I AM 479

  Fort Smith Northside boys upset Bentonville Fort Smith Northside's Derek Shepard (1) dunks in the second quarter of Northside's 77-64 win against Bentonville at Northside Arena on Friday. (Special to River Valley Democrat-Gazette/Ron Green) The Fort Smith Northside Grizzlies started track season a little early on Friday night. The Grizzlies scored 28 points in the first quarter and added 20 in the third quarter in sprinting to a 77-64 win against Bentonville in 6A-West play at Northside Arena. Northside (13-12, 4-8) will host rival Southside on Monday, a day earlier than originally scheduled due to a predicted winter storm. Friday, Derek Shepard scored 14 of his game-high 32 points in the opening quarter leading thew Grizzlies to an 18-4 lead five minutes into the game, 23-6 six minutes in, and a 28-15 lead after the quarter. "I'm for the first time in my life, I'm lost for words because I'm so proud of the kids," Northside Coach Cody Wilmath said.

  Men charged in regard to drug deals to face Sebastian County trial together Marvin Rojas, Kevin Rojas habitual offenders, prosecutors charge Two men charged as habitual offenders who are accused of dealing drugs will be tried together, according to Sebastian County Circuit Court records. Having been convicted of four or more felonies makes each man a habitual offender, according to prosecutors, which makes them subject to extended prison time as per Arkansas law. Kevin A. Rojas, 33, listed as homeless in Fort Smith, and Marvin A. Rojas, 34, of Alma, were arrested late on Dec. 10 by Sebastian County Sheriff's Office deputies, records show. Law enforcement personnel with the 12th/21st Drug Task Force were in charge of the case, police said. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, court records state. On Dec. 13, Kevin Rojas was charged with simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, possession with the purpose to deliver more than 2 grams but less than 10 ...

  Chamber music comes to UAFS Gallery Feb. 22 The UAFS Gallery of Art and Design will serve as the backdrop for a chamber music performance Feb. 22 by Emily and Matthew Denman from the Fort Smith Symphony. After the guitar and harp selections, listeners will have the opportunity to view and explore the gallery's permanent collection. (Courtesy Photos/UAFS Gallery of Art and Design)

  Fort Smith metro ends 2024 on a positive jobs note The Fort Smith metro ended 2024 with a lower jobless rate and a net job gain of 1.3% compared with December 2023. The education and health services, manufacturing, and tourism sectors helped push year-over-year job numbers higher. Recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) figures note that the Fort Smith metro had an estimated 117,640 jobs in December, up 1,561 jobs, or 1.3%, compared with December 2023. The December jobless rate was 3.4%, better than the 3.8% in December 2023. The pace of Fort Smith metro job growth was behind the 4% in the Jonesboro metro, the 3.3% in Northwest Arkansas, and the 3.1% in central Arkansas. The region’s labor force – number of people eligible for the workforce – was an estimated 121,736 in December, up 0.9% compared with 120,625 in December 2023. The year-end jobs tally of 117,640 was below the 2024 monthly high of 119,155 in June, and regional employment remains well below the peak of 124,098 ...

  Fort Smith teacher responds after "offensive" test question sparks controversy At Northside High School in Fort Smith, the district said a teacher used inappropriate and offensive language in a classroom test. FORT SMITH, Ark. — Fort Smith Public Schools (FSPS) reportedly put a Northside High School teacher on leave for what it said was an offensive test question. On Friday, the teacher responded to criticism and explained the question was AI generated. Robert Taylor has taught at Northside High School for 23 years. In Thursday's lesson, he was testing his students on a passage from "Warriors Don't Cry," a book written by Little Rock Nine member Melba Beals. "I had seen and witnessed Elizabeth Eckford speak on the effects of it and members of the crowd who had taunted her and how with common discussion and common ideology, to get together, to love and forgive and move forward with all of that powerful message. And I thought this was a good opportunity...

Bears Feast on Unattended Food Delivery in South Lake Tahoe When Wildlife and Convenience Collide South Lake Tahoe, nestled in the scenic Sierra Nevada mountains, is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts for its stunning natural beauty. However, the area’s wildlife, most notably its black bear population, routinely clashes with human activities. In the latest encounter, bears are taking advantage of an unexpected yet new source of food: unattended food delivery boxes left on doorsteps. As food delivery apps continue to rise in popularity, their benefits extend beyond convenience. However, for South Lake Tahoe residents, they’ve discovered these deliveries can attract some unwanted guests — namely, black bears, which are notorious for their hearty appetites and keen sense of smell. Bears Take Advantage of Delivered Meals What used to be a rare occurrence has quickly become somewhat common. Hungry bears are wandering into residential areas and getting a taste of food that’s lef...