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$3 MILLION PRIVATE GIFT TO SOUTH ARKANSAS COLLEGE, $25 MILLION IN CONSTRUCTION AND HIGH PRAISE FOR DR. TULLY-DARTEZ BRINGS APPLAUSE TO THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Published

2 months ago

February 14, 2025

Staff Reports

This is part two of our coverage of the El Dorado City Council meeting from Thursday of this week. You can find Part One here.

EL DORADO – Before approving a nearly $6 Million funding request from the El Dorado Works Board, the entity in charge of presenting disbursement requests of the previously collected 1% sales tax to the City Council, South Arkansas College President, Dr. Stephanie Tully-Dartez said the college was proud to work with Murphy Oil Corporation to facilitate the beginning of the stadium but said, “I really appreciate consideration of this proposal, I think it is going to do great things for our community. I was excited to work with Murphy Oil and for them to donate the money for us to have a ball field at the college but I really think that being able to turn our planned ball field into a Diamond Sports Stadium, where we can have youth play on a collegiate level field is just really exciting. From an economic development standpoint there’s some real numbers there but also the unquantifiable benefit to having young people involved in sports, especially on a collegiate field. I appreciate the support of the Works Board and the support of the City Council if you so choose.” Prior to the vote, which passed unanimously, Ward Four Alderman Buddy McAdams said, “Yes! I think we would be remiss by not mentioning Murphy Oil and not only what they have done for the stadium but for everything they do for our community.

BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE!

Mayor Paul Choate then said to Dr. Tully-Dartez, “There was another major contribution made too, wasn’t there?” Tully Dartez nodded and said, “Yes! On part of the housing, Mr. Bill Howard, one of our greatest philanthropists as a private individual, has donated…” She then stopped and turned towards one of her staff members in the audience and said, “I believe this is the first time we are going to say this outloud?” Then turning back to the Council said, “… $3 Million and the housing that will be established on the campus, next to the Conference Center, where our student housing is going, is going to be named Howard Hall in his honor and thanks for the gift. We are excited about bringing young people to El Dorado to attend college, get an education and hopefully we can keep them around and get them into our workforce.”

WAIT, HOW MUCH DID YOU SAY?

Mayor Choate then said, “If my math is not off, by far, this is going to be a $19 Million plus project for the community.” Tully-Dartez agreed and said, “With everything we’ve got going on, including the construction of the new Industrial Chem Lab on the East Campus, we’ve got about $25 Million in construction going on right now.” “Folks, that’s big stuff.” Choate said over the applause in the Council Chamber.

Ward Three Alderman Willie McGhee said, “I think we also need to thank our citizens for keeping this going. Every time we go to the Arkansas Municipal League and talk about our one-cent sales tax, people is so shocked, we are willing to tax ourselves and to turn our community. I am about like Mr. Rucks, I just truly, we need to invest in our young people and in our future.”

SHE’S BECOME ONE OF US

Sara Coffman, who was the El Dorado Works Board representative addressing the Council said, “It is so powerful to be able to work with a person that has such vision for our city. We are so lucky to have her here with us and she’s staying with us and she knows she wants smart people around us. It’s such an opportunity and thank you Doctor for working so closely with us, I really appreciate that.” As mentioned in Part One of this series, Dr. Stephanie Tully-Dartez moved to El Dorado in 2007 with her husband Shawn. In 2009 she was named as the Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness at South Arkansas College, a position she held until 2013. Then she moved on to become Chief Institutional Effectiveness and Advancement Officer until 2017. Beginning that year, she made several transitions within the college, being first, Associate Vice President of Workforce and Career Education, then for Planning and Career Education, then for Institutional Planning and Academic Support. In 2021 she became Vice President for Academic Affairs and for a period of about a year (2022-23) also filled the interim position as Vice President of Student Services. Then in 2023, while the college sought for their next leader, she assumed the interim role as President. Then, on July 1st, 2024, she became the sixth President in the history of South Arkansas College.

HIGH PRAISE FROM A RESPECTED COUNCIL MEMBER

After the vote by the Council, the chamber again filled with applause. Ward Two Alderman, Judy Ward, said, “I just want to commend Dr. Stephanie at the college. We have several people here tonight that worked at the college for many years. Since Dr. Whitfield, our first president left, she is the first President, I think I can say, that the employees have been extremely excited about. Before, they would go out into the world and find somebody who didn’t know anything about El Dorado and bring them in and it was a revolving door. They would come to South Ark and wait for a better job at a bigger college. Dr. Stephanie has been there for years, she knows what’s going on, she is an A plus plus person and we are blessed to have her. And also, you talked about Mr. Bill Howard and those of you that know him. Sunday, he will be 101 years old. So, if you see him on Facebook, please send him a message, or mail him a card, I can give you his address. But he will be 101 with a sharp mind and is still up and going.” Mayor Choate said, “He is a real friend to the community and to the college.” Former El Dorado Mayor and South Arkansas College Board member, Veronica Smith-Creer agreed, being overheard in the crowd saying, “He is that! He is that!”

$4 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT FOR SOUTH ARKANSAS REGIONAL AIRPORT

The Council then moved on to a reclassification request from the El Dorado Works Board. Previously approved monies to the South Arkansas Regional Airport were discussed with the Council’s approval being sought to reallocate nearly $400,000. Coffman said the Airport was seeking the reclassification to include a design study in order to secure a $4 Million Federal Grant for the airport’s terminal renovation. “Again, this is a reallocation, we gave him a million dollars and so far there’s only been about $100,000 spent out of it. We just wanted to make the Council aware that this money needs to be spent on something else. We are just dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s”

COMING SOON: PART THREE OF OUR COVERAGE OF THE RECENT EL DORADO CITY COUNCIL MEETING

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Camden senior receives $60,000 Hagan Scholarship

Published

2 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Grant Merrill

CAMDEN – Camden Fairview High School senior Darre’ll Atkins, Jr. has been awarded the highly competitive Hagan Scholarship to attend the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide, need-based merit scholarship designed to help high-achieving students graduate from college debt-free. As part of the award, Atkins will receive $2,000 to assist with essential college expenses and up to $7,500 each semester for up to eight consecutive semesters.

In addition to financial support, the Hagan Scholarship Foundation provides recipients with free workshops, a free Schwab Brokerage Account to encourage financial literacy, and access to free Study Abroad programs. These experiences offer practical life skills that are often not covered in traditional college curriculums.

Hagan Scholars have attended 638 colleges and universities across 49 states and the District of Columbia, with many participating in Study Abroad programs in 58 different countries.

“Congratulations, Juney! We are so proud of your accomplishments during your time at Camden Fairview, and we can’t wait to cheer on your future successes,” school officials said in a statement.

Atkins’s achievement reflects not only his academic excellence but also his commitment to building a strong foundation for his future at UAM and beyond.

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Arkansas Receives Over $47 Million in Annual Tobacco Settlement Funds

Published

3 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Grant Merrill

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced Monday that the state has received $47,044,772.69 as its annual disbursement from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA), bringing Arkansas’s total proceeds from the agreement to more than $1.4 billion.

The settlement funds, which are administered through the State Treasurer’s office, are crucial in supporting a range of health-related programs across Arkansas. “The annual disbursement of settlement funds supports key programs in Arkansas that improve health outcomes,” Griffin said. “My office enforces the MSA and various tobacco statutes enacted pursuant to the MSA.”

Approved by voters in 2000 through the Tobacco Settlement Proceeds Act, the state’s distribution plan directs settlement dollars to a variety of initiatives aimed at enhancing public health. These include the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, which focuses on agricultural and medical research; the Medicaid Expansion Program, which extends coverage to underserved populations; the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program, which works to reduce tobacco use statewide; and the Targeted State Needs Program, which funds public health efforts for minority communities, seniors, and residents of rural and Delta regions.

Beyond ensuring the appropriate use of these funds, the Attorney General’s office is tasked with enforcing the terms of the settlement. Responsibilities include certifying tobacco manufacturers for sale in the state, maintaining an Approved-For-Sale Directory for cigarettes, handling quarterly and annual reporting, and pursuing audits, investigations, or legal action in cases of noncompliance.

The Master Settlement Agreement remains one of the most significant public health settlements in U.S. history, requiring major tobacco companies to compensate states for healthcare costs associated with tobacco-related illnesses while funding anti-smoking initiatives.

News

Heavy Rainfall Returns To Midweek Forecast

Published

3 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO – Showers and thunderstorms are expected to return by midweek, bringing the potential for excessive rainfall and localized flooding across parts of the Four State Region, according to the National Weather Service in Shreveport.

Periods of heavy rainfall are forecast to begin Wednesday and continue into Wednesday night, mainly impacting northwestern portions of the region. Rainfall totals of 2 to 3 inches are likely, with some areas possibly receiving even higher amounts.

The greatest risk for flooding includes low-lying areas, rivers, creeks, and roads, where rapid rises in water levels could occur. The National Weather Service’s Day Three Excessive Rainfall Outlook places parts of northeast Texas, southeast Oklahoma, southwest Arkansas, and northwest Louisiana under a marginal to slight risk for flash flooding.

Communities including Broken Bow, Clarksville, Mount Pleasant, and Texarkana are among those expected to see the highest rainfall amounts. Areas farther south and east, such as El Dorado and Shreveport, are forecast to receive lighter rainfall totals ranging from 0.5 to 1 inch.

Forecasters urge residents to monitor weather updates, have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts, and be prepared to take action if flood advisories or warnings are issued.

For the latest information, visit weather.gov/shv.

News

Tornado Watch Issued For Parts Of Southern Arkansas

Published

2 days ago

April 26, 2025

Grant Merrill

SHREVEPORT – A Tornado Watch is in effect for much of South Arkansas this evening as a powerful storm system sweeps across the region, bringing the potential for dangerous weather conditions.

The National Weather Service has issued Tornado Watch 176, which remains active until 10:00 p.m. CDT. Counties under the watch include Clark, Columbia, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Montgomery, Nevada, Ouachita, Pike, Polk, Scott, and Sevier.

The watch follows a volatile afternoon in southern and southeastern Oklahoma, where numerous tornado warnings were issued as storms intensified. Forecasters warn that similar conditions could develop across South Arkansas tonight, with the possibility of large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes.

Residents are urged to closely monitor weather updates and have a plan in place should a warning be issued. Tornadoes can form rapidly with little notice during severe weather outbreaks.

Tornado Safety Tips:

Stay Alert: Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local news, or trusted weather apps for updates.
Have a Safe Place: Identify a safe room or small, windowless interior room on the lowest floor of your home, such as a bathroom or closet.
Mobile Homes Are Unsafe: Seek shelter in a sturdy building if possible. Mobile homes do not provide adequate protection from tornadoes.
Keep Emergency Supplies Ready: Flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, bottled water, and a phone charger should be easily accessible.
Do Not Stay in Your Car: If you are caught outside with no shelter, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head.

Officials stress that nighttime tornadoes can be especially dangerous because they are harder to see and often catch people off guard. Residents are encouraged not to wait for visual confirmation before seeking shelter.

For continuous updates, follow South Arkansas Now and local emergency management alerts throughout the evening.

News

Friday Morning Fire Shuts Down North West Avenue

Published

3 days ago

April 25, 2025

Sandy Sanford

Photo Courtesy of Dallas County, Arkansas 911 Dispatch Supervisor Sheri Ware of El Dorado

EL DORADO – The El Dorado Fire Department is currently fighting a fire in the 400 Block of North West Avenue in the area next to Bill’s Pawn Shop. All indications are that the building next door to the pawn shop, Deason’s Antiques & Guns caught fire this morning and while it appears to be a major loss, the fire crews have been battling the blaze in an effort to save Bill’s Pawn. This portion of the Avenue is currently closed to traffic and units from both the El Dorado Police Department and Union County Sheriff’s Department are on hand as well. Once we have more information we will pass it along.