EL DORADO — The El Dorado School Board will convene for its regular monthly meeting Monday evening at 6 p.m., with several key items on the agenda, including athletic budgeting, personnel discussions, and assurances for federal education programs.

Board members will begin by reviewing and approving the minutes from the May 12 regular meeting, as well as three special called meetings held on May 8, May 13, and May 27.

One of the notable items on the agenda is a presentation from Athletic Director Phillip Lansdell regarding the district’s athletic budget and insurance plans for the upcoming school year. The board will also vote on a resolution to appoint a representative to the South Central Service Cooperative Board of Directors.

Sherry Floss is scheduled to present the annual ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) assurances, and the district’s GEPA (General Education Provisions Act) statement, which are required for federal funding compliance.

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Additionally, the board will consider student transfer petitions before moving into executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting will take place at the district’s central office and is open to the public.

MAGNOLIA — A Magnolia woman was killed Tuesday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 79 in Columbia County, according to the Arkansas State Police.

The accident occurred around 1:15 p.m. on June 3, just outside the city of Magnolia. Authorities say a 2015 Chevrolet driven by 50-year-old Ronnie Dyer of Newport was traveling northbound on Highway 79 when it crossed the center turn lane and collided head-on with a southbound 2015 Nissan. Debris from the crash struck a third vehicle, a 2017 Mazda, which was also headed south.

The driver of the Nissan, Adrienne Long, 38, of Magnolia, was pronounced dead at the scene. Dyer was injured and transported to Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport. No additional injuries were reported.

According to social media profiles, Long was a graduate of El Dorado High School and earned her degree from Southern Arkansas University in 2010. She was a longtime employee of Murphy USA and was well known in the Magnolia and El Dorado communities.

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Weather and road conditions were clear and dry at the time of the accident. The Arkansas State Police identified Trooper Trey M. Williams as the investigating officer. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Services for Long are pending with arrangements entrusted to R.L. Reed Funeral Home in Magnolia.

SHREVEPORT – The National Weather Service is warning residents across South Arkansas to prepare for the potential of strong to severe thunderstorms both today and again late Saturday into Saturday night.

According to the latest outlook from the NWS office in Shreveport, portions of the region, including areas near El Dorado and Camden, are under a Level 1 to Level 2 risk for severe weather. That means there is a marginal to slight chance of storms capable of producing hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall.

For Friday, storms are expected primarily during daytime hours, with hail and wind being the main threats. The risk increases again late Saturday, with storms expected during the afternoon, evening, and overnight hours. In addition to hail and strong winds, heavy rainfall is likely to accompany these storms Saturday night, which could lead to localized flooding.

Emergency officials encourage residents to stay weather-aware, especially during outdoor events or travel. Make sure to have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts, including a NOAA weather radio or trusted weather apps.

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The forecast will be updated as conditions develop. For the latest weather information, visit weather.gov/shv.

CAMDEN — Downtown Camden will come alive Friday evening with the sights, sounds, and smells of the First Friday Monthly Market, as the community comes together to honor first responders during a special “Heroes Among Us” celebration.

Scheduled for June 6 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., this month’s market is expected to be the largest yet, featuring a record number of vendors, live music, delicious food, and a variety of local artisans and authors.

Attendees can enjoy everything from fresh produce, sunflowers, and handmade jellies to hand-forged silver jewelry, woodworking, and hand-poured fish bait. A wide variety of food options will also be available, including Spud Love’s famous loaded potatoes and Smith’s Treats & BBQ serving brisket, ribs, nachos, and funnel cakes.

To beat the heat, guests can cool off with shaved ice, bubble tea, kettle corn, lemonade, freeze-dried candies, and more. Live music will be provided by the band “Saving Tuesday,” offering the perfect backdrop for an evening of strolling and socializing.

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In a special highlight of the evening, four authors with Camden ties will be on hand to meet guests and sign copies of their books.

Downtown merchants will extend their hours for First Friday specials, making it easy for shoppers to browse and buy local well into the evening.

With a heartfelt theme of gratitude, “Heroes Among Us” invites the public to recognize the strength, courage, and service of Camden’s first responders.

Come stroll, sip, nibble, and chat — and stay awhile this Friday night in Downtown Camden.

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SMACKOVER— Martin Lubricants is inviting job seekers to explore new career opportunities at an upcoming job fair on Thursday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held at the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, located at 4087 Smackover Highway.

The company is actively hiring for positions at its Smackover facility, including production workers, operators, forklift drivers, and skilled trade roles. Recent high school graduates, college students entering the workforce, and experienced job seekers alike are encouraged to attend.

“We’re excited to meet individuals ready to begin a career with a company that values hard work and community,” said representatives from Martin Lubricants.

Job fair attendees will have the opportunity to meet the hiring team, learn more about available shifts—including day shifts in the packaging plant and second and third shifts in the plastics department—and explore the benefits of joining the Martin Lubricants team.

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The company is offering competitive pay, a full benefits package including paid vacation, sick time, and 401(k), and starting wages ranging from $17 to $18 per hour. Shift differential pay is available for select positions.

Applicants are encouraged to bring a resume or come prepared to fill out an application onsite.

For more information, visit www.martinlubricants.com.

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