🌱 Patch AM: What we know about charges against a former Fort Smith school worker

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In today's newsletter:

• What we know about charges against a former Fort Smith school worker

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high of 59 and low of 42 degrees.
• Monday: Low clouds, temps: high: 63, low: 51.
• Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 77 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Van Buren man pleads not guilty to raping 9-year-old girl (4029tv.com) — Fort Smith parents should know a former Fort Smith Public Schools child care worker from Van Buren has pleaded not guilty to serious child sex-abuse charges involving a 9-year-old girl. Court records say he faces multiple rape counts and child-exploitation charges, has admitted some sexual contact in an affidavit, and is no longer employed by the district. His next court date is set for May.
   

📸 Around Fort Smith

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Fort Smith

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★ Featured events ★

Sunday December 21

• Jamie Lissow
  TempleLive, 200 N 11th St, Fort Smith
  7:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

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
• 810 Billiards & Bowling Trivia Night
  810 Billiards & Bowling , 5609 Rogers Ave , Fort Smith
  6:30 pm

Monday December 29

• Happy Hour every Monday & Wednesday at Le Mesa ALL DAY
  Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce , 1217 S Waldron Rd , Fort Smith
  11:00 am

📣 Fort Smith Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Sunday December 21

• Arts On Main — Closed for Holidays
  Arts On Main , 415 Main St , Van Buren
  11:00 am
• Will Holiday's Grand Ol' Christmas Show
  Skokos Performing Arts Center , 103 E Main St , Alma
  7:30 pm

Monday December 22

• Ice Skating Rink at Freedom Park
  Chamber of Commerce Historic Downtown Van Buren
  5:30 pm

Tuesday December 23

• Fadeaway Band Official: Joe’s Cantina Grill
  Joe's Grill & Cantina , 3400 S 74th St , Fort Smith
  6:00 pm

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

• Good morning everyone.
  My family and I are new here and I’m looking for recommendations for Dog Grooming for 2 Great Danes and also vet recommendations that are… (Nextdoor The Woods)
• Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
  Luna was LOST on December 18, 2025 in Fort Smith, AR 72901 near 26th street near Greenwood Ave Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or… (Nextdoor Grand & Greenwood)

• Nothing Bundt Cakes posted a job opening for Back of House Team Member in Fort Smith. Apply here.
• SBM Management posted a job opening for Custodian in Fort Smith. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fort Smith here.

🗞 Nearby News

Van Buren

• Van Buren Ice Skating Rink supports the Boys and Girls Club (5newsonline.com)
• Joy Ann Mayner - Talk Business & Politics (talkbusiness.net)

Greenwood

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 feel lightheaded!
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