STRONG – The Union County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 17-year-old from Strong.

Shdarrien Williams was reported missing by his family on Tuesday, May 14, after last being seen on Friday, May 9. At the time, he was wearing blue jeans and a black hoodie, according to authorities.

His mother told investigators that Shdarrien may be in the El Dorado area, with specific attention given to the Murmil, Marrable Hill, and Rock Island neighborhoods.

Anyone with information regarding Shdarrien’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office at 870-864-1990.

Authorities are continuing their investigation and encourage community members to share any tips, no matter how small, to assist in the search.

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EL DORADO – The El Dorado WINS one-cent sales tax proposal has been approved by the city’s voters. There are still four absentee ballots to be counted, they are at the Union County Courthouse. However, those four votes will not change the outcome of the election. Unofficial results are 572 FOR and 187 AGAINST, showing a 75% vote in favor of the new sales tax. 

While it is a “new” sales tax, the previous one-cent tax, called El Dorado WORKS, is set to expire later this year and the new El Dorado WINS tax will replace it. Under the proposal, funds would be allocated as follows:

• 25% to Parks & Recreation to improve and expand public parks and event spaces
• 20% to Public Works for upgrades to streets, water systems, and sewer lines
• 20% to Public Safety for police and fire service enhancements
• 20% to Future Development to support long-term city planning
• 10% to Economic Development to attract businesses and stimulate growth
• 5% to South Arkansas College to maintain and operate the El Dorado Conference Center

Immediately following the results, El Dorado Mayor Paul Choate read a prepared statement which was streamed live at SouthArkansasNow.com’s Facebook page. For his full statement, please see our video. In his statement, he said, “First, I would like to thank all voters who turned out for this election, those who supported the tax and those who didn’t.” The Mayor also gave special thanks to Chris Hegi, the recently retired Chief Executive Officer of First Financial Bank, who helped shape the El Dorado WINS committee. The Mayor also said once the results of the election were certified, the process will begin of appointing a new public facilities board which will review project proposals. Mayor Choate said he will be asking a group of local citizens to review the applications for those who wish to serve on the new board. “This ensures a broad community voice in selecting the individuals who will help shape how these dollars are invested in our city.” He concluded his statement by thanking the voters for their confidence in investing in the City’s shared future.

Should current trends hold over the life of the El Dorado WINS tenure, the city can expect to collect approximately $50,000,000 during the 10 years the tax is in place. 

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El Dorado School District Board Meeting Summary – May 12, 2025

The El Dorado School District convened for its monthly board meeting on May 12, 2025, addressing key financial reports, program updates, recognitions, and the continued growth of its students and staff. The meeting highlighted the district’s strong financial performance, commitment to student welfare, and recognition of remarkable achievements within the community.

Audit Report Presented by Michael Cobb

Michael Cobb presented the annual audit report, delivering the positive news of a “Clean Opinion” with zero instances of non-compliance or unaccounted transactions. The district’s financial performance for 2024 exceeded expectations, with actual revenue totaling $44.6 million against a budgeted $44.4 million, while expenses were $42 million compared to the $41.2 million budgeted.

The district managed its operational fund effectively, generating $3.5 million in revenue over expenses. These surplus funds were transferred to the Debt Service Fund, contributing to long-term financial stability. Cobb also noted that $4.8 million is required to be utilized between fiscal years 2025 and 2026, and that the Property Assessed Value of the District is approximately $750 million. The board unanimously approved the audit.

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Extra Duty Pay Stipends and Salary Schedule Update

The board reviewed and approved updates to the Extra Duty Pay Stipends and the Salary Schedule, reflecting its ongoing commitment to supporting its educators and staff.

Lunch Pricing Adjustments

Due to changes in federal eligibility, the district is no longer qualified for universal free lunch. The board proposed and approved a price of $3.00 for a regular line lunch. This falls in line with districts in the area. However, the Free and Reduced Lunch programs remain available for families in need, and the state legislature has secured free breakfast for all students daily. The board assured that no student would be denied lunch due to non-payment, emphasizing the district’s dedication to student well-being.

Arkansas Seals of Biliteracy Recognition

Heather Jennings, ESL Coordinator for the district, proudly presented the Arkansas Seals of Biliteracy awards to students who demonstrated proficiency in multiple languages:

• 10th Grade: Ignacio Chavez & Fredling Sarahy Mendoza Salmeron
• 11th Grade: Abbigail Jasso, Daniela Paralta, and Samuel Ramirez
• 12th Grade: Denisse Hernandez & Ariana Jasso

These recognitions underscore the district’s commitment to language diversity and global readiness.

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SAU Resident Recognition

Two exceptional students were acknowledged for their accomplishments as SAU Residents:

• Nealy Elkins: Nealy was honored for her outstanding academic performance and dedication to her educational journey. As a second-grade teacher at Northwest Elementary, she is known for her passion for teaching and her ability to inspire young minds. Her commitment to student growth and learning has set a standard within the district. Nealy is also actively involved in collegiate activities, demonstrating leadership and a drive to excel. Her recognition reflects the hard work and impact she has made on her students and the school community.
• Cambell Warner: Cambell was recognized for her leadership and academic excellence, balancing her responsibilities as a fifth-grade science teacher at Washington Middle School with her graduate coursework and sorority commitments. Her ability to manage multiple roles with grace and commitment serves as an example for her peers. Campbell’s enthusiasm for teaching and her dedication to student success make her a valued member of the educational community. Her recognition highlights her positive influence both inside and outside the classroom.

Yocum Primary Recognition

Yocum Primary shined the spotlight on its outstanding community members:

• Student of the Month: Katherine Briones Valerio, a 1st grader whose enthusiasm and kindness brighten the school daily. Katherine is known for her caring nature and her constant willingness to help others, always greeting her classmates with a smile. Her teachers describe her as a friend to everyone she meets and someone who radiates positivity. Her willingness to lend a hand and her joyful spirit make her a role model for her peers. Katherine’s recognition as Student of the Month is a reflection of her impact at Yocum Primary.
• Classified Employee of the Month: Melinda King has served as a secretary for five years at Yocum Primary. More than just a secretary, Melinda is the heart of the school’s daily operations. She is known for her ability to multitask–coordinating fundraisers, providing first aid, and even bringing joy to students and staff with her “jingle-singing” spirit. Her kindness and efficiency ensure that Yocum Primary runs smoothly, and her contributions are deeply valued by the entire school community.
• Teacher of the Month: Ashley Collinsworth, a Literacy Facilitator with 18 years of experience, is known for her genuine passion for teaching and her deep understanding of K-1 Literacy. Her expertise allows her to connect with students who often struggle, finding ways to make learning both engaging and accessible. Ashley is more than just a teacher; she’s a mentor and a friend to her students, always ready to lend a listening ear or a helping hand. Her colleagues admire her hands-on approach and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure every child succeeds. Thanks to her dedication and heartfelt commitment, literacy test scores have consistently improved, reflecting the meaningful impact she has on her classroom and the broader community.

Yocum Elementary Recognition

Yocum Elementary proudly recognized the achievements of its standout community members:

• Student of the Month: Zamarion Lowery, affectionately known as “Z,” is a 4th grader whose positive attitude and kindness make him a role model among his peers. Z is described as incredibly responsible, always eager to lend a helping hand and demonstrate respect to those around him. His teachers admire his unwavering kindness and strong moral compass, which guide his actions both in and out of the classroom. Z’s genuine care for others is evident in his daily interactions, and he consistently strives to make his school a better place. His optimism and resilience are inspiring to his classmates and educators alike.
• Classified Employee of the Month: Savannah Brown is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education while working at Yocum Elementary. Known for her extraordinary dedication, Savannah goes above and beyond daily to ensure that each student receives the support they need. Her colleagues describe her as compassionate, hardworking, and always willing to take on additional responsibilities when needed. Savannah embodies the spirit of Yocum Elementary through her positive attitude and commitment to student success. Her passion for education and willingness to take initiative have made a lasting impact on the students she serves.
• Teacher of the Month: Nicole McAdams is celebrated for her extraordinary commitment to her students and her community, even while facing the personal battle of cancer treatment and chemotherapy. Despite the challenges, Nicole never wavered in her dedication, showing up for her students with a smile and a spirit that inspired those around her. Her nurturing spirit creates lasting connections with both students and colleagues, who admire her strength and resilience. More than just a teacher, Nicole is a pillar of support and kindness, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure her students feel valued and understood. Her colleagues describe her as irreplaceable, a true embodiment of courage and love for teaching. Her perseverance and unwavering optimism continue to inspire her students and the entire Yocum Elementary community.

Yocum Principal’s Report

Yocum Elementary’s Principal, Jessica Moore, shared several standout achievements during her report, particularly highlighting student performance on the ATLAS Winter Interim assessments. Among 9,000 third-grade students across the state, only 73 scored a perfect 4 in elaboration, with Azul Perez being the sole representative from Yocum Elementary—a remarkable accomplishment that speaks to her dedication and focus. In the fourth grade, out of 5,000 students, only six reached the top score of 4 in elaboration, and Paisley McClelland proudly represented Yocum as the only one from the district to achieve this milestone.

These accomplishments reflect the school’s strong instructional focus, which has not only reduced disciplinary referrals before recess but also increased student attendance. An impressive 78% of students in the 3rd and 4th grades demonstrated growth on the ATLAS Winter Interim assessments, showcasing the effectiveness of Yocum’s educational strategies. Principal Moore expressed her pride in these students and praised the dedication of Yocum’s educators for fostering an environment where academic excellence thrives.

Yocum Elementary’s focus on cultivating relationships, building self-managing classrooms, and improving academic performance continues to shine as a model for student achievement and community support.

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EL DORADO – A section of Industrial Road will be closed for approximately two weeks beginning Tuesday, May 14, to allow for culvert replacement, according to local officials.

The closure will extend from Louis Hurley South to the railroad crossing. Construction is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. on May 14. Drivers are urged to use alternate routes and plan accordingly to avoid delays.

The project is expected to improve drainage in the area and support long-term infrastructure reliability.

Updates on reopening will be provided as the work progresses.

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