Monica Brich

Fort Smith, River Valley reporter[email protected]

Recent stories by Monica Brich

Pedestrian killed in car collision in Fort Smith FORT SMITH -- A man was hit and killed by a car on Towson Avenue on Thursday, according to police.The man walked into the roadway on Towson Avenue near South J Street at approximately 7:30 p.m. when a... September 29, 2023

River Valley Pride celebration postponed to 2024; group originally planned events for October FORT SMITH -- The River Valley is no longer having Pride Month this year, as the celebration previously scheduled for October has been postponed to next year.According to the Library of Congress, Lesb... September 27, 2023

New teachers report how the school year is going in Fort Smith FORT SMITH -- Starting school in a new grade or a building can be a challenge for new teachers.Andi Duhon-Piechocki and Jami Taylor are new teachers at Tilles Elementary School, working as a fourth-gr... September 24, 2023

Baptist Medical, Mercy hospitals partner with Fort Smith School District for middle school Health Science Academy FORT SMITH -- Baptist Medical Plaza in Fort Smith is allowing more students to learn in a real-world medical environment by partnering with Darby Middle School's Health Science Academy.Baptist rec... September 24, 2023

Fort Smith police report dead body found, don’t suspect foul play FORT SMITH -- The Police Department is investigating a dead body was found around 1400 S. U St. on Tuesday night.The department's Public Information Officer Aric Mitchell said they were notified o... September 20, 2023

Fort Smith organizations prepare for Fall Festival downtown on Saturday FORT SMITH -- The Fort Smith National Historical Site is preparing for a few thousand people to attend the annual Fort Smith Fall Festival this Saturday.Cody Faber, the event's coordinator and one... September 20, 2023

Van Buren school receives Blue Ribbon award from U.S. Department of Education RIVER VALLEY -- Parkview Elementary School in the Van Buren School District has been named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, one of 353 schools nationwide to rece... September 19, 2023

City directors discuss need for more affordable housing in Fort Smith; look at options FORT SMITH -- City directors are seeking ways to add affordable housing and renting opportunities in Fort Smith.Candyce Gabucci, the city's director of community development, gave the directors a ... September 17, 2023

Fort Smith makes progress with consent decree sewer projects FORT SMITH -- The city's Utility Department is continuing to make headway on sewer system consent decree projects while balancing the cost of other utility needs.Utilities Director Lance McAvoy ga... September 17, 2023

Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau names new executive director FORT SMITH -- The Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission has named Ashleigh Bachert as the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau's new executive director.Bachert said she accepted the... September 10, 2023