Fort Smith Metro News Briefs: Fort Smith police detective awarded, New Year’s ball drop planned
Following are news brief items from the Fort Smith metro.
December Building Work
The city of Fort Smith issued building permits for $5.164 million in work during the first week of December. The permits included $3.293 million for commercial construction work, $720,000 for a two-family duplex, and $192,736 for residential repair work.
The value of permits issued in the first week are 54.4% of the total permit values issued in December 2024.
Fort Smith issued 197 permits in November with a value of $21.925 million, down 27.7% from the $30.342 million value of 188 projects permitted in November 2024. The city has issued $240.33 million in building permits through November, up 4.4% from $230.285 million reported in the same period in 2024.
Top Sebastian County Officer
Fort Smith Police Det. Eric Restine was recently recognized as the 2025 Sebastian County Officer of the Year by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin.
Restine was nominated because of his contributions to public safety over the past year., according to the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD). For example, while off-duty, he responded immediately to a double shooting on Dec. 23, 2024, bringing with him background knowledge of the suspects.
His investigative work led to securing warrants for the individuals involved and ensuring they were charged appropriately. He also coordinated directly with the Fort Smith Public Schools Police Department to ensure the district was informed and prepared, strengthening communication channels that protect students and staff.
Throughout 2024, his detailed case knowledge, grounded in years of investigative work, proved instrumental in resolving violent incidents in Fort Smith and in other jurisdictions across the state, including Fayetteville, Springdale, Conway, and Little Rock, according to the FSPD.
“Detective Eric Restine represents the highest standards of our profession,” said Fort Smith Chief of Police Danny Baker. “His work this past year – from solving a violent shooting involving known offenders, to strengthening communication with our schools, to assisting agencies across Arkansas – has consistently put the safety of our community first. Detective Restine’s dedication, initiative, and humility reflect the very best of the Fort Smith Police Department. We are proud to see him recognized as the 2025 Sebastian County Officer of the Year.”
United Way Giving Guide
The United Way of the Fort Smith area has released its 2025 Holiday Giving Guide. The guide seeks to connect community giving to the agencies under the United Way banner.
“You may be one of the many people that are looking for additional ways to help and simply don’t know where to begin,” the United Way noted. “If you are looking for ways to contribute by volunteering your time or making a donation, the 2025 Holiday Giving Guide will make it easier for you to help others while GIVING LOCALLY.”
The giving guide lists activities and needs alphabetically by agency name. Each need is identified, allowing people to call the agency to find out more information. According to the United Way, this is the 19th year of the publication of the Holiday Giving Guide that benefits children and families in the six-county region in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.
“At United Way of Fort Smith Area, we believe in the guiding principle: United Is The Way,” according to the organization. “By working together, we ensure that giving this season reaches those who need it most — whether that’s ensuring a child has a warm winter coat, a family receives a holiday meal, or a senior citizen has companionship and care. Every action listed in the guide helps strengthen the social, educational and financial fabric of our community. Because when we come together, we build lasting change.”
New Year’s Ball Drop
The Fort Smith Downtown Business Association has announced the return of the downtown Fort Smith New Year’s Eve Ball Drop. The event will take place between 8 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., beginning Dec. 31 on Garrison Avenue.
Activities during the event include inflatable attractions, a variety of local food trucks, and two performances (8 p.m. and 10 p.m.) by the Niki Waters Band
The official New Year’s countdown will be led by Mayor George McGill, culminating in the drop of a 10-foot lighted ball over Garrison Avenue. There will be a “spectacular” fireworks show following the ball drop, according to the group.
The goals of the association are to support local business growth, enhance the downtown experience, preserve and celebrate the city’s history, and build community.