EL DORADO – The City of El Dorado will host the first of three public meetings tonight to gather community input as part of a new Parks Comprehensive Plan currently being developed by Michael Rogers Designs.

The meetings aim to engage residents in open discussions about the future of the city’s parks and recreation areas. Each session will give attendees the chance to share their thoughts on existing facilities and suggest improvements for long-term planning.

“These meetings are not about specific proposals or finalized designs,” city officials said. “They are meant to create a broad conversation about challenges and opportunities in each park and help shape the overall community vision moving forward.”

The full schedule of upcoming meetings includes:

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• Tuesday, April 22 | 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  El Dorado City Hall Council Chambers
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• Thursday, April 24 | 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  Murmil Education Center
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• Tuesday, April 29 | 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  El Dorado Municipal Auditorium Lobby
  Event Link

Residents who have already participated—whether in person, online, or during informal park conversations—are being thanked for their involvement. The city emphasizes that continued public input is vital to building a parks system that meets the needs of all residents.

All El Dorado citizens are encouraged to attend and help shape the city’s recreational future.

LEWISVILLE – A lithium project in Southwest Arkansas is getting national attention as part of a major push to boost American-made energy resources.

Smackover Lithium, a partnership between Standard Lithium and energy company Equinor, has been chosen as one of the first major projects supported by a new executive order from President Donald Trump. The order, announced in March, aims to speed up the production of important minerals that the U.S. needs for energy and manufacturing—especially those that usually come from countries like China.

The Southwest Arkansas (SWA) Project is the only one using a new technology called Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) to make the list. It’s also one of just three lithium projects nationwide selected for fast-track review.

That means government agencies will work together to speed up permits and approvals, making the process more transparent and predictable. The project has also earned support from the Department of Energy, which sees it as a key part of America’s energy future.

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“We are honored by this recognition,” said David Park, CEO of Standard Lithium. “This project can help power America’s energy needs, create good jobs in Arkansas, and reduce our dependence on foreign minerals.”

The lithium produced by the SWA Project could be used in batteries for electric vehicles and other advanced energy technologies. Smackover Lithium says they’re committed to protecting the environment, working with the local community, and moving forward responsibly.

To learn more, visit www.smackoverlithium.com.

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El Dorado Public Schools has officially opened kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year. Beginning today, families with children entering kindergarten in the fall can visit ElDoradoPublicSchools.org to complete the registration process online.

The district serves several elementary campuses, including Northwest Elementary, Hugh Goodwin Elementary, and Retta Brown Elementary. Each campus is ready to welcome new students and families as they take this important step in their educational journey.

To register, parents and guardians must submit the following required documents:

• Birth certificate

• Social Security card

• Shot record

• Proof of residency

District officials encourage families to begin the registration process as early as possible to ensure a smooth transition into the new school year. El Dorado Public Schools emphasizes its commitment to ensuring that “Every Student Deserves” a strong start in a safe, supportive learning environment.

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Kindergarten registration is available exclusively online. For more information or to begin registration, visit ElDoradoPublicSchools.org.

EL DORADO – United Way of Union County is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Director, a key leadership role within one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit organizations.

The Assistant Director will collaborate closely with Executive Director Tyler Turner to further the organization’s mission of improving lives and strengthening the local community. Responsibilities will include strategic planning, office management, and fundraising.

“This position is perfect for someone who wants to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of Union County while helping to lead a respected organization with deep community roots,” said Turner.

Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and be proficient with tools such as QuickBooks and Microsoft Office. A high school diploma is required, and a bachelor’s degree is considered a plus.

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This is a full-time position offering a competitive salary and benefits package. Some evening and weekend work may be required in support of agency activities and community events.

Founded in 1962, United Way of Union County raised over $1.5 million in 2024 to support local nonprofit programs—funds that remain within the county to serve the local population.

To learn more or apply, visit: https://www.goeldorado.com/jobs/assistant-director-united-way-of-union-county-inc/

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VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics worldwide, has died at the age of 88. His passing marks the end of a historic papacy that began in 2013, making him the first pontiff from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. Known for his humility, progressive tone, and focus on social justice, Francis leaves behind a legacy that reshaped the global Catholic Church in significant ways.

The Vatican announced his death early Monday morning, citing complications from ongoing health issues that had increasingly limited his public appearances in recent months.

Reaction to Pope Francis’ death poured in from around the world, including from Arkansas leaders.

“Our prayers go out to Catholics in Arkansas and across the world,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “Rest in peace.”

Francis visited the United States in 2015 and maintained strong diplomatic ties with countries around the globe. He was widely praised for efforts to address poverty, climate change, and the global refugee crisis, though his papacy also navigated intense scrutiny over the Church’s handling of sexual abuse scandals.

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Arkansas is home to more than 130,000 Catholics, many of whom gathered for prayer services across the state Monday morning in remembrance of the pontiff. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor of the Diocese of Little Rock is expected to issue a statement and lead a memorial Mass later this week.

Funeral arrangements will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, with international dignitaries and religious leaders expected to attend.