News

Meta AI facility to be built in Rayville

Published

2 years ago

December 5, 2024

Staff Reports

RICHLAND PARISH, La. – Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta announced it will build a $10 billion artificial intelligence data center in northeast Louisiana, a transformational investment that cements the state’s status as a major innovation hub and puts this picturesque rural community on the leading edge of a global digital revolution.

Meta projects the data center will support 500 or more direct new jobs in Richland Parish. LED estimates the project will result in the creation of more than 1,000 indirect jobs, for a total of more than 1,500 potential new jobs in the Northeast Region. The company estimates 5,000 construction workers at peak of construction on the 2,250-acre former Franklin Farm megasite that sits between the municipalities of Rayville and Delhi, about 30 miles east of Monroe.

“Today, Louisiana begins a new chapter. Today, we are delivering new jobs and economic growth on a scale unimaginable before we took office,” Governor Jeff Landry said. “Meta’s investment establishes the region as an anchor in Louisiana’s rapidly expanding tech sector, revitalizes one of our state’s beautiful rural areas, and creates opportunities for Louisiana workers to fill high-paying jobs of the future. I thank Meta for their commitment to our state, and to the State Legislature for positioning Louisiana to win this project by passing new tax reform legislation that attracts capital investment and improves Louisiana’s business tax climate.”

Hyperscaler data centers such as the one planned for Richland Parish are housed in huge physical structures designed to process the vast amounts of data required to support digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads. The facility is the largest of more than 20 Meta data centers around the world.

“Meta is building the future of human connection and the technology that makes it possible. And this data center will be an important part of that mission,” said Kevin Janda, Meta Director of Data Center Strategy. “Richland Parish in Louisiana is an outstanding location for Meta to call home for a number of reasons. It provides great access to infrastructure, a reliable grid, a business-friendly climate, and wonderful community partners that have helped us move this project forward. We’re thrilled to be a new member of the Richland Parish community and are committed to investing in its long-term vitality.”

LED expects the project, one of the largest private capital investments in the state’s history, to spark new economic activity and investments throughout northeast Louisiana as multiple industries benefit from the billions of dollars invested. Meta makes a concerted effort to source labor and materials locally, and partners with local schools and organizations to advance STEAM education and digital skills that can be used to compete in the digital workforce.

“This project is an example of what Louisiana can accomplish when economic development partners play offense rather than waiting for good projects to come to them,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “Louisiana has been actively positioning itself as a hub for AI innovation, with plans to support startups, grow a skilled workforce, and shape forward-thinking policy. Meta’s historic investment is just the beginning of a bold strategy to drive economic growth through AI, expand and diversify the state’s tech sector, and prove to the world that when Louisiana says that we are ready to compete on the global stage, we mean business.”

To power the data center, which at its largest point extends more than one mile from front to back, Entergy will add clean, efficient power plants to its system to meet growing power demands, including from the data center. Meta has pledged to match its electricity use with 100% clean and renewable energy and will be working with Entergy to bring at least 1,500 MW of new renewable energy to the grid through its Geaux Zero program. In addition, Meta has committed to contribute up to $1 million a year to Entergy’s “The Power to Care” low-income ratepayer support program, a figure that will be matched by Entergy Louisiana.

“This partnership underscores Entergy Louisiana’s commitment to powering progress and driving innovation,” Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May said. “By supporting this transformational investment, we are not only delivering the energy needed today, but also building the infrastructure that will support a brighter, more sustainable future for all of Louisiana. Together, we’re laying the foundation for economic growth that will benefit generations to come. We could not be more proud to play a critical role in this monumental endeavor.”

In addition to Meta’s commitment to match its electricity usage with clean and renewable energy, the company prioritizes water stewardship in its operations, including minimizing water use at its data centers. Meta has pledged to restore more water than it consumes at this data center by investing in water restoration projects in Louisiana.

To support both the construction and eventual operation of the data center, Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) has committed $250,000 in Workforce Rapid Response funding to Delta Community College to develop programs and expand capacity. Delta will scale up its construction trades programs to meet the initial construction needs, and partner with peer institutions experienced in developing and delivering curricula for data center operations.

“The parish is excited about the project we look forward to assisting in every way,” Richland Parish Supervisor Joey Evans said. “I am so proud of the collaboration and cooperation among our state, regional, parish and local partners. The manner in which the communities of Rayville, Holly Ridge and Delhi came together to make this project a reality speaks volumes about our parish’s ability to rise to any challenge.”

Meta expects construction to continue through 2030 with site work beginning in December. The company has also committed to invest more than $200 million in local infrastructure improvements, including roads and water systems.

The company is expected to take advantage of a new Louisiana incentive program, established by Act 730, that offers qualifying projects a state and local sales and use tax rebate on the purchase or lease of data center equipment. Meta is also expected to participate in the state’s Quality Jobs program.

“This project will create a transformational change for the residents of the entire Northeast Region,” Grow NELA President and CEO Rob Cleveland said. “Meta chose northeast Louisiana because of the availability of reliable, low-cost energy; access to flat, developable land and a business-friendly environment led by Governor Landry. This project opens the floodgates for data center development in Louisiana, and we are prepared for what’s ahead.”

News

Downed Power Line Has EFD Fighting Nighttime Fire

Published

3 days ago

August 15, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – El Dorado Fire Department was called out late Saturday night when a limb crashed across an active power line inside the Racquet Club neighborhood on El Dorado’s North side.

At approx 11:00 P.M, residents in the area reported their lights blinking several times and then power going out. Shortly thereafter, neighbors reported smelling smoke and seeing flames coming from a power pole. Soon thereafter, flames were reported in the backyard of a home on Kenwood Street, with a subsequent fire happening on 19th street.

El Dorado Fire Department responded and found a downed power line. Knowing that the power line could present greater problems, the crews worked quickly to identify the line and if it was live. In the meantime, other fire fighters were working to extinguish the flames, which given the dangerously dry conditions, could spread quickly.

As of this posting, the EFD crews were still identifying any hot-spots that could be lingering in the debris of the fallen limb and power line.

News

Mulerider Football Enters Fall Camp With New Faces, High Expectations and Stadium Improvements on the Horizon

Published

6 days ago

August 13, 2026

Jax Sanford

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Southern Arkansas University football is back on the practice field as the Muleriders prepare for the 2026 season, and Head Coach Brad Smiley believes his team is building toward something special both on and off the field.

Smiley recently invited South Arkansas Now to take a look at the Muleriders during fall camp and spoke about his expectations for the upcoming season, his players’ commitment to the community, and his goal of making sure every student-athlete has the best possible experience at SAU.

One of the points Smiley takes particular pride in is the Muleriders’ commitment to serving the community. Last season, the program was recognized as the national champion in community service, following back-to-back runner-up finishes the previous two years.

For Smiley, however, success extends well beyond what happens between the lines.

“I want to give every single one of our players the best experience possible at SAU,” Smiley emphasized, while also stressing the importance of helping his players grow academically and developmentally during their time in Magnolia.

On the field, the Muleriders enter the 2026 campaign following a strong 8-3 season in 2025. Southern Arkansas dominantly closed last season, defeating the University of Arkansas at Monticello 49-10 in the annual Battle for the Timberlands.

New Quarterback Leads New Faces

One of the biggest changes heading into this season comes at quarterback, where the Muleriders have added transfer quarterback CJ Montes.

Montes began his collegiate career at New Mexico before transferring to Fordham University. During his time with the Rams, he threw for more than 3,000 yards, 26 touchdowns and just one interception. He recorded five games with more than 300 passing yards, including a 400-yard performance, and led the Patriot League in passing touchdowns. His impressive season earned him recognition as a finalist for the Walter Payton Award.

Montes later transferred to Kent State, where he was named the team’s Week 1 starter and appeared in two games, completing 10 of 19 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown before suffering a season-ending injury.

The Muleriders will also look to Arkez Gomez to provide production in the backfield. Gomez served as the team’s starting running back last season while sharing carries with multiple players. He finished 2025 with 103 rushing attempts for 562 yards and three touchdowns.

Gomez was also a factor in the passing game, catching 19 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns. He even added a passing touchdown to his stat line.

El Dorado’s JJ Samuel Joins the Muleriders

Among the familiar names on the Muleriders’ roster is El Dorado High School alumnus JJ Samuel.

Samuel comes to Magnolia after an impressive 2025 season with the Wildcats, rushing for more than 1,100 yards on fewer than 200 carries while accounting for more than 20 total touchdowns.

His addition gives SAU another local product with proven production at the high school level.

Wilkins Stadium Set for Major Facelift

While the Muleriders prepare for the season, changes are also coming to their home field.

SAU has announced a three-phase facilities enhancement project for the football program, with the first two phases already funded through private gifts and pledges from alumni and friends of the university.

The first phase will focus on revitalizing Wilkins Stadium’s exterior, including new metal, brick and signage designed to give the facility a more modern appearance.

The second phase will bring a significant change to the playing surface. SAU plans to remove the existing artificial turf and install Pivot Performance Turf, a newer turf technology designed to provide grass-like performance while offering consistent traction and controlled release for athletes. According to the university, Southern Arkansas will be among the first universities in the country to utilize the technology.

The final phase of the project will be announced at a later date as details continue to be finalized.

The renovations will be completed by GeoSurfaces, a Tencate Company that has previously worked on several SAU athletic facilities, including Walker Stadium at Goodheart Field, Dawson Field at the Margaret Downing Softball Complex, the Dawson Athletic Complex and the Mulerider Track and Field Complex.

The project is being funded entirely through private support, with donors set to receive recognition, including select facility naming opportunities, once all phases are completed.

Muleriders Open at Home in September

The Muleriders will open their 2026 home schedule on Saturday, September 12, at 6 p.m., when they welcome Southern Nazarene to Wilkins Stadium.

With a strong returning core, several new additions to the roster, a new quarterback and major improvements coming to their home facility, Smiley and the Muleriders enter the season looking to build on last year’s 8-3 campaign.

But for Smiley, the measure of the program will continue to be bigger than wins and losses.

The Muleriders will once again look to compete on the field while representing Southern Arkansas University through academics, player development and service to the Magnolia and surrounding communities.

News

Complete List of Candidates for Election This Fall

Published

6 days ago

August 13, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – The field is now set for the November 2026 General Election in Union County, with the certified list of candidates finalized for county offices and municipalities. The election will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The certified candidate list includes contests for Union County offices as well as races in several of the county’s cities and towns.

One of the most closely watched countywide races will be the contest for Union County Sheriff. Republican Michael Fife and Democrat Erick Meadows will face one another in November for the position. Both candidates are members of the Union County law enforcement community. Meadows is a captain with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, while Fife is a former Smackover Police Chief and currently serves as an investigator with the Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s race became an open contest following Sheriff Ricky Roberts’ decision to leave the office and return to the El Dorado Police Department as chief.

Other county offices on the 2026 ballot include positions involving county government and the quorum court. The certified list also includes candidates for municipal offices throughout Union County. The November election will provide voters with the opportunity to decide contested races while candidates running unopposed will also appear on the ballot as required by Arkansas election law. Arkansas law allows the County Board of Election Commissioners to certify certain unopposed candidates as elected without requiring them to appear in a contested race.

Contested Union County races include:

COUNTY JUDGE: Incumbent (R) Mike Loftin, Todd Dickson (I)

SHERIFF: Michael Fife (R), Erick L. Meadows (D)

QUORUM COURT DISTRICT 6: Jebb T. Young (R), Solena Sayer (D)

MAYOR – EL DORADO: Andre Rucks (D), Incumbent Paul Choate (R), Byron D. Miller, Jr. (I)

CITY ATTORNEY – EL DORADO: Incumbent Robert Rushing (R), LaQuetta S. Henry (D)

ALDERMAN – EL DORADO WARD 1 POSITION 2: Incumbent Jill Weinschke (R), LaQuita Rainey (D)

ALDERMAN – EL DORADO WARD 2 POSITION 1: Lance Greer Jr. (R), Veronica Smith-Creer (D)

ALDERMAN – EL DORADO WARD 2 POSITION 2: Incumbent Judy Ward (R), Amy S. Smith (D), Nathan L. Rainey (I)

MAYOR – HUTTIG: Emmit “Tony” Anthony Cole Jr. (I), Bennie Ford Jr. (I)

CITY COUNCIL – HUTTIG WARD 3 POSITION 2: Van Page (I), Edward Henson (I)

MAYOR – JUNCTION CITY: Sharon L. Williams (R), Steven Burroughs (I), James H. McClelland (I)

CITY COUNCIL – JUNCTION CITY WARD 2 POSITION 2: Paul Ennis (I), Keisha Noble (I)

CITY COUNCIL – JUNCTION CITY WARD 3 POSITION 2: Ricky Allen Watts (I), Bruce Green (I)

MAYOR – STRONG: Charles Perry (I), Tracie L. Thrower (I)

RECORDER / TREASURER – STRONG: Latosha Gatson (I), Patricia Warren (I)

CITY COUNCIL – STRONG WARD 1 POSITION 1: Arthemus Henry (I), Marcus Barr (I)

CITY COUNCIL – STRONG WARD 3 POSITION 1: Kenneth Harris (D), John L. Hicks (I)

SCHOOL BOARD – SMACKOVER NORPHLET ZONE 4: Derrick D. Goodwin, Cliff Preston,

According to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s 2026 election calendar, the General Election will take place November 3, with certification of election results following the election according to statutory timelines.

Voters can check registration information, polling locations and other election information through the Union County election office. The Union County election office is located at 101 N. Washington, Suite 102, in El Dorado. With the candidate filing period now complete and the certified list established, the next major chapter of the 2026 election season will be the campaigns leading up to Election Day.

News

El Dorado EATS Launches to Showcase Local Dining

Published

6 days ago

August 13, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – Fourteen El Dorado restaurants have joined together to launch El Dorado EATS, a collaborative initiative designed to raise awareness of the city’s growing culinary scene and encourage residents and visitors to experience one of South Arkansas’ most diverse destinations for great dining. The project launched in August with the debut of a new website and dedicated Facebook and Instagram pages designed to promote El Dorado’s local dining scene. The launch coincides with the distribution of the new 48-page El Dorado Dining Guide, which showcases area restaurants, visitor information and dining opportunities throughout the community. The El Dorado Dining Guide features KTVE News anchor Cindy Langston, who will help bring the guide’s pages to life throughout October on a daily segment on NBC 10 News at 4PM, Langston will introduce viewers to local restaurants through interviews with restaurant owners and features that highlight El Dorado’s diverse dining options.

The new guide is an extension of the El Dorado Insider, a quarterly community guide published by The Diamond Agency of El Dorado. Both publications are designed to promote local businesses, entertainment venues, attractions and upcoming events while encouraging residents and visitors to experience more of what El Dorado has to offer. According to Don Hale, publisher, “El Dorado EATS provides a platform for restaurants to engage in a year-round promotion through digital media, social media, spotlight articles and feature stories in the El Dorado Dining Guide. Together, these efforts highlight El Dorado as a destination where visitors can enjoy a variety of locally owned dining experiences. The new website serves as a central resource where visitors can browse each of the restaurants, view menus, read about the owners and their stories, learn about signature dishes, along with hours, locations, and contact information. Throughout the year, the website and social media channels will feature individual profiles, favorite menu selections, seasonal promotions, and special events like the ELDO FOOD FEST, designed to keep local dining top of mind. “El Dorado has become one of the region’s best places to dine-out,” said Alyssa Avant, spokesperson for El Dorado EATS. “Whether you’re craving Southern comfort food, authentic Mexican cuisine, hickory-smoked barbecue, specialty hamburgers, fresh-baked pastries, or a great evening with friends and family, this city offers a variety of restaurants. El Dorado EATS invites you to discover new favorites while supporting the businesses that help make the El Dorado unique.”
The fourteen participating restaurants include, Antigua’s Bar & Grill, Black Cat Café, E&R Bar & Grill, Fernando’s Mexican Grill, Flying Burger & Seafood, Good Times Grill, JJ’s BBQ, Main Street Pizza, Mystic Grill, MAD House 101, Off the Rail Café, The Refinery, Timberlane Meat Market, and The Well Bar & Grill at The Haywood. By working together, these restaurants are enhancing El Dorado’s reputation as a leading destination for great dining in South Arkansas. Residents and visitors are encouraged to pick up a copy of the El Dorado Dining Guide, follow El Dorado EATS on Facebook and Instagram, and visit www.ElDoradoEATS.com to stay informed about special dining promotions and events.

Featured

Arkansas National Guard Recognizes Smackover Educators with Lunch Ahead of New School Year

Published

6 days ago

August 13, 2026

Jax Sanford

SMACKOVER, Ark. – Teachers and staff at Smackover High School received a special lunchtime visit Wednesday, Aug. 12, as the Arkansas Army National Guard stopped by to show its appreciation for the educators preparing for another school year.

SGT. Payten R. Tompkins, with the Arkansas Army National Guard Recruiting Office, brought Chick-fil-A sandwiches for the faculty and staff and briefly introduced himself to the group.

Tompkins has served with the National Guard’s recruiting office in Magnolia but recently transitioned into the recruiter role covering the El Dorado-Camden area. As he begins serving the area, Tompkins said he hopes his role will extend beyond simply recruiting young people to join the Guard.

Instead, he emphasized his desire to empower young men and women to serve their communities in whatever capacity they choose.

Tompkins also wanted to use the visit as an opportunity to recognize the teachers and staff for the work they do each day.

He expressed his appreciation for educators and noted that the work of teaching is often underappreciated despite the tremendous impact teachers have on their students and communities.

The visit came as the Smackover School District prepares to begin another school year. Smackover High School Principal Cody Cranford praised his faculty and staff for the work they have put in to prepare for the upcoming year.

With teachers and staff working behind the scenes to get classrooms, programs and students ready for another year, Wednesday’s lunch served as a small gesture of appreciation for their efforts.

As the new school year approaches, Smackover School District is looking forward to another successful year, supported by a faculty and staff committed to serving its students and community.