HAMPTON – A Hampton woman was arrested Sunday, April 7, after leading officers on a high-speed pursuit that began in Calhoun County and ended in Union County, according to a press release from the Hampton Police Department.

Lt. McMahen with the Hampton Police Department was conducting traffic enforcement under the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) when he observed a white Dodge Ram pickup traveling south on U.S. Highway 167. The vehicle passed Lt. McMahen and then abruptly moved in front of his patrol unit. At that point, the officer noticed the truck crossing the white line and the highway shoulder.

Lt. McMahen attempted to initiate a traffic stop, activating his emergency lights and siren. The driver refused to pull over, prompting a pursuit. Speeds during the chase reportedly reached 108 miles per hour as the vehicle crossed into Union County.

The Arkansas State Police and Union County authorities were contacted for assistance. As the suspect approached North Tate Road from the south, Arkansas State Police took the lead in the pursuit. Troopers then executed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) maneuver, causing the vehicle to spin out into a ditch.

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Officers apprehended the driver, later identified as Kaite McMahan of Hampton. She was arrested on multiple charges, including:

• Fleeing by conveyance of a vehicle

• Battery in the 2nd Degree

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

• Terroristic Threatening

McMahan also received citations for additional traffic violations. No injuries were reported during the incident.

CAMDEN – The Ouachita River is approaching water levels not seen in decades, leading to significant flooding in Ouachita and Calhoun counties. Officials report that the river at Camden is expected to crest near 43 feet late today, surpassing the 1987 flood levels and marking the highest crest since 1968.

At 42.5 feet, residential flooding is already occurring in parts of both counties, and numerous road closures have been reported. This stage mirrors the December 1987 flood, which was previously the highest on record since the construction of regional flood control reservoirs.

In Arkadelphia, the Ouachita River recently crested at 27.95 feet, placing it among the top ten recorded crests and the highest since 1969. That year, the river peaked at 28.02 feet, making the current rise especially significant in the historical record.

The Ouachita River has a history of major flooding. In May 1968, the river crested at 43.08 feet in Camden, causing widespread damage. The most severe flood on record occurred in 1945, when the river reached 44.8 feet. These past events highlight the seriousness of today’s rising waters.

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The flooding has already led to road closures and the inundation of homes in low-lying areas. Emergency responders are actively monitoring the situation and are prepared to implement further safety measures as needed. Residents have been urged to follow all official guidance, including potential evacuation orders.

With sunny skies and mild weather expected in the coming days, there is some hope that river levels may stabilize soon. Still, communities along the Ouachita River are being reminded to remain cautious and alert, as upstream water flow and any future rainfall could further impact conditions.

EL DORADO – The El Dorado City Council will convene for its regular business meeting on Thursday, April 10, with a brief but potentially impactful agenda that includes two resolutions related to Delta Regional Authority (DRA) funding.

The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at City Hall, following the customary prayer and Pledge of Allegiance at 4:55 p.m.

Among the new business on the agenda is a resolution that would authorize the city’s chief elected official to sign an application for DRA funds. The Delta Regional Authority provides federal funding and technical assistance for economic development and infrastructure projects in economically distressed areas of the Mississippi River Delta region, including southern Arkansas.

A second resolution will propose designating a local non-profit agency to serve as the administrator for any DRA grant funds the city may receive. While the specific agency has not been named in the draft agenda, such appointments are typically made to streamline grant compliance and project oversight.

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No items of unfinished business are currently scheduled, and the council is expected to approve minutes from the previous meeting before moving on to the new business items.

City officials have not yet released details about the specific project or initiative tied to the potential DRA grant application, but more information may be provided during the meeting or in subsequent updates from city staff.

The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

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EL DORADO — Local leaders and community advocates gathered on the steps of the Union County Courthouse today to officially declare April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, shining a spotlight on the urgent need to protect and support vulnerable children throughout South Arkansas.

The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce joined members of the South Arkansas Children’s Coalition (SACC) for the reading of the proclamation, honoring the tireless work of those on the front lines of child abuse prevention and recovery services.

“Witnessing the dedication of the SACC team, who stand on the front lines combating child abuse, leaves us in awe,” the Chamber stated following the event. “Their work is both vital and challenging, addressing the harsh realities faced by vulnerable children in our community.”

As a member organization of the Chamber, SACC has built a reputation for advocacy, crisis intervention, and family support services throughout Union County and surrounding areas. Their mission includes not only immediate response and support but also education and long-term solutions to prevent abuse before it happens.

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“This month, and every month, we stand in support of their mission to prevent child abuse and provide essential services to affected families,” the Chamber continued.

Throughout April, SACC and its partners will lead a series of awareness activities and encourage residents to get involved—whether by volunteering, donating, or simply learning more about the signs of abuse and how to report concerns.

Community members are encouraged to visit SACC’s website and follow their social media pages to stay informed and discover ways to help make a difference.

“Together, we can foster a safer environment for all children in South Arkansas,” the Chamber said.

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For more information about local child abuse prevention efforts or how you can contribute, contact the South Arkansas Children’s Coalition or the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.