EL DORADO, Ark. — The El Dorado City Council took a significant step toward securing the future of South Arkansas Regional Hospital Thursday night, unanimously approving a resolution that will allow the city to move forward with leasing the hospital to Baptist Health once ownership of the property is transferred from Union County.

However, what began as a routine council meeting quickly evolved into an evening marked by passionate debate, personal disagreements, and multiple contentious exchanges among council members and city officials. The meeting opened with an announcement promoting the South Arkansas Fisher’s of Men event scheduled for Aug. 27 at First Financial Bank Music Hall. Organizers announced that “Duck Dynasty” star Jace Robertson will serve as keynote speaker, while Mr. Woods of Woods Place in Camden will provide a fish fry for attendees.

Hospital Lease Resolution Receives Unanimous Approval

Tim Ezell of Friday Law Firm in Little Rock and South Arkansas Regional Hospital President Danna Taylor appeared before the council seeking approval of a resolution related to the future lease of the hospital property to Baptist Health. The resolution comes as Union County prepares to transfer ownership of the hospital property to the City of El Dorado. According to officials, Union County Judge Mike Loftin is expected to sign the deed transferring ownership on Friday, June 12. City Attorney Robert Rushing explained that while additional modifications will likely be made before a final lease agreement is executed, approval of the resolution would allow the parties involved to continue moving forward with negotiations and planning.

Councilmember Willie McGhee asked how any revenue generated from the Access for Life Tax would be handled.

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“It will be up to the council on how the dollars are spent,” Taylor responded.

Councilmember Andre Rucks questioned Taylor about the approximately 40 jobs that were recently eliminated at South Arkansas Regional Hospital. Taylor acknowledged the staffing reductions but emphasized that the hospital simultaneously created roughly 30 new positions. She explained that many of the employees whose jobs were eliminated were offered opportunities to move into those newly created positions.

“We can’t just tell an employee they’re going to be doing a new job,” Taylor explained, noting that employees were given opportunities to apply for the new positions.

Following the discussion, the council unanimously approved the resolution.

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Food Truck Ordinance Could Bring Higher Fees and Steeper Penalties

Councilmember Dianne Hammond presented proposed changes to the city’s food truck ordinance, including significantly higher permit fees and increased penalties for violations. Under the proposal, food truck operators would pay between $60 and $100 for their first day of operation, depending on whether utility hookups are required. Additional operating days would cost between $30 and $75 per day. Violations of the ordinance could result in fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 plus court costs.

During the discussion, city officials noted that portions of the city’s code would need to be updated before such regulations could be properly enforced. Council members were reminded that the city’s code has not undergone a comprehensive update since 2007.

The council also discussed whether food trucks should be prohibited from operating on city-owned property altogether. While concerns were raised about protecting existing local businesses, the overall consensus favored encouraging entrepreneurs to bring business into El Dorado while maintaining support for established operations such as DP’s Food Truck Park.

Summer Jobs Program Discussion Turns Heated

One of the most spirited discussions of the evening occurred before the council moved into new business. Councilmember Willie McGhee voiced frustration over the absence of a city-sponsored summer jobs program this year, questioning why the program was not available for local youth. During the discussion, McGhee directly challenged Mayor Paul Choate, asking, “Do you even know your job description? I don’t know your job description.” McGhee repeatedly placed responsibility for the missing program on the mayor. Other council members and city officials noted that such a program cannot operate unless funding is included in the city’s annual budget.

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Councilmember Judy Ward reflected on previous years when she worked extensively to keep the program operating. Ward said she developed training opportunities and worked to secure commitments from local businesses willing to hire participating students. According to Ward, many businesses ultimately chose not to participate again due to concerns about work ethic among participants and declining enrollment in the program over recent years.

Officials also noted that the El Dorado Water Utility continues to budget funds each year to hire between eight and twelve young adults during the summer.

When given an opportunity to respond, Choate praised the history of the program and highlighted the success of two students who worked at City Hall last summer. The mayor reminded council members that budget priorities must be discussed during October.

“If you’re passionate about this program, you’ve got to talk about it in October, not April or May,” Choate said.

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Historic District Update Leads to Recess

Tensions rose again later in the meeting during a presentation from Dr. Ken Bridges regarding Historic District Commission projects. Bridges highlighted a $14,000 grant that had been secured for City Hall renovations and expressed frustration over what he viewed as delays in moving the project forward. The discussion quickly escalated when Michael Rogers responded that he had personally helped halt progress on the project. Rogers explained that he was scheduled later in the meeting to present a much larger grant opportunity worth nearly $200,000 for City Hall renovations and believed the projects needed to be coordinated before moving forward.

As the disagreement intensified, council members called for a recess to allow everyone to regroup.

When the meeting resumed, the dispute continued. Bridges accused Rogers of “not being the city architect.” Rogers immediately responded, “I can show you the contract.” Mayor Choate eventually intervened, telling both men they were out of order.

Faced with confusion surrounding the competing renovation efforts and increasingly heated discussion, the council elected to postpone action on the matter.

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Wins Tax Purchases Receive Unanimous Approval

Greg Downum reminded council members that the requests he was presenting had already been approved through the El Dorado Wins Tax budgeting process. Downum requested approval for the purchase of five new El Dorado Police Department patrol vehicles at a cost exceeding $300,000. The request was approved unanimously. The council also unanimously approved approximately $40,000 in personal protective equipment for the El Dorado Fire Department. Downum’s final request involved preparing for a major future purchase. He asked the council to earmark funding for a new fire engine for Station 3, which is expected to cost approximately $1.8 million and would likely be purchased in either 2027 or 2028. That request also received unanimous approval.

Animal Protection Officer Draws Criticism

Another tense moment occurred during discussion involving Animal Protection Officer Charles Hartsell. McGhee sharply criticized Hartsell’s performance and questioned whether he was adequately performing his duties. Robert Edmonds addressed the council on Hartsell’s behalf, explaining that many aspects of animal protection work occur behind the scenes and often go unnoticed by the public. Despite Edmonds’ presentation, McGhee remained unconvinced and continued criticizing the department even after Hartsell left the council chambers. Councilmember Buddy McAdams reminded McGhee that the council had previously voted on Hartsell’s position in February and suggested any changes would need to be addressed during upcoming budget discussions.

Boys and Girls Club Highlights Community Impact

David Lee appeared before the council on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club, thanking council members for their continued support. Lee highlighted numerous programs operated by the organization, including adult kickball leagues, youth basketball programs, summer feeding initiatives and a variety of activities serving local children and families throughout the year.

Four-Way Stop Approved After Safety Concerns Raised

The council approved the installation of an additional stop sign at the intersection of Ondo Lane and Robin Road, converting the intersection into a four-way stop. Council members referenced a recent accident involving a utility worker who reportedly suffered two broken legs at the intersection, reinforcing concerns about traffic safety in the area.

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Nearly $200,000 Grant Proposed for City Hall

Later in the meeting, Rogers formally presented a grant proposal that would make $198,891 available for City Hall renovations. According to Rogers, the grant would operate under a two-thirds, one-third funding structure, with approximately one-third of the project costs being provided through El Dorado Wins Tax funds.

EL DORADO, AR — The El Dorado Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating Wilford Coddington, a 66-year-old man reported missing from El Dorado.

According to a missing-person flyer shared by the Morgan Nick Foundation, Coddington was last seen on foot on Thursday, May 28, 2026, after indicating that he was going fishing. He did not return home and has not made contact with family or friends.

Coddington is described as a white male, 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 190 pounds. He has brown and gray hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about Coddington’s whereabouts is asked to contact the El Dorado Police Department at 870-863-4141.

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The Morgan Nick Foundation is also listed on the flyer and may be reached at 479-632-6382.

CAMDEN, AR – City of Camden Chief of Police, T.J. Robertson announced the conclusion of an investigation into allegations of one of their own officers. Robertson said, “Earlier this month, an investigation was opened into the allegations of a Camden Police Officer soliciting a female subject for sexual favors in exchange for money. The investigation revealed evidence to support the allegation. Officer Aaron Murry was immediately terminated and has been arrested. He has been charged with Sexual Solicitation” (unclassified misdemeanor).  

Roberts also stated that his office would begin the process of requesting the Commission of Law Enforcement Standards and Training to permanently revoke Murry’s law enforcement certification. He also stated, “The Camden Police Department takes great pride in the work our men and women do every day. We regret the distrust this may cause in the community. Our Officers and entire team are and will continue to be held to a high standard. Immoral and/or unlawful conduct will not be tolerated. 

Ouachita County Jail records show 33-year-old Murry was booked into the facility on Thursday, June 11, 2026; at 8:26 A.M. and was released on a $5000 bond at 8:41 A.M. on the same day.  

*Charges and/or arrest do not equate with a conviction. The subject is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law!

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EL DORADO — South Arkansas residents should prepare for another hot and humid day, with heat index values expected to approach triple digits across the region this afternoon.

According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, heat indices are forecast to range from 100 to 104 degrees across much of the Four State Region. In El Dorado, the heat index is expected to reach around 100 degrees, while nearby communities could experience similar conditions through the afternoon hours.

Although no Heat Advisories have been issued at this time, forecasters say the combination of high temperatures and humidity will create a moderate to major heat risk across much of South Arkansas and the surrounding region.

The National Weather Service notes that conditions will be dangerously close to Heat Advisory criteria in some locations. Prolonged exposure to the heat, especially during the afternoon, can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and those without access to air conditioning.

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Forecasters are also monitoring conditions for Thursday, when heat index values and overall heat risk could increase even further.

Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, wear lightweight clothing, and check on vulnerable family members, neighbors, and pets.

Communities across South Arkansas, including El Dorado, Smackover, Camden, Magnolia, and surrounding areas, are expected to remain under above-normal temperatures through the remainder of the week as summer-like conditions continue to settle across the region.

While today may fall just short of advisory levels, meteorologists say heat safety precautions remain important as temperatures continue to climb.

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EL DORADO — As South Arkansas continues to position itself as a growing hub for lithium production and processing, local residents will have an opportunity to learn how they can become part of the industry’s future workforce during an upcoming community workshop in El Dorado.

The LithiumWorks Workforce Workshop will be held Tuesday, June 16, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce, located at 111 W. Main Street. The free event is designed to educate community members about the expanding lithium sector and the career opportunities expected to accompany its growth across the region.

Organizers say the workshop will provide valuable information for individuals interested in exploring careers in the industry, whether they are entering the workforce, considering a career change, or simply wanting to learn more about the economic developments taking place in South Arkansas.

Participants will receive an overview of the emerging lithium industry and its potential impact on local communities. The session will also highlight the types of careers available within the sector, current and future employment opportunities, workforce training programs, and resources designed to help residents prepare for industry jobs.

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Workshop attendees will learn about the skills and qualifications employers are seeking, as well as pathways into the industry for individuals with a variety of educational and professional backgrounds. Organizers emphasize that no degree or previous industry experience is required to attend the workshop.

The event comes as lithium development projects continue to advance throughout South Arkansas, drawing national attention to the region’s vast lithium resources. Industry leaders and economic development officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of workforce readiness as companies move closer to large-scale operations.

By providing information about training opportunities and career pathways, organizers hope to ensure local residents are prepared to benefit from the jobs and economic growth expected to accompany the industry’s expansion.

The workshop is free and open to the public.

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For more information, contact the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce at 870-863-6113.