Fort Smith Metro News Briefs: Tilles Park work, Elvis haircut day, and a ‘History Alive HerStory’ event

Following are news brief items from the Fort Smith metro.

‘HerStory’ at the Museum
The Fort Smith Museum of History is hosting “History Alive HerStory” as part of Women’s History Month. The event will be begin at 1 p.m., March 14, at the museum. There is a $15 per person fee, with light refreshments and drinks provided in the museum’s soda fountain area.

“This special afternoon offers audiences the chance to experience local history in an intimate and engaging way, as female reenactors step into the lives and voices of remarkable women from Fort Smith’s past,” according to the museum.

Following are the re-enactors and portrayals.
Debbie Carney as Mary Rogers
Sherry Toliver as Mame Josenberger
Cindy Clark as Thyra Sampter Winslow
Sharon Ray as Jennie Reeves
Talicia Richardson as Mrs. Isabelle Bass
Les Johnson as Mae Yadon Fentress
Susie Brooks as Pearl Starr
Sue Robison as Dymple Johnson
Mrs. Dorothy Johnson as herself
Emma Marowski as a World War II U.S. Navy “WAVE”

Tilles Park Event
The city of Fort Smith will on March 26 have an event marking the completion of more than $2.1 million in renovations of Tilles Park, located at 3700 Grand Ave.

The event will begin at 10 a.m., and include kids activities and a lunch. The renovated park includes an inclusive playground that provides accessibility for all children. The renovations, which were made in three phases, also an asphalt walking trail, replacement of benches along the walking path, conversion of two tennis courts to basketball courts, and improvements to the disc golf tees.

The inclusive playground area has features designated for ages 2-5, ages 5-12, and a multi-swing bay. The design and location of the play area utilizes the existing tree canopy to provide shade for users. This project was designed to encompass a variety of developmental benefits, according to the city.

The improvements, which cost $2.182 million, have “significantly increased” park activity, according to the city.

New Mercy Procedure
Mercy Hospital Fort Smith has announced the addition of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, which offers patients a safer, more precise way to evaluate and diagnose suspicious lung nodules.

Drs. Daphne MacBruce and Michael Winterton in January performed the first robotic bronchoscopy procedures at Mercy Fort Smith. Mercy’s certified surgeons undergo extensive, specialized training and must demonstrate mastery of robotic techniques before performing these procedures.

“Having a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy at Mercy allows patients to avoid more invasive procedures and unnecessary surgeries,” said Dr. Paul Bean, chief medical officer at Mercy Fort Smith. “This technology brings a new level of precision to lung diagnostics.”

Robotic bronchoscopy is recommended for patients with suspicious lung nodules. Like traditional bronchoscopy, it is a non-surgical procedure requiring no incisions and no overnight hospital stay.

Using an ultrathin, highly maneuverable instrument, the surgeon navigates the airways to closely examine the lungs. If needed, a bronchoscopy biopsy can be performed during the same procedure to collect tissue for diagnosis. Robotic bronchoscopy typically takes less than an hour.

UAFS ‘Transfer with Pride’
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith will host two “Transfer With Pride” events this month at partner institutions to offer prospective transfer students information about admissions, financial aid, and credit transfers, along with free meals, scholarships, and on-site support.

The first event will be held March 10 at the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, and the second event will be held March 17 at the University of Arkansas at Cossatot on March 17.

In 2025, the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services reported that nearly a quarter of Arkansans have completed some college but have not earned a degree, with just one in three Arkansans holding a college degree at any level.

“By creating new programs like our Transfer with Pride road show series, implementing the Transfer Smart Choice Tuition Waiver, and expanding support services through our transfer admissions advisor, we are supporting the needs of our community,” said Brooke Magallanes, UAFS associate vice chancellor for enrollment and director of admissions.

Cancer Support
Fort Smith-based Harper Ellis Hair Co. and Harper Ellis Salon have announced a partnership with the Reynolds Cancer Support House to provide complimentary wigs and professional fitting consultations for patients undergoing cancer treatment in the Fort Smith region.

By combining the outreach and patient support of Reynolds Cancer Support House with the Harper resources, patients receive not only a wig, but professional guidance and care at no cost.

“At Reynolds Support House, our mission is to remove barriers and provide compassionate support throughout every stage of the cancer journey,” said Reynolds Support House Executive Director Dawn Turner. “Partnering with Harper Ellis Co. & Harper Ellis Salon allows us to expand meaningful options for patients experiencing hair loss and shows what’s possible when our community comes together to help people feel confident, supported, and truly cared for.”

The partnership launched in February 2026 and is available to patients actively connected with Reynolds Cancer Support House.

The Elvis Haircut
The Chaffee Crossing Historic District is holding its annual Elvis Haircut Day from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 28, at the Chaffee Barbershop and Military Museum, located at 7313 Terry St., in the Chaffee Crossing area.

According to the museum, the event marks the moment in 1958 when Elvis Presley received his G.I. haircut at Fort Chaffee upon entering the U.S. Army, a moment often referred to as “the haircut heard ’round the world.” Visitors will have the opportunity to get a haircut in the very place where Elvis had his haircut.

Haircuts will be provided by DeSigner Barber Academy for a $10 suggested donation benefiting the museum, with free haircuts for military and Veterans.

“Elvis Haircut Day is about more than a haircut – it’s about connecting people to a powerful moment in history,” said Jennifer Seaton-Rambo, director of the Historic District and Museum. “We’re proud to honor our Veterans while inviting the community to experience history in a hands-on way.”

The Chaffee Barbershop and Military Museum preserves more than 80 years of Fort Chaffee history, from World War II training to refugee operations and disaster response.

Opioid Summit
The 2026 Opioid Summit: Local Roots, Local Voices – United for Opioid Prevention will be begin at 8 a.m., April 24, and will be held at Grace Community Church, 4001 Brooken Hill Drive in Fort Smith.

This free summit will bring together people from healthcare, law enforcement, prevention, EMS, and social services to discuss collaborative strategies to address opioid misuse. Topics will include healthcare, education, prevention and social services. Continuing education credits will be offered.

Speakers include Tom Fisher, Arkansas Drug Director; Dr. Andrew Starnes, Mercy-Fort Smith emergency medical director; Jeff Brooks, Fort Smith EMS director of education; Detective Lauren Hendricks with the Fort Smith Police Department; and Sebastian County Sheriff Hobe Runion. Link here for more information and to register.