🌱 3 Arrested On Kidnapping Charges + Local Boy To National Bee

Hello, neighbors. I’m here with your Wednesday edition of the Fort Smith Patch newsletter, filled with all the community information you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Cloudy. High: 92 Low: 68.
• Thursday: Humid with clouds and sun. High: 92 Low: 69.

Here are the top three stories in Fort Smith today:

1. Amir Ellis, a 20-year-old man from Hot Springs, is reported missing, and three individuals have been arrested in Fort Smith on kidnapping charges in connection with his disappearance. The arrests were made based on leads from interviews with friends and family members. The names of the arrested individuals are Nathaniel Speed, Alexia Chambers, and an unnamed juvenile. The whereabouts of Ellis are still unknown, and authorities are seeking any information regarding his location. (Southwest Times Record)
2. Ten-year-old Zeeshan Anower from Fort Smith is heading to the Scripts National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. after winning the Arkansas State Spelling Bee. Zeeshan has been studying diligently, including the dictionary and various word lists, to prepare for the competition. He sees this opportunity as a privilege to represent his school, state, and loved ones. Zeeshan is excited to explore Washington D.C. and hopes to visit Legoland and the National Mall while he’s there. He expresses gratitude for the support he has received from the community. (KFSM 5Newsonline)
3. Looking for a way to stay sharp over the summer? Amye Drackett, a career development facilitator, discusses the benefits of Fort Smith’s Peak Innovation Center for intellectual and career development during the summer. The center is a resource to enhance skills and knowledge during the break. (4029tv)

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Today and tomorrow in Fort Smith:

• Karaoke Night at Tipsy’s At Tipsy’s Pub (Noon)
• Rhythm Coalition At 906 Cocktail & Cigar Lounge (7:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know a Fort Smith dad whose texts make you smile? This Father’s Day, celebrate him with a shoutout on Patch. Just fill out this simple form and we’ll do the rest!

From my notebook:

• Fort Smith has several homes available for purchase this week. Some of the featured properties include a 1,666 sq. ft., 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home listed at $225,000, a 2,530 sq. ft., 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home listed at $599,900, a 1,811 sq. ft., 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home listed at $138,900, a 1,152 sq. ft., 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home listed at $90,000, and a 2,007 sq. ft., 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home listed at $380,400. (Fort Smith Patch)
• Crumbl Cookies is now open in Fort Smith! The new location is situated at 3106 South 74th Street. The locally owned and operated store offers over 275 rotating flavors and provides delivery, curbside pickup, catering, and nationwide shipping options. (Southwest Times Record)
• Elizabeth Weber’s current exhibition ‘Exploring the Woods Within’ will be further explored in a free online lecture with the artist this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. The lecture will be held via Zoom and Facebook Live, and registration is required to obtain the Zoom link. (Fort Smith Regional Art Museum via Instagram)
• The Arkansas Arts Academy is offering a Children’s Pasta Camp for 5th and 6th-grade students in Northwest Arkansas from June 19th to 23rd. The camp provides hands-on pasta-making lessons, explores different pasta varieties, and teaches sauce pairing and flavor combinations. Registration is still open for this unique culinary experience, allowing children to develop their cooking skills, unleash their creativity, and meet others who share their love for pasta. Visit the Arkansas Arts Academy Eventbrite Page to register. (Arkansas Arts Academy via Facebook)

Now you’re in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! See you soon for your next update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.