EL DORADO, Ark. — The El Dorado School Board met Monday for its regular monthly meeting, recognizing student and staff achievements, hearing campus and program updates, and approving district business.

The meeting began with board members honoring outgoing board member Susan Tuberville, who has served on the board for 25 years. Tuberville was presented with flowers and thanked for her years of service.

The board also recognized the El Dorado High School Cheer Squad for an outstanding season that included both state and national championship titles.

At Northwest Elementary, several students and staff members were recognized for their work and accomplishments. Zander Brinkman was named Student of the Month, Sherlin Ramos was recognized as Classified Employee of the Month, and Hope Brinkman was named Certified Employee of the Month.

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Northwest Principal Kristen Thomas also delivered the school’s principal report and highlighted several accomplishments at the campus, including being named a Unified Champion School, positive response to its monthly ROADIE Awards, and the success of the Santa Paws/UCAPS fundraiser, which raised $1,110.10.

The board also heard a report from Jennifer Lee, Director of Special Programs, on the district’s acceleration program. Lee said the program includes three pathways: the Traditional Pathway, which reflects what the district already offers; Merit Acceleration for high school students seeking advanced academic rigor; and Early Acceleration for students ready to begin advanced coursework as early as fourth grade. According to the report, early acceleration pathways will be offered beginning in fall 2027.

In other business, the board unanimously approved the district’s monthly bills for payment.

Later in the meeting, Lee presented information on math curriculum options under consideration for textbook adoption. District leaders reviewed several programs, including Illustrative Math, Eureka Math², and i-Ready Math, while also examining what high-achieving schools in Arkansas are using.

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Following that review, Eureka Math² was identified as the most favorable option based on the district’s overall results. Superintendent Jim Tucker recommended the district move forward with the program, and the board approved Eureka Math² for textbook adoption.

The regular meeting then concluded following the board’s approval of its agenda items.

EL DORADO, Ark. — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Davis Farm Country Market. The event is set for March 19th.

The event will welcome community members to the new market and deli, located at 4523 Junction City Highway in El Dorado. Chamber officials invite residents to attend and help welcome the locally focused business to the community.

Davis Farm Country Market offers a variety of locally sourced and Arkansas-made products, including farm-raised beef, fresh produce, baked goods, fresh eggs and local honey. The market also features a deli serving sandwiches, soups and Boar’s Head meats and cheeses.

In addition to grocery items, the store highlights products made by local and Arkansas-based producers, giving customers the opportunity to support regional agriculture and small businesses.

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Community members interested in learning more about the market can contact Davis Farm Country Market at 870-639-1323.

EL DORADO — Residents across South Arkansas should remain alert today as the National Weather Service warns that strong to severe thunderstorms could impact the region this afternoon and again late tonight.

According to forecasters at the National Weather Service in Shreveport, storms are expected to develop across the Middle Red River Valley of Southeast Oklahoma, Southwest Arkansas and Northeast Texas during the afternoon hours and again after midnight.

South Arkansas communities including El Dorado and surrounding areas are included in the broader region where severe weather will be possible.

Meteorologists say the primary threats with today’s storms include damaging wind gusts, large hail and the potential for isolated tornadoes. Hail could reach around golf ball size in the strongest storms, while wind gusts may exceed 60 miles per hour.

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The National Weather Service indicates the tornado threat remains relatively low but cannot be ruled out if storms become more organized.

Another round of strong to severe thunderstorms is also possible across the Four State Region from Wednesday morning through early Wednesday evening. That second round of storms could again bring damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes to portions of South Arkansas.

Forecasters encourage residents to closely monitor changing weather conditions and ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, particularly overnight when storms may redevelop.

Residents should review their severe weather safety plans and be prepared to seek shelter if warnings are issued.

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You can stay with SouthArkansasNow.com for the latest severe weather information and updates as conditions develop.

The Southern Arkansas University System Board of Trustees met on Thursday, March 5, 2026, on the SAU–Magnolia campus in a regularly scheduled session.

Trustees approved the previous meeting minutes and heard reports on academic programs, workforce development, and student success initiatives across the SAU System.

Dr. Bruno Hicks, SAU president

Dr. Bruno Hicks, SAU president, began the meeting by welcoming Joe Pieratt as a new member of the Southern Arkansas University System Board of Trustees and expressing appreciation for his willingness to serve the University.

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Hicks provided an overview of recent accomplishments and ongoing initiatives across the University, including the success of the first cohort of the Mulerider Next Step Guarantee program. Hicks noted that approximately 80% of the freshman class chose to participate during its first year. To build on its early success and strong student interest, the University plans to transition the initiative to an opt-out model beginning with the fall 2026 cohort and is also exploring transfer pathways so transfer students can benefit.

Hicks also discussed efforts to strengthen SAU’s systemwide pathway approach between SAU Tech and SAU, including expanded 2+2 and transfer partnerships aimed at creating clearer degree pathways.

SAU students and Rider Residents Kylie Pugh and Olivia Munn present to the Board of Trustees.

The Board heard from two students in SAU’s College of Education and Human Performance participating in the Rider Residency Program. Kylie Pugh and Olivia Munn shared reflections on their year-long residency experiences, highlighting the value of full-year classroom immersion, mentorship, and professional development. Pugh noted that being paid during the residency allowed her to focus fully on her students and her development as a teacher, while Munn said the experience provided hands-on preparation that helped her transition from observing in the classroom to leading instruction.

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Dr. Jerry Thomas, SAU Tech chancellor, provided updates on recent achievements and momentum on the SAU Tech campus. Thomas reported that SAU Tech has received $20 million in federal funding to support construction and equipment for a Defense Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Camden. The planned 50,000-square-foot facility will expand hands-on training capacity in high-demand areas. The project is expected to strengthen regional workforce pipelines and support employer needs tied to the Highland Industrial Park and the broader southwest Arkansas region.

Dr. Jerry Thomas, SAU Tech chancellor

Thomas discussed the college’s new EMS training facility, as well as recent community investment in Rocket Arena, including a floor sponsorship commitment from Farmers Bank & Trust. He also presented institutional performance data and marketing outreach reports demonstrating increased visibility, digital engagement, and community participation in recent campus events.

Dr. Robin Sronce, SAU provost and vice president for academic affairs, presented several new academic programs and program modifications for approval. The Board approved a minor in dance, BS in integrated livestock management, a graduate certificate in project management, an MBA with an emphasis in rural healthcare administration, and several 4+1 degree programs. These academic changes will be presented for formal approval to the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.

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Dr. Connie Wilson, SAU vice president for advancement

Dr. Connie Wilson, SAU vice president for advancement, provided updates on fundraising efforts and alumni engagement. Wilson reported that 2025 was a record-breaking year for fundraising, with more than $8 million raised through combined efforts across development, alumni relations, grants, and foundation partners. She also shared updates on alumni programming and upcoming events, including scholarship and donor engagement activities scheduled this spring.

Roger Giles, SAU vice president for administration and general counsel, presented a resolution outlining state policy for reimbursement of expenses for Board of Trustees members. The resolution was approved.

Shawana Reed, SAU vice president for finance, and Michael Armstrong, SAU Tech vice chancellor for finance and administration, presented the 2023–2024 audit reports and year-end financial updates, which trustees accepted and approved. Reed also joined Jim Fowler of the Rose Law Firm to present a bond execution resolution related to the refinancing of the University’s privatized housing project, which trustees approved.

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Following the executive session, the Board approved personnel changes and adjourned the meeting.

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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