News

El Dorado City Council Meets, Discusses Grants: “Someone Else’s Money”

Published

2 weeks ago

April 11, 2025

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO – The El Dorado Mayor and City Council met in regular session Thursday, April 10th inside a well attended Council Chamber. After the opening ceremonies of prayer, pledge and roll call, Ward 2 Alderman Judy Ward announced the city would participate in the National Day of Prayer.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Ward said, “The national day of prayer was started when President Truman signed it into law in 1952, it was originally observed on July 4th.” President Ronald Reagan moved the day to the first Thursday in May, and it has been observed on that day since. Ward said, “Thursday May 1st we will meet here at City Hall, there will be a short message and we will pray.” Mayor Paul Choate followed with, “Let’s pack the building.”

DRUG TAKE BACK

Ward 1 Alderman, Jill Weinischke followed with, “April 26th, from 10 A.M. until 2 P.M., there will be a drive through drug take back in the Walmart parking lot. Authorities will be on hand to receive those prescriptions, whether it is a whole bag full or just one prescription.” The nationwide program began in 2010 amidst the growing concern that flushing or even just tossing prescription drugs was having an impact on groundwater. It was noted, back then, that many municipality wastewater treatment plants were not equipped to remove pharmaceuticals from the water supply. The program allows people to anonymously, if they so choose, discard unused or expired medications and over-the-counter medicines.

“SOMEONE ELSE’S MONEY”

Mayor Choate updated the Council and Chamber on a recent project. “I am happy to say that we spent $300,000 from Arkansas State Street Aid and we put about $200,000 with it to make a half million dollars worth of improvements to the City Streets in the last ten days. I like spending someone else’s money other than yours, I guess is what I’m trying to say.”

FIXING AN OLD PROBLEM

The Mayor then informed the Council of a potential solution to a problem, one which had been plaguing the City’s Ward 4. “We have a real watershed issue. There is a drainage ditch just North of Northwest Elementary School, North and South Magnolia streets and even back over to Brookwood (inside the Racquet Club Subdivision). That area is eroding and we have identified an approximately $2,000,000 grant available from the Delta Regional Authority that could be used to stop that erosion. If we get the grant, we would go in and lay a concrete pan and concrete walls to stop the erosion. So, we are going to go after that money, because it has become a serious issue.” The Mayor then asked the Council to approve a series of resolutions to empower him to apply for that grant, via Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District and empower the District to administer the grant. “We pay dues each year to belong to the District, they have the grant writers and the expertise to apply for the grant.” The Mayor said. The Council approved both resolutions unanimously. The grant is a 100% grant, meaning the City is not required to match any funds received to begin work. After the approval, Ward 3 Alderman Willie McGhee sought permission to add comments and said, “The water issue is one of the issues we been trying to work on, even with the Black Mayors Association. But I think we ought to ask, whenever this tax go on board, we ought to get some of that, because that is our taxpayer money, that one-cent sales tax. And since we know we got several issues in this community we need to focus on, I think we going to look for money but we already got money to start making plans on some of these issues before we wait around. I think, I mean I been around here a long time and we do this over and over, where we spend money all around but the issues that give our city quality of life, we kind of wait for grants and stuff. I think we ought to be more aggressive and, and, I believe this one-cent sales tax will pass but I also believe we need to focus some of it towards some of the issues that we already have like the flooding, the trash, the growed up lots. That’s quality of life, I believe that, and I appreciate you going after that, and there’s a lot more. I hope we still continue to work with the Black Mayors Association also, because this city has a lot of water issues. And I just think, you know, because every time it rains I get a flood of calls and I send y’all a flood of text messages and emails. We got people that there is water actually going in their house every time it rains. We ain’t talking about once a year or every now and then, we are talking about every time it rains in this city, somebody house is getting flooded with water. I just think we need to be more aggressive.”

Mayor Choate followed up with, “I agree with you 100%, we have plenty of issues, we just have to have the money.” Then referring to City Public Works Director Robert Edmonds, the Mayor said, “But do remember, Mr. Edmond’s group, over the last two years, has spent about seven point two, seven point three million dollars on streets and drainage around town and we have alleviated some flooding issues.”

WILLING TO USE FEDERAL MONEY

The Council then considered a resolution which designated the City’s willingness to utilize money from the Federal Aid Transportation Alternatives Program for Recreation Trails Program, in which the Federal Government participates at an 80% level, reimbursing the City for dollars spent in accordance with the grant program. The grant would be to improve downtown streetscaping and would be under the direction of the Arkansas Department of Transportation. According to the Mayor, the project is expected to cost in the neighborhood of $300,000 with just shy of a quarter-million of that to be reimbursed to the City via this grant.

UPDATE: EL DORADO WINS

Recently retired President and CEO of First Financial Bank, Chris Hegi then updated the Council on the proposed one-cent sales tax, commonly called El Dorado Wins. Mr. Hegi thanked the Council for their unanimous support for the tax, which if passed by the voters, would replace the expiring one-cent sales tax previously known as El Dorado Works. “Over the past few months we have had a number of townhall meetings, across our community. We have done some public speaking, where we can. We have had a lot of individual meetings, and we have a really good committee put together. Overall, it has been very positive. We have had opportunities to hear about areas to improve on.” Mr. Hegi said in the coming weeks, people would begin to hear and see advertisements about the tax election. Early voting for the proposed tax begins May 6th with the election to be held on May 13th. Mr. Hegi said he is personally urging people to vote early and asked the Council to do the same. Ward 4 Alderman, Buddy McAdams followed up Mr. Hegi’s update with, “I just want to say how much we appreciate you and your team for the work you are doing,”

XXX

Up Next

River Flooding Remains A Concern As A Calm Weekend Approaches

Don't Miss

Two South Arkansas Teens Killed In Single Vehicle Wreck

Click to comment

News

Camden Teens Apprehended Following Springdale SWAT Raid

Published

7 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Grant Merrill

SPRINGDALE — Two Camden men were arrested Sunday by the Springdale Police Department’s SWAT team as part of an ongoing investigation by Camden police, according to a report by KNWA Television.

Chris Arnold, 18, and Keegan Turner, 18, were taken into custody at separate locations in Springdale after officers executed arrest and search warrants. Authorities said the arrests stem from a broader investigation connected to violent crimes in Ouachita County.

Turner faces multiple charges, including committing a terroristic act, accomplice to first-degree murder, first-degree battery, and two counts of assault, according to court documents. The charges are tied to the September 6, 2022, shooting death of Andretti Austin in Camden.

Arnold is accused of theft by receiving between $5,000 and $25,000 in connection with the theft of a 2016 Ford Edge, also in Ouachita County. Court documents show that Arnold made his first appearance for the case on March 28. As of April 27, no additional charges have been formally filed against him.

Both Arnold and Turner are currently awaiting extradition to Camden as the investigation continues, the Springdale Police Department confirmed.

News

Camden senior receives $60,000 Hagan Scholarship

Published

11 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.

News

Arkansas Receives Over $47 Million in Annual Tobacco Settlement Funds

Published

11 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

11 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.