News

Grant, Donations Provide Resources For Career Tech Program

Published

8 months ago

September 29, 2025

Grant Merrill

MAGNOLIA – At Southern Arkansas University, opportunity is taking root in a new way. Concurrent career and technical education (CTE) is being delivered to regional high school students through educational partnerships formed as a result of LiTHIUMLEARNS, an Arkansas HIRED Grant, providing workforce development and hands-on training to high school juniors and seniors.

Albemarle, an integral industry partner and supporter of LiTHIUMLEARNS, has further strengthened the concurrent CTE program by generously donating essential supplies for hands-on training, such as personal protection equipment to enhance safety training and a mannequin that will be used to simulate workplace scenarios. Team members from Albemarle are also serving as guest instructors during labs to provide students with the opportunity to engage with and learn from industry leaders.

This new educational opportunity is one of the initiatives being delivered as a result of the $2.75 million HIRED Grant awarded to SAU earlier this year which created LiTHIUMLEARNS, which will, among other initiatives, facilitate concurrent career and technical education for high school students who currently do not have access to CTE programs or who do not have access to CTE programs directly related to the chemical industry. HIRED is short for Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development.

Concurrent CTE allows high school students to obtain workforce development skills and earn college credit during their junior and senior years of high school. LiTHIUMLEARNS is focused on the expansion of CTE programs that will support the critical minerals industry in Southwest Arkansas, one of which is the Industrial Engineering Technology program with an emphasis in chemical process technology that South Arkansas College offers. A pilot IET program was launched at Magnolia High School this fall.

Through the collaborative program, students receive online academic instruction at MHS from a South Arkansas College instructor while an MHS chemistry teacher facilitates in the classroom. Students then come to SAU weekly to receive hands-on lab instruction from a South Ark instructor utilizing SAU’s engineering labs.

Albemarle team member trains students on the proper use of safety equipment.

“Current high school students will earn credentials that will make them attractive to employers to immediately go into the workforce or accelerate their time to obtain a degree in related fields. Our collaborative approach to workforce readiness is creating job awareness and removing the barriers to skill development. The HIRED grant investment by the state of Arkansas is such a wonderful opportunity for Southwest Arkansas and such an encouragement to our industry partners investing in critical mineral projects in the Smackover Formation,” said Sheryl Edwards, associate vice president for strategic initiatives and director of LiTHIUMLEARNS.

Those who complete the first two semesters (fall and spring) will be eligible to receive a Certificate of Proficiency and graduate from high school with a diploma of merit. Students who continue and complete the second year of courses will be eligible to receive a Technical Certificate and graduate from high school with a diploma of distinction.

Dr. Robin Sronce, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said SAU is excited about the program and what it can do for Magnolia, Columbia County, and the surrounding area. “We are excited to have such a strong group of partners – including employers, K-12, community colleges, and community organizations – working together to prepare our workforce for the future,” said Sronce. “The program at Magnolia is the first step in the opportunities that will come from the HIRED Grant.”

This pilot program may have launched at MHS, but Edwards said LiTHIUMLEARNS and SAU plan to expand the program during the fall of 2026 to make it available to every high school in Columbia County, as well as neighboring counties. She is also working with other partners, such as the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, to launch its construction technology program across regional high schools using a similar collaborative model.

“Our vision is to expand CTE programs to all high schools in Columbia County as well as collaborate with our two-year partners and Southwest Arkansas high schools to replicate programs across our region and build a homegrown talent pipeline for the critical mineral industry,” said Edwards.

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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.

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

1 day 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.