News
The Funeral Is Cancelled

EL DORADO – On a cold March Morning, a handful of El Dorado City Leaders gathered outside of the Murphy USA corporate offices. They held hands, put arms around shoulders and prayed out-loud for the city and its citizens to receive the words being brought by Lawrence Levy III.
South Arkansas Now had the opportunity to sit down with Levy and ask him about his visit. “The Funeral Is Cancelled is not only a movement, but also a program and curriculum. It is designed to bring awareness about violence. Also, it’s not just about gun violence, but violence as a whole, domestic violence, verbal abuse in the home, the pain from depression. You know, what our kids are dealing with. It gives a great depiction of not only what we are dealing with in the black community but in society as a whole. It’s captivating to pull you in to understand the problem, but also to give you the solution. You know, because sometimes we don’t know the problem and many times, even if we know the problem, we don’t know how the problem BECAME the problem. So, The Funeral Is Cancelled is an informative way to understand how we got here. Sometimes we have to go back to ask how we got here? Where did we drop the ball? And how do we pick it back up?”
Levy said, where allowed, he is able to take the curriculum into school districts and share that information with students. “We can give the students life skills principles, you know the education is great, we’re not taking away from that. But what about life skills? What about them being able to survive, maintain and be successful outside of the classrooms in everyday life. Their character, their morals, their decision making. The Funeral is Cancelled is about highlighting their responsibilities and turning them into a productive citizen. The Initiative is an attempt to bring the community together as a whole: white, black, rich, poor, it doesn’t matter. Because when the community comes together and looks at them as our kids, then we will treat them as our kids.”
Recent events held in places like Bossier City, LA, where gun violence, gang violence and other violence had spiraled to record levels, saw tremendous drops in the numbers of violent incidents. “The events are having a real impact in the communities we go in. The results are that the numbers of violent incidents dramatically decrease. The results are tremendously amazing. A few months ago, we were in this little community outside of New Orleans. When I got there, they were having shootings and other violence nearly daily. About two months later, I got a call from the Chief of Police and he said there has not been ONE incident of a fight, stabbing or shooting since we were there. He also said that men in the community were taking part and I had a mother call me and tell me that her son was now back in school, he’s put the guns down, he’s put the drugs down.”
Levy said the most challenging part for him and his team is reaching men. “That is our hardest battle. Because if we can get the men, we can get the community. Look, in our society, men are supposed to be leaders, they should be the heads, in most cases. When you have a single parent home, where a mother is working multiple jobs, she is struggling to get her son to a place where he is living a healthy lifestyle. So, when men do attend, we tell them that they are needed and that we notice they are missing. We give them an understanding of their importance and their role in the community, as well as the family. If we can heal the men in a community, then we can heal the men in a family and their children are then much more likely to make healthier decisions. A child with a mother and a father in the home is much more likely to make better decisions than those with just a mother in the home. This is especially true in the African American culture, because that mother is struggling and she can’t provide, she can’t watch, she can’t dictate the actions, she can’t monitor his friends and what they are doing. But when a father is involved, it is different. So, this is the need for our men to be involved. But, when we can get men involved, we see awesome declines in violence. Of course, we would love to see two parent households. The data doesn’t lie, two parent households have less acts of violence, less instances of poor decision making. However, even if men aren’t involved inside the home, If I can get men to buy in and take their rightful place, not just in the home but in the community, we see changes for the better.”
When asked to give a quick message to the community, Levy said, “When we can see each other as human beings. Not white, not black, not rich, not poor, not whose position is better or who trumps the other. Then our community becomes better, not just in the drop of violence but in just living among one another, together. Then our youth will see a community that loves, uplifts, supports and encourages one another, so it would then be difficult for our children to do anything other than what they have seen.”
Editorial Note: South Arkansas Now thanks El Dorado Ward 4 Alderman, Dianne Hammond for tirelessly working to get us access to Mr. Levy.
News
El Dorado Firefighters Earn Statewide Recognition

EL DORADO — The City of El Dorado is celebrating the recognition of two of its own as among the best in Arkansas firefighting. Captain Joseph Perry and Captain Marlee Thurlkill were each awarded the prestigious State Firefighter of the Year Award during a statewide ceremony held this past weekend in Hot Springs.
The award, presented annually, honors outstanding service, bravery, and dedication to the fire service. Having two recipients from the same department is a rare and notable achievement—one that reflects the strength and professionalism of El Dorado’s fire personnel.
Both captains have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment through years of service, training, and action under pressure. Their recognition at the state level shines a spotlight on the caliber of emergency response in El Dorado.
News
Storm Chances Linger Across Region Today

SHREVEPORT – After a night of severe thunderstorms, more unsettled weather is expected today across southern and eastern parts of the region, including South Arkansas. The National Weather Service in Shreveport has placed the area under a Level 1 (Marginal) risk for severe storms, the lowest tier on its five-level scale.
Scattered showers will continue through much of the morning, with embedded thunderstorms developing at times. While isolated thunderstorms are possible throughout the day, the best chance for stronger storms will be in the southern and eastern zones.
Forecasters warn of potential hazards including damaging wind gusts in excess of 60 miles per hour and large hail up to quarter size or larger.
Residents are advised to stay weather aware and monitor for any warnings issued throughout the day, especially in areas like El Dorado, Ruston, and Monroe.
For the latest updates, visit weather.gov/shv or follow @NWSShreveport on social media.
News
Murphy Arts District, NELA Music Association Announce New Partnership

EL DORADO — The Murphy Arts District (MAD) in El Dorado is teaming up with the NELA Music Association in a new partnership aimed at providing expanded performance opportunities for musicians from Northeast Louisiana.
Announced Monday, the collaboration is a significant move to bring fresh talent from the NELA region to new stages and broader audiences. As part of the agreement, the Murphy Arts District will serve as the official presenter of the Best Emerging Artist Award at the 2025 NELA Music Awards.
The partnership underscores both organizations’ shared mission to elevate Southern music and create platforms for rising artists.
“We greatly admire the work they’ve done to build a thriving district that champions live music,” said Myra Gatling-Akers, President and Founder of the NELA Music Awards. “Expanding into new markets is vital for our musicians, giving them greater exposure and helping them grow their fan base beyond our region.”
Joanna Benson, Marketing Manager at MAD, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the venue’s long-standing support of regional talent.
“Over the years, we’ve developed a strong bond with many talented NELA artists who have taken the stage at MAD, and it’s been a joy to watch their careers flourish,” Benson said. “We’re passionate about continuing to support and build relationships with the next generation of artists.”
The partnership is expected to drive greater visibility for emerging musicians while reinforcing El Dorado’s status as a vibrant cultural hub in the South.
News
Budget, insurance to top El Dorado School Board agenda

EL DORADO — The El Dorado School Board will convene for its regular monthly meeting Monday evening at 6 p.m., with several key items on the agenda, including athletic budgeting, personnel discussions, and assurances for federal education programs.
Board members will begin by reviewing and approving the minutes from the May 12 regular meeting, as well as three special called meetings held on May 8, May 13, and May 27.
One of the notable items on the agenda is a presentation from Athletic Director Phillip Lansdell regarding the district’s athletic budget and insurance plans for the upcoming school year. The board will also vote on a resolution to appoint a representative to the South Central Service Cooperative Board of Directors.
Sherry Floss is scheduled to present the annual ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) assurances, and the district’s GEPA (General Education Provisions Act) statement, which are required for federal funding compliance.
Additionally, the board will consider student transfer petitions before moving into executive session to discuss personnel matters.
The meeting will take place at the district’s central office and is open to the public.
News
El Dorado Chamber To Host Blood Drive

EL DORADO — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to “Give the Spice of Life” by donating blood during a special drive on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Chamber’s downtown office, located at 111 W. Main Street.
Organized in partnership with LifeShare Blood Center, the drive aims to help save lives by collecting much-needed blood donations for hospitals across the region. Each donation can help up to three patients in need, according to organizers.
As a token of appreciation, every donor will receive a complimentary pass to attend the Chamber’s “Business After Hours” event that same evening at The Wooden Nickel. The networking event is designed to support local business connections while celebrating those who gave the gift of life.
Community members are encouraged to stop by, roll up their sleeves, and make a meaningful impact.
For more information, contact the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.
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