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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

1 year 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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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.