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.

Advertisement

“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.

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.

Advertisement

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.

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.

Advertisement

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.

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.  

Photo of Deason’s Guns and Antiques, courtesy of Google Earth

Advertisement