News

El Dorado School Board Approves Bonuses, New Buses, and Recognizes Outstanding Staff and Students

Published

7 months ago

December 9, 2025

Jax Sanford

The El Dorado School Board met Monday night for its December meeting, approving a round of one-time Christmas bonuses for district employees, voting to purchase two new buses, and recognizing several outstanding members of the Washington Middle School community.

Christmas Bonuses Approved

Board members unanimously approved a one-time, non-recurring payment for district staff. The bonuses include:

Licensed/Exempt Staff: $1,000
Non-Exempt Classified Staff: 2% of their contracted amount, with a $500 minimum and $1,000 cap
Bus Drivers (Full Route): $250
Bus Drivers (Half Route): $125

District officials said the payments are intended to show appreciation for employees’ dedication and hard work throughout the year.

District to Purchase Two New Buses

The board also voted to purchase two new buses from Blue Bird, the district’s preferred manufacturer. Blue Bird submitted the lower of the bids considered, making them both the preferred and most cost-effective option.

The purchases include:

One route bus for $134,000
One trip/activity bus for $151,000

Administrators said the new buses will support both daily transportation needs and extracurricular travel.

Washington Middle School Honors Student, Employee, and Teacher of the Month

Washington Middle School recognized three individuals who exemplify the school’s values: Student of the Month Dulce Baylon, Classified Employee of the Month Abbigayle “Abby” Harmon, and Teacher of the Month Marissa Smith. (pictures at bottom)

Student of the Month: Dulce Baylon

Sixth-grader Dulce Baylon was honored for her academic excellence, leadership, and positive character.

Mrs. Smith, one of her teachers, described Dulce as “a bright spot in our day,” adding that she “never misses a chance to make someone smile” and takes pride in doing her best work.

Assistant Principal Saunders praised her as “a shining example of what it means to ‘Wear Your ARMOR,’” noting her role as Lead Hype Person for the House of Reveur.

Principal Bethanie Hale said Dulce exemplifies excellence in every area of student life. A second-year archery team member, school store volunteer, advanced-class honor roll student, and recently elected Hype Leader, Dulce “is the true definition of what it means to be a Washington Knight.”

Classified Employee of the Month: Abbigayle Harmon

Abbigayle “Abby” Harmon, administrative assistant at Washington Middle School, was recognized for her reliability, professionalism, and warm presence on campus.

Coworkers praised her as “the heartbeat of our daily operations,” noting her ability to manage communication, assist families, and keep the school running smoothly. Another colleague highlighted her consistent support of the Wildcat Wellness team.

Principal Hale called Harmon “the heart of Washington Middle School,” adding that her attention to detail, instincts, and connection with students make her indispensable. “Abby truly embodies the spirit of WMS,” Hale said.

Teacher of the Month: Marissa Smith

Marissa Smith, sixth-grade ELA and Step Team teacher, was named Teacher of the Month. Smith holds multiple advanced degrees and designations and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Education.

Colleagues praised her ability to reach diverse learners, her leadership, and her dedication to both students and resident teachers. One coworker said she “creates a truly supportive environment” and leads the step team in a way that gives students a place to feel seen and confident.

Principal Hale described Smith as “a natural educator” whose positive attitude, work ethic, and professionalism set the tone for her team. “We are proud to recognize her as our Teacher of the Month,” she said.

Principal Hale Highlights School Growth and Community Support

Principal Bethanie Hale delivered her monthly report, emphasizing the continued academic and cultural growth at Washington Middle School. One of her major highlights was the significant increase in students’ understanding of the curriculum. Hale credited much of this progress to the school’s early-morning tutoring sessions, a collaborative effort in which even Vice Principal John Thompson participates regularly.

Hale also expressed gratitude for the strong community support the school has received this year. She noted the donation of two new basketball goals from Clean Harbors, as well as the local Starbucks team who partnered with the school for Family Night, providing hot chocolate and coffee for students and families.

During her report, Hale took a moment to recognize a Washington Middle School student who made national headlines for his compassion and initiative. Ezra Goldemberg helped establish a free food pantry for classmates and families facing food insecurity during the holidays and throughout the recent government shutdown, which affected pay and benefits for millions of Americans. Hale praised Ezra for embodying the school’s values and making a meaningful impact on the community.

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Chamber Announces Parade Winners

News

Full Slate of Events – TONIGHT

Published

20 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – The age old request in every small town across America is, “I wish there was something for the kids to do!” Tonight, they will have plenty! At 7:30 P.M., the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce invites the community to take part in the Stars & Stripes Parade, as part of Union County’s America 250 celebration. This family-friendly walking parade offers a fun and easy way for residents, businesses, organizations, clubs, and families to celebrate America’s 250th birthday together in Downtown El Dorado. The parade begins at 7:30 PM and welcomes walkers, decorated bicycles, wagons, strollers, dance teams, scout groups, civic organizations, businesses, pet groups, and more. No motorized vehicles will be permitted. “This parade is about community participation and patriotic spirit,” said Karen Hicks, Vice President of Community Development for the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce. “You do not have to build a float or make a huge production. Gather your group, wear red, white, and blue, decorate if you would like, and come celebrate with us.”

The parade route will begin at Wesson and Southwest Avenue, travel north on Southwest Avenue, continue east on Main Street, south on Jefferson Avenue, and conclude on Locust Street. Registration is $10 per entry and may be completed through the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce. Community groups, youth organizations, businesses, churches, dance teams, walking groups, pet lovers, and families are encouraged to participate. “The goal is simple,” said Hicks. “We want people of all ages to come together, celebrate our community, and be part of America 250 in a fun and meaningful way.” The Stars & Stripes Parade is part of a weeklong America 250 celebration in Union County, recognizing the nation’s semiquincentennial through community events, entertainment, and patriotic activities.

Afterwards, at about 8:45 P.M. the Red Bull Sky Diving Team will fly into El Dorado, coming into the MAD Ampitheater. Afterwards, the Red Bull Airforce Skydivers will be handing out free samples of Red Bull. Then at 9:00 P.M. The Murphy USA Drone Show takes place. While the Red Bull Skydivers is a MAD Event and free to the public, and while the drone show will have prime viewing from the MAD AMP, it is not required to be present at the AMP to have a great view. Many of the areas downtown, outside of the barricades, will still be an excellent spot to take in the one of a kind drone show. This event is free to the public as well. Again, this is all part of Union County’s “America 250” celebration. For other events, see our story from earlier by clicking here.

News

Officials Say Check The Back Seat In The Heat

Published

2 days ago

July 1, 2026

Grant Merrill

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — With dangerous heat settling across Arkansas this week, officials are asking parents, caregivers and all drivers to make one simple habit part of their daily routine: check the back seat before locking the car.

The reminder comes as much of Arkansas faces heat index values topping 100 degrees, creating conditions where the temperature inside a parked vehicle can become deadly in a matter of minutes.

According to the National Weather Service in Little Rock, even when the outside temperature is 90 degrees, the inside of a closed vehicle can reach 97 degrees in just five minutes, 103 degrees in 10 minutes, 119 degrees in 30 minutes, and 137 degrees within an hour. When outside temperatures climb into the upper 90s and low 100s—as they’re expected to this week—the interior of a vehicle can become even hotter.

Officials say children are especially vulnerable because their bodies heat up much faster than adults, making them more susceptible to life-threatening heatstroke.

To help prevent tragedies, officials recommend always checking the back seat before leaving your vehicle, even if you don’t normally travel with a child. One tip is to place an item you’ll need when you reach your destination—such as a purse, briefcase, cellphone or employee badge—in the back seat as a reminder to look before locking the doors.

Drivers are also encouraged to keep vehicles locked when parked at home. Curious children or pets can sometimes climb inside an unlocked vehicle and become trapped.

If you see a child alone in a parked vehicle, officials urge you to call 911 immediately. Every minute matters when temperatures inside a vehicle are rising rapidly.

The National Weather Service also reminds Arkansans to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and check on family members, neighbors and others who may be especially vulnerable to the extreme heat.

Officials say taking a few extra seconds to check the back seat could save a life

News

ASP Arrests Man Accused Of Impersonating Ouachita County Deputies

Published

2 days ago

July 1, 2026

Grant Merrill

HOLLY SPRINGS, Ark. — Arkansas State Police have arrested a Hot Springs man accused of impersonating a law enforcement officer after investigators say he was driving an SUV equipped with blue lights, radios and other sheriff’s equipment while claiming to work for the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Arkansas State Police, the investigation began around 1 p.m. Friday, June 26, when a Criminal Investigation Division special agent, driving an unmarked vehicle on U.S. Highway 79 in Ouachita County, observed a black Chevrolet Tahoe approaching at a high rate of speed with blue emergency lights activated.

The agent initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as Dennis Truelove, 66, of Hot Springs. Authorities said Truelove told the agent he was employed by the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office.

Because of the vehicle’s position in the roadway, the agent ended the initial encounter and continued north on Highway 79. The agent then contacted the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office and was informed that no deputy matching Truelove’s description or operating a black Chevrolet Tahoe was assigned to the department.

A short time later, the same vehicle was spotted traveling north on Arkansas Highway 9 just north of Holly Springs in Dallas County. The special agent conducted a second traffic stop, during which investigators say Truelove presented an Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office badge and identification card.

During the stop, the agent observed multiple pieces of law enforcement equipment inside the SUV, including an in-car radio broadcasting on the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office frequency, a handheld radio programmed to the same frequency, a bulletproof vest marked “Sheriff,” and additional law enforcement-related gear.

Truelove was arrested and transported to the Ouachita County Detention Center.

He is charged with first-degree criminal impersonation, unlawful use of blue lights, and multiple traffic violations.

On Monday, June 29, Truelove appeared in Ouachita County Circuit Court, where a judge set his bond at $10,000.

Following the court appearance, Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division agents executed a search warrant on the Chevrolet Tahoe, recovering several blue lights, a siren and multiple law enforcement radios from the vehicle.

State police are asking anyone who may have encountered Truelove or the black Chevrolet Tahoe to contact Arkansas State Police Troop F at (870) 226-3713.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information has been released.

News

What to Know Before Thursday’s America 250 Celebration at MAD Amphitheater

Published

2 days ago

July 1, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, Ark. — Organizers are reminding attendees of several important guidelines ahead of Thursday night’s free America 250 celebration at the MAD Amphitheater in downtown El Dorado.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature the Red Bull Air Force skydivers, patriotic music by Terry Moore and Erick Meadows, and the Murphy USA drone show.

Gates to the amphitheater will open at 6:30 p.m. Event organizers say all times are approximate, with the Red Bull skydivers expected around 8:45 p.m., patriotic music beginning at 9 p.m., and the Murphy USA drone show scheduled for approximately 9:15 p.m.

Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets, and there are no chair height restrictions. Main Street El Dorado will also offer chair rentals for $15 each or two for $20, with both cash and card accepted.

Several rules will be enforced inside the amphitheater. Children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old. Coolers, alcohol, smoking—including vaping—and weapons are prohibited. Bags are subject to search upon entry.

Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted, and concessions will also be available. MAD House 101 Restaurant & Bar will serve food and drinks downstairs throughout the evening. Inside the restaurant, Jordan Sheppard will perform live from 7 to 9 p.m.

Visitors can also enjoy several free attractions before the show. Chick-fil-A El Dorado will begin handing out free nuggets across from MAD House 101 at 7 p.m., while supplies last. Red Bull will distribute complimentary beverage samples during the event, and Sno Shack will be on site selling shaved ice near the playscape.

Restrooms will be available downstairs at the amphitheater and inside the MAD Playscape. The playscape itself will remain open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., although the adjacent street and parking lot will be closed, requiring visitors to enter by walking around the barricades.

Parking will be available throughout downtown El Dorado. Organizers note that spectators who prefer not to enter the amphitheater may also watch the skydivers and drone show from other downtown locations or from the hill near the Rialto Theater. However, anyone entering the amphitheater will be required to follow the event’s admission policies.

Organizers encourage everyone to arrive early and enjoy what they hope will be a safe and memorable celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

News

Wildcat Scramble Set For July 17th

Published

2 days ago

July 1, 2026

Grant Merrill

EL DORADO, Ark. — Golfers from across South Arkansas are invited to hit the links later this month while supporting the El Dorado Wildcats football program during the 2026 Wildcat Football Golf Scramble.

The tournament is scheduled for Friday, July 17, at Mystic Creek Golf Club, located at 191 Club House Drive in El Dorado.

Organizers are encouraging golfers of all skill levels to participate, whether they’re experienced players or simply looking to enjoy a day on one of Arkansas’ premier golf courses while giving back to Wildcat football.

The four-person scramble is $600 per team and includes a lunch buffet, a casino hole challenge, door prizes and a complimentary $100 practice round at Mystic Creek, valid July 10-16.

The fundraiser helps support the El Dorado Wildcat football program and gives community members, local businesses, coworkers, friends and families an opportunity to come together in support of the team.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register, as spots are expected to fill quickly. Additional information is available through the Mystic Creek Golf Club Pro Shop.

Organizers say the event promises a fun day of golf, friendly competition and community support while helping provide resources for the Wildcat football program.