News

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

Published

1 year 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,”

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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.