News

El Dorado School Board Considers Service Animal Initiative

Published

1 year ago

February 12, 2025

Staff Reports

El Dorado School Board Considers ‘Pawsitive Impacts’ Initiative

El Dorado, AR – The El Dorado School Board meeting on Monday night focused on an innovative new initiative called “Pawsitive Impacts,” a program designed to introduce service animals into the school district to support students academically and socially. The program, which has been successfully implemented in the Cabot, AR, school district, has received praise from educators and staff for its positive effects on students, particularly those with learning disabilities.

Mr. Jim Tucker, who recently visited schools in Cabot, spoke before the board and passionately advocated for the program’s implementation in El Dorado. “I am a believer,” Tucker stated, recounting several instances where he witnessed service animals transform students’ attitudes, fostering engagement and emotional support. According to Tucker, the presence of these trained animals in classrooms helped students with learning disabilities perform better, both academically and socially, by reducing anxiety and creating a more inclusive learning environment.

Inspired by Cabot’s success, Tucker recommended that the El Dorado School Board consider piloting the “Pawsitive Impacts” program at Washington Middle School during the 2025-2026 academic year. The board expressed interest in the proposal and agreed to further evaluate the logistics and funding requirements before making a final decision.

In addition to discussing the “Pawsitive Impacts” initiative, the board also recognized outstanding student achievements. Several El Dorado students were honored as recipients of the College Board National Recognition Program Awards, a prestigious distinction given to students who demonstrate academic excellence and high achievement in College Board assessments. The awardees were commended for their dedication to academic success and their representation of excellence within the district.

College Board National Recognition Program Awardees:

The College Board National Recognition Program Awards are designed to celebrate students from underrepresented communities who have excelled in academics and College Board assessments, such as the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP exams. These awards provide recipients with national recognition, enhancing their college applications and scholarship opportunities. Students are selected based on their strong academic records and high performance in eligible assessments.

Scarlett Langley, NFGRA, NRSTRA
Matthew Langston, NFGRA
Michelle Marlett, NRSTRA
Andres Marquez, NFGRA, NRSTRA, NHRA
Caden Meadows, NRSTRA
William Obiozo, NAARA, NRSTRA
Samuel Odom, NRSTRA
Sara Robbins, NRSTRA
Isaac Stell, NRSTRA
Chloe Tubbs, NAARA

Award Key:

National African American Recognition Award (NAARA)
National First Generation Recognition Award (NFGRA)
National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA)
National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award (NRSTRA)

El Dorado High School:

Student of the Month – Sara Robbins
“Sara is truly an embodiment of the Wildcat Way. She is kind and considerate of everyone. She is hardworking and always helps those around her,” explained EHS English Teacher Clair Antoon-Newton.
“She is the perfect example of what EHS strives for our students to be,” explained EHS Principal John Jameson.

Classified Employee of the Month – Joann Willis

“Mrs. Joann puts the students at EHS as one of her top priorities. She looks forward to seeing them every day and acknowledges each student with a smile. She is a wonderful coworker who will always keep a conversation going. She makes the workday pass by quickly and is willing to help anyone,” said Child Nutrition Director Kim Newman.

Teacher of the Month – Mario Moore
“Mr. Moore is one of those special people that connects with everyone. He is also one of those people that it is evident he is answering his higher calling when he walks on campus each day. He truly has a servant’s heart,” said EHS Principal John Jameson.

Murmil Education Center:

Student of the Month – Destiny Glinsey
“Destiny is a ray of sunshine and a joy to have in our building. Her accomplishments are exceptional and her determination is unparalleled. I know Destiny will be successful wherever she goes,” said MEC Principal Kasey Porchia.

Student of the Month – Ke’Asia Mayweather
“Over the last two or three years, Ke’Asia has come a long way with her studies and her behavior. She is proactive in staying on top of her classes and aims to complete her courses not only on time but with solid grades,” said Chris Davis.

Classified Employee of the Month – Ashley Robinson (not pictured, she will be recognized at next month’s board meeting)

Teacher of the Month – Carrie Smith
“Mrs. Smith is dependable, trustworthy, and works well with her students. She implores different techniques and various methods that are very beneficial to ensure our students are learning and placed in a successful situation. She is a team player who goes above and beyond not only for her students but for the staff as well,” stated MEC Principal Kasey Porchia.

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El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

15 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — A 39-year-old El Dorado man is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Union County District Court on Friday after being taken into custody following a lengthy police standoff earlier this week.

According to the El Dorado Police Department, Gary Lee Moore was arrested Tuesday morning after officers responded to a reported aggravated assault and spent more than an hour attempting to negotiate his surrender.

Authorities said officers were first called to South Arkansas Regional Hospital at approximately 6:45 a.m. Tuesday after receiving information about a suspected aggravated assault. Investigators reported that the victim told officers Moore had threatened her life and warned that he would kill any law enforcement officers who attempted to intervene.

Following the report, officers went to a residence in the 2700 block of Mount Holly Road to locate Moore.

Police secured the area around the residence, including shutting down a portion of Mount Holly Road, while ensuring no other individuals were inside the home. Crisis negotiators then began efforts to persuade Moore to surrender peacefully.

According to police, negotiators used verbal commands and communicated with Moore several times by telephone during the standoff. Despite those efforts, Moore repeatedly refused to leave the residence.

After negotiations proved unsuccessful, the El Dorado Police Department’s SWAT team implemented tactical measures that ultimately prompted Moore to exit the home.

Moore was taken into custody without further incident.

He has been charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threatening, resisting arrest and several additional charges.

Moore remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Union County District Court on June 5.

The investigation remains ongoing.

News

Youth Festival Of The Arts Set For This Weekend

Published

15 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, — Young artists from across South Arkansas will have an opportunity to display their creativity and connect with the community during the upcoming Youth Festival of the Arts on Saturday, June 6.

The event, presented through a partnership between the South Arkansas Arts Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Union County, will take place from 10 a.m. until noon at the Boys & Girls Club, located at 1201 N. West Ave. in El Dorado.

Organizers describe the event as a one-of-a-kind children’s art marketplace designed to celebrate and support young artists while encouraging creativity and artistic expression.

The festival will transform the indoor Lanxess Gym at the Boys & Girls Club into an art fair featuring artwork created by children and youth from throughout the region. Community members will have the opportunity to view the artwork, meet young artists and show their support for the next generation of creative talent.

The event is part of an ongoing effort by both organizations to provide artistic opportunities for local youth and help foster an appreciation for the arts in South Arkansas.

SAAC and the Boys & Girls Club have partnered on numerous programs focused on arts education, and organizers say the Youth Festival of the Arts is designed to give young creators a platform to share their work while building confidence and developing their artistic skills.

Community members are encouraged to attend and help support the area’s emerging artists.

Event Details

What: Youth Festival of the Arts
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Boys & Girls Club of Union County, 1201 N. West Ave., El Dorado
Hosted By: South Arkansas Arts Center and Boys & Girls Club of Union County
Admission: Open to the public

The event offers families a chance to celebrate creativity, encourage young artists and enjoy a morning dedicated to the arts in El Dorado.

News

Juneteenth Celebration Set For June 19th

Published

16 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Families from across South Arkansas are invited to gather for a day of celebration, education and community as the Justice League hosts its annual Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day on June 19 at the Murphy Arts District Amphitheater.

The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MAD Amphitheater and will feature food, entertainment, activities for children and community engagement opportunities designed to bring residents together while promoting peace and unity.

Organizers say attendees can enjoy free food, frozen treats, community vendors, a bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, live entertainment and free T-shirts while supplies last.

The event is presented by the Justice League and made possible through support from title sponsor Clean Harbors.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Although Lincoln’s proclamation officially declared enslaved people in Confederate states free on Jan. 1, 1863, enforcement depended on the presence of Union troops. In many parts of the South, slavery continued until federal troops arrived and enforced the order.

The announcement in Texas marked one of the final acts of emancipation in the United States and became a day of celebration among formerly enslaved people and their descendants.

Over the decades, Juneteenth grew from local community gatherings into a nationally recognized observance. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Today, communities across the country celebrate the holiday with festivals, educational programs, cultural events, parades and family gatherings that honor freedom, resilience and African American history.

Bringing the Community Together

Organizers of the El Dorado event say the Family Fun Day is designed not only to celebrate Juneteenth but also to encourage positive community engagement and promote efforts to reduce violence through education, fellowship and outreach.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to attend and take part in the festivities.

Event Information

What: Juneteenth Stop the Violence Family Fun Day
When: June 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Murphy Arts District Amphitheater, El Dorado
Admission: Free
Activities: Food, frozen treats, vendors, bounce house, water slide, poster contest, speakers, entertainment and more

The event is open to the public and welcomes families throughout the region to celebrate Juneteenth and the spirit of community together.

News

“Calling The Hogs” Event With Chuck Barrett Set For Tonight

Published

16 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Razorback fans will have a chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most recognizable voices in Arkansas sports tonight as “Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth” comes to the Murphy Arts District.

The special event, scheduled for June 4 inside the First Financial Music Hall, will feature legendary Arkansas Razorbacks play-by-play broadcaster Chuck Barrett, whose voice has become synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in Razorback athletics.

Barrett will share stories from his years behind the microphone, offering fans a unique look at the people, moments and memories that have shaped Arkansas sports. The evening is expected to include tales from the broadcast booth, locker room stories and insights into some of the biggest games in Razorback history.

Serving as master of ceremonies will be longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson, who will help guide the conversation and add his own blend of humor and perspective throughout the program.

Guests will also enjoy a catered dinner provided by Madhouse 101. Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m. before the evening’s program gets underway.

Organizers say the event is designed to bring together sports fans, community members and supporters of Arkansas athletics for an entertaining night of storytelling and fellowship.

Tickets are $50 per person, plus applicable fees and taxes. Seating is limited.

The event will be held tonight at the First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District in downtown El Dorado.

Event Details

What: Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth
When: Tonight, June 4
Where: First Financial Music Hall at Murphy Arts District, El Dorado
Dinner Service: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person plus fees and taxes
Seating: Limited availability

News

Farmers Market On The Square Celebrates Growers Month

Published

16 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO — Main Street El Dorado is inviting families to kick off June with fresh produce, local vendors and a creative activity for children during this week’s Farmers Market on the Square.

As part of Growers Month, the market will welcome local artist Pam Vernon for a free watercolor class designed especially for children. The class will take place Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., offering young artists an opportunity to explore their creativity while learning the basics of watercolor painting.

The activity is free and open to children attending the market with their families.

The Farmers Market on the Square is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon on Jefferson Avenue near the Union County Courthouse in downtown El Dorado. The market features a variety of local growers, farmers, artisans and vendors offering fresh produce, homemade goods, plants and other locally sourced products.

Main Street El Dorado officials say Growers Month is a celebration of the farmers and producers who help supply fresh, locally grown products to the community throughout the season.

Families are encouraged to come early, shop the market and participate in the watercolor class while enjoying a morning in downtown El Dorado.

The event provides a fun and educational opportunity for children while supporting local growers and small businesses that make the Farmers Market a community favorite each summer.