have been reported in Arkansas.
   

📸 Around Fort Smith

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Fort Smith

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

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Other local events
    Friday December 19
  • Arts On Main — Pasta from Scratch
    Arts On Main , 415 Main St , Van Buren
    6:00 pm
    • Sunday December 21
  • Jamie Lissow
    TempleLive , 200 N 11th St , Fort Smith
    7:30 pm
    • Monday December 22
  • Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY
    Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce , 1217 S Waldron Rd , Fort Smith
    11:00 am
  • 810 Billiards & Bowling: Bingo
    810 Billiards & Bowling , 5609 Rogers Ave , Fort Smith
    6:30 pm
    • Tuesday December 23
  • 810 Billiards & Bowling: Ultimate Game Show
    810 Billiards & Bowling , 5609 Rogers Ave , Fort Smith
    6:30 am
    • Wednesday December 24
  • Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY
    Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce , 1217 S Waldron Rd , Fort Smith
    11:00 am
  • Andy's Frozen Custard Kids Night
    Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce , 6565 Rogers Avenue , Fort Smith
    4:00 pm

📣 Fort Smith Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Found cat.
    This sweet little girl ran up to me this morning when I was leaving for work. She has a sushi collar on but no tag. I put food out for her and… (Nextdoor Brooken Hill)
  • [Video] Fort Smith district makes formal recommendation to close two elementary schools
    Source: 5NEWS https://share.newsbreak.com/gcb0sl7l (Nextdoor Central Mall)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Meat Cutter and Wrapper in Fort Smith. Apply here.
  • Savers Thrifts Stores posted a job opening for Savers / Value Village Careers - Merchandise Processing Associate 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: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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