EL DORADO, Ark. — A sharp cold snap across South Arkansas and the Four State Region led to record-setting temperatures early Tuesday morning, with El Dorado among the communities experiencing unusually low readings, according to the National Weather Service in Shreveport.

In El Dorado, the temperature dropped to 23 degrees, well below the previous record low of 27 degrees for the date, setting a new record.

The National Weather Service reported that several other cities across the region also tied or broke record lows. Texarkana recorded 28 degrees, tying its previous record, while Monroe, Louisiana fell to 26 degrees, just shy of its record of 28 degrees. Shreveport reached 25 degrees, breaking its previous record of 27 degrees.

In East Texas, Tyler recorded 28 degrees, surpassing its record low of 27 degrees. Longview dropped to 27 degrees, just below its record of 28 degrees, while Lufkin tied its record low at 28 degrees.

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Meteorologists noted that the widespread cold was the result of a strong cold front that moved through the region, bringing clear skies and calm winds overnight — ideal conditions for temperatures to fall rapidly.

While temperatures are expected to rebound in the coming days, the early morning readings served as a reminder of the region’s potential for late-season cold snaps.

MAGNOLIA, Ark. — The Magnolia School District has announced the appointment of veteran coach Chris Pennington as the new Athletic Director for Magnolia Public Schools, bringing decades of experience and a track record of success to the district’s athletic programs.

Pennington, a graduate of Southern Arkansas University, brings more than 30 years of coaching and leadership experience, having built a reputation for developing competitive teams while emphasizing character, discipline, and academic success among student-athletes.

Over the course of his career, Pennington has recorded 653 wins as a head basketball coach and led his teams to 14 district championships. He has been named District Coach of the Year 14 times and has earned recognition at the state level, including serving as a Texas Association of Basketball Coaches board member and being selected twice as a SETCA All-Star Coach.

His coaching experience spans a wide range of sports, including roles as head coach in boys and girls basketball, volleyball, baseball, cross country, golf, and tennis. He has also served as an assistant coach in football and softball, giving him a broad understanding of managing and supporting a full athletic department.

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Pennington’s career includes time in both Arkansas and Texas, with four years coaching in Arkansas followed by 11 years at Barbers Hill, 10 years at Hooks, and five years at Texas High School. Throughout his tenure, he has guided numerous teams and student-athletes to success while building programs centered on teamwork and strong values.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Pennington was a standout student-athlete. He was a state champion in track, winning the 800-meter run and contributing to a championship 1600-meter relay team. He also earned All-District honors in basketball for three years, was named All-Region in basketball, and received All-State recognition in track.

Pennington and his wife, Stacy, an account executive with Bluum Technology, have one son, Bryce, a recent Southern Arkansas University graduate who is pursuing a career in law enforcement.

As he steps into his new role, Pennington said he is committed to strengthening Magnolia’s athletic tradition by supporting coaches, developing student-athletes, and building programs that reflect pride, integrity, and competitive excellence.

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“We are excited to welcome Coach Pennington to Magnolia,” Superintendent Skipper Ward said. “His experience, leadership, and passion for student-athlete development make him an excellent fit for our district and our Panther athletic programs.”

District officials said they look forward to continued growth and success across Magnolia’s athletic programs under Pennington’s leadership.

EL DORADO, Ark. — Dry and windy weather conditions are expected to create elevated wildfire danger across South Arkansas today, prompting officials to urge residents to avoid outdoor burning and activities that could spark fires.

According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, low relative humidity levels and breezy northwest winds will combine to create conditions favorable for wildfire development across the Four State Region, including much of South Arkansas.

Forecasters say relative humidity values are expected to drop between 15 and 25 percent, while northwest winds of 15 to 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 25 to 30 miles per hour will increase the risk of fires spreading quickly if ignited.

Because of these conditions, residents are strongly encouraged to avoid outdoor burning and any activities that could produce open sparks or flames.

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Officials also advise residents to take additional precautions, including:

• Avoid using explosives or fireworks

• Do not burn debris or yard waste

• Properly dispose of cigarettes

• Secure trailer tow chains to prevent sparks

• Avoid parking or driving vehicles over tall, dry grass

Dry vegetation combined with gusty winds can allow fires to spread rapidly, especially in rural and wooded areas common across South Arkansas.

Weather officials stress that even small sparks can quickly ignite dry grass and brush under these conditions. Residents are encouraged to remain cautious throughout the day and report any wildfire activity to local authorities immediately.

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