EL DORADO, AR – Union County Judge Mike Loftin has issued a countywide burn ban as dry conditions continue to create an increased risk of grass and wildfires across the area.

The ban prohibits outdoor burning throughout Union County and will remain in effect until conditions improve and the order is lifted.

Residents are urged to use extreme caution with anything that could potentially start a fire, including outdoor burning, brush piles, burn barrels and other activities involving open flames.

With vegetation and other fuels becoming increasingly dry, even a small fire can quickly get out of control, particularly when accompanied by wind.

Advertisement

The Union County burn ban applies countywide, and residents should refrain from outdoor burning until the ban has been lifted.

Judge Loftin’s office has issued similar burn bans during periods of elevated fire danger in the past. The county’s official website identifies Loftin as Union County Judge and provides contact information for his office.

Residents are encouraged to monitor official Union County and local fire department announcements for updates regarding the burn ban and any changes in conditions.
When it comes to outdoor burning during dry weather, the safest fire is the one that never gets started.

Advertisement

EL DORADO, Ark. — Families across South Arkansas are invited to attend the Back 2 School Bash 2026, a free community event combining family entertainment with educational opportunities ahead of the new school year.

The event will be held July 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Douglas Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, located at 969 Smackover Highway in El Dorado. Registration will begin at 4:15 p.m.

The Back 2 School Bash will feature waterslides, bouncy houses, amusement rides, motorcycle clubs and other activities for children of all ages. Colleges and additional educational organizations are also expected to participate, giving families an opportunity to connect with helpful information and resources.

Admission is free and the event is open to the entire community.

Attendees will also be able to enjoy free food and refreshments, including snow cones, cotton candy and popcorn. Music will be provided by DJ P “Flann,” with prizes and giveaways planned throughout the evening.

The event flyer also lists appearances and activities featuring Hamilton’s Farm and the national champion EHSS cheerleaders.

Organizers hope the celebration will provide children and families with an enjoyable evening while helping students become excited and prepared for the upcoming school year.

For additional information, contact Nikki Lee McCoy at 870-814-2876. The event flyer also lists Jamie Davis at 870-918-5096 as a contact.

Union County officials say congratulations are in order for the women working behind the scenes at the Union County 911 Call Center.

The Union County Quorum Court has officially passed an ordinance recognizing 911 dispatchers as first responders, according to Union County Judge Mike Loftin.

Loftin told South Arkansas Now that dispatchers serve as a vital connection between people facing an emergency and the police officers, firefighters and medical personnel sent to help them.

“911 dispatchers act as a lifeline in critical situations between those in distress and the emergency services personnel,” Loftin said.

Advertisement

Dispatchers are often the first people to speak with someone during a medical emergency, fire, automobile accident or dangerous situation. They must quickly gather information, determine what kind of emergency is taking place and send the correct responders to the scene.

Loftin said a dispatcher’s ability to remain calm and understand the situation can make an important difference when every second matters.

“Being able to assess the situation is crucial,” Loftin stated in a release provided to South Arkansas Now. “The person on the other end of the line needs someone who can understand the kind of help that is needed, and these dispatchers ensure that the help they need promptly arrives.”

Because dispatchers are the first people to answer calls for help, Loftin said they deserve to be recognized as the “first of the first responders.”

Advertisement

While the work can be rewarding, dispatchers told South Arkansas Now that it can also be emotionally difficult. They regularly communicate with people who are frightened, injured or experiencing one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Some calls involve tragic or frightening circumstances. Even while hearing those situations unfold, dispatchers must remain composed, collect accurate information and guide callers until emergency personnel arrive.

The emotional effects of those calls do not always disappear at the end of a shift. Dispatchers may carry the memories of difficult conversations home with them, making mental strength and support from their coworkers especially important.

Matthews said she also plans to send members of her team to career fairs and other community events to raise awareness about the work performed inside the call center.

Advertisement

The outreach will give dispatchers an opportunity to explain how the center serves Union County and keeps communication moving among law enforcement officers, fire departments, emergency medical personnel and other first responders.

Matthews said the call center currently has two full-time positions available. One opening is for a full-time dispatcher. The other is for a full-time floater who would provide coverage when another employee is sick, on vacation or otherwise unable to work.

Those interested in applying may call the Union County 911 Call Center at 870-864-1990. An application will then be sent to the prospective applicant by email.

The ordinance recognizes that dispatchers do far more than answer telephones. They make quick decisions, provide reassurance and help coordinate emergency responses throughout Union County.

Advertisement

For Loftin and other county officials, formally naming 911 dispatchers as first responders acknowledges the important role they play in protecting the public and helping emergency personnel reach those who need them.
“Because our 911 dispatchers are the first to answer the call, they should be considered the first of the first responders,” Loftin said.

South Arkansas — South Arkansas is heading into a busy stretch of community events, with parades, rodeos, family activities, concerts, fundraisers and summer celebrations planned across the region. From El Dorado’s upcoming America 250 celebration to events in Norphlet, Crossett, Calion and beyond, residents will have several opportunities to gather, support local causes and enjoy the summer season. Below is a look at several major events coming up across South Arkansas.

* * *

Parade registration is now open for one of El Dorado’s biggest upcoming summer celebrations: the America 250 Stars & Stripes Parade, set for Thursday, July 2, at 7:30 p.m. in downtown El Dorado.

The parade will take place ahead of the Murphy USA Drone Show, giving residents and visitors a full evening of patriotic celebration in the heart of downtown. More information about the event is available at GoElDorado.com.

Advertisement

The America 250 celebration is among several community events scheduled in El Dorado and nearby South Arkansas communities in the coming weeks.

* * *

HealthWorks Fitness Center will host National Senior Health & Fitness Day on Thursday, May 28, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. The free community event will include a guest speaker from the South Arkansas Center on Aging, a mini health fair, health screenings, water and land class demonstrations, door prizes, breakfast provided by First Financial Bank and lunch provided by South Arkansas Regional Hospital.

HealthWorks will also offer Longfellow’s Whale Tales, a two-day water safety course for children ages 5 to 12, on May 28 and May 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. The American Red Cross program is free and limited to the first 40 children to register. Families may sign up at the HealthWorks front desk or by calling 870-862-5442.

Advertisement

* * *

In Norphlet, the Norphlet Public Library will host a Summer Reading Kickoff Party on June 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 101 E. Padgett Street. The event will feature dinosaur digging, an “adopt a dino” activity, goodie bags, snacks and water. Sponsors include 4R Oil and Norphlet community members.

* * *

Juneteenth events are also planned in El Dorado. The Justice League will present a Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day on Friday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MAD Amp. The event will include free food, frozen treats, community vendors, a bounce house, water slide, poster contest, free T-shirts while supplies last, speakers, entertainment and more. Clean Harbors is listed as the title sponsor.

Advertisement

Later that evening, Guud Vibez will host Juneteenth at Guud Vibez, also presented by The Justice League. Doors open at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 19, with no cover charge. The event will feature music, drinks, signature cocktails and a celebration of freedom, culture and community.

* * *

In Crossett, the 78th Annual Crossett Riding Club PRCA Rodeo will begin with a parade on May 27. Parade lineup is scheduled for 3 p.m., with departure at 4 p.m. from Cap Gates Arena. Rodeo events will follow May 27-29, beginning at 7:30 p.m. nightly at Cap Gates Arena. Family Night is scheduled for May 28 with free admission, and the Battle of the Bulls is planned for May 30. The rodeo has been a Crossett tradition since 1948 and is part of the PRCA’s All American Pro Rodeo Series. The Crossett Riding Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports local community activities and provides college scholarships.

* * *

Advertisement

Two El Dorado students, Isaiah Robinson and Herman Gill, will be among the participants in the 2026 Red River FCA Senior Showdown Basketball, Baseball, Football, & Softball event. The duo will have the honor of representing the great game of basketball as prodigy players. Red River FCA recently held a media day for the senior showdown participants and thanked Heritage Church for allowing the organization to use its facility. The event brings together standout senior basketball, baseball and softball players from the region for a Texas-versus-Arkansas showcase.

* * *

A river poker run benefiting Debbie Hudson is planned for June 27 in Calion. The event will raise money to help Hudson’s family with expenses. Registration and payment will take place from 8 to 9:30 a.m. the day of the event at the spillway in Calion. The first boat will leave at 10 a.m., and the final boat is expected back by 3 p.m. Stops will be located up and down the river, with participants finishing back at the spillway. The cost is $20 per person.

* * *

The #TeamLance Fun Run is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, in downtown El Dorado. The event honors the life and legacy of Lance E. Yarbrough and supports efforts connected to scholarships and medical assistance for young cancer patients. According to the TeamLance page, T-shirt orders, vendor registration and sponsor sign-up deadlines are June 1. Questions may be directed to [email protected].

Advertisement

* * *

Also Friday around lunch, employees at Melvin’s Pharmacy will recognize Melvin Skeeles for 50 years in the business. Skeeles has served and helped many people throughout the years at his pharmacy, and the recognition will honor his longtime commitment to the community.

* * *

Murphy Arts District has also announced that local band, Coyote Pine, will open for Scotty McCreery on June 25 at the First Financial Music Hall. Tickets are currently available through Murphy Arts District.

Advertisement

* * *

A nearby benefit event is also planned in Calion. A river poker run benefiting Debbie Hudson is set for June 27, with registration and payment from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the spillway in Calion. The first boat leaves at 10 a.m., and the last boat is expected back by 3 p.m. The cost is $20 per person, with proceeds going to Hudson’s family to help with expenses.

With patriotic celebrations, family activities, health programs, live music and community fundraisers on the calendar, South Arkansas residents will have several opportunities to get involved throughout the summer.

Advertisement

EL DORADO — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 23, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of Maxfield’s Exchange Co, a new local business located at 119 Pony Street in El Dorado.

The event will begin at 4 p.m. and is open to the public. Chamber members, community leaders, and residents are invited to attend and help welcome the new business to the local marketplace.

Ribbon cuttings hosted by the Chamber are designed to spotlight new and expanding businesses across Union County, fostering community support and economic growth. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the owners, tour the location, and learn more about the services Maxfield’s Exchange Co will offer.