LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — State and federal highway safety officials are reminding drivers across Arkansas to celebrate responsibly as St. Patrick’s Day approaches.

With celebrations expected to take place across the country on and around Tuesday, March 17, the Arkansas Highway Safety Office and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are urging motorists to remember a simple message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Officials say alcohol-impaired driving remains a major factor in fatal crashes during the holiday. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 38 percent of the 284 traffic fatalities that occurred nationwide during St. Patrick’s Day holidays between 2019 and 2023 involved drunk drivers.

In 2023 alone, 63 people were killed in crashes involving drunk drivers during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period. Of those fatalities, 44 involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 or higher — nearly twice the legal limit.

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Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar said while many people enjoy celebrating the holiday, driving after drinking puts lives at risk.

“Embracing St. Patrick’s Day and its traditions is one thing; engaging in the deadly behavior that is drinking and driving is another,” Hagar said. “Feeling buzzed and getting behind the wheel puts lives at risk.”

Hagar added that Arkansas communities have experienced the devastating consequences of alcohol-impaired driving and the lasting impact it leaves on families and friends.

“Our community has seen firsthand the devastation and loss caused by alcohol-impaired driving, along with the lasting pain it inflicts on families, friends, and entire communities,” Hagar said. “We’re partnering with NHTSA to share the reminder to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Drinking and driving is not an option, but making sure someone sober will be behind the wheel is.”

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Authorities encourage anyone planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day to arrange a safe ride home before festivities begin. Options include designating a sober driver, using a taxi service, or booking a rideshare.

Officials also remind designated drivers to remain sober and be prepared to help others who may not have planned ahead find a safe way home.

Law enforcement agencies are also asking the public to report suspected impaired drivers to local authorities as part of the effort to keep roads safe during the holiday.

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EL DORADO— Residents across South Arkansas should remain alert today as the potential for severe weather increases across the region.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect through 3 p.m. Monday for McCurtain County in Oklahoma and much of Southwest Arkansas, including areas near El Dorado. The watch means conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and possibly an isolated tornado.

Forecasters say scattered strong to severe thunderstorms may develop today across the northern half of the Four State Region, which includes portions of South Arkansas. The primary threat is expected to be large hail, potentially up to hen egg size, though damaging wind gusts of 60 miles per hour or greater are also possible. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

El Dorado and surrounding communities are included in an enhanced risk area for severe thunderstorms today, indicating a higher likelihood of storms capable of producing severe weather compared to surrounding areas.

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The strongest storms are expected to occur from this morning through the afternoon hours as weather conditions become favorable for thunderstorm development.

Residents are encouraged to monitor weather updates closely and ensure they have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings. Officials also advise reviewing safety plans in case a warning is issued.

Storms may develop quickly, and anyone in the watch area should be prepared to take action if severe weather moves into their community.

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EL DORADO, Ark. — The El Dorado School District announced adjustments to several previously scheduled early-release days as the district works to make up instructional time lost due to inclement weather earlier this school year.

According to district officials, all schools will now dismiss at 3:25 p.m. on four upcoming Wednesdays that were originally planned as early-release days. The changes affect the following dates:

• March 18
• April 1
• April 8
• April 15

Under the revised schedule, students will remain in school for a full day on those Wednesdays instead of being released early.

District leaders said the adjustment is part of an effort to recover classroom time missed during weather-related school closures. Schools across Arkansas have faced several disruptions this winter due to snow and icy conditions, forcing districts to modify calendars and schedules to ensure students meet required instructional hours.

By extending the school day on dates that were originally scheduled for early dismissal, the district can recapture additional instructional time without significantly altering the remainder of the academic calendar.

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Parents and families are encouraged to note the updated dismissal times and plan transportation accordingly, as pickup and bus schedules will reflect the later release.

School officials said they appreciate the community’s flexibility as the district works to maintain continuity in learning and keep students on track academically.

Additional updates regarding school schedules and district announcements are typically shared through official El Dorado School District communication channels.

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MAGNOLIA – Southern Arkansas University is proud to announce a transformational $4.5 million gift from the Windgate Foundation to establish the Windgate Scholars Program Scholarship Endowment, marking the largest single donor gift for scholarships in the University’s history.

“This is a defining day for Southern Arkansas University,” said SAU President, Dr. Bruno Hicks. “The Windgate Foundation has long believed in the power of education to change lives, and this extraordinary gift ensures that belief will continue to open doors for students who might otherwise see college as out of reach. We are deeply grateful for Windgate’s trust, generosity, and enduring commitment to our students.”

The Windgate Scholars Program Scholarship Endowment will provide ongoing support for need-based scholarships, with a dedicated portion of annual proceeds supporting Studio Art scholarships beginning in 2027. The endowment builds upon the Windgate Foundation’s long-standing partnership with SAU and significantly expands its impact by creating a permanent source of scholarship support.

We are deeply grateful for Windgate’s trust, generosity, and enduring commitment to our students.

– Dr. Bruno Hicks, SAU President

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“The SAU Foundation is deeply grateful for Windgate’s enduring commitment to our students,” said Steve Card, chair of the Southern Arkansas University Foundation Board of Governors. “Their past support has had a lasting impact across campus, and this endowment ensures that impact will continue year after year. It is a meaningful example of philanthropy that not only responds to today’s needs but also thoughtfully plans for tomorrow.”

At a time when rising costs and economic uncertainty are reshaping how students and families view higher education, this historic investment ensures that access to an SAU education will remain within reach for students with the greatest financial need for generations to come.

Creating pathways when they matter most

For many SAU students, including first-generation college students and those balancing work, family, and financial challenges, need-based scholarships are essential. The Windgate Scholars Program has enabled students from Arkansas, across the region, and beyond to persist, graduate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

This historic investment also aligns with SAU’s Mulerider Next Step Guarantee, a career-readiness initiative designed to prepare students for their careers after graduation. By reducing financial barriers, this investment directly supports student success and reinforces SAU’s commitment to preparing students for graduate school or their future careers.

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With the establishment of the Windgate Scholars Program Scholarship Endowment, this gift stands as a powerful affirmation of Windgate’s commitment to SAU, its students, and the enduring impact of generosity.

A partnership rooted in impact

Since 2019, the Windgate Foundation has been a steadfast partner of SAU, supporting initiatives that reflect a shared commitment to access, creativity, and educational excellence. With more than $5.8 million in support, these investments have made a meaningful impact across campus, including:

• Support for the Windgate Scholars Program, providing need-based scholarships that reduce financial barriers and create pathways for at-risk students to pursue higher education.
• Funding to support the College of Education and Human Performance, empowering students and faculty while preparing graduates for impactful careers as educators and leaders.
• Studio Art scholarships that support emerging artists and creative professionals.
• An endowment for the Department of Art and Design, providing resources that enhance hands-on training, connect classroom learning to real-world experiences, and expand opportunities for travel and internships.

This latest gift dramatically extends that legacy, transforming annual support into a permanent endowment that will sustain and grow opportunity far into the future. By establishing this endowment, the Windgate Foundation ensures that its investment will continue to support students year after year, reflecting a deep commitment to both access and responsible stewardship.

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