News
$8 Million fiber internet project planned in Columbia County
CONWAY – Magnolia residents are set to benefit from a major technological upgrade as Conway-based internet provider TCW has announced an $8 million initiative to bring high-quality fiber internet service to the city.
Construction on the project is slated to begin in early 2025, with a targeted completion by the end of the year. The development aims to provide a 100% fiber connection to every home and business in Magnolia, promising faster, more reliable internet for the city’s nearly 12,000 residents.
TCW CEO Brad Brannon expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the city’s role in the planning process. “We are honored to be Magnolia’s fiber internet provider,” Brannon said. “Mayor Parnell Vann and the entire city have been wonderful partners in planning this project, and we are thrilled to be part of Magnolia’s bright future.”
The project will include the installation of a fully buried fiber network, designed to withstand Arkansas’ unpredictable weather conditions and ensure consistent service. Once completed, Magnolia customers will have access to speeds of up to 8 Gig, making it the fastest and most reliable internet option in the area.
Magnolia Mayor Parnell Vann emphasized the importance of the project for the city’s growth and future prospects. “The connection with TCW is important for Magnolia’s future,” Vann said. “We are always proud when we get a chance to work with Arkansas-based companies like TCW that give back to the communities they serve.”
In addition to enhancing internet service, the initiative will bring economic benefits to the region. TCW plans to expand its construction, installation, and repair teams, creating new job opportunities for residents in Magnolia and across South Arkansas.
This investment marks a significant step forward in providing cutting-edge technology and infrastructure to a growing city while fostering local job creation and community development.
STUART, FL. – Beryl Anthony Jr., a former U.S. House representative from El Dorado who dedicated his life to serving Arkansas and championing bipartisan cooperation, passed away Saturday morning at the age of 86.
Anthony was a prominent figure in Arkansas politics, remembered for his deep commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents and his ability to bridge divides in Washington.
Born and raised in El Dorado, Anthony graduated from the University of Arkansas and was later admitted to the Arkansas Bar. He returned to his hometown to begin a legal and public service career that included serving as an assistant to then-Attorney General Bruce Bennett and as the Union County prosecuting attorney.
In 1978, Anthony was elected to represent Arkansas’s 4th Congressional District, succeeding outgoing U.S. Rep. Ray Thornton Jr. During his seven terms in Congress, Anthony gained a reputation as a staunch advocate for Arkansas and Southern states. He played a significant role as a founding member of the Sunbelt Coalition, an organization that evaluated the impact of legislation on Southern states.
Anthony also served on the influential House Ways and Means Committee, including its Oversight and Trade subcommittees, and contributed to the work of the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families. His tenure in Congress was marked by his focus on economic development, trade policies, and support for Arkansas’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
Beyond his political achievements, Anthony was known for his personable nature and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His advocacy for Arkansas extended beyond legislation, as he worked tirelessly to bring federal resources and attention to the state’s needs.
The news of his death was confirmed by the Treasure Coast Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Stuart, Florida. No funeral services have been planned.
EL DORADO — The City of El Dorado has announced a planned electrical outage scheduled by Entergy for the downtown area on the morning of Monday, January 15. The outage is set to take place between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., as part of maintenance efforts.
Businesses and residents in the affected area are advised to prepare for the temporary loss of power. Entergy encourages anyone whose power is not restored after 7 a.m. to report the issue immediately. Reports can be made through the Entergy app or by contacting their customer service line at 1-800-368-3749.
City officials appreciate the public’s cooperation and patience during this scheduled maintenance, which aims to ensure reliable power service moving forward.
For further updates, residents are encouraged to stay connected with the City of El Dorado’s official channels and Entergy’s customer support services.
LITTLE ROCK – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Little Rock has issued a warning about an impending Arctic air intrusion that is expected to bring frigid conditions to Arkansas starting Saturday afternoon, January 18. Temperatures are forecasted to plummet to 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit below normal for this time of year, with the coldest conditions arriving Monday and Tuesday.
According to the NWS, this Arctic blast may persist beyond the forecast period, potentially extending the bitter cold into next week. Cities such as Camden, Harrison, Little Rock, Mena, Monticello, and Newport are expected to experience significantly lower temperatures, with the coldest readings expected on the mornings of January 21 and 22.
How to Prepare
The NWS has provided several recommendations to help Arkansans stay safe during the cold spell:
- Check on vulnerable individuals: Ensure the elderly and other at-risk populations have the resources they need to stay warm.
- Protect your pets: Keep animals indoors, warm, and dry to avoid exposure to the dangerous cold.
- Insulate your pipes: If possible, insulate pipes and open cabinets under sinks to allow heat circulation, reducing the risk of freezing.
This Arctic air could lead to challenges for those unprepared, and residents are urged to take precautions immediately. Stay tuned to your local weather updates and follow the guidance of the National Weather Service for real-time alerts.
For more information, visit weather.gov/lzk.
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