News

Chick-fil-A? Worst Kept Secret in South Arkansas

Published

1 year ago

April 23, 2025

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO – The El Dorado City Council met in regular session Wednesday morning inside the Council Chambers of City Hall. Although the agenda was light, there were moments of extended speeches, and a question/answer session.

The Council started with the preliminary actions of prayer, the pledge and approving of minutes. Ward Four Alderman, Buddy McAdams was absent and Ward One Alderman, Jill Weinischke attended by phone. Mayor Paul Choate welcomed everyone, and gave a special welcome to the Government Class of West Side Christian School and their teacher, Cindy Miller. According to the Mayor, the class was on hand to, “observe City Government in action.”

Announcements

Mayor Choate said TCW would have a ground breaking in mid May, as they begin their work of bringing fiber optic internet to the city. Earlier this year, TCW announced they are investing $12 Million in construction in El Dorado, bringing Internet with speeds up to 8GB to the city. The Mayor said TCW plans to begin their construction in the Northwest Quadrant of the City.

The Council also heard reminders about the Prescription Drug Take Back event that is scheduled for Saturday, April 26th from 10 A.M. until 2 P.M. at Walmart in El Dorado. The event is designed to properly dispose of Over-The-Counter and Prescription medications that have expired or are no longer needed.

Ward Two Alderman, Judy Ward, reminded the Council about the upcoming National Day of Prayer and the plans to host a parallel event inside City Hall. The National Day of Prayer is scheduled for the 1st Thursday of May every year and happens to fall on May 1st this year. Ward said there would be a very short program with local ministers and the community. She invited all of the Council as well as anyone who wishes to attend.

The Mayor announced there are two meetings remaining for community input about the Master Parks Plan that is being worked on by local architect Michael Rogers and the El Dorado Parks and Playgrounds Commission. There will be a meeting Thursday April 24th at the Murmil Education Center and Tuesday April 29th at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium. Both meetings begin at 5:30 P.M. and the Mayor said, “The meeting I attended lasted about an hour.”

Before the Council went on with other business, Ward Three Alderman Willie McGhee once again voiced his desire for more community input to be accepted should the El Dorado Wins, one-cent sales tax meet with the approval of El Dorado voters. The tax would replace the El Dorado Forward sales tax that is set to expire later this year. Early voting for registered voters in the City begins May 6th, with the Election to be held May 13th. During his speech Alderman McGhee said he was shocked to hear reports of a person impersonating a police officer in El Dorado and asked El Dorado Chief of Police, Ken Hickman, what had been done about it. The Chief acknowledged they did receive one report of someone in a dark colored vehicle that attempted to pull over a motorist in the city. “The allegation came in about a month ago and we investigated it that day, we followed up again that night and went as far as the trail would allow but there was no evidence of it.”

Chick-Fil-A?

The Mayor moved the Council on in the agenda and said, “We, El Dorado, are getting a new national chain chicken restaurant. Their plan is to build it at North West Avenue and 19th Street right behind Larry’s Pizza. However, there is a storm drain on that site that would have to be moved.” The Mayor then pointed the Council to their meeting packets where a number of maps were available for their view. According to the Mayor, the City owns a piece of property right next to Larry’s Pizza and the storm drain could be moved there. “That piece of property is 25 feet wide and 345 feet deep and was originally intended to be a city street should the need ever arise. I spoke with Mr. Edmonds (City Public Works Director Robert Edmonds) and he and I agree that we don’t believe a street will ever be needed there. So moving the drain to that location makes perfect sense.” The Mayor said the storm drain relocation would be done by the Arkansas Department of Transportation. Ward Two Alderman, Vance Williamson made the motion to approve and Ward Four Alderman, Dianne Hammond seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

After the meeting adjourned. An unnamed elected official was asked about the restaurant and was asked if it is Chick-Fil-A. That official said, “Well it’s the worst kept secret in South Arkansas but I still can’t say. But I can say this, Cows love this restaurant and encourage people to eat more chicken.” South Arkansas Now reached out to the media department of Chick-Fil-A but we have not received a reply by the time of publishing this article.

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Related Topics:chick fil a El Dorado City Council el dorado wins featured parks master plan tax election el dorado arkansas

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Calling the Hogs Event Draws Strong Crowd in El Dorado

Published

2 hours ago

June 5, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — Razorback fans and community supporters packed the First Financial Music Hall at the Murphy Arts District Thursday evening for Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth, an event that brought together Arkansas sports stories, dinner, fellowship and fundraising.

The evening featured Chuck Barrett, the well-known voice of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who shared stories from his years behind the microphone and offered guests an inside look at some of the most memorable moments in Arkansas sports. Longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson served as Master of Ceremonies, helping guide the evening with humor, insight and plenty of Hog spirit.

The catered event, with dinner provided by Madhouse 101, drew a strong turnout, with venue tables filled throughout the evening. In addition to the program, guests also took part in an auction, where every auction item was sold.

Organizers said the event was a great success, bringing together Razorback fans, local supporters and community members for an evening centered on storytelling, sports nostalgia and South Arkansas hospitality.

Watch a quick highlight from the event!

News

El Dorado Man Faces Charges After SWAT Standoff

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.